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.

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.

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.