Patent ID: 7448234

Claim:
A linear knitting machine ( 1 ) comprising: a machine frame, at least one needlebed ( 3 ) associated and integral with said machine frame, a plurality of needles ( 4 ) sliding in said needlebed ( 3 ), means for feeding said needles ( 4 ) with a yarn for building a new stitch and holding-down means ( 8 ) cooperating with said needles ( 4 ) on said needlebed ( 3 ) and moving between a forward position, which occurs when said needle ( 4 ) is lifted in said needlebed ( 3 ), in which said holding-down means act upon said stitch so as to keep said stitch on a stem ( 5 ) of said needle ( 4 ), and a rear position, when said needle ( 4 ) gets down, in which said holding-down means do not act upon said stitch; characterized in that it further comprises: holding means ( 15 ) fastened to said machine frame and discharging means ( 19 ), associated with said holding-down means ( 8 ), which can be engaged with said holding means ( 15 ) in said forward position for discharging onto said machine frame a force generated by said holding-down means ( 8 ) when keeping said stitch, and which can be disengaged from said holding means ( 15 ) in said rear position.