Yarn carrier

Abstract

A yarn carrier is provided in the form of a yarn winding tube having a yarn catch insert. The yarn winding tube includes a recess through its surface for receiving the insert. The insert includes a yarn catching slot having a major opening located at one end of the slot, a minor opening adjacent the major opening and positioned in a circumferential direction of the tube, and a first step extending substantially axially between the major opening and minor opening. A catching groove, having a portion with an axial width smaller than a diameter of the yarn, is also included. When the yarn carrier is rotated and the yarn is positioned along the yarn catching slot, the yarn drops into the major opening, slides along the first step and is directed into the catching groove for winding.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a yarn carrier for winding yarn thereon. In particular, the yarn carrier includes a yarn catch insert positioned within a recess formed within a hollow cylindrical tube.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Yarn carriers, sometimes known as textile yarn cores, yarn winding tubes or yarn bobbins, are used in the textile industry to wind and support an elongated yarn. In order to make a yarn package, a moving yarn line is strung up onto a rapidly rotating empty core. The moving yarn is contacted with the rotating core and a catching, start-up or pick-up groove is provided on the core to grip the yarn and start the winding operating. The catching groove is normally located adjacent one end of the tube.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,637 to Gerharts shows a yarn carrier having a tubular wall, which includes a yarn catching slot therein. The slot allows the bobbin to catch advancing yarn along a yarn catching tongue. The yarn catching tongue engages the yarn and slides the yarn into a clamping slot, which holds the yarn for winding.

US 2005/0077421 to Hernandez et al., shows in various embodiments a yarn carrier incorporating a yarn catch insert. The yarn carrier includes a hollow tube, having a hole in its surface to receive a yarn catch insert. When positioned within the hole, the insert receives and catches the yarn in a groove formed by the insert. Once the yarn is caught in the groove, the yarn is wound around the yarn carrier. The yarn catch insert can be separated from the tube. The yarn catch insert can then be cleaned and reinserted or replaced to reuse the tube for winding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This present invention is a yarn carrier for winding yarn thereon. The yarn carrier includes a hollow cylindrical tube having opposing ends. Adjacent one end of the tube is provided a recess formed circumferentially along a portion of the tube wall. The recess may be located proximal the end of the tube or may be spaced inwardly from the tube end. The recess extends radially through the tube wall.

The yarn carrier further includes a yarn catch insert positioned within the recess on the tube. The yarn catch insert includes a yarn catching slot that extends in a circumferential direction of the tube. The slot includes a major opening located at one end of the insert, a minor opening positioned adjacent the major opening and a first step positioned between the major and minor openings. In one aspect of the invention, the yarn catching slot may include a side flank, opposite the first step, which extends the length of the yarn catching slot. In a further embodiment, the yarn catching slot may include a second step, opposite the first step. In a further embodiment, the yarn catch insert may comprise first and second members that are coupled together to form the yarn catching slot.

A catching groove is provided having a width that is smaller than the diameter of the yarn to be wound on the tube. The catching groove is positioned adjacent the minor opening of the insert. The groove generally extends in a circumferential direction, opposite the major opening. The catching groove may be formed as part of the insert or within the tube wall.

Upon rotation of the yarn carrier, the yarn is positioned substantially tangent to the tube wall and in a generally circumferential direction along the yarn catching slot. The yarn drops into the major opening and slides along the first step into the minor opening. After entering the minor opening, the yarn is engaged by the catching groove, which holds the yarn end and winding is initiated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show forms of the invention that are presently preferred. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arguments and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view of a yarn carrier having a yarn winding tube and yarn catch insert.

FIG. 2 is a partial side elevation of the yarn carrier of FIG. 1 with the insert positioned within a recess in the tube.

FIG. 3 is a partial side elevation of another embodiment of a yarn catch insert within a yarn winding tube.

FIG. 4 is a partial side elevation of a further embodiment of a yarn catch insert within a yarn winding tube.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of another embodiment of a yarn catch insert.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a yarn carrier showing the yarn catch insert of FIG. 5 positioned within a recess in a yarn winding tube.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a yarn catch insert.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a yarn carrier showing the yarn catch insert of FIG. 7 positioned within a recess in a yarn winding tube.

FIG. 9 is a partial exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a yarn carrier having a yarn winding tube and a yarn catch insert positioned in a recess proximal the end of the tube.

FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation of the embodiment of a yarn carrier of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partial side elevation of a further embodiment of a yarn catch insert positioned within the tube of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown various exemplary embodiments of a yarn carrier according to the present invention. The yarn carrier is contemplated to be used in the textile industry to wind yarn thereon.

FIG. 1 shows the formation of a yarn carrier 110 as contemplated by one embodiment of the present invention. The yarn carrier 110 includes a hollow cylindrical winding tube 112 having a longitudinal axis and extending between a first end 114 and a second end (not shown), at the opposite end of the tube 112. The tube 112 includes a substantially cylindrical outer surface 116 and inner surface 118, with the tube wall formed therebetween. A recess 120 is formed adjacent the first end 114 of the tube 112 and extends circumferentially around a portion of the tube wall. The recess 120 is spaced axially inward from the tube end 114. The recess 120 extends radially from the inner surface 118 to the outer surface 116 of the tube 112, forming a hole in the tube wall. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a yarn catch insert 122 is inserted into the recess 120 and has a form that generally conforms to the shape of the recess 120. The tube 112 and yarn catch insert 122 may be made out of any suitable materials known in the industry for forming yarn carriers, including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, paper or cardboard.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the yarn carrier 110 of FIG. 1 is shown with the yarn catch insert 122 positioned in the recess 120 in the tube 112. The yarn catch insert 122 includes a yarn catching slot 124 that extends in the circumferential direction of the tube 112. The yarn catching slot 124 includes a major opening 126 located at one end and a relatively smaller, minor opening 128 positioned adjacent the major opening 126. A first step 130 is formed between the major opening 126 and minor opening 128. The first step 130 extends in the axial direction of the tube 112. The step 130 includes an outer surface 132 substantially flush with the outer surface 116 of the insert 122 and the tube 112. The yarn carrier 110 further includes a catching groove 134 having an axial width that is smaller than a diameter of a yarn 136. The catching groove 134 is positioned adjacent the minor opening 128 and extends in a circumferential direction from the end of the minor opening 128 opposite the major opening 126. The catching groove may be tapered or have a tapered portion.

In operation, the yarn carrier 110 rotates about its longitudinal axis as shown by rotation arrow 138. The yarn 136 is positioned tangentially with respect to the tube wall and generally in a circumferential direction. The yarn 136 is moved to a position along the yarn catching slot 124. The yarn 136 drops into the major opening 126, slides along the first step 130 and into the minor opening 128, and then is engaged by the catching groove 134. The catching groove 134 grabs the yarn 136 and initiates winding of the yarn 136 around the tube 112.

The yarn catching slot 124 shown in FIG. 2 includes a side flank 142 opposite the first step 130. The side flank 142 extends the length of the yarn catching slot 124. The side flank 142 serves to direct the yarn 136 toward the catching groove 134.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a yarn carrier 310 is shown having an alternate embodiment of a yarn catching insert 322 positioned within a winding tube 312. The insert 322 includes a yarn catching slot 324 that extends in a circumferential direction of the tube 312. The slot 324 includes a major opening 326 located at one end of the slot 324 and a minor opening 328 positioned adjacent a major opening 326. A first step 330 is formed between the major opening 326 and the minor opening 328. The first step 330 extends in the axial direction of the tube 312.

A second step 346 is provided in a side flank 348, opposite the first step 330. The second step 346 generally extends in the axial direction of the tube 312 and includes an outer surface 332 formed substantially flush with the outer surface of the insert 322 and an outer surface 316 of the tube 312. Upon rotation of the tube 312 in a direction 338, a yarn 336 will drop into the major opening 326. The yarn 336 will then slide along either the first step 330 or the second step 346 and into the minor opening 328. After entering the minor opening 328, the yarn 336 is directed into the catching groove 334 and engaged thereby, causing winding of the yarn 336 on the tube 312.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a yarn carrier 410 is shown having a further embodiment of a yarn catching insert 422 formed within a recess 420 in a wall 416 of a tube 412. The insert 422 is spaced axially from one end 414 of a tube 412. The insert 422 includes a yarn catching slot 424 that generally extends in the circumferential direction of the tube 412. The slot 424 includes a major opening 426 located at one end of the slot 424 and a minor opening 428 positioned adjacent a major opening 426. A first step 430 is formed within the minor opening 428 and extends into a catching groove 434. The first step 430 extends substantially in the axial direction of the tube 412. The catching groove 434 has an axial width that is smaller than a diameter of the yarn 436. The insert 422 further includes an outer surface 432, which is substantially flush with the outer surface 416 of the tube 412. As shown, the yarn 436 is slightly angled with respect to the axis of the tube 412, which is rotated in the direction of arrow 438. The yarn 436 drops into the major opening 426 and is engaged by the first step 430, which is angled. The yarn 436 then slides along the first step 430 into the catching groove 434 and is engaged by the tapered end. The yarn passes under the step 430 and into the minor opening 428.

The catching groove 434 may include internal sidewalls inclined with respect to each other so as to diverge while moving inwardly from the outside surface 432 toward the inner surface (not shown). The angle of the step 430 with respect to the circumferential direction of the tube or with respect to the catching groove 434 may be varied as desired to accommodate different yarn types.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a further embodiment of a yarn catch insert 522 is shown. The yarn catch insert 522 includes a first member 554 having a first end 556 and a second end 558 opposite the first end 556. The first member 554 also includes an inner surface 560. A second member 562 is provided having a first end 564, a second end 566 and an inner surface 568. The inner surface 568 of the second member 562 faces the inner surface 560 of the first member 554, when the first member 554 and the second member 562 are positioned in a recess 520 (as shown in FIG. 6), and define the catching slot 524.

The second end 558 of the first member 554 is coupled to the second end 566 of the second member 562 by a coupling tab 570. Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is coupled, the first member 554 and second member 562 of the insert 522 may also be integrally formed or an assembly of separate members.

Referring particularly to FIG. 6, a yarn carrier 510 is shown having the insert 522 positioned within a recess 520 spaced from an edge 514 of a tube 512. The yarn catching slot 524 is positioned in the circumferential direction of the tube 512. The slot 524 includes a major opening 526 located at one end and a minor opening 528 positioned adjacent the major opening 526. A first step 530 is formed between the major opening 526 and the minor opening 528. The first step 530 extends substantially in the axial direction of the tube 512. A catching groove 534 is provided having at least a portion with an axially width that is smaller than a diameter of a yarn 536. The catching groove 534 is positioned adjacent the minor opening 528 and extends in a circumferential direction of the tube 512, opposite the major opening 526. As illustrated, the groove 534 is formed on the surface of the tube 512 and communicates through the ends 566 and 564 of the first and second members 554 and 562.

When the tube 512 is rotated in a direction 538, the yarn 536 is moved into the slot 524 via the major opening 526 and slides across the first step 530 into the minor opening 528. The yarn 536 is directed by the minor opening 528 into the catching groove 534 located at the end of the minor opening 528 and formed within the tube 512.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a further embodiment of a yarn catch insert 722 is shown. Much like the insert 522 of FIG. 5, the yarn catch insert 722 includes a first member 754 having a first end 756 and a second end 758 opposite the first end 756. The first member 754 also includes an inner surface 760. A second member 762 is provided having a first end 764, a second end 766 and an inner surface 768. The first member 754 and the second member 762 may be coupled using a coupling tab 770. The inner surface 768 of the second member 762 faces the inner surface 760 of the first member 754 when the first member 764 and the second member 762 are positioned within a recess 720 (as shown in FIG. 8) and defines the catching slot 524.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a yarn carrier 710 is shown having the insert 722 positioned within a recess 720 in the wall of the tube 712 and spaced from one end 714. The insert 722 includes a yarn catching slot 724 which is positioned to extend in the circumferential direction of the tube 712. The slot 724 includes a major opening 726 located at one end of the slot 724 and a minor opening 728 positioned adjacent the major opening 726. A first step 730 is formed between the major opening 726 and minor opening 728. The first step 730 extends substantially in the axial direction of the tube 712. As discussed above, a second step (not shown) may also be provided, opposite the first step, or adjacent the catching groove.

The insert 722 includes an outer surface 734 which is formed so as to be flush with the outer surface 716 of the tube 712. The insert 722 further includes a catching groove 734 having an axial width that is smaller than the diameter of a yarn 736. The catching groove 734 is positioned adjacent the first step 730 between the minor opening 728 and the major opening 726. A second catching groove 772 is formed within the tube 712 adjacent the minor opening 728 extending in a circumferential direction from the minor opening 728 opposite the major opening 726. The second catching groove 772 is provided having an axial width that is smaller than the yarn 736. The insert 722 includes a top surface 732 flush with the outer surface 716 of the tube 712.

When the tube 712 rotates in the direction of arrow 738, the yarn 736 falls inside the major opening 726. The yarn 736 can then take either of two directions. First, the yarn 736 can fall within the major opening 726 and engage the first step 730. The yarn 736 then slides along the first step 730 into the catching groove 734. Alternatively, the yarn 736 can move along the length of the yarn catch insert 722 and through the top end 774 of the slot 724 into the second catching groove 772. Thus, depending on the position of the yarn 736 when it enters the yarn catching slot 724, the yarn 736 could either be engaged by the first catching groove 734 or the second catching groove 772 for winding.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a further embodiment of the yarn carrier 910 is provided. The yarn carrier 910 includes a tube 912 having a substantially cylindrical outer surface 916 and inner surface 918 with the tube wall formed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 9, a yarn catch insert 922 is positioned adjacent a recess 920 and has a form that generally fits within the recess 920. A recess 920, if formed within the tube 912, extends to an edge 944 of the tube 912 at a first end 914 of the tube 912.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the yarn carrier 910 is shown with the insert 922 positioned within the recess 920. The insert 922 includes a yarn catching slot 924 extending in the circumferential direction of the tube 912. The slot 924 includes a major opening 926 located at one end of the slot 924 and a minor opening 928 positioned adjacent the major opening 926. A first step 930 is formed within the minor opening 928 extending substantially axially in the direction of the tube 912. The first step 930 includes an outer surface 932 flush with the outer surface 916 of the tube 912. The insert 922 further includes a catching groove 934 having an axial width smaller than a diameter of a yarn 936. The catching groove 934 is positioned adjacent a minor opening 928 and extends in a circumferential direction away from the minor opening 928 opposite the major opening 926. When the tube 912 is moved in an intended direction of rotation 938, the yarn 936 will drop into the slot 924 at the major opening 926. The yarn then slides along the first step 930 within the minor opening 928 and moves into the catching groove 934. The catching groove 934 secures the yarn 936 for winding.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a further embodiment of a yarn carrier 1110 is provided having a yarn catch insert 1122 positioned within a recess 1120 of a tube 1112. The recess 1120 is formed within the tube 1112 extending to an edge 1144 of the tube 1112 at a first end 1114. The insert 1122 includes a yarn catching slot 1124 that extends in the circumferential direction of the tube 1112. The slot 1124 includes a major opening 1126 located at one end of the slot 1124 and a minor opening 1128 positioned adjacent the major opening 1126. A first step 1130 is formed within the minor opening 1128 extending substantially in the axial direction of the tube 1112. The first step 1130 further includes an outer surface 1132 flush with the outer surface 1116 of the tube 1112. The insert 1122 includes a catching groove 1134 having an axial width that is smaller than a diameter of a yarn 1136. The catching groove 1134 is positioned adjacent the minor opening 1128 and extends in a circumferential direction away from the minor opening 1128 opposite the major opening 1126.

When the tube 1112 is moved in an intended direction of rotation 1138, the yarn 1136 falls into the yarn catching slot 1124 at the major opening 1126 and engages the first step 1130 within the minor opening 1128. The yarn 1136 then slides along the first step 1130 in the minor opening 1128 and is engaged by the catching groove 1134. The catching groove 1134 secures the yarn 1136 for winding.

As shown in the yarn catch insert 922 embodiment of FIG. 10, a yarn 936 engaged in a catching groove 934 can remain above the outer surface 916 of the tube. Alternatively, as shown in the yarn catch insert 1122 of FIG. 11, a yarn 1136 engaged by the catching groove 1134 can be positioned both under the outer surface 1116 of the tube 1112 on one end (near the inner surface 918 of the tube 912) and above the outer surface 1116 of the tube 1112 on another end. Positioning the recess along an edge of the tube can also facilitate manufacturing and enlarging the area that the yarn can travel to drop into the major opening.

For all embodiments, the yarn catch insert facilitates removal from the tube and cleaning of the catching groove. Thus, the tube of the yarn carrier can be reused or the operator may replace the yarn catch insert, if needed. Moreover, the universal shape of the recess allows for a single tube to be used multiple times and with multiple yarn catching slot formations. Thus, the denier of a yarn to be wound can be changed with the winding tube still being useful.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A yarn carrier for winding yarn thereon, comprising:

a hollow cylindrical tube having a longitudinal axis extending lengthwise between a first end and second end; a tube wall defined by a substantially cylindrical outer and inner surfaces, and a recess formed adjacent the first end of the tube and extending in a circumferential direction of the tube, the recess extending radially throughout the wall; and

a yarn catch insert positioned within the recess, the insert comprising a yarn catching slot formed within the yarn catch insert and extending in a circumferential direction of the tube, the yarn catching slot comprising a major opening located at one end of the slot, a minor opening positioned adjacent the major opening and aligned in a circumferential direction, a first step positioned between the major opening and the minor opening and substantially axially, the first step comprising an outer surface form flush with the outer surface of the insert and flush with the outer surface of the tube; and

a catching groove having an axial width smaller than a diameter of a yarn, the catching groove extending in a circumferential direction opposite the major opening,

wherein upon rotation of the yarn carrier about the longitudinal axis, the yarn positioned circumferentially along the yarn catching slot drops into the major opening, slides along the step and is directed into the catching groove.

2. The yarn carrier of claim 1, wherein the catching groove is positioned adjacent the minor opening.

3. The yarn carrier of claim 1, wherein the catching groove is positioned in the tube wall.

4. The yarn carrier of claim 1, wherein the yarn slides into the minor opening.

5. The yarn carrier of claim 4, wherein the catching groove comprises side walls having a substantial axial component inclined with respect to each other so as to form an acute angle when viewed in plan.

6. The yarn carrier of claim 4, wherein the yarn catch insert further comprises

a first member comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an inner surface, and

a second member having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first member when the first and second members are positioned in the recess;

wherein the second end of the first member is coupled to the second end of the second member.

7. The yarn carrier of claim 4 further comprising a second catching groove located at a top end of the yarn catching slot.

8. The yarn carrier of claim 4, wherein the recess extends to an edge of the tube.

9. The yarn carrier of claim 1, wherein the yarn catching slot comprises a side flank opposite the first step extending the circumferential length of the yarn catching slot parallel to an edge of the tube.

10. The yarn carrier of claim 1, wherein the yarn catching slot further comprises:

a second step opposite the first step extending axially, the second step comprising an outer surface flush with the outer surface of the tube, wherein upon rotation of the yarn carrier about the longitudinal axis, the yarn positioned circumferentially along the yarn catching slot will drop into the major opening, slide along either the first step or the second step into the minor opening, and then be engaged by the catching groove.

11. The yarn carrier of claim 1, wherein the yarn is engaged by the catching groove in a substantially perpendicular direction.

12. The yarn carrier of claim 11, wherein one of the side walls of the catching groove forms a continuation of the first step.

13. The yarn carrier of claim 1, wherein the yarn catch insert further comprises:

a first member comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an inner surface, and

a second member having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first member when the first and second members are positioned in the recess;

wherein the second end of the first member is coupled to the second end of the second member.

14. The yarn carrier of claim 1, wherein the hollow cylindrical tube is plastic, paper, metal, or cardboard.

15. The yarn carrier of claim 1, wherein the yarn catch insert is plastic, paper, metal, or cardboard.

16. A yarn carrier for winding yarn thereon, comprising:

a hollow cylindrical tubular wall having a longitudinal axis extending lengthwise between first and second opposite ends thereof, and a recess formed in the first end of the wall extending radially though the wall and circumferentially in a direction of rotation of the yarn carrier; and

a yarn catch insert positioned within the recess, the insert comprising a yarn catching slot formed within the yarn catch insert extending circumferentially in a direction of rotation of the yarn carrier, the yarn catching slot comprising a major opening located at one end of the slot, a minor opening positioned adjacent the major opening extending circumferentially in a direction away from the direction of rotation of the yarn carrier, a first step between the major opening and the minor opening extending axially and facing the direction of rotation of the yarn carrier; and

a catching groove having an axial width smaller than a diameter of a yarn, the catching groove positioned adjacent the minor opening and extending circumferentially in a direction away from the direction of rotation of the yarn carrier;

wherein upon rotation of the yarn carrier about the longitudinal axis, the yarn positioned circumferentially along the yarn catching slot will drop into the major opening, slide along the step into the minor opening, and then be engaged by the catching groove.

17. The yarn carrier of claim 16, wherein a top surface of the step is flush with an outside surface of the tubular wall.