US3740976A - Collapsible yarn dye tube - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved collapsible yarn dye tube assembly is disclosed comprising two tubular members, one of which telescopes an initial limited distance into the other. Both tubular members have an outer end and an inner end with the telescoping arrangement taking place at the inner ends thereof. A plurality of openings or perforations around the tubular members and extending at least a major portion of the length thereof permit dye liquor to pass therethrough when yarn is wound around the dye tube and the package is placed in a dye kettle. The outer ends of the tubular members possess thickened wall portions so as to permit an abutting relationship between adjacent dye tubes whereby a solid relationship is established and whereby pressure transmitted from one dye tube to the next for collapsing thereof is evenly transmitted along the tube. Dye spindle alignment means are also provided on the inner periphery of the members to center the yarn package around the dye spindle. Alignment means may also be provided at the inner ends of the tubular members to prevent blockage of the perforations upon collapse of the dye tube. Further, the dimensions of the assembled dye tube establish driving contact between the tube and a winder drum at least at both outer ends and the middle of the assembly to improve winding the package produced.

Description

Unlted States Patent 1 1 11 1 3,740,976

Fyans June 26, 1973 COLLAPSIBLE YARN DYE TUBE [57] ABSTRACT [7 Inventor: Frank y Gfeenville, An improved collapsible yarn dye tube assembly is dis- [73] Assign: Fyans, Associates Inc Greenvme, closed comprising two tubular members, one of which telescopes an initial limited distance into the other. Both tubular members have an outer end and an inner Flledi J m 3, 1972 end with the telescoping arrangement taking place at 21 A L N 214 673 the inner ends thereof. A plurality of openings or perfo- 1 pp 0 rations around the tubular members and extending at Related U.S. Application Data least a major portion of the length thereof permit dye [63] Continuation-impart of Sci, No, 158,729, July 1, liquor to pass therethrough when yarn is wound around 1971. the dye tube and the package is placed in a dye kettle.

. The outer ends of the tubular members possess thick- [52] U.S. Cl 68/198, 242/1 18.1, 242/1 18.3 ened wall portions so as to permit an abutting relation- [51] Int. Cl. B65h 75/22, B05c 8/02 ship between adjacent dye tubes whereby a solid rela- [58] Field of Search 68/189, 198; tionship is established and whereby pressure transmit- 242/1 18.1, 118.11, 118.2, 118.3 ted from one dye tube to the next for collapsing thereof I is evenly transmitted along the tube. Dye spindle align- [56] References Cited ment means are also provided on the inner periphery UNITED STATES PATENTS of the members to center the yarn package around the 1,374,543 4/1921 Ashworth 242/118.1l UX dye P Alignment means may be pmvided at 974,127 11/1910 Daniel] et a1. 242/118.1l the ends the tubular members 1,515,823 11 1924 Benoit 68/198 blockage of the perforations p collapse of the y 2,640,341 6/1953 Russell 68/198 tube t h dim nsi ns f th ass m led dye 2,936,964 5/1960 Tigges 68/ 198 X 7 tube establish driving contact between the tube and a Primary Examiner-William 1. Price Assistant Examiner-Philip R. Coe Attorney-Wellington M. Manning, Jr.

winder drum at least at both outer ends and the middle of the assembly to improve winding the package produced.

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II IN IN: EIUEI 2s2 FIG.3

FIG.5

COLLAPSIBLE YARN DYE TUBE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application, Ser. No. l58,729, filed July 1, 1971 and entitled Collapsible Yarn Dye Tube.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Perforated dye tubes, per se have been used for many years to improve the uniformity of package yarn dyeing. Such dye tubes are generally unitary in structure and manufactured of stainless steel. A yarn package is produced around the dye tube whereby upon the introduction of a dye liquor internally thereof, the dye liquor passes through the perforations onto the yarn at the inside of the package as well as from the outside of the yarn package. Further, perforated dye tubes have been constructed from telescoping sections, both of which are perforated to permit the admission of dye liquor from the inside as well as the outside of the yarn package.

In recent years, further means for dyeing have been developed such as dye springs which, though not tubular, receive a sleeve or the like therearound with the yarn package produced around the surface of the sleeve. The sleeve which may be a knit tube, burlap, paper or the like, facilitates ease of winding and proper package formation. Thereafter, the dye spring may be longitudinally compressed upon the application of pressure so as to reduce the overall length of the yarn package and thus permit a larger number of packages to be dyed in a single dye kettle. Still further, while the majority of the perforated dye tubes and springs in the past have been constructed from stainless steel so as to permit continued use thereof, plastic perforated dye tubes and springs have made their appearance in the marketplace,

A further improved collapsible dye tube is described and claimed in my copending application, Ser. No. 158,729, filed July 1, 1971. The present invention represents still a further improvement over the previously mentioned dye tubes including that described in my copending application. As such, the present invention further improves the dye tube art by providing a collapsible tube that is capable of self alignment on the dye spindle, a better driving relationship between the dye tube and the winder drum, ease of assembly to insure proper alignment between the perforations in the side wall of the dye tube, and a construction which permits use of the dye tubes without the normally used spacers. The dye tube of the present invention thus further increases the dyeing capacity of the dye kettle, eliminates the need for stainless steel spacers which reduces the operating costs of the dyeing process.

Since a better driving relationship is established between the dye tube and the winder drum a more uniform package of yarn is produced which, of course, improves the dye uniformity. Probably the most important improvement afforded by the collapsible dye tube of the present invention is the fact that, whereas the normal use of a dye tube in a dye kettle calls for the use of a spacer between dye tubes, the operators in many instances omit the use of the spacers. As such, a loose fit has existed with prior tubes on the dye spindle. ftentimes the loosely fitting packages are out of alignment with one another whereby, upon receipt of pressure in the kettle, the dye tubes are improperly collapsed thus damaging the yarn wound thereon. More'- over, with an improper collapse of the dye tubes, complete collapse will not occur and the full increased capacity of the dye kettle will not be realized. The present invention thus provides a collapsible dye tube that overcomes known disadvantages of the prior art while further improving economics and quality of the dyeing operation.

The prior art, as mentioned above, contains various teachings of perforated dye tubes, dye springs and the like. There is, however, no teaching or suggestion in the prior art of the collapsible, disposable yarn dye tube as taught by the present invention and described and claimed herein. Exemplary of the prior art are U. S. Pat. Nos. 974,127 to Daniel] et al; 1,500,046 to Bell; and 3,563,491 to Hahm et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel collapsible perforated dye tube.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved collapsible dye tube having dye spindle alignment means.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel dye tube assembly having alignment means thereon to prevent closure of perforations therein.

Still further, another object of the present invention is to provide an improved collapsible dye tube which avoids the necessity of spacers between adjacent dye tubes in the dye kettle.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved collapsible dye tube whose econom ics permit disposal after a single use.

Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to a collapsible dye tube assembly comprising a first tubularmember, saidfirst member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, and a second tubular member, said second tubular member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said second tubular member telescoping for a limited distance at its inner end in the inner end of the first tubular member, said first and second tubular members having dye spindle alignment means received on the inner peripheries thereof, and said outer ends of said first and second tubular members being adapted to make even contact with an adjacent dye tube assembly and to evenly transmit pressure therefrom.

More specifically, the tubular members comprising the instant dye tube assembly each have an outer end and an inner end, the inner ends of which mate in tele- 'escopes for a limited distance into the inner end of the other member. Thereafter, once yarn has been wrapped around the dye tube assembly, pressure at the ends thereof will cause further telescoping of the members to a collapsed condition whereby a larger number of dye tubes may be placed at one time in a dye kettle.

Each member further has a plurality of openings or perforations therearound along at least a major portion of the length thereof so as to permit dye liquor to pass from the inside of the dye tube through the yarn package. As such, care should be taken during collapse of the finished package in the dye kettle to prevent closure of the openings due to misalignment between the members. Such a happening can be precluded by the use of alignment means on the members whereby during assembly, the openings can be properly aligned so that after collapse, sufficient openings remain in the tube to permit the passage of adequate dye liquor therethrough.

The tubular members comprising the dye tube assembly of the present invention are also provided with dye spindle alignment means so as to substantially center the yarn package around a dye spindle. Such spindle alignment means may comprise a protrusion secured to the inner periphery of the tubular member and extending inwardly therefrom. The protrusion may be solid to form a flange, may be made up of a plurality of separate projections disposed in the circular pattern, or the like. The dye tube has yarn wound therearound on a winding machine while being held thereon by a mandrel extending into each end of the tube. The spindle alignment means must therefore be provided within the tubular members a sufficient distance from the other ends thereof to avoid interference with the mandrel. Further, additional spindle alignment means may be provided along the lengths of the tubular members so long as the additional means do not interfere with collapse of the dye tube.

In winding yarn onto the dye tube, a driven drum is brought into driving engagement with the dye tube so as to rotate same at a particular speed when receiving yarn therearound. Once the yarn starts onto the package, however, the driven drum then engages the yarn. The dye tube assembly of the present invention is thus preferably provided with outer dimensions such that driving engagement is realized between the assembly and the driven drum at the middle of the assembly as well as the opposite outer ends thereof. As such, a more uniform yarn package is produced and less stresses are produced in the tube during winding.

The opposite outer ends of the dye tube assembly under previous practice were adapted to receive a spacer or collar that separated one dye tube from an adjacent dye tube. In many operations, these collars became lost or became burdensome to the operators during use. As such, their use has been omitted in many instances to the general detriment. of the operation. Omission of the collars has permitted individual dye tubes to shift out of proper contact with an adjacent tube since the internal diameter of the tubes has been larger than the diameter of the dye spindle. Hence, when stacking one yarn package on the other, the tube ends would not matter. Thereafter, once pressure was applied to collapse the tubes, a uniform amount of pressure was not experienced by the misaligned tubes, whereby the tubes collapsed nonuniformly. Waste yarn was thus produced on the improperly collapsed tubes and dye capacity was lost due to incomplete collapse of the tubes. This problem has now been solved by the addition of the dye spindle alignment means in conjunction with the thickened outer tube ends. Use of the present dye tube thus eliminates the need for collars between the yarn packages by design to further improve dyeing costs and efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of a collapsible dye tube assembly according to the teachings of the present invention shown in partial cross section and shown in a winding environment.

FIG. 2 is an end view of one embodiment of a dye tube assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial vertical view of two tubular members separated to show alignment capabilities therebetween.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a dye tube assembly further showing alignment means therefor.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a plurality of yarn packages received on a dye spindle in the extended position.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a plurality of yarn packages received on a dye spindle and in a collapsed condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A dye tube assembly according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in partial cross section in FIG. 1 in a winding environment. The dye tube assembly is generally indicated as 10. Mandrels 50 and 60 are associated with a winding machine and are shown in phantom extending into opposite ends of the dye tube assembly 10 so as to support same for winding a yarn therearound. A drum is further shown in phantom to be in contact with dye tube 10. Drum 70 is driven by means not shown to rotate tube 10 and thus wind yarn thereon at a particular speed.

Dye tube 10, which is shown in cross section from line I-I down, comprises a pair of tubular members 20 and 30. Tubular members 20 and 30 have outer ends 22 and 32 and inner ends 24 and 34 respectively and have a plurality of perforations 25 and 35 along at least a major portion of their lengths. The inner end 34 of tubular member 30 is shown telescoping into inner end 24 of tubular member 20, the initial amount of telescoping being limited by a plurality of stops 33 positioned around the periphery of tubular member 30 and extending outwardly therefrom. Stops 33 should be of sufficient rigidity to limit initial telescoping while of sufficient resilience to permit further telescoping under sufficient pressure.

Tubular members 20 and 30 are also shown to have internal dye spindle alignment means, illustrated as protrusions 27 and 37 respectively at their outer ends 22 and 32. Protrusions 27 and 37 are positioned inwardly along their tubular members to avoid interference with mandrels 50 and 60. Dye spindle alignment means are provided to insure proper placement of the dye tube with yarn wound thereon over the dye spindle. While protrusions 27 and 37 are shown to be a continuous flange in FIG. 1, a plurality of spaced apart projections 127 are illustrated in FIG. 2. Thus the particular design of the dye spindle alignment means is not crucial so long as the yarn package can be easily placed over the dye spindle, no interference is caused during winding or tube collapse and uniform alignment is caused between yarn packages. Regarding collapse of tube 10, member 30 is illustrated as having a further internal protrusion 37' at its inner end 34. Protrusion 37' is preferably also included since its presence will not interfere with tube collapse and since it provides a further guide for the dye spindle. Moreover, the dye spindle alignment means, regardless of the type are preferably beveled or tapered on the sides thereof as at 28, 38 and 38. Such beveled or tapered edges will guide a dye spindle back to the central opening defined by the alignment means and assist in placement of the package over the dye spindle.

Outer ends 22 and 32 of tubular members 20 and 30 also have greater wall thickness than the remaining length of the members. Thus when one tube is abutted by another tube 10 and collapsing pressure is applied, good contact is maintained by both tubes 10 and pressure is evenly transmitted through the tubes for a smooth and proper collapse thereof. Without a spacer or collar between adjacent dye tubes and without the strengthened outer ends of the tubes, there is the danger, as mentioned above, that the tubes will collapse improperly and jam, thus reducing dyeing capacity and producing bad quality yarn.

Outer end 32 of member 30 is further shown to have substantially the same outside diameter as tubular member 20. Outer end 32 of member 30 thus makes equal contact with the winder drum 70 as does tubular member thus establishing a driven relationship on both ends of the dye tube 10 to improve the winding operation.

FIG. 2 shows a tube 110 positioned around a dye spindle S (in phantom). A plurality of projections 127 are secured to tubular member 120 and extend inwardly therefrom. The position of tube 110 with respect to dye spindle S is thus governed by the dimensions of projections 127.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, tubular members 220 and 230 may be provided with mating guide means 221 and 231 respectively. Guide means 221 are illustrated as serrations around the inner periphery of the inner end 222 of tubular member 220 while means 231 are serrations around the outer periphery of inner end 232 of tubular member 230.

' As shown in FIG. 4, serrations 221 and 231 mate during initial telescoping and accomplish a dual purpose.

First rotational movement of one of the tubular members with respect to the other is precluded. Secondly, the perforations 225 and 235 are prealigned to permit complete collapse of the dye tube without appreciable blockage of the perforations. Guide means 221 and 231 thus cooperate to cause tube 210 to rotate as a unitary structure during winding and guarantee proper dye distribution during dyeing. Normally guide means positioned only at the respective inner ends of the tubular members accomplish the intended purpose. If, however, guide means are needed along a further length of the tubular members they may be so provided, taking into consideration that the dimensions thereof must not interfere with collapse of the tube.

While guide means 221 and 231 are illustrated as serrations, certainly other designs are suitable such as a key and slot arrangement, mating non circular periphcries in general and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, a plurality of yarn packages Y are positioned around a dye spindle S. Spindle alignment means 27, 37 and 37' have placed the spindle S at substantially the center of the dye tubes. Further, the outer ends 22 and 32 of the individual dye tubes are of substantially the same outside dimension to provide a good abutting relationship between adjacent dye tubes. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, the outer ends 22 and 32 have greater wall thickness and thus present rigid members on opposite sides of the abutments. Once pressure is applied axially along the tubes, the above mentioned features permit correct collapse of all of the tubes as shown in FIG. 6. Hence the anticipated additional yarn packages may be placed in the dye kettle and all dyed uniformly.

Making reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, it can be seen that the dye packages Y produces from the collapsible dye tubes according to the present invention may be successfully employed without the use of spacers between adjacent dye tubes. Outer ends 22 and 32 of tubular members 20 and 30 respectively have thicker walls than the remainder of the tubes with substantially the same outside dimensions. The outer ends of adjacent dye tubes thus properly abut each other and when pressure is applied thereon, uniformly transmit pressure from tube to tube to properly collapse same.

The dye tubes of the present invention, for best operating results, should be constructed of a material that will distort upon receiving sufficient pressure to permit complete telescoping of the dye tube to the point where the inner end 24 of tubular member 20 abuts a shoulder 32' formed by the thickened outer end 32 of tubular member 30. Furthermore, the temperatures during dyeing and drying generally rise to approximately 300 F., and an important feature of the present invention is to provide a dye tube of a material whose softening point is higher than 300 F. Hence, during the dyeing and drying cycle, the dye tube will maintain its integrity and will not distort, shrink or otherwise experience dimensional change such that the yarn package tightens around the spindle S and thwarts easy removal therefrom.

Once the dye tube of the present invention has been used, the economics of manufacturing same are such that the tube may be discarded. The preferred method of manufacture of the tubular members 20 and 30 that comprise dye tube assembly 10 is injection molding of a plastic having the strength characteristics and physical characteristics such that proper longitudinal collapsing of the assembly is permitted while the assembly will not shrink or distort at temperatures around 300 F. Polypropylene has been found to be quite suitable for the manufacture of the dye tube assembly according to the present invention and is preferred.

Openings or perforations 25 and 35 of the tubular members 20 and 30 respectively that permit passage of dye liquor therethrough to the inside of the yarn package, are shown in the figures as rectangular in shape. Certainly openings of any geometric configuration may be suitably employed provided that the size and number of openings is sufficient to permit a proper amount of dye liquor to pass.

Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined only by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

l. A collapsible dye tube assembly comprising:

a. a first tubular member, said tubular member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof; and

b. a second tubular member, said second member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, the inner end of said second member telescoping a limited initial amount into the inner end of said first member, said first and second members having dye spindle alignment means on the inner periphery thereof and positioned along said members at least a predetermined distance from the outer ends of said members.

2. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said spindle alignment means comprises at least one inwardly extending projection.

3. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said projection is tapered to guide the dye spindle thereby.

4. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein a plurality of projections are provided in spaced apart circular patterns around the inner peripheries of said members.

5. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 4 wherein said second member has a further group of alignment projections around the inner periphery thereof adjacent the inner end of said member.

6. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein further, the wall thickness of said members is greater at the outer ends thereof, sufficient to distribute a force thereon evenly across said end of said member.

7, A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said thickened outer ends of said members have substantially equal outside and inside diameters, whereby two of said dye tube assemblies may abut around a dye spindle and receive and transmit pressure axially thereof to collapse and thereby increase the capacity of a dye kettle.

8. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said first member has guide means around the inner periphery thereof at the inner end thereof and said second member has guide means around the outer periphery thereof at the inner end thereof, said guide means mating to insure alignment of the plurality of openings in said members after collapse of said assembly to permit dye to pass therethrough.

9. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein said guide means on said members comprise axially extending serrations.

10. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the outside diameter of said assembled dye tube is the same at opposite ends and at the middle to provide at least three points of driving contact between the tube and a driving means when yarn is being wound onto said dye tube.

11. A collapsible dye tube assembly comprising:

a. a first tubular member, said member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said first member having dye spindle alignment means therein, said means being spaced at least a predetermined distance from the outer end of said member; and

b. a second tubular member, said member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said second tubular member having dye spindle alignment means internally thereof at at least two locations, one of said locations being spaced at least a predetermined distance from the outer end thereof, and the other of said locations being adjacent the inner end thereof, said inner end of said second member telescoping for a limited distance into the inner end of said first member and said members being capable of further telescoping upon receipt of pressure at the outer ends thereof, said members having substantially the same outside dimensions at the outer ends thereof to provide even driving contact thereat.

12. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein said spindle alignment means are internally projecting flanges around the inner peripheries of said members.

13. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein each said spindle alignment means comprise a plurality of projections spaced around the peripheries of said members.

14. A collapsible dye tube assembly comprising:

a. a first tubular plastic member, said member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings therearound along at least a major portion of the length thereof; and

b. a second tubular plastic member, said second member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings therearound along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said second member telescoping into the inner end of said first member for an initial limited distance, said first and second members having dye spindle alignment means thereon and the outer ends of said first and second members being adapted for uniform pressure transmission from adjacent dye tube assemblies, said tubular members being resistant to appreciable shrinkage and distortion at temperatures of 300F.

15. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 14 wherein said tubular members are polypropylene.

Claims (15)

1. A collapsible dye tube assembly comprising: a. a first tubular member, said tubular member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof; and b. a second tubular member, said second member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, the inner end of said second member telescoping a limited initial amount into the inner end of said first member, said first and second members having dye spindle alignment means on the inner periphery thereof and positioned along said members at least a predetermined distance from the outer ends of said members.

2. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said spindle alignment means comprises at least one inwardly extending projection.

3. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said projection is tapered to guide the dye spindle thereby.

4. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein a plurality of projections are provided in spaced apart circular patterns around the inner peripheries of said members.

5. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 4 wherein said second member has a further group of alignment projections around the inner periphery thereof adjacent the inner end of said member.

6. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein further, the wall thickness of said members is greater at the outer ends thereof, sufficient to distribute a force thereon evenly across said end of said member.

7. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said thickened outer ends of said members have substantially equal outside and inside diameters, whereby two of said dye tube assemblies may abut around a dye spindle and receive and transmit pressure axially thereof to collapse and thereby increase the capacity of a dye kettle.

8. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said first member has guide means around the inner periphery thereof at the inner end thereof and said second member has guide means around the outer periphery thereof at the inner end thereof, said guide means mating to insure alignment of the plurality of openings in said members after collapse of said assembly to permit dye to pass therethrough.

9. A collapsible dye tuBe assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein said guide means on said members comprise axially extending serrations.

10. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the outside diameter of said assembled dye tube is the same at opposite ends and at the middle to provide at least three points of driving contact between the tube and a driving means when yarn is being wound onto said dye tube.

11. A collapsible dye tube assembly comprising: a. a first tubular member, said member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said first member having dye spindle alignment means therein, said means being spaced at least a predetermined distance from the outer end of said member; and b. a second tubular member, said member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said second tubular member having dye spindle alignment means internally thereof at at least two locations, one of said locations being spaced at least a predetermined distance from the outer end thereof, and the other of said locations being adjacent the inner end thereof, said inner end of said second member telescoping for a limited distance into the inner end of said first member and said members being capable of further telescoping upon receipt of pressure at the outer ends thereof, said members having substantially the same outside dimensions at the outer ends thereof to provide even driving contact thereat.

12. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein said spindle alignment means are internally projecting flanges around the inner peripheries of said members.

13. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein each said spindle alignment means comprise a plurality of projections spaced around the peripheries of said members.

14. A collapsible dye tube assembly comprising: a. a first tubular plastic member, said member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings therearound along at least a major portion of the length thereof; and b. a second tubular plastic member, said second member having an outer end and an inner end and defining a plurality of openings therearound along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said second member telescoping into the inner end of said first member for an initial limited distance, said first and second members having dye spindle alignment means thereon and the outer ends of said first and second members being adapted for uniform pressure transmission from adjacent dye tube assemblies, said tubular members being resistant to appreciable shrinkage and distortion at temperatures of 300*F.

15. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 14 wherein said tubular members are polypropylene.

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