SEGMENTED DISTRIBUTION ASSEMBLY FOR DISTRIBUTING FLUID TO AN APPLICATOR NOZZLE

Abstract

An inner plate assembly for arrangement between top and bottom plates of an applicator for applying fluid-based chemicals to traveling sheets of textile substrates includes a plurality of interlocking plate segments. Each interlocking plate segment includes an outer frame segment and one or more baffle member segments supported by the outer frame segment. Each interlocking plate segment further includes a first interlocking structure disposed at a first end thereof and a second interlocking structure at a second, opposite end thereof to facilitate end-to-end interlocking arrangement of the plurality of interlocking plate segments.

Claims

1. An inner plate assembly for arrangement between top and bottom plates of an applicator for applying fluid-based chemicals to traveling sheets of textile substrates, the inner plate assembly comprising a plurality of interlocking plate segments each including an outer frame segment and one or more baffle member segments supported by the outer frame segment, wherein each interlocking plate segment includes a first interlocking structure disposed at a first end thereof and a second interlocking structure at a second, opposite end thereof to facilitate end-to-end interlocking arrangement of the plurality of interlocking plate segments.

2. The inner plate assembly of claim 1, wherein each first interlocking structure and each second interlocking structure of each interlocking plate segment includes: a receptacle, extending inwardly from the respective end of the interlocking plate segment, having an entry portion that is more narrow than an interior portion; and a knob, protruding outwardly from the respective end of the interlocking plate segment, having a proximal neck portion that is more narrow than a distal knob portion.

3. The inner plate assembly of claim 2, wherein, when the interlocking plate segments are in end-to-end interlocking arrangement, the knob of one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments is matingly received within the receptacle of an adjacent one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments.

4. The inner plate assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first interlocking structure of each interlocking plate segment includes a generally T-shaped receptacle extending inwardly from the first end of the respective interlocking plate segment; and the second interlocking structure of each interlocking plate segment includes a generally T-shaped knob protruding outwardly from the second end of the respective interlocking plate segment.

5. The inner plate assembly of claim 4, wherein, when the interlocking plate segments are in end-to-end interlocking arrangement, the generally T-shaped knob of one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments is matingly received within the generally T-shaped receptacle of an adjacent one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments.

6. The inner plate assembly of claim 4, wherein the first and second interlocking structures are symmetric about a center line of the respective interlocking plate segment.

7. The inner plate assembly of claim 1, wherein, when the interlocking plate segments are in end-to-end interlocking arrangement, a removal tool is connected to an endmost one of the interlocking plate segments.

8-16. (canceled)

17. A method of removing an inner plate assembly from between top and bottom plates of an applicator for applying fluid-based chemicals to traveling sheets of textile substrates, the method comprising: connecting a removal tool to an endmost one of a plurality of interlocking plate segments of the inner plate assembly; pulling the removal tool away from the top and bottom plates to expose the endmost one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments; separating the endmost one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments from a next one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments and from the removal tool; and repeating the connecting, pulling, and separating steps for the next and each additional one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments until all interlocking plate segments of the inner plate assembly are removed.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the removal tool includes an interlocking structure for matingly connecting with a corresponding interlocking structure of each interlocking plate segment.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the interlocking structure of the removal tool includes: a receptacle, extending inwardly from an end of the removal tool, having an entry portion that is more narrow than an interior portion; and a knob, protruding outwardly from the end of the removal tool, having a proximal neck portion that is more narrow than a distal knob portion.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the interlocking structure of the removal tool includes a generally T-shaped knob protruding outwardly from an end thereof.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein pulling the removal tool includes laterally pulling the removal tool.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein separating the endmost one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments from the next one of the plurality of interlocking plate segments includes lifting the endmost one relative to the next one.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein the removal tool includes a handle that is wider than a width of the interlocking plate segments.

24. A method of cleaning interior surfaces of an applicator for applying fluid-based chemicals to traveling sheets of textile substrates, the applicator including top and bottom plates that define a fluid distribution chamber in which an inner plate assembly having at least one plate segment is operatively disposed, the method comprising: exposing an end of a plate segment of the inner plate assembly; pulling the exposed plate segment, and any other plate segments interlocked thereto, lengthwise from between the top and bottom plates of the applicator until the plate segment is exposed sufficiently to enable complete removal from the fluid distribution chamber; removing the exposed plate segment; if any plate segments remain in the fluid distribution chamber, repeating the pulling and removing steps until all plate segments are removed; with the inner plate assembly fully removed from the fluid distribution chamber, but the applicator otherwise in an assembled state, cleaning chemical debris from the inner plate assembly and from surfaces of the top and bottom plates that define the fluid distribution chamber; and after cleaning, reinstalling the inner plate assembly in the fluid distribution chamber while the applicator otherwise remains in an assembled state.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the method further comprises a step, before pulling the exposed plate segment from the fluid distribution chamber, of connecting a removal tool the end of the exposed plate segment.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the pulling step includes pulling the removal tool away from the top and bottom plates.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the inner plate assembly includes a plurality of plate segments that interlock end-to-end with one another.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of removing the exposed plate segment includes separating the exposed plate segment from any plate segment with which it is interlocked, with such interlocked plate segment remaining in the fluid distribution chamber during such separating step.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein reinstalling the inner plate assembly in the fluid distribution chamber includes re-interlocking the plate segments as they are reinstalled in the fluid distribution chamber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art fluid distribution apparatus for applying a treating fluid to a textile fabric, web, or other traveling sheet-like substrate;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-unit applicator in the apparatus of FIG. 1, with exterior components thereof partially broken away to partially reveal interior components thereof;

[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views of portions of the multi-unit applicator of FIG. 2, taken along lines 3-3 and 4-4, respectively;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a top view of the inner plate assembly of FIG. 2;

[0039] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a fluid distribution assembly for use in applying a treating fluid to a textile fabric, web, or other traveling sheet-like substrate in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary top view of the inner plate assembly of FIG. 6;

[0041] FIG. 8 is an enlarged top view of one of the interlocking plate segments of the inner plate assembly of FIG. 7;

[0042] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top view of an alternative inner plate assembly for use in the assembly of FIG. 6 in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 10 is a top view of a removal tool disposed at one end of the inner plate assembly of FIG. 7 and an optional end piece disposed at the opposite end;

[0044] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top view of a portion of another alternative inner plate assembly for use in the assembly of FIG. 6 in accordance with one or more further preferred embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary top view of the portion of the inner plate assembly of FIG. 11 with a corresponding removal tool shown next to it; and

[0046] FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are pictorial illustrations of portions of the inner plate assembly of FIG. 7 being assembled/disassembled using a removal tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (Ordinary Artisan) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being preferred is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention may incorporate only one or a plurality of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein; only one or a plurality of the features disclosed herein; or combination thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, including adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, are implicitly disclosed herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0048] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0049] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

[0050] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used hereinas understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such termdiffers in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

[0051] With regard solely to construction of any claim with respect to the United States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the explicit phrase means for or step for is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claim element. With regard to any method claim including a condition precedent step, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and the step to be performed at least once during performance of the claimed method.

[0052] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, a and an each generally denotes at least one, but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to a picnic basket having an apple describes a picnic basket having at least one apple as well as a picnic basket having apples. In contrast, reference to a picnic basket having a single apple describes a picnic basket having only one apple.

[0053] When used herein to join a list of items, or denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to a picnic basket having cheese or crackers describes a picnic basket having cheese without crackers, a picnic basket having crackers without cheese, and a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers. Further, when used herein to join a list of items, and denotes all of the items of the list. Thus, reference to a picnic basket having cheese and crackers describes a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers, as well as describes a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.

[0054] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a fluid distribution assembly 110 for use in applying a treating fluid to a textile fabric, web, or other traveling sheet-like substrate in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. The fluid distribution assembly 110 may be incorporated into a fluid distribution apparatus like the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. Notably, the fluid distribution assembly 110 of FIG. 6 is arranged to direct the treatment fluid upward toward a substrate 108 traveling horizontally above the assembly 110. However, in other versions, the fluid distribution assembly 110 is arranged and positioned for applying the fluid from either side of a vertically disposed substrate and/or or from above a horizontally disposed substrate, as in FIG. 1.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, fluid distribution assembly 110 includes a fluid applicator 118 mounted on a frame 113. The fluid applicator 118 includes a nozzle assembly 115 and a housing or body 120 with a centrally located foam supply opening 122 on one side for communicating treating fluid (foamed or non-foamed) thereto from a fluid source 124, which can be one or more fluid reservoirs, foam generators, or other containers or vessels containing dyes, sizings, foams or other treating fluids. The nozzle assembly 115 includes one or more fluid seal chamber 121 and an outlet or nozzle 126 are provided for the fluid applicator 118 on the opposite side of the body 120 from the fluid inlet 122 and is positioned in close proximity with the substrate 108 for application of the treating fluid thereto as the substrate 108 travels longitudinally past the applicator 118. In various embodiments, a common elongated nozzle 126 is provided and extends laterally or transversely all the way across the path of the longitudinally traveling substrate 108, but the fluid nozzle 126 can alternatively include separate and distinct nozzles, typically in a line with even spacing therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet or nozzle 126 is a slot that extends the width of the nozzle assembly 115.

[0057] The body 120 includes top and bottom plates 125,127 surrounding an inner plate assembly 135. The underside of the top plate 125 forms a top wall of a fluid distribution chamber 134, while a bottom wall of the chamber 134 is formed by the upper surface of the bottom plate 127. The top and bottom walls of the chamber 134 are spaced apart but interconnected by side walls 132. The inner plate assembly 135 includes a central baffle member 136 and a frame 137 and held in place by two side members 139. The central baffle member 136 is typically arranged and oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the traveling substrate 108. The baffle member 136 is recessed within the inner plate assembly 135 such that fluid passageways are created above and below the baffle member 136. Gaps are located between the central baffle member 136 and the outer frame 137 such that fluid can flow from the bottom passageway into the upper passageway through such gaps.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary top view of the inner plate assembly 135 of FIG. 6. In order to support and maintain the baffle member 136 in such spatial disposition within the fluid distribution chamber 134, the inner plate assembly 135 preferably includes a plurality of support members 144 that interconnect the central baffle member 136 with the outer frame 137 and are preferably as small as possible in order to avoid unduly interfering with the flow of the treating fluid through the gaps between the baffle member 136 and outer frame 137. The double parabolic shape of the gap between the baffle member 136 and outer frame 137 is similar to that of the gap in the inner plate assembly 36 of FIG. 5, and is designed to provide an infinite number of flow paths of the treating fluid from the fluid inlet 122 to the elongated fluid outlet or nozzle 126 that are generally equal in length such that the discharge from the nozzle or nozzles 126 is generally uniform across the width of the substrate 108. However, other shapes may alternatively be utilized.

[0059] Notably, the inner plate assembly 135 of FIG. 7 is made up of a plurality of interlocking plate segments 150. FIG. 8 is an enlarged top view of one of the interlocking plate segments 150 of the inner plate assembly 135 of FIG. 7. Each plate segment 150 includes one or more baffle member segment 156 supported by an outer frame segment 157. In at least some embodiments, three incremental double-parabolic shapes are provided per segment; however, the number of double-parabolic shapes per segment can be varied from less than one per segment (i.e., one double-parabolic shape extending across several segments linked together) to one double-parabolic shape per segment (for example, as shown in FIG. 9) to more than three double-parabolic shapes per segment. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that differently shaped baffle members and gaps may be utilized with the resulting shapes being distributed across the plate segments accordingly without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the segments 150 are connected to each other via pairs of interlocking structures 152,153 disposed at respective ends of the segments 150. In at least some embodiments, each pair of interlocking structures includes a first interlocking structure 152 in the form of a slot or receptacle, with each receptacle having a narrow entry 155 extending inwardly from the end of the segment and opening into an enlarged interior 154, and a second interlocking structure 153 in the form of a knob 158 having a narrow neck 159 and extending away from the end of the segment 150. The knob 158 is aligned and precisely configured to mate with the corresponding receptacles 152 of the adjacent segment 150. With this interlocking arrangement, the segments 150 can only be separated from one another by lifting one segment 150 relative to the one next to it. Because the inner plate assembly 135 is retained between the adjacent upper and lower plates 125,127, vertical movement of the inner plate assembly 135 as a whole is not possible, and thus the segments 150 cannot be separated from one another so long as they are retained between the upper and lower outer plates 125,127.

[0061] Notably, however, the segments 150 may be separated and removed by first sliding the inner plate assembly 135 sufficiently out from between the adjacent plates 125,127 to expose a segment 150 for lifting sufficiently to allow the knob and receptacle connection to be separated and thereby free the exposed segment 150 for independent removal and cleaning. This withdrawing and separating of adjacent segments 150 continues, usually one at a time (or in some cases, in subsets of the overall inner plate assembly 135), until all of the segments 150 have been removed.

[0062] To facilitate the process of removing the segments 150, a removal tool 160 may be provided. In this regard, FIG. 10 is a top view of a removal tool 160 disposed at one end of the inner plate assembly 135 of FIG. 7 and an optional end piece 161 disposed at the opposite end. As shown therein, the removal tool 160 may be connected to the endmost segment 150 of the inner plate assembly 135 via similar pairs of interlocking structures 152,153 disposed at respective ends of the endmost segment 150 and the removal tool 160. In at least some embodiments, the interlocking structures 152,153 are identical to those used to connect segments 150 together. Notably, the interlocking structures 152,153 on the removal tool 160 are disposed only at one end thereof, while a handle 162 is provided at the opposite end. By manipulating the handle 162 of the removal tool 160, a technician can engage the receptacles 152 of the endmost segment 150 and pull it from between the upper and lower plates 125,127 until the opposite end of the segment 150 is exposed sufficiently to permit the endmost segment 150 to be removed. After the first segment 150 has been removed, further segments 150 can be engaged by the tool 160 for sequential removal.

[0063] In at least some embodiments, the removal tool 160 may be left in place at the end of the inner plate assembly 135 while the fluid distribution assembly 110 is in use. In some of these embodiments, the removal tool 160 may be inserted partway into the space between the upper and lower plates 125,127. At least in these embodiments, the handle 162 is preferably arranged to extend at least partially from between the upper and lower plates 125,127 so as to permit grasping by the technician or other user. Furthermore, in at least some of these embodiments, the handle 162 or some other portion of the removal tool 160 is wider than the opening between the plates 125,127 or otherwise serves as a gate to prevent the removal tool 160 to be accidentally inserted too far into the space between the plates 125,127.

[0064] It will be appreciated that the interlocking structures may take on various shapes. For example, FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top view of a portion of another alternative inner plate assembly 235 for use in the assembly of FIG. 6 in accordance with one or more further preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the inner plate assembly 235 of FIG. 11, the receptacles and knobs are each generally T-shaped. A wide variety of alternative shapes are likewise possible without departing from the scope of the present invention so long as the interlocking connection is strong enough to allow segments 150 to be pulled from between the plates 125,127 without adjacent segments 150 becoming accidentally detached from one another inside the apparatus. Notably, the interlocking structures in the inner plate assembly 235 of FIG. 11 are symmetric about a center line of the segments 250, thereby allowing the segments 250 and/or corresponding removal tool to be flipped upside down if desired, whereas the segments 150 of FIG. 7 do not have this capability (but do have the capability of being flipped end to end if desired). FIG. 12 is a fragmentary top view of the portion of the inner plate assembly 235 of FIG. 11 with a corresponding removal tool 260 shown next to it.

[0065] It will also be appreciated that the number of interlocking pairs may vary from the two pairs disclosed at each end of each segment 150. For example, in some embodiments, a single pair (rather than two pairs) of interlocking structures may be sufficient, while in other embodiments, three pairs may be desirable.

[0066] Advantageously, the present invention addresses problems associated with handling long inner plates that extend across the full width of wide traveling sheets 8, particularly when withdrawing such plates from the distribution chamber and when cleaning such plates. Portions of this process are illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15. As described herein, the inner plate assembly 135 is formed as a sequence of separable interlocking plate segments 150, which can be sequentially separated as the inner plate assembly 135 is being slid from the body 120 of the fluid applicator 118 for easy handling individually, and can be easily reattached sequentially as the inner plate assembly 135 is reassembled in the fluid distribution chamber 134. In use, the end member that conventionally covers the end of the fluid distribution chamber 134 is removed (or in at least some embodiments is omitted entirely) such that the inner plate assembly 135 can extend through and beyond the space previously occupied by such end member. There it can be engaged by a removal tool 160,260, usually but not always beyond the ends of the top and bottom plates 125,127, to slide the inner plate assembly 135 out. The segments of the inner plate assembly 135, as well as the surfaces of the top and bottom plates 125,127, can then be cleaned and otherwise serviced, following which the inner plate assembly 135 can be slid back into place. All of this can be accomplished rather quickly without requiring disassembling and reassembling the top and bottom plates 125,127.

[0067] Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

[0068] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claim(s) appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.