WEFT YARN SELECTION MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR WEAVING SEAT BELT WEBBING

摘要

A needle loom having a weft yarn selection mechanism for automatic selection of a desired weft yarn from two or more weft yarns for insertion through a shed is provided. The needle loom includes a needle having a yarn carrying end. A guard is located on the needle, with the guard having a closed front end at a position corresponding to the yarn carrying end of the needle, and extending generally along the length of the needle. A space is provided between the guard and the needle which is adapted to receive the two or more weft yarns. A selection mechanism is associated with at least one of the two or more weft yarns. The selection mechanism includes a weft yarn guide which is movably mounted to displace an associated one of the two or more weft yarns between a standby position, in which the associated yarn remains on a needle insertion side of the shed in a position between the needle and the guard as the needle moves across the shed opening, and a selected position, in which the yarn carrying end of the needle is adapted to engage the associated weft yarn as the needle moves across the shed opening to carry the associated weft yarn across the shed. A method for weaving seat belt webbing utilizing the needle loom with the weft yarn selection mechanism and the weft carrying needle having a guard is also provided.