Apparatus and method for automatically feeding tubular items, particularly hosiery, to a sewing machine adapted to close the tubular articles at one of their axial ends

摘要

An apparatus for automatically feeding tubular articles comprising elements (12) for feeding an article (3), which are adapted to fit an axial end (3a) of the article which is provided with a border (5) thicker than at least one adjacent portion (3b) of the article on grip means (6) which can be actuated in order to engage within the axial end so as to support the article in a substantially vertical arrangement and in order to produce a spacing of two diametrically opposite regions of the axial end (3a) transversely to the axial extension of the article. The apparatus also comprises elements (7) for supporting the article, which form a first slit-like passage (8) arranged substantially horizontally and adapted to receive a portion of the article that is arranged below the border (5). Elements (9) for tensioning in a downward direction the article inserted in the first slit-like passage are also provided. The supporting elements and the tensioning elements are movable on command in order to insert the portion (3b) of the article that lies directly below the border along a second slit-like passage (11) formed by two side-by-side guides for feeding a sewing machine.;The method carried out by the apparatus.