Take-up shaft guard for open-end yarn spinning machine

Abstract

A guard is provided for a take-up shaft of an open-end yarn spinning machine. The shaft rotates about a first axis and cooperates with a cot (a small rubber wheel) which is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The guard comprises a tubular body member, preferably circular in cross-section, having a central axis and first and second ends spaced from each other along the central axis. A slot is formed in the body, and the body surrounds the shaft. The body is concentric with the shaft and the slot is disposed beneath the shaft. A cut-out is formed adjacent, but spaced from, the first end of the shaft, and the cot operatively engages the shaft through the cut-out. The slot and cut-out preferably interconnect. A mounting bracket is joined to the body member at the second end of the body member preferably comprises a Y-shaped bracket having a stem integral with the body member and branches with openings for receipt of fasteners. The fasteners are otherwise operative components of the spinning machine, and the fasteners and bracket mount the tubular body member so that it is stationary with respect to the shaft. The body member preferably is formed of a flexible plastic so that the portions thereof defining the slot may be bent away from each other, and the body member easily disposed in a position surrounding the shaft, although it may also be of a rigid metal.