Bi-directionally compressible dye tube
US6367724B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06B23/045
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A bi-directionally compressible dye tube that is designed to both axially and radially compress to a predetermined position. The tube includes a pair of solid end caps at the distal ends of an open structure which allows for dye liquor to pass through the structure and onto yarn that can be wrapped upon the open structure. The open structure between the solid end caps includes a plurality of axially rigid zones. In the preferred embodiment, the axially rigid zones may be compressed radially inwardly as the force of the yarn squeezes the tube inwardly. Between the plurality of axially rigid zones, there exists interlocking linear ribs. These interlocking linear ribs allow for the axially compression of the dye tube, in the space between the plurality of axially rigid zones. The interlocking linear ribs are spaced to allow only a limited amount of axial compression. In order to connect the axially rigid zones to one another, there is provided on the dye tube in a preferred embodiment a bi-axially flexible connector. The bi-axially flexible connector allows the tube to axially compress to the degree allowed by the interlocking linear ribs, but also to radially compress to the degree a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.