Twist after dyeing method of processing yarn

Abstract

Aa method of processing yarn, including the steps of texturing a partially-oriented yarn to provide the yarn with a predetermined denier and elongation while imparting desired bulk and shrinkage characteristics and applying the textured yarn onto a dye package, and placing the dye package with the textured yarn thereon in a dyeing vessel and dyeing the yarn with a combination of pressure, heat and chemicals to impart a desired color to the yarn. The yarn is dyed, the dyed yarn removed from the dye package and a twist applied to the dyed yarn. The twisted yarn is taken up onto an end use package, and the twist in the yarn is set. The order of twisting and dyeing is reversed, eliminating a package change step.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method of processing yarn, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) texturing a partially-oriented yarn to provide the yarn with a predetermined denier and elongation while imparting desired bulk and shrinkage characteristics and applying the textured yarn onto a dye package;    (b) placing the dye package with the textured yarn thereon in a dyeing vessel and dyeing the yarn with a combination of pressure, heat and chemicals to impart a desired color to the yarn;    (c) drying the dyed yarn;    (d) removing the dyed yarn from the dye package;    (e) applying a twist to the dyed yarn;    (f) taking up the twisted yarn onto an end use package; and    (g) setting the twist in the yarn.    
     
     
         2 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 1 , wherein the steps of removing the dyed yarn from the dye package, applying a twist to the dyed yarn, and taking up the twisted yarn onto an end use package are carried out in a single continuous process step.  
     
     
         3 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the yarn is dried using heat.  
     
     
         4 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the yarn is dried using moisture extraction.  
     
     
         5 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the step of texturing the yarn comprises the step of false-twist texturing the yarn.  
     
     
         6 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the step of twisting the yarn comprises the step of twisting the yarn on a 2-for-1 twister.  
     
     
         7 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 6 , wherein the twist applied to the yarn by the 2-for-1 twister is between 1 and 8 twists per inch.  
     
     
         8 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  7 , wherein the end use package comprises a cone.  
     
     
         9 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 8 , wherein the processed yarn comprises sewing thread.  
     
     
         10 . A method of processing yarn to produce a sewing thread, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) false-twist texturing a partially-oriented yarn to provide the yarn with a predetermined denier and elongation while imparting desired bulk and shrinkage characteristics suitable for sewing thread and applying the false-twisted yarn onto a dye package;    (b) placing the dye package with the false-twisted yarn thereon in a dyeing vessel and dyeing the yarn with a combination of pressure, heat and chemicals to impart a desired color to the yarn;    (c) drying the dyed yarn;    (d) removing the dyed yarn from the dye package;    (e) applying a sewing thread level of twist to the dyed yarn;    (f) taking up the twisted yarn onto an end use package; and    (g) setting the twist in the yarn.    
     
     
         11 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 10 , wherein the steps of removing the dyed yarn from the dye package, applying a twist to the dyed yarn, and taking up the twisted yarn onto an end use package are carried out in a single continuous process step.  
     
     
         12 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 10  or  11 , wherein the yarn is dried using heat.  
     
     
         13 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 10  or  11 , wherein the yarn is dried using moisture extraction.  
     
     
         14 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 10  or  11 , wherein the yarn is dried using a combination of both moisture extraction and heat.  
     
     
         15 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 10  or  11 , wherein the step of twisting the yarn comprises the step of twisting the yarn on a 2-for-1 twister.  
     
     
         16 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 15 , wherein the twist applied to the yarn by the 2-for-1 twister is between 1 and 8 twists per inch.  
     
     
         17 . A method of processing yarn according to  claim 10 ,  11  or  16 , wherein the end use package comprises a cone.  
     
     
         18 . A yarn processed according to the steps of  claim 1 ,  2 ,  7  or  9 .  
     
     
         19 . A yarn processed according to the steps of  claim 10 ,  11  or  16 .