Patent Publication Number: US-9416474-B2

Title: Washer for tubular knitted fabric material

Description:
1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Field of the Invention 
     The embodiments of the present invention relate to a fabric washer, and more particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a washer for utilizing a washing liquid for washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and for maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material. 
     B. Description of the Prior Art 
     A continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material needs to be cleaned in a continuous manner before and after dyeing, scouring, bleaching, and resin finishing, etc. Thus, there exists a need for a washer for utilizing a washing liquid for washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and for maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material. 
     Numerous innovations for fabric processing devices have been provided in the prior art, which will be described below in chronological order to show advancement in the art, and which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, nevertheless, they differ from the embodiments of the present invention in that they do not teach a washer for utilizing a washing liquid for washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and for maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material. 
     (1) U.S. Pat. No. 2,597,528 to Redman. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,597,528—issued to Redman on May 20, 1952 in U.S. class 26 and subclass 55—teaches an apparatus for reducing shrinkage in tubular knitted fabric that has been elongated lengthwise and narrowed widthwise by processing subsequent to knitting of the fabric. The apparatus includes apparatus for moving the tubular knitted fabric lengthwise through a treatment zone while affording lengthwise freedom of the fabric, apparatus within the zone for internally expanding the tubular fabric widthwise to effect lengthwise shortening or condensing of the fabric, and fabric-handling apparatus permitting the fabric to relax so as to effect repositioning of the fabric stitches subsequently to their original knitted form and restoration of the fabric substantially to its normal condition. 
     (2) U.S. Pat. No. 3,207,616 to Cohn et al. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,207,616—issued to Cohn et al. On Sep. 21, 1965 in U.S. class 117 and subclass 7—teaches an apparatus for treating tubular knitted fabric. The apparatus includes apparatus for laterally distending the tubular fabric to a flat form and a predetermined uniform width, a first resilient treating roller positioned intermediately adjacent the discharge end of the distending apparatus for establishing full-fabric-width dimension control contact between the fabric and the first treating roller substantially immediately as the spread fabric leaves the spreading apparatus, and a second resilient treating roller positioned generally below and forward of the first treating roller and forming therewith a resilient extracting nip through which the fabric is directed. The second treating roller has an upper surface portion positioned for full-fabric-width dimension control contact with the fabric. A third resilient treating roller is positioned generally above and forward of the second treating roller, and forms therewith, a resilient padding nip. Apparatus drives the treating rollers in a manner to achieve substantially equal peripheral speeds. Sealing plates engage end portions of the treating rollers so as to form a reservoir for maintaining a continuous bath of treating solution extending from the extracting nip to the packing nip. One side of each of the nips are exposed directly to the treating solution bath. The upper surface portion of the second treating roller forms the bottom of the reservoir. 
     (3) U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,140 to Sando et al. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,140—issued to Sando et al. on Jan. 8, 1980 in U.S. class 68 and subclass 5 E—teaches an apparatus for cleaning cloth with steam and liquid flow. A cloth, such as a textile, knitted fabrics, or a tubular knitted material, is supplied into a chamber containing wet heat of about 105° to 110° C., then it is made to advance in a left and right zigzag manner. The cloth is contacted with a cleaning liquid flowing down from the upper part of the chamber. 
     (4) U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,694 to Itoh et al. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,694—issued to Itoh et al. on Aug. 25, 1981 in U.S. class 8 and subclass 532—teaches a cold-padding and batch-dyeing process for a tubular knitted fabric. The process includes the steps of feeding the fabric into a padding tank, subjecting the fabric to air inflating, blowing compressed air into the fabric to expand the fabric into the fabric&#39;s original tubular shape, squeezing the fabric at a squeezing rate of 95 to 120% by passing the fabric between a pair of mangles each having a layer of rubber having a Shore hardness of 55 to 70, and leaving the fabric for ageing over a period of at least four hours. The length of time between entry of the fabric into the padding tank and the fabric&#39;s departure from the mangles is controlled to 10 to 20 seconds. 
     (5) U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,669 to Koch et al. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,669—issued to Koch et al. on Jul. 4, 1989 in U.S. class 8 and subclass 151—teaches wet processing, in particular, of knitted tubular material in the broad tubular state, which in a first processing section is led through a fluid bath then inflated to form a balloon section and afterwards led in the broad tubular state through the gap between a pair of squeezer rollers. Within the fluid bath, the incoming material in hank form is subjected to twist sensing, and if any twist is detected, the incoming tubular material is rotated in the region before the first processing section to undo the twist. The completely and stably relaxed and untwisted tubular material leaves this first processing section in a stable broad tubular state and can then be passed in an optimum manner through the succeeding principal processing sections. 
     (6) U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,208 to Catallo. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,208—issued to Catallo on Sep. 10, 1991 in U.S. class 8 and subclass 151—teaches an extractor wherein tubular knitted fabric is ballooned, prior to the extraction of, usually water from the fabric, in an arrangement that includes a nip formed by two rolls. A tubular knit fabric additive-applying mechanism is formed by providing a reservoir having these two rolls and sealing or dam members disposed at each of the opposite ends of the above-mentioned rolls. A single drive is provided one roll and functions to drive the second roll and a third roll disposed to form a nip with the second roll to extract excess additive from the fabric as it passes through the last-mentioned nip. A method of applying an additive to a tubular knitted fabric moving the fabric through a nip to extract liquid therefrom and then immediately subjecting the fabric to an application of additive and immediately following this application by subjecting the fabric to the removal of the additive in a second nip. 
     It is apparent that numerous innovations for fabric processing devices have been provided in the prior art, which are adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, nevertheless, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the embodiments of the present invention as heretofore described, namely, a washer for utilizing a washing liquid for washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and for maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material. 
     2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Thus, an object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a washer for utilizing a washing liquid for washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and for maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. 
     Briefly stated, another object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a washer utilizing a washing liquid to wash a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material. The washer includes a frame, a set of rollers, an air nozzle rack, and a controller. The frame rests on a support surface. The set of rollers are rotatably attached within the frame and guide the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material through the washing liquid to wash the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material. The air nozzle rack is replaceably attached to within the frame and blows air onto the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to cause the ballooning of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to maximize the exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid. The controller is operatively connected to the set of rollers and minimizes and keeps constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material as the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material passes through the washing liquid under an influence of the air nozzle rack to thereby provide the more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material. 
     The novel features considered characteristic of the embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The embodiments of the present invention themselves, however, both as to their construction and to their method of operation together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention when read and understood in connection with the accompanying figures of the drawing. 
    
    
     
       3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING 
       The figures of the drawing are briefly described as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic side elevational view in partial section of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention utilizing a washing liquid and washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged diagrammatic rear end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  2  in  FIG. 1  of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged diagrammatic front end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  3  in  FIG. 1  of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  4  in  FIG. 1  of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged diagrammatic front end view taken along LINE  5 - 5  in  FIG. 1  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic side elevational view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  6  in  FIG. 5  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  7  in  FIG. 5  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the upper set of rollers of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW  8  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the lower set of rollers of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW  9  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by ARROW  10  in  FIG. 1  of the upper power assembly of the upper set of rollers of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of the controller of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW  11  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic end elevational view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  12  in  FIG. 11  of the controller of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic bottom plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  13  in  FIG. 11  of the controller of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by ARROW  14  in  FIG. 11  of the control panel of the controller of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged diagrammatic front elevational view of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW  15  in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  16  in  FIG. 15  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic bottom plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  17  in  FIG. 15  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged diagrammatic front elevational view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  18  in  FIG. 15  of the air box manifold of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     4. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING 
     A. Introductory.
       20  washer of embodiments of present invention for utilizing washing liquid  22  for washing continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  having total surface area and tension and for maximizing exposure of total surface area of continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to washing liquid  22  by ballooning continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  while minimizing and keeping constant tension of continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to thereby provide more effective wash of continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24       22  washing liquid     24  continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material   

     B. Overall Configuration of Washer  20 .
       26  frame for resting on support surface  34       28  set of rollers for guiding continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  through washing liquid  22  for washing continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24       30  air nozzle rack for spraying air onto continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to cause ballooning of continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  for maximizing exposure of total surface area of continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to washing liquid  22       32  controller for minimizing and keeping constant tension of continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  as continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  passes through washing liquid  22  under influence of air nozzle rack  30  to thereby provide more effective wash of continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24       34  support surface   

     C. Specific Configuration of Set of Rollers  28 .
       36  lower set of rollers of set of rollers  28       38  lower axle of each lower roller of lower set of rollers  36  of set of rollers  28       40  lower sprocket of each lower roller of lower set of rollers  36  of set of rollers  28       42  lower sprocket chain of lower set of rollers  36  of set of rollers  28       44  lower motor of lower set of rollers  36  of set of rollers  28       46  lower reducer of lower set of rollers  36  of set of rollers  28       48  lower motor sprocket of lower set of rollers  36  of set of rollers  28       50  upper set of rollers of set of rollers  28       52  upper axle of each upper roller of upper set of rollers  50  of set of rollers  28       54  upper sprocket of each upper roller of upper set of rollers  50  of set of rollers  28       56  upper sprocket chain of upper set of rollers  50  of set of rollers  28       58  upper motor of upper set of rollers  50  of set of rollers  28       60  upper reducer of upper set of rollers  50  of set of rollers  28       62  upper motor sprocket of upper set of rollers  50  of set of rollers  28     

     D. Specific Configuration of Air Nozzle Rack  30 .
       64  hollow tubes of air nozzle rack  30       66  pair of ends of each hollow tube of hollow tubes  64  of air nozzle rack  30       68  pair of brackets of air nozzle rack  30       70  web of each bracket of pair of brackets  68  of air nozzle rack  30       72  pair of flanges of each bracket of pair of brackets  68  of air nozzle rack  30       74  orifices of hollow tubes  64  of air nozzle rack  30  for spraying air onto continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to cause ballooning of continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  for maximizing exposure of total surface area of continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to washing liquid  22       76  manifold bracket of air nozzle rack  30       77  screws, washers, lock washers, and nuts of air nozzle rack  30       78  web of manifold bracket  76  of air nozzle rack  30       80  pair of flanges of manifold bracket  76  of air nozzle rack  30       81  uppermost end of manifold bracket  76  of air nozzle rack  30       82  air box manifold of air nozzle rack  30       84  pair of screws and lock washers of air box manifold  82  of air nozzle rack  30       86  lowermost surface of air box manifold  82  of air nozzle rack  30       88  pair of ends of air box manifold  82  of air nozzle rack  30       90  air fitting street elbow of one end of pair of ends  88  of air box manifold  82  of air nozzle rack  30  for communicating with air source  91       91  air source of air nozzle rack  30       92  brass pipe plug of other end of pair of ends  88  of air box manifold  82  of air nozzle rack  30       94  brass petcock valves of lowermost surface  86  of air box manifold  82  of air nozzle rack  30       96  straight male air fittings of air nozzle rack  30       98  straight, street elbow, and male air fittings of air nozzle rack  30       100  air hoses of air nozzle rack  30     

     E. Specific Configuration of Controller  32 .
       102  cabinet of controller  32       104  door of cabinet  102  of controller  32       106  handle of cabinet  102  of controller  32       108  control panel of cabinet  102  of controller  32       110  stop push button of control panel  108  of cabinet  102  of controller  32       112  start push button of control panel  108  of cabinet  102  of controller  32       114  upper roller speed rotary control of control panel  108  of cabinet  102  of controller  32       116  lower roller speed rotary control of control panel  108  of cabinet  102  of controller  32     

     5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A. Introductory. 
     Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to  FIG. 1 , which is a diagrammatic side elevational view in partial section of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention utilizing a washing liquid and washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material, the washer of the embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at  20  for utilizing a washing liquid  22  for washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  having a total surface area and a tension and for maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to the washing liquid  22  by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24 . 
     B. Overall Configuration of the Washer  20 . 
     The overall configuration of the washer  20  can best be seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , which are, respectively, again, a diagrammatic side elevational view in partial section of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention utilizing a washing liquid and washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material, an enlarged diagrammatic rear end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  2  in  FIG. 1  of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, an enlarged diagrammatic front end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  3  in  FIG. 1  of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, and an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  4  in  FIG. 1  of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto. 
     The washer  20  comprises a frame  26 , a set of rollers  28 , an air nozzle rack  30 , and a controller  32 . The frame  26  is for resting on a support surface  34 . The set of rollers  28  are rotatably attached within the frame  26  and are for guiding the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  through the washing liquid  22  for washing the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24 . The air nozzle rack  30  is replaceably attached to within the frame  26  and is for blowing air onto the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to cause the ballooning of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  for maximizing the exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to the washing liquid  22 . The controller  32  is operatively connected to the set of rollers  28  and is for minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  as the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  passes through the washing liquid  22  under an influence of the air nozzle rack  30  to thereby provide the more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24 . 
     C. Specific Configuration of the Set of Rollers  28 . 
     The specific configuration of the set of rollers  28  can best be seen in  FIGS. 1-4 and 8-10 , which are, respectively, again, a diagrammatic side elevational view in partial section of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention utilizing a washing liquid and washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material, again, an enlarged diagrammatic rear end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  2  in  FIG. 1  of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, again, an enlarged diagrammatic front end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  3  in  FIG. 1  of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, again, an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  4  in  FIG. 1  of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the upper set of rollers of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW  8  in  FIG. 1 , an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the lower set of rollers of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW  9  in  FIG. 1 , and an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by ARROW  10  in  FIG. 1  of the upper power assembly of the upper set of rollers of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto. 
     The set of rollers  28  comprise a lower set of rollers  36 . The lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  are rotatably attached transversely to within the frame  26 . 
     The lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  are horizontally oriented, coplanar with each other, horizontally spaced-apart from each other, parallel to each other, and operatively connected to each other so as to rotate in unison. 
     Each lower roller  36  of the set of rollers  28  has a lower axle  38 . The lower axle  38  of each lower roller  36  of the set of rollers  28  extends axially relative thereto and is rotatably attached to the frame  26  so as to allow the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  to be rotatably attached transversely to within the frame  26 . 
     Each lower roller  36  of the set of rollers  28  further has a lower sprocket  40 . The lower sprocket  40  of each lower roller  36  of the set of rollers  28  is attached to the lower axle  38  of an associated lower roller  36  of the set of rollers  28  so as to rotate therewith, and are in-line with each other. 
     The lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  further has a lower sprocket chain  42 . The lower sprocket chain  42  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  engages the lower sprocket  40  of each lower roller  36  of the set of rollers  28  so as to operatively connect each lower roller  36  of the set of rollers  28  to each other so as to rotate in unison. 
     The lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  further has a lower motor  44 . The lower motor  44  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  is affixed to the frame  26 . A typical lower motor  44  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  is a BALDOR 2 HP motor 230/460 VAC. 3PH, but is not limited to that. 
     The lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  further has a lower reducer  46 . The lower reducer  46  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  is operatively connected to the lower motor  44  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  to rotate therewith. A typical lower reducer  46  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  is a WINSMITH reducer type 920 MCTS, but is not limited to that. 
     The lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  further has a lower motor sprocket  48 . The lower motor sprocket  48  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  is operatively connected to the lower reducer  46  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  to rotate therewith. 
     The lower sprocket chain of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  further engages the lower motor sprocket  48  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  so as to allow the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  to rotate when the lower motor  44  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  is activated. 
     The set of rollers  28  further comprise an upper set of rollers  50 . The upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  are rotatably attached transversely to within the frame  26 . 
     The upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  are disposed above the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28 . Each upper roller  50  of the set of rollers  28  is disposed between an associated pair of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  for allowing the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to alternatively engage around the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  and the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28 . 
     The upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  are horizontally oriented, coplanar with each other, horizontally spaced-apart from each other, parallel to each other, and operatively connected to each other so as to rotate in unison. 
     Each upper roller  50  of the set of rollers  28  has an upper axle  52 . The upper axle  52  of each upper roller  50  of the set of rollers  28  extends axially relative thereto and is rotatably attached to the frame  26  so as to allow the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  to be rotatably attached transversely to within the frame  26 . 
     Each upper roller  50  of the set of rollers  28  further has an upper sprocket  54 . The upper sprocket  54  of each upper roller  50  of the set of rollers  28  is attached to the upper axle  52  of an associated upper roller  50  of the set of rollers  28  so as to rotate therewith, and are in-line with each other. 
     The upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  further has an upper sprocket chain  56 . The upper sprocket chain  56  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  engages the upper sprocket  54  of each upper roller  50  of the set of rollers  28  so as to operatively connect each upper roller  50  of the set of rollers  28  to each other so as to rotate in unison. 
     The upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  further has an upper motor  58 . The upper motor  58  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  is affixed to the frame  26 . A typical upper motor  58  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  is a BALDOR 2 HP motor 230/460 VAC. 3PH, but is not limited to that. 
     The upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  further has an upper reducer  60 . The upper reducer  60  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  is operatively connected to the upper motor  58  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  to rotate therewith. A typical upper reducer  60  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  is a WINSMITH reducer type 920 MCTS, but is not limited to that. 
     The upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  further has an upper motor sprocket  62 . The upper motor sprocket  62  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  is operatively connected to the upper reducer  60  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  to rotate therewith. 
     The upper sprocket chain  56  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  further engages the upper motor sprocket  62  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  so as to allow the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  to rotate when the upper motor  58  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  is activated. 
     D. Specific Configuration of the Air Nozzle Rack  30 . 
     The specific configuration of the air nozzle rack  30  can best be seen in  FIGS. 5-7 and 15-18 , which are, respectively, an enlarged diagrammatic front end view taken along LINE  5 - 5  in  FIG. 1  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, a diagrammatic side elevational view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  6  in  FIG. 5  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, a diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  7  in  FIG. 5  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, an enlarged diagrammatic front elevational view of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW  15  in  FIG. 5 , a diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  16  in  FIG. 15  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, a diagrammatic bottom plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  17  in  FIG. 15  of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, and an enlarged diagrammatic front elevational view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  18  in  FIG. 15  of the air box manifold of the air nozzle rack of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto. 
     The air nozzle rack  30  comprises hollow tubes  64 . Each hollow tube  64  of the air nozzle rack  30  has a pair of ends  66 . The pair of ends  66  of each hollow tube  64  of the air nozzle rack  30  are affixed perpendicularly to, and communicate with, a pair of brackets  68 , respectively, which allow the air nozzle rack  30  to be replaceably attached to within the frame  26 , between, and parallel to, a pair of adjacent upper rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28 , and in-line with an associated lower roller  36  of the set of rollers  28 . 
     Each bracket  68  of the air nozzle rack  30  is vertically oriented, and channel-shaped, and as such, has a web  70  and a pair of flanges  72 . The pair of ends  66  of each hollow tube  64  of the air nozzle rack  30  are affixed perpendicularly to, and communicate with, the web  70  of the pair of brackets  68  of the air nozzle rack  30 , respectively, with the pair of flanges  72  of the pair of brackets  68  of the air nozzle rack  30  extending outwardly therefrom so as to be replaceably affixed to the frame  26 . 
     The hollow tubes  64  of the air nozzle rack  30  are horizontally oriented, coplanar with each other, vertically spaced-apart from each other, and parallel to each other. 
     The hollow tubes  64  of the air nozzle rack  30  contain orifices  74 . The orifices  74  of the hollow tubes  64  of the air nozzle rack  30  are specifically oriented towards particular ones of the set of rollers  28  for blowing air onto the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to cause the ballooning of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  for maximizing the exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to the washing liquid  22 . 
     The air nozzle rack  30  further comprises a manifold bracket  76 . The manifold bracket  76  of the air nozzle rack  30  is vertically oriented and extends from within, and above, and communicates with, a particular one of the pair of brackets  68  of the air nozzle rack  30 , and is maintained thereat, by screws, washers, lock washers, and nuts  77 . 
     The manifold bracket  76  of the air nozzle rack  30  is channel-shaped, and as such, has a web  78  and a pair of flanges  80 . 
     The web  78  of the manifold bracket  76  of the air nozzle rack  30  abuts against, from within, the web  70  of the particular one of the pair of brackets  68  of the air nozzle rack  30 , and the pair of flanges  80  of the manifold bracket  76  of the air nozzle rack  30  abut against, from within, the pair of flanges  72  of the particular one of the pair of brackets  68  of the air nozzle rack  30  and extend outwardly therefrom. 
     The manifold bracket  76  of the air nozzle rack  30  has an uppermost end  81 . The air nozzle rack  30  further comprises an air box manifold  82 . The air box manifold  82  of the air nozzle rack  30  extends perpendicularly across the uppermost end  81  of the manifold bracket  76  of the air nozzle rack  30 , and is maintained thereat, by a pair of screws and lock washers  84 . 
     The air box manifold  82  of the air nozzle rack  30  has a lowermost surface  86  and a pair of ends  88 . 
     The pair of ends  88  of the air box manifold  82  of the air nozzle rack  30  have communicating therewith an air fitting street elbow  90  for communicating with an air source  91 , and a brass pipe plug  92 , respectively. 
     The lowermost surface  86  of the air box manifold  82  of the air nozzle rack  30  has communicating therewith brass petcock valves  94 . 
     The air nozzle rack  30  further comprises straight male air fittings  96 . The straight male air fittings  96  of the air nozzle rack  30  depend communicatingly from the brass petcock valves  94  of the air box manifold  82  of the air nozzle rack  30 , respectively. 
     The air nozzle rack  30  further comprises straight, street elbow, and male air fittings  98 . The straight, street elbow, and male air fittings  98  of the air nozzle rack  30  are mounted in the particular one of the pair of brackets  68  of the air nozzle rack  30 , and communicate with the hollow tubes  64  of the air nozzle rack  30 . 
     The air nozzle rack  30  further comprises air hoses  100 . The air hoses  100  of the air nozzle rack  30  extend from, and communicate with, the straight male air fittings  96  of the air nozzle rack  30  to, and communicate with, the combination straight/street elbow male air fittings  98  of the air nozzle rack  30 , respectively. 
     E. Specific Configuration of the Controller  32 . 
     The specific configuration of the controller  32  can best be seen in  FIGS. 11-14 , which are, respectively, an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of the controller of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW  11  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a diagrammatic end elevational view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  12  in  FIG. 11  of the controller of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, a diagrammatic bottom plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW  13  in  FIG. 11  of the controller of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, and an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by ARROW  14  in  FIG. 11  of the control panel of the controller of the washer of the embodiments of the present invention, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto. 
     The controller  32  comprises a cabinet  102 . The cabinet  102  of the controller  32  is affixed to the frame  26 . 
     The cabinet  102  of the controller  32  has a door  104 . The door  104  of the cabinet  102  of the controller  32  is hingedly attached thereto. 
     The cabinet  102  of the controller  32  further has a handle  106 . The handle  106  of the cabinet  102  of the controller  32  is affixed to the door  104  of the cabinet  102  of the controller  32  so as to allow the door  104  of the cabinet  102  of the controller  32  to be easily opened and closed as needed. 
     The cabinet  102  of the controller  32  further has a control panel  108 . The control panel  108  of the cabinet  102  of the controller  32  is disposed on the door  104  of the cabinet  102  of the controller  32 . 
     The control panel  108  of the cabinet  102  of the controller  32  comprises a stop push button  110 , a start push button  112 , an upper roller speed rotary control  114 , and a lower roller speed rotary control  116 . 
     The upper motor  58  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  has a rotational speed, and the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  have a rotational speed. The upper roller speed rotary control  114  of the control panel  108  of the cabinet  102  of the controller  32  is operatively connected to the upper motor  58  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  to control the rotational speed of the upper motor  58  of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  and thereby control the rotational speed of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28 . 
     The lower motor  44  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  has a rotational speed, and the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  have a rotational speed. The lower roller speed rotary control  116  of the control panel  108  of the cabinet  102  of the controller  32  is operatively connected to the lower motor  44  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  to control the rotational speed of the lower motor  44  of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  and thereby control the rotational speed of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28 . 
     F. Operation of the Washer  20 . 
     The continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  is threaded alternatively over the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  and then under the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28 . 
     Adjusting the rotational speed of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  and the rotational speed of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  independently of each other controls the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  and the ballooning of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  for maximizing the exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to the washing liquid  22 . 
     The rotational speed of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  is set to run slightly faster than the rotational speed of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28 . This in turn causes the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to tighten creating the tension in the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  as the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  starts to slip on the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28 . 
     By stopping or slowing down the rotational speed of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  for a moment loosens the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  and creates a loop of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  around the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28 . This causes the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  to slip on the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28 . 
     By starting the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  again shortens the loop of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  and drives the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24 . 
     By adjusting the rotational speed of the lower set of rollers  36  of the set of rollers  28  and the rotational speed of the upper set of rollers  50  of the set of rollers  28  in combination with adjusting time from stop to start results in a desired average tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material  24  automatically. 
     G. Impressions. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above. 
     While the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described as embodied in a washer for utilizing a washing liquid for washing a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material having a total surface area and a tension and for maximizing exposure of the total surface area of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to the washing liquid by ballooning the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material while minimizing and keeping constant the tension of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material to thereby provide a more effective wash of the continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material, nevertheless, they are not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and changes in the forms and details of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated and their operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the embodiments of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the embodiments of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt them for various applications without omitting features that from the standpoint of prior art fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.