Patent attributes
A linear knitting machine (1) comprising a machine frame, at least one needlebed (3) associated with the machine frame, a plurality of needles (4) sliding in the needlebed (3), means for feeding the needles (4) with a yarn for building a new stitch and holding-down means (8) cooperating with said needles (4) on the needlebed (3) and moving between a forward position, which occurs when the needle (4) is lifted, in which they act upon said stitch so as to keep it on the stem (5) of the needle (4), and a rear position, when the needle (4) gets down, in which they do not act upon the stitch. The machine (1) is characterized in that it further comprises holding means (15) fastened to the machine frame and discharging means (19), associated with the holding-down means (8), which can be engaged with said holding means (15) in forward position for discharging onto the machine frame the force generated by the holding-down means (8) when keeping the stitch, and which can be disengaged from the holding means (15) in rear position.
