CA2366091A1 - The hook machine - Google Patents
The hook machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2366091A1 CA2366091A1 CA 2366091 CA2366091A CA2366091A1 CA 2366091 A1 CA2366091 A1 CA 2366091A1 CA 2366091 CA2366091 CA 2366091 CA 2366091 A CA2366091 A CA 2366091A CA 2366091 A1 CA2366091 A1 CA 2366091A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hook
- web
- tape
- insertion apparatus
- actuator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41H—APPLIANCES OR METHODS FOR MAKING CLOTHES, e.g. FOR DRESS-MAKING OR FOR TAILORING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A41H37/00—Machines, appliances or methods for setting fastener-elements on garments
- A41H37/02—Setting hooks or eyes
Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for inserting a hook into a tape. The hook has a free end for insertion in the tape and the tape is folded about its longitudinal axis to present a pair of oppositely directed surfaces. The hook is moved toward and through the tape which is then unfolded with the hook inserted.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for inserting hooks into a tape.
In horticulture it is now becoming common practice to provide an environmental control for a crop growing area through the use of a curtain located above the crop.
The curtains are adjustable so that they may be retracted or deployed or maybe replaced with alternative materials to affect the climatic conditions to which the crop is subjected. These curtains may be used internally within an existing greenhouse structure or externally on a structural framework as a greenhouse roof.
The curtains are suspended from sets of parallel wires by hooks inserted into the curtain material. The hooks can slide along the wires under control of a motor or similar device so that the position of the curtain within the structure can be adjusted.
To ensure satisfactory operation of the curtain, the hooks must be carefully aligned between adjacent rows of hooks and must be uniformly spaced along each of the wires. The hooks must also be capable of withstanding the significant forces that may be imposed upon the curtain and therefore are of relatively robust constructions, typically molded from plastics material. The hooks must also be designed such that once they are secured to the material they are not detached or torn from the material.
The traditional way of securing the hooks to the material is by manually inserting the hook directly into the weave of the material. This, however, requires great care in alignment and is labor intensive. An alternative approach is to secure the hooks to a tape and sew the tape to the material. Such an arrangement is shown in published PCT application No. CA
in which a sewing machine is provided that permits the sewing of tape on to a fabric in a controlled and carefully aligned manner. However, the insertion of the hooks to the tape is still time consuming and still needs to be performed in a controlled manner to ensure uniform spacing and pleating of the hooks.
It is therefore an object to the present invention to provide a method and apparatus to permit insertion of the hooks into a tape and overcome the above noted disadvantages.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of inserting a hook having a open bight terminating at a free end into a tape comprising the steps of moving the tape along a predetermined path to a hook insertion station, folding the tape to present a pair of oppositely directed surfaces orthogonal to the predetermined path, positioning a hook with its free end aligned with and generally normal to one of the oppositely directed surfaces, engaging the hook to move the hook toward the tape such that the free end pierces the oppositely directed surfaces of the tape, and unfolding the tape to secure the hook within the bight.
Preferably, the hook is rotated to move the fold into the bight of the hook.
Alternatively, the hook is closed by abutment with a stop and application of a force in the direction of insertion.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by where of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which.
Figure 1 is a general schematic representation of a curtain system Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tape and hook used in the curtain system of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the sequential steps involved in inserting the hook into the tape to obtain the arrangement shown in Figure 3.
Figure S is a plan view of the general arrangement of the machine illustrating schematically in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a side view of the machine shown in Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a view on an enlarged scale of a portion of the machine shown in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a plan view on the line 8-8 of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a view on the line 9-9 of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is an end view of the hook insertion mechanism shown schematically in Figure 4.
Figure 11 is a side view of mechanism shown in Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of hook, Figure 14 is a side view of the hook of figure 13, Figure 15 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of hook insertion apparatus, Figure 16 is an end view of the apparatus of figure 15, Figure 17 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 15, Figure 18 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus seen in figure 17, Figure 19 is a side view of figure 18 showing alternative positions of the components thereof, Figure 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus seen in figure 19, and Figure 21 is an enlarged view of a further portion of the apparatus seen in figure 19.
Referring therefore to Figure 1 a greenhouse structure 10 includes spaced structural gables 12 defining a sagitated roof line and supported on posts 14. Wires 16 extend between the gables 12 and support a curtain 18. The curtain 18 is secured to the wires 16 by hooks 20 which slide along the wires 16 to allow retraction or deployment of the curtain and thereby control the environment within the greenhouse structure 10. The general arrangement of greenhouse 10 is well known in the art and therefore need not be described fiwther at this time.
Referring to Figure 2 and 3, the hook 20 is secured to the curtain 18 through the intermediary of a tape 22. The hook 20 is formed with an open bight 24 to accommodate the tape 22. The bight is defined between a pair of legs 26, 28 interconnected by cross member 30.
The free end of the leg 28 is formed as a barb 32 to retain the leg 28 within the tape after insertion and the free end of the leg 26 is formed with an open aperture 34 to receive the cable 16. Again the form of the hook is known and the exact details thereof may vary from installation to installation.
A hook insertion apparatus shown in Figures 5 through 12 is utilised to insert the hook 20 within the tape 22 and the steps of the process are illustrated schematically in Figure 4. Prior to describing the detailed operation in the machine, the overall arrangement of the machine is best appreciated from a review of the sequential steps set out in Figure 4.
Referring therefore to Figure 4(a) the hook insertion apparatus generally designated 50 includes a tape feed and support station 52 and tape folding m~hanism 54. Hooks 20 are delivered to the support station 52 through a hook delivery mechanism, indicated generally at 56 on Figure 5.
Referring again to Figure 4(a) a hook insertion mechanism 58 includes a jaw 60 secured at one end of an operating arm 62. The operating arm 62 is slidably and pivotally supported in a guide 63 and positioned within the guide by actuator 66. Lateral displacement of the arm 62 is controlled by an actuator 68 operating through a cam 70 secured to the actuator and a follower 72 secured to the arm 62.
In the initial condition shown in Figure 4 (a) the hook 20 is delivery to the support station 52 with the tape supported by the station in a planar position. The folding mechanism 54 is retracted and the jaw 60 open so that the hook is free to be positioned adjacent the station.
As an initial step, the folding mechanism 54 is lowered to fold the tape 22 back on itself within a slot provided in the folding station 52 and orientated along the direction of fed of the tape. At the same time, the jaw 60 is closed within the aperture 34 in the hook 20 so that the hook 20 and arm 62 are interconnected. In this position, the barb 32 is facing one of a pair of oppositely directed surfaces, 23,25 on the tape 22.
To move the hook through the tape 22, the actuator 62 is operated to swing the arm 62 within the guide 63 to the position shown in Figure 4 (c). The actuator 68 operates upon the cam 70 to move the roller 72 and thereby the arm 62 to the inclined position. The pivotal connection between arms 62 and actuator 66 accommodates the inclination of the arm 62.
The hook 20 is thus pulled through the tape so as to project through both of the oppositely directed faces of the tape. After insertion, the hook, as shown in Figure 4 (c) it is rotated to the position in Figure 4 (d) by operation of the actuator 66. The actuator 66 pulls on the arm 62 to move it along the cam surface of the cam 70 and thereby lower and rotate the end 34 of the hook 20.
Thereafter, the fold mechanism is retracted and the tape advanced so as to open the fold and nest the tape within the bight 24 of the hook 20. The jaw 60 is released and returned to the condition as shown in Figure 4(a) for the next hook 20.
The details of the mechanism are shown more fully in Figures 5 through 12.
Referring therefore to Figure 5, the hook delivery mechanism 56 includes a hopper 100 sloping downwardly and inwardly to an outlet 102. A spiral picker mechanism 104 is located below the aperture 102 to receive and orientate the individual hooks 20 and deliver to them chute 106. The hooks delivered to the chute 106 are all oriented with the barb 28 pointing in the direction of travel indicated by the arrow A and uppermost. The chute 106 delivers the hooks to the support station 52 through which the tape 22 is advanced. As can best be seen in Figure 6, tape 22 is fed from a reel (not shown) across the support station 52 and around the outer periphery of a drive wheel 108. The drive wheel is rotatable about a generally horizontal axis driven by a motor 110 through a clutch and brake mechanism (Figure 5). A pinch wheel 112 is positioned adjacent the periphery of the drive wheel 108 to cause tape 22 to engage with the drum and be advanced by it. The clutch and brake mechanism transmits the drive from the motor 110 to the wheel 108 intermittently so that the movement of the tape past the fold station 52 is likewise intermittent. Movement of the tape 22 through the folding station is also controlled by a retractable clamp 132 (Figure 6) which has a shoe 134 moveable by an actuator 136. The shoe can be moved toward the platen 114 to engage the tape 22 and inhibit continued movement induced by the drive wheel 108.
The support station 52, as shown in Figures 6 through 9 has a platen 114 with an upper surface 116 to support the tape 22. The platen 114 has an elongate slot 118 located immediately below a blade 120. The blade 120 is dimensioned to fit within the slot 118 and includes a notch 122 aligned with the chute 106 of the hook feed mechanism. The blade 120 is secured to the rod of an actuator 124 which can be operated to lower or raise the blade 120. A
ramped surface 121 is provide at each end of the slot 118 to facilitate the smooth transition from a flat to folded configuration.
A releasable stop 126 is located on the platen 114 adjacent the chute 106 and is operative to control the flow of hooks 20 along the chute and to the station 52. The platen 114 has an elongate cavity 128 (Figure 9) intersecting the slot 118 and aligned with the notch 122. The cavity 128 is dimensioned to snuggly receive one of the hooks 120 and to be maintained in position by a stop 130 provided on the upper end of arm 62 as will be described more fully below.
The hook insertion mechanism is best shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12. The operating arm 62 is of square cross section and is supported between a pair of side plates 150. The arm 162 carnes a pair of rollers 154 at its lower end which are slightably received in a slot 156 formed in respective ones of the side plates 150, 152. The side plates 150, include a cantilevered extension 158 that are provided with a pair of mounting lugs 160 projecting toward one another.
The lugs 160 engage a mounting boss 162 formed on the end of an actuator 164.
The actuator 164 is connected to the cam 70 provided by a slide block 166 (Figure 12) which in turn has a pair of cam plates 168 projecting forwardly within the side plates 150, 152. Each of the cam plates includes a cam track 170 of generally cartoid shape defining a limit of lateral and longitudinal movement. The follower 72 is provided by a pair of rollers 172 secured to opposite sides of the arm 62 and received within respective ones of the cam track 170. The lateral position of the arm 62 relative to the side arms 150, is thus controlled by the actuator 64 and limited by the rollers 172 acting within the cam tracks 170. The vertical position of the arm 62 within the side plates is controlled by the actuator 66 located at the lower end of the arm 62 and secured to the arm by a pin 176. A similar pin 178 secures the actuator 66 to the side arm 150 to permit pivotal movement of the arm 62 relative to the side arms under the control of the actuator 164.
The jaw assembly 60 is located at the opposite end of the control arm 62 and comprises a crank 180 pivotally secured at 182 to the arm 62. The opposite end of the arm 180 includes a pin 184 that is received within the stop 130 formed at the tip of the arm 62. An actuator 186 acts between the arm 62 and the crank 180 to open and close the jaw assembly 60. In the open position, the end 34 of the hook 20 can be positioned against the stop 130 so that the aperture 34 in the end of the hook 20 is aligned with the pin 184. Upon extension of the actuator 186, the crank 180 closes to bring the pin 184 into the aperture and thereby secure the hook 29 to the arm 62.
In order to insert a hook 20 into the tape 22, the tape 22 is first advanced by the drive wheel 108 so that the location on the tape is to receive the hook and is positioned at the support station 52. The drive from the motor 110 is disconnected and the clamp 136 actuated to inhibit further movement between the tape 22 and platen 114. The blade 120 is then lowered so as to fold the tape about the blade 120 into the slot 118 and provide the pair of oppositely directed surfaces 23,25. At this position, which corresponds to (b) in Figure 4, the tip of the barb 32 of the hook 20 is aligned with the notch 122 and with the arm 24 of the hook 20 below the blade 120.
With the hook 20 secured to the arm 62, the actuator 164 is operated to displace laterally the cam plate 168 and thereby pivot the arm 62 about the roller 154 between the side plates 150.
This action forces the barb 32 through the folds of the tape 22 in the region overlying the notch 122 so as to pierce the folds of the tape 22 and pulls the hook 20 through the tape 22 to the position shown at Figure 4 (c).
The actuator 164 may then be returned to its original position and the actuator 174 retracted so as to move the arm 62 vertically downwardly between the side plates 150, 152. This downward movement causes the roller 172 to roll along the cam face and thereby progressively return the arm 62 to a vertical position at the apex of the cam surface 170.
During this movement, the hook is rotated within the tape to the position shown at Figure 4 (d).
The actuator 186 is then retracted to release the hook from the arm 62 and the clamp 134 released and the clutch on motor 110 engaged to advance the tape around the drive drum 108.
As the tape 22 is advanced, it exits the slot 118 and unfolds. As it unfolds, it settles in the bight 24 of the hook 20. The tape is then advanced until the next position at which a hook 20 is required, at which time the clamp 132 again inhibits further movement of the tape. The stop 126 is withdrawn to allow a further hook 20 to be advanced from the chute into the chamber 128 and against the stop130 in a position for insertion. The actuator 174 extends to return the arm 62 vertically upwardly to the start position ready to complete a further cycle.
It will be seen therefore that the apparatus of figures 5 to 12 enables a hook to be inserted at regular predetermined intervals without manual intervention. The tape with the hooks inserted may then be attached to the curtain 18 as described in the above referenced PCT application.
A further embodiment of the hook insertion apparatus 50 is described below in which like components will be identified with like reference numerals with a suffix "a"
added for clarity.
The apparatus SOa of figures 15 to 21 is used to insert the hook 20a shown in figure 13 and 14.
The hook 20a is similar in function to the hook 20 but provides a closure for the leg 28a. Further details of the hook 20a may be obtained from PCT publication WO 00/55513, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Briefly however, to the extent necessary to appreciate the operation of the apparatus SOa, the leg 26a is formed with an enlarged head 180 defining the aperture 34a. The connection of the cross member 30a to the leg 26a provides a degree of resilience to permit the leg 28a to move from the open position shown in solid line in figure 13 to the closed position shown in ghosted outline. A groove 182 is formed in the side face 184 of the head 180 that opens in to a broader channel 186. The groove 182 is dimensioned to receive the leg 28a and the channel 186 the barb 32a.
After insertion of the hook in the tape 22a, the cross member 30a is flexed to bring the barb 32a in to alignment with the channel 186 sa that the leg may be inserted in to the groove 182. Release of the force on the cross member 30a allows the barb to engage the end of the channel 186 and retain the leg 28a in a closed or locked position. If preferred, an undercut may be provided at the transition from groove 182 to channel 186 to retain the barb 32a.
The apparatus used to insert the hooks SOa is shown in figures 15 to 21. Hooks 20a are retrieved from a hopper 100a, and delivered to a chute 106a with the barbs 32a uppermost. The tape 22a is delivered to the platen 114a and folded within the slot 118a by blade 120a as described above. To insert the hooks 20a, a pusher mechanism 200 is utilised that is located parallel to but spaced from the chute 106a. Hooks 20a are transferred from the chute 106a to the pusher mechanism 200 by a shuttle 202 (figure 18).
The shuttle 202 includes a carriage 204 of generally channel section and configured to support a hook 20a on a base 206 between a pair of sidewalk 208. The carriage 204 corresponds to the profile of the chute 106a and is interposed between the chute 106a and a stop surface that limits movement of the hooks in the chute. The carriage 204 is mounted on a rod 212 of an actuator 214disposed generally parallel to the direction of feed of the tape 22a so as to be 1 S movable between the pusher mechanism 200 and the chute 106a..
The pusher mechanism 200 is upwardly inclined relative to the chute 106a and is shown in detail in figures 19 and 20. The pusher mechanism 200 has a base 220 with a slide plate 222 secured to it to define an axis of movement generally normal to the direction of the tape feed. A
pair of slide blocks 224 are mounted at spaced intervals on a sliding plate 226 and engage the slide plate 222 to allow relative sliding movement between the plates 222 and 226. The sliding plate 226 is attached to a piston rod 228 of a hook insertion actuator 68a and the cylinder 230 is secured to the base 220. An adjustable stop 232 is provided on the base 220 to limit the travel between the sliding plate 226 and the base 220.
A shoe 234 is mounted on the sliding plate 226 and has a notched outer end 236 defined by converging flanks 238,240. As can be seen in figure 19, the flanks 238,240 are configured so that when the lower flank 238 supports the head 180, the upper flank 240 contacts the intersection of the crossmember 30a and leg 28a.
An anvil assembly 242 is positioned on the opposite side of the blade 120a to the pusher mechanism 200. The anvil assembly 242 includes an anvil 244 with a strike face 246 conforming to the nose of the head 180. The anvil 244 is mounted on a frame 248 and is adjustable in a vertical direction by a pair of bolts 250. The anvil 244 is secured in position by a bolt 252. The orientation of the hock 20a during movement of the shoe 234 is maintained by a pair of guide pins 254 that pass through holes in the anvil 242 and form the piston mds of actuators 256. The actuators 256 are mounted side by side on a bracket 260 cantilevered from the platen 114a and the pins 254 are spaced apart so as to pass to either side of the hook 20a mounted on the shoe 234. The pins 254 are positioned vertically to overlap the nose of the head 180 as it passes below the tape during insertion and are retrievable by the actuator 256 after insertion to allow subsequent movement of the tape.
In operation, the hooks 20a are fed from the hopper 100a to the chute 106a.
The shuttle 202 is positioned by the actuator 214 with the carriage 204 aligned with the chutel Oda. The hook 20a is supported in the carriage 204 which is transferred by the actuator 214 into alignment with the pusher mechanism 200. The carriage 204 is positioned adjacent the shoe 234 and presents the hook 20a in the proper orientation to the notched outer end 236.
With the hook 20a in position in the pusher mechanism 200, movement of the drive wheel 108a is interrupted and clamp 132a operated to hold the tape 22a stationary on the platen 114a. The blade 120a is lowered to fold the tape 22a in to the slot 118a and present one of the oppositely directed faces to the insertion mechanism 200. The pins 254 are extended toward the blade 120a to provide a guide for the hook 20a. The rod 228 of cylinder 230 is extended so that the hook 20a is picked up in the outer end 236 and the barb 32a carried toward and through the tape 22a. As the hook 22a is advanced, the nose on the head 180 passes beneath the blade 120a and is received between the pins 254 before the barb 32a engages the tape 22a.
This prevents tipping of the hook in the shoe 234 as the barb 32a is forced thmugh the tape 22a. After the barb 32a has pierced the tape 22a the head 180 of the hook 20a is carried by the shoe 234 into engagement with the strike face 246 of the anvil 244. Continued forward movement of the shoe 234 causes the upper flank 240 to bear against the cross member 30a and move the leg 28a in to the groove 182 thereby locking the hook.. The upper flank 240 is positioned to induce a hinging of the leg 28a relative to the leg 26a and therefore rotate it in to the groove 182. The convergent flanks ensure that as the abutment is engaged, continued movement of the shoe will allow limited movement of the hook allowing the lower flank and cause continued pivotal movement of the leg 28a into the groove 128. Reversal of the actuators 230 releases the hook 20a with the leg 28a through the tape 22a and held in the locked position.
The shoe 234 is then fully retracted and the shuttle operated to transfer a fiuther hook 22a from the chute 106x. The blade 120a and the pins 254 are retracted, the motor 110a operated and S the clamp 132a released to allow the tape to be advanced out of the slot 118a and unfolded along the crossmember 30a. The process is repeated at each location at which a hook is to be inserted and the tape subsequently sewn to the curtain as described above.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outline in the claims appended hereto.
For example different hooks may be used and the tape folded in a transverse direction if appropriate. Similarly, although the embodiments utilise a tape to receive the hook, it will be appreciated that the hook may be inserted in to any suitable web of flexible material, including the curtain itself, provide an appropriate feed mechanism is provided.
However, given the extent of the curtain for horticultural applications it is believed that use of the tape is preferred.
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for inserting hooks into a tape.
In horticulture it is now becoming common practice to provide an environmental control for a crop growing area through the use of a curtain located above the crop.
The curtains are adjustable so that they may be retracted or deployed or maybe replaced with alternative materials to affect the climatic conditions to which the crop is subjected. These curtains may be used internally within an existing greenhouse structure or externally on a structural framework as a greenhouse roof.
The curtains are suspended from sets of parallel wires by hooks inserted into the curtain material. The hooks can slide along the wires under control of a motor or similar device so that the position of the curtain within the structure can be adjusted.
To ensure satisfactory operation of the curtain, the hooks must be carefully aligned between adjacent rows of hooks and must be uniformly spaced along each of the wires. The hooks must also be capable of withstanding the significant forces that may be imposed upon the curtain and therefore are of relatively robust constructions, typically molded from plastics material. The hooks must also be designed such that once they are secured to the material they are not detached or torn from the material.
The traditional way of securing the hooks to the material is by manually inserting the hook directly into the weave of the material. This, however, requires great care in alignment and is labor intensive. An alternative approach is to secure the hooks to a tape and sew the tape to the material. Such an arrangement is shown in published PCT application No. CA
in which a sewing machine is provided that permits the sewing of tape on to a fabric in a controlled and carefully aligned manner. However, the insertion of the hooks to the tape is still time consuming and still needs to be performed in a controlled manner to ensure uniform spacing and pleating of the hooks.
It is therefore an object to the present invention to provide a method and apparatus to permit insertion of the hooks into a tape and overcome the above noted disadvantages.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of inserting a hook having a open bight terminating at a free end into a tape comprising the steps of moving the tape along a predetermined path to a hook insertion station, folding the tape to present a pair of oppositely directed surfaces orthogonal to the predetermined path, positioning a hook with its free end aligned with and generally normal to one of the oppositely directed surfaces, engaging the hook to move the hook toward the tape such that the free end pierces the oppositely directed surfaces of the tape, and unfolding the tape to secure the hook within the bight.
Preferably, the hook is rotated to move the fold into the bight of the hook.
Alternatively, the hook is closed by abutment with a stop and application of a force in the direction of insertion.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by where of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which.
Figure 1 is a general schematic representation of a curtain system Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tape and hook used in the curtain system of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the sequential steps involved in inserting the hook into the tape to obtain the arrangement shown in Figure 3.
Figure S is a plan view of the general arrangement of the machine illustrating schematically in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a side view of the machine shown in Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a view on an enlarged scale of a portion of the machine shown in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a plan view on the line 8-8 of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a view on the line 9-9 of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is an end view of the hook insertion mechanism shown schematically in Figure 4.
Figure 11 is a side view of mechanism shown in Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of hook, Figure 14 is a side view of the hook of figure 13, Figure 15 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of hook insertion apparatus, Figure 16 is an end view of the apparatus of figure 15, Figure 17 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 15, Figure 18 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus seen in figure 17, Figure 19 is a side view of figure 18 showing alternative positions of the components thereof, Figure 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus seen in figure 19, and Figure 21 is an enlarged view of a further portion of the apparatus seen in figure 19.
Referring therefore to Figure 1 a greenhouse structure 10 includes spaced structural gables 12 defining a sagitated roof line and supported on posts 14. Wires 16 extend between the gables 12 and support a curtain 18. The curtain 18 is secured to the wires 16 by hooks 20 which slide along the wires 16 to allow retraction or deployment of the curtain and thereby control the environment within the greenhouse structure 10. The general arrangement of greenhouse 10 is well known in the art and therefore need not be described fiwther at this time.
Referring to Figure 2 and 3, the hook 20 is secured to the curtain 18 through the intermediary of a tape 22. The hook 20 is formed with an open bight 24 to accommodate the tape 22. The bight is defined between a pair of legs 26, 28 interconnected by cross member 30.
The free end of the leg 28 is formed as a barb 32 to retain the leg 28 within the tape after insertion and the free end of the leg 26 is formed with an open aperture 34 to receive the cable 16. Again the form of the hook is known and the exact details thereof may vary from installation to installation.
A hook insertion apparatus shown in Figures 5 through 12 is utilised to insert the hook 20 within the tape 22 and the steps of the process are illustrated schematically in Figure 4. Prior to describing the detailed operation in the machine, the overall arrangement of the machine is best appreciated from a review of the sequential steps set out in Figure 4.
Referring therefore to Figure 4(a) the hook insertion apparatus generally designated 50 includes a tape feed and support station 52 and tape folding m~hanism 54. Hooks 20 are delivered to the support station 52 through a hook delivery mechanism, indicated generally at 56 on Figure 5.
Referring again to Figure 4(a) a hook insertion mechanism 58 includes a jaw 60 secured at one end of an operating arm 62. The operating arm 62 is slidably and pivotally supported in a guide 63 and positioned within the guide by actuator 66. Lateral displacement of the arm 62 is controlled by an actuator 68 operating through a cam 70 secured to the actuator and a follower 72 secured to the arm 62.
In the initial condition shown in Figure 4 (a) the hook 20 is delivery to the support station 52 with the tape supported by the station in a planar position. The folding mechanism 54 is retracted and the jaw 60 open so that the hook is free to be positioned adjacent the station.
As an initial step, the folding mechanism 54 is lowered to fold the tape 22 back on itself within a slot provided in the folding station 52 and orientated along the direction of fed of the tape. At the same time, the jaw 60 is closed within the aperture 34 in the hook 20 so that the hook 20 and arm 62 are interconnected. In this position, the barb 32 is facing one of a pair of oppositely directed surfaces, 23,25 on the tape 22.
To move the hook through the tape 22, the actuator 62 is operated to swing the arm 62 within the guide 63 to the position shown in Figure 4 (c). The actuator 68 operates upon the cam 70 to move the roller 72 and thereby the arm 62 to the inclined position. The pivotal connection between arms 62 and actuator 66 accommodates the inclination of the arm 62.
The hook 20 is thus pulled through the tape so as to project through both of the oppositely directed faces of the tape. After insertion, the hook, as shown in Figure 4 (c) it is rotated to the position in Figure 4 (d) by operation of the actuator 66. The actuator 66 pulls on the arm 62 to move it along the cam surface of the cam 70 and thereby lower and rotate the end 34 of the hook 20.
Thereafter, the fold mechanism is retracted and the tape advanced so as to open the fold and nest the tape within the bight 24 of the hook 20. The jaw 60 is released and returned to the condition as shown in Figure 4(a) for the next hook 20.
The details of the mechanism are shown more fully in Figures 5 through 12.
Referring therefore to Figure 5, the hook delivery mechanism 56 includes a hopper 100 sloping downwardly and inwardly to an outlet 102. A spiral picker mechanism 104 is located below the aperture 102 to receive and orientate the individual hooks 20 and deliver to them chute 106. The hooks delivered to the chute 106 are all oriented with the barb 28 pointing in the direction of travel indicated by the arrow A and uppermost. The chute 106 delivers the hooks to the support station 52 through which the tape 22 is advanced. As can best be seen in Figure 6, tape 22 is fed from a reel (not shown) across the support station 52 and around the outer periphery of a drive wheel 108. The drive wheel is rotatable about a generally horizontal axis driven by a motor 110 through a clutch and brake mechanism (Figure 5). A pinch wheel 112 is positioned adjacent the periphery of the drive wheel 108 to cause tape 22 to engage with the drum and be advanced by it. The clutch and brake mechanism transmits the drive from the motor 110 to the wheel 108 intermittently so that the movement of the tape past the fold station 52 is likewise intermittent. Movement of the tape 22 through the folding station is also controlled by a retractable clamp 132 (Figure 6) which has a shoe 134 moveable by an actuator 136. The shoe can be moved toward the platen 114 to engage the tape 22 and inhibit continued movement induced by the drive wheel 108.
The support station 52, as shown in Figures 6 through 9 has a platen 114 with an upper surface 116 to support the tape 22. The platen 114 has an elongate slot 118 located immediately below a blade 120. The blade 120 is dimensioned to fit within the slot 118 and includes a notch 122 aligned with the chute 106 of the hook feed mechanism. The blade 120 is secured to the rod of an actuator 124 which can be operated to lower or raise the blade 120. A
ramped surface 121 is provide at each end of the slot 118 to facilitate the smooth transition from a flat to folded configuration.
A releasable stop 126 is located on the platen 114 adjacent the chute 106 and is operative to control the flow of hooks 20 along the chute and to the station 52. The platen 114 has an elongate cavity 128 (Figure 9) intersecting the slot 118 and aligned with the notch 122. The cavity 128 is dimensioned to snuggly receive one of the hooks 120 and to be maintained in position by a stop 130 provided on the upper end of arm 62 as will be described more fully below.
The hook insertion mechanism is best shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12. The operating arm 62 is of square cross section and is supported between a pair of side plates 150. The arm 162 carnes a pair of rollers 154 at its lower end which are slightably received in a slot 156 formed in respective ones of the side plates 150, 152. The side plates 150, include a cantilevered extension 158 that are provided with a pair of mounting lugs 160 projecting toward one another.
The lugs 160 engage a mounting boss 162 formed on the end of an actuator 164.
The actuator 164 is connected to the cam 70 provided by a slide block 166 (Figure 12) which in turn has a pair of cam plates 168 projecting forwardly within the side plates 150, 152. Each of the cam plates includes a cam track 170 of generally cartoid shape defining a limit of lateral and longitudinal movement. The follower 72 is provided by a pair of rollers 172 secured to opposite sides of the arm 62 and received within respective ones of the cam track 170. The lateral position of the arm 62 relative to the side arms 150, is thus controlled by the actuator 64 and limited by the rollers 172 acting within the cam tracks 170. The vertical position of the arm 62 within the side plates is controlled by the actuator 66 located at the lower end of the arm 62 and secured to the arm by a pin 176. A similar pin 178 secures the actuator 66 to the side arm 150 to permit pivotal movement of the arm 62 relative to the side arms under the control of the actuator 164.
The jaw assembly 60 is located at the opposite end of the control arm 62 and comprises a crank 180 pivotally secured at 182 to the arm 62. The opposite end of the arm 180 includes a pin 184 that is received within the stop 130 formed at the tip of the arm 62. An actuator 186 acts between the arm 62 and the crank 180 to open and close the jaw assembly 60. In the open position, the end 34 of the hook 20 can be positioned against the stop 130 so that the aperture 34 in the end of the hook 20 is aligned with the pin 184. Upon extension of the actuator 186, the crank 180 closes to bring the pin 184 into the aperture and thereby secure the hook 29 to the arm 62.
In order to insert a hook 20 into the tape 22, the tape 22 is first advanced by the drive wheel 108 so that the location on the tape is to receive the hook and is positioned at the support station 52. The drive from the motor 110 is disconnected and the clamp 136 actuated to inhibit further movement between the tape 22 and platen 114. The blade 120 is then lowered so as to fold the tape about the blade 120 into the slot 118 and provide the pair of oppositely directed surfaces 23,25. At this position, which corresponds to (b) in Figure 4, the tip of the barb 32 of the hook 20 is aligned with the notch 122 and with the arm 24 of the hook 20 below the blade 120.
With the hook 20 secured to the arm 62, the actuator 164 is operated to displace laterally the cam plate 168 and thereby pivot the arm 62 about the roller 154 between the side plates 150.
This action forces the barb 32 through the folds of the tape 22 in the region overlying the notch 122 so as to pierce the folds of the tape 22 and pulls the hook 20 through the tape 22 to the position shown at Figure 4 (c).
The actuator 164 may then be returned to its original position and the actuator 174 retracted so as to move the arm 62 vertically downwardly between the side plates 150, 152. This downward movement causes the roller 172 to roll along the cam face and thereby progressively return the arm 62 to a vertical position at the apex of the cam surface 170.
During this movement, the hook is rotated within the tape to the position shown at Figure 4 (d).
The actuator 186 is then retracted to release the hook from the arm 62 and the clamp 134 released and the clutch on motor 110 engaged to advance the tape around the drive drum 108.
As the tape 22 is advanced, it exits the slot 118 and unfolds. As it unfolds, it settles in the bight 24 of the hook 20. The tape is then advanced until the next position at which a hook 20 is required, at which time the clamp 132 again inhibits further movement of the tape. The stop 126 is withdrawn to allow a further hook 20 to be advanced from the chute into the chamber 128 and against the stop130 in a position for insertion. The actuator 174 extends to return the arm 62 vertically upwardly to the start position ready to complete a further cycle.
It will be seen therefore that the apparatus of figures 5 to 12 enables a hook to be inserted at regular predetermined intervals without manual intervention. The tape with the hooks inserted may then be attached to the curtain 18 as described in the above referenced PCT application.
A further embodiment of the hook insertion apparatus 50 is described below in which like components will be identified with like reference numerals with a suffix "a"
added for clarity.
The apparatus SOa of figures 15 to 21 is used to insert the hook 20a shown in figure 13 and 14.
The hook 20a is similar in function to the hook 20 but provides a closure for the leg 28a. Further details of the hook 20a may be obtained from PCT publication WO 00/55513, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Briefly however, to the extent necessary to appreciate the operation of the apparatus SOa, the leg 26a is formed with an enlarged head 180 defining the aperture 34a. The connection of the cross member 30a to the leg 26a provides a degree of resilience to permit the leg 28a to move from the open position shown in solid line in figure 13 to the closed position shown in ghosted outline. A groove 182 is formed in the side face 184 of the head 180 that opens in to a broader channel 186. The groove 182 is dimensioned to receive the leg 28a and the channel 186 the barb 32a.
After insertion of the hook in the tape 22a, the cross member 30a is flexed to bring the barb 32a in to alignment with the channel 186 sa that the leg may be inserted in to the groove 182. Release of the force on the cross member 30a allows the barb to engage the end of the channel 186 and retain the leg 28a in a closed or locked position. If preferred, an undercut may be provided at the transition from groove 182 to channel 186 to retain the barb 32a.
The apparatus used to insert the hooks SOa is shown in figures 15 to 21. Hooks 20a are retrieved from a hopper 100a, and delivered to a chute 106a with the barbs 32a uppermost. The tape 22a is delivered to the platen 114a and folded within the slot 118a by blade 120a as described above. To insert the hooks 20a, a pusher mechanism 200 is utilised that is located parallel to but spaced from the chute 106a. Hooks 20a are transferred from the chute 106a to the pusher mechanism 200 by a shuttle 202 (figure 18).
The shuttle 202 includes a carriage 204 of generally channel section and configured to support a hook 20a on a base 206 between a pair of sidewalk 208. The carriage 204 corresponds to the profile of the chute 106a and is interposed between the chute 106a and a stop surface that limits movement of the hooks in the chute. The carriage 204 is mounted on a rod 212 of an actuator 214disposed generally parallel to the direction of feed of the tape 22a so as to be 1 S movable between the pusher mechanism 200 and the chute 106a..
The pusher mechanism 200 is upwardly inclined relative to the chute 106a and is shown in detail in figures 19 and 20. The pusher mechanism 200 has a base 220 with a slide plate 222 secured to it to define an axis of movement generally normal to the direction of the tape feed. A
pair of slide blocks 224 are mounted at spaced intervals on a sliding plate 226 and engage the slide plate 222 to allow relative sliding movement between the plates 222 and 226. The sliding plate 226 is attached to a piston rod 228 of a hook insertion actuator 68a and the cylinder 230 is secured to the base 220. An adjustable stop 232 is provided on the base 220 to limit the travel between the sliding plate 226 and the base 220.
A shoe 234 is mounted on the sliding plate 226 and has a notched outer end 236 defined by converging flanks 238,240. As can be seen in figure 19, the flanks 238,240 are configured so that when the lower flank 238 supports the head 180, the upper flank 240 contacts the intersection of the crossmember 30a and leg 28a.
An anvil assembly 242 is positioned on the opposite side of the blade 120a to the pusher mechanism 200. The anvil assembly 242 includes an anvil 244 with a strike face 246 conforming to the nose of the head 180. The anvil 244 is mounted on a frame 248 and is adjustable in a vertical direction by a pair of bolts 250. The anvil 244 is secured in position by a bolt 252. The orientation of the hock 20a during movement of the shoe 234 is maintained by a pair of guide pins 254 that pass through holes in the anvil 242 and form the piston mds of actuators 256. The actuators 256 are mounted side by side on a bracket 260 cantilevered from the platen 114a and the pins 254 are spaced apart so as to pass to either side of the hook 20a mounted on the shoe 234. The pins 254 are positioned vertically to overlap the nose of the head 180 as it passes below the tape during insertion and are retrievable by the actuator 256 after insertion to allow subsequent movement of the tape.
In operation, the hooks 20a are fed from the hopper 100a to the chute 106a.
The shuttle 202 is positioned by the actuator 214 with the carriage 204 aligned with the chutel Oda. The hook 20a is supported in the carriage 204 which is transferred by the actuator 214 into alignment with the pusher mechanism 200. The carriage 204 is positioned adjacent the shoe 234 and presents the hook 20a in the proper orientation to the notched outer end 236.
With the hook 20a in position in the pusher mechanism 200, movement of the drive wheel 108a is interrupted and clamp 132a operated to hold the tape 22a stationary on the platen 114a. The blade 120a is lowered to fold the tape 22a in to the slot 118a and present one of the oppositely directed faces to the insertion mechanism 200. The pins 254 are extended toward the blade 120a to provide a guide for the hook 20a. The rod 228 of cylinder 230 is extended so that the hook 20a is picked up in the outer end 236 and the barb 32a carried toward and through the tape 22a. As the hook 22a is advanced, the nose on the head 180 passes beneath the blade 120a and is received between the pins 254 before the barb 32a engages the tape 22a.
This prevents tipping of the hook in the shoe 234 as the barb 32a is forced thmugh the tape 22a. After the barb 32a has pierced the tape 22a the head 180 of the hook 20a is carried by the shoe 234 into engagement with the strike face 246 of the anvil 244. Continued forward movement of the shoe 234 causes the upper flank 240 to bear against the cross member 30a and move the leg 28a in to the groove 182 thereby locking the hook.. The upper flank 240 is positioned to induce a hinging of the leg 28a relative to the leg 26a and therefore rotate it in to the groove 182. The convergent flanks ensure that as the abutment is engaged, continued movement of the shoe will allow limited movement of the hook allowing the lower flank and cause continued pivotal movement of the leg 28a into the groove 128. Reversal of the actuators 230 releases the hook 20a with the leg 28a through the tape 22a and held in the locked position.
The shoe 234 is then fully retracted and the shuttle operated to transfer a fiuther hook 22a from the chute 106x. The blade 120a and the pins 254 are retracted, the motor 110a operated and S the clamp 132a released to allow the tape to be advanced out of the slot 118a and unfolded along the crossmember 30a. The process is repeated at each location at which a hook is to be inserted and the tape subsequently sewn to the curtain as described above.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outline in the claims appended hereto.
For example different hooks may be used and the tape folded in a transverse direction if appropriate. Similarly, although the embodiments utilise a tape to receive the hook, it will be appreciated that the hook may be inserted in to any suitable web of flexible material, including the curtain itself, provide an appropriate feed mechanism is provided.
However, given the extent of the curtain for horticultural applications it is believed that use of the tape is preferred.
Claims (22)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of inserting a hook having a open bight terminating at a free end into a web of flexible material comprising the steps of moving the tape along a predetermined path to a hook insertion station, folding said web of flexible material to present a pair of oppositely directed surfaces, positioning a hook with its free end aligned with and generally normal to one of the oppositely directed surfaces, engaging the hook to move the hook toward the web of flexible material such that the free end pierces the oppositely directed surfaces of the web, and unfolding the web to secure the hook within the bight.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said hook is rotated to move the web into the bight of the hook.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein said hook is pulled through said web in a direction generally normal to said surfaces.
4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said hook is subsequently pulled in a direction generally parallel to said surfaces to rotate said hook relative to said web.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said hook is closed by abutment with a stop and application of a force in the direction of insertion.
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein said hook is pushed through said web.
7. A method according to claim 6 wherein a guide is provided to maintain orientation of said hook during insertion.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein movement of said web is intermittent at said station.
9. A hook insertion apparatus comprising an insertion station, a web feed to feed a web of flexible material along a predetermined path to said station, a web folding mechanism to fold said web to present a pair of oppositely directed surfaces, a hook feed to deliver a hook with a free end to a position adjacent said insertion station with said free end directed toward one of said surfaces, said insertion station including an actuator to force said free end through said oppositely directed surfaces to secure said hook to said web.
10. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said folding mechanism comprises a blade engagable with said tape.
11. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said blade co-operates with a slot to fold said tape about said blade.
12. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said blade includes a notch to accommodate passage of said free end through said surfaces.
13. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said actuator pulls said hook through said web.
14. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said hook is rotated after insertion thereof.
15. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said insertion mechanism includes a releasable gripping device to engage said hook and pull it through said web.
16. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said gripping device is moved in a first direction by a first actuator to pull said hook through said web and in a second direction by a second actuator to rotate said hook.
17. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said actuator pushes said hook through said web.
18. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 17 including a shoe to receive and support said hook and connected to said actuator to carry said hook toward said web.
19. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 18 including an abutment to limit movement of said hook relative to said web.
20. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said shoe supports said hook at spaced locations and continued movement of said shoe toward said abutment closes said hook.
21. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 17 wherein a guide is provided to maintain orientation of said hook during insertion.
22. A hook insertion apparatus according to claim 21 wherein said guide is retractable.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2366091 CA2366091A1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2001-12-21 | The hook machine |
| PCT/CA2002/001982 WO2003055340A2 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2002-12-23 | Hook insertion machine |
| AU2002350354A AU2002350354A1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2002-12-23 | Hook insertion machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2366091 CA2366091A1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2001-12-21 | The hook machine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2366091A1 true CA2366091A1 (en) | 2003-06-21 |
Family
ID=4170954
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2366091 Abandoned CA2366091A1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2001-12-21 | The hook machine |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2002350354A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2366091A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2003055340A2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2692382A (en) * | 1952-08-20 | 1954-10-19 | Edwin Raphael Company Inc | Pinhook setting machine for draperies and the like |
| US6125777A (en) * | 1998-07-20 | 2000-10-03 | Vollebregt; Richard | Strip sewing apparatus and method |
| US6195851B1 (en) * | 1999-03-17 | 2001-03-06 | Volco Inc. | Hook with locking means |
-
2001
- 2001-12-21 CA CA 2366091 patent/CA2366091A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2002
- 2002-12-23 AU AU2002350354A patent/AU2002350354A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-12-23 WO PCT/CA2002/001982 patent/WO2003055340A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2002350354A1 (en) | 2003-07-15 |
| WO2003055340A3 (en) | 2003-09-25 |
| WO2003055340A2 (en) | 2003-07-10 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20051221 |