Circular knitting machine of the cylinder and dial type, in particular for knitting hosiery

Abstract

A circular knitting machine, in particular for knitting hosiery, is disclosed, wherein the dial is rotated by the needle cylinder through a rod extending coaxially with the cylinder and dial and rotatively connected to the latter. The rod can be shifted axially from a position of engagement with a drive element rigid with the cylinder, to a position of disengagement therefrom, and viceversa. In the former condition, the dial will be rotated in timed relationship with the cylinder, whereby the fabric is knitted normally, whereas in the latter condition, the knitted fabric is discharged. The rod axial movement may be obtained by pneumatically or hydraulically operated cylinder, whose piston is rotatably connected to the rod itself. It is further possible to make the dial raisable vertically through a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, such as to make the loop formation area fully accessible.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.