Fiber catching device for rotating tube

Abstract

A fiber catching device includes a base having an inboard portion and an outboard portion, an external wall extending upwardly from the inboard portion of the base, an outboard hook extending upwardly from the outboard portion of the base and extending to a height above the external wall, and at least one receiver disposed between the external wall and the outboard hook. In one variation, a plurality of protrusions are disposed on the external wall and define a plurality of gaps there between.

1 . A fiber catching device comprising:
 a base having an inboard portion and an outboard portion;   an external wall extending upwardly from the inboard portion of the base;   an outboard hook extending upwardly from the outboard portion of the base and extending to a height above the external wall; and   at least one receiver disposed between the external wall and the outboard hook.   
     
     
         2 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of protrusions disposed on the external wall and defining a plurality of gaps there between. 
     
     
         3 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of gaps further comprise radial gaps arranged progressively closer to a top of the external wall. 
     
     
         4 . The fiber catching device according of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of gaps further comprise circumferential gaps arranged circumferentially along the external wall. 
     
     
         5 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 1 , wherein the external wall is angled towards the outboard hook. 
     
     
         6 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one receiver is a groove. 
     
     
         7 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an inboard hook extending upwardly from the inboard portion of the base. 
     
     
         8 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a ridge extending upwardly from the base between the inboard hook and the outboard hook,   wherein the at least one receiver comprises:   an inboard groove disposed between the inboard hook and the ridge; and   an outboard groove disposed between the outboard hook and the ridge.   
     
     
         9 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 1 , wherein the inboard portion of the base defines an inclined edge. 
     
     
         10 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises opposed circumferential extensions. 
     
     
         11 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 10 , wherein each of the opposed circumferential extensions comprises at least one aperture configured to receive a mechanical fastener. 
     
     
         12 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an internal recess extending radially below the base and configured to receive an outboard edge of a tube. 
     
     
         13 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a ring extending between circumferential end portions of the base. 
     
     
         14 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 13 , wherein the base and the ring are a single unitized piece. 
     
     
         15 . A fiber catching system comprising:
 a tube; and   the fiber catching device of  claim 1 ,   wherein the fiber catching device is configured to direct a continuous fiber into the at least one receiver of the fiber catching device and around an exterior surface of the tube during a fiber winding operation.   
     
     
         16 . A fiber catching device comprising:
 a base having an inboard portion and an outboard portion;   an external wall extending upwardly from the inboard portion of the base;   an outboard hook extending upwardly from the outboard portion of the base and extending to a height above the external wall;   at least one receiver disposed between the external wall and the outboard hook;   a plurality of protrusions disposed on the external wall and defining a plurality of gaps there between;   an inboard hook extending upwardly from the inboard portion of the base; and   an internal recess extending radially below the base and configured to receive an outboard edge of a tube.   
     
     
         17 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least one receiver is a groove. 
     
     
         18 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a ridge extending upwardly from the base between the inboard hook and the outboard hook,   wherein the at least one receiver comprises:   an inboard groove disposed between the inboard hook and the ridge; and   an outboard groove disposed between the outboard hook and the ridge.   
     
     
         19 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 16 , wherein the base further comprises opposed circumferential extensions. 
     
     
         20 . The fiber catching device according to  claim 19 , wherein each of the opposed circumferential extensions comprises at least one aperture configured to receive a mechanical fastener.