| 摘要 |
<p>A yarn storage apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of yarn storage tubes 12 arranged in an inclined position so that a first end 14 of each yarn storage tube is higher than the second end 16. Each yarn storage tube 12 includes a yarn outlet 20 at or towards the first end 14 to dispense yarn 18 and a load plate 22 slidable along the hollow interior of the yarn storage tube 12. The load plate 22 includes a plate element 24 having a first face 26 to rest against windings of yarn 18, an opening 28 to allow yarn to pass through the plate element 24 towards the yarn outlet 20 and a fence element 30 extending from a second opposing face 32 of the plate element 24 towards the yarn outlet. The fence element 30 divides the hollow interior of the yarn storage tube 12 so as to form a passage on one side thereof for yarn passing from the opening 28 in the plate element 24 towards the yarn outlet 20 and to form a cage on the other side thereof to receive at least one load element 40. The load element 40 is received in the cage so as to apply a load to the second face 32 of the plate element 24 and to urge the first face 26 of the plate element 24 against windings of yarn 18 stored in the yarn storage tube 12. The load element 40 may be spherical such as a glass marble or steel ball or it may be elongate with wheels (54, 56 fig. 6). Also disclosed is an insertion tool 44 to connect ends of yarn 18 stored in the yarn storage tubes 12 into yarn consuming apparatus. The insertion tool 44 comprises an elongate insertion element 46 having a handle at one end and a gripper for yarn (47 fig. 3) at the other end. The gripper (47 fig. 3) may comprise jaws or a piece of fabric with burrs or hooks. A guide 48 may be rotatably mounted on the elongate element 46.</p> |
