US Patent 7191620 Latch needle

The starting point of a new concept in a latch needle (1) is an attachment of the latch spring (22) in the sawslot (9) of the latch needle from the side of the needle back (7). For this purpose the latch needle (1) has spring-supporting pockets (19, 21) accessible from the needle back (7) or other structures adapted to receive the ends (25, 26) of the latch spring (22). The spring-supporting pockets (19, 21) are closed toward the needle back (7) at least to such an extent that the ends (25, 26) of the latch spring (22) are held in a form-locking, or at least in a captive manner in the spring-supporting pockets (19, 21). Such a latch needle has a reduced tolerance sensitivity during manufacture. The described needle concept makes possible further improvements which contribute to the operational safety and service life of the latch needle.