Method and apparatus for decurling and tentering fabric

A method of mounting a fabric in a tenter frame, comprising the steps of:

• a) supplying a fabric;
• b) transporting said fabric along a first path to a point in a first plane;
• c) deflecting said fabric into a second path from said first path and transporting said fabric along said second path which is at an angle to said first path and which extends at least approximately in a straight line;
• d) deflecting said fabric from said second path along a third path which extends in a substantially different line from said second path;
• e) decurling each of the edges of said fabric as it moves through said second path without causing said edges to deviate from said path substantially, said decurling taking place adjacent the point where said fabric is deflected from said second path;
• and
• f) nipping said fabric between opposing surfaces just prior to said fabric being pressed onto said pins;
• g) pressing the edges of said fabric onto pins carried by moving chains of said tenter frame.

A tenter frame for spreading and transporting open widths of a moving fabric, comprising:

• a) a pair of endless tenter chains, each of which has means for engaging an edge of said fabric for transporting said fabric through a first generally horizontal plane;
• b) means to supply fabric to one end of said tenter frame in a second generally horizontal plane which is higher than said first horizontal plane;
• c) decurling means disposed on each side of said tenter frame, between said fabric supply means and said tenter chains, on an inclined plane which intersects said first and second horizontal planes, for engaging each edge of said moving fabric to remove curl, folds, or pleats from said edges while guiding said fabric towards said tenter chains;
• d) nip means disposed in said first horizontal plane adjacent to said decurling means for engaging each edge of said fabric after said edges have passed through said decurling means, and for maintaining said edges in a flattened, uncurled condition;
• and
• e) means for engaging and pressing the edges of said fabric into engagement with the pins of said tenter chains.