US Patent 7328664 Embossed tufting needle

A novel tufting needle (4) is distinguished by a hollow flute (15) which is preferably symmetrical to a central plane (29) and which is bilaterally provided with chamfers (33, 34). The chamfers (33, 34) are, in an inward-located, that is, in a region lying close to the central plane (29), inclined at a small acute angle (α) to a reference plane (28), while in a region bordering an externally located rim (edges (46, 47)), the chamfers (33, 34) are inclined at a larger acute angle (β) to the reference plane (28). This feature improves the rigidity, the tufting properties and the mechanical strength, as well as the wear resistance of the novel tufting needle (4).