Abstract: An apparatus for processing socks in nested pairs includes the frame and a plurality of processing stations which may include a trimming station, a pressing station, a printing station, and a doffing station as well as a nesting station. The nesting station includes the frame, an assembly mounted to the frame for supporting and positioning a second sock to be disposed in an overlying relationship with the first sock but with both socks being an extended generally flatten condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching tubular material with at least one closed end on a stretcher, in particular for stretching stockings, pantyhose, and the like on an elongated stretcher, is described, in which the tubular material is pulled onto the stretcher by means of belt drives. Each stretcher has at its lower end an end member at which there is provided a sensing device by means of which the belt drives are shut off as soon as the closed end of the tubular material arrives in the region of the end member. With the sensing device, the belt drives are reliably shut off regardless of the length of the tubular material being pulled on, which not only prevents slippage of the drive rollers of the belt drives, but also ensures complete pulling onto the stretcher.

Abstract: A finishing device for setting and finishing stockings hose such as stockings and panty hose through steam treatment while they are loaded onto templates, the finishing device including a pair of templates which intermittently move, a steam setting section, a stocking take-off section, and opening-closing mechanisms for the templates.When the templates having a stocking inserted thereon face the steam setting section, the stocking is steam set with steam supply. The steam setting section is composed of a two-part kiln. The templates are folded in two after the setting, and the stocking is taken off the templates at the stocking take-off section for the transfer to the packaging process, with the template open in parallel, ready for the insertion of another stocking.

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 machine for flaw-checking and drying stockings and the like comprises a rotatable platform which has elements for supporting stockings, comprising a plurality of vertically arranged fork-like elements each having an elastically contractable base. The platform is actuated intermittently at a station for inserting stockings on the fork-like elements and for checking for the presence of flaws. The fork-like elements are moved into a drying station inside a chamber provided with heating elements, and finally, through a station for removing stockings from the fork-like elements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for processing hosiery having synthetic fibers that are adapted to be steamed on forms for setting the fibers, in which there is provided a pressing operation for the hosiery for smoothing and reducing for example, the seam where the toe is closed by sewing. The pressing operation is applied after the initial application of steam to permit movement of the hosiery on the forms as the fibers shrink.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically taking off inspected hose from a pattern plate of a hose-inspecting apparatus and fitting them on a pattern plate of a hose-finishing apparatus, to be disposed in the middle of where each one of the inspecting pattern plates and each one of the finishing pattern plates are opposed at a certain interval. The hose-fitting apparatus is constructed substantially of a finger and a pair of levers that serve to make the finger ascend and descend with its position kept upright along a certain eldless track pierced through a pair of plates on both sides of it by means of a pair of belts respectively provided to the plates and a driving means. Thus, in the ascending progress close to the inspecting pattern plate, the finger can remove a pair of hose from it upward getting in from its bottom and, in the descending progress close to the finishing plate, put the hose on it getting out therefrom repeatedly.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically superimposing and folding collants or stockings and transferring the same to packaging. The apparatus comprises a moving chain carrying grippers having the collants leg tips hanging thereon. The chain travels through a narrow loop, at which moving parts are provided and press the two legs of each collant against each other, whereupon a moving member picks up the stockings midway the length thereof, transferring the same as folded up to a collection station.