Apparatus for steaming of tubular knitted fabric

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for continuously framing and steaming discrete segments of tubular knitted fabric, particularly sweater body segments and the like which are constructed to include a body section provided with a cuff at one end. The apparatus provides for differential width stabilization of the segment, such that the body portion is set at one width and the cuff portion is set at a slightly narrower width. Individual segments are advanced over a spreader frame and distended to the desired width for the body portion. The section is discharged, cuff first, off of the spreader and enters between a pair of conveyor blankets. The blankets are held in noncontacting relation, initially, to permit the cuff to return to narrower dimensions, but the blankets then close upon the segment, so that the body portion thereof is maintained at an increased width. While the segment is thus engaged, it is steamed to stabilize its geometry. Of particular importance, unique provisions are made for effecting lengthwise stretching of the segment without uncontrolled loss of width such that, when the segment is gripped by the conveyor blankets, its geometry has been desirably adjusted both lengthwise and widthwise. The invention enables substantial duplication by automatic machinery of operations which heretofore have been carried out largely manually on a one-at-a-time basis.