Tubular glass fiber package and method

Abstract

Tubular packages of glass fibers having a generally cylindrical shape are provided that have a reduced tendency to slump or to collapse as the glass fibers are removed from the package. The tubular package has glass fibers wound in superimposed annular layers to form a tubular package of continuous glass fibers having a generally cylindrical shape. The tubular, generally cylindrical shaped package of glass fibers has a fibrous net on the external surface of the package of glass fibers, wherein the net is sufficient to provide support to at least the external peripheral surface of the package of glass fibers. This support can be provided by having the net composed of stiff fibrous material that is used in conjunction with strips of adhesive on the external surface of the net, or heat shrinkable fibrous material, or fibrous material with a tacky surface, or a mixture thereof. The net may cover the package of glass fibers from almost one end of the peripheral surface to almost the other end of the peripheral surface; or the entire peripheral surface; or the peripheral surface and one end of the package; or the peripheral surface and both ends of the package except where one end has an opening sufficient to allow the glass fibers to be unwound from the package. The net may be in the form of a sheet, sleeve or bag or bag with only an opening sufficient to allow the glass fibers to be removed from the package.