Winding core end protector

Abstract

A core end protector comprised of a shock absorber and an annular, rigid attachment section that is attached to each end of a cardboard tissue core is provided. The core end protectors are securely mounted on the ends of the core. The outer diameter of the core end protector matches the outer diameter of the core. The inner diameter matches the inner diameter of the core. The core end protectors are made both with a rigid base section that mates to the core end face and a softer, shock absorbing section that comes in contact with external forces and impact loads. One single material or a plurality of materials may be used.

Claims

1. A winding core end protector, comprising: an annular, rigid base section mated directly to an end of a winding core; an annular, shock absorbing section fixedly attached to said rigid base section; wherein the winding core end protector has an external diameter generally equal to a winding core external diameter, and an internal diameter generally equal to a winding core internal diameter; wherein the rigid base section is made from a material from the group consisting of metals or high durometer rigid polymers; and wherein the end protector shock absorbing section is made from the group consisting of softer durometer polymers or elastomeric materials, said materials characterized by surface toughness, overall flexibility upon impact, and high resistance to material creep and compression set under load; wherein the rigid base section has a plurality of holes formed therein, each said hole adapted to receive a fastener to hold the rigid base section directly to the winding core end; wherein the shock absorbing section has a plurality of cavities to allow said fasteners to pass through and engage the rigid base section with the winding core end; wherein the shock absorbing section is comprised of a plurality of nubs with a space between each adjacent nub; and a plurality of holes formed between the nubs.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue roll off center on a cardboard core.

(2) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cardboard core with a core plug.

(3) FIG. 3 is a cross-section al view of a tissue roll on a cardboard core with core plugs.

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cardboard core scored with a knife.

(5) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cardboard core with flared ends.

(6) FIG. 6 is a side perspective view, partly in section, of a core end protector attached to the end of a cardboard core.

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a core end protector using individual nubs for shock absorption.

(8) FIG. 8 is an end view of the core end protector absorption section.

(9) FIG. 9 is an end view of the core protector rigid base section.

(10) FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the core end protector attached to a cardboard core end.

(11) FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the core end protector attached to a cardboard end by means of a screw attachment.

(12) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a core end protector using one continuous shock absorber geometry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

(13) Referring to the drawings in detail, particularly FIGS. 6-12, wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals there is shown a winding core end protector 20 removably attached to the end 11 of a cardboard core 10. The end protector 20 is annular and generally mirrors the structural annular shape of a core end 11. The end protector external diameter is equal to or slightly less than the external diameter 16 of the cardboard core 10. The internal diameter of the end protector is also approximately equal to the internal diameter of the cardboard core, but not smaller. The end protector 20 is comprised of two sections, an annular, rigid base section 21, and an annular, shock absorbing section 30. The rigid base section 21 mates directly to the core end 11. The softer, shock absorbing section 30 is attached to the base section 21 and comes in contact with external forces and impact loads. One single material or a plurality of materials may be used.

(14) In a preferred configuration, the rigid base section 21 may be made from metal or a high durometer rigid polymer. The rigid base section 21 is intended to spread out an impact load to a larger area on the cardboard core 10, thereby reducing stress concentrations which cause core deformation, delamination and tearing. The rigid base section 21 also provides a non-flexing support for the fasteners 29 to tightly hold the end protector up against the core end 11. The end protector shock absorbing section 30 is made from a softer durometer polymer or elastomeric material (such as urethane or rubber) characterized by surface toughness, overall flexibility upon impact, and high resistance to material creep and compression set under load. If dissimilar materials are used for the base section and shock absorbing section, the shock absorbing section may be bonded to the rigid base section. If molded from similar materials, they may be made in the same mold using two different durometer compounds. The shock absorbing section 30 may be uniform or have a material geometry designed like nubs 32 which each flex individually upon impact and then return to its original shape.

(15) The rigid base section 21 has a plurality of holes 22 formed therein, each said hole adapted to receive a fastener 29 to hold the rigid base section 21 directly to the core end 11. Pilot holes 19 may be formed into the core end 11 to assist the fastener insertion into the core. The fasteners 29 do not come in contact with the shock absorbing section 30. The shock absorbing section has a plurality of holes 31 formed therein between the nubs 32 or as cavities in uniform shock absorption material to allow the fasteners to pass through or bypass the shock absorption material and engage the rigid base section 21 with a core end 11.

(16) It is understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the application. Other embodiments may be readily devised by those skilled in the art, which will embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof. The shock absorbing section geometry can be of any configuration that both effectively absorbs the shock of a drop impact and maintains shape during long term loading conditions without permanent creep. In an optional configuration, the shock absorbing section may be molded directly onto the core end. Alternatively, the shock absorber section may be attached directly to the core end with fasteners, adhesive, bonding, or other suitable attachment means without the rigid section present.