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EP 2 240 636 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
(45) |
Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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07.09.2011 Bulletin 2011/36 |
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Date of filing: 23.01.2009 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC):
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International application number: |
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PCT/EP2009/050808 |
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International publication number: |
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WO 2009/095362 (06.08.2009 Gazette 2009/32) |
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NEEDLE FOR TRANSFERRING STITCHES FROM THE NEEDLE ITSELF TO ADJACENT NEEDLES FOR KNITTING
MACHINES FOR HOSIERY OR THE LIKE
NADEL ZUR ÜBERTRAGUNG VON MASCHEN VON DER NADEL SELBST AUF BENACHBARTE NADELN IN STRUMPFSTRICKMASCHINEN
ODER ÄHNLICHEM
AIGUILLE PERMETTANT DE TRANSFÉRER DES MAILLES DE LADITE AIGUILLE À DES AIGUILLES ADJACENTES
POUR UN MÈTIER À TRICOTER DES BAS OU ANALOGUE
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(84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
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AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO
PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
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Priority: |
28.01.2008 IT MI20080123
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Date of publication of application: |
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20.10.2010 Bulletin 2010/42 |
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Proprietor: SANTONI S.p.A. |
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25135 Brescia (IT) |
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Inventors: |
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- LONATI, Ettore
I-25080 Botticino (IT)
- LONATI, Tiberio
I-25121 Brescia (IT)
- LONATI, Fausto
I-25128 Brescia (IT)
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Representative: Modiano, Micaela Nadia et al |
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Dr. Modiano & Associati SpA
Via Meravigli 16 20123 Milano 20123 Milano (IT) |
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References cited: :
WO-A-2007/057041
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US-A- 2 997 865
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
|
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a needle for transferring stitches from said needle
to adjacent needles for knitting machines for hosiery or the like.
Background Art
[0002] In the field of knitting machines for hosiery or the like, needles are known which
are provided in order to allow to transfer a stitch or loop of knitting from one needle
to an adjacent needle arranged in the same bed.
[0003] One of these needles is shown, for example, in
WO-02/070799. A needle of this kind allows to transfer the stitch exclusively onto the needle
that is arranged on one side of the needle that has to release the stitch.
[0004] WO2007/057041 by the same Applicant, assumed included herein as reference, illustrates a needle
that is capable of transferring, according to the requirements, the stitch onto the
needle that is arranged on one side or to the needle that is arranged on the opposite
side of the needle that has to release the stitch.
[0005] Substantially, the needle according to
WO2007/057041 comprises: a shank, a head arranged at a longitudinal or upper end of the shank,
and a latch that is hinged to the shank proximate to the head, about a pivoting axis
that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shank and rotatable
about said pivoting axis in order to open or close the head. The needle comprises
at least one elastically flexible lamina, which is associated with the shank and defines,
on the two opposite sides of the shank, below the latch, two receptacles, one for
each side of the shank. It is possible to insert in each of these receptacles the
head of an adjacent needle in order to transfer the loop of knitting, carried by the
shank and arranged at the receptacles, from said needle to the adjacent needle. More
particularly, the lamina has, on each side of the needle, a portion that can flex
elastically from an inactive position, in which it is flattened against the corresponding
side of the shank of the needle, to an active position, in which it is spaced from
the corresponding side of the shank of the needle, so as to define the receptacle
in which the needle designed to receive the stitch or loop of knitting must be inserted.
[0006] The transition of the elastically flexible portions of the lamina from the inactive
position to the active position, in this type of needle, is obtained simply by means
of the elastic reaction of the elastically flexible portions of the lamina, which
in the absence of forces that act thereon are shaped so as to be in the active position.
Substantially, the transition to the active position of the elastically flexible portions
of the lamina occurs as a consequence of the elastic reaction of the elastically flexible
portions when the needle is in such a position that the sides of the slots of the
needle holder that accommodate the needle or the sinkers do not hinder the free passage
of the elastically flexible portions of the lamina into the active position. The passage
of the elastically flexible portions of the lamina from the active position to the
inactive position occurs as a consequence of the movement of the needle along its
longitudinal axis with respect to said slots of the machine, whose sides, by engaging
the elastically flexible portions, cause their flexing toward the corresponding side
of the shank of the needle.
[0007] Such needle, during testing, has proved to be susceptible of improvements aimed mainly
at increasing its possibilities of actuation as regards the transition of the elastically
flexible portions of the lamina from the inactive position to the active position
or vice versa and the reduction of the stresses of the lamina and of the loop of knitting
to be transferred.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0008] The aim of the present invention is to provide a needle for transferring stitches
from said needle to adjacent needles for knitting machines for hosiery or the like
in which it is possible to actuate, according to the requirements, the transition
of the elastically flexible portions of the lamina from the inactive position to the
active position or vice versa even independently of the adjacent elements of the machine.
[0009] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a needle that reduces the
stresses on the stitch or loop of knitting to be transferred and on the portions of
the needle that actuate the transfer of the stitch or loop of knitting.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a needle that ensures high reliability
in transferring the stitch or loop of knitting.
[0011] Still another object of the invention is to provide a needle that is highly versatile
in use.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a needle that can have a reduced thickness,
so as to allow its use on high-fineness machines, particularly in machines with more
than 12 needles per inch.
[0013] This aim, as well as these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter,
are achieved by a needle for transferring stitches from said needle to adjacent needles
for knitting machines for hosiery or the like according to claim 1.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0014] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent
from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the needle according
to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the needle according to the invention, with the
elastically flexible portions of the lamina in the active position;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the needle according to the invention, with the
elastically flexible portions of the lamina in the inactive position;
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a portion of the needle cylinder of a circular knitting
machine, extended flat and equipped with needles according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the release of a loop of knitting from one needle
to the adjacent needle;
Figure 5 is a front elevation view of the release of a loop of knitting from one needle
to an adjacent needle.
Ways of carrying out the Invention
[0015] With reference to the figures, the needle according to the invention, generally designated
by the reference numeral 1, comprises: a shank 2, which has an elongated shape, a
head 3, and a latch 4.
[0016] The head 3 is arranged at a longitudinal end or upper end of the shank 2 and is shaped
like a hook that is open toward the front side of the shank 2, in a manner similar
to known types of needles.
[0017] The latch 4 is hinged to the shank 2 proximate to the head 3, about a pivoting axis
4a that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shank 2, and
rotatable about the pivoting axis 4a to open or close the head 3, as in known types
of needles.
[0018] The shank 2 has, along its extension, on its front side and proximate to its longitudinal
end, or lower end, that lies opposite with respect to the head 3, at least one heel
5, which protrudes from its front side and can engage, in a per se known manner, the
needle actuation cams provided in the knitting machine for hosiery or the like on
which the needle 1 is to be fitted.
[0019] The needle according to the invention comprises at least one lamina 6a, 6b, which
is connected to the shank 2 and has, on each of the two opposite sides 7a, 7b of the
shank 2, below the latch 4, a portion 8a, 8b, which is elastically flexible from an
inactive position, in which it is close to the corresponding side 7a or 7b of the
shank 2, as shown in particular in Figure 2, to an active position, in which it is
spaced from the corresponding side 7a or 7b of the shank 2, as shown in particular
in Figure 1. In the active position, said portion 8a, 8b widens the loop of knitting
9 fitted on the shank 2 at said portion 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b and, in the space
comprised between the portion 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b and the corresponding side
7a, 7b of the shank 2, when the portion 8a, 8b is in the active position, it is possible
to insert the head 3 of an adjacent needle 1b to pick up the loop of knitting 9 by
means of said adjacent needle 1b, as will become better apparent hereinafter.
[0020] The lamina 6a, 6b has at least one actuation region 31a, 31b, which can be engaged
by actuation means to transfer or maintain the elastically flexible portions 8a, 8b
of the lamina 6a, 6b in the inactive position or transfer or keep the elastically
flexible portions 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b in the active position.
[0021] More particularly, the lamina 6a, 6b is preferably fixed, by means of a portion thereof
that is arranged externally with respect to the elastically flexible portion 8a, 8b,
to the shank 2 and the actuation region 31a, 31 b can move with respect to the shank
2 in order to actuate or allow the passage of the elastically flexible portions 8a,
8b of the lamina 6a, 6b from the active position to the inactive position or vice
versa.
[0022] Preferably, the lamina 6a, 6b is fixed, at its longitudinal end directed toward the
head 3, to the shank 2, and the actuation region 31a, 31b can move with respect to
the shank 2, along a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank
2, for actuating the transfer of the elastically flexible portions 8a, 8b of the lamina
6a, 6b from the active position to the inactive position or vice versa.
[0023] Conveniently, the longitudinal end of the lamina 6a, 6b that is directed toward the
head 3 is fixed to the shank 2 in a region that is located forward with respect to
the head 3. Substantially, the upper end of the lamina 6a, 6b is fixed to the shank
2 in a region that is shifted forward with respect to the position of the head 3.
[0024] The actuation region 31a, 31b comprises at least one heel 32a, 32b, which lies proximate
to the longitudinal end of the lamina 6a, 6b that lies opposite the one that is fixed
to the shank 2 and protrudes from the front side of the shank 2.
[0025] The actuation means comprise at least one cam 33, which can face the needle holder
40 of the machine that must be equipped with the needles according to the invention.
Said cam 33 defines a path that can be engaged by the heel 32a, 32b and is contoured
so as to move the heel 32a, 32b along a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the shank 2 with respect to the shank 2.
[0026] The lamina 6a, 6b can be constituted by a single lamina, which is fixed, at its upper
end directed toward the head 3, to the shank 2 and splits in two on the two sides
7a, 7b of the shank 2, forming the two elastically flexible portions 8a, 8b.
[0027] Preferably, instead of a single lamina there are two separate laminas 6a, 6b arranged
side by side which have, on each side 7a, 7b of the shank 2, a corresponding portion
8a, 8b that can flex elastically toward or away from the corresponding side 7a, 7b
of the shank 2. Each one of the two laminas 6a, 6b is fixed, at its upper end 12a,
12b, to the shank 2 and has, proximate to its opposite longitudinal end, or lower
end, a corresponding heel 32a, 32b, which protrudes from the front side of the shank
2 and can engage the cam 33.
[0028] Each portion 8a, 8b can flex elastically toward the corresponding side 7a, 7b of
the shank 2 in contrast with its elastic reaction so as to move, in the absence of
forces acting thereon, into the active position.
[0029] More particularly, each lamina 6a, 6b comprises: a lower region 20a, 20b, which lies
on a plane that is parallel to the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the shank 2; an intermediate
region, which constitutes the portion 8a, 8b; and an upper region, which constitutes
the upper end 12a, 12b of the lamina 6a, 6b and is fixed to the corresponding side
7a, 7b of the shank 2.
[0030] The lower region 20a, 20b of the laminas 6a, 6b is accommodated, so that it can slide
along a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank 2, in a longitudinal
slot 34 that is formed in the shank 2 and is open at the front to allow the exit of
the heels 32a, 32b.
[0031] The heel 32a of a lower region 20a of the lamina 6a is spaced from the heel 32b of
the lower region 20b of the other lamina 6b along a direction that is parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the shank 2.
[0032] The intermediate region, which constitutes the portion 8a, 8b that can flex elastically
toward and away from the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the shank 2, is preferably constituted,
starting from its lower end connected to the lower region 20a, 20b of the corresponding
lamina 6a, 6b and in the absence of forces acting thereon: by a first segment 13a,
13b, which is folded away from the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the shank 2; by a
second segment 14a, 14b, which is substantially parallel to the corresponding side
7a, 7b of the shank 2; and by a third segment 15a, 15b, which is folded toward the
corresponding side 7a, 7b of the shank 2 and is connected to the upper region or end
12a, 12b of the lamina 6a, 6b.
[0033] Each portion 8a, 8b has, on its front side, a front protrusion 16a, 16b that defines,
with its upper profile, a supporting shoulder 17a, 17b for the loop of knitting 9.
Preferably, said front protrusion 16a, 16b is provided on the front side of the second
segment 14a, 14b of the portion 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b proximate to the third
segment 15a, 15b.
[0034] Advantageously, each portion 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b has a region that can be
superimposed laterally, on the opposite side with respect to its corresponding side
7a, 7b of the shank 2, on the head 3 of an adjacent needle 1a, 1b inserted in the
space comprises between the portion 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b, in the active position,
and the corresponding side 7a, 7b of the shank 2. Preferably, said region is constituted
by a rear protrusion 18a, 18b, which extends from the rear side of the second segment
14a, 14b of the portion 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b. Said rear protrusion 18a, 18b
can engage by resting against the head 3 of the adjacent needle 1a, 1b.
[0035] Conveniently, the first segment 13a, 13b of the portion 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a,
6b, at least proximate to the second segment 14a, 14b of the portion 8a, 8b of the
lamina 6a, 6b, is located forward with respect to the head 3, so as to define an abutment
for the latch of an adjacent needle during the transfer of the loop of knitting 9,
as will become better apparent hereinafter.
[0036] The third segment 15a, 15b, at least proximate to the upper end 12a, 12b of the corresponding
lamina 6a, 6b, fixed to the corresponding side of the shank 2, is located in front
of the head 3.
[0037] The region of the needle 1 that is occupied by the portions 8a, 8b of the laminas
6a, 6b has, along the anteroposterior direction, an increased space occupation toward
the front side of the needle with respect to the contiguous regions of the shank 2.
[0038] Advantageously, the shank 2, between the latch 4 and the end of the portion 8a, 8b
of the lamina 6a, 6b that is directed toward the head 3, has a region 10 for blending
the shank 2 with the portion 8a, 8b of the lamina 6a, 6b.
[0039] The blending region 10 is shaped like a wedge that tapers toward the head 3.
[0040] The blending region 10 has a front face 10c, which is inclined with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the shank 2 so as to blend the region occupied by the portions
8a, 8b of the laminas 6a, 6b with the segment of the shank 2 that is arranged above.
[0041] Said front face 10c of the blending region 10 has a curved lower segment that blends
it with its base side.
[0042] Moreover, the blending region 10 is delimited laterally by sides 10a, 10b that are
shaped, at least for a segment starting from their upper end, like a plane that is
inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank 2 and move mutually closer
progressively toward the head 3.
[0043] Conveniently, the lower end of the blending region 10 is wider than the distance
between the two opposite sides 7a, 7b of the shank 2 in regions that are contiguous
to the blending region 10.
[0044] The upper end 12a, 12b of each lamina 6a, 6b, i.e., the end that is directed toward
the head 3, is fixed to the blending region 10 proximate its base.
[0045] Preferably, the cam 33 can engage selectively the heel 32a or the heel 32b, so as
to cause the transition from the active position to the inactive position of the portion
8a or of the portion 8b of the lamina 6a or 6b, which is located on the opposite side
7a or 7b of the shank 2 with respect to the side directed toward the adjacent needle
to which the loop of knitting is to be released, independently of the position of
the portion 8b or 8a of the other lamina 6b, or 6a.
[0046] This can be achieved by providing two separate cams 33, which are arranged so that
one engages only the heel 32a and the other one engages only the heel 32b and are
located in two different regions of the machine and can be used depending on whether
one wishes to transfer the loop of knitting to a needle arranged on one side or to
a needle arranged on the opposite side of the needle that carries said loop of knitting.
[0047] As an alternative, as shown, it is possible to provide a single cam 33 that faces
the side of the needle holder 40 of the machine from which the heels 32a, 32b protrude
and can move on command along a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the shank 2 with respect to the needle 1, so as to engage the heel 32a or the heel
32b. In Figure 3, the cam 33 has been shown in solid lines in the position in which
it can engage the heel 32a and in dashed lines in the position in which it can engage
the heel 32b.
[0048] Also as an alternative, it is possible to provide two cams 33 arranged in the two
positions that can be occupied by the single cam described above and can move on command
toward or away from the needle holder 40 to engage or respectively not engage the
heel 32a or the heel 32b, so as to use only the cam that produce the transition from
the active position to the inactive position of the portion 8a or 8b of the lamina
6a or of the lamina 6b that is located toward the adjacent needle that must not receive
the loop of knitting.
[0049] The profile of the cam or cams 33 is contoured in relation to the profile of the
needle actuation cams that engage the heel 5 of the needles so as to cause, during
the process for the release of the loop of knitting from the needle 1 to an adjacent
needle, a movement of the heel 32a or 32b toward the longitudinal end of the shank
2 that lies opposite the head 3 with respect to the shank 2. This can occur both while
the needle I is stationary and while it is being moved longitudinally with respect
to the needle holder 40.
[0050] By equipping a knitting machine for hosiery or the like with needles according to
the invention and by providing for them an actuation as described hereafter, it is
possible to transfer directly stitches or loops of knitting 9 from one needle 1 to
a needle 1a or 1b that is adjacent and arranged laterally, on either side, with respect
to the needle 1, without requiring additional elements that pick up the stitch or
loop of knitting 9.
[0051] For the sake of greater clarity, the needles that are adjacent to the needle 1, which
must release the stitch or loop of knitting 9, have been designated by the reference
numerals 1a, 1b, but can be provided, as shown, like the needle 1 described up to
now.
[0052] The description of the execution of the transfer of a loop of knitting 9 from a needle
1 to an adjacent needle 1b is given, for the sake of greater clarity, with reference
to a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like, assuming that the needles
between which the loop of knitting 9 is transferred are located in the needle cylinder
that constitutes the needle holder 40 of the machine, without altering the fact that
the needle according to the invention can also be used in the dial of circular machines
with cylinder and dial, or, more generally, on single- and two-bed rectilinear and
circular machines.
[0053] In the description that follows, which will reference Figures 3, 4 and 5, it is assumed
that the needle 1, arranged between the needles 1b, 1a, is the needle that carries
the loop of knitting 9 and must release it to the adjacent needle 1b, while the other
needle 1a, arranged on the opposite side with respect to the needle 1b relative to
the needle 1, is not affected by the release of the loop of knitting 9. The needle
1 is referenced hereinafter also as "releasing needle", the needle 1b is also referenced
as "receiving needle" and the needle 1a is also referenced as "inactive needle".
[0054] To transfer the loop of knitting 9 from one needle 1 to an adjacent needle 1b, the
needle 1, after forming the loop of knitting 9 and after knocking over the loop of
knitting formed previously, is raised, by means of the needle actuation cams with
which its heel 5 engages, so as to protrude for a segment above the knitting formation
plane 21, which, as is known, is formed by the sinkers, not shown for the sake of
simplicity, which retain the loops of knitting 9 that have just been formed. The extent
of the lifting of the needle 1, which must release the loop of knitting 9, is such
as to bring the portion 8a, 8b of the laminas 6a, 6b at the knitting formation plane
21 and extract the portion 8a, 8b completely from the region that is occupied by the
so-called "strips" that delimit laterally the seats, constituted by axial slots of
the lateral surface of the needle cylinder 40, in which the needles slide. In this
manner, the laminas 6a, 6b, first pressed against the shank 2 of the releasing needle
1 by the presence of the strips, can move away by elastic reaction from the shank
2 with their portion 8a, 8b. The heel 32a of the lamina 6a, which is the lamina directed
toward the inactive needle 1a, engages the cam 33, which by causing a movement of
said heel 32a toward the end of the shank 2 that lies opposite the head 3 with respect
to said shank 2, causes the passage of the portion 8a of the lamina 6a from the active
position to the inactive position, if the portion 8a has previously moved into the
active position, or prevents the portion 8a of the lamina 6a from reaching the active
position.
[0055] In this manner, when the releasing needle 1 arranges itself with the supporting shoulder
17a, 17b proximate to the knitting formation plane 21, only the portion 8b is in the
active position. As a consequence of the lifting of the releasing needle 1, the shank
2 of the needle 1 slides within the loop of knitting 9, which, being crossed first
by the blending region 10 and then by the portion 8a, 8b of the laminas 6a, 6b up
to the supporting shoulder 17a, 17b, is widened progressively in a manner suitable
to be crossed by the receiving needle 1b. In this step, the presence of the blended
region 10 ensures a gradual widening of the loop of knitting 9, avoiding excessive
stresses both of the loop and of the laminas 6a, 6b.
[0056] Moreover, by virtue of the fact that only the portion 8b of the lamina 6b passes
into the active position, the widening of the loop of knitting 9 is reduced to the
minimum extent indispensable to allow it to be crossed by the receiving needle 1b
and therefore the excessive stresses of the knitting and of the laminas 6a, 6b are
reduced further.
[0057] At this point, the receiving needle 1b, onto which the loop of knitting 9 is to be
transferred, is moved upwardly with respect to the releasing needle 1, so as to insert
its open head 3 in the space comprised between the portion 8b and the shank 2 of the
releasing needle 1. It should be noted that the receiving needle 1b, in this lifting,
is arranged with its head 3 between the rear protrusion 18b and the side 7b of the
shank 2 of the releasing needle 1. By virtue of this fact, the receiving needle 1b
prevents the portion 8b of the lamina 6b from being flattened completely by the loop
of knitting 9 against the side 7b of the shank 2 of the releasing needle 1 and the
first segment 13b defines a front abutment that prevents the latch 4 of the receiving
needle 1b from rotating about the axis 4a, assuredly keeping open the latch 4 of the
receiving needle 1b.
[0058] Subsequently, after completing the lifting of the receiving needle 1b until its head
3 lies above the knitting formation plane 21 and therefore above the loop of knitting
9 to be engaged, the releasing needle 1 is lowered and the receiving needle 1b is
lifted, preferably to the position that corresponds to the held-stitch position.
[0059] The descent of the releasing needle 1 moves the receiving needle 1b so that it protrudes
with its head upwardly from the portion 8b of the lamina 6b. Moreover, the descent
of the needle 1 causes the loop of knitting 9, arranged around the laminas 6a, 6b,
to slide along the third segment 15b of the portion 8b, moving it toward the shank
2 and bringing it into the head of the receiving needle 1b.
[0060] It should be noted that since the upper end 12b of the lamina 6b is fixed to the
shank 2 of the releasing needle 1 in a region located in front of the head 3, the
head 3 of the receiving needle 1b can protrude upwardly from the portion 8b of the
lamina 6b without interfering with the upper end 12b of the lamina 6b of the releasing
needle 1. In this manner, the wear of the head 3 of the receiving needle 1b and of
the lamina 6b of the releasing needle 1 is also reduced significantly.
[0061] When, in its descent, the releasing needle 1 has moved with its latch 4 beyond the
loop of knitting 9, which is in the head 3 of the receiving needle 1b and causes the
closure of the head 3 of the releasing needle 1 by the latch 4, the two needles 1
and 1b can be lowered together below the knitting formation plane 21. During this
lowering, the portion 8b of the lamina 6b, by engaging the side of the slots of the
needle holder 40 that accommodate the needle 1, is returned to the inactive position.
[0062] Figure 3 shows the actuation sequence, in the direction indicated by the arrow 30,
of groups of two needles 1, 1b. In this figure, for the sake of simplicity, the needles
have been all shown with the corresponding latch 4 open, without altering the fact
that the latch 4 will be open or closed on the head 3 of the needles depending on
the operating conditions of the needles.
[0063] It should be noted that the presence of the supporting shoulder 17a, 17b allows to
transfer loops of knitting 9 also above the knitting formation plane 21, since said
supporting shoulder 17a, 17b achieves by itself the correct positioning of the loop
of knitting 9 to transferred, avoiding its descent along the shank 2 of the releasing
needle 1.
[0064] In this case, the passage of the portion 8b of the lamina 6b from the active position
to the inactive position after the transfer of the loop of knitting 9 can be achieved
following the descent of the releasing needle 1 with respect to the receiving needle
1b, since the first segment 13b of the portion 8b of the lamina 6b engages the side
10a of the blending region 10 of the receiving needle 1b.
[0065] In order to transfer the loop of knitting 9 not to the adjacent needle 1b arranged
to the right of the needle I but to the adjacent needle arranged to the left in the
figures, it is sufficient to actuate said needle arranged to the left as described
above with reference to the receiving needle 1b and reverse the actuation of the laminas
6a, 6b by means of the action of the cam 33.
[0066] Of course, if the needles according to the invention are used in a dial of a machine
with cylinder and dial, the needles are moved radially outward instead of being raised
and radially inward instead of being lowered.
[0067] The adaptation of the movements to be imparted to the needles according to the invention
with reference to the machine on which they are mounted can be derived in any case
straightforwardly on the basis of the explanation given above with reference to a
single-bed circular machine.
[0068] The particular structure of the needle according to the invention allows to provide
said needle with a reduced thickness, such as to allow its use in machines with high
fineness (higher than 18 needles per inch).
[0069] Moreover, the use of needles according to the invention with the possibility to transfer
the stitches on either side of the needles on machines that can be actuated with an
alternating motion allows to produce items of knitting with knitted regions of any
shape with increasing or decreasing stitches, increasing their quality and degree
of finish.
[0070] In practice it has been found that the needle according to the invention fully achieves
the intended aim, since by allowing to actuate, according to the requirements, the
passage of the elastically flexible portions of the lamina from the active position
to the inactive position or vice versa, it makes its actuation more versatile.
[0071] In particular, the possibility to actuate individually the passage of the elastically
flexible portions of the lamina from the active position to the inactive position
allows to limit the widening of the loop of knitting to be transferred, allowing to
reduce the stresses on the loop of knitting and on the parts of the needle that actuate
the transfer of the loop of knitting.
[0072] The needle thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations,
all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further
be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
[0073] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according
to requirements and to the state of the art.
1. A needle for transferring stitches therefrom to adjacent needles for knitting machines
for hosiery or the like, comprising a shank (2), a head (3) that is arranged at a
longitudinal or upper end of said shank (2) and is contoured like a hook that is open
toward the front side of said shank (2), and a latch (4), which is pivoted to said
shank (2) proximate to said head, about a pivoting axis (4a) that is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shank (2), and rotatable about said
pivoting axis (4a) in order to open or close said head (3), at least one lamina (6a,
6b) that is connected to said shank (2) and has, on each of the two opposite sides
(7a, 7b) of said shank (2), below said latch (4), a portion (8a, 8b) that can flex
elastically from an inactive position, in which it is closer to the corresponding
side (7a, 7b) of the shank (2), to an active position, in which it is spaced from
the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of the shank (2); in said active position, said elastically
flexible portion (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a, 6b) widening the loop (9) of knitting
that is fitted onto said shank (2) at said elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of
the lamina (6a, 6b), the head (3) of an adjacent needle (1b) being insertable in the
space comprised between said elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a,
6b), in said active position, and the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of said shank (2),
in order to pick up said loop of knitting (9) by means of said adjacent needle (1b);
characterized in that said lamina (6a, 6b) has at least one actuation region (31a, 31b) that can be engaged
by actuation means to transfer or maintain said elastically flexible portions (8a,
8b) of the lamina (6a, 6b) in said inactive position or to transfer or keep said elastically
flexible portions (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a, 6b) in said active position, said at
least one actuation region (31 a, 31b) comprises at least one heel (32a, 32b) that
protrudes proximate to the longitudinal end of the lamina (6a, 6b) that lies opposite
its longitudinal end that is fixed to said shank (2) and protrudes from the front
side of said shank (2); said actuation means comprising at least one cam (33) that
can face the needle holder (40) of the machine and forms a path for said heel (32a,
32b); said path being contoured to move said heel (32a, 32b) parallel to the longitudinal
axis of said shank (2) with respect to said shank (2).
2. The needle according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one lamina (6a, 6b) is fixed to said shank (2) with a portion thereof
that is arranged externally to said elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b); said at
least one actuation region (31a, 31b) being movable with respect to said shank (2)
for the passage of said elastically flexible portions (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a,
6b) from said active position to said inactive position or vice versa.
3. The needle according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said lamina (6a, 6b) is fixed to said shank (2) at one of its longitudinal ends directed
toward said head (3); said at least one actuation region (31 a, 31b) being movable
with respect to said shank (2), parallel to its longitudinal axis, for the passage
of said elastically flexible portions (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a, 6b) from said active
position to said inactive position or vice versa.
4. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal end of said lamina (6a, 6b) that is directed toward said head (3)
is fixed to said shank (2) in a region located forward with respect to said head (3).
5. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a, 6b) has a region that
can be superimposed laterally, on the opposite side with respect to the corresponding
side of said shank (2), on the head (3) of said adjacent needle (1a, 1b) inserted
in the space comprised between said elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of the lamina
(6a, 6b), in said active position, and the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of said shank
(2).
6. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one lamina (6a, 6b) comprises two laminas arranged side by side, each
of which has a corresponding portion that can flex elastically toward or away from
a corresponding side (7a, 7b) of said shank (2); each one of said two laminas (6a,
6b) being fixed at its end directed toward said head (3) to said shank (2) and being
provided, proximate to its opposite longitudinal end, with a corresponding heel (32a,
32b) that protrudes from the front side of said shank (2) and can engage said cam
(33).
7. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cam (33) can engage selectively the heel (32a, 32b) of one or the other of said
laminas (6a, 6b) for the transition of the elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of
one lamina (6a, 6b) from the active position to the inactive position or vice versa,
independently of the position of the elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of the
other lamina (6a, 6b).
8. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each one of said laminas (6a, 6b) comprises: a lower region (20a, 20b), which lies
on a plane that is parallel to the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of said shank (2);
an intermediate region, which constitutes said elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b)
of the lamina (6a, 6b); and an upper region (12a, 12b), which is fixed to the corresponding
side (7a, 7b) of said shank (2); said lower region (20a, 20b) being provided with
said heel (32a, 32b).
9. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lower region (20a, 20b) of the laminas (6a, 6b) is accommodated, so that it
can slide along a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shank
(2), in a longitudinal slot (34) that is formed in said shank (2) and is open at the
front for the protrusion of the corresponding heel (32a, 32b).
10. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heel (32a, 32b) of a lower region (20a, 20b) of one lamina (6a) of said two laminas
(6a, 6b) is spaced from the heel (32a, 32b) of the lower region (20a, 20b) of the
other lamina (6b) of said two laminas (6a, 6b) along a direction that is parallel
to the longitudinal axis of said shank (2).
11. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one cam (33) can move on command parallel to the longitudinal axis
of said shank (2) in order to engage the heel (32a, 32b) of one lamina (6a, 6b) or
the heel (32a, 32b) of the other lamina (6a, 6b).
12. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one cam (33) can move on command toward or away from said heel (32a,
32b) in order to engage or not engage said heel (32a, 32b).
13. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a, 6b) is constituted,
starting from its lower end connected to said lower region (20a, 20b) of the corresponding
lamina (6a, 6b) and in the absence of forces acting thereon: by a first segment (13a,
13b), which is folded away from the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of said shank (2);
by a second segment (14a, 14b), which is substantially parallel to the corresponding
side (7a, 7b) of said shank (2); and by a third segment (15a, 15b), which is folded
toward the corresponding side (7a, 7b) of said shank (2); said third segment (15a,
15b), at least proximate to said upper region of the lamina (6a, 6b), being arranged
forward with respect to said head (3).
14. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a, 6b) has, on its front
side, a supporting shoulder (17a, 17b) for the loop (9) of knitting.
15. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supporting shoulder (17a, 17b) is defined by the upper side of a front protrusion
(16a, 16b) of said second segment (14a, 14b) of the elastically flexible portion (8a,
8b) of the lamina.
16. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said region that can be superimposed laterally on the head (3) of said adjacent needle
(1a, 1b) is formed by a rear protrusion (18a, 18b) of said second segment (14a, 14b)
of the elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a, 6b).
17. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shank (2) has, between said latch (4) and the end of said elastically flexible
portion (8a, 8b) of the lamina (6a, 6b) that is directed toward said head (3), a region
(10) where said shank is blended with said elastically flexible portion (8a, 8b) of
the lamina (6a, 6b).
18. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said blending region (10) is shaped like a wedge that tapers toward said head (3)
of the needle (1).
19. The needle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper end (12a, 12b), directed toward said head (3), of each one of said laminas
(6a, 6b) is fixed to said blending region (10) proximate to its base.
1. Nadel zum Übertragen von Maschen von derselben auf angrenzende Nadeln für Strumpfstrickmaschinen
oder dergleichen, umfassend einen Schaft (2), einen Kopf (3), der an einem Längsende
bzw. oberen Ende des Schaftes (2) angeordnet und wie ein Haken konturiert ist, der
zur Vorderseite des Schaftes (2) offen ist, und eine Zunge (4), die an dem Schaft
(2) nahe dem Kopf schwenkbar um eine Schwenkachse (4a) gelagert ist, die im Wesentlichen
senkrecht zur Längsachse des Schaftes (2) ist, und die sich um die Schwenkachse (4a)
drehen kann, um den Kopf (3) zu öffnen oder zu schließen, mindestens ein Blättchen
(6a, 6b), das mit dem Schaft (2) verbunden ist und auf jeder der beiden entgegengesetzten
Seiten (7a, 7b) des Schaftes (2) unterhalb der Zunge (4) einen Abschnitt (8a, 8b)
hat, der sich elastisch von einer inaktiven Position, in der er näher zur entsprechenden
Seite (7a, 7b) des Schaftes (2) ist, in eine aktive Position biegen kann, in der er
zur entsprechenden Seite (7a, 7b) des Schafts (2) beabstandet ist, wobei der elastisch
biegsame Abschnitt (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b) in der aktiven Position die Strickmasche
(9) erweitert, die an dem elastisch biegsamen Abschnitt (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a,
6b) auf den Schaft (2) aufgebracht ist, wobei der Kopf (3) einer angrenzenden Nadel
(1b) in den Raum, der zwischen dem elastisch biegsamen Abschnitt (8a, 8b) des Blättchens
(6a, 6b) in der aktiven Position und der entsprechenden Seite (7a, 7b) des Schaftes
(2) vorhanden ist, eingeführt werden kann, um die Strickmasche (9) mittels der angrenzenden
Nadel (1b) aufzunehmen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Blättchen (6a, 6b) mindestens einen Betätigungsbereich (31a, 31b) hat, in den
durch Betätigungsmittel eingegriffen werden kann, um die elastisch biegsamen Abschnitte
(8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b) in die inaktive Position zu bringen oder dort zu
halten oder um die elastisch biegsamen Abschnitte (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b)
in die aktive Position zu bringen oder dort zu halten, wobei der mindestens eine Betätigungsbereich
(31a, 31b) mindestens eine Nase (32a, 32b) umfasst, die nahe dem Längsende des Blättchens
(6a, 6b) absteht, das entgegengesetzt zu seinem an dem Schaft (2) befestigten Längsende
liegt, und von der Vorderseite des Schaftes (2) absteht, wobei die Betätigungsmittel
mindestens eine Nocke (33) umfassen, die zum Nadelhalter (40) der Maschine zeigen
kann und eine Bahn für die Nase (32a, 32b) bildet, wobei die Bahn so konturiert ist,
dass sie die Nase (32a, 32b) parallel zur Längsachse des Schaftes (2) in Bezug auf
den Schaft (2) bewegt.
2. Nadel nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mindestens eine Blättchen (6a, 6b) an dem Schaft (2) mit einem Abschnitt des
Blättchens befestigt ist, der außerhalb des elastisch biegsamen Abschnittes (8a, 8b)
angeordnet ist, wobei der mindestens eine Betätigungsbereich (31a, 31b) zum Zwecke
des Übergangs der elastisch biegsamen Abschnitte (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b)
von der aktiven Position in die inaktive Position oder umgekehrt in Bezug auf den
Schaft (2) bewegbar ist.
3. Nadel nach einem der Ansprüche 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Blättchen (6a, 6b) an dem Schaft (2) an einem seiner zum Kopf (3) gerichteten
Längsenden befestigt ist, wobei mindestens ein Betätigungsbereich (31a, 31b) relativ
zum Schaft (2) parallel zu dessen Längsachse zum Zwecke des Übergangs der elastisch
biegsamen Abschnitte (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b) von der aktiven Position in
die inaktive Position oder umgekehrt bewegbar ist.
4. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das zum Kopf (3) gerichtete Längsende des Blättchens (6a, 6b) am Schaft (2) in einem
Bereich befestigt ist, der sich in Bezug auf den Kopf (3) vorderhalb befindet.
5. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der elastisch biegsame Abschnitt (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b) einen Bereich hat,
der seitlich auf der entgegengesetzten Seite in Bezug auf die entsprechende Seite
des Schaftes (2) über dem Kopf (3) der angrenzenden Nadel (1a, 1b) angeordnet werden
kann, die in den Raum, der zwischen dem elastisch biegsamen Abschnitt (8a, 8b) des
Blättchens (6a, 6b) in der aktiven Position und der entsprechenden Seite (7a, 7b)
des Schaftes (2) vorhanden ist, eingeführt ist.
6. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens ein Blättchen (6a, 6b) zwei nebeneinander angeordnete Blättchen umfasst,
die jeweils einen entsprechenden Abschnitt haben, der sich elastisch zu einer entsprechenden
Seite (7a, 7b) des Schaftes (2) hin oder von derselben weg bewegen kann, wobei jedes
der beiden Blättchen (6a, 6b) an seinem zum Kopf (3) gerichteten Ende am Schaft (2)
befestigt und nahe seinem entgegengesetzten Längsende mit einer entsprechenden Nase
(32a, 32b) versehen ist, die von der Vorderseite des Schaftes (2) vorsteht und mit
dem Nocken (33) in Eingriff kommen kann.
7. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Nocken (33) selektiv mit der Nase (32a, 32b) des einen oder des anderen der Blättchen
(6a, 6b) zum Zwecke des Übergangs des elastisch biegsamen Abschnittes (8a, 8b) eines
Blättchens (6a, 6b) von der aktiven Position in die inaktive Position oder umgekehrt
in Eingriff kommen kann, unabhängig von der Position des elastisch biegsamen Abschnittes
(8a, 8b) des anderen Blättchens (6a, 6b).
8. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jedes der Blättchen (6a, 6b) umfasst: einen unteren Bereich (20a, 20b), der auf einer
Ebene liegt, die parallel zur entsprechenden Seite (7a, 7b) des Schaftes (2) ist,
einen mittleren Bereich, der den elastisch biegsamen Abschnitt (8a, 8b) des Blättchens
(6a, 6b) bildet, und einen oberen Bereich (12a, 12b), der an der entsprechenden Seite
(7a, 7b) des Schaftes (2) befestigt ist, wobei der untere Bereich (20a, 20b) mit der
Nase (32a, 32b) versehen ist.
9. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der untere Bereich (20a, 20b) der Blättchen (6a, 6b) in einem Längsschlitz (34) untergebracht
ist, so dass er entlang einer Richtung gleiten kann, die parallel zur Längsachse des
Schaftes (2) ist, wobei der Längsschlitz in dem Schaft (2) ausgebildet und an der
Vorderseite für den Vorsprung der entsprechenden Nase (32a, 32b) offen ist.
10. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Nase (32a, 32b) eines unteren Bereichs (20a, 20b) eines Blättchens (6a) der beiden
Blättchen (6a, 6b) von der Nase (32a, 32b) des unteren Bereichs (20a, 20b) des anderen
Blättchens (6b) der beiden Blättchen (6a, 6b) entlang einer Richtung beabstandet ist,
die parallel zur Längsrichtung des Schaftes (2) ist.
11. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich mindestens eine Nocke (33) auf einen Befehl hin parallel zur Längsachse des
Schaftes (2) bewegen kann, um mit der Nase (32a, 32b) des einen Blättchens (6a, 6b)
oder der Nase (32a, 32b) des anderen Blättchens (6a, 6b) in Eingriff zu kommen.
12. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich die mindestens eine Nocke (33) auf einen Befehl hin zu der Nase (32a, 32b) hin
oder von derselben weg bewegen kann, um mit der Nase (32a, 32b) in Eingriff zu kommen
oder nicht,
13. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der elastisch biegsame Abschnitt (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b), ausgehend von
seinem unteren Ende, das mit dem unteren Bereich (20a, 20b) des entsprechenden Blättchens
(6a, 6b) verbunden ist und wenn keine Kräfte darauf wirken, gebildet ist: von einem
ersten Abschnitt (13a, 13b), der von der entsprechenden Seite (7a, 7b) des Schaftes
(2) weggebogen ist, von einem zweiten Abschnitt (14a, 14b), der im Wesentlichen parallel
zur entsprechenden Seite (7a, 7b) des Schaftes (2) ist, und von einem dritten Abschnitt
(15a, 15b), der in Richtung der entsprechenden Seite (7a, 7b) des Schaftes (2) gebogen
ist, wobei der dritte Abschnitt (15a, 15b) zumindest nahe dem oberen Bereich des Blättchens
(6a, 6b) in Bezug auf den Kopf (3) vorderhalb angeordnet ist.
14. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der elastisch biegsame Abschnitt (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b) an seiner Vorderseite
eine tragende Schulter (17a, 17b) für die Strickmasche (9) hat.
15. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die tragende Schulter (17a, 17b) durch die obere Seite eines vorderen Vorsprungs
(16a, 16b) des zweiten Abschnittes (14a, 14b) des elastisch biegsamen Abschnittes
(8a, 8b) des Blättchens definiert ist.
16. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Bereich, der seitlich über dem Kopf (3) der angrenzenden Nadel (1a, 1b) angeordnet
werden kann, von einem hinterem Vorsprung (18a, 18b) des zweiten Abschnittes (14a,
14b) des elastisch biegsamen Abschnittes (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b) gebildet
ist.
17. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Schaft (2) zwischen der Zunge (4) und dem zum Kopf (3) gerichteten Ende des elastisch
biegsamen Abschnittes (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a, 6b) einen Bereich (10) hat, an
dem der Schaft mit dem elastisch biegsamen Abschnitt (8a, 8b) des Blättchens (6a,
6b) verbunden ist.
18. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verbindungsbereich (10) wie ein Keil geformt ist, der sich in Richtung des Kopfes
(3) der Nadel (1) verjüngt.
19. Nadel nach einem oder mehr der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das zum Kopf (3) gerichtete obere Ende (12a, 12b) jedes der Blättchen (6a, 6b) an
dem Verbindungsbereich (10) nahe dessen Basis befestigt ist.
1. Aiguille pour transférer des mailles à partir de celle-ci vers des aiguilles adjacentes
pour des métiers à tricoter de la bonneterie ou analogue, comprenant une tige (2),
une tête (3) qui est disposée à une extrémité longitudinale ou supérieure de ladite
tige (2) et est façonnée en forme de crochet qui est ouvert vers le côté avant de
ladite tige (2), et un loquet (4), qui pivote sur ladite tige (2) à proximité de ladite
tête, autour d'un axe de pivotement (4a) qui est sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe
longitudinal de ladite tige (2), et peut tourner autour dudit axe de pivotement (4a)
afin d'ouvrir ou de fermer ladite tête (3), au moins une lamelle (6a, 6b) qui est
reliée à ladite tige (2) et a, sur chacun des deux côtés opposés (7a, 7b) de ladite
tige (2), sous ledit loquet (4), une partie (Sa, 8b) qui peut fléchir élastiquement
depuis une position inactive, dans laquelle elle est rapprochée du côté (7a, 7b) correspondant
de la tige (2), jusqu'à une position active, dans laquelle elle est écartée du côté
(7a, 7b) correspondant de la tige (2) ; dans ladite position active, ladite partie
élastiquement souple (8a, 8b) de la lamelle (6a, 6b) élargissant la boucle (9) de
tricot qui est montée sur ladite tige (2) sur ladite partie élastiquement souple (8a,
8b) de la lamelle (6a, 6b), la tête (3) d'une aiguille (1b) adjacente pouvant être
insérée dans l'espace compris entre ladite partie élastiquement souple (8a, 8b) de
la lamelle (6a, 6b), dans ladite position active, et le côté (7a, 7b) correspondant
de ladite tige (2), afin de saisir ladite boucle de tricot (9) au moyen de ladite
aiguille (1b) adjacente ; caractérisée en ce que ladite lamelle (6a, 6b) a au moins une zone d'actionnement (31a, 31b) qui peut être
engagées par des moyens d'actionnement pour transférer ou maintenir lesdites parties
élastiquement souples (8a, 8b) de la lamelle (6a, 6b) dans ladite position inactive
ou pour transférer ou conserver lesdites parties élastiquement souples (8a, 8b) de
la lamelle (6a, 6b) dans ladite position active, ladite au moins une zone d'actionnement
(31a, 31b) comprend au moins un talon (32a, 32b) qui fait saillie à proximité de l'extrémité
longitudinale de la lamelle (6a, 6b) qui se situe à l'opposé de son extrémité longitudinale
qui est fixée à ladite tige (2) et fait saillie depuis le côté avant de ladite tige
(2) ; lesdits moyens d'actionnement comprenant au moins une came (33) qui peut être
dirigée vers le porte-aiguilles (40) du métier et forme un trajet pour ledit talon
(32a, 32b) ; ledit trajet étant façonné pour déplacer ledit talon (32a, 32b) parallèlement
à l'axe longitudinal de ladite tige (2) par rapport à ladite tige (2).
2. Aiguille selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ladite au moins une lamelle (6a, 6b) est fixée à ladite tige (2) avec une partie
de celle-ci qui est disposée extérieurement à ladite partie élastiquement souple (8a,
8b) ; ladite au moins une zone d'actionnement (31a, 31b) étant mobile par rapport
à ladite tige (2) pour le passage desdites parties élastiquement souples (8a, 8b)
de la lamelle (6a, 6b) de ladite position active à ladite position inactive ou vice
versa.
3. Aiguille selon les revendications 1 et 2, caractérisée en ce que ladite lamelle (6a, 6b) est fixée à ladite tige (2) à l'une de ses extrémités longitudinales
dirigées vers ladite tête (3) ; ladite au moins une zone d'actionnement (31a, 31b)
étant mobile par rapport à ladite tige (2), parallèlement à son axe longitudinal,
pour le passage desdites parties élastiquement souples (8a, 8b) de la lamelle (6a,
6b) de ladite position active à ladite position inactive ou vice versa.
4. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que l'extrémité longitudinale de ladite lamelle (6a, 6b) qui est dirigée vers ladite
tête (3) est fixée à ladite tige (2) dans une zone située en avant par rapport à ladite
tête (3).
5. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite partie élastiquement souple (8a, 8b) de la lamelle (6a, 6b) a une zone qui
peut être superposée latéralement, sur le côté opposé par rapport au côté correspondant
de ladite tige (2), sur la tête (3) de ladite aiguille (1a, 1b) adjacente insérée
dans l'espace compris entre ladite partie élastiquement souple (8a, 8b) de la lamelle
(6a, 6b), dans ladite position active, et le côté (7a, 7b) correspondant de ladite
tige (2).
6. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite au moins une lamelle (6a, 6b) comprend deux lamelles disposées côte à côte,
dont chacune a une partie correspondante qui peut fléchir élastiquement vers un côté
(7a, 7b) correspondant de ladite tige (2) ou s'écarter de celui-ci ; chacune desdites
deux lamelles (6a, 6b) étant fixée à son extrémité dirigée vers ladite tête (3) à
ladite tige (2) et étant munie, à proximité de son extrémité longitudinale opposée,
d'un talon (32a, 32b) correspondant qui fait saillie depuis le côté avant de ladite
tige (2) et peut s'engager avec ladite came (33) .
7. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite came (33) peut sélectivement s'engager avec le talon (32a, 32b) de l'une ou
l'autre desdites lamelles (6a, 6b) pour la transition de la partie élastiquement souple
(8a, 8b) d'une lamelle (6a, 6b) de la position active à la position inactive ou vice
versa, indépendamment de la position de la partie élastiquement souple (8a, 8b) de
l'autre lamelle (6a, 6b).
8. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que chacune desdites lamelles (6a, 6b) comprend : une zone inférieure (20a, 20b) , qui
se situe sur un plan qui est parallèle au côté (7a, 7b) correspondant de ladite tige
(2) ; une zone intermédiaire, qui constitue ladite partie élastiquement souple (8a,
8b) de la lamelle (6a, 6b) ; et une zone supérieure (12a, 12b), qui est fixée au côté
(7a, 7b) correspondant de ladite tige (2) ; ladite zone inférieure (20a, 20b) étant
munie dudit talon (32a, 32b).
9. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite zone inférieure (20a, 20b) des lamelles (6a, 6b) est adaptée, de sorte qu'elle
peut glisser le long d'une direction qui est parallèle à l'axe longitudinal de ladite
tige (2), dans une fente longitudinale (34) qui est formée dans ladite tige (2) et
est ouverte à l'avant pour la saillie du talon (32a, 32b) correspondant.
10. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le talon (32a, 32b) d'une zone inférieure (20a, 20b) d'une lamelle (6a) desdites
deux lamelles (6a, 6b) est espacé du talon (32a, 32b) de la zone inférieure (20a,
20b) de l'autre lamelle (6b) desdites deux lamelles (6a, 6b) le long d'une direction
qui est parallèle à l'axe longitudinal de ladite tige (2).
11. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite au moins une came (33) peut se déplacer sur commande parallèlement à l'axe
longitudinal de ladite tige (2) afin de s'engager avec le talon (32a, 32b) d'une lamelle
(6a, 6b) ou le talon (32a, 32b) de l'autre lamelle (6a, 6b).
12. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée ce que ladite au moins une came (33) peut se déplacer sur commande vers ledit talon (32a,
32b) ou s'écarter de celui-ci afin de s'engager ou de ne pas s'engager avec ledit
talon (32a, 32b).
13. Anguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite partie élastiquement souple (8a, 8b) de la lamelle (6a, 6b) est constituée,
en commençant par son extrémité inférieure reliée à ladite zone inférieure (20a, 20b)
de la lamelle (6a, 6b) correspondante et en l'absence de forces agissant sur celle-ci
: d'un premier segment (13a, 13b), qui est plié en s'écartant du côté (7a, 7b) correspondant
de ladite tige (2) ; d'un deuxième segment (14a, 14b), qui est sensiblement parallèle
au côté (7a, 7b) correspondant de ladite tige (2) ; et d'un troisième segment (15a,
15b), qui est plié vers le côté (7a, 7b) correspondant de ladite tige (2) ; ledit
troisième segment (15a, 15b), au moins à proximité de ladite zone supérieure de la
lamelle (6a, 6b) étant disposé en avant par rapport à ladite tête (3).
14. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite partie élastiquement souple (8a, 8b) de la lamelle (6a, 6b) a, sur son côté
avant, un épaulement de support (17a, 17b) pour la boucle (9) de tricot.
15. Anguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ledit épaulement de support (17a, 17b) est défini par le côté supérieur d'une saillie
avant (16a, 16b) dudit deuxième segment (14a, 14b) de la partie élastiquement souple
(8a, 8b) de la lamelle.
16. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite zone qui peut être latéralement superposée à la tête (3) de ladite aiguille
(1a, 1b) adjacente est formée par une saillie arrière (18a, 18b) dudit deuxième segment
(14a, 14b) de la partie élastiquement souple (8a, 8b) de la lamelle (6a, 6b).
17. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite tige (2) a, entre ledit loquet (4) et l'extrémité de ladite partie élastiquement
souple (8a, 8b) de la lamelle (6a, 6b) qui est dirigée vers ladite tête (3), une zone
(10) où ladite tige rejoint ladite partie élastiquement souple (8a, 8b) de la lamelle
(6a, 6b).
18. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite zone de jonction (10) est formée comme un coin qui s'amincit vers ladite tête
(3) de l'aiguille (1).
19. Aiguille selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que l'extrémité supérieure (12a, 12b), dirigée vers ladite tête (3), de chacune desdites
lamelles (6a, 6b) est fixée à ladite zone de jonction (10) à proximité de sa base.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only.
It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has
been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and
the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description