Hosiery testing machine

The machine described in this paper provides a convenient means for measuring the behavior of a woman's full-fashioned stocking when the upper part of the leg of the stocking is repeatedly distended in a way which subjects it to forces similar to those which occur at the knee and at the garter clasps of a stocking in use. Two smooth "jaws" are inserted in the upper part of the stocking. It is held by two garter clasps attached at the welt and by a weight fastened to the ankle. The jaws are repeatedly separated and brought toward each other by a reciprocat- ing mechanism in such a way that the circumference of the stocking, that is, the distance around the jaws, is varied between 13.3 and 21.3 inches. Means are provided for recording on a chart the relationship between the load exerted on the stocking and the circumference of the stocking for each cycle of loading and unloading. The number of cycles is recorded by a counter. The test may be continued until holes or runs are produced in the stocking. Typical results of tests are given. The effect of laundering on the behavior of the stockings is also shown.