CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 63/299,638, filed Jan. 14, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

This application relates generally to apparatuses and systems and apparatuses for protecting operators from steam of heatset steam tunnels.

BACKGROUND

Conventional heatset steam tunnels have an inlet and an outlet at their ends that can exhaust bursts of steam without warning. However, it is important for operators to be able to see into the heatset steam tunnel, for example, to check for jamming, to see if a lap is occurring on a head roll, to see if yarn is being blown off a conveyor belt as it enters the steam tunnel, or to otherwise monitor the operation of the steam tunnel. Moreover, the heatset steam tunnel must be able to vent excess pressure, so any structure blocking the openings of the steam tunnel could cause pressure to build, resulting in potential damage to the heatset steam tunnel or, in certain cases, turning portions of the heatset steam tunnel (or blocking structure) into projectiles. Thus, despite the risks associated with blasts of steam, conventional heatset steam tunnels come equipped with a guard that includes openings through which operators can see and through which steam is vented.

SUMMARY

Described herein, in various aspects, is system comprising a heatset steam tunnel extending along a longitudinal axis, the heatset steam tunnel having an inlet/outlet structure, the inlet/outlet structure extending along a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis and the longitudinal axis. The system can comprise an operator space positioned adjacent the inlet/outlet structure of the heatset steam tunnel. A guard can at least partially cover the inlet/outlet structure. The guard can comprise a window material (e.g., optionally, a transparent window material) that permits an operator to see therethrough into the inlet/outlet structure. The guard can be configured to direct steam from the inlet/outlet structure of the heatset steam tunnel away from the operator space while permitting viewing into the inlet/outlet structure from the operator space.

In another aspect is a guard that is configured to cover at least a portion of an inlet/outlet structure of a heatset steam tunnel, the inlet/outlet structure extending along a horizontal axis and a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal. The guard can comprise a pair of side coverings that are spaced along the horizontal axis, a top covering that extends between the pair of side coverings, and a lower vent that is configured to permit downward release of steam.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system as disclosed herein comprising a heatset steam tunnel and a guard.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an inside view of the guard of FIG. 1, with the guard decoupled from the heatset steam tunnel.

FIG. 4 is an underside view of a portion of the guard of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top, front view of the guard of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary guard.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary guard.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of yet another exemplary guard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed system and method may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of particular embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” includes one or more of such openings, and so forth.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event, circumstance, or material may or may not occur or be present, and that the description includes instances where the event, circumstance, or material occurs or is present and instances where it does not occur or is not present.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, also specifically contemplated and considered disclosed is the range from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another, specifically contemplated embodiment that should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Finally, it should be understood that all of the individual values and sub-ranges of values contained within an explicitly disclosed range are also specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. The foregoing applies regardless of whether in particular cases some or all of these embodiments are explicitly disclosed.

Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value or characteristic can be included within the scope of those aspects.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which the disclosed apparatus, system, and method belong. Although any apparatus, systems, and methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present apparatus, system, and method, the particularly useful methods, devices, systems, and materials are as described.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. In particular, in methods stated as comprising one or more steps or operations it is specifically contemplated that each step comprises what is listed (unless that step includes a limiting term such as “consisting of”), meaning that each step is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps that are not listed in the step.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an exemplary system 10 can comprise a heatset steam tunnel 12 extending along a longitudinal axis 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the heatset steam tunnel 12 can have an inlet/outlet structure 16. The inlet/outlet structure 16 can extend along a horizontal axis 6 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14 and a vertical axis 8 that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis and the longitudinal axis (see FIG. 1). In some aspects, the heatset steam tunnel 12 can have two inlet/outlet structures 16, with each inlet/outlet structure being positioned at a respective longitudinal end of the heatset steam tunnel 12. As used herein, the inlet/outlet structure can refer to openings at the longitudinal ends of the heat tunnel that can let out steam. In exemplary aspects, a first inlet/outlet structure can comprise an entry head for receiving yarn (e.g., an inlet structure), and a second inlet/outlet structure can comprise an exit head through which yarn exits (e.g., an outlet structure). The inlet/outlet structures 16 can be defined by portions of the heatset steam tunnel that partially or entirely surround respective openings through which yarn and steam can pass. An operator space 18 can be positioned adjacent to the heatset steam tunnel 12. At least a portion of the operator space 18 can be positioned at the inlet/outlet structure (or at both an inlet structure and an outlet structure, when provided separately) 16 so that operators within the operator space can see into the heatset steam tunnel 12. In some aspects, the heatset steam tunnel 12 can be a heatset steam tunnel manufactured by SUPERBA S.A.S. (Mulhouse, France).

A guard 20 can at least partially cover the inlet/outlet structure 16. The guard 20 can comprise a window material 22. The window material can permit an operator to see therethrough into the inlet/outlet structure. For example, in some aspects, the window material can be transparent. Optionally, the window material can be clear. In some aspects, the window material 22 can be translucent, but sufficiently see-through to permit an operator to see therethrough into the inlet/outlet structure. The transparent window material 22 can comprise polymer, such as, for example, an amorphous polymeric material (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylic or polysulfone, etc.). The window material 22 (optionally, transparent window material) can be shatter-proof. In further aspects, the window can comprise any transparent material or otherwise see-through material that can withstand the heat environment associated with operation of the heatset steam tunnel. The guard 20 can be configured to direct steam from the inlet/outlet structure 16 of the heatset steam tunnel 12 away from the operator space 18 while permitting viewing into the inlet/outlet structure from the operator space. In various aspects, a respective guard 20 can at least partially cover each inlet/outlet structure 16 of the heatset steam tunnel 12. Thus, in these aspects, it is contemplated that one guard 20 can be provided for—and at least partially cover—each respective inlet/outlet structure 16.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some aspects, the guard 20 can comprise a frame 24. The frame 24 can define one or more openings 26 (FIG. 5). The window material 22 (optionally, transparent window material) can extend across one or more of the plurality of openings 26 of the frame 24. For example, in some aspects, the frame 24 can define a plurality of openings 26, and the transparent window material 22 (optionally, transparent window material) can extend across each opening of the plurality of openings. In various aspects, the transparent window material 22 (optionally, transparent window material) can comprise a plurality of panes 23 that extend across one or more openings 26 of the plurality of openings of the frame 24.

In some aspects, the guard 20 can be configured to direct steam in a downward or at least partially downward direction along the vertical axis. For example, the guard 20 can define a lower vent 21 that permits downward or at least partially downward emission of steam therethrough. In some aspects, the lower vent 21 can be covered from above. As used herein, the term “at least partially downward” is intended to refer to arrangements of the guard that direct a portion of the steam (optionally, a majority of the steam) in a downward direction (for example, moving generally towards the floor rather than generally towards the ceiling or roof) along an axis that is angled downwardly relative to a horizontal axis, but that may permit escape of some steam in a horizontal (e.g., along an axis that is parallel to the horizontal axis) and/or upward direction (along an axis that is angled upwardly relative to the horizontal axis). It is further contemplated that the guard 20 can comprise a conduit that directs steam to an exhaust outlet that is positioned away from the operator space 18. Thus, it is contemplated that the guard can direct steam in any suitable direction (e.g., horizontally or vertically upwardly) to vent steam away from the operator space 18.

In some aspects, the operator space 18 can be spaced from the inlet/outlet structure 16 of the heatset steam tunnel 12 along the horizontal axis 6. For example, the operator space 18 can comprise at least a first zone 32 that is positioned on a first side 34 of the inlet/outlet structure 16 along the horizontal axis and a second zone 36 that is positioned on an opposed second side 38 of the inlet/outlet structure 16 along the horizontal axis 6. When multiple inlet/outlet structures 16 are provided, it is contemplated that each operator space 18 can be spaced from the inlet/outlet structures.

In some aspects, the guard 20 can comprise a pair of side coverings 40 that are spaced along the horizontal axis 6 and positioned on opposing horizontal sides of the inlet/outlet structure 16. A top covering 42 can extend between the pair of side coverings 40. In various aspects, the pair of side coverings 40 can comprise at least a portion of the frame 24 and at least a portion of the window material 22. Similarly, the top covering 42 can comprise a portion of the frame 24 and at least a portion of the window material 22. In yet further aspects, the pair of side coverings 40 and top covering 42 can comprise at least a respective portion of a screen, as further described herein. Optionally, when multiple inlet/outlet structures are provided, it is contemplated that respective side and/or top coverings can be associated with each respective inlet/outlet structure.

In some aspects, the top covering 42 can comprise a first section 44 that extends along the longitudinal axis 14 from a first end 46 to a second end 48. A second section 50 can extend downwardly from the second end 46 of the first section 44 at an obtuse angle. In this way, steam ejected from the inlet/outlet structure 16 along the longitudinal axis 12 can contact the inner surfaces of the first and second sections 44, 50 and be redirected downwardly or at least partially downwardly. Optionally, the first and second sections 44, 50 of the top covering 42 can be integrally formed with each other. In further aspects, the first and second sections 44, 50 of the top covering 42 can comprise separate components that are coupled to each other.

In further aspects and with reference to FIG. 6, the first and second sections 44, 50 of the top covering 42 can be perpendicular or generally perpendicular to one another (e.g., within 15 degrees, or within 10 degrees, or within 5 degrees, or within 1 degree of being perpendicular to one another).

In yet further aspects, the top covering 42 can only include a single section (rather than first and second sections that are angularly oriented to one another). For example, with reference to FIG. 7, the top covering 42 can be rounded. In still further aspects, and with reference to FIG. 8, the top covering 42 can form an oblique (e.g., obtuse) angle with the longitudinal axis of the heatset steam tunnel.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the heatset steam tunnel 12 can comprise a conveyor 13 that extends therethrough. The conveyor 13 can be configured to move material (e.g., fiber, yarn, or fabric) through the heatset steam tunnel so that the heatset can impart desirable characteristics to the material. At least a portion of the guard 20 can be positioned above the conveyor 13 relative to the vertical axis 8. It is further contemplated that a portion of the guard 20 can be extend below the conveyor along the vertical axis 8.

In some aspects, the guard 20 can comprise an upper portion 60 and a lower portion 62. It is contemplated that at least a portion of the lower portion 62 can be positioned lower than the conveyor along the vertical axis 8. The upper portion 60 can comprise the pair of side coverings 40 and the top covering 42, and the lower portion 62 can comprise a pair of lower side coverings 64 and the lower vent 21 that is configured to permit downward release of steam. In some aspects, the upper portion 60 and the lower portion 62 of the guard 20 can couple to each other. For example, a mounting bracket 64 can extend between and couple to each of the upper portion 60 and the lower portion 62 of the guard 20.

In some aspects, the guard 20 can comprise at least one screen 30 that is configured to cover the plurality of openings. The screen(s) 30 can couple to the frame 24 via, for example, weldment, adhesive, or fasteners (e.g., screws or rivets), or combinations thereof. Each screen 30 can be configured to cover one or more openings of the plurality of openings. For example, a first screen 30a can cover each of the openings 26 of the top covering 42, and second and third screens 30b,c can cover each of the openings of the pair of side coverings 40. The screen(s) 30 can define a plurality of apertures 66. For example, the screens 30 can comprise a grid or mesh of crossing wires that cooperate define the plurality of apertures 66.

In some aspects, the window material 22 can couple to the screen 30. For example, at least one fastener (optionally, a plurality of fasteners) 68 can couple the window material 22 to the screen 30. In some aspects, the plurality of fasteners 68 can extend through respective apertures of the plurality of apertures 66 and couple the window material 22 to the screen 30.

In some optional aspects, the frame 24 can define one or more of: at least one opening 26 along the first section 44 of the top covering 42; at least one opening (e.g., three openings) along the second section 50 of the top covering 42; or at least one opening along each of the frame side portions 40. In further aspects, the frame 24 can define one or more openings along each of the lower side coverings 64 of the lower portion 62 of the guard. In one exemplary aspect, and with reference to FIG. 5, the first section 44 of the top covering 42 of the frame 24 can define a single opening 26, and the second section 50 of the top covering 42 of the frame can define three horizontally spaced openings. Optionally, in these aspects, the three horizontally spaced openings can define a central opening that is positioned in between two end openings, with the central opening having a smaller height (measured relative to the vertical axis) than the two end openings, which can optionally have equal dimensions.

In various optional aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, a first pane 23a of the material can extend across one or more (optionally, all) of the openings 26 of the frame 24 along the first section 44 of the top covering 42. In these aspects, it is further contemplated that a second pane 23b can extend across one or more (optionally, all) of the openings 26 of the frame along the second section 50 of the top covering 42. It is further contemplated that third and fourth panes 23c, d can extend across one or more (optionally, all) of the openings 26 of the frame along the side portions 40. It is still further contemplated that respective panes 23e (one shown in FIG. 2) can extend across one or more (optionally, all) of the openings 26 of the frame along the lower side coverings 64 of the lower portion 62 of the guard.

In some aspects, the guard 20 can comprise at least one mounting flange 80 for coupling the guard to the heatset steam tunnel 12. For example, the frame 24 can define one or more mounting flanges 80 that are configured to receive fasteners therethrough.

In various further aspects, it is contemplated that the frame 24 can be omitted. In these aspects, the window material 22 can optionally comprise a plurality of portions that are coupled to each other (e.g., via fasteners or adhesive) so that the window material 22 forms the structure of the guard 20. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the window material 22 can be directly mounted or otherwise coupled to the heatset steam tunnel 12. Optionally, the window material 22 can comprise or be secured or coupled to a mounting flange 80 for coupling the guard to the heatset steam tunnel 12.

EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: A system comprising:

heatset steam tunnel extending along a longitudinal axis, the heatset steam tunnel having an inlet/outlet structure, the inlet/outlet structure extending along a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis and the longitudinal axis;

an operator space positioned adjacent the inlet/outlet structure of the heatset steam tunnel; and

a guard at least partially covering the inlet/outlet structure, wherein the guard comprises a window material that permits an operator to see therethrough into the inlet outlet structure, wherein the guard is configured to direct steam from the inlet/outlet structure of the heatset steam tunnel away from the operator space while permitting viewing into the inlet/outlet structure from the operator space.

Aspect 2: The system of aspect 1, wherein the guard further comprises a frame.

Aspect 3: The system of aspect 2, wherein the frame defines a plurality of openings, wherein the window material extends across each of the openings of the plurality of openings of the frame.

Aspect 4: The system of aspect 3, wherein the guard further comprises at least one screen that is configured to cover the plurality of openings, wherein the at least one screen defines a plurality of apertures, wherein the guard further comprises a plurality of fasteners that extend through respective apertures of the plurality of apertures and couple the window material to the at least one screen.

Aspect 5: The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the window material comprises a plurality of panes.

Aspect 6: The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the guard is configured to direct steam in a downward or at least partially downward direction along the vertical axis.

Aspect 7: The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the operator space is spaced from the inlet/outlet structure of the heatset steam tunnel along the horizontal axis.

Aspect 8: The system of aspect 6, wherein the operator space comprises at least a first zone that is positioned on a first side of the inlet/outlet structure along the horizontal axis and a second zone that is positioned on an opposed second side of the inlet/outlet structure along the horizontal axis.

Aspect 9: The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the guard comprises:

a pair of side coverings that are spaced along the horizontal axis; and

a top covering that extends between the pair of side coverings.

Aspect 10: The system of aspect 9, wherein the top covering comprises:

a first section that extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end; and

a second section that extends downwardly from the second end of the first section at an obtuse angle.

Aspect 11: The system of aspect 10, wherein the guard comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion comprises the pair of side coverings and the top covering, wherein the lower portion comprises a pair of lower side coverings, and wherein the lower portion comprises a lower vent that is configured to permit downward release of steam.

Aspect 12: The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the window material comprises an amorphous polymeric material.

Aspect 13: The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the window material is transparent.

Aspect 14: The system of aspect 13, wherein the window material is clear.

Aspect 15: The system of any one of aspects 1-12, wherein the window material is translucent.

Aspect 16: A guard that is configured to cover at least a portion of an inlet/outlet structure of a heatset steam tunnel, the heatset steam tunnel having a longitudinal axis, the inlet/outlet structure extending along a horizontal axis and a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis, the guard comprising:

a pair of side coverings that are spaced along the horizontal axis;

a top covering that extends between the pair of side coverings; and

a lower vent that is configured to permit downward release of steam.

Aspect 17: The guard of aspect 16, wherein the guard is configured to direct steam in a downward or at least partially downward direction along the vertical axis.

Aspect 18: The guard of aspect 16 or aspect 17, wherein the top covering comprises: a first section that extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end; and a second section that extends downwardly from the second end of the first section at an obtuse angle.

Aspect 19: The guard of aspect 18, wherein the guard comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion comprises the pair of side coverings and the top covering, wherein the lower portion comprises a pair of lower side coverings, and wherein the lower portion comprises the lower vent that is configured to permit downward release of steam.

Aspect 20: The guard of any one of aspects 16-19, further comprising:

a frame that defines a plurality of openings; and

a window material that extends across each of the openings of the plurality of openings of the frame,

wherein the guard further comprises at least one screen that is configured to cover the plurality of openings, wherein the at least one screen defines a plurality of apertures, wherein the guard further comprises a plurality of fasteners that extend through respective apertures of the plurality of apertures and couple the window material to the at least one screen.

Aspect 21: The guard of any one aspects 16-20, wherein the guard comprises a window material, wherein the window material comprises a plurality of panes.

Aspect 22: The guard of any one aspects 16-21, further comprising:

a frame that defines a plurality of openings; and

a window material that extends across each of the openings of the plurality of openings of the frame.

Aspect 23: The guard of any one aspects 16-22, wherein the guard comprises a window material, wherein the window material comprises an amorphous polymeric material.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.