Method and apparatus for producing pile fabric

Claim 1

Apparatus for use in producing a pile fabric wherein the pile has a predetermined height comprising a roller rotated intermittently and having a plurality of peripherally located, spaced radially extending slats; yarn supply means; cutting means associated with said yarn supply means to cut off pieces of yarn, the length of each piece being equal to twice the pile height; pivotal means capable of grasping the individual cut yarns and transporting said yarns by pivotal movement to said slats; reciprocating means located adjacent said roller; a receiving area located between said reciprocating means and said slats, said yarn pieces being transported to said receiving area by said pivotal means; said reciprocating means having leg means movable into said receiving area to fold center portions of individual yarn pieces respectively about ends of succeeding slats during a stationary part of said intermittent rotation; movable holding means located adjacent said receiving area and adapted to contact the individual ends of said slats over which said individual yarn pieces have been folded, said contact taking place when said roller is stationary, and said holding means being mounted to be movable out of contact therewith when said roller is subjected to said intermittent rotation; and carpet backing means located adjacent said roller and adapted to feed backing material into adhering association with said folded yarn pieces.