Abstract: Individuals who have difficulties in donning a foot covering such as a sock or stocking are provided with the assistance of a sock starter having a base and two opposing members extending over a toe end of the base. The opposing members are pivotally coupled laterally to the base to form a cavity corresponding to the outline of the forward portion of a foot. A user draws an opening of the foot covering over the opposing members and under a laterally and forwardly open relieved area of the toe end of the base. The user then places the sock starter upon the floor. Then the forward portion of the foot is inserted into the cavity, and longitudinally extended to capture the foot covering onto the forward portion of the foot and withdrawing the foot covering from the sock starter. The exposed opposing members then open when contacted by the foot allowing the foot to be removed from the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for putting on hosiery, comprising a unit for mounting the hosiery which has two receiving parts which by way of guiding means can be spread in relation to each other between a resting position and at least one stretching position. In said device the positioning means form part of a drive unit embodied as an element which is separate from the mounting unit and said mounting unit can be temporarily and removably connected to the drive unit with a view to moving the receiving parts into the at least one stretching position. The invention also relates to the use of said device for putting on support hose.

Abstract: A footwear donning assist assembly for making it easier, less strenuous and more convenient for a user to put on footwear. The footwear donning assist assembly includes an elongate base member, a foot support mount attached to a top side of the base member, a foot support member having a first end hingedly attached to an end of the base member and being supported at a slant upon the foot support mount, a sleeve-like foot receiving member mounted upon the foot support member and being dimensioned to have an article of footwear inserted therein with the open end of the footwear being draped about one end of the sleeve-like foot receiving member, and a flexible line having clip members at the ends thereof for grasping onto an article of footwear to assist pulling up the footwear over the foot and leg of a user.

Abstract: A footwear insertion apparatus includes a flexible, moldable sheet of material having a layer of hydrophilic or lubricious material disposed on at least one side of the flexible sheet of material. The hydrophilic or lubricious material preferably becomes highly slippery when in contact with water. The footwear insertion apparatus is configured to be readily inserted into the opening of a unit of footwear to interface between a person's foot and the unit of footwear while the person's foot is being inserted into the footwear. The insertion apparatus may include a handle to facilitating grasping of the insertion apparatus for installation and removal purposes. The insertion apparatus may also include a float to suspend the insertion apparatus when placed in water.

Abstract: A sock donning aid for holding open the ankle opening of a sock for aiding the insertion of a user's foot into the sock. The sock donning aid includes an elongate main member a proximal handle portion, a distal heel portion, and a bend interposed between the proximal handle portion and the distal heel portion. The main member has a finger hook at a proximal end of the main member. The main member has a spaced apart pair of elongate side wing coupled thereto and forwardly extending from the distal end of the main member.

Abstract: Described is an aid for putting on elastic stockings having a closed toe portion, comprising: a substantially flat and flexible body (101) in the form of a single sheet of smooth material having a substantially triangular configuration; continuous closing strips (112, 113) provided along opposite edges (102, 103) of the body and extending along a part of the length of the sides (102, 103) of the triangular body (101); a coupling means (134; 146; 170) for coupling the closing means (112, 113) together, and a grip (105) provided near the top (104) of the triangular body (101) for removing the aid (100) from between a foot (64) and a stocking (63) applied around said foot. The closing means (112, 113) may be based on, e.g., Velcro.RTM., a zipper with a runner or a plastic zipper.

Abstract: Panty hose sewing processes can be fully automatized (allowing unattended operation) by providing a processing apparatus which is enabled to perform working steps from the pickup of hose material to the opening of the welt portion by using suction air flow synchronously and iteratively under phase differences in working position for the respective working steps, and which allows one piece of hose material to be taken out at a time with reliability, and yet which fully opens the welt portion onto the slide pipe in an unfolding manner and delivers the welt portion to a fitting arm with reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus for boarding socks includes a skeletal frame formed from a plurality of subframes define a path of movement for one or more socks being boarded by the apparatus, an assembly for boarding one or more socks including an assembly for moving a sock board into one or more socks, an assembly for positioning one or more socks for engagement by the sock form, and an assembly for delivering one or more socks to the positioning assembly.

Abstract: A shoe horn apparatus for helping a user insert a foot into a shoe. The shoe horn apparatus has a heel element matched to the heel of the user's foot and in addition the apparatus has a tongue part to hold the tongue of the shoe forward while the user inserts his foot. Portions of the shoe horn part and the tongue part are positioned to fit inside the shoe with the shoe horn being adjacent to the back edge of the shoe and the tongue part being adjacent to the lace part of the shoe, providing a space in between the shoe horn part and the tongue part for the user's foot to slip into the shoe guided by said shoe horn part and said tongue part. A support tab at the bottom of the handle in conjunction with the shoe horn and the tongue parts hold the shoe steady while it is being put on. The device permits the user to pretie his shoes. In a preferred embodiment a spring member permits a shoe to be held in spring compression between the support tab and the shoe horn and tongue parts.

Abstract: A method of taking off an elastic cover (3) for limbs is characterized by applying a wrapping (1) of smooth material around the elastic cover (3) and then stripping the cover (3) from above with interposition of the smooth wrapping (1) between the stripped away portion (3') and the portion (3") still in position on the limb. A take off means for use in this method is characterized by a wrapping (1) of smooth material fitting around the cover (3) on the leg or arm.

Abstract: Device to facilitate putting on socks, bobby socks, stockings and similar articles of clothing. The device comprises two oblong arms connected together as tongs. The lower end of each arm includes a gripping jaw in the shape of a horseshoe. The two gripping jaws fit one into the other when the two arms are brought together. The sock can be slipped around the first gripping jaw, where it is held owing to a stop. The first gripping jaw keeps the sock open wide enough so that the tip of the foot can be slipped in and then the heel. By bringing the two arms together, the sock is pinched between the two gripping jaws. It is then possible to put on the sock and to pull it up along the calf of the leg without the user having to bend over. One of the gripping jaws has in addition a catch element enabling socks to be removed.

Abstract: The invention is a manually operable device for applying foot coverings including socks, support hose and the like. The device is made of an elongated U-shaped member of flexible material with a horizontal bottom and generally vertical sides. The side portions are adapted to flex toward each other when inserting the toe end into a foot covering and have a concave area for receiving and reversibly maintaining a foot covering when it is inserted over the toe ends. A strap is connected to the U-shaped member at the heel end. The strap is then used to draw the U-shaped member up the foot and leg and out of the open end of the foot covering, thereby positioning the foot covering on the foot and leg of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for straightening substantially tubular textile goods, such as socks, stockings, tights etc., which have an asymmetry, such as a reciprocated heel. According to the invention the textile goods are drawn onto a substantially cylindrical form, the form with the textile product drawn onto it is rotated about a longitudinal axis, during rotation the asymmetry position is detected as is the position of the form and finally the form is rotated into a predetermined position corresponding to the detected asymmetry position. Preferably, simultaneously the stitch pattern of the textile product drawn onto the form is inspected for faults and flaws.

Abstract: A device to assist in the application of a sock or stocking onto the foot and ankle of the user. The device includes an elongated shell having first and second ends, a base and side walls wherein the shell is U-shaped in cross-section, the base and each of the side walls being substantially planar. Each of the side walls are characterized as having outwardly turned lips and the shell also includes an upwardly turned tongue element and a cord whose ends are affixed to the shell.

Abstract: A compression garment aid upon which a compressive garment, such as a therapeutic elastic stocking, is disposed in order that the foot of the wearer may be interposed into the aid to begin application of the stocking to the foot and leg of the wearer. As the toe of the foot is inserted into the toe of the stocking, the wearer grasps handles connected to the heel portion of the aid to gradually draw the aid rearwardly over the foot, including the instep, and upwardly over the calf of the wearer's leg. The aid is of a U-shaped channel configuration having a depth in the toe and heel portions whereby the compression garment is extended (stretched) over the form of the aid that it does not bear substantially on the foot and leg during donning so as to impede putting on of the stocking.

Abstract: A wire frame 1 has an outer covering 2 which is provided with a pulling strap 3. The wire frame 1 has a U-shaped portion 6 leading to a pair of projecting free arms 7 which lead downwardly and forwardly of the portion 6. The outer ends of the arms 7 also splay out to the sides. The material 2 forms a channel member with side walls 8. The open end portion of a sock is draped at least partly about the side walls 8. The user then places his foot in the entry to the heel end 10 and pulls the aid and sock assembly onto his foot by means of the strap 3. The sock aid will flex readily to allow it to pass around the heel of the user to position the sock around the calf of the user and the sock aid can then be pulled free.

Abstract: An aiding device for donning garments having a base and two stands mounted to the base. The stands are spatially positionable relative to each other to allow for a variety of garments to be mounted upon the stands. Additionally, at least one of the stands is rotatably mounted to the base to provide sufficient space for different size appendages to be inserted into the garment mounted upon the stands.

Abstract: Device (1) to help an elderly or disabled person to put on hosiery, wherein it comprises:hollow elements (2) of tubular shape and having hole (2a) which allows insertion and admission of the end of the lower limb; hole (2a) has an outer edge (2b) which allows an item of hosiery to be slipped over it and slid axially along the outside of tubular elements (2);elements (5, 6, 7) capable of varying the dimensions of hole (2a);elements (5) capable of rotating tubular elements (2) around longitudinal axis (K--K);support elements (8) for holding up device (1).

Abstract: A sock and shoe donning device to facilitate a user inserting his foot in a sock and a shoe simultaneously. A C-shaped structure preferably is about as tall as the distance between the bottom of the heel of a typical sock and the top edge of the sock. It is comprised of an approximately rectangular shaped sheet of thin semirigid flexible material molded into a shape with approximately vertical sides and a C-shaped horizontal cross section. A lower portion comprises: two lower support parts preferably separated from each other by about 6 inches which when compressed toward each other to fit inside the shoe react by applying force against the inside of the shoe to hold the structure firmly in place and two tongue parts separated from each other by about 51/2 inches which when compressed toward each other to fit inside the shoe react by forcing the tongue (and laces if any) of the shoe forward out the way while the user inserts his foot in the shoe.

Abstract: A stocking aid device (1) comprises a pair of rigid handles (6) for ease of manipulation and a U-shaped member which is connected pivotally to the rods about a generally transverse axis with a sufficient degree of freedom to allow the U-shaped member to pivot freely about the axis and slide over the user's heel and up the back of the leg when applying the stocking. The U-shaped member thus follows a curving path under the sole of the foot around the heel and up the back of the leg whilst applying the stocking. This is facilitated by a slight twisting of the rods which provide handles, so as to impede rotation of the U-shaped member. One edge is flared outwardly to form a flange (2) comprising a series of indentations (3).

Abstract: A manually operable combination device to help a user who cannot bend at the back, waist, or knees with applying socks, shoes, pants, tightening and loosening shoe laces, removing socks and picking things up off the ground. The device includes components to provide a reacher function with a pivoting closeable jaw operated by a trigger mechanism, a flexible or rigid plastic shovel, and a longitudinally sliding hook operated by a lever. The plastic shovel is used to apply socks and as a shoe horn. The reacher is used to apply shoes and remove socks and to pick articles up from floor. A sliding hook is used in conjunction with cord clamps on shoelaces to tighten laces. The hook is also used for application of pants.

Abstract: A mechanism for putting on therapeutic elastic stockings. The mechanism includes a wrapping for wrapping the foot. The wrapping has relatively slidable inner and outer parts of smooth material and a pulling member adapted to protrude from the stocking. Both the inner and outer parts of the wrapping may be pulled away from under the stocking in a manner sliding along each other and stripping along the foot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering elongate flexible objects, such as hosiery blanks or pantyhose, in proper orientation for further processing including removing one or more flexible objects from a bundle and presenting a selected end thereof, to ensure proper orientation, to an entry end of a suction tube, transporting the flexible object through the suction tube to an exit and thereof, preparing the leading end thereof for transfer and transferring the leading end of the flexible object onto an object receiving member of a further processing machine.

Abstract: The device according to the present invention consists of a means (1) having wings that may be outwardly projected and that may be inserted into a sock or similar, overcoming its resistance and keeping it wide enough to allow to insert a foot so that, following to the manual traction or of an electric motor (9), performed by means of a small rod (7) linked with said means (1), the unable person obtains the complete wearing of the cloth without folding his limbs nor himself.

Abstract: A sock donning assist device that allows a caretaker to put a sock on a disabled person who can not put the sock on themselves. The sock donning assist device includes a hollow rigid substantially L-shaped frame. The hollow rigid substantially L-shaped frame consists of a plurality of different sized and shaped slender members. The plurality of different sized and shaped slender members form a substantially vertically-oriented portion for retaining a sock during donning wherein the sock has an upper portion and a lower portion, and a horizontally-oriented portion extending forwardly from the substantially vertically-oriented portion of the hollow rigid substantially L-shaped frame for gripping by a user during donning the sock.

Abstract: A multiple leg covering donning assist device that includes a hollow horizontally-oriented and substantially opened-front base frame, a pair of hollow substantially vertically-oriented side frames, and a pair of hollow tandemly-positioned and substantially vertically-oriented intermediate frames. The hollow horizontally-oriented and substantially opened-front base frame has ends. The pair of hollow substantially vertically-oriented side frames are gripped by a user and extend vertically upwardly and slightly rearwardly from the ends of the hollow horizontally-oriented and substantially opened-front base frame and have a height.

Abstract: A device to help a user to put on a sock that includes an assembly that holds a sock from its opening in distension to permit a user to insert his or her foot through. A pair of hingedly mounted telescopic arm members with a handle on each end that allows a user to pull the sock up. A clamping assembly to firmly grab the sock while a user pulls and the clamping assembly is mounted to the extension arms so that a user can readily actuate it and disengage the sock after it is in place.

Abstract: A device and method for putting on therapeutic elastic stockings in which the device includes inner and outer slipper members which are connected to one another at one of their ends, with the other ends of such members being free from connection with one another. During use, the inner slipper is turned into the outer slipper so that the walls are adjacent to one another and then slipped over the user's foot. After a stocking is placed on the foot over the device, the device is removed by pulling on the outer slipper.

Abstract: An aiding device for donning garments having a base and two stands mounted to the base. The stands are spatially positionable relative to each other to allow for a variety of garments to be mounted upon the stands. Additionally, at least one of the stands is rotatably mounted to the base to provide sufficient space for different size appendages to be inserted into the garment mounted upon the stands.

Abstract: An improved tool for assisting the application of a stocking to a user's leg is provided. The tool includes a pair of curvilinear arms with side rails mounted for lateral pivotal movement in a first plane between a closed position, wherein the side rails are in close proximity for receiving a stocking, and an open position, wherein the side rails are relatively spaced apart to outwardly stretch the stocking for application to the user's leg. An elongated bar having a tongue is mounted to the arms for pivotal movement in a second plane generally perpendicular to the first plane of movement. The tool further includes means operably coupled to the bar for moving the bar in the second plane between a disposition wherein the tongue is in close proximity with the rails when the tool in the closed position, and a disposition wherein the tongue is relatively spaced away from both rails when the tool is in the open position.

Abstract: Apparatus for disposing two tubular articles in a predetermined position on corresponding paired support shapes. Structure is provided for optically detecting the end provided with elastic hem of each article fitted on the respective support shapes. A pushing element is provided for vertically aligning the ends provided with elastic hems of the articles between them. Structure is provided for compressing and retaining the free end provided with hem of each article. The optical sensors, are alternately moved longitudinally to the shapes by a carriage alternately movable longitudinally in the said longitudinal directions.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning two stockings in a machine for making pantyhose articles and comprising a pair of horizontal flat shapes (5) which support the stockings (5), the apparatus being made up of: --gripper elements (1) for withdrawing a limited side portion of the fabric of each stocking (4) fitted on the respective support shape (5), and this in correspondence of the two side edges of the shape (5); --elements for supporting said gripping elements (1) and moving them in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (8) of the shape (5), from a retracted position, where their travel begins, to an advanced position, where the same travel ends in correspondence of said shape, and vice versa, with a pneumatic cylinder (2) having horizontal axis orthogonal to the axis (8) of the shape (5); --cam means for activating the withdrawal and respectively release of the stocking (4) by the said gripping elements (1); --and an optical sensor connected to each cylinder (3) to activate and deactivate the gripper upon

Abstract: The sock removal device is associated with machines for checking, drying and pressing men's socks, of the type which includes a carousel on the peripheral region whereof multiple shaped elements are distributed, for fitting respective socks. The carousel is movable stepwise at appropriate processing stations. The device includes, at a station for removing the socks from the corresponding shaped elements, a lifting tooth that is suitable to enter a longitudinal slot of the shaped elements so as to act on the top of the sock. Arms for gripping the top of the shaped elements and for lifting the end of the sock are suitable to cooperate with the lifting tooth, and have at least two oscillating arm pairs that have a corresponding pad and can be actuated so as to mutually open and close on supporting elements which are meant for alternating vertical sliding.

Abstract: An adapter working in concert with a parent or host machine to divert socks of different styles or quality into separate collection containers, including a logic controller, a diverter assembly, at least two discharge conduits, and a manifold. The diverter assembly is pneumatically connected in series with the sock discharge outlet of the host machine. Depending upon a selection entered into the logic controller by an operator, a sock on a rotating turret on the host machine may be designated, at predetermined turret positions, to be of a particular style, or to be of second quality. The entry is entered into the logic controller, where it is remembered until the sock is ready to be everted and discharged. A index detection device is provided to indicate indexing of the turret to the logic controller.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a pantyhose article from a Line Close machine to a Toe-Closer machine. A tensioning structure is disposed below the banister of the Line-Closer machine to put in tension the legs of the pantyhose, which hang down from said banister. A retractile tube is connected to an aspirator. Structure is provided to withdraw the elastic hem of the bodice from the forms of the Line-Closer machine by a clamp. Spreading structure is provided to spread apart vertically the bodice of the pantyhose being withdrawn from said forms by two crooks able to be spread apart vertically and which are supported by a carriage horizontally reciprocating in synchronism and in alignment with the clamp. Structure is provided to pick up the bodice of the pantyhose from said crooks and fit it over the tubes of the Toe-Closer machine by turning it inside out using two parallel and spaced apart hooks driven into horizontal reciprocating motion and disposed parallel and on opposite side to said tubes.

Abstract: The means for putting on therapeutic elastic stockings consists of a sock of smooth material to cover the foot, the sock being provided with a lining of smooth and supple material. The lining has been partly attached to the sock, partly set free from it, the free part at the end being closed and having such a length that it can be taken out as far as outside the sock and can be turned in up to the toe of the sock, a situation that takes place when the sock is positioned round the foot of the user. Besides the lining is characterized by the fact that it is attached to the sock where the foot steps in and that the length of the free part of the lining is substantially equal to the length of the sock.

Abstract: Persons with back problems have trouble putting on their stockings without experiencing some back pain or stress. An apparatus is provided for enabling the person to put on his stockings without bending or stooping; the person thereby avoids the back pain associated with such bending. An arcuate hollow form is releasably attached to the upper edge of a stocking by clamp elements located at spaced points on the hollow form. Elongated straps extend from the clamping points, such that the person can pull the hollow form over the foot and up onto the leg without bending or stooping.

Abstract: A support post is arranged to slidably mount a guide tube having a platform secured thereon. The platform includes a support arm, with the support arm mounting a generally U-shaped support plate that is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the platform, with the platform arranged for reciprocation along the support post and the support plate arranged to receive a sock thereon from a first raised position to a second lowered position to permit ease of donning to an individual's foot.

Abstract: A tool is provided for use in applying support stockings and other types of socks to an individual's feet and legs. The tool includes a tongue positioned between side rails which are connected to handles that can be manipulated to cause lateral movement of the side rails and stretching of the stocking. The tongue is moveable laterally when the side rails are pivoted inwardly to facilitate application of the stocking to the tool. The tongue includes an extension which is engaged by the handles to cause centering of the tongue between the side rails when they are pivoted laterally outward.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an individual in donning hosiery (100). The apparatus (10) includes a base member (13) operatively attached to a three legged hosiery support unit (12) having two angled side legs supporting members, (16, 17) and an angled rear support leg member (15) which suspend and expands the opening (102) of an article of hosiery (100) to accept the insertion of the user's foot (50).

Abstract: A device as provided to assist a person with removing an elasticized stocking. A cord has a plurality of filaments at one end thereof which are attached by clips around the upper end of the stocking. The cord extends around a pulley disposed beneath the foot portion of the stocking and the other end of the cord may be grasped by the wearer and by pulling the cord the stocking may be removed. Mechanical or motorized winding mechanism may be used to remove the stocking in place of manually pulling the cord. In another embodiment the pulley may be replaced by a rotatable power driven shaft disposed beneath the foot portion of the stocking so that the cord may be wound around the shaft to remove the stocking.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically positioning welt portions and garter lines of pantyhose materials by aligning upper and lower positions in relation to each other for carrying out a pantyhose panty part seaming process, in which when detection sensors detect materials roughly fitted to respective upper and lower template assemblies, plates for positioning garter lines cause a panty part to move backward to be inserted deeply onto the template assemblies and the garter lines of the upper and lower materials are positioned by aligning with each other through detection sensors for positioning garter lines, and successively, a plate for positioning welt portions causes the panty part to move backward, stretching the panty part to a prescribed length so that the welt portions of the upper and lower materials are aligned with each other, thus fully fitting the upper and lower materials to the template assemblies and, at the same time completing the positioning of the welt portions and garter lines by aligning upper a

Abstract: A device is described which can be used by persons who for various reasons are on their own physically unable to apply onto their feet hosiery such as socks and stockings. This device is both inexpensive and not complex to manufacture and yet highly durable and simple to use. With this hosiery applier both hands are free to apply the hosiery onto the device. A stocking or sock can be pulled onto the foot of the user, a physically limited person, to a ready-to-wear position as readily as a nonlimited person can do it unaided. The device includes means on the outer tube member to support the device between the persons legs while placing the stocking on the device.

Abstract: A rigid, specially molded and elliptical or egg-shaped ring is used to facilitate the donning of surgical stockings. An egg-shaped or elliptical ring of a slightly larger diameter than that of the calf size, can be simply inserted, tapered end first, and positioned laterally in the stocking in order to enlarge the ankle area, thereby allowing the foot to be easily inserted. The ring is used to laterally position the stocking, and the toe of the stocking is pulled through the ring. The stocking may then be drawn upon the leg by holding the sides of the ring, and pulling the stocking up while simultaneously extending the leg in a downward position. Subsequently, the ends of the stocking are pulled over the ring which is automatically released from the stocking and easily removed. Physical strain usually experienced after surgery or in other medical conditions is reduced.

Abstract: The toe end of a hose blank has a looper line bead and is toe closed by movement past a seamer along a seam line located by reference to the head, the blank being mounted on a toe closer carrier of conventional form. Opposed blades of the carrier execute a forward movement to pass the beaded end of the blank through a space between two open jaws of a positioning device; the jaws thereafter close and by drawing the blank backwards the bead is brought against the jaws, which are at a pre-set location relative to the seamer and the toe end is thereby positioned ready for seaming. The toe end is then conveyed to and past the seamer by a transport belt, the positioning established by the jaws being maintained during conveyance of the blank to the seamer.

Abstract: A sock applying device includes a flexible sheet generally shaped as a shovel blade. A plurality of fasteners are along one end of the sheet remote from the tip. The sheet includes registry notches to limit the extent to which a sock would be pulled over the sheet. Pull cords are provided along the same edge as the fasteners. In use, the sheet would be bent between the user's thighs with the tip uppermost. The sock would be pulled over the tip until the open end of the sock is in the registry notches. The fasteners would then be applied to the sock and the device would be placed on the floor so that the user could insert the user's foot into the device and pull the sock onto the foot by an upward pull of the cords.

Abstract: An automatic fitting apparatus for holding and forwarding a pair of tubular hose parts of half made pantyhose to a panty part sewing maching includes a forwarding mechanism, a transfer device, movable back and forth to transfer the parts to a table, capable of moving and inclining, and provided with right and left slits for receiving the hose parts, a suction mechanism for opening the welt portions, a drive for moving the table between upright and sideways positions, and a stretching device movable between the table and a clamping mechanism of a panty part sewing machine. The forwarding mechanism may include pairs of flexible plates mounted on a conveyor.

Abstract: A device for spreading elastic stockings so that the user can more readily insert a foot and leg into the stocking. The device includes two looped ends to be inserted into the stocking. The loops are hinged together so that they can be moved from a closed position for insertion of the device into the stocking to a spread position in which the foot or leg is inserted into the stocking along side the loops. The hinge includes a slide which allows free movement in the closed position, but slides into a releasable locked engagement in the spread position.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically finishing pantyhose includes pairs of pattern frames on which a pair of pantyhose are fitted and which are respectively mounted on a revolving ring plate which stops at stations for pantyhose inspection, drying, and pulling-out. At the inspection station, the pattern frames are lifted by an elevating device and their width is increased for inspection of the pantyhose. At the drying station, they are dried and set to the shape of the widened pattern frames by an infrared heater. At the pulling-out station, a device clamps their toe portion and pulls them into a folding device, a lowering device lowers the pattern frames and narrows their widths, and a tucking-up device is lifted so as to raise the mouth portion of the pantyhose. The folding device folds them in two before they are forwarded to a packaging station.

Abstract: The toe end of a hose blank has a looper line bead and is toe closed by movement past a seamer along a seam line located by reference to the bead, the blank being mounted on a toe closer carrier of conventional form. Opposed blades of the carrier execute a forward movement to pass the beaded end of the blank through a space between two open jaws of a positioning device; the jaws thereafter close and by drawing the blank backwards the bead is brought against the jaws, which are at a pre-set location relative to the seamer and the toe end is thereby positioned ready for seaming. The toe end is then conveyed to and past the seamer by a transport belt, the positioning established by the jaws being maintained during conveyance of the blank to seamer.