Nike patents knitting machine part that stops yarn waste
Nike has filed a patent for a specific component used in industrial knitting machines. This part includes a movable arm and a wheel that holds the yarn tight against the machine's base when not in use, preventing it from unwinding. The design aims to reduce material waste and keep the knitting process running smoothly.
In the filing’s own words
Feeder components, knitting machines with feeder components, and methods of manufacturing, integrating, and using the same are described herein. Examples include a feeder component configured to be mounted on a rail of a knitting machine. Feeder components can include an elongated body that is movably coupled to a base portion, the elongated body being adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position. In aspects, a guide-wheel is coupled to the elongated body and guides cable towards a feeder tip, and the wheel is positioned on the elongated body such that, when the elongated body shifts from a lowered position to a raised position on the feeder, the guide-wheel braces the cable against the base portion, restricting the cable from dispensing, helping to reduce waste, reducing interference with the knitting process, and increasing efficiency and sustainability.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A feeder for a knitting machine, comprising: a base portion; an elongated body with a feeder tip having an opening for a cable, wherein the elongated body is movably coupled to the base portion, such that the elongated body is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position; and a guide-wheel coupled to the elongated body for guiding the cable to the feeder tip, wherein the guide-wheel is positioned such that in the raised position, the guide-wheel braces the cable against the base portion.
Facts
- Company
- Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
- Official title
- FEEDER COMPONENT, KNITTING MACHINE WITH FEEDER COMPONENT, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, INTEGRATING, AND USING THE SAME
- Publication number
- US20260317965A1
- Application number
- 19646135
- Filed
- Apr 13, 2026
- Published
- Oct 15, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
D04B 15/48 Textiles & paperMore from Nike in Materials & manufacturing
- Nike patents laser-bonded fabric that resists pilling Oct 13, 2026
- Nike patents method for printing on uneven fabric surfaces Sep 3, 2026
- Nike patents ink that changes thickness to print on fabric Sep 3, 2026
- Nike patents screen-printing method for textured shoe uppers Sep 3, 2026
- Nike patents layered printing method for textured textile components Sep 3, 2026
Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.