Patent ID: 7438007
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: D05C

Abstract:
1. A level cut loop looper and clip assembly for a tufting machine, comprising: a plurality of level cut loop loopers, each having a looper body comprising a rear portion, a shank portion, a throat portion extending forwardly from said shank and terminating at a forward end, and a longitudinally extending channel formed along said looper body; wherein said forward end of each level cut loop looper comprises a hooked portion extending downwardly from said throat portion; and a plurality of clips each having a first end extending through said channel toward said rear portion of said looper body and a second end spaced from said first end and wherein said second end comprises a substantially flat front end adapted to engage against said hooked portion of an associated level cut loop looper to prevent the capture of loops of yarns alone said throat portion of said level cut loop looper; and wherein each of said clips is slidably received along a channels of its associated level cut loop looper and is moveable therealong between a retracted position and an extended position in engagement with a rear side of said hooked portion of said forward end of said level cut loop looper to enable formation of cut and loop pile tufts of yarns by said level cut loop looper.