Patent GB-623372-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to methods and apparatus for producing warp knitted fabrics
IPC: D04B23/00
Filed: 1945-09-15
Abstract: 623,372. Warp knitting. HAIMES & CO., Ltd., T., BELL, C., WALKER, G. D., and WALKER, R. M. Sept. 15, 1945, No. 23849. [Class 74 (ii)] Warp knitted fabric is reinforced at predetermined positions, e.g. corresponding to the top, foot and toe portions of a sock or stocking, by introducing an additional set of warp threads at those positions, causing them to follow the same pattern as one of the main sets of warp threads and withdrawing the additional set of threads at the end of the reinforcement so that they do not interfere with the normal knitting operation. As described in connection with the production of fabric comprising integrally knitted stocking blanks 22, Fig. 2, extending widthwise and lengthwise, the extra threads are supplied to the needles of the warp knitting machine by an auxiliary set of thread guides 47, Figs. 4 and 9, carried by and oscillated with the frame 36 of one of the main sets of thread guides 27, 28. The auxiliary guides are arranged across the width of the machine in sections 49, 51, 53, 55 and 50, 52, 54, Fig. 3, corresponding respectively to the foot and toe reinforcements, the guides of each section having their own guide bar 48. The sections 49, 51, 53, 55 are supported by lugs 56 secured to a control bar 57, Figs. 3 and 4, that is supported in brackets. 59 connected to supports 38 of frame 36 and can be rocked to move the sections into and out of operative position. The sections 50, 52, 54 are each carried by a pair of apertured lugs 60 joined by sleeves 61 mounted for rocking movement on shaft 57, under the influence of a toe guide control bar 63. Endwise displacement of the auxiliary guides in company with the main guides is effected by arms 65 on the main frame 36 engaging between spaced collars 64 on the bar 57, the movement of the bar 57 being communicated to the guides 50, 52, 54 through collars 62 and lugs 60. The auxiliary threadguides, which normally occupy the full line position, Fig. 9, are rocked towards the main guides for reinforcing purposes by foot controlling solenoids 66, provided one at each end of the machine, and by a centrally disposed toe guide solenoid 67, the respective armatures 68, 71 of which are connected to bars 57 and 63. Stops are provided to limit the movement of the auxiliary guide bars to operative and inoperative positions and the guides may be returned to inoperative position by solenoid action or by springs. Operation of the solenoids is effected by the opening and closing of foot and toe control contacts 76, 79, Fig. 4, arranged adjacent a disc 83 having arcuate wiper contacts 81, 82, Fig. 6 (not shown), and driven from the shaft 93. In a modified arrangement for providing reinforcement at the top as well as in the foot and toe, the blanks are knitted alternately foot to foot and top to top, Fig. 11, and the machine is provided with two spaced solenoids 67, Fig. 13 (not shown), for controlling the auxiliary guide sets 50, 54 and an additional solenoid 98 for independent control of the thread guide set 52. Control of the solenoids is effected by arcuate wiper contacts 81, 82, 103, Fig. 15 (not shown), on the surface of a drum driven by pawl-and-ratchet mechanism from an eccentric on the shaft 93. A set of auxiliary thread guides may also be associated with the rear set of main warp guides. Specifications 293,043, [Class 74 (ii)], and 497,981 are referred to.