Abstract: An insert maintains the form of a glove while facilitating drying. The insert has palm, finger, and thumb portions. The palm portion is a planar or curved flange, having first and second sides. The finger portion includes an index finger flange, a middle finger flange, a ring finger flange, and a pinky finger flange, each extending from the palm portion. A first peripheral flange and a second peripheral flange are each configured to respectively extend away from, and be in continuous proximity to, a periphery formed by the first side and the second side of the palm portion and the finger flanges. First and second transverse flanges are formed for each of the finger flanges, each configured to extend away from first and second sides thereof, and be substantially centered on the finger flange, to provide eight radiused points of a contact/support being substantially equally spaced, for each glove finger.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and a related method for automatic transfer of socks (4) from a linking machine (2) to a sock-modeling piece for boarding operation (36) according to a predetermined orientation, the apparatus comprising reversing means (20) comprising feeding means (21) for picking up the sock (4) from a sewing station (22) of the linking machine and loading means (31) for automatically loading the sock (4) onto the sock-modeling piece, the reversing means (20) comprising a supporting element (23) and at least one pair of lower rollers (24) disposed around said supporting element (23).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and a related method for automatic transfer of socks (4) from a linking machine (2) to a sock-modelling piece for boarding operation (36) according to a predetermined orientation, the apparatus comprising reversing means (20) comprising feeding means (21) for picking up the sock (4) from a sewing station (22) of the linking machine and loading means (31) for automatically loading the sock (4) onto the sock-modelling piece, the reversing means (20) comprising a supporting element (23) and at least one pair of lower rollers (24) disposed around said supporting element (23).

Abstract: Textile articles to be treated are fed on to shapes fitted to supporting members. Gliding independently each other on a platform of the boarding or semi-boarding machine, and positioned in mutual contact at respective sides along a polygonal pathway defined by a guiding device. The supporting members are transported in step along the polygonal pathway, by the engagement with a towing device acting independently at each linear stretch of the polygonal pathway, so that in each step at least one position at the concurrence of two linear stretches of the polygonal pathway is maintained unoccupied. At least one of the supporting members, on which the textile articles to be treated are fed, is arranged in a halt position upstream from a semi-boarding station and then is moved to take the shapes into the semi-boarding station. After the semi-boarding treatment, this supporting member is transferred to a station where the textile articles, treated, are extracted from the shapes.

Abstract: The device comprises: a suction duct (7) with a first end and a second end; a retaining member (5) to hold a flexible article (M) inserted at least partly in said suction duct; and a suction opening (21) which places the inside of the suction duct in communication with the outside, arranged in an intermediate position between the retaining member and the second end.

Abstract: The apparatus has an elongate and vertically running carrier (90) for pressure sensors (50), which precedes a group of levers (71 ). The cross section of this carrier (90) is arcuate, so that it has two flanks (93, 94 ). During the testing of a leg garment (80), this carrier (90) simulates the region of the shin. The apparatus has, furthermore, moldings or stays (88) which are carried by the levers and which simulate the rear face of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The width of these stays corresponds to the width of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The apparatus also comprises two longitudinally running groups (50) of pressure sensors, one of which is in each case assigned to outside of one of the flanks (93, 94) of the carrier (90). The leg garment (80) to be tested, in order to test it, is slipped over this apparatus in such a way that it lies on the outer faces both of the carrier (90) and of the stays and exerts pressure on the pressure sensors (51).

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal removal device enabling a footware item having a very short or very long upper from one or two moulds (28) side by side and at different heights with a normal inclination of the foot and a normal heel. The inventive device consists of two vertical belts (1) and (2) which pinch the foot of the item in order to extract it while remaining rotationally fixed with displacement according to the axis A-A? of the foot, in order to subsequently tilt the belt (38) with the aid of fingers (58) and (59). The rotation of the belts (1), (2), (38) and (66) and the simultaneous elevation of the fingers (58) and (59) at the same speed completes the removal of articles of any length without folds or tensing occurring. The inventive removal device is used, in particular, on machines which are used to form socks and tights.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically loading socks on forms (1) comprises a suction unit (20) at an inlet, a carousel (10) with several stations (2, 3, 4, 5), a positioning unit (30) of the sock (S), a tucking-up unit (40) and a pick-up robot (50). The carousel has intermediate supports (12) onto which can be put, partially or completely, the socks (S). The carousel (10) brings the intermediate supports (12) through successive stations (2, 3, 4, 5) up to a pick-up station (5), where an arm (52) is connected pivotally (55a) to a carriage sliding on an upright (53). Means are provided for translating (53a) vertically the carriage vertically upwards or downwards, along the upright (53), and for rotating (55a) integrally the arm (52) about said horizontal axis (55). Pick-up fingers (56) are provided at a first end (52b) of said arm (52) associated to means for opening (56a) and closing them.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic loading socks on forms (1) comprises a suction unit (20) at the entry, a carousel (10) with several stations, a sock positioning unit (30), a sock tucking up unit (40) and a withdrawing and loading robot (50). The carousel has heads (11) carrying elongated supports (12) on which socks (2) are put partially or completely. The heads (11) rotate integrally to the carousel (10) carrying the elongated supports (12) through four following stations and respectively a station at the entry (2) for opening the socks and putting them onto the elongated supports (12), a positioning station (3), a tucking up station (4) and a withdrawing station (5).

Abstract: A method and a device for stretching hosiery articles such as socks, knee socks and the like comprises a steaming form having a straight portion opposite a foot shape. The steaming form has a friction surface for engaging the band portion of a sock and means for varying the friction surface so as to engage the sock for steaming and release the sock after steaming. The friction surface generally comprises a plate having a plurality of holes, a plurality of retractable tangs that communicate with the holes, and means for reciprocating the retractable tangs with respect to the holes. In this manner the tangs are operatively arranged to hook the band portion of a sock when they protrude from the holes and leave the sock free to slide on the plate when they are retracted. The reciprocation between plate and sheet causes the movement of the tangs to protrude or to retract with respect to the holes.

Abstract: A sock (1) to be oriented is put random on an elongated support (3). Then a rotation about its own axis is given. In case the sock (1) has a heel (1b), notwithstanding it is elastically stretched on the support (3) this heel is visible since it forms a slight but relevant protrusion. In case the sock is tubular it is fully stretched on the support (3), but the seam of the foot is visible at the top of the support (3). Then during the rotation the passage of the heel (1b) is detected or the seam is detected by means of an optical sensor (4). While sock (1) is in rotation on the support (3), and then with it the protrusion (1b). An optical beam detects this protrusion (1b) or seam and stops the rotation of the sock. Once the sensor (4) has detected the heel (1b) or the seam, the rotation of the sock (1) is discontinued and the relative angular position is kept as reference position for following operations of finishing.

Abstract: A method for longitudinal orientation of tubular knitted elements such as socks (2), knee socks or the like, wherein a stretching step of the sock (2) is provided in a duct (3) of orientation with its two ends aligned longitudinally. Then, the position of an end that is either a tip portion (2′) or a band portion is detected by means of sensors (13). At the detecting step the sock (2) is conveyed in the duct (3) in a direction according to which the position is known of the band portion with respect to the tip portion (2′), whereby before the introduction of the sock (2) in a loading duct (3) a step is provided of inversion of the sock (2) if the band portion is not oriented in the chosen direction, or a step of rejection. The sock (2) is selectively conveyed in the duct (3) by an air flow in either direction. Also the preliminary stretching step of the sock (2) is carried out by an air flow after preliminary grasping first end thereof, whereby the second end engages the sensors.

Abstract: This method is applied in men stocking boarding units including an implement bearing several boarding shapes and suited to be led into a steam boarding chamber defined by two shells, movable with respect to each other into a mutual opening and closing position. The method provides for grasping the stocking inserted on a relevant boarding shape, in correspondence with the cuff of said stocking and on opposing sides of boarding shape itself, inside said boarding chamber, by means of opposing gripping means bound to shells of boarding chamber. Upon boarding unit shells closure, said gripping means are elastically deformed and stretch the stocking leg on the boarding shape to a preset length. The stocking leg is kept stretched during the boarding phase inside the boarding chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling textile articles, comprising means to engage a portion (30) of same articles in a station for the removal thereof and to operate the handling thereof in a predetermined direction (F) up to a station for either the unloading or the release thereof, characterized in that it comprises means (6), acting between said removal and handling means and said article portion (30) engaged by the latter, in order to move said article portion forward by rotating it in said direction (F) about a respective fold axis (u—u): said means (6) being in an active condition in correspondence of the unloading of the articles (3) and, respectively, in a rest condition in correspondence of the removal and handling thereof.

Abstract: A method and a device for stretching hosiery articles such as socks, knee socks and the like comprises a steaming form having a straight portion opposite a foot shape. The steaming form has a friction surface for engaging the band portion of a sock and means for varying the friction surface so as to engage the sock for steaming and release the sock after steaming. The friction surface generally comprises a plate having a plurality of holes, a plurality of retractable tangs that communicate with the holes, and means for reciprocating the retractable tangs with respect to the holes. In this manner the tangs are operatively arranged to hook the band portion of a sock when they protrude from the holes and leave the sock free to slide on the plate when they are retracted. The reciprocation between plate and sheet causes the movement of the tangs to protrude or to retract with respect to the holes.

Abstract: A method for longitudinal orientation of tubular knitted elements such as socks (2), knee socks or the like, wherein a stretching step of the sock (2) is provided in a duct (3) of orientation with its two ends aligned longitudinally. Then the position of an end that is either a tip portion (2′) or a band portion is detected by means of sensors (13). At the detecting step the sock (2) is conveyed in the duct (3) in a direction according to which the position is known of the band portion with respect to the tip portion (2′), whereby before the introduction of the sock (2) in a loading duct (3) a step is provided of inversion of the sock (2) if the band portion is not oriented in the chosen direction, or a step of rejection. The sock (2) is selectively conveyed in the duct (3) by an air flow in either one or in the other direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for the opening or stretching apart of one end (10) of a tubular article (1), comprising a body (T) of substantially tubular shape, with an entry section (I) of the end (10) of the articles (1) to be treated and communicating with air suction means, in which downstream of the section (I) a converging-diverging conduit (2) is provided downstream of which, at a predetermined distance, there is a pin member (3) on which the end (10) of the article is to be fitted by virtue of the suction and of the expansion or opening caused by its transit along the region (20) downstream of the conduit (2). The body (T) is made up of two portions separable with respect to a central longitudinal plane (x--x) at least in correspondence of the above mentioned pin member (3) to allow the removal of the article (1) with its end (10) in streteched condition. (FIG. 1).

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 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: 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: Apparatus for picking up and moving tubular articles such as knitted stockings, comprising:--pneumatic means for picking up at least one article from a heap or container;--pneumatic means for moving the thus picked-up article(s);--means positioned in a first stopping station for holding the most forward portion of at least one article;--optical means for detecting the article portion which results further away from said first stopping station and associated buffer means to operate the retention thereof at a second station located intermediate between the station for picking up the articles and the stopping station;--mechanical means for holding the article in correspondence of a portion thereof at a preset distance from the end thereof being retained in said second station;--means for assessing the thickness of the article end being retained in said second station. (FIG. 1A).

Abstract: A hosiery item spreading unit with pneumatic feed, usable with pneumatic hosiery item conveyance systems equipped with a centralized suction, comprising: a structure which forms an elongated spreading chamber arranged with its longitudinal axis substantially horizontal and provided, at its longitudinal ends, respectively with a first opening, connected to a duct for feeding the hosiery item to be spread, and with a second opening, connected to a suction duct which can be connected to suction means; the spreading chamber being closed, in a downward region, by a door which can be opened on command to remove the spread hosiery item and containing also elements for gripping a longitudinal end of the hosiery item which are spaced from the first opening towards the second opening.

Abstract: An automatic boarding machine and method provides convenience, precision and efficiency of operation. Boarding forms are horizontally positioned for easy loading and ergonomic advantage. Microprocessor controls allow variable speed and cycle times while independent temperature controls permit precise temperature adjustments for a series of thermal pressers. The boarding machine is configured to provide space saving circular movement of a plurality of forms which pass sequentially through a moisture treatment, heated presses, and an unloader. The processed hosiery is then stacked on a conveyor, and excess yarn ends are removed by an electrical trimmer. A control panel allows the operator to change and adjust all phases of the operation easily and quickly to insure uniformity of the finished product.

Abstract: Improved stocking-holder shape comprising two contouring flat elements that can be stretched apart under control, wherein each of said flat elements is provided, in correspondence of the respective outer side, with a flexible and elastic body which has one end fixed, at the level of the front portion of the flat element, while the other end is free, so as to allow for the elastic yielding thereof and the movement of said free end close to the side of the flat part, during the stretching apart of the flat elements, owing to the action exerted by the fabric of the stocking. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method of folding women's tights on a hose shaping machine, whereby the tights are fitted onto respective pairs of tubular forms fitted to a carousel conveyor and set to a parted position in which the forms substantially lie in the same vertical plane; at least one of the forms is rotated to bring the forms together into a facing position in parallel planes; in time with the rotation of the forms into the facing position, a first tensioning member operates on the front of the body of the tights, in an intermediate plane between the forms, to slide the body in relation to the forms and form a center fold in the body; and a second tensioning member operates on the rear of the body, in the intermediate plane between the forms, to form an opposite center fold in the body.

Abstract: An integrated automated manufacturing system for finishing individual garments is provided. The system includes a conveyor system, a fixture constructed for movement on the conveyor in a predetermined orientation, a form mounted on the fixture for holding a garment for finishing in a predetermined fixed orientation relative to the fixture, and finishing stations to which the conveyor carries garments mounted on the fixtures. The fixture mounted form can be inflatable so that the garment mounted thereon can be inflated to its fully extended, three-dimensional form, and the finishing station can include a blower to inflate the form prior to the initiation of a finishing step. The finishing stations can include robot-manipulated tools, such as spray guns or abrasive wheels, for applying chemical or mechanical finishes to selected areas of the fixture mounted garment, washing and drying of the garments, automated garment inspection, or the application of tags and labels to the garments.

Abstract: A method for mounting pantyhose blanks which enables a pair of pantyhose blanks to be efficiently and accurately mounted on a stretch holder member of a crotch sewing machine employed in pantyhose sewing. Panty portions of a pair of pantyhose blanks are inserted on a pair of upper and lower insertion plates at a first position. At a second position, the panty portions are shifted widthwise on the respective insertion plates so that a cutting site at which the panty portions are to be cut is positioned in alignment with a center line extending across the insertion plate pair. At a third position, the panty portions are drawn so that run guard portions are set in position on the respective insertion plates; the panty portions are stretched in opposite lateral directions by a pair of pawls which act as a transfer member and are held as such before they are withdrawn from the insertion plate pair, the panty portions being then mounted on the stretch holder member of the crotch sewing machine.

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: Apparatus for automatically stretching a tubular knitted article slipped on a support shape, comprising:--a device for picking up a limited portion of the article (4) fabric in correspondence of a side edge of the shape (5), holding said article and finally releasing it by way of an elastic, flat-nose, normally closed gripper (1);--a pneumatic cylinder (2) having a horizontal axis and its rod fixed to the base of said gripper (1) to allow it to be moved from and to the shape (5); --a cam (3) having double straight profile to operate the activation, that is, the opening and respectively the closing of said gripper (1) in cooperation with two pivots each of which is idly fitted into a corresponding jaw of the gripper (1) so as to result sideway projecting therefrom and thus engaging a relevant profile of the cam (3) during the activation of the gripper (1): the cam (3) being interposed between the gripper (1) activating cylinder (2) and the stocking (4) supporting shape (5);--an abutment element (6) interposed

Abstract: A feeder for guiding stockings in a looping machine includes a mechanism for rapid adjustment of the opening width between two mutually facing guide bars provided with two horizontal mutually parallel rods loaded by respective springs pressing the rods against an actuating element mounted rotatably about a horizontal axis running perpendicular to the rods and provided with an angularly displaceable grip for displacing the rods and one of the guide bars connected fixedly therewith toward and away from the other guide bar.

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: 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: Arranged for positioning within a waist portion of a garment, the apparatus includes first and second plate members arranged for retraction and projection relative to one another, having a cam plate intermediate the first and second plates to effect the expansion and contraction of the plates.

Abstract: A process and a device for smoothing tubular, extensible material with at least one closed end, especially for shaping stockings or tights, is described, with at least one apparatus to feed in and stretch the material on an elongated stretcher being provided, also with at least one apparatus to heat the material on the stretcher, such that the apparatus for feeding in and stretching the material has a gathering fixture to pre-gather the material and a stretching apparatus that has gripper elements to transfer the gathered-up material from the gathering fixture, that can be moved along the elongated stretcher in order to slip the gathered material onto the stretcher. This arrangement guarantees particularly gentle handling of the material, and uniform stretching on 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: A method and apparatus for finishing socks is disclosed which utilizes a boarding or blocking machine of the type having a plurality of sock boarding (blocking) forms which are movable within a track. Socks to be block (boarded) are applied to the boarding forms with a free yarn end or string still attached to each sock. Clipping assemblies are mounted on either side of the track in position to automatically sever the extending string as each boarding form moves past the clipping assemblies. A vacuum system is associated with each clipping assembly to continuously remove the severed strings and other loose materials resulting from the clipping operations. By employing the clipping asemblies in combination with and in association with the boarding machine, the previously required, separate, string severing operations can be eliminated.

Abstract: A device for displaying panty hose comprises a hollow body formed from front and back portions joined together. The front and back portions include outer surfaces contoured to simulate a human trunk and abdomen. The hollow body is somewhat flattened so that the distance between the outer surfaces of the front and back portions is less than the depth of a human trunk and abdomen. Desirably, the body includes flattened areas at its bottom resembling truncated legs. A mounting stand is formed as a basin-like bowl with a hollow into which the flattened areas of the body fit. The mounting stand also includes pockets for receiving the legs of a pair of panty hose.

Abstract: Pantihose garments are mounted on a card for purpose of display or sale, the card being inserted into one leg of the pantihose and parts of the pantihose unsupported by the card are folded and disposed to one side of the card-supported part of the leg. Exemplary machinery for so assembling the pantihose and card comprises a boarding machine which has a flat support with two support limbs for the pantihose legs; a dispenser places a card on one of the limbs and the pantihose is pulled waistband first onto the support and thereafter is pulled from the support toes first; the card slips from the limb as the pantihose is pulled off the support and is retained inside the pantihose leg which is stretched flat upon the card therein. Subsequently the pantihose is folded as aforesaid.

Abstract: A display form for displaying clothing, shoes or jewelry. A first display member for supporting suitable articles is in the form of either a hand or a foot. A second display member for supporting suitable articles is also in the form of either a hand or a foot. A support member coupled between the first and second display members supports the first and second display members in spaced separation.

Abstract: The hosiery article is drawn onto a sizing form having uniformly shaped openings positioned in several spaced locations therealong and underlying the hosiery article positioned on the form. The sizing form is dimensioned and shaped to maintain the hosiery article under substantially the same tensioned condition the hosiery article would be placed under during wear by a person having a particular size foot and leg. A hand-held tension gauge is then positioned against the area of the hosiery article overlying the openings in the sizing form to measure the tension in various locations along the length of the hosiery article supported on the sizing form to determine if the hosiery article is of the proper designated size.

Abstract: A shaping machine which is provided for the shaping of panty hose and other hosiery articles includes two substantially vertically extending elongated blades. A motor driven belt drive extends along each of the longitudinal lateral edges of the blades. Each of these belt drives includes at least one endless belt which has a run that projects beyond the blades in such a manner that the contour of this belt run delimits the contour of the blades at their longitudinal sides. The directions of movement of the belt drives are chosen in such a manner that the outer runs of the respective belts move upwardly in the pulling-on position of the blades and downwardly in the pulling-off positions of the blades. The front one of the blades additionally includes a holding arrangement for insert sheets, the holding arrangement being supplied with the insert sheets by a supply device which is arranged laterally next to the blades on the machine frame.

Abstract: A hosiery display device has a plurality of stocking forms mounted on a support housing such that the stocking forms are arrayed in a fan-like configuration. The thigh ends of the stocking forms are scalloped, and these are then held onto a keyed shaft by associated disc-like positioning members which have interengaging peripheral scalloping. The support housing is formed of two identical mating support housing halves, which support the shaft and are held together by the same.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring hosiery from a toe-closing machine to a hosiery boarding machine is disclosed which enables the labor content of hosiery production to be reduced. The hosiery is mechanically removed from the toe-closing machine and supported upon a transfer form at its welt end. The hosiery is then stretched and driven fully onto the transfer form. Thereafter a hosiery boarding form is inserted into the foot end of the hosiery to draw the hosiery thereonto while simultaneously turning it.

Abstract: A stocking display device having a plurality of stocking forms mounted on a support in such a manner that each form can be moved into a number of different angular positions whereby a fan-like arrangement of the forms can be achieved. The support for the forms includes positive locking means to securely hold each stocking form in the angularly adjusted position into which it has been moved.

Abstract: A method of handling hosiery after the hosiery has been stripped from a form is disclosed and comprises the steps of: (a) transferring hosiery one at a time from a stripping mechanism to an accumulating mechanism; (b) vertically suspending the hosiery from the accumulating mechanism; (c) straightening the hosiery by contacting the hosiery, while it is vertically suspended from the accumulating mechanism, with a stroking element and moving the stroking element over a portion of the hosiery's length; (d) accumulating a desired number of hosiery in the accumulating mechanism by performing steps (a), (b) and (c) for the desired number; and (e) transferring the desired number from the accumulator mechanism by releasing the accumulated hosiery from the accumulator mechanism when the stroking element is in contact with the accumulated hosiery intermediate its length so that the accumulated hosiery folds over the stroking element, and moving the stroking element to a hosiery transfer location.

Abstract: This apparatus automatically relocates the stocking toe part correctly on a setting frame prior to steam setting when the toe part is misplaced. The apparatus essentially comprises a pair of relocating members and a seam locator: the relocating members hold the stocking toe part together with a setting frame from both sides; the seam locator, essentially composed of a number of electrodes and a sheet of piezoelectric conductive rubber, locates a misplaced seam line by its protrusion on the setting frame and causes the relocating members to slip the seam line transversally to a certain extent on the setting frame so as to correct its position. Thus the magnitude of slip is determined by the relative position of the seam line and by one of the electrodes which has sensed the protrusion of the seam line so that the apparatus may automatically relocate the stocking toe part correctly on the setting frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid loading of pantyhoses onto a stocking finishing medium having a pneumatic reversing mechanism including two tubes for receiving the legs of the pantyhoses. The apparatus includes a carrousel structure including at least two intermittently rotating radially arranged arms, each of the arms including a support for a panty portion of the pantyhoses, prongs to engage an elastic edge portion of the panty portion for opening thereof and stretching it into a generally rectangular configuration, removing the panty portion from the support and superimposing the panty portion on the tubes, then reversing the panty portion thereon while the pneumatic reversing mechanism draws the legs into the tubes. A track extends radially from the center of the carrousel towards the outer periphery thereof, and a carriage moves the prongs with the pantyhose thereon from the support to the tubes.

Abstract: Hosiery manufacturing equipment comprises a line closer (L) and a toe closer (T) which are linked by a hose transfer mechanism (M) consisting of two conveyors (30, 31) which overlap in a region between the closers (L, T). The conveyors have respective hose holders (39, 40) which coact in the overlap region so that hose carried by the first holder (39) are stripped therefrom and taken over by the second holder (40) which ultimately mounts the hose on the toe closer (T); the first holder is responsible for stripping the hose from the line closer (L) and for rotating the hose through a predetermined angle which is related to a difference in angular attitude between respective hose supports (10, 16) of the two closers (L, T).

Abstract: Hosiery toe closing and boarding apparatus has a pair of heatable boarding forms to which hose are fed by a reciprocally-acting transfer mechanism from carriers of a known toe closing machine. The boarding forms are mounted to a turret to move between hose-receiving and hose-discharging positions respectively associated with wind-on and wind-off rollers. At their ends remote from the toe closing machine the boarding forms are interconnected by a hinge with a rotatably-drivable hinge pin for causing one form to swing into a superposed, registered position over the other form immediately prior to discharge of the hose from the boarding apparatus.