Tufting machine and method for producing level cut and loop pile

Abstract

A tufting machine for forming loop pile and cut pile selectively in the same row of stitching has a controllably actuated latch carried by a reciprocating bar member for selectively coupling to and driving a needle carrier to a first position into cooperation with a loop seizing member beneath the backing material. The bar member and needle carrier have cooperating abutment members which engage when the latch is not actuated, and the abutment members act to drive the needle carrier not as far downwardly as when the latch is actuated, so that the needle is not driven downwardly as far as the first level and cooperates with the loop seizing member at the higher level. When the needle is driven to the lower level a loop of yarn from the needle is seized and retained by the loop seizing member and is subsequently cut, while at the higher level the loop is seized and then shed to form loop pile. The loop seizing edge of the bill of the loop seizing member is substantially at or slightly below the level of the loop retaining and cutting edge of the blade of the hook, and a downwardly extending nib between the blade and the bill precludes the shed loop from entering the blade of the hook.