Patent Grant
11584609
Threads, strings, yarns, filaments and other flexible lines are often fed into textile manufacturing processes (e.g., carpet tufting processes, fabric manufacturing processes, and/or the like) from line spools wrapped around tubes, usually cardboard tubes. Those tubes may be reused in some manufacturing environments, with empty tubes being rewrapped with additional flexible lines after the tube has been emptied. Even in large, industrial textile manufacturing settings, those manufacturing processes require relatively consistent line tension settings leading into the manufacturing machinery to produce uniform, desirable textile products. However, the cardboard tubes themselves have historically been a source of problems impacting the tension in lines fed from the respective spools into the manufacturing machinery, because even small cuts or other imperfections in an end of a cardboard tube can catch the line as it is fed from the spool and create undesirable increases in the tension of the line leading into the machinery. Since the cardboard tubes may be reused multiple times prior to disposal, the cardboard tubes may be repeatedly damaged, crushed, torn, and/or the like after multiple uses. In some extreme cases, the line tension can increase beyond the tensile strength of the line itself, thereby causing the line to snap and to create substantial delays in the manufacturing process. Similarly, tubes provided out of other material may be damaged due to reusing them several times.
The historical approach to minimizing the detrimental impacts of damaged tubes has been to secure a rigid protecting end cap onto the tubes, usually cardboard tube, itself. The cap includes generally smooth edges that cover the rough, damaged end of the cardboard tube, such that the line is able to slide smoothly over the surface of the end cap as it is fed into the processing machinery. However, the end caps are generally shaped to conform to the generally round-shape of cardboard tubes, and therefore they are often incapable of attaching relative to deformed (e.g., oblong, ovular, flat, and/or the like) tubes that may have been severely damaged or misshapen prior to use.
Accordingly, a need exists for tube holders capable of smoothly and consistently dispensing spooled line from damaged and/or misshapen tubes, usually cardboard tubes.
It is an object of the invention to provide tube holders and creels, which facilitate the operator to hang tubes on the holders more easily, even if the tubes are damaged, i.e. no longer conform their original cross section along the length of the tube. E.g. to facilitate hanging cardboard tubes which have no longer a circular cross section, or which has damaged outer ends along the rim of the tube, e.g. being provided with dents or serrations. The tube holders and creels according to the invention may facilitate the operator to hang the tubes at higher speed and under less cumbersome circumstances when tubes are damaged. The tube holders according to the invention may enable unwinding with less interruptions and flexible line breaks when unwinding of said flexible lines from damaged tubes when said tubes are held by said tube holders.
The tube holder supports a spool of flexible line wrapped onto the outer surface of a tube. The tube holder comprises a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, such that the interior surface of the tube rests on the top surface of the body portion; and an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion via a quick-release, contact fastener. The end protector is configured to be detachably secured to the body portion, while remaining spaced away from the tube such that the tube does not interfere with connecting the end protector with the body portion.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a tube holder is provided for supporting a tube while flexible line is drawn off of a spool of flexible line coiled onto the tube. The tube may have a variety of cross-section shapes (including both round and out-of-round). The tube holder comprises: a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, wherein the body portion defines a base end and an opposite distal end and the distal end comprises at least one contact fastener member; and an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion, and wherein the end protector comprises a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to at least one of the at least one contact fastener member.
The tube holder configurations thus comprise a detachable end protector that may be quickly and easily attached and detached from a distal end of the tube holder via a contact fastener mechanism such as but not limited to a magnet, electromagnet, hook-and-loop fasteners, detent mechanism (such as spring activated detent mechanisms), a push and lock fastening mean, a turn and lock fastening means, suction cups, tacky substances (such as polystyrene), solenoid actuated latching mechanisms and/or the like and/or combinations of those. The end protector may minimize the likelihood of line drawn off of the spool coming in contact with a possibly damaged end of the tube, regardless of the overall shape of the supported tube, usually being cardboard tubes.
In various embodiments, the contact fastener member and the mating fastener member collectively comprise a magnet and a magnetic member.
Moreover, in certain embodiments the body portion and the end protector may each comprise a non-magnetic material.
In certain embodiments, the end protector comprises a central hub at least substantially centered relative to the end protector and a rim surrounding the perimeter of the end protector. In certain embodiments, the rim is a substantially circular rim, said central hub at least substantially centered relative to the circular rim.
In certain embodiments, the end protector comprises a central hub at least substantially centered relative to the end protector and a rim surrounding the perimeter of the end protector; the mating fastener member is secured within the central hub of the end protector; and the rim defines an overhang portion configured to extend beyond the distal end of the body portion when the end protector is secured relative to the distal end of the body portion.
Moreover, in certain embodiments, the end protector may be reversible, and the rim may define a first overhang portion on a first side of the end protector and a second overhang portion on a second side of the end protector, and wherein: the first overhang portion extends beyond the distal end of body portion by a first distance when the end protector is secured relative to the body portion in a first configuration; and the second overhang portion extends beyond the distal end of the body portion by a second distance when the end protector is secured relative to the body portion in a second configuration, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.
In certain embodiments, the distal end of the body portion defines a retention tab configured to retain the tube on the body portion, and wherein: the first distance is less than or equal to a thickness of the retention tab, such that the first overhang portion does not extend over an end of the tube when the end protector is secured relative to the distal end of the body portion; and the second distance is greater than the thickness of the retention tab, such that the second overhang portion extends over the end of the tube when the end protector is secured relative to the distal end of the body portion.
In various embodiments the body portion defines a hollow interior having an opening at the base end of the body portion, and wherein the body portion is configured to be secured relative to a creel peg extending into the interior of the body portion.
In certain embodiments, the base end of the body portion may define a placement ramp extending vertically upward away from a top surface of the body portion and having a curved transition between the placement ramp and the top surface of the body portion, wherein the placement ramp may be configured to bias a supported tube toward the distal end of the body portion.
In certain embodiments, the distal end of the body portion may further define a retention tab configured to retain the tube on the body portion. When a tube hung to the body portion, the tube will preferably contact the body portion at least at a point along the retention tab at the distal end and a point along the placement ramp at the base end of the body portion. The top surface is preferably substantially parallel to, even coinciding with, the line connecting these two points. The contact fastener portion of the body portion may be offset from the top surface of the body portion. The distance between the centerpoint of the contact fastener portion and the top surface of the body portion may be provided such that the centerpoint of the contact fastener portion is at least substantially aligned with a central axis of a tab supported on the tube holder.
Moreover, in certain embodiments, the end protector may comprise a rigid material.
In certain embodiments, the body portion further comprises a lower fin extending along a lower surface of the body portion and away from the distal end of the body portion, wherein the lower fin is configured to impede flexible line catching on the bottom surface of the body portion.
In certain embodiments, the body portion comprises at least a first and a second contact fastening member with a distance between the first and second contact fastener member. Preferably the retention tab and first and second contact fastening member are coaligned.
So according to a first independent item, a tube holder is provided for supporting a tube while flexible line is drawn off of a spool of flexible line coiled onto the tube, wherein the tube holder comprises:
a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, wherein the body portion defines a base end and an opposite distal end, wherein the distal end of the body portion defines a retention tab configured to retain the tube on the body portion; and
a reversible end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion, the end protector comprising a rim surrounding the perimeter of the end protector, wherein the rim defines a first overhang portion on a first side of the end protector and a second overhang portion on a second side of the end protector, and wherein:
According to some embodiments, the distal end of the body portion may further comprise at least one fastener member, and the reversible end protector further comprises a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to the at least one fastener member. According to some embodiments, the fastener member and the mating fastener member collectively may comprise a magnet and a magnetic member. According to some embodiments the mating fastener member may comprise a magnet.
According to some embodiments, the end protector may comprise a central hub at least substantially centered relative to the end protector and the rim surrounds a perimeter of the central hub; and the mating fastener member may be secured within the central hub of the end protector.
According to some embodiments, the end protector may be rotatably secured to the distal end of the body portion.
According to some embodiments, the body portion may define a hollow interior having an opening at the base end of the body portion, and wherein the body portion is configured to be secured relative to a creel peg extending into the interior of the body portion.
According to some embodiments, the base end of the body portion may define a placement ramp extending vertically upward away from a top surface of the body portion and having a curved transition between the placement ramp and the top surface of the body portion, wherein the placement ramp is configured to bias a supported tube toward the distal end of the body portion.
According to some embodiments, the end protector may comprise a rigid material.
According to some embodiments, the body portion further may comprise a lower fin extending along a lower surface of the body portion and away from the distal end of the body portion, wherein the lower fin defines a curved lower profile configured to direct flexible line away from the bottom surface of the body portion while under tension.
According to a second, independent item, a tube holder is provided for supporting a tube while flexible line is drawn off of a spool of flexible line coiled onto the tube, wherein the tube holder comprises a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, wherein the body portion defines a base end and an opposite distal end and the body portion comprises a lower fin extending away from the distal end of the body portion and along a portion of a lower surface of the body portion, wherein the lower fin defines a curved lower profile configured to direct flexible line away from the bottom surface of the body portion while under tension.
According to some embodiments, the body portion may have a length measured between the base end and the opposite distal end and a width measured perpendicular to the length and parallel to the lower surface of the body portion; and the lower fin has a width smaller than the width of the body portion. According to some embodiments, the lower fin may be at least substantially centered relative to the width of the body portion.
According to some embodiments, the distal end of the body portion may define a retention tab extending above a top surface of the body portion and configured to retain a tube on the body portion.
According to some embodiments, the tube holder further may comprise an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion. According to some embodiments, the distal end of the body portion may comprise at least one contact fastener member and the end protector comprises a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to the at least one contact fastener member. According to some embodiments, the contact fastener member and the mating fastener member collectively may comprise a magnet and a magnetic member.
According to some embodiments, the end protector may be rotatably secured to the distal end of the body portion.
According to a third independent item, a tube holder is provided for supporting a tube while flexible line is drawn off of a spool of flexible line coiled onto the tube, wherein the tube holder comprises:
a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, wherein the body portion defines a base end and an opposite distal end and the body portion comprises a contact fastener member exposed at the distal end; and
an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion, wherein the end protector comprises at least one mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to the at least one contact fastener member; and
wherein the at least one contact fastener member and the at least one mating fastener member collectively define a magnet and a magnetic member.
According to some embodiments, the at least one contact fastener member may be flush with at least a portion of the distal end of body portion.
According to some embodiments, the end protector may comprise a central hub at least substantially centered relative to the end protector and the rim surrounds a perimeter of the central hub, and wherein the at least one mating fastener member is positioned within the central hub. According to some embodiments, the at least one mating fastener member may extend perpendicularly away from the central hub.
According to some embodiments, the at least one contact fastener member may be a magnet. According to some embodiments, the at least one mating fastener member may a magnet.
According to some embodiments, the end protector may be reversible, such that the at least one mating fastener is exposed on a first side of the end protector having a first configuration and the at least one mating fastener is exposed on an opposite second side of the end protector having a second configuration.
According to some embodiments, the at least one mating fastener member may extend perpendicularly away from the first side of the end protector and the at least one mating fastener member extends perpendicularly away from the second side of the end protector.
According to some embodiments, the at least one mating fastener member may be embodied as a mating fastener member extending through the end protector such that a first end of the mating fastener member is exposed on the first side of the end protector and a second end of the mating fastener member is exposed on the second side of the end protector.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a kit of parts is provided. The parts together form a tube holder is provided for supporting a tube while flexible line is drawn off of a spool of flexible line coiled onto the tube. The kit of parts comprises at least one body portion configured to support the tube thereon, wherein the body portion defines a base end and an opposite distal end and the distal end comprises a contact fastener member; and at least a first end protector detachably securable to the distal end of the body portion, and wherein the end protector comprises a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to the at least one contact fastener member.
The kit of parts may be adapted to provide any of the tube holders according to the first aspect of the invention, therefore comprising one or more of the features as set out in relation to the tube holders according to the first aspect of the invention.
In certain embodiments, the end protector comprises a central hub at least substantially centered relative to the end protector and a rim surrounding the perimeter of the end protector defining a perimeter. In certain embodiments, the rim is a substantially circular rim and defining a circular perimeter, said central hub at least substantially centered relative to the circular rim.
In certain embodiments, the kit of parts comprise at least a second end protector detachably securable to the distal end of the body portion and wherein the second end protector comprises a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to at least one of the at least one contact fastener member.
In certain embodiments, the kit of parts comprise a body portion comprising at least a first and a second contact fastener member, the kit of parts comprises at least a first and a second end protector, both detachably securable to the distal end of the body portion and wherein the first end protector comprises a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to the first contact fastener member, the second end protector comprising a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to the second contact fastener member.
In certain embodiments, the kit of parts comprises at least a first and a second end protector, each end protector comprises a central hub at least substantially centered relative to the end protector and a rim surrounding the perimeter of the end protector defining a perimeter, i.e. a first and a second perimeter. In certain embodiments, both rims are substantially circular rims and defining a circular perimeter, the diameter of the first perimeter being different from the dimeter of the second rim. In certain embodiments, the kit op parts comprise a body portion comprising at least a first and a second contact fastener member, the kit of parts comprises at least a first and a second end protector, both detachably securable to the distal end of the body portion and wherein the first end protector comprises a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to the first contact fastener member, the second end protector comprising a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to the second contact fastener member, the distance between the first and second contact fastener member being substantially equal to half the diameter of the rim of the first end protector and the diameter of the rim of the second end protector.
According to a third aspect of the invention, a creel for dispensing flexible line from a plurality of line spools each wrapped around a corresponding tube is provided. The creel comprises a creel rack comprising a plurality of creel pegs and a plurality of tube holders according to the first aspect of the invention, each tube holder being secured to a corresponding creel peg of the creel.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a creel for dispensing flexible line from a plurality of line spools each wrapped around a corresponding tube is provided. The creel comprises a creel rack comprising a plurality of creel pegs and a plurality of kits of parts according to the second aspect of the invention, each kit of part providing a tube holder, each tube holder being secured to a corresponding creel peg of the creel.
According to a fifth aspect, body portion of a tube holder is provided, which is configured to support a tube thereon, wherein the body portion defines a base end and an opposite distal end and the distal end comprises at least one contact fastener member. This contact fastening member, e.g. being a magnet, is fit to cooperate with a mating fastener member of an end protector of the tube holder. Such body portions may be body portions from a tube holder according to the first aspect of the present invention. Such body portions may be body portions from a kit of parts according to the second aspect of the present invention
According to a sixth aspect, an end portion of a tube holder is provided, which end protector is fit to be detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion, for which the end protector comprises a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to contact fastener member. Such end protectors may be end protectors from a tube holder according to the first aspect of the present invention. Such end protectors may be end protectors from a kit of parts according to the second aspect of the present invention
The creels may comprise a plurality of tube holders each secured to a corresponding creel peg of the creel, each of the plurality of tube holders comprising: a body portion configured to support a tube thereon, wherein the body portion defines a base end, an opposite distal end, and a hollow interior having an opening within the base end, and wherein a corresponding creel peg extends into the hollow interior of the body portion and the distal end comprises a contact fastener member; and an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion, and wherein the end protector comprises a mating fastener member configured to be secured relative to the contact fastener member.
In various embodiments, the plurality of tube holders are at least substantially parallel to one another and are arranged in at least substantially vertical columns within the creel. Moreover, the body portion of each of the plurality of tube holders may further comprise a lower fin extending along a lower surface of the body portion and away from the distal end of the body portion, wherein the lower fin is configured to impede flexible line draped from an upper tube holder from becoming caught around a bottom portion of a lower tube holder. In certain embodiments, the contact fastener member and the mating fastener member collective comprise a magnet and magnetic member. Moreover, in certain embodiment the end protector comprises a central hub at least substantially centered relative to the end protector and a rim surrounding the perimeter of the end protector; the mating fastener member is secured within the central hub of the end protector; and the rim defines an overhang portion configured to extend beyond the distal end of the body portion when the end protector is secured relative to the distal end of the body portion. Moreover, the end protector is reversible, and the rim defines a first overhang portion on a first side of the end protector and a second overhang portion on a second side of the end protector, and wherein: the first overhang portion extends beyond the distal end of body portion by a first distance when the end protector is secured relative to the body portion in a first configuration; and the second overhang portion extends beyond the distal end of the body portion by a second distance when the end protector is secured relative to the body portion in a second configuration, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.
In certain embodiments, the distal end of the body portion defines a retention tab configured to retain the tube on the body portion, and wherein: the first distance is less than or equal to a thickness of the retention tab, such that the first overhang portion does not extend over an end of the tube when the end protector is secured relative to the distal end of the body portion; and the second distance is greater than the thickness of the retention tab, such that the second overhang portion extends over the end of the tube when the end protector is secured relative to the distal end of the body portion. Moreover, the base end of the body portion may define a placement ramp extending vertically upward away from a top surface of the body portion and having a curved transition between the placement ramp and the top surface of the body portion, wherein the placement ramp is configured to bias a supported tube toward the distal end of the body portion. The distal end of the body portion may further define a retention tab configured to retain the tube on the body portion.
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The present disclosure more fully describes various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that some, but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. Indeed, the embodiments may take many different forms, and accordingly this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments. It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.
Throughout this specification, reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” are made. Such references indicate that a particular feature, described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, though they could.
Furthermore, the particular features or characteristics of the claims and/or of the various aspects or objects of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Overview
Hereinafter the use of the tube holders will be described by means of tube holders holding cardboard tubes. The skilled person understands that tubes provided out of any other material can be used in a similar way without deviating from the invention.
Creels configured for dispensing flexible line (e.g., a thread, a string, a yarn, a filament and/or the like) from a plurality of cardboard tubes may comprise a plurality of tube holders each configured to support a single cardboard tube while line is unspooled and pulled off of the installed cardboard tube. Generally, the tube holders are configured such that the installed cardboard tubes remain at least substantially stationary (e.g., without rotating) on the respective tube holders, and the flexible line is unspooled by a tensile force pulling the flexible line across an end of the cardboard tube and tube holder.
Each tube holder comprises an elongated body on which an interior surface of the cardboard tube is supported. The elongated body has a cross-sectional shape and size configured such that cardboard tubes may easily slide onto the elongated body, even when those cardboard tubes are damaged and/or misshapen (e.g., out-of-round, such as ovular or flat). The elongated body portion is configured to be secured onto a creel peg of the creel, via a hollow portion of the elongated body enabling the elongated body to be slid onto the creel peg to secure the tube holder thereon. Moreover, the elongated body defines a base end (proximate the creel peg opening) and an opposite distal end onto which the cardboard tubes are slid. In certain embodiments, the base end defines a gradually sloped placement ramp extending vertically upward away from the elongated body and configured to bias an installed cardboard tube toward the distal end under the force of gravity, as the cardboard tube slides down the gradually sloped placement ramp and toward the distal end. The distal end prevents the cardboard tube from sliding off of the tube holder with a retention tab extending vertically upward away from the elongated body. Thus, cardboard tubes may be quickly slid onto the tube holder such that the cardboard tube slides partially up the placement ramp, once placed on the tube holder, the cardboard tube then slides back toward the distal end until it contacts the retention tab.
The tube holders further comprise a removable end protector configured to protect the flexible line from snagging on a damaged end of the cardboard tube. The removable end protector is secured relative to the distal end of the elongated body via a contact fastening mechanism (e.g., a fastening mechanism whereby an act of contacting one part relative to another, in some circumstances with mild compressive force, causes the parts to be secured relative to one another). For example, the removable end protector may be magnetically secured relative to the elongated body. As a specific example, the distal end of the elongated body may comprise a magnet therein, and the end protector may comprise a magnetic member therein, such that contacting the magnetic member of the end protector with the magnet of the elongated body causes the end protector to be secured relative to the elongated body.
The removable end protector may define an at least substantially circular member having a smooth rim extending around the perimeter of the end protector. The smooth rim may have an overhanging ledge configured to extend over a portion of the elongated body (and therefore over the end of an installed cardboard tube) to separate the flexible line from the potentially damaged edge of the cardboard tube. The removable end protector may be reversible, and each side may have a different overhang length. For example, a first side may have an overhang length configured to extend beyond an end of a cardboard tube installed on the tube holder, and the second side may have a smaller overhang length that does not extend beyond an interior surface of the retention tab, such that the end protector does not interfere with the placement of an out-of-round cardboard tube on the tube holder.
Tube Holder
The tube holder 1 shown in
The body portion 2 defines a hollow interior extending from an opening 11 at the base end 10 of the tube holder 1, as shown in the rear-perspective view of
Moreover, the body portion 2 may define one or more creel-fastener configurations, such as set-screw holes 3 shown in
The base end 10 of the body portion 2 shown in
The placement ramp 12 and the horizontal top surface of the body portion 2 define an obtuse angle therebetween. For example, the angle between the placement ramp 12 and the horizontal top surface of the body portion 2 may be between about 90 degrees and 135 degrees (e.g., between about 115-135 degrees) such that a cardboard tube slid onto the body portion 2 such that an end of the cardboard tube slides up the curved transition and onto the placement ramp 12 will be biased under the force of gravity to slide back down the placement ramp 12 such that the opposite, distal end of the cardboard tube is biased toward the distal end 20 of the base portion 2. Moreover, the curved transition between the horizontal portion of the body portion and the placement ramp 12 enables a cardboard tube to be smoothly slid onto the body portion 2, along the horizontal portion of the body portion 2 and up the placement ramp 12 without requiring a manual redirection of the cardboard tube to begin sliding up the placement ramp 12. Moreover, as shown in
The distal end 20 of the body portion 2 defines at least one retention tab 21 configured to prevent a cardboard tube from sliding off of the body portion 2 (for example, as it slides down the placement ramp 12). The retention tab 21 extends vertically upward from a top surface of the body portion 2 by a distance sufficient to extend above a surface of a cardboard tube supported on the body portion 2.
As shown in
In certain embodiments, the exposed contact fastener portion of the body portion 2 may be positioned behind the front surface of the distal end 20 of the body portion 2, such that at least a portion of the contact fastener portion is within a groove, blind hole, and/or the like within the distal end 20 of the body portion 2. In such embodiments, the mating contact fastener portion of the end protector 50 may be positioned a distance away from a surface of the end protector 50 (e.g., on an end of a peg, rod, and/or the like extending away from the end protector 50) such that the mating contact fastener portion may be nested within the groove, blind hole, and/or the like of the distal end 20 of the body portion 2 to engage the contact fastener mechanism. Other non-limiting examples of contact fastener mechanisms may comprise electromagnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, suction cups, a tacky substance (e.g., a tacky polymer, such as a polystyrene), a detent mechanism (e.g., a spring-activated detent mechanism), a solenoid-actuated latching mechanism, and/or the like, or combinations thereof.
In embodiments in which the contact fastener mechanism comprises a magnet 22, the body portion 2 and the end protector 50 may comprise a non-magnetic material (e.g., a rigid plastic material) to ensure proper placement of the contact fastener portions relative to one another when the end protector 50 is secured relative to the body portion 2.
As shown in
Moreover, as shown in
In certain embodiments, the body portion 2 comprises a lower fin 4 extending along a portion of the length of the body portion 2. The lower fin 4 has a width substantially smaller than the width of the body portion 2, and the lower fin 4 is aligned with a central plane of the body portion 2. The lower fin 4 extends back away from a lowermost point of a distal end 20 of the body portion 2, and along a portion of a length of the body portion 2. In the illustrated embodiment of
With reference again to
The removable end protector 50 defines an at least substantially circular rim 52 surrounding a central hub portion 55. In certain embodiments, the rim 52 may be secured relative to the central hub portion 55 via a plurality of spokes 56. However, it should be understood that the plurality of spokes 56 may be replaced with a solid panel, a single spoke, and/or the like. As shown in
The central hub portion 55 of the end protector 50 shown in
Moreover, in certain embodiments the end protector 50 is free to rotate relative to the body portion 2 when secured relative to the contact fastener portion. However, in certain embodiments, the positioning of the end protector 50 may be rotationally fixed relative to the body portion 2.
In certain embodiments, the end protector 50 is reversible relative to the body portion 2, such that the end protector 50 may be secured in a first orientation relative to the body portion 2 (with a first side of the spokes 56 positioned adjacent the distal end of the body portion 2) or a second orientation relative to the body portion 2 (with a second side of the spokes 56, opposite the first side, positioned adjacent the distal end of the body portion 2).
The rim 52 of the illustrated embodiment defines two opposing sides, each extending away from the spokes 56. A first rim side 53 axially extends away from the spokes 56 by a first distance, and a second, opposite rim side 54 axially extends away from the spokes 56 by a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Thus, by changing the orientation of the end protector 50 relative to the body portion 2, the distance by which the rim 52 overhangs the distal end 20 of the body portion 2 may be changed, while the distance between the distal end of the body portion 2 and the spokes 56 may remain at least substantially equal). In a first orientation (as illustrated in
Moreover, the outer surface of the end protector rim adjacent the first rim side 53 may be raised relative to the outer surface of the end protector rim adjacent the second rim side 54. Because the first rim side 53 is provided to accommodate damaged and/or out-of-round tubes 151, the raised surface of the rim 52 may provide a greater minimum distance between the flexible line being drawn off of the spool 150 (which may fall onto the outer surface of the rim 52) and potential damaged portions (e.g., cuts, tears, and/or the like) in the surface of the tube 151 to minimize the likelihood of the flexible line undesirably catching on the damaged portions of the tube 151 as it is drawn off of the spool 150.
In the second configuration (shown in
Moreover, as shown in
The spool retainer 60 as shown in
As shown in
In certain embodiments, the hanger 61 may comprise a single, integrally formed part comprising both the support leg 63 and hanger frame 64. However, in certain embodiments, the support leg 63 and hanger frame 64 may comprise separate parts that may be detachably secured relative to one another. Moreover, the orientation of the hanger frame 64 relative to the support leg 63 may be adjustable. For example, the hanger frame 64 may define a plurality of attachment points (e.g., attachment apertures) within the narrow portion of the hanger frame 64, such that the positioning of the hanger frame 64 may be moved forward and backward relative to the support leg 63. Moreover, the support leg 63 may define one or more support points along its length for supporting the hanger frame 64 at various heights above the body portion 2.
Moreover, the hanger 61 may comprise a flexible material (e.g., a flexible polypropylene homopolymer) configured to flex and elastically return to its original shape when subject to an external force. For example, the hanger 61 may be configured to flex when a line (e.g., from a separate tube holder 1) is caught behind a portion of the hanger 61, such that the line may free itself instead of breaking or becoming stuck behind the hanger 61.
As an example of a tube holder 1 according to the present invention, a tube holder 1 having a body portion 2 with length from the retention tab 21 to foot of the placement ramp 12 of about 11″ to 11.5″ is provided. The length of the indented top portion 23 is about 2.6″ to 2.9″. The thickness of the retention tab 21 may be in the range of 0.14″ to 0.15″. The contact fastening member may be located about 1.5″ to 1.6″ under the top surface of the body portion 2.
The tube holder 1 comprises an end protector 50 which has a substantially circular rim 52 (with diameter of about 3.8″ to 3.9″) with at one side a rim side 53 of about 0.14″ to 0.15″, and a rim side 54 at the opposite side of about 0.4″. The inner diameter of the rim sides may be chosen between 3.3″ to 3.55″. As such, tubes, such as cardboard tubes with length of about 11.25″ to 11.43″, inner diameter of about 2.88″ and wall thickness of ⅛″ can be supported.
Kit of Parts
In
Creel
The tube holders 1 are secured onto respective creel pegs 101. The creel pegs 101 extend into the hollow interior of the respective tube holders 1, and fastening members (e.g., set screws) secure the tube holder 1 onto the outer surface of the respective creel pegs 101.
As discussed herein, the tube holders 1 may be configured to impede detrimental line-catches on adjacent tube holders 1 (e.g., when a line dangles from an upper tube holder 1 onto a lower tube holder 1).
Method of Use
To load a cardboard tube 151 onto a tube holder 1, the removable end protector 50 is pulled off of the distal end 20 of the body portion 2. The cardboard tube 151 is then slid onto the body portion 2 such that the body portion 2 is positioned within the interior of the cardboard tube 151 as shown in
In embodiments comprising a spool retainer 60, the spool retainer 60 (including the curtain 62) may remain secured relative to the body portion 2 while the cardboard tube is being placed onto the tube holder 1. The line spool 150 may swing the curtain 62 toward the base end 10 of the body portion, and a portion of the curtain 62 may be draped onto the outer surface of the spool 150. The weight of the draped portion of the curtain 62 may thereafter prevent the line from undesirably falling behind the thick spool 150, thereby minimizing machine stops caused by portions of the line caught behind the spool 150.
Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18178322 | Jun 2018 | EP | regional |
This application is a National Stage Application, filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371, of International Application No. PCT/US2019/014967, filed Jan. 24, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/895,764, filed Feb. 13, 2018, and claims priority to European Application No. 18178322.6, filed Jun. 18, 2018; the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2019/014967 | 1/24/2019 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019/160661 | 8/22/2019 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210362975 A1 | Nov 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15895764 | Feb 2018 | US |
| Child | 16967987 | US |
