Tufting machine pattern yarn feed device

Abstract

A pattern yarn feed device for use with a tufting machine in the manufacture of tufted articles includes at least one yarn feed roll assembly positioned on a frame of a tufting machine adjacent a yarn feed path. The yarn feed roll assembly has an elongate rotatable yarn feed roll having an exterior yarn driving periphery for engaging yarns thereon. A drive motor is provided for rotating the yarn feed roll. At least one yarn applying member, preferably a rotatable pinch roller, is provided as a part of the yarn feed roll assembly, and extends parallel to the yarn feed roll, and is orbitally moveable about the yarn feed roll. The at least one yarn applying member is selectively moveable from a first yarn receiving position spaced from the periphery of the yarn feed roll for receiving an intermediate portion of selected ones of the tufting yarns thereon, into a yarn applying position engaged with at least a portion of the yarn driving periphery of the yarn feed roll for applying the selected ones of the yarns thereto. In separate constructions, the pinch roller may be eccentrically orbited about the yarn feed roll from the yarn applying position into the yarn receiving position, or may be concentrically orbited about the yarn feed roll and then selectively moved into the yarn applying position at the completion of its orbital rotation about the yarn feed roll. In its yarn applying position, the pinch roller is normally resiliently urged into engagement with the periphery of the yarn feed roll.