Automatic tufting method and apparatus therefor

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic insertion of an individual upholstery tuft (3) and washer (1) from a plurality of connected tufts (4) and a plurality of connected washers (2) into an upholstered article. The apparatus has a cutting blade (35) to separate an individual tuft (3) from the plurality of connected tufts (4). The tuft (3) is then engaged by a pair of arms (25, 28) and fed into a tuft insertion needle (14). The arms are connected to automatic washer feed apparatus which feeds an individual washer (1) from the plurality of connected washers (2) and aligns it with the tuft insertion needle (14) ready for insertion. The insertion needle (14) is pneumatically actuated to force the tuft (3) through the washer (1), into the upholstered article, release the tuft (3) and subsequently withdraw the needle (14) from the article.