Web-Winding Core

Abstract

A web-winding core ( 1 ) is disclosed. The core comprises a tabular wall and longitudinal ribs ( 2 ) extending radially inward from the wall. It is formed from a fibre reinforced polymeric composite material. The polymeric material is typically anisotropic and has the required strengths in specific directions by design orientation of the reinforcing fibres. It may have reinforcing fibres disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, fibres disposed within the longitudinal ribs, fibres substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and/or fibres disposed at least one angle other than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the core. The reinforcing fibres may include one or more of glass, carbon, aromatic polyamide such as Aramid, other polymeric, natural (of vegetable origin) and/or metallic fibres.

1 . A web-winding core comprising a tubular wall and longitudinal ribs extending radially inward from said wall, the core being formed from a fibre reinforced polymeric composite material. 
   
   
       2 . A web-winding core according to  claim 1  in which the core has the required strengths in specific directions by design orientation of the reinforcing fibres. 
   
   
       3 . A web-winding core according to  claim 1  or  claim 2  including reinforcing fibres disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. 
   
   
       4 . A web-winding core according to  claim 3  in which at least some of these fibres are disposed within the longitudinal ribs. 
   
   
       5 . A web-winding core according to any preceding claim including reinforcing fibres disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. 
   
   
       6 . A web-winding core according to any preceding claim including reinforcing fibres disposed at at least one angle other than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the core. 
   
   
       7 . A web-winding core according to any preceding claim having an outer layer of the tubular wall that comprises more fibres than an inner layer thereof. 
   
   
       8 . A web-winding core according to any preceding claim in which comprising fibres that include one or more of glass, carbon, aromatic polyamide such as Aramid, other polymeric, natural (of vegetable origin) and/or metallic fibres. 
   
   
       9 . A web-winding core according to  claim 8  in which the tubular wall comprises layers including respective different types of fibre. 
   
   
       10 . A web-winding core according to any preceding claim in which the ribs extend the length of the core. 
   
   
       11 . A web-winding core according to  claim 10  in which the cross-section of the ribs are substantially constant throughout the length of the core. 
   
   
       12 . A web-winding core according to  claim 10  or  claim 11  in which the ribs have a rectangular profile. 
   
   
       13 . A web-winding core according to any one of  claims 10  to  12  in which there is a radiused region where the ribs extend from the wall. 
   
   
       14 . A web-winding core according to any preceding claim that includes a radiofrequency identification device (RFID). 
   
   
       15 . A web-winding core according to  claim 14  in which the RFID device is attached to the inner wall of the core or at least one of the longitudinal ribs or to the insert. 
   
   
       16 . A web-winding core according to any preceding claim that further comprises end adaptors to facilitate engagement of a drive system. 
   
   
       17 . A web-winding core according to  claim 16  in which the insert has a head portion and a tail portion, the tail portion being disposed coaxially with the core body. 
   
   
       18 . A web-winding core according to  claim 17  in which the tail portion of the insert has an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the core body. 
   
   
       19 . A web-winding core according to  claim 18  in which the tail portion of the insert has a plurality of axial grooves. 
   
   
       20 . A web-winding core according to  claim 19  in which the diameter of the tail portion and the size and position of the grooves of the insert are such that the tail portion is a close sliding fit within the core body, with each rib entering a corresponding groove. 
   
   
       21 . A web-winding core according to any one of  claims 17  to  20  in which the head portion of the insert is of substantially the same diameter as the core body and has an outer surface that forms a substantially continuous surface with the outer surface of the core body. 
   
   
       22 . A web-winding core according to any one of  claims 17  to  21  in which the tail portion of the insert includes re-enforcing material to resist transmission of radial forces from a chuck to the core body. 
   
   
       23 . A web-winding core according to any preceding claim having an outer diameter of less than 300 mm. 
   
   
       24 . A web-winding core according to  claim 23  having an outer diameter in the range of 80 mm to 250 mm.