Method and apparatus for seaming two edges of a knitted tubular article upon completion thereof

A method for seaming two edges of a knitted tubular article to make the tubular article with a single-cylinder circular machine, starting from the elastic hem and finishing at the side of the toe which is left open. The method includes: (a) lifting a predetermined number of needles of a first semiring; (b) lifting further up the needles to remove the relevant stitches; (c) lifting at the same height a predetermined number of needles together with the stitches of the second semiring; (d) removing the stitches; (e) lowering the needles of the first semiring; (f) transferring the thus removed stitches, by overturning them, onto the relevant needles of the second semiring; (g) lifting the needles of the second semiring; (h) locating the pairs of overlapping stitches of each needle of the second semiring closely juxtaposed and coaxial to each other; (i) lifting further the needles of the second semiring; rotating with intermittent motion the needles cylinder and inserting step-by-step a linking needle within a pair of stitches thus lifted by providing it with the thread (F) used for the knitting of the article, without loss of continuity, and then removing it to make a linking stitch; (m) carrying out two or more knots after having executed the last linking stitch; (n) cutting the thread (F); (o) lowering the needles of the first semiring down to its cast off position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention refers to a method and apparatus for seaming of two 
edges of a knitted tubular article, such as the linking of socks toe, upon 
completion of the knitting of the article. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
It is known that socks are produced with circular machines having one or 
two needle cylinders, the knitting starting from the elastic hem and 
finishing at the toe side which is left open to be closed afterwards by 
suitable seaming or linking machines. More precisely, it is known that 
after the formation of the necessary ranks (the term rank being used 
herein to refer to a knit course or stitch course and the term semi rank 
being used herein to refer to half of a knit course or partial knit 
course) for--the sock toe, a number of waste ranks (the term waste rank 
being used herein to refer to a knit course destined to be removed from 
the knitted article) of a so-called "unthreading" edge (the term 
unthreading edge being used herein to refer to an edge formed by a number 
of knit courses destined to be removed from the knitted article) is 
formed, usually of a single fabric one centimeter high, to avoid ladders 
during the seaming. According to the type of machine being used, the socks 
are produced: 
a)one after the other. In this case the last rank (last knit course) of the 
unthreading edge is connected to the first rank of the elastic hem of the 
next sock through a resistant, smooth and well visible thread, which is 
worked with a feeding unit other than that for the elastic hem, and is to 
be manually removed to separate one sock from the other prior to the 
seaming of the toe; 
b) detached from one another. This procedure is used mostly in the single- 
or two-cylinder circular machines provided with an automatic device for 
the separation of the manufactured socks. 
Afterwards, each sock is to be overturned inside out to allow for seaming 
on the reverse side of the sock. Then, the toe is closed by removing the 
waste edge and sewing the last stitches of the last semirank of the back 
of the foot, together with those of the last rank of the sole of the foot. 
However, performing the sewing of the toe of the socks outside the machine 
which makes them involves increase of time and cost production, mainly as 
a consequence of the numerous intermediate operations to be carried out 
between the knitting and the toe seaming, such as the removal and transfer 
of the socks towards the relevant stocking stores, and the classification 
thereof on a colour and/or size basis. All this implies, in fact, 
employing skilled personnel for carrying out and supervising these 
operations, and the provision of sufficiently wide spaces for siting the 
machines and for classifying and storing the socks. Moreover, in case of a 
large number of thus formed socks, the amount of yarn which is lost for 
the manufacturing of the socks and the subsequent removal of the waste 
edge, results significantly high and, therefore, the relevant cost will 
heavily and negatively affect the economic efficiency of the traditional 
manufacturing plants. 
Also known, from document IT 9590-A/87, is a method for the formation of 
the closed toe of the socks during their manufacturing by a circular 
machine, including starting the sock with the formation of a 
tridimensional knit pocket corresponding to the toe. The pocket is formed 
with double fabric in which two equal edges are united in juxtaposition; 
proceeding with the formation of the sock foot after having put at work 
the needles previously made inoperative during the formation of the 
pocket, so as to hook it up. The above mentioned document also discloses 
an apparatus for carrying out the method, and with sinkers of half the 
cylinder of the thus-made-inoperative needles being provided with a crook 
for engaging the corresponding opposite needle as it is lifted up. A cam 
acts on the heel of the sinkers, which causes them to be displaced 
radially to move the head of the relevant opposite needle out of the 
cylinder. A wheel is provided revolving within the recess of the sinkers, 
to allow the first semirank of the pocket to be linked to move close to 
the stitchless needles. 
However, this known apparatus does not always ensure that all the needles 
put at work will engage properly the yarn and, besides, as the linking 
goes on, that is, as the pocket grows smaller, it does not ensure an equal 
and uniform knitting. 
Also known from the document IT 9465-A/90, is a method to hook-up the toe 
of the socks by means of the circular machine producing them starting 
frown the toe. According to this method provision is made for 
progressively pulling outwards, by a horizontal and gradually decreasing 
movement, a limited portion of the free semirank of the pocket to be 
linked, and holding this portion in proximity of the relevant stitchless 
needles. This is achieved by using the tip of a spring pressing from the 
inside of the needles cylinder onto the center of the first free semirank 
of the pocket, in cooperation with two hooks, one being provided with 
reciprocating horizontal motion and with alternate evolution at the end of 
every travel, and having the function of progressively linking the region 
to be linked of the semirank and pulling the latter towards and beyond the 
needles cylinder. The other is provided with reciprocating vertical motion 
to retain the semirank region thus treated by the first hook and allow for 
the link thereof by means of the stitchless needles put at work again. 
However, experience has showed that this known working technique does not 
offer appreciable advantages, both in relation to the quality of the 
finished product, and to the machine productivity and reliability, and is 
unable to achieve a sock with rib-stitch elastic hem and unthreading on 
the inside thereof. 
SUMMARY AND OBJECT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
The main object of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned 
drawbacks. 
This result has been achieved, according to the invention, by adopting an 
operating method comprising the step of making a knitted tubular article 
starting from the elastic hem and finishing at the side of the toe which 
is left open, by using a single-cylinder circular machine, which method 
includes: 
lifting a predetermined number of needles of a first semirank, while 
retaining the relevant stitches by means of the sinkers: the term semirank 
referring to a plurality of adjacent stitches; 
lifting the needles of the first semirank to a greater extent, with the 
sinkers being open, to dispose the corresponding stitches at a height 
allowing for its removal afterwards; 
lifting a predetermined number of needles of the second semirank by moving 
the stitches to the same level as the first semirank; 
removing the stitches from the semirank by using means intended to transfer 
the second semirank onto corresponding needles; 
lowering the needles of the first semirank; 
transferring the thus removed stitches through a 180.degree. overturning 
about a horizontal diametral axis of the needles cylinder, so that each 
stitch thus overturned will fit the relevant needle of the second 
semirank; 
lifting the needles of the second semirank so as to load the transferred 
stitches of the first semirank and release them from the relevant transfer 
means; 
placing the pairs of superimposed stitches of each needle of the second 
semirank closely juxtaposed and coaxial, so as to result suitable for 
their linking; 
lifting further the needles of the second semirank with the stitches thus 
juxtaposed; rotating the needles cylinder with intermittent motion and 
inserting, step by step, a linking needle into a pair of thus lifted 
stitches by feeding it, without solution of continuity, with the thread 
used for the knitting of the article, and then removing it to form a 
linking plain chain-stitch; making two or more closing knots after having 
executed the last link stitch, that is, after the union of the two 
corresponding last stitches of the first and second semirank; performing 
the cut of the knitting and hook-up thread; 
lowering the needles of the second semirank down to its cast off position 
to unload the thus finished article. 
As far as the apparatus for implementing the method is concerned, it 
comprises: 
first cam means to drive the lifting and respectively lowering of a 
predetermined number of needles of a first and a second semiranks of 
stitches, the needles being in operative condition when the knitting cams 
are inoperative, and vice versa; 
second cam means to drive the further lifting and respectively lowering of 
the predetermined number of first and second semiranks, which needles are 
in operative condition when the knitting cams are inoperative, and vice 
versa; 
means to remove the stitches of the first semirank and overturn them 
through 180.degree. about a horizontal diametral axis of the needles 
cylinder, with a pair of spikes for each stitch and at least a 
corresponding opening and respectively closing peg, which are slidingly 
housed within corresponding slots of a semicircular sector pivotally 
mounted for a 180.degree. angular displacement in both directions about a 
horizontal diametral axis of the needles cylinder on top of the sinkers of 
the circular machine; 
means for connecting the semicircular sector to the needles cylinder, with 
a radial shutter sliding between two positions, one for locking the sector 
to the needles cylinder, and the other for releasing it therefrom, the 
positions being spaced apart by a constant and preset length; 
fork means to lock the sinkers case during the horizontal rotation of the 
semicircular sector together with the needles cylinder, which fork means 
are activated by corresponding cam means connected to the support of the 
semicircular sector; 
means to link the paired and superimposed stitches being loaded on the 
needles of the second semirank, with a crook-shape linking needle, with a 
crochet to operate the needle located on the side opposite with respect to 
the stitches, and with a wheel or slide pressing down the fabric to keep 
the stitches in a linking attitude during the linking. The wheel or slide 
being located on the linking needle by the same side as the knitting 
needles. 
The advantages deriving from the present invention lie essentially in that 
the following are possible. It is possible to carry out the seaming of the 
toe of a knitted tubular article on the same machine producing it. This 
achieves a significant reduction in the time and cost of production, owing 
to the fact that some steps of the traditional toe seaming procedure of 
knitted tubular articles are completely eliminated. The eliminated steps 
include the unthreading operation and consequent formation of waste 
material, the transfer of articles from the circular machine to the 
stocking stores or to the sewing and linking machines, the overturning of 
the articles, the seaming of the toe and the subsequent turning right-side 
out of the same articles. It is possible to carry out the linking 
operation with the same thread used to form the last ranks of stitches, 
without loss of continuity, that is, without interrupting the article 
manufacturing cycle. It is possible to operate the linking with any stitch 
suitable for making knit articles such as the "chain-stitch", which has an 
excellent elastic behavior and can make use of most of the yarn available 
on the market. It is possible to close the toe of a sock in various forms, 
such as the so-called "fish mouth" seam and the "shark mouth" one, in 
addition to those of traditional type. It is possible to obtain the link 
either on the back or the bottom of the sock foot by simply knitting a 
pocket, before seaming the toe, on either side of the article opposite to 
the heel. It is possible to obtain a finished product of high quality as 
far as its appearance and function are concerned, inasmuch as the seaming 
line is knitted and unites the two toe edges without any increase in 
thickness. It is possible to provide an apparatus according to the 
invention of high reliability even after a prolonged use thereof. It is 
possible to provide a traditional circular machine without drastically 
reducing its functional structure. 
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are 
pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part 
of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its 
operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference 
is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which 
preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Reduced to its basic structure and reference being made to FIGS. 16-30 of 
the attached drawings, a method for seaming two edges of a knitted tubular 
article, especially a sock, comprises the steps of manufacturing the 
article with a single-cylinder circular machine, starting from the 
elastichem and finishing at the side of the toe which is left open, 
comprises in sequence, according to the invention, the following operative 
steps: 
(a) lifting a predetermined number of needles (3) of a first semirank, by 
holding the relevant stitches by means of sinkers (6) as far as the 
removal region (31) (FIG. 17); 
(b) lifting further up the needles (3) (FIG. 18) of the semirank, with the 
sinkers (6) open, to dispose the relevant stitches (8) to a level suitable 
for the removal thereof (a removal level); 
(c) lifting a predetermined number of needles (7) together with the 
stitches (80) (FIG. 19) of the second semirank by moving them to the same 
level as the first semirank; 
(d) removing the stitches (8) of the semirank by the means (4,13) provided 
for the transfer thereof onto corresponding needles (7) of the other 
semirank; 
(e) lowering the needles (3) of the first semirank; 
(f) transferring the thus removed stitches (8) through a 180.degree. (FIG. 
24) overturning about an horizontal diametral axis of the needles cylinder 
(1), so that each (8) stitch thus transferred will fit the relevant needle 
(7) of the second semirank; 
(g) lifting the needles (7) of the second semirank (FIG. 25) so as to load 
the transferred stitches (8) of the first semirank and release them from 
the relevant transfer means (4,13); 
(h) placing the pairs of superimposed stitches (8, 80) of each needle (7) 
of the second semirank tightly juxtaposed and coaxial, so as to result 
suitable for the linking thereof; 
(i) lifting further the needles (7) of the second semirank with the 
stitches (8, 80) thus juxtaposed (FIG. 29); 
(l) rotating the needles cylinder (1) with intermittent motion and 
inserting, step by step, a linking needle (9) (see FIG. 30) into a pair of 
thus lifted stitches by feeding it, without loss of continuity, with the 
thread (F) (see FIGS. 5A-5E) used for the knitting of the article and then 
removing it to form a plain link chain-stitch; 
(m) making two or more closing knots (I, II) after occurring the last 
linking stitch; 
(n) performing the cut of thread (F); 
(o) lowering the needles (7) of the second semirank down to its cast off 
position to unload the thus finished article. 
Advantageously, according to the invention, the step (c) may be carried out 
as the first one, and the steps (a) and (b) as second and respectively 
third one. 
Likewise, advantageously, the steps (c) and (b) may be carried out as 
second and third one respectively. 
Moreover, during the step (1) the cylinder (1) of needles (3, 7) is able to 
rotate uniformly and the linking needle (9), in this case, is inserted 
into the pair of stitches (8, 80) by causing it to follow the movement of 
the needles cylinder and move back out thereof to its initial position. 
Alternatively, and with reference to FIGS. 31-32 of the drawings, after the 
step (g) for the release of the transferred stitches (8), and in place of 
the successive steps, provision is made for: 
(h') lifting the needles (7) (FIG. 31) of the second semirank up to the 
level of the unloading of the relevant stitches (80); 
(i') lowering the needles (7) (FIG. 32) of the second semirank, with the 
sinkers (6) being open, until the relevant transferred upper stitches (8) 
are in the cast off condition; 
(l') lifting the needles (7) (FIG. 33), with the sinkers (6) being closed, 
so as to dispose the relevant stitches (8) in an attitude suitable for 
linking (a linking altitude); 
(m') lifting further the needles (7) (FIG. 34), with the sinkers (6) being 
open, so as to dispose the corresponding stitches (8) at a level suitable 
for the linking operation; 
(n') rotating the cylinder (1) of needles (3, 7) with intermittent motion 
and inserting, step by step, a linking needle (9) into each thus disposed 
stitch (8) by feeding the needle, without loss of continuity, with the 
thread (F) used for the knitting of the article and then removing it to 
form a plain linking chain-stitch; 
(o') making two or more closing knots (I, II) after having executed the 
last stitch; 
(p') cutting the thread (F); 
(q') lowering the needles (7) of the second semirank down to the cast off 
position to tinload the thus finished article. 
Advantageously, according to the invention, during the step (n') the 
cylinder (1) of needles (3, 7) is able to rotate uniformly and, in this 
case, the needle (9) goes through the stitch (8) by following the movement 
of the cylinder (1) and then comes back to leave the cylinder (1) of 
needles (3, 7) and resume its initial position. 
As far as the apparatus for implementing the method is concerned, according 
to the invention and with reference, to the attached drawings, it 
includes: 
first cam means (2) for operating the lifting and respectively the lowering 
of a predetermined number of needles (3, 7) (see FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) 
of a first and a second semirank of stitches (8, 80), which are disposed 
in the operative condition when the knitting cams are inoperative, and 
vice versa; 
second cam means, not shown for clarity, for operating the further lifting 
and respectively lowering of the predetermined number of needles (3, 7) of 
the first and second semiranks, which are disposed in operative condition 
when the knitting cams are inoperative, and vice versa; 
means for removing the stitches (8) of the first semirank and overturn them 
through 180.degree. about a horizontal diametral axis (a--a) of the 
cylinder (1) of needles (3, 7), with a pair of spikes (13) (see FIGS. 
12A-12C) for each stitch (8) which are provided with a recess (130) 
located in proximity of the head being turned downwards in the removal 
condition, the recess (130) intended to receive and hold therein a 
relevant stitch (8), and with two corresponding opening and respectively 
closing peg (4) for each pair of spikes (13), which spikes (13) and 
respective pegs (14) are slidingly housed in corresponding slots of a 
semicircular sector (5) and so constructed as to be moved on both sides of 
sector (5) according to the overturning thereof: the sector (5) being 
rotatively mounted for a 180.degree. angular displacement in both 
directions about a horizontal diametral axis (a--a) of the cylinder (1) of 
needles (3, 7) on top of sinkers (6); 
means for connecting the sector (5) to the cylinder (1) of needles (3, 7), 
with a radial shutter (60) which, in operative mode, is engaged within a 
corresponding groove (61) of an element solid to the cylinder (1) of 
needles (3, 7) upon operation of a corresponding cam sliding between two 
positions, one for blocking the support of the sector (5) to the cylinder 
(1) of needles (3, 7) and the other for releasing it from same cylinder 
(1) of needles (3, 7) the positions being spaced apart by a constant and 
preset length; 
means for blocking the sinkers case during the horizontal rotation of the 
sector (5) together with the needles cylinder (1), with two forks (62) 
supported on the stationary part of the machine and radially sliding with 
respect to the cylinder (1), which forks are associated with two 
corresponding vertical pins fixed to the sinkers case, and with a 
corresponding actuation cam (64) which is solid to the support of sector 
(5) so that, by the rotation thereof, at least one of the forks (52) with 
relevant pin will retain the sinkers case; 
means for carrying out the linking of paired and superimposed stitches (8, 
80) being fitted on the needles (7) of the second semirank, with a 
crookshaped linking needle (9) fixed at the front end of a rod driven into 
an alternate rotary motion about its axis and, respectively, into a 
reciprocating translatory motion along the axis, with a corresponding 
crochet (10) located on the side of the needle (9) opposite with respect 
to stitches (8, 80), and with a fabric-holding wheel or slide (11) to keep 
the stitches (8, 80) in linking position during the linking; the wheel or 
slide (11) being located on the same side of the linking needle (9) with 
respect to the knitting needles (3, 7). 
Advantageously, according to the invention, the radial slots of the sector 
(5) are two-by-two parallel to each other, with each pair being oriented 
to a corresponding radius of sector (5) passing through the corresponding 
needle (3) and respectively (7). Moreover, advantageously, provision is 
made that the linking needle (9) be positioned rearwardly of the needles 
(7) of the second semirank. 
Alternatively, the linking needle (9) may be positioned in front of the 
needles (7) of the second semirank. 
LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT OF NEEDLES (3, 7) 
The needles (3, 7) are slidingly mounted onto the cylinder (1), as in all 
circular knitting machines. This is well known to those skilled in the 
art. Furthermore, these needles (3, 7) are provided with heels (33, 33' 
and 74, 74'). 
When the cylinder (1) rotates about its vertical axis, as the needles (3, 
7) rotate about the same axis, as the needles (3, 7) connected to the 
cylinder to the cylinder (1). Due to this rotation of needles (3, 7) about 
the vertical axis of the cylinder (1) there is interaction--that is to say 
the contact between the heels of the needles and the lifting-lowering cam 
means. Due to this interaction the needles (3, 7) move along their 
longitudinal axis, that is to say the lifting-lowering of the needles (3, 
7) takes place. This kind of structure is well known since it is commonly 
used to move the needles in the known circular knitting machines. 
In other words, the movement of the needles (3, 7) along their own axis is 
obtained by means of the action exerted by the cam means on the heels of 
the needles when the needles rotate together with the cylinder. 
According to the invention, the needle (9) may be driven into a horizontal 
reciprocating oscillation motion in association with the cylinder (1) of 
needles (3, 7) which rotates of continuous motion. 
Advantageously, according to the invention, each of the spikes (13) is 
provided with two heels (131) protruding from opposite sides but 
vertically aligned to allow them to reciprocate inside the respective 
slots of the sector (5) by means of a corresponding horizontal fixed cam 
(14), to cause the displacement of spikes (13) in the two directions with 
respect to sector (5) and relative to the position thereof with respect to 
the needles cylinder (1). 
Likewise, advantageously, each of the pegs (4) is provided with two heels 
(40) protruding from opposite sides and being vertically offset to be 
moved by the cam (14). Moreover, advantageously, the spikes (13) are 
provided with a head having wedge-like profile, in order to ease the 
capture and respectively the release of the corresponding stitches (8) to 
be transferred. 
MOVEMENT OF SPIKES (13) AND PEGS (4) 
As described above, the spikes (13) and the pegs (4) are slidingly located 
in pairs--in corresponding slots of the sector (5). The sector (5) can be 
connected to the cylinder (1) by means of the shutter (60) which is 
engagable with a groove (61) of an element connected to the cylinder (1). 
When the sector (5) is connected to the cylinder (1), the sector (5) 
rotates with the cylinder (1). Due to the rotation of the sector (5) the 
fixed cam (14) acts on the heel (131) of the spikes (13) and the heel (40) 
of the pegs (4). This action of the cam (14) is cause for the sliding of 
the spikes (13) and the pegs (40). (The cam 14 and the heels 131 and 40 
are described on page 26 of the originally filed description). In other 
words, the fixed cam (14) acts on the heel of the spikes (13) and pegs (4) 
when the latters housed in the sector--rotate about the vertical axis of 
the cylinder, so that under the action of the cam (14) the spikes (13) and 
pegs (4) move along the corresponding slots of the sector (5). The 
movement of the spikes (13) and pegs (4) within the relevant slots of the 
sector (5) is cause for the capture of the stitches to be transferred as 
described herein and shown in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22. 
According to the invention, the heels (131, 40) of spikes (13) and pegs (4) 
have a height chosen in relation to the profile of the corresponding 
driving cam (14). 
According to the invention and reference being made to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the 
drawings, the oscillating sector (5) is idly mounted on two corresponding 
cylindrical hinges (50) horizontally coaxial and diametrically opposite to 
each other, which are fixed on a circular ring (53) coaxial to the needles 
cylinder (1), the sector being provided with a fork (51) to be engaged 
with a corresponding vertical operating peg (15) to drive it into 
alternate rotation with 180.degree. angular displacement by means of a 
corresponding drive having skew axes: the vertical peg (15) vertically 
sliding between two positions, a lifted one to activate the horizontal 
rotation of the fork (51) and a lowered one of rest condition. The peg 15 
as a vertical peg vertically slides between two positions. One of the 
positions (up) is a lifted position for activating a horizontal rotation 
of a fork (51). The other position (down) needs no actuation. The peg may 
be moved in a suitable way in order to obtain the actuation as desired. 
FIG. 2 shows a lever, where arrows depict movement of the lever. This 
lever in turn (double arrows of FIG. 2 near the lever connected to the peg 
15) is movable. This lever may be moved by a relevant drive means can be 
proved without undue experimentation. The drive may be for example a cam 
or like, which is well known in this particular field (the general field 
of knitting in specific circular knitting machinery). 
As shown in FIGS. 10A-10C of the drawings, the needles (3) of the first 
semirank are provided with a slot (31) in either sides thereof, to receive 
the head of the corresponding spikes (13) and allow the latter to be 
inserted into the corresponding stitches (8), and with a heel (33) 
supplementing the knitting heels (33'), which is to be activated by one of 
the cam means. 
As shown in FIG. 11, the needles (7) of the second semirank are provided 
with a heel (74) supplementing the knitting heels (74'), which is 
activated by one of the cam means, and are also provided with a slot (71) 
having an axis (b--b) inclined downwardly with respect to the longitudinal 
axis of the stem (73) and centrifugally with respect to the cylinder (1) 
of needles (3, 7), which slot is formed in a same side for all the needles 
(7), and is intended to guide the linking needle (9). 
Alternatively, the slot (71) of needles (7) has its axis inclined upwardly 
with respect to the longitudinal axis of stem (73) and centrifugally with 
respect to the cylinder (1) of needles (3, 7). 
Advantageously, in certain circular machines, the heels (33, 73), 
supplemental to needles (3, 7), coincide with the knitting heels (331, 
73'). 
Also advantageously, reference being made to FIGS. 12A-12C, the spikes (13) 
are provided with a tip being bent in correspondence of the head, sideways 
and internally of the respective sliding direction, to allow for the 
insertion thereof into the recesses (31) of corresponding needles (3) of 
the first semirank and, thereby, ensuring the capture of the relevant 
stitches (8). 
According to the invention, the method is carried out by means of a 
cylinder (1) of needles (3, 7) having either an odd or an even number of 
needles. 
In particular, with reference to FIG. 3A, provision is made for the axis 
(a--a) of rotation of sector (5) to coincide with two diametrically 
opposite needles and, accordingly, the withdrawn stitches (8) of the first 
rank are equal in number to the cylinder needles (3, 7) minus two, divided 
by two, which stitches being transferred onto as many needles (7) of the 
second semirank. In conclusion, the stitches (80) of the two needles (7) 
which result at the ends of the second semirank, and have been excluded by 
the procedure for the transfer of the stitches (8) of the first semirank, 
are likewise linked. 
With reference to FIG. 3B, provision is made for the axis of rotation 
(a--a) of sector (5) to pass between two diametrically opposite pairs of 
needles (3, 7) of needles cylinder (1). In this way, the number of 
transferred stitches will result equal to half the total number of 
needles. 
With reference to FIG. 3C of the drawings, in case of an odd number of 
needles (3, 7) of cylinder (1), the axis of rotation (a--a) of sector (5) 
is made to pass in correspondence of an end needle (7) of the second 
semirank and of the centre of the end needles (3, 7) of the respective 
semiranks; in such case, the stitches to be transferred will correspond to 
the total number of needles minus one and divided by two, and the number 
of needles (7) of the second semirank will be equal to the number of 
needles (3) of the first semirank plus one. 
The operation, supposing the disposition of the needles (3, 7) is as shown 
in FIG. 3B, is as follows. 
Upon completion of the knitting of the article, that is, after the 
execution of the last rank of stitches, each needle (3) of the last 
completed semirank is progressively lifted, by holding the corresponding 
stitch (8) by means of sinkers (6) until it reaches the removal region. 
Afterwards, each needle (3), with the sinkers (6) being disposed in open 
condition, is further lifted until the respective stitch (8) is at a level 
suitable for allowing the subsequent removal thereof (FIGS. 16, 17, 18). 
Thereafter, each needle (7) of the other semirank is progressively lifted, 
so as to dispose the corresponding stitch (80) at the same level as the 
other stitch (6) and thus avoiding an excessive stretching of the fabric 
(FIG. 19). Then, each needle (3) is lifted further up to lift the 
corresponding stitch (8) and allow it to be captured by the spikes (13) 
which, in the meantime, are made to advance until the heads thereof are, 
received within the relevant slots (31) (FIGS. 20, 21). Afterwards,, the 
pegs (4) of each pair of spikes (13) are moved forwards to the 
corresponding needle (3), so as to close the recesses (130) of the spikes 
(13) and thus holding the stitch (8) therein (FIG. 22). Afterwards, each 
needle is lowered down, thereby allowing the spikes (13) to definitively 
take over the stitch (8) (FIG. 23). After this operation, the rotary 
sector (5) is overturned through 180.degree. over the cylinder (1) of the 
needles (3, 7), together with each pair of spikes (13), pegs (4) and 
relevant stitch (8), so that each stitch (8) is positioned on top of and 
coaxial to a needle (7) of the other semirank (FIG. 24). 
TRANSFERRING OF THE CAPTURED STITCHES THROUGH 180.degree. 
The sector (5) is connected to a circular ring by means of two hinges (50) 
which are coaxial and diametrically opposite to each other, the circular 
ring being coaxial to the cylinder (1). The sector (5) is also provided 
with a horizontally-rotatable fork (51) engagable with a peg (15) which in 
turn is lifted when the 180.degree. rotation of the sector (5) about the 
diametral axis (a--a) of the cylinder (1) is required, to obtain the 
180.degree. rotation of the sector (5) by means of a corresponding drive 
having skew axes. (See page 27 of the originally filed description and 
FIGS. 1 and 2). 
When the sector (5), which rotates connected to the cylinder (1) by means 
of the connection obtained through the shutter (60), must be 180.degree. 
rotated about the axis (a--a) of the cylinder (1) as schematically shown 
in FIG. 24--the peg (15) is lifted, so that the fork (51) engages with the 
peg (15) and, due to this engagement and to the rotation of the sector (5) 
connected to the cylinder (1), the fork (51) rotates horizontally. The 
rotation of the fork (51) is cause for the corresponding 180.degree. 
rotation (see FIG. 24) of the sector (5) by means of above-cited drive 
means having skew axes. 
At this point, each needle (7) of the second semirank is progressively 
lifted to result within and beyond the corresponding stitch (8) of the 
first semirank. Then, each spike (13) and relevant peg (4) moved toward 
the needle (see arrow in FIG. 26) to press the stitch (8) on the needle 
and, afterwards, they are opened to release same stitch and allow the 
further lifting of the needle (7) to cause the complete disengagement 
thereof (FIGS. 25, 26, 27). In this way, each stitch (8) of the first 
semirank will result fitted over the neck of a needle (7) on top of the 
corresponding stitch (80) of the other semirank. Thereafter, the needle 
(7) is lowered down to result below the corresponding spikes (13). After 
the subsequent advancement of the spikes (13), each needle (7) is lifted 
up until the corresponding stitch (8, 80) is astride the respective slot 
(71). Then, the spikes (13) and pegs (4) associated to the stitch (8) are 
retracted and the needles (7) lifted further up as far as to bring the 
fabric to the level suitable for linking. The prearrangement of the 
stitches (8, 80) on the needle (7) for the linking may be accomplished 
with a slide (11) instead of with the spikes (13) (FIG. 29). At this 
point, the cylinder (1) of needles (3, 7) is driven into intermittent 
rotation. The linking needle (9) is moved forward of one pitch at a time 
and, after passing through the stitches (8, 80) into the slot (71) of each 
needle (7) it is fed, without loss of continuity by the crochet (10), with 
the thread (F) which has been used for the knitting of the article, after 
which it goes back by forming a plain linking chain-stitch. After the 
execution of the last linking stitch, the needle (9) and the relevant 
crochet (thread feeder for feeding linking thread to the needle linking 
machine) (10) operate, in cooperation with the slide (11), two or more 
closing knots (I, II). Then, the thread (F) is cut as follows. The linking 
means are retracted to allow the cutting means, that is, a thread-cutting 
saw known per se, to operate the cut of the thread (F). In those machines 
not provided with a saw, the cut is operated by scissors or blades known 
per se. At this point, the article is unloaded in right side out, that is, 
final condition, by lowering each needle (7) down to its cast off 
position. 
The opening and closing of the spikes (13)and peg (4) is shown in FIG. 12A 
through FIG. 15B. With reference to FIG. 12A through 15B the two positions 
of the peg and spike assembly are shown in FIG. 14 and 15. One such 
position is closed wherein a stitch may be retained or captured in the 
recesses 130 (FIG. 15B) and the other is an open position as in FIG. 14B. 
The opening and closing of the spike and peg can be activated by means of 
the sector cam 14 (FIG. 1) which exert its action on the butts on the 
spikes (13) and pegs (4) when the sector rotates together with the 
cylinder. 
The release and transfer of the stitch (8) from the spike/peg assembly to 
the needle is shown in FIGS. 26, 27, and 28. As shown in FIG. 25, each 
needle (7) is progressively lifted. The lifting of the needle (7) acts to 
insert itself into the loop of the corresponding stitch (8). In this way, 
since needle (7) is inserted into and beyond the loop, each stitch (8) is 
positioned just under the hook of corresponding needle (7). This is a 
preloading of the stitch (8) onto needle (7). Note that at this stage it 
is still retained by the spike (13) and peg (4) in closed position. The 
lifting of needles is obtained by way of relevant lifting/lowering of cams 
together with the rotation of the cylinder and the butts of the needles. 
At this stage, spikes (1,3) and peg (4) in the closed position is moved 
towards the corresponding needle (7) in order to press the stitch (8) 
against the needle stem (FIG. 26) by means of sector cam (14 FIG. 1). In 
this way the stitch (8) is disposed close to needle (7). Next, the spike 
is opened, to allow for the free lifting of the needle. Utilizing the 
physical structure of the needle, with its protruding profile at the latch 
pivot point, the lifting of the stitch loop (8) can be obtained while the 
needles are moving up. The stitch(8) is fitted over the neck of the needle 
at a higher level with respect to the corresponding stitch (80) of the 
second partial course (FIG. 27). This thereby releases or transfers the 
stitch (8) to the needle (7) as the peg/spike assembly retracts (FIG. 27 
and 28)*. 
The spikes (13) and peg (4) assembly once retracted then moves forward 
again to the needle (7),and at the same time needle (7) is lifted (see 
arrows FIG. 29). The spikes (13) once advanced press the stitches (8, 80) 
against stem of needle such that as the needle moves up it slides through 
the loop of stitches (8, 80). The stitches (8, 80) are held in a fixed 
position by the lower edge of the spike (13, see FIG. 29). The needle (7) 
is lifted to such a height that the stitches (8, 80) are positioned 
astride the slot(71) of needle (7, see FIG. 29). At this point, the 
linking needle (9) can be operated to pass through the stitches (8, 80) 
into the slot (71) once to spike assembly has again retracted (see FIG. 
30). 
LINKING STEP 
As disclosed above, when each pair of stitches (8, 80) is disposed in a 
linking position, that is to say astride the slot (71) of the 
corresponding needle (7) and the needles are lifted by means of the 
above-cited cam means operating the lifting/lowering of the needles, the 
cylinder (1) is driven into intermittent rotation. Due to this 
intermittent rotation of the cylinder (1) there is a corresponding lifting 
of only one needle (7) at a time by means of the lifting cam means. At 
this stage, the linking needle (9) is introduced through the stitches (8, 
80) of the needle (7) thus lifted, passing into the slot (71) of the 
needles (7) (see FIG. 30) the thread (F) for this linking operation is 
continuously fed by the "crochet" (10). 
According to the invention, reference being made to FIGS. 7A-7D, to perform 
the linking of a "fish mouth" sock toe it is sufficient that the article 
made by a. circular machine be provided with two equal curvilinear edges 
(S, R) which are then linked by the same machine according to the present 
method. 
In case the linked is of "shark mouth" type, that is, with the seam on the 
side of the foot sole, it is necessary), that the terminal edges (S, R) of 
the article are made with a different number of ranks of stitches (FIGS. 
8A-8D). 
To operate the linking of a sock toe in a traditional fashion with the 
hook-up (z) resulting either on the back side or on the sole side, it is 
sufficient to make, by means the circular machine, (t') disposed on the 
back side of a sock with a pocket of fabric (t') disposed on either the 
sole or respectively the back side of the foot and then operate the 
hook-up of the toe according to the present method. 
Practically, all the construction details may vary in any equivalent way as 
far as the shape, dimensions, elements disposition, nature of the used 
materials are concerned, without nevertheless departing from the scope of 
the adopted solution idea and, thereby, remaining within the limits of the 
protection granted to the present patent for industrial invention.