USOO671923OB2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,719,230 B2

Baranov et al. (45) Date of Patent: Apr. 13, 2004

(54) COLLAPSIBLE YARN CARRIER TUBE FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

DE 2408949 9/1975
(75) Inventors: Fedar Baranov, Inman, SC (US); EP 471353 A1 2/1992
Brian P. Couchey, Inman, SC (US); FR 610248 9/1926
Victor J. DesRosiers, Kinderhook, NY JP 447739 4/1969
(US); William E. Leidel, Greer, SC NL 87276 1/1958
(US); James P. Stevens, Castleton, NY SE 61574 9/1926
(US)
(73) Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc., Hartsville, OTHER PUBLICATIONS
SC (US)
Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this Photograph of dye tube by Sonoco Crellin, Inc. of Green
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 ville, South Carolina, known prior to the filing date for this
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. application. These photographs are of tubes known, dates of
at least before or on Jan. 28, 2002.
(21) Appl. No.: 10/060,522 Photograph of dye tube by Technimark, Inc. of Asheboro,
(22) Filed: Jan. 29, 2002 North Carolina, known prior to the filing date for this
application. These photographs are of tubes known, dates of
(65) Prior Publication Data
at least before or on Jan. 28, 2002.
US 2003/0141397 A1 Jul. 31, 2003
(51) Int. Cl................................................. B65H 75/20 Primary Examiner John M. Jillions
(52) U.S. Cl. ................... 242/118.11; 242/604; 242/605 (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Drinker Biddle & Reath
(58) Field of Search ......................... 242/118.11, 118.1, LLP
242/118.2, 605, 604; 68/198
(57) ABSTRACT
(56) References Cited
A carrier tube is provided for retaining yarn packages during
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS a dyeing operation, the tube including axially aligned rings
397.539 A 2/1889 Dahlgren Spaced from one another along at least a portion thereof.
1,495,302 A 5/1924 Hartshorne Longitudinally extending columns or ribs interSect each of
2,138,383 A 11/1938 Little et al. ...................... 93/1 the rings to form a lattice Structure over at least a portion of
2,162,841 A 6/1939 Dunlap ...... ... 242/119 the surface of the tube body in which apertures are defined
2,217,459 A 10/1940 Slaughter ..................... 68/198 by the rings and ribs. Each of the ribs includes interspersed
2,338.513 A 1/1944 Helm ........ ... 242/118 reduced load carrying Sections that deflect compressively in
2,413,091 A 12/1946 Wolfenden. ... 242/118 response to axial load applied to the tube. The deflections of
2,633,729 A 4/1953 Slaughter ..................... 68/198 the reduced load carrying Sections accumulating over the
3,465.984 A 9/1969 Tigges et al. .. ... 242/118.11
3,561,697 A 2/1971 Egyptien ...... ... 242/118.11 length of the ribs to permit axial acceptance of the load. The
3,563,491 A 2/1971 Hahm et al. ... ... 242/118.11 carrier tube also having radial reduction Sections connected
3,647,156 A 3/1972 Henning ....... ... 242/118.11 to the rings to accept a radial reduction of the tube in
3,718,287 A 2/1973 Sottosanti .............. 242/118.11 response to compressive load created by the yarn during the
3,756,532 A 9/1973 Draper .................. 242/118.11 dyeing operation.
3,759,461 A 9/1973 Draper .................. 242/118.11
(List continued on next page.) 28 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets

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 US 6,719,230 B2
Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,094.404 A 3/1992 DesRosiers et al. .... 242/118.11

5,152.475 A 10/1992 Pasini .............. ... 242/118.1
3,929.301 A 12/1975 Frank et al. ......... 242/118.11 5,178,342 A 1/1993 Romagnoli. ... 242/118.1
it. A
2-a-Ya-2 f
E. E", et al. ... ; f118.
urchette, Jr. .........
:: 5,411,217 A
5,427,322. A
5/1995 Ono ...................... 242/118.11
6/1995 DesRosiers ............ 242/118.11
4,270,710 A 6/1981. Ono ............. ... 242/118.11 5,435,497 A 7/1995 Romagnoli .... ... 242/118.11
4,349,165 A 9/1982 Henning et al. ........ 242/118.11 5,445,335 A 8/1995 Hallman et al. ......... 242/118.1
4,402,474. A 9/1983 Henning ....... ... 242/118.1 5,501,406 A 3/1996 Henning ........... ... 242/118.11
4,441,665 A 4/1984 Hahm ........................ 242/129 5,577,677 A * 11/1996 Frings et al. .. ... 242/118.11
4,454,734 A : 6/1984 Marquis et al. ............... 68/198 5,584,439 A 12/1996 Romagnoli ............ 242/118.11
4,621,508 A * 11/1986 Baxley et al. 242/118.11 X 5,632,451 A 5/1997 Pasini ........ ... 242/118.11
4,720,057. A 1/1988 Ono et al. . ... 242/118.11 5,820,049 A 10/1998 Atkinson .... 242/118.1
4,823,565. A 4/1989 Hahm ......................... 68/198 6,032.890 A 3/2000 DesRosiers .... 242/125.1
4.941,621. A 7/1990 Pasini ....... ... 242/118.1 6367,724 B1 * 4/2002 Atki tal 242A118.11
4.946,114. A 8/1990 Becker et al. ... 242/118.1 2-Y/ f ISO C, a f118.
4,962,650 A 10/1990 Hahm ......................... 68/198
4,986,488 A 1/1991 Windhose et al. ...... 242/118.1 * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2004 Sheet 1 of 5 US 6,719,230 B2

FIG.
U.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2004 Sheet 2 of 5 US 6,719,230 B2

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U.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2004 Sheet 3 of 5 US 6,719,230 B2
U.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2004 Sheet 4 of 5 US 6,719,230 B2
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U.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2004 Sheet 5 of 5 US 6,719,230 B2
 US 6,719,230 B2
1 2
COLLAPSIBLE YARN CARRIER TUBE the Spacing members throughout the tube is bowed to
provide for compression of the Spacing members in response
to compressive axial load.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The heat of the dye medium tends to shrink the yarn
The present invention relates to a carrier tube for package within the yarn package. The winding of the yarn on the tube
dyeing of textile products Such as yarn and the like and, creates a radially inward load around the circumference of
more particularly, to a collapsible carrier tube. the tube. To prevent damage to the yarn in response to
compressive loads induced by the Shrinkage of the yarn
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION against the tube, on which the yarn is wound, prior art tubes
In the textile industry, carrier tubes are utilized to Support have incorporated flexible, or collapsible, Structures provid
yarn during a dyeing process. The yarn is wound onto a ing for radial collapse.
carrier tube at high Speeds to form a Substantially cylindrical Examples of radially compressible tubes are shown in
package of yarn on the tube. The yarn-Supporting tubes are U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,451 to Pasini and European Publication
then Supported on the Spindle of a dye kettle for application 15
0471353A of Zimmermann. Pasini discloses alternating
of a dye medium. The tubes are commonly formed with transversely deformable longitudinal members and rigid
mating ends to facilitate nested Stacking of multiple yarn longitudinal members. Stiffening tacks connect the alternat
packages on one Spindle. A dye medium is introduced into ing longitudinal members. Application of compressive hoop
the dye kettle via the Spindle for radial passage of the dye load to the tube, from Shrinking yarn for example, causes
through the carrier tube and the Supported yarn package. The deformation of the transversely deformable members and
carrier tubes are perforated to provide the necessary pas radial collapse of the tube as the rigid members adjacent the
Sageway for the dye from the Spindle to the yarn. Known deformable members are directed towards one another. In
carrier tubes include tubes having interSecting elements Zimmermann, a lattice Structure includes ring Sections that
which form a lattice type structure to provide the necessary do not interSect with each of the longitudinal members and
perforations. 25
are instead secured to some of the members by bowed
The prior art includes tubes made from metals. Such as elements. The bowed elements permit flexibility and radial
Stainless Steel. However, metal tubes require thorough clean compression of the carrier tube under compressive hoop
ing before reuse to prevent a previously applied dye medium loading.
from contaminating a dye medium Subsequently applied. A potential problem associated with known carrier tubes
Known carrier tubes also include tubes made from plastic. that provide for collapse of the tube, especially in the axial
Material and manufacturing cost efficiencies relating to direction, is pinching of the yarn between collapsing por
molding of plasticS facilitate the mass production of tubes tions of the carrier tube. The potential for pinching is greater
for generally disposable use thereby eliminating the need to where the collapsibility of the tube is concentrated such that
clean the tubes for re-use. a large percentage of the overall collapse of the tube occurs
The perforations in the tube providing for passage of the 35
at each location of collapsible Structure.
dye medium should not excessively reduce the Structural SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
integrity of the tube. The perforated carrier tube must
possess Sufficient Strength to carry loading applied to the It is an object of the present invention to provide a
tube. For example, the tubes typically incur an axial load collapsible carrier tube for Supporting a wound package of
after mounting on a spindle to Seal the ends of the tube and 40 yarn in a dyeing process in which predefined collapsible
to ensure that the dye medium will pass radially through the portions are interspersed within the Structure to permit the
yarn rather than out of the ends of the tube. tube to maintain its structural integrity in response to yarn
Another factor to be considered is the thermal expansion reactions to the dyeing process.
of the tube and Spindle. The dye medium used in the dyeing According to one embodiment of the present invention,
proceSS is typically heated to a temperature that is slightly 45 there is provided a carrier tube for dyeing yarn packages.
lower than the melting temperature of the plastic. This The carrier tube comprises a Series of axially Spaced rings
temperature results in a Substantial Softening of the plastic, and a Series of columns or ribs extending longitudinally
making deformation under load relatively easy. Also, Since along the tube. The ribs and rings define the wall of the tube
the plastic material of the tube expands at a greater rate than and form a lattice Structure to Support yarn wound thereon
the metal of the Spindle, an additional axial load is created 50 and having openings therein to permit the dye to be intro
on the tube during the dyeing process. Considering this load duced from inside the tube to the yarn wound on the exterior
and the relative Softness of the plastic at the elevated of the tube. Each of the ribs includes at least one reduced
temperatures, Structural integrity of the tube may become load carrying Section, which is capable of compressing in
compromised (at least to the extent of creating problems response to an axial loading of the tube during the yarn
during unwinding of the dyed yarn). 55 dying process. In a preferred Structure, multiple reduced
Prior art tubes have incorporated flexible, or collapsible, load carrying Sections may be interspersed on each of the
Structures to provide for axial compression in response to ribs within the lattice structure.
compressive loading Such as that induced by restrained According to another embodiment of the present
thermal expansion. Examples of axially compressible carrier invention, the lattice Structure of the tube includes at least
tubes are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,986,488 to Windhosel et 60 one reduced load carrying members within each of the rings
al. and 4,946,114 to Becker et al. In Windhosel, ring sections Such that application of a hoop load results in compressive
of a central portion of the tube are interconnected by WebS. deflection of the reduced load carrying members. In a
Each of the interconnecting WebS is twice bent at right preferred Structure, multiple reduced load carrying members
angles to provide flexibility in the axial direction. The webs may be interspersed along the length of each of the ribs
function in the nature of Springs rather than load bearing ribs 65 within the lattice structure.
of a lattice Structure. In a Similar fashion, Becker discloses It should be understood that the reduced load carrying
ring Sections interconnected by Spacing members. Each of Sections on the rings and the reduced load carrying members
 US 6,719,230 B2
3 4
on the ribs may be combined within the overall lattice The body portion 26 further includes columns or ribs 34
Structure. The number and form of the reduced load carrying each extending longitudinally along the length of the body
Sections and members may be varied as desired, depending portion 26 and interSecting each of the rings 28 to form a
on the operating conditions, materials, yarn, temperatures lattice structure. Each of the ribs 34 supports the carrier tube
and other factors involved. under axial load. The ribs and rings define perforations 36
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS that provide for passage of a dye medium through the carrier
tube. The interSections of the ribs and rings result in a highly
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is Stable structure capable of maintaining Structural integrity of
shown in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it the tube under loading imposed during the winding, unwind
being understood, however, that this invention is not limited ing and dyeing processes.
to the precise arrangements and structures shown. Referring to FIG. 2B, each of the ribs has sections that
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of packages of wound yarn extend between adjacent rings 28 within the lattice Structure.
received on Stacked carrier tubes according to the present Each of the ribs includes reduced load carrying, or axial
invention; deflection, Sections 38 and primary load carrying Sections
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a collapsible carrier tube 15 40. The reduced load carrying sections 38 are interspersed
according to the present invention; among the primary load carrying Sections 40 along the
FIGS. 2A and 2B are detail views of the carrier tube of length of the central body 26.
FIG. 2 schematically illustrating portions of the carrier tube The side surfaces of each of each of primary sections 40
in a planar configuration; taper radially Such that the primary Sections are thickest
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the carrier tube of FIG. along the inner surface of the body portion 26. Each of the
2 in which the carrier tube has been partially axially and reduced load carrying Sections 38 has non-tapering sides
radially collapsed; and Such that the Section has a constant thickness. AS illustrated,
FIGS. 3A and 3B are detail views of the collapsed carrier the load carrying Sections 38 are sized Such that the thick
tube of FIG. 3 schematically illustrating portions of the neSS is relatively less than the thickness of the primary
carrier tube in a planar configuration. 25 Sections 40. AS a result, the croSS Sectional area of the
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
reduced load carrying sections 38 is less than that of the
primary Sections 40. The reduced croSS Sectional area results
Referring to the drawings where like numerals refer to in an increase in flexibility and a reduction in the load
like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 an assembly 10 of carrying capability of Sections 38 as compared to primary
yarn packages 12. The yarn packages 12 may be Supported sections 40. The reduced load carrying sections 38 as
on the Spindle 14 of a dye kettle for dyeing by a dye medium. illustrated are formed with a curved profile in the axial
The packages 12 are Separated from one another by Spacers direction of the tube. The curved profile increases the
16. In the manner well known in the art, each of the yarn likelihood that sections 38 will deflect under load as opposed
packages is formed by winding of the yarn onto a tubular to the primary sections 40.
carrier not seen in FIG.1. Each of the tubular carriers having 35 Although illustrated as being curved, the reduced load
a yarn package wound thereon is received onto the Spindle carrying Sections 38 could have Straight Sidewalls, form a
in a stack of carriers such as the assembly 10 shown in FIG. chevron shape, form an “S” shaped or other wise be formed
1. to encourage deflection upon a compression force being
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a yarn carrier 20 applied to the tube. In addition, the Sections are shown as
according to the present invention. The yarn carrier 20 is 40 having a relatively Smaller croSS Section, as compared to the
tubular Structure having an inner diameter Sized for Slidable primary sections 40 of the ribs 34. It is contemplated that the
receipt on the Spindle within a dye kettle, Such as the Spindle shape of the reduced load Sections 38 alone may create the
14 shown (in phantom) in FIG. 1. Each of the yarn carriers desired compression of the tube in response to an axial load.
20 includes a male fitting 22 formed as part of a first end ring It is preferred, however, that the Sections be positioned along
positioned at one end of the yarn carrier tube. A Second or 45 the axial line of the ribs, even considering the curved or
female nesting fitting 24 is formed as part of a Second end other deflection that will promote compression.
ring at the opposite end of the tube. The male fitting 22 has The carrier tube 20 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2A in an
an outside diameter sized for receipt within the female fitting initial condition in which the tube has not been collapsed in
24 when two tubes are Stacked or otherwise positioned either of the axial or radial directions. The initial length of
end-to-end forming the assembly 10 of yarn packages shown 50 the tube prior to axial collapse is shown as X. The initial
in FIG.1. The form of the male and female fittings may vary diameter of the tube prior to radial collapse is shown as Y.
as desired. The Structural and operational parameters for this Upon the application of a Sufficient axial load to the carrier
nested fitting will be understood by those of skill in the art. tube, the reduced load carrying sections 38 of ribs 34 will
The tubular carrier 20 includes a central body portion 26 deflect such that opposite ends of the sections 38 and the
for Supporting a wound yarn package Such as package 12 of 55 adjacent rings that are Separated by the reduced load carry
FIG. 1. The body portion 26 is porous to provide the ing Sections will approach one another. The deflected con
necessary passageway for the dye from the Spindle of a dye dition of the reduced load carrying Sections 38 is seen in
kettle to the Supported yarn package. The body portion 26 FIGS. 3 and 3B. As shown, the reduced load carrying
includes a plurality of intermediate rings 28 that are axially sections 38 for each rib 34 are dispersed along the length of
aligned with one another and equidistantly Spaced along the 60 the rib. Each of the reduced load carrying sections 38 for a
length of the body of the tube. Each of the rings includes a given rib 34 is located between an adjacent pair of rings 28
Series of elongated ring Sections 30 extending circumferen axially adjacent to non-deflecting primary Sections 40
tially about the body portion 26. Each of the rings 28 also located between adjoining pairs of rings 28. For each of the
includes hoop or radial reduction Sections 32 linking two ribs 34, therefore, the compressive deflections of the sepa
adjacent ring Sections 30. Each of the radial reduction 65 rate sections 38 will accumulate over the length of the ribs
Sections is capable of accepting a radially compressive load 34 to form an overall shortening of the ribs and a reduction
on the tube. in the diameter of the tube.
 US 6,719,230 B2
S 6
Referring to FIGS. 2A and 3A, the interspersed reduced directly adjacent the transition zones 50 also tapers 56 as a
load carrying Sections 38 are also Staggered circumferen result of the forces applied by the shrinking yarn.
tially about the body portion 26 such that the reduced The lattice structure of the yarn carrier 20 thus provides
sections 38 of each of the ribs is axially offset with respect for collapsibility of the yarn carrier both axially and radially.
to the reduced Sections of adjacent ribs. In other words, each Although the carrier tube 20 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A
adjacent pair of rings 28 is connected to at least one rib 34 collapsed axially and radially, it should be understood by
having a non-deflecting primary Section 40 located between those skilled in the art that the axial and radial collapse
the adjacent rings 28. AS a result, there are no adjacent pair mechanisms are capable of operating independently from
of rings that are interconnected Solely by reduced load one another. Therefore, the application of Sufficient axial
carrying Sections. This construction Serves to further spread load to deflect the reduced load carrying sections 38 of the
the axial collapse of the lattice Structure about the body ribs 34 will not result in deflection of the radial reduction
portion 26. As a result, the axial collapse at each location of sections 32 of the rings 28 in the absence of sufficient
collapse is minimized both in terms of the circumferential compressive hoop load, and Vice versa. The provision of ribs
extent of the collapse as well as the axial magnitude of the 34 that are load bearing throughout the entire length of the
collapse. The spreading of the collapse in this manner Serves 15 ribs and that intersect each of the rings 28 results in a robust
to limit the potential for pinching of a yarn package previ lattice Structure. The lattice Structure provides for Substan
ously wound on the body portion 26 of the carrier tube 20 tially rigid Support of load both axially and radially in the
prior to the axial collapse. The resulting shortened length of absence of loading Sufficient to collapse the reduced load
the tube is shown in FIG.3 as X. It is preferable that all of carrying Sections 38 or the radial reduction Sections 32.
the ribs have the same number of reduced load carrying While the present invention has been described in con
Sections. This facilitates uniformity in the collapse of the nection with the preferred embodiments of the various
Structure under Sufficient axial load. figures, it is to be understood that other Similar embodiments
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, each of the radial reduction may be used or modifications and additions may be made to
sections 32 is connected the ring 28 intermediately between the described embodiment for performing the same function
a pair of adjacent rib sections 40. The reduction sections 32 25 of the present invention without deviating therefrom.
are capable of carrying load to provide for hoop continuity Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any
of the rings 28. As best seen in FIG. 2A, each of the radial Single embodiment, but rather should be construed in
reduction Sections 32 includes a pair of opposing arms 42 breadth and Scope in accordance with the recitation of the
that define an opening 44 therebetween. Each of the arms 42 appended claims.
is formed to have a bowed profile along its length. The What is claimed is:
bowing of the arms is axially out of the plane of the rings 28 1. A carrier tube for dyeing yarn packages, the carrier tube
Such that the load carrying capability of the radial reduction comprising:
Sections 32 is reduced with respect to the adjacent elongated a longitudinally extending, hollow, tubular body includ
ring Sections 30 of rings 28. AS a result, the application of ing a lattice portion having a length and a
a Sufficient compressive hoop load to the rings will result in 35 circumference, the lattice portion including a plurality
collapse of the radial reduction Sections 32 and radial of rings, the rings axially aligned and Spaced along the
compression of the rings. The collapsed condition of radial length of the lattice portion, the lattice portion further
reduction sections 32 is seen in FIGS. 3 and 3A. The radially including a plurality of ribs, the ribs extending along a
compressed condition of the body portion of the carrier tube longitudinal line and radially spaced about the circum
20 is seen in FIG. 3 in which the diameter of the body 40 ference of the lattice portion,
portion 26 after compression is shown as Y. each rib extending continuously along the length of the
Between the nesting Sections 22, 24 at opposite ends of lattice portion of the tubular body and interSecting each
the tube 20 and the central lattice structure of the ribs 40 and of the rings to define apertures therebetween,
ringS 28, there is provided a transition Zone, which is each of the ribs comprising at least one axial compression
generally designated by the numeral 50 in FIGS. 2 and 3. 45 Section Substantially aligned with the longitudinal line
The two transition zones 50 include axially aligned elon of the rib and located between a pair of adjacent rings,
gated oval openings 52 within the sidewall of the tube. the axial compression Section having a reduced load
Outwardly of the transition zones 50, the nesting areas 22, carrying capability with respect to axially adjacent
24 preferably include Solid walls with no openings. A Series portions of the same rib located between adjoining
of dimples 54 are provided on the outer surface of the 50 pairs of rings, the axial compression Section adapted to
nesting areas 22, 24. It is contemplated that the yarn will be deflect compressively in response to axial load on the
wound onto the tube 20 past the both the upper and lower tube.
transition Zones 50 and will at least partially cover the 2. The carrier tube according to claim 1 wherein each of
dimpled Surface of the nesting areas 22, 24. Dye being the ribs comprises multiple axial compression Sections and
forced through the lattice of the tube will flow through the 55 wherein the axial compression Sections are interspersed
openings 52 and into the wrapped yarn (not shown). The along the length of the rib, the axial compression Sections of
Solid wall of the nesting areas, in effect, forms a Seal with the ribs arranged Such that deflection of the axial compres
respect to the flow of dye. Sion Sections accumulates equally about the tube.
As shown in FIG. 3, the shrinkage of the yarn during the 3. The carrier tube according to claim 1 wherein each of
dying process causes a radial reduction in the tube, which is 60 the axial compression Sections has a curved profile along at
softened by the heat of the dye. For the most part the radial least a portion of the Section.
reduction sections 32 absorb the forces created by the 4. The carrier tube according to claim 1 wherein the axial
Shrinking yarn on the Softened tube So as to provide for a compression Section of each rib has a croSS Sectional area
stable support of the yarn. It has also been found that the that is reduced with respect to the adjacent portions of the
diameter of the transition Zones also experiences a net 65 Same rib.
reduction as a result of the dying operation. AS illustrated in 5. The carrier tube according to claim 1 wherein each of
FIG. 3, the portion of the nesting areas 22, 24 which are the ribs has an equal number of axial compression Sections.
 US 6,719,230 B2
7 8
6. The carrier tube according to claim 1, wherein each pair 14. The tube according to claim 13 wherein the bend of
of adjacent rings that is connected to a rib adapted to deflect the axial deflection Sections has a curved profile.
between the adjacent rings is also connected to at least one 15. The tube according to claim 12 wherein each rib has
rib that is adapted to be Substantially non-deflecting between an equal number of axial deflection Sections.
the adjacent rings. 16. A cylindrical, hollow tube for Supporting a wound
7. The carrier tube according to claim 6, wherein each rib package of yarn during a dyeing operation, the tube includ
that is adapted to deflect between the pair of adjacent rings ing an apertured portion having a length and a
is located circumferentially between two ribs each adapted circumference, the apertured portion of the tube comprising:
to be Substantially non-deflecting between the adjacent a plurality of rings axially Spaced from one another along
ringS.
8. A carrier tube for dyeing yarn packages, the carrier tube
1O the length of the apertured portion of the tube, and
comprising: a plurality of ribs, the ribs extending longitudinally and
a longitudinally extending, hollow, tubular body includ equidistantly spaced from one another around the cir
ing a lattice portion having a length and a cumference of the apertured portion of the tube,
circumference, the lattice portion including a plurality 15 each of the ribs extending continuously along the length
of rings, the rings axially aligned and Spaced along the of the apertured portion and interSecting each of the
length of the lattice portion, the lattice portion further rings to define openings therebetween,
including a plurality of ribs, the ribs extending along a each of the ribs extending along a longitudinal line and
longitudinal line and radially spaced about the circum
ference of the lattice portion, including at least one axial deflection Section in Sub
each rib extending continuously along the length of the Stantial alignment with the longitudinal line of the rib,
lattice portion of the tubular body and interSecting each each axial deflection Section having a reduced trans
of the rings to define apertures therebetween, Verse croSS Section as compared to adjacent portions of
each of the ribs comprising at least one axial compression the same rib to collapse axially in response to axially
Section Substantially aligned with the longitudinal line compressive load on the tube,
of the rib and having a reduced load carrying capability 25 at least one radial reduction Section within each of mul
with respect to adjacently located portions of the same tiple rings of the plurality of rings, each radial reduction
rib to deflect compressively in response to axial load on Section being deflectable to reduce the overall circum
the tube, ference of the associated ring and a corresponding
each of the rings comprising at least one radial reduction reduction in its diameter during application of com
Section, each radial reduction Section capable of com pressive hoop load.
pressive deflection upon application of a radial inward 17. A dye tube in the form of an open-ended cylinder
load around the circumference of the tube. having an inner Surface and an outer Surface, the dye tube
9. The carrier tube according to claim 8 Wherein each comprising:
radial reduction Section is at least partially defined by a a first end ring and an opposite Second end ring, each end
portion which is axially out of the plane of the rings. 35 ring formed to permit a first tube to mate with and be
10. The carrier tube according to claim 8 Wherein each Stacked on top of another Similarly formed tube,
radial reduction Section comprises a reduced croSS Sectional
area relative to the remainder of the rings. a plurality of intermediate rings disposed between the first
11. The carrier tube according to claim 8 wherein the end ring and the Second end ring, the intermediate rings
radial reduction Sections for each of the rings are offset 40
centered on and Sharing a common axis with the end
circumferentially with respect to the radial reduction Sec rings,
tions of a directly adjacent ring. each intermediate ring having at least one radial reduction
12. A cylindrical, hollow tube for Supporting a wound Section, each radial reduction Section being deflectable
package of yarn during a dyeing operation, the tube includ So as to reduce the overall circumference of the asso
ing an apertured portion having a length and a 45 ciated intermediate ring and a corresponding reduction
circumference, the apertured portion of the tube comprising: in the diameter of the tube in the area of the ring during
a plurality of rings axially Spaced from one another along application of compressive hoop load; and
the length of the apertured portion of the tube, and a plurality of ribs extending continuously along a longi
a plurality of ribs, the ribs extending longitudinally and tudinal line between the end rings and integrally con
equidistantly spaced from one another around the cir 50 nected there with, each of the ribs interSecting each of
cumference of the apertured portion of the tube, the intermediate rings to form a lattice Structure defin
each of the ribs extending continuously along the length ing apertures,
of the apertured portion and interSecting each of the each rib including at least one axial deflection Section
rings to define openings therebetween, extending in Substantial alignment with the longitudi
each of the ribs extending along a longitudinal line and 55 nal line of the rib between two adjacent intermediate
including at least one axial deflection Section in Sub rings, the axial deflection Section being at least partially
Stantial alignment with the longitudinal line of the rib collapsible in response to an axially compressive load
and located between a pair of adjacent rings, each axial on the tube.
deflection Section having a reduced transverse croSS 18. The tube according to claim 17 wherein each of the
Section as compared to axially adjacent portions of the 60 axial deflection Sections of the ribS is offset axially along the
Same rib located between adjoining pairs of rings, the tube from the axial deflection Sections of adjacent ribs.
deflection Section adapted to collapse axially in 19. The tube according to claim 17 wherein each axial
response to axially compressive load on the tube. deflection Section has a curved profile.
13. The tube according to claim 12 wherein each of the 20. The tube according to claim 17 wherein each rib has
axial deflection Sections of the ribs has a bend that is at least 65 an equal number of axial deflection Sections along its length.
partially offset from the longitudinal line of the associated 21. The tube according to claim 18 wherein each rib
rib. comprises a plurality of axial deflection Sections.
 US 6,719,230 B2
9 10
22. The tube according to claim 17 wherein the radial 24. The tube according to claim 23 wherein the radial
reduction Sections form a circular profile and have an offset of the adjacent radial reduction Sections is retained
opening within the center of the Sections, intermediate of the within the distance between adjacent ribs.
rings. 25. The tube according to claim 24 wherein each inter
23. A dye tube in the form of an open-ended cylinder
having a lattice portion, the lattice portion having an inner mediate ring includes a plurality of radial reduction Sections.
Surface and an outer Surface, the dye tube comprising: 26. A yarn carrier tube comprising:
a first end ring and a Second end ring, each end ring a tubular body including a plurality of rings, the rings
having edges formed thereon to permit the tube to mate axially aligned and Spaced longitudinally, the tubular
with and be stacked on top of another similarly formed body further including a plurality of ribs, the ribs
tube; extending along a longitudinal line and Spaced
a plurality of intermediate rings disposed between the first circumferentially,
end ring and the Second end ring, the intermediate rings
centered on and Sharing a common axis with the rings, each rib extending continuously to interSect each of the
each intermediate ring having at least one radial reduction 15 rings to define apertures therebetween,
Section, the radial reduction Section being deflectable each of the ribs adapted to deflect compressively between
So as to reduce the Overall circumference of the ring and at least one pair of adjacent rings in response to axial
a corresponding reduction in the diameter of the tube in
the area of the ring during application of compressive loading on the tube,
hoop load, each of the radial reduction Sections Sub each pair of adjacent rings that is connected to a rib
Stantially circular in shape and having an opening adapted to deflect compressively between the adjacent
within the center of the Section, the radial reduction rings is also connected to at least one other rib that is
Sections on adjacent intermediate rings being radially adapted to be Substantially non-deflecting between the
offset from one another; and adjacent rings.
a plurality of continuous, longitudinal, ribs extending 27. The yarn carrier tube according to claim 26, wherein
Substantially from the first end ring to the Second end 25
each of the ribS is adapted to be Substantially non-deflecting
ring and integrally connected there with, the ribs inter between at least one pair of adjacent rings.
Secting each of the intermediate rings to form the lattice
Structure with apertures therebetween, 28. The yarn carrier tube according to claim 27, wherein
each rib including at least one axial deflection Section each of the ribS is adapted to be Substantially non-deflecting
extending between two adjacent intermediate rings, the between at least one pair of rings adjoining each pair of rings
axial deflection Section being at least partially collaps where the rib is adapted to deflect compressively.
ible in response to an axially compressive load on the
tube.