Patent ID: 7004714

Claim:
An apparatus for loading socks (S) on a steaming machine ( 60 ), said socks (S) being previously put on intermediate supports ( 12 ) of elongated shape and making part of a positioning carousel ( 1 ) with several stations ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ), said socks (S) being brought selectively in an unloading station ( 5 ) on an intermediate support ( 12 ) with tip portion oriented downward, comprising: a rotatable arm ( 52 ) mounted ( 55 a ) about an horizontal axis ( 55 ) of said steaming machine ( 60 ); a carriage sliding on an upright ( 53 ) and carrying said arm ( 52 ) and said horizontal axis ( 55 a ) means for vertically translating ( 53 a ) said carriage upwards or downwards along the upright ( 53 ); means for rotating ( 55 a ) said arm ( 52 ) about said horizontal axis ( 55 ); pick-up fingers ( 56 ) provided at one end of said arm ( 52 ) said pick-up fingers adapted to grasp said socks (S); means for opening, closing ( 56 a ), and stopping said pick-up fingers ( 56 ).