Method and apparatus for handling rolls of textile fabrics and other webs

Abstract

Apparatus for handling rolls of web goods such as fabric, preparatory to the unwinding of same. A carriage is movable vertically about a support frame between a first position where a roll of web goods is stored and a second upper position where the roll of web goods will be unwound. The carriage includes two independently driven arm assemblies, each of which has a chuck for holding engagement with the core of the roll of web goods. With the carriage in the upper position, once a roll of web goods is fully unwound leaving the bare core chucked between the movable arms, a core receiver is placed beneath the core, after which the core is unchucked and automatically stripped from the arms, whereby it is caught by the core receiver. The core receiver then moves out of the way and the carriage descending about a new roll of web goods. When the chucks are properly vertically aligned with the core of the new roll, the arms are driven inwardly to position the chucks within opposite ends of the core. The chucks are then brought into a holding engagement with the core and the carriage is moved upwardly to the second position where the new roll of web goods can then be unwound, while a further new roll of web goods is located at the first roll position. With the exception of locating a new roll of web goods at the first roll position, preparation of the lead end of the new web for joining with the prior web, and removal of cores from the core receiver, the apparatus preferably operates automatically by a program controller or the like. The method performed is also disclosed and claimed.