EA009801B1 - Support system for a single or multi-piece hollow object - Google Patents

Abstract

A support system for a single- or multi-piece hollow object is provided. The support system generally includes an insert and a hardening system, used in combination to repair the hollow object. A method of repairing the hollow object using the support system is also provided.

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a support system for monolithic or combined hollow objects. Such hollow objects include hockey sticks, golf clubs, sailing masts and arrows, and ski poles.

Objects made up or made of hollow support parts and / or objects that have a hollow structure, as a rule, do not provide the same strength and support compared to similar objects made of similar materials, but having a solid structure and not hollow. However, hollow objects have many advantages over whole objects, including but not limited to the fact that hollow objects tend to use less material and are therefore lighter in weight, more maneuverable and easier to transport. Additionally, due to the fact that less material is used in the construction of hollow objects, the production of these hollow objects, as a rule, costs less.

Although hollow objects have the above advantages, these hollow objects can be subjected to sudden impact or high bending stresses during use and can also be subjected to structural stresses during use. Therefore, cracks can occur in these hollow objects, tears and / or breaks into many parts can occur. When a hollow object is torn or broken, replacing a cracked part of an object or completely replacing a broken part of an object can be either very expensive, or in many cases impossible. To obtain a hollow object, which is comparable in terms of support and strength to the original non-cracked or non-broken hollow object, the user either has to purchase, if possible and affordable, a new hollow part to replace the cracked or broken part of the object, or the user must replace the object completely. Both of these options are very expensive and can take a considerable amount of time.

Therefore, there is a need for an easy-to-use, cost-effective support system for monolithic or combined hollow objects, which can be used when more support is required, or in an already broken monolithic hollow object, and / or in an initially monolithic, and now combined object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the present invention is a repair kit for a hollow object, including an insert. The insert, as a rule, consists of at least one inner portion and at least one layer of material at least partially covering the central portion. A repair kit for a hollow object also includes a liquid curing system.

Another object of the present invention is a fastening system that can be used in conjunction with a support system for a monolithic or combined item according to the present invention. Such a fastening system includes one or more surfaces, typically capable of fixing a monolithic or combined object in a stationary state, while the liquid curing system is structured, dried or hardened.

Another object of the present invention is a method for repairing a hollow object, which includes the steps of:

(a) providing a first hollow portion of the subject and a second hollow portion of the subject;

(b) providing an insert, at least a portion of which consists of material outside the central portion;

(c) inserting the insert into the first hollow portion;

(b) the location of the insert in the second hollow section; and (e) placing the liquid curing system in one of the hollow sections for contact with the insert.

These and other features, advantages and objectives of the present invention will become more clear and appreciated by specialists in this field of technology with reference to the following specification, claims and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an insert according to the present invention.

FIG. 2L-E depict top views in cross section of various inserts according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a groove head according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a fastening system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insert tool for use in a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alignment rail for use in the method of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a broken hockey stick in a fastener system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a hockey stick in a mounting system according to the present.

- 1 009801 mu of the invention, wherein the liquid curing system was poured into the club.

FIG. 9 shows a cut out vertical projection of a bonded hollow object.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

For this description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and their derivatives should refer to the orientation of the invention shown in FIG. 4. However, it should be understood that the invention can take many different orientations, with the exception of separately defined. It should also be understood that certain devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and / or photographs and explained in the following description are representative embodiments of the concept of the invention defined in the attached claims. Therefore, certain sizes and other physical features related to the embodiments described herein should not be construed as limiting, unless otherwise stated in the claims.

The term "hollow", as used here, includes objects having a tubular structure, or objects that include at least portions and / or parts that are hollow or tubular in structure. The term “hollow” should not limit the shape of a given item; instead, it refers to an item that has an empty space inside. However, the present invention can also be used for products that are not completely tubular, or not completely closed on one side.

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a support system for substantially hollow objects. Such a support system for a monolithic or combined hollow object can be used for any hollow object, including, but not limited to, hockey sticks, furniture or furniture parts; supporting masts for boats and sailboats, golf clubs, ski poles, fishing rods, supporting structures and so on, or any derivatives and / or combinations of any of the above items.

Referring to FIG. 1, insert 20 of a preferred embodiment includes a porous material, such as foam, or another solid central portion 10, and fabric (cloth) 15 covering at least a portion of the central portion 10. The foamy central portion 10 may be of any type of foam plastic open cell or closed cell foam, depending on the desired porosity. The foam is at least partially surrounded by at least one layer of fabric or fabric 15. Such a configuration of at least one central portion 10 surrounded by at least one layer of fabric or fabric 15 will hereinafter be called insert 20. Matter 15 on insert 20 can be fixed at two opposite ends (upper end and lower end) of insert 20. Fasteners (not shown) can be used to prevent material from unraveling. Such fasteners may include conventional hot-melt solvent-free adhesives, zippers, rubber bands, braid, and the like. Preferably, however, rubber cement is used to strengthen the ends of the fabric braid. The use of rubber cement also allows compression and decompression of the insert 20.

The central portion 10 is preferably porous enough for the liquid curing system described below, such as epoxy resin, to penetrate therethrough. Generally, open-cell foams are preferred over closed-cell foams due to the greater porosity provided by open-cell foams, although closed-cell foams can be used for the present invention. As used herein, the term “open cell foams” (orep-ce11) includes the term “open cell foams” (orep horn). This large porosity allows the liquid curing system to be absorbed by the pores into the open-cell foam and quickly reach the fibers 15. This provides maximum time to wet and saturate the material 15 and the grooves in the side walls of the hollow object, as described below. A liquid curing system absorbed by an open-cell foam typically provides a stronger central portion than an open-cell foam without an absorbed liquid curing system. In open-cell foam, the pore walls, or the surface of the pore bubbles, are destroyed and air fills these spaces in the material. Therefore, when the liquid curing system is introduced into the open-cell foam, the liquid curing system fills at least a portion of the broken or air-filled pore bubbles.

Alternatively, when the closed cell foam is used in the central portion 10, the liquid curing system substantially covers the central portion of the closed cell foam, creating an inner chamber of the closed cell foam. In closed cell foams, most of the pores or bubbles in the foam are not destroyed, and thus closed cell foam cannot absorb as much liquid curing system as open cell foam. When used in the central portion 10, closed-cell foam typically has varying degrees of hardness, depending on its density. Also, the use of closed cell foams in the central portion 10 can also provide a lighter central portion 10, since the closed cell foams do not absorb so much of the liquid curing system.

- 2 009801

When either closed-cell or open-cell foam is used in insert 20, the foam may be shaped according to the intended use.

The preferred shape of the insert 20 depends on the shape of the space into which the insert 20 is intended to be inserted. The foamy central portion 10 enhances the ability of the insert 20 to take on any shape desired or required in use. The foam may consist of any material, including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (RUS), polystyrene (P8), polyurethane (RI), polymethacrylamide, polyetheramide (PE1), styrene acrylonitrile (8ΆΝ), polyethylene (PE), artificial honeycombs, or any combinations or derivatives of any of the above materials. These foams can be structured (mesh), unstructured and / or layered foams. Mesh polyurethane foams are generally preferred. An example of such a reticulated polyurethane foam is the E111egSge81 ™ T-20 open-cell foam produced by CgcCh Eoat 1p4i51ps5. Moyoee, Νον 1eg5еу.

Alternatively, the insert 20 according to the present invention may not contain a foamy central portion; instead, it may contain other materials as the central portion 10, including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, or any derivatives or combinations of any of the above materials. Section 10 may be made of any object that presses the material 15 against the walls of the hollow object under the action of elasticity or filling, including, but not limited to, an inflatable ball, torsion arms, springs and inflatable devices. When any of these materials are used as the central portion of the insert 20, these materials generally become an internal chamber having an outer tissue layer coated with a liquid curing system. Also, when any of these materials is used as the central portion 10 of the insert 20, these materials may be of any shape in accordance with the intended use of the insert 20. The central portion 10 may also be made of any of the above materials in combination with open cell foam or closed pores.

The insert 20 contains at least one layer of fabric or fabric 15, which at least partially covers the central portion 10. The fabric or fabric 15 may include, but is not limited to, KEUJAK®, carbon fiber fabrics or materials, fiberglass, and / or any matter capable of hardening the structure and / or improving the effect of the structure upon exposure to a liquid curing system, however, two layers of biaxially woven carbon fibers are preferred. The amount of matter used depends on the shape and size of the central portion 10. Also, the shape of the matter 15 generally corresponds to the shape of the central portion 10, which the material surrounds at least partially.

A liquid curing system is used in the present invention to cure a central portion 10, and preferably material 15, around a central portion 10. A single component or multicomponent liquid curing system can be used in the present invention. Such a liquid curing system may include, but is not limited to, a polyester system, an epoxy system, an urethane system, an acrylic system, hot melt adhesive, liquid hardening epoxy resins, polymer systems, polyurea, polyurethane, bisphenol-A epoxy system, bisphenol -E epoxy system, mercaptan-based epoxy system, a combination of bisphenol-A and bisphenol-E systems, or any other liquid curing system or derivatives and / or combinations of any liquid curing systems, key, but not limited to those described above. Typically, a bisphenol-A epoxy system is preferred. When the liquid curing system is in contact with the central portion 10 and the material 15 surrounding the central portion 10, the material 15 can also be at least partially cured, providing support for the hollow object into which the insert is inserted. The term "liquid curing system" includes systems that are dried, structured or hardened for any reason, including, but not limited to, evaporation or a chemical reaction.

The insert 20 may also take other configurations, depending on the size and shape of the hollow object, and the desired stiffness or elasticity of the final shaft (handle), and the desired weight of the insert. In FIG. 2A-2E show a top view in cross section of various insert configurations

20. Although FIG. 2A-2E depict a hollow object of substantially rectangular shape, the hollow object may be of any shape, including round or oval. FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of an insert 20 with an outer layer of fabric 15 and an inner layer of fabric 16. Inside the inner layer of fabric 16 is a central portion 10A, which is preferably open-cell foam. The embodiment of FIG. 2B has an outer layer of matter 15 and two inner layers of matter 16B ', 16B' '. Inside each of the two inner layers of matter 16B ′, 16B ″, there is a central portion designated 10B ′ and 10B ″, respectively. In FIG. 2C, insert 20 has three central portions 10C ', 10C' 'and 10C' '' surrounded by layers of fabric 16C ', 16C' ', 16C' '', respectively. The intermediate center portion 10C may be a less porous or non-porous foam that provides structure but helps reduce the weight of insert 20, since the liquid hardener

- 3 009801 will not penetrate or will only penetrate minimally into the intermediate central portion 10C. The insert of FIG. 2Ό has central sections 10Ό 'and 10Ό surrounded by layers 16Ό' and 16Ό. The insert 20 of FIG. 2Ό is very similar to the insert of FIG. 2B, but its central portions 10Ό 'and 10Ό are wider than in FIG. 2B. In FIG. 2E shows an insert 20 with four central portions 10E ', 10E, 10E' and 10E surrounded by layers 16E ', 16E, 16E' and 16E. It is clear that the larger the central sections, the stiffer the insert, which may be preferable for some hollow objects. In FIG. 2E shows another alternative construction with a central portion 10E, which typically has a cross shape and can be made of extruded foam. The central portion 10E may be porous or non-porous, coated or uncoated. This configuration allows the liquid curing system to flow into the layer of matter 15 more freely and quickly.

The groove head 30 can be used to repair hollow objects, such as composite hockey sticks. The groove head 30 has at least one embossed groove region (a groove region) for creating “blocking” grooves within the hollow object to increase the strength and durability of the repaired object. The groove head 30 preferably has at least three raised groove regions (although such a large number of regions are not necessary) and, as shown in FIG. 3, the groove head 30 more preferably has at least four raised groove regions 32, 34, 36, 38 on its outer diameter. It can have more or less relief grooved areas, depending on the wishes of the user and the item being repaired. The groove head 30 is preferably sized and shaped to fit a high speed rotary device such as the PCEME® ΆΌνΆΝTAOE ™ high speed rotary saw model 9000.

Another object of the present invention is a fastening system 40 (Fig. 4), which can be used to repair a monolithic or combined item. The fastening system 40 is used to ensure the immobility of a monolithic or combination object, while the liquid curing system hardens or dries. The fastening system 40 is in connection with at least one surface of the monolithic or combined object, at least on each side of a crack or gap in the hollow object 60 (see Fig. 4). The fastening system 40 has, as a rule, a flat surface 52 and a receiving space 53, which is formed by compartments 54 and 56, which preferably form an angle of 90 ° relative to each other. The fastening system 40 preferably includes a clamp 42 so that the user can position the fastening system 40 on the work surface so that the hollow object can be processed at a more desirable height. The clip 42 can preferably be adjusted in a vertical direction so that it can be used in a comfortable position. This can be achieved by loosening the handle 43, which makes it possible to adjust the clamp 42. The fastening system 40 also preferably includes two tensioners 44, 46, each of which is attached to the surface 52, to apply a suitable tension force to a monolithic or combined hollow object to ensure its immobility and / or location of a monolithic or combined hollow object. Tensioning devices 44, 46 typically include a soft, flexible shock absorber 48, 50 for contacting the hollow object and ensuring its immobility without damaging its structure. The use of elastic shock absorbers 48, 50 also allows you to use the mounting system 40 for objects of different sizes. Tensioners also preferably have a lock that holds the tensioners 44, 46 in a locked position. The fastening system 40, as a rule, does not come into contact with the surface of the hollow object in the region of a crack or fracture of the hollow object or around it. This allows the user to apply tape, wax, or another type of glue or sealant to the outer surface of the hollow object. This is done around a fault or tear, while the hollow object is stationary, and applied to prevent fluid leakage in the joint where two halves of the handle meet.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a kit is provided that includes an insert 20, a plug / plug 62, a liquid curing system and, optionally, a tape and / or wax-based sealant for the handle. The kit according to the present invention can be applied using the following steps, described in detail below. The kit according to the present invention can be used for any monolithic or combined hollow objects, as described earlier in this description.

In operation, the support system of the present invention can be used to repair a hollow club. A hockey stick having a crack, or a hockey stick completely broken into several parts, can be repaired using the support system of the present invention. When using the support system according to the present invention, the following steps can be carried out (provided that the hockey stick is broken into several parts).

1. Carry out any desired repair of the club surface and remove the cap (ie the cap on the upper (not working, not hook) end of the hockey stick) or the hook, if it can be removed. The fully open end will hereinafter be referred to as the “fill end”, and the partially closed end

- 4 009801 (or if it is fully open, it will be tightly closed using the stopper described below), hereinafter it will be called the “closed end”.

2. Cut the club to remove any damaged areas in the area of the club's repair connection.

3. Remove any plastic coating or other material that may interfere with the contact of the liquid curing system with the inside surface of the hockey stick.

4. To clean or polish the inner surface of both ends of the connected halves of the hockey stick. Strip about 2 inches from the joint area.

5. Using a groove head 30 in a power rotary device, such as a high-speed rotary saw, drill the grooves in the inner walls of both halves of the hockey stick to enhance physical bonding and remove any dust and remaining debris from the inside of the handle. Preferably, four grooves should be made, but there may be more or less.

6. Carefully insert the plug / plug 62 into the closed end (bottom half) of the 64 clubs. Place the plug / cap 62 at the bottom of the hockey stick handle 64 (i.e., at the closed end of the handle). For most applications, the preferred position is 1-3 / 4 inches down the shaft of the handle. The insert tool (see FIG. 5) can be used to insert the plug / plug 62 to achieve the desired position. The insert tool 70 has an end 72 of a certain length that can advance the plug / plug 62 at the closed end 64 to a desired distance. The plug / plug 62 is designed to hold the position of the insert 20 and prevent the liquid curing system from penetrating to the bottom of the closed end of the club, and thereby increase the weight of the club bottom (reducing the balance of the club bottom). The plug / plug 62 also prevents the user from improperly securing the joint by restricting the repair area to the necessary volumes of liquid cure (i.e., the liquid curing system is supported in and around the club break area). The plug / plug 62 is preferably made of non-porous closed-cell or non-porous foam that is relatively resilient so that it is able to independently maintain its position within the bottom half of the hockey stick and does not allow passage or leakage (or allows only a minimal amount) of liquid curing system.

7. Attach the fastening system 40 to a stable working surface using the clamp 42.

8. Insert the closed end 64 of the club into the fastening system 40 using the tensioner 46 to hold the handle in place. The top of the closed end 64 is preferably centered relative to the opening 58 of the fastening system 40.

9. Using the tensioner 44, fasten the end 66 for the bay in the mounting system 40.

10. Using the alignment guides 80 (Fig. 6), align or "adjust" the closed end 64 of the club with the end 66 for filling, so as to properly align the two sections (vertically or in the other direction). Leveling rails 80 preferably have a long, substantially rigid structure. They can be straight or curved, depending on the shape of the hollow object. It is preferable to use two leveling rails at the same time for leveling. If both ends of the club are not aligned properly, as shown by leveling guides 80, either part of the club can be slightly adjusted while in the fastener system to achieve alignment.

11. Carefully insert insert 20 into the closed end 64 of the shaft of the hockey stick. Push insert 20 down the hockey stick until insert 20 contacts the plug / plug 62.

12. Position the end for pouring 66 (that is, the handle portion) of the hockey stick above insert 20.

13. Seal the external connection of the two ends of the club with adhesive tape.

14. Stir the liquid curing system and pour the liquid curing system directly onto the top of the fill end 66 (see FIG. 8) down the shaft of the hockey stick. It is important that the liquid curing system penetrates, impregnates, or otherwise contacts the insert 20 while the liquid curing system is in its most liquid state. It is possible that the liquid curing system was introduced by other means, for example by injection from the side or top.

15. Maintain the club in a vertically fixed position in which it will not collapse over an extended period of time. Preferably, the stick remains in the fastening system 40 for about 24 hours, but can remain in it for only 6 hours. After removing the stick from the fastening system, it should not be bent for an additional period of time, preferably 72 hours. Optimal time periods vary depending on from the used liquid curing system and the temperature of both the liquid curing system and the shaft.

Not all of the above steps are necessary for repairing a hockey stick or other hollow object, but are preferred.

In FIG. 9 shows the interior of a repaired hollow object such as a hawk

- 5 009801 key stick. The two ends 64, 66 are connected to each other by an insert 20. As shown in FIG. 9, some excess dried or hardened curing system 90 may accumulate above the insert 20, but is mainly absorbed by the central portion 10 and the material 15.

In the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications to the invention may be made without violating the concept described herein. Such modifications should be considered as included in the following claims, unless the claims clearly state otherwise.

Claims (32)

CLAIM 1. A repair kit for hollow objects, comprising an insert consisting of at least one inner portion and at least one layer of material at least partially covering the inner portion; and a liquid curing system. 2. The repair kit according to claim 1, in which at least a portion of the at least one inner portion consists of open cell foam. 3. The repair kit according to claim 1, in which at least one layer of material is a carbon fiber. 4. The repair kit according to claim 1, in which the liquid curing system contains an epoxy resin. 5. The repair kit according to claim 1, in which the liquid curing system contains bisphenol-A epoxy resin. 6. The repair kit according to claim 1, in which the liquid curing system contains one or more systems from the group consisting of curing systems based on polyurethane, polyester, acrylic. 7. The repair kit of claim 1, wherein the liquid curing system comprises one or more epoxies from the group consisting of bisphenol-A epoxy, bisphenol-P epoxy and mercaptan-based epoxy. 8. The repair kit according to claim 2, in which at least one layer of material is a carbon fiber. 9. The repair kit of claim 8, wherein the liquid curing system comprises bisphenol-A epoxy. 10. A method of repairing a hollow object, comprising the following steps: providing the first hollow portion of the subject and the second hollow portion of the subject; providing an insert, at least a portion of which is material outside the central portion; inserting the insert into the first hollow portion; inserting the insert into the second hollow portion and introducing the liquid curing system into one of the hollow portions to contact the insert. 11. The method for repairing a hollow object according to claim 10, further comprising the following steps after the insertion providing step: providing a plug intended for placement in the first hollow portion and stopping the flow of the liquid curing system therein; and introducing the plug into the first hollow portion to the desired location in it. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of aligning the first hollow portion with the second hollow portion after the step of placing the insert in the second hollow portion. 13. The method according to claim 10, in which the curing system is an epoxy resin. 14. The repair kit of claim 13, wherein the liquid curing system comprises one or more epoxies from the group consisting of bisphenol-A epoxy, bisphenol-P epoxy and mercaptan-based epoxy. 15. The repair kit of claim 10, wherein the liquid curing system comprises one or more systems from the group consisting of liquid curing systems based on polyurethane, polyester, acrylic. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the central portion consists of open cell pore foam. 17. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of creating a first hollow portion of the subject after the insertion providing step. 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of creating a second hollow portion of the subject after the insertion providing step. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of creating a second hollow portion of the subject after the insertion providing step. 20. A repair kit for a hockey stick, comprising: an insert consisting of at least one central portion and at least one layer of material at least partially covering the central portion; stub; liquid curing system and fixing system of grooves of grooves in the groove in the inner surface of the inner surface of the inner surface of the subject. - 6 009801 21. The repair kit of claim 20, wherein the at least one central portion consists of open-cell foam. 22. Repair kit according to claim 20, in which at least one layer of material consists of carbon fiber. 23. The repair kit of claim 20, wherein the liquid curing system is a bisphenol-A epoxy system. 24. The repair kit of claim 20, wherein the liquid curing system comprises one or more epoxies from the group consisting of bisphenol-A epoxy, bisphenol-P epoxy and mercaptan-based epoxy. 25. The repair kit of claim 20, wherein the liquid curing system comprises one or more systems from the group consisting of liquid curing systems based on polyurethane, polyester, acrylic. 26. The repair kit of claim 20, wherein the liquid curing system is a bisphenol-A epoxy system. 27. The repair kit according to claim 20, further comprising a mounting device for holding the ends of the material in place. 28. A method of repairing a hollow object, comprising the following steps: providing the first hollow portion of the subject and the second hollow portion of the subject; providing an insert, at least a portion of which is material outside the central portion; providing a fastening system for holding the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion in place; introducing the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion into the mounting system; alignment of the first hollow portion with the second hollow portion; inserting the insert into the first hollow portion; inserting the insert into the second hollow portion and introducing the curing system into one of the hollow portions to contact the insert. 29. A device for repairing hollow objects, containing an inner portion at least partially surrounded by at least one layer of material, while the material is intended for receiving a liquid curing system and for gluing to the inner walls of a hollow object. 30. The device according to clause 29, in which the inner portion consists of at least one porous substance. 31. The device according to clause 30, in which the inner section is a combination of foams with open pores and closed pores. 32. The device according to p, in which at least one layer of matter is two or more layers of matter.