U.S. patent number 3,827,652 [Application Number 05/317,130] was granted by the patent office on 1974-08-06 for collapsible dye spring or the like.
Invention is credited to Robert L. Burchette, Jr..
United States Patent |
3,827,652 |
Burchette, Jr. |
August 6, 1974 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
COLLAPSIBLE DYE SPRING OR THE LIKE
Abstract
A collapsible dye spring or the like described and claimed
herein suitable for use for winding textile yarn thereon and dyeing
same while the spring is in a partially collapsed condition. In the
collapsed condition, adequate and uniform dye flow from the inside
of the tube outwardly is permitted to evenly dye the yarn wound
thereon. A tube having terminal flanges or rings is provided with
at least one continuous helical lead of a predetermined pitch
extending between and joining the flanges. The helical lead is
flexible and is provided with means along its length to rigidify
the tube and limit the axial compression of same. In the preferred
form of the spring, a plurality of helical leads of predetermined
pitches extend continuously from the first ring to the second ring
with a plurality of generally perpendicularly disposed members
connecting the leads along the length of the helices, the
perpendicular disposition being with respect to the rings and not
the leads. Also the members connecting the leads may have
additional material surrounding same that tapers quickly into the
lead outwardly from the perpendicular member.
Inventors: |
Burchette, Jr.; Robert L.
(Spartanburg, SC) |
Family
ID: |
23232247 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/317,130 |
Filed: |
December 21, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/118.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06B
23/042 (20130101); B65H 75/18 (20130101); B65H
2701/31 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65H
75/18 (20060101); D06B 23/00 (20060101); D06B
23/04 (20060101); B65h 075/20 () |
Field of
Search: |
;242/118.11,118.1,118.2
;68/198 ;267/181,615 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gilreath; Stanley N.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Manning, Jr.; Wellington M.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An axially compressible tubular element comprising:
a. a pair of annular flanges;
b. a helical lead received between said flanges; and
c. a plurality of members received along said lead, said members
being secured at opposite ends to adjacent helical portions of said
lead, said members being substantially perpendicular to said
flanges, said members further being spaced apart in both axial and
helical directions, whereby each member is spaced apart from all
adjacent members, and said element is capable of limited axial
compression.
2. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1
wherein said flanges are end flanges.
3. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1
wherein said lead is thickened adjacent said members and tapers
downwardly away from said members.
4. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1
wherein said lead is generally trapezoidal in cross section.
5. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1
wherein said element is molded and all portions thereof are
integral.
6. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1
comprising further filter paper holding means secured to said
element.
7. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1
wherein guide means are provided to preclude radial movement during
compression.
8. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 7
wherein said guide means comprise axial slots in certain of said
members and lead adjacent thereto and a post receivable in said
slots upon compression of said element.
9. An axially compressible tubular element comprising:
a. a pair of annular end flanges and at least one intermediate
annular flange;
b. at least one helical lead being received between each to
adjacent flanges, whereby each intermediate flange has at least one
lead secured to opposite sides thereof; and
c. a plurality of members received along each lead, said members
being secured at opposite ends to adjacent helical lead portions,
said members being substantially perpendicular to said flanges,
said members further being spaced apart in both axial and helical
directions whereby each member is spaced apart from all adjacent
members and said element is capable of limited axial
compression.
10. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 9
wherein said element is of integral construction.
11. 11. axially compressible tubular element comprising:
a. a pair of annular flanges;
b. a plurality of helical leads received between said flanges;
and
c. a plurality of members received along said leads and secured at
opposite ends to adjacent leads, said members being substantially
perpendicular to said flanges and being spaced apart in both axial
and helical directions, whereby each member is spaced apart from
all adjacent members, said members rigidifying said element and
limiting axial compression thereof.
12. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 11
wherein said element is a textile carrier.
13. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 11
wherein two helical leads are provided.
14. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 11
wherein said element is molded and said flanges, leads and members
are integral.
15. An axially compressible tubular element comprising:
a. a pair of annular end flanges and at least one intermediate
annular flange;
b. a plurality of helical leads received between each two adjacent
flanges, whereby each intermediate flange has a plurality of leads
secured to opposite sides thereof; and
c. a plurality of members received along said leads and secured at
opposite ends to adjacent leads, said members being substantially
perpendicular to said flanges and being spaced apart in both axial
and helical directions, whereby each member is spaced apart from
all adjacent members, said members rigidifying said element and
limiting axial compression thereof.
16. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 15
wherein said element is of integral construction.
17. A textile carrier comprising:
a. a pair of annular end flanges;
b. a plurality of helical leads integral with said end flanges and
forming helices therebetween; and
c. a plurality of members integral with said leads, said members
being positioned between adjacent leads and integral with both and
being spaced apart in both axial and helical directions, whereby
each member is spaced apart from all adjacent members, said leads
adjacent said members being thickened and tapering downwardly away
from said members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Dye springs have been utilized for many years as cores on which
textile yarn is wound for dyeing. Though the generic terminology
dye spring is utilized, it should be pointed out that the
terminology is intended to refer not only helical springs of
stainless steel and the like, but also various and sundry dye tubes
that serve as cores for textile yarn and are thereafter received on
a dye spindle or the like in a pressurized vessel where dyestuff
passes upwardly through the inside of the core and diffuses
outwardly through the yarn wound thereon.
Various attempts have been made to improve dye springs in the sense
of producing a spring or tube that does not require the use of a
filter paper sleeve received between the core and the yarn wound
thereon. It has generally been determined, however, that for proper
diffusion of dyestuff through the yarn, the filter paper sleeve is
greatly preferred. In this sense, certain dye tubes that may or may
not be collapsible in an axial direction have heretofore been
produced where contentions were made that the tubes would not
require the use of the filter paper sleeve. Yet, for the best
utilization of the tube, use of the filter paper has prevailed so
as to preclude the passage of globs of dyestuff through a
particular portion of the tube.
Furthermore, it has been determined that a collapsible dye tube may
be provided which, when wound with yarn and placed in the dye
kettle, may be collapsed or axially compressed by a limited amount
so as to enable a greater quantity of yarn to be placed in the dye
kettle during one particular dyeing operation. Stainless steel dye
springs have been utilized for this particular purpose as have
springs and tubes of other materials.
Certain problems exist with respect to the stainless steel dye
springs and to variations of same. Such disadvantageous problems
involve the capital expenditure required for maintaining an
adequate supply of the cores, and the reworking, cleaning and the
like of the cores so as to enable them to be reused, to mention a
few. In view of these characteristics, effort has further been
expended in the area of production of a molded collapsible dye
spring that is disposable after a single use. In other words, once
the dye spring has been wound with yarn and the yarn dyed, the yarn
is wound off the tube and the tube is discarded. These efforts
likewise have not proved completely satisfactory due to the cost of
the tubes, the unsuccessful collapse of same, inability to properly
wind yarn onto the tubes and the like.
The present invention provides yet another improvement in the area
of collapsible dye tubes or dye springs. A definite improvement
over the prior art is found in the present dye spring which may be
manufactured sufficiently economically to enable successful
commercialization and use of same. Thereafter, instead of reusing
the tube, the tube is discarded and new tubes are substituted
therefor. The present dye spring may be successfully wound on all
type winders which heretofore presented somewhat of a problem due
to, different means of handling the tubes on certain of the various
winders. Further, the degree of collapse may be controlled to
achieve desired limits.
Due to the structure of the present tube, other uses are also
available outside the textile industry. For example, the tubes may
be employed in certain other environs as springs, shock absorbers
or the like.
The present invention is neither taught nor suggested by the prior
art. Exemplary of the prior art are U.S. Pat. Nos. 974,127 to
Daniell et al; 1,367,934 to Winslow; 2,158,889 to Annicq; 2,171,890
to Precourt; 2,818,222 to Scholl; 2,844,333 to Davidson; 3,465,984
to Tigges et al; 3,561,697 to Egyptien; 3,563,491 to Hahm et al;
and 3,647,156 to Henning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a molded
tubular element that is capable of axial compression with
substantially no transverse dimensional changes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved
disposable, collapsible dye spring.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved dye spring that may be collapsed a limited degree when
received in a pressurized dye vessel and pressure is applied
thereon in an axial direction.
Generally speaking, the tubular element of the present invention
comprises a plurality of annular flanges, at least one helical lead
having a predetermined pitch being connected between said flanges
and joining same, and means for rigidifying and limiting
compression of the element in an axial direction.
More specifically, the tubular element of the present invention in
one of its most preferred forms comprises an annular flange at each
end of the element with two flexible helical leads being secured
between the flanges and integral therewith, said leads having a
predetermined like pitch and extending along the length of the
tubular element parallel to each other. A plurality of members are
integral with the leads, joining same, said members being angularly
disposed with respect to the leads and perpendicular with respect
to the end flanges of the tubular element. The members accomplished
a dual purpose, in that, they rigidify the tubular element in an
axial direction while also limiting the degree of axial compression
to which the element may be subjected.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, reverse leads may
be secured to the annular flanges and extend along the length of
the element, the leads being secured to each other at their
crossing points and most preferably integral with each other at the
crossing points. The two helical leads, one being reversed with
respect to the other, thus provide a further means for rigidifying
the element while simultaneously acting as a limit means for
determining the extent which the element may be compressed in the
axial direction. In certain circumstances, too much compression is
realized using the reverse lead technique. It may thus be
preferable to also utilize a plurality of vertical posts along the
lengths of the reverse leads which further limit the degree to
which the element may be compressed. Still further, insofar as the
reverse leads are concerned, a plurality of leads may be provided
in each direction.
The tubular element of the present invention may further be
provided with intermediate annular flanges along its length with
the helical leads being secured to adjacent flanges so as to
provide a unitary structure along the entire length of the tubular
element. In this manner, axial compression may be controlled by
differing amounts along different segments of the element if
desired.
The leads utilized in manufacturing the tubular element of the
present invention preferably are generally trapezoidal in cross
section while the rigidifying members preferably are generally
triangular. As such, a greater resistance to axial and transverse
compression are experienced along with better moldability of the
dye tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a tubular element according to
the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the tube of FIG. 1 shown in a
compressed state.
FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the tube of FIG. 1
taken along a line III--III.
FIG. 4 is a partial cut away view of the tube of FIG. 1 in vertical
cross section showing a preferred cross sectional shape of the
helical leads.
FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view of a tubular element
according to the present invention showing a further embodiment
thereof.
FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view of the helical leads and
rigidifying members of a tubular element according to the present
invention showing a further embodiment thereof.
FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational view of yet another embodiment
of the tubular element of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of a portion of the tube illustrated in
FIG. 7, showing a compression guide modification thereto.
FIG. 9 is a partial view of the tube as illustrated in FIG. 1,
showing a compression guide modification thereto.
FIG. 10 is a cut away view of a helical lead showing a filter paper
holding means thereon.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the Figures, preferred embodiments of the present
invention will now be described in detail. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3
illustrate a preferred embodiment of the tubular element of the
present invention that may be employed as a core around which
textile strand may be wound for dyeing. Such cores are commonly
referred to as dye springs, dye tubes and the like. The core
generally indicated as 10 is provided with a pair of annular end
flanges 12 and 13 and has at least one helical lead 20 positioned
between end flanges 12 and 13 and secured thereto. At least one
helical lead 20 is thus secured to end flange 12 and follows a
helical path of a predetermined pitch downwardly to and is
connected to end flange 13. End flanges 12 and 13 are of sufficient
dimensions as to size, width and length so as to be suitably
accepted by a textile strand winder whereby yarn may be properly
wound around the dye tube. Flanges 12 and 13 are further preferably
circular in shape, though other shapes are acceptable. Likewise,
the helical lead 20 is designed to have a predetemined pitch, size
and cross section. Performance characteristics of lead 20 are
instrumental in winding from a rigidity standpoint, in dyeing from
a rigidity and compressibility standpoint and in molding from an
ease of moldability standpoint. Leads 20 may be designed to avoid
the use of filter paper around the dye tube. In this light, the
higher the lead angle or the greater the pitch of leads 20, the
less yarn there is entrapped during compression of the tube.
Lead 20 or leads 20, if a plurality are employed, have
rigidification means disposed therealong, illustrated as members 30
in FIG. 1. Members 30 are disposed generally perpendicular to
flanges 12 and 13 and angualrly with respect to lead 20. As such,
axial compression of tube 10 occurs with only minimal, if any,
lateral or transverse movement of lead 20. Perpendicular members 30
are themselves rigid and thus rigidify tube 10 in the axial
direction and likewise insure against complete blockage of open
spaces 35 during compression as may best be seen in FIG. 2. Note
also that in the embodiment of FIG. 1, perpendicular members 30 are
staggered along the helix of lead 20, which aids in proper collapse
of tube 10 by precluding lateral movement of lead 20.
Since the dye tube of the present invention is primarily designed
to be disposable after a single use, economics of manufacture are
of prime importance. Injection molding of a suitable plastic
composition is thus preferred for manufacture of the instant tube.
All of the elements of tube 10 are thus preferably integral. Lead
20 thus moves outwardly from flange 12, following a helical path of
a predetermined outside diameter, corresponding substantially to
the outside diameter of flange 12. The helical configuration
continues outwardly until lead 20 meets the next adjacent
flange.
One particular dye tube of the present invention is 63/4 inches
long, has a 15/8 inch inside diameter and utilizes two parallel
leads 20 having a pitch of 0.690 (extending 0.690 inch per
360.degree.). Perpendicular members are staggered along lead 20 at
approximately 11/2 inch spacing on centers. This particular tube is
designed for up to approximately 11/2 inch maximum compression in
the dye vessel. Various winding and dyeing operations, however,
require different tube dimensions and characteristics. Lead 20 may
thus be designed according to size, cross section, pitch and number
to produce a dye tube having the requisite qualities.
According to the tube embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a single lead 20
is provided. The figures show the various embodiments on the face
only. The opposite side of the tubes would have a like appearance
as the front and is thus not shown to simplify the drawings.
Likewise, a plurality of leads 20 having pitch in the same
direction would assume an appearance of that shown in FIG. 1. Where
plural leads 20 are employed, the individual leads originate at
different locations around flange 12 and follow parallel paths
along the length of tube 10. Perpendicular members 30 on a single
lead tube are connected to adjacent passes of the lead whereas on a
plural lead tube, members 30 are connected between separate,
parallel, adjacent leads. It should further be pointed out that the
tubes of the present invention are not restricted to only single or
double leads, but any number of leads may be employed so long as
the requisite qualities of the tube are met.
According to the tube embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where a plurality
of leads 20 are provided, each lead will originate at a separate
segment of the flanges and will proceed with like pitches in
helical patterns axially outwardly therefrom to be joined at the
next flange. The leads are thus parallel and vertical members 30
are secured between adjacent leads. Hence, for both a single lead
and plural lead elements, vertical members 30 are secured to the
next adjacent portion of a helix. These members are staggered
around the overall length of the helices and thus permit uniform
axial compression of tubular member 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular element 10 is in the compressed
condition as would normally be found subsequent to use of same as a
dye spring. In the collapsed condition, note that lead 20 abuts
adjacent leads near the areas where members 30 are provided. In the
staggered relationship this leaves a plurality of openings 35
around the circumference and along the length of tubular element
10. Openings 35 are necessary so as to permit the flow of dyestuff
from the inside of the dye springs 10 outwardly as is indicated by
the arrows in FIG. 3 where the dyestuff diffuses throughout the
yarn wrapped therearound in a uniform fashion. A further
modification to a dye tube is also shown in FIG. 3 to foster
dyestuff circulation. A plurality of notches 41 are shown in
phantom around lead 20. Notches 41 extend axially through lead 20
providing better communication across lead 20 and thus permit a
better flow of dyestuff along the lead path.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, it should be pointed out that the cross
sectional configuration of leads 20 preferably is generally
trapezoidal in shape. The generally trapezoidal shape affords
additional strength and stability to the dye spring and very
importantly, aids in the ease of moldability of the product by an
injection molding process. Likewise, vertical members 30 that
afford the axial rigidity and limit the collapsibility of the dye
spring 10 are preferably triangular in shape as shown in FIG. 3.
The triangular shape again affords additional strength and fosters
moldability of the product.
FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. In
FIG. 5, a dye spring generally indicated as 110 is shown having a
terminal flange 112 with a lead 120 being secured thereto and
extending outwardly therefrom in the form of a helix. An
intermediate flange 112' is also shown along the length of dye
spring 110 with lead 120 terminating on one side thereof. On the
opposite side of flange 112', a further lead 120' is secured
thereto and extends outwardly in the form of a helix. As such,
according to this embodiment of the present invention, the dye
spring may include at least one additional intermediate flange
between the terminal flanges of the tube. Such flanges could be
utilized to better control the transverse rigidity with respect to
the dye tube along with the axial rigidity and compressibility.
FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention.
Leads 220 may be modified in thickness along predetermined portions
of their lengths so as to better control the collapsibility
characteristics of the dye tube. As shown in FIG. 6, leads 220 have
members 230 angularly disposed with respect thereto in the same
fashion as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Further, material has been added by
way of fillets 225 adjacent the junctions between members 230 and
leads 220 on the sides thereof. As such, a thinner lead 220 may be
employed while building up the area around members 230 whereby the
collapsing characteristics of the dye tube are improved for the
thinner lead.
FIG. 7 illustrates yet further embodiments of the present
invention. FIG. 7 shows one end of a dye tube generally indicated
as 310 having an end flange 312 and a pair of helical leads 320 and
322, said leads being opposite each other in the direction of the
helices and being connected to each other at each point of crossing
324. Preferably, as with the other tubular members of the present
invention, the tubular element 310 is an integral structure having
been molded from a plastic composition such as a polypropylene so
as to withstand dye temperatures without substantial distortion. In
this sense, leads 320 and 322 are integral with the flanges of dye
tube 310 and are likewise integral at their crossing points 324 so
as to define a unitary structure. Crossing points 324 of tubular
member 310 add rigidity to the overall structure. During collapse
of the structure, while the degree of collapse may be controlled by
the pitch of the leads, the dimensions of the leads and the like,
if sufficient pressure is applied from an axial direction, the tube
will collapse to the point where openings 325 between the leads are
substantially closed which, in turn, would preclude sufficient
passage of dyestuff therethrough to dye the yarn wound therearound.
As such, a further embodiment of the present invention utilizes a
plurality of posts 328 (shown in phantom) secured at crossing
points 324 of leads 320 and 322 and extending upwardly therefrom,
said posts being secured at one end thereof and free at an opposite
end thereof. Posts 328 will thus engage the lower portion 324' of
crossing points 324 during collapse of tube 310 so as to prevent
further collapse after contact is made therewith. The length of
posts 328 may be varied so as to control the degree of axial
collapse of tubular element 310.
Posts 328 of FIG. 7 may be further modified as shown in FIG. 8. A
matching post 329 may be secured to the underside 324' of an
adjacent cross point 324. Modified post 328 is provided with a slot
328' while post 329 is provided with a protuberance 329' that is
receivable in slot 328'. During collapse of the dye tube, match up
of protuberance 329' with slot 328' will insure a proper axial
compression without any substantial transverse distortion. This
modification could also be made to the dye tube illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5.
An arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 8 is illustrated in
FIG. 9. A tube 10 as shown in FIG. 1 may be modified to insure
correct collapse, normally perpendicular members 30 are staggered.
The inside or outside of lead 20 and members 30 have channels or
slots 21 and 31 respectively. A further post 32 may be secured to
the underside of lead 20 and depend therefrom, terminating just
short of the next adjacent lead 20, just over channels 21 and 31 of
member 30. The entry to channel 21 of lead 20 may be provided with
guide means 21' to properly receive post 32 therein and preclude
against movement away from channels 21 and 31. Post 32 will thus
insure proper collapse of tube 10 without transverse movement and
will also limit the amount of collapse. It should further be
pointed out that the modifications illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 may
be used interchangeably with the tubes of the present
invention.
Referring to FIGS. 3, 7 and 10, further modifications to the dye
tube of the present invention will be discussed. Filter paper that
is wrapped around a dye tube is generally adhesively secured to
itself to form a sleeve or is provided as a sleeve. Winding of
initial yarn onto the paper and around the tube sometimes causes
the paper sleeve to move slightly. Such movement of course presents
difficulty in handling and may leave an area of the tube uncovered
which will permit substantial dye flow therethrough. FIGS. 3, 7 and
10 illustrate means that may be employed to hold filter paper in
place until the base winds of yarn are produced. In FIG. 3, slots
21 which are used for dye passage across leads 20 may receive paper
therein. Forcing of paper into slots 21 will provide the initial
holding process for same. In FIG. 7, a peripherally extending
flange 312' is shown in phantom. Flange 312' will abut the filter
paper and prevent unwanted movement thereof. Flange 312' may be
provided at both ends of the dye tube and may be continuous or
discontinuous around the periphery of flange 312. FIG. 10
illustrates yet another paper holding means. Leads 20 may be pushed
out slightly along portions of the outer edge at 26 and have one or
more pointed members 27 protruding therefrom. The filter paper P
may then be impaled in members 27 and precluded against movement.
Pointed members 27 may be provided along the length of the tube as
desired, and should not extend outwardly to the point where they
interfere with the winding operation.
As mentioned above, it is preferred that the tubular elements of
the present invention be integral, resulting from injection molding
of a plastic composition so as to provide the dye tube with desired
shape and dimensions. Furthermore, as stated above, a desired
material when the tubular member is utilized as a dye tube is a
plastic composition such as a polypropylene that will withstand the
dyeing temperatures experienced, somewhere in the neighborhood of
280.degree. to 300.degree.F. Insofar as ultimate use is concerned,
however, the tubular elements of the present invention may also be
employed as shock absorbers, springs, and the like. Moreover, the
modifications discussed herein may be used interchangeably with all
of the dye tubes according to the present invention.
Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious
that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and
modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should
be determined only by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *