Tensioning device
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorHsieh Wei Ping
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Aspects herein are directed to a tensioning device for a strand on a knitting machine. The tensioning device includes a mounting plate that may be positioned between a strand source and a feeder bar. The mounting plate supports a first pulley, a second pulley and a weighted third pulley that is movable with respect to the first pulley and the second pulley. By routing a strand over the first pulley, under the third pulley and over the second pulley, additional tension may be added to the strand through the weight of the third pulley.
Claims12
A tensioning device for at least one strand, a portion of the at least one strand extending between a feeder bar and a strand source on a knitting machine, the tensioning device comprising:
- a mounting plate having an upper end and a lower end, a first side and a second side spaced farther from the feeder bar than the first side, wherein the mounting plate comprises a slot;
- a first pulley coupled to the mounting plate;
- a second pulley coupled to the mounting plate and spaced from the first pulley;
- and
- a third pulley having a first weight, the third pulley movably coupled to the mounting plate between the first pulley and the second pulley, and positioned at least partially below the first pulley and the second pulley, wherein the movable coupling of the third pulley to the mounting plate allows a movement of the third pulley in a direction between the upper end of the mounting plate and the lower end of the mounting plate, wherein the at least one strand is routable over the first pulley, under the third pulley and over the second pulley, wherein the first weight of the third pulley provides a downward force to increase tension on the at least one strand;
- wherein the third pulley is coupled to a bar that is moveable between a plurality of fixed positions within the slot;
- and
- wherein the bar is a first bar, wherein the first bar is removably coupled to the third pulley, the tensioning device further comprising a second bar having a third weight different from a second weight of the first bar, and interchangeable with the first bar to allow the tension on the at least one strand to be selectively changed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.