EP2924129A1

EP2924129A1 - An elongated pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt and a method of manufacturing a pelt board

Info

Publication number: EP2924129A1
Application number: EP14161481.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johnny Larsen; Søren Frølund; Mogens Fahlgren ANDERSEN; Søren KORSGAARD
Original assignee: Dansk Mink Papir AS
Current assignee: Dansk Mink Papir AS
Priority date: 2014-03-25
Filing date: 2014-03-25
Publication date: 2015-09-30

Abstract

The present invention relates to an elongated pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt. The pelt board comprises a first wall element, a second wall element being spaced apart from the first wall element in the first radial direction, a third wall element and a fourth wall element being spaced apart from the third wall element in a second radial direction. The wall elements together define a cavity along a longitudinal direction. The wall elements defining a contracted state in which the first and second radial distances are reduced, and an expanded state in which the first and second radial distances are increased. The pelt board further comprising an elongated core element being movable in relation to each of the wall elements. The elongated core element allows the wall elements to selectively define the contracted state or the expanded state by moving the elongated core element in the longitudinal direction.

Description

The present invention relates to an elongated pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt, and a method of manufacturing a pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt.

Background

In the drying of pelts, e.g. mink or fox pelt, after skinning and scraping off the layer of fat on the leather side of the pelt, the pelts are typically stretched on a pelt board which is often provided with a fat-absorbing material with the object of removing the remaining fat on the leather side of the pelt.
The use of pelt boards in connection with the drying of pelts is well known in the prior art and there has in the past been developed a great number of configurations of such pelt boards. There has also been established a standard of pelt sizes and thus also of pelt boards.
The most widespread pelt boards in the past were made of wood, and may in short be described as a flat piece of wood defining a longitudinal direction and having in the longitudinal direction a first broadside surface, a second broadside surface, a first narrow side surface and a second narrow side surface. One end of the board, the bottom end, is cut off at right angles to the longitudinal direction. The lower end adjacent the bottom has a constant breadth, which breadth gradually decreases towards a pointed and rounded end approaching the top end of the board. Such boards typically also have a longitudinal slot for allowing air to pass.
The drying procedure of the pelt shall be understood to be a drying-out of the leather side of the pelt to an extent which by experience prevents any attack on the pelt by mites. The drying process is typically effected by the blowing of dry air in the slot on the board via pipes which are introduces into the slot, where via the perforations in the walls of the pelt bag the dry air is diffused out of the leather side of the pelt and dries the pelt.
From WO 01/62985 is known a bag shaped holster, which is referred to as a fixing bag, which is used for securing the pelts on a pelt board during the drying process. The fixing bag is drawn over the board with the stretched pelt from the cranium end of the pelt so that the fur side of the pelt is in tight contact with the fur, which results in the pelt being pressed against the board with a force which is sufficient for the pelt to remain substantially in the stretched position during the drying.
Further prior art includes US 3,137,963 in which a pelt board comprising a flat body of sheet metal having perforations therein and beads along the sides is disclosed.
In WO 2005/026394 is disclosed a pelt board which is lockable in a position, in which it has a first circumference and can also assume a position in which it has a second circumference being smaller than the first circumference by displacing opposing half parts in relation to each other. This results in a considerably easier removal of the pelt from the pelt board.
US 1,110,016 relates to a pelt board having a pair of longitudinal legs and a nose piece located there between.
US 3,526,967 relates to a pelt drying system including an air conditioning unit for supplying temperature controlled air to a number of manifolds having nozzles onto which the pelt drying frames are attached.
WO 82/03634 relates to a pelting board of non-absorbing plastics having a plurality of channels near its edges to supply drying air to the edges of the board so that the pelt dry evenly and stick less often to the board.
US 3,303,038 relates to a pelt drying frame comprising opposite side rods joined at a nose over which frame a pelt may be drawn and held taut.
DK 2012 70519 A1 relates to a pelt board has a lower part and an upper part. The lower part has an outer cross section circumference which is substantially constant and the upper part has an outer cross section which is gradually decreasing.
DK 2013 00091 U4 relates to a pelt board has a lower part and an upper part. The lower part has an outer cross section circumference, which is substantially constant and the upper part has an outer cross section which is gradually decreasing. The lower part extends between 36cm and 50cm.
DK 177480 B1 discloses a pelt board having two broad elongated side surfaces. The pelt board comprises expansion means defining a narrow elongated side surface extending between side edges of the broad side surfaces. The expansion means are movable between an expanded position and a non-expanded position.
Some of the above pelt boards have an outer circumference made up of opposing non-movable surfaces and opposing movable surfaces. Pelt boards having this variable circumference for simplifying the removal of the pelt after drying are thus known in the prior art. The pelt boards are thus expanded during the drying process. As the pelt is fixated firmly during drying and may shrink slightly, the pelts may be difficult to remove from the pelt boards. Further, the pelts are typically fixated in a stretched state, thus increasing the pressure of the pelt onto the pelt board. By reducing the circumference of the pelt board, the pelt will be easier to remove from the pelt board.
However, the pelt boards used until now only feature a limited variation in the circumference in that only a limited part of the circumferential surfaces are moving/may be reduced. Typically, the prior art pelt boards have two opposing surfaces which are movable in relation to each other and thus, there may still exist opposing surfaces or parts of the circumference which are non-movable in relation to each other. Although the pelt board according to the prior art may alter the total circumference and thereby relax the pelt, it has been noticed by the applicant that the pelt in some circumstances may still stick quite firm onto the pelt board at the locations of the pelt board at which the surface or circumference has not been reduced.
It is thus an object according to the present invention to provide technologies for simplifying the removal of the pelts from the pelt boards and avoiding the situations where the pelt due to the drying and stretching may stick to the pelt board, and at the same time ensure that the pelt board keeps a substantially elliptical circumference in order to distribute the inwardly oriented pressure of the pelt evenly over the pelt board.
It is an advantage according to the present invention that the pelt board may be locked in the expanded position and that the movement between the expanded position and the reduced position may be performed very accurately using very little force.
It is a feature according to the present invention that the pelt board may be modified to accommodate pelts of different sizes and shapes.

Summary of the invention

The above object, the above features and the above advantage together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will be evident from the below detailed description of the present invention, are according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by an elongated pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt, the pelt board defining a longitudinal direction, a first radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a second radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first radial direction, the pelt board comprising:

a first wall element extending along the longitudinal direction and defining a first outwardly oriented surface, a first inwardly oriented surface, a first set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a first actuator member,
a second wall element extending along the longitudinal direction and defining a second outwardly oriented surface, a second inwardly oriented surface facing the first inwardly oriented surface, a second set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a second actuator member, the first and second wall elements being spaced apart in the first radial direction,
a third wall element extending along the longitudinal direction and defining a third outwardly oriented surface, a third inwardly oriented surface, a third set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a third actuator member,
a fourth wall element extending along the longitudinal direction and defining a fourth outwardly oriented surface, a fourth inwardly oriented surface facing the third inwardly oriented surface, a fourth set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a fourth actuator member, the third wall element and the fourth wall element being spaced apart in the second radial direction, the first inwardly oriented surface, the second inwardly oriented surface, the third inwardly oriented surface and the fourth inwardly oriented surface together defining a cavity along the longitudinal direction, the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element define:
- a contracted state in which the first radial distance between the first inwardly oriented surface and the second inwardly oriented surface is reduced, and, the second radial distance between the third inwardly oriented surface and the fourth inwardly oriented surface is reduced, and
- an expanded state in which the first radial distance between the first inwardly oriented surface and the second inwardly oriented surface is increased, and, the second radial distance between the third inwardly oriented surface and the fourth inwardly oriented surface is increased, and
an elongated core element extending within the cavity along the longitudinal direction between a top end and a bottom end and being movable in relation to each of the first wall element, second wall element, third wall element and fourth wall element, the elongated core element comprising a first cooperating member interacting with the first actuator member of the first wall element, a second cooperating member interacting with the second actuator member of the second wall element, a third cooperating member interacting with the third actuator member of the third wall element and a fourth cooperating member interacting with the fourth actuator member of the fourth wall element for allowing the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element to selectively define the contracted state or the expanded state by moving the elongated core element in the longitudinal direction relative to the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element.

The pelt board should have an overall size which is suitable for accommodating a pelt of an animal such as a mink or fox. The pelt board typically has a substantially elliptic cylindrical shape which is tapering in the longitudinal direction. The pelt is applied onto the pelt board by drawing in onto the pelt board in the longitudinal direction, while the pelt board assumes its expanded state. It is understood that state of the art pelt bags may be used between the pelt and the pelt board in order to remove fatty substances from the pelt. The wall elements may be arched, which in connection with the wall elements should be understood to mean that the outer surfaces of the respective wall elements of the pelt board have a convex shape. The wall elements typically include a large number of holes or nozzles for allowing ventilation air to pass from the cavity within the pelt board to the outside through the pelt.
The first, second, third and fourth wall elements together define the substantially elliptical outer circumference of the pelt board, which is suitable for and adapted for accommodating a pelt of an animal, through its respective outwardly oriented surfaces.
The inwardly oriented surfaces may preferably define a concave shape, which surfaces together define the cavity in the pelt board. The wall elements are typically made of plastics. The wall elements are further delimited in the circumferential direction by longitudinal edges.
The elongated core element, which is located in the cavity, is movable in the longitudinal direction in relation to the wall elements. The actuator members of the wall elements and the cooperating members of the core element interact when the core element is moved in the longitudinal direction within the cavity. The cooperating members move in the longitudinal direction together with the elongated core whereas the actuator members move in any of the radial directions along with its respective wall element. The interaction between the cooperating members and the actuator members translate the longitudinal movement of the cooperating members to a radial movement of the actuator members.
The actuator members and the cooperating members thus cause the wall elements to move towards each other or away from each other in the respective first or second radial direction, thus making the cavity smaller or larger, when the core element is moved in the longitudinal direction relative to the wall elements. The wall elements are thus movable between the contacted state, in which the wall elements have moved towards each other, reducing the radial distances, and consequently the circumference of the pelt board and the cavity is small, and an expanded state in which the wall elements have moved away from each other, increasing the radial distances and consequently the circumference of the pelt board and the cavity is large. Typically, an upward movement of the elongated core element in relation to the wall elements yields an expansion of the circumference of the pelt board, whereas a downward movement of the elongated core element in relation to the wall elements yields a contraction of the circumference of the pelt board.
Typically, the wall elements of the pelt board move in directions which are spaced apart by 90 degrees and thus realize a four way expansion and contraction of the pelt board. Thus, the radial directions are perpendicular, i.e. spaced apart by 90 degrees. In this way, the overall impression of the shape of the pelt board, i.e. the general circumferential profile, is at least largely unaffected by the movements of the wall elements. In this way, the outwardly oriented pressure on the pelt during the drying will be applied substantially uniformly in the pelt by the outer surfaces of the arched elements. The outer surface of the wall elements will constitute the contacts surface between the pelt and the pelt board, not taking into account the optional presence of a pelt bag between the pelt and the pelt board. Using a two way expansion and contraction, e.g. by opposing movable wall element, will necessarily apply more pressure on the pelt at the movable surfaces relative to the non-movable surfaces. Such non-uniformly applied pressure may lead to non-uniform pelts or even damages on the pelt.
When in the expanded state, the circumference of the pelt board is large. In this state the pelt is applied to the pelt board, optionally using a pelt bag. During the drying process, the pelt looses fat and moist and consequently contracts slightly. It may thereafter be very difficult to remove the pelt from the board. By contacting the pelt board by moving the wall element towards each other, the circumference of the pelt board defined by the outer surface of the wall elements will be smaller and thus typically allow the pelt to loosen from the outer surfaces of the wall elements, such that the pelt may be removed from the pelt board. In this context, the complete circumference of the pelt board will contract, effectively eliminating the risk of the pelt sticking to the pelt board.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, when in the contracted state, the first and second sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges overlap respective edges of the third and fourth sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges or alternatively the third and fourth sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges overlapping respective edges of the first and second sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges, and, when in the expanded state the first and second sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges are substantially flush with respective edges of the third and fourth sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges.
In order to allow the pelt to maintain an attractive surface structure, the outer surfaces of the wall elements should be at least substantially continuous. In order to achieve a substantially continuous outwardly oriented surface, the longitudinal edges of the wall elements in the expanded state should be at least substantially flush. This means that the outer surfaces of the wall elements form a substantially continuous structure avoiding any large gaps between the wall elements and adjacent outer surfaces.
When the pelt board assumes the contracted state and in order to maintain the general circumferential profile of the pelt board, it is advantageous that the longitudinal edges of adjacent wall elements of the pelt board do overlap each other such that only a minor deviation from a continuous surface exists between adjacent outer surfaces of the wall elements. It is understood from the above that in order to realize the contraction, a part of the wall elements located at the respective longitudinal edges of the wall element may be pushed above or below its adjacent wall elements to form the overlapping such that the longitudinal edges are non-flush.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, any of the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and/or the fourth wall element define a central part and a peripheral part, the peripheral part encompassing the set of edges, the central part and the peripheral part being flexibly joined together and when the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element define the contracted state, the peripheral part assuming an inwardly oriented position, whereas when the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element define the expanded state, the peripheral part assuming an outwardly oriented position.
In order to simplify the overlapping of the wall elements and allow the gap between adjacent wall elements to be minimized, the wall elements may be partially flexible. Although it is fully feasible to realize an expansion and contraction of the pelt board via the wall element using rigid wall elements, the thickness of the wall element will typically prevent a fully flush outwardly oriented surface in the expanded state. By allowing the part of the wall element which is going to be pushed below and/or above an adjacent wall element in the contracted state to be flexible in relation to the part of the wall element which is going to remain exposed to the pelt, the longitudinal edges of adjacent wall elements may be caused to be fully flush or continuous in the expanded state.
The central part of the respective wall element is movable in the respective first radial direction or the second radial direction according to the movement of the corresponding wall element, whereas the peripheral part may be movable in both the first and the second radial direction in order to be accommodated above or below the adjacent wall element as described above.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the first actuator member and the second actuator member constitute pins and the first cooperating member and the second cooperating member constitute grooves, e.g. linear or curved grooves, in which the pins are guided between the contracted state and the expanded state, or, wherein the first cooperating member and the second cooperating member constitute pins and the first actuator member and the second actuator member constitute grooves, e.g. linear or curved grooves, in which the pins are guided between the contracted state and the expanded state.
The above guiding principle using a pin which is guided by a groove allows a well defined movement of the wall elements. It is evident that the opposite configuration is equally feasible, i.e. having the first actuator member and the second actuator member constitute grooves, e.g. linear or curved grooves, and the first cooperating member and the second cooperating member constitute pins which are guided by the grooves between the contracted state and the expanded state, or any combination thereof. The longitudinal movement of the elongated core thus translates into a radial movement of the wall elements. The groove/pin configuration also allows for a very convenient latching of the wall elements and the core.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the third actuator member and the fourth actuator member constitute wedge members for contacting the third cooperating member and the fourth cooperating member, or, the third cooperating member and the fourth cooperating member constitute wedge members for contacting the third actuator member and the fourth actuator member.
Another guiding principle is employed by using wedge members which exhibit an angle and may consequently slide outwardly when pushed. The longitudinal movement of the elongated core element thus translates into a radial movement by interaction between the sloped members. This guiding principle may preferably be used when changing from said contracted state to said expanded state.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the third actuator member and the fourth actuator members further engage the cooperating members opposite the elongated core element.
Yet another guiding principle is employed by using actuator members acting on the side of the elongated core element which is located opposite the wall element to be moved. The longitudinal movement of the elongated core element thus translates into a radial movement by interaction typically by using sloped members. This guiding principle may preferably be used when changing from said expanded state to said contracted state.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, any of the first wall element, second wall element, third wall element and fourth wall element have an arched shape such that any of said first outwardly oriented surface, second outwardly oriented surface, third outwardly oriented surface and fourth outwardly oriented surface define a convex shape.
Using a convex shape of the wall element will allow the outer surfaces of the wall elements to adapt to the pelt which typically has a cylindrical shape.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, any of the first wall element, second wall element, third wall element and fourth wall element comprise ventilation grooves between the cavity and the outside of the pelt board.
Ventilation grooves may be present in order to allow dry air to be injected into the pelt for removing any remaining moisture in the pelt and thereby decrease the drying time of the pelt.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element define an opening between the cavity and the outside of the pelt board at the bottom end for allowing ventilation air to enter the cavity.
The dry air injected into the pelt via the pelt board and used for decreasing the drying time of the pelt may be let into the pelt board via a cavity near the bottom end of the pelt board. The bottom end of the pelt board is typically attachable to a drying unit for holding the pelt board in an upright position and for supplying the drying air.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the third wall element and the fourth wall element are fixedly connected at the bottom end.
In order to increase the rigidity of the pelt board and for allowing the pelt board to easily connect to a drying unit, the pelt board may assume the same circumference at the bottom end both in the expanded state and in the contracted state. This may be made by fixedly connecting the wall elements at constant distance relative to each other near the bottom end and allowing the flexibility of the wall elements to determine the movement of the lower portion of the pelt board. The lower extreme of the pelt board is typically not used for accommodating the pelt since the pelt boards are typically made longer than the longest pelts for which the pelt board is intended.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the first wall element defines a first radial edge adjacent the top end of the elongated core, the second wall element comprising a second radial edge adjacent the top edge of the elongated core, the pelt board further comprising:

a fifth wall element adjacent to the first wall element at the first radial edge, the fifth wall element extending along the longitudinal direction and away from the second wall element, the fifth wall element defining a fifth outwardly oriented surface and a fifth actuator member,
a sixth wall element adjacent to the second wall element at the second radial edge, the sixth wall element extending along the longitudinal direction and away from the second wall element, the sixth wall element defining a sixth outwardly oriented surface and a sixth actuator member, the fifth and sixth wall elements being spaced apart in the first radial direction, and
a core extension element connected to the top end of the elongated core element and extending along the longitudinal direction away from the elongated core element, the core extension element being movable in relation to the fifth wall element and sixth wall element, the core extension element comprising a fifth cooperating member interacting with the fifth actuator member of the fifth wall element and a sixth cooperating member interacting with the sixth actuator member of the sixth wall element for allowing the fifth wall element and the sixth wall element to change between the contracted state and the expanded states by moving the elongated core element and the core extension element in the longitudinal direction relative to the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element, the fourth wall element, the fifth wall element and the sixth wall element.

Although it is sometimes feasible, having a pelt board which is expandable along its entire circumference may be undesirable near the upper part of the pelt board. The upper part of the pelt board is intended to accommodate the neck and head part of the animal and since the neck and head part of the animal pelt have a smaller circumference than the body part of the pelt, the pelt board usually is tapered towards the top end having a thickness of the pelt board which is reduced near the top of the pelt board, as described above. Since the actuator members, cooperating members and elongated core element require some space within the cavity, it may not be feasible to allow the pelt board to expand and contract along its entire circumference, i.e. a four way expansion of the pelt board as described above, at the top end of the board. Instead, at the top end of the board, the pelt board may be allowed to be movable in only two opposing directions.
The fifth wall element constitutes an extension of the first wall element, the sixth wall element constitutes an extension of the second wall element, whereas the core extension element constitutes and extension of the elongated core element. The moving principle in the first radial direction of the fifth wall element, sixth wall element and core extension element may be the same between the first wall element, the second wall element and the elongated core element, albeit the adjacent wall elements moving in the second radial direction are missing. This top structure including the fifth wall element and the sixth wall element may thus be made significantly thinner than the bottom structure including the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element, the fourth wall element. The fifth wall element and the sixth wall element may optionally be arched but will typically be substantially flat due to the limited space available at the top of the pelt board.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the third wall element and the fourth wall element comprise opposing extension elements partially enclosing the core extension element.
In order to increase the rigidity of the top structure relative to the bottom structure, the top structure may include opposing extension elements which limit the radial movement or flexibility of the core extension element. The core extension element is thus located between the opposing extension elements, which are fixated to the respective third wall element and the fourth wall element.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the pelt board comprises:

a lower section including the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element, the fourth wall element and the elongated core element,
an upper section comprising the fifth wall element, the sixth wall element and the core extension element, and
an intermediate section located between the lower section and the upper section and comprising a core connecting element interconnecting the elongated core element and the core extension element, and a number of substantially elliptic cylindrical elements surrounding the core connecting element.

The substantially elliptic cylindrical elements may be used for extending a short pelt board and make it suitable for larger animals. The substantially elliptic cylindrical elements typically do not have any variable circumference, however, the pelt typically sticks to the pelt board near the top and bottom ends of the pelt board, thus the elliptic cylindrical elements merely constitutes spacers. This will have the advantage that the same pelt board may be used with animals of very different size and the adaptation to the size of the particular animal will be made by using the elliptic cylindrical elements. The core connecting element is merely used for connecting the longitudinal motion from the elongated core element to the core extension element.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the fifth cooperating member and the sixth cooperating member constitute pins and the fifth actuator member and the sixth actuator member constitute grooves, e.g. linear or curved grooves, in which the pins are guided between the contracted state and the expanded state, or, the fifth actuator member and the sixth actuator member constitute pins and the fifth cooperating member and the sixth cooperating member constitute grooves, e.g. linear or curved grooves, in which the pins are guided between the contracted state and the expanded state
The above guiding principle using a pin which is guided by a groove allows a well defined movement of the wall elements. This principle has been explained above in connection with the first and second actuator members.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the fifth wall element is connected to the first wall element at the first radial edge and the sixth wall element is connected to the second wall element at the second radial edge.
By connecting the fifth wall element to the first wall element at the first radial edge and connecting the sixth wall element to the second wall element at the second radial edge, it may be assured that the fifth wall element and the sixth wall element moves uniformly and synchronous with the respective first wall element and second wall element. It may also be avoided that the pelt is squeezed in-between the wall element and the arched wall elements at the first and second radial edges.
According to a further embodiment according to the present invention, the elongated core element comprises a first protrusion adjacent the bottom end, the elongated core element being spring-loaded at the bottom end and defining a centralized relaxed position and a non-centralized loaded position in the first radial direction and/or second radial direction, the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element or the fourth wall element comprise a second protrusion cooperating with the first protrusion such that when the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element define the expanded state and the elongated core element defines the centralized related position, the first and second protrusions prevent any longitudinal movement of the elongated core element, whereas when the elongated core element defines the non-centralized loaded position, the first and second protrusions allow longitudinal movement of the elongated core element.
In the state of the art expandable and contactable pelt boards, the pelt board is maintained in the expanded state merely due to the design of and internal friction between the movable parts of the pelt board. The friction increases with the pressure applied to the pelt board and although an increased friction may help keeping the pelt board in the expanded state also when a large inwardly pressure is applied from the pelt, it may also be very difficult to contract the pelt board. Experience has shown that after the drying, when the pelt has shrunk and thus applies a large pressure onto the pelt board, the users have to apply a large manual force to cause the pelt board to collapse. This work is very tedious and may lead to work related injuries.
The locking mechanism described above making use of cooperating protrusions for preventing movement of the elongated core element and thereby contraction of the pelt board allows the pelt board to remain in the expanded state even when exposed to very large inwardly oriented pressure, while reducing the amount of work needed for changing the pelt board into the contracted state. The first and second protrusions will interlock when the elongated core is in its central position, effectively preventing any longitudinal movement of the elongated core, which in turn prevents any radial movement of the wall elements.
By merely exposing the elongated core element to a small radial force, overcoming the friction between the first and second protrusion and the spring constant of the elongated core element, the inwardly oriented pressure from the dried pelt will cause the wall element to move inwardly and the pelt board to contact, while the elongated core element is moved in the longitudinal direction and the first protrusion is passing by the second protrusion. This mechanism will also be less prone to accidental activation since it is not depending on any hard to determine internal friction between the activation members and the cooperating members.
It is evident that the above locking mechanism may be used for a generic pelt board which does not necessarily have to encompass the four way expansion. Such pelt board may e.g. be defined as an elongated pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt, the pelt board defining a longitudinal direction, a first radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a second radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first radial direction, the pelt board having a wall element and an elongated core element covered by the wall element, the wall element being capable of assuming an expanded state and a contacted state by longitudinal movement of the elongated core element, the elongated core element comprising a first protrusion adjacent a bottom end of the pelt board, the core element being spring-loaded at the bottom end and defines a centralized relaxed position and a non-centralized loaded position in the first radial direction and/or second radial direction, the wall element comprising a second protrusion cooperating with the first protrusion such that when the wall element define the expanded state and the elongated core element define the centralized related position, the first and second protrusions preventing any longitudinal movement of the elongated core element, whereas when the elongated core element define the non-centralized loaded position, the first and second protrusions allow longitudinal movement of the elongated core element.
The change from expanded state to contracted state may preferably be made when the bottom end of the elongated core element is attached to the drying unit, e.g. by tilting the pelt board sideways, thereby also taking advantage of the leverage provided by the pelt board for overcoming the friction between the first and second protrusions.
The above object, the above features and the above advantage together with numerous other objects, advantages and features which will be evident from the below detailed description of the present invention are according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by a method of manufacturing a pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt, the method comprising:

providing a first wall element defining a first outwardly oriented surface, a first inwardly oriented surface, a first set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a first actuator member,
providing a second wall element defining a second outwardly oriented surface, a second inwardly oriented surface, a second set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a second actuator member,
providing a third wall element defining a third outwardly oriented surface, a third inwardly oriented surface, a third set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a third actuator member,
providing a fourth wall element defining a fourth outwardly oriented surface, a fourth inwardly oriented surface, a fourth set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a fourth actuator member,
providing an elongated core element comprising a first cooperating member, a second cooperating member, a third cooperating member and a fourth cooperating member,
positioning the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element along a longitudinal direction such that the first inwardly oriented surface is facing the second inwardly oriented surface and spaced apart along a first radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the third inwardly oriented surface is facing the fourth inwardly oriented surface and spaced apart along a second radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first radial direction such that the first inwardly oriented surface, the second inwardly oriented surface, the third inwardly oriented surface and the fourth inwardly oriented surface together defining a cavity along the longitudinal direction,
interacting the first cooperating member, the second cooperating member, the third cooperating member and the fourth cooperating member with the first actuator member of the first wall element, the second actuator member of the second wall element, the third actuator member of the third wall element and the fourth actuator member of the fourth wall element, respectively, and
moving the elongated core element in the longitudinal direction relative to the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element thereby causing the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element to move between a contracted state and an expanded state, when in the contracted state the first radial distance and the second radial distance between the first inwardly oriented surface and the second inwardly oriented surface, and, the third inwardly oriented surface and the fourth inwardly oriented surface, respectively, are reduced, whereas, when in the expanded state the first radial distance and the second radial distance between the first inwardly oriented surface and the second inwardly oriented surface, and, the third inwardly oriented surface and the fourth inwardly oriented surface, respectively, are increased.

The above method according to the second aspect may preferably be used together with the pelt board according to the first aspect. The wall elements and the elongated core are preferably made as separate molded plastic items. The wall elements are typically snap fitted together. In some cases, any of the first wall element, the second wall element, the third wall element and the fourth wall element may constitute two or more items which are snap fitted together.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1A illustrates a contracted pelt board according to the present invention.
FIG. 1B illustrates an expanded pelt board according to the present invention.
FIG. 2A illustrates a cut out view of a contracted pelt board.
FIG. 2B illustrates a cut out view of an expanded pelt board.
FIG. 3 illustrates a further pelt board embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates the upper part of a pelt board according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates the lower part of a pelt board according to the present invention.
FIG. 6A illustrates the assembly of a pelt board according to the present invention.
FIG. 6B illustrates an elongated core element and wall elements of the pelt board.
FIG. 7A illustrates the working principle of the peripheral part.
FIG. 7B illustrates the expansion of the peripheral part.
FIG. 8A illustrates an actuator member interacting with the opposite core surface.
FIG. 8B illustrates the elongated core element and wall elements of the pelt board.
FIG. 9A illustrates actuator members and cooperating members of the pelt board.
FIG. 9B illustrates the movement of the actuator members and cooperating members.
FIG. 9C illustrates the fastening member and the track of the pelt board.
FIG. 9D illustrates the movement of the fastening member in relation to the track.
FIG. 10A illustrates the assembly of the upper part of the pelt board.
FIG. 10B illustrates the finished upper part of the pelt board.
FIG. 11A illustrates the upper part of the pelt board in the contracted state.
FIG. 11B illustrates the upper part of the pelt board in the expanded state.
FIG. 12A illustrates the use of intermediate sections.
FIG. 12B illustrates the working principle of the intermediate sections.
FIG. 13 illustrates a further embodiment of the pelt board.
FIG. 14 illustrates the assembly of the bottom part of the pelt board.
FIG. 15 illustrates the connecting element of the pelt board.
FIG. 16 illustrates the protrusions of the locking mechanism of the core element.
FIG. 17ABCD is a series illustrating the working principle of the locking mechanism.
FIG. 18A illustrates a further embodiment of the pelt board in the contracted state.
FIG. 18B illustrates a further embodiment of the pelt board in the expanded state.
FIG. 19 illustrates a pelt board and a drying unit.

Detailed description of the drawings

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pelt board 10 in the contracted state. The pelt board 10 comprises a lower part 12 and an upper part 14. The lower part 12 comprises a first arched wall element 16, a second wall element 18, a third wall element 20, a fourth wall element 22 which together define a cavity 24 in which an elongated core element 26 is located. The first arched wall element 16, the second wall element 18, the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 are shown here schematically as being solid, it is however understood that for optimal drying of the pelt, they should be louvered for allowing ventilation air to pass from the pelt board to the pelt. The upper part 14 comprise a fifth wall element 28 and a sixth wall element 30, both which in the present case are arched and tapered but which also may be made non-arched and non-tapered. The elongated core element 26 extends into the upper part 14 in the form of a core extension element 26'.
The first wall element 16 and the second wall element 18 comprises respective peripheral elements 16' 16" 18' 18", which are flexibly connected to the center elements of the respective first wall element 16 and the second wall element 18. The third wall element 20 will in the present contracted state overlap the peripheral elements 16' 18' and the fourth wall element 20 will in the present contracted state overlap the peripheral elements 16" 18". The fifth wall element 28 and a sixth wall element 30 both mutually overlap each other. An extension element 32 is interconnecting the lower part 12 and the upper part 14.
FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the pelt board 10 in the expanded state. By pushing the elongated core element 26 in a longitudinal direction as shown by the arrows, the wall elements are all forced in outwardly oriented directions as shown by the arrows. The first wall element 16 and the fifth wall element 28 are moved along a first radial dimension while the second wall element 18 and the sixth wall element 30 are moved along the first radial dimension but in the opposite direction, the first radial dimension being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction defined by the elongated core element 26. The third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 are forced in opposite directions along a second radial direction as shown by the arrows, which second radial direction is perpendicular to both the first radial dimension and to the longitudinal dimension. The peripheral portions 16' 16" 18' 18" of the respective first wall element 16 and second wall element 18 move along both the first and second radial dimensions such that the expanded pelt board 10' form a smooth outer surface.
FIG. 2A shows a cut-out perspective view of another embodiment of a pelt board 10' in the contracted state. The third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 comprise actuator members 34 along the longitudinal dimension and the elongated core element 26 comprise cooperating members 36 along the longitudinal dimension. The actuator members 34 and cooperating members 36 define opposing wedges. In the contracted state of the pelt board 10, the sloping surfaces of the opposing wedges are non-overlapping or overlapping such that no outwardly oriented force is generated, i.e. that the protruding portions of the opposing wedges are non-overlapping.
The fifth wall element 28 and the sixth wall element 30 comprise actuator members 34' along the longitudinal dimension and the elongated core element 26 comprise cooperating members 36' along the longitudinal dimension. The actuator members 34' define curved grooves along the longitudinal dimension of the fifth wall element 28 and the sixth wall element 30 whereas the cooperating members 36 define pins of the core extension element 26'.
FIG. 2B shows a cut-out perspective view of the pelt board 10' in the expanded state. The sloping surfaces of the opposing wedges are now overlapping such that an outwardly oriented force is achieved, i.e. the protruding parts of the opposing wedges are overlapping causing the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 to move outwardly in opposite directions.
When the core extension element 26' moves together with the elongated core element 26 along the longitudinal dimension, the pins constituting the cooperating members 36' move along the curved grooves constituting the actuator members 34' and thereby causing the fifth wall element 28 and the sixth wall element to move outwardly in opposite directions.
The movement of the first wall element 16 and the second wall element 18 will be explained in detail in the following figures.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a pelt board 10". In the present embodiment, the fifth wall element 28 and the sixth wall element 30 are substantially flat in order to be able to accommodate the neck part of the animal pelt. The surface of the arched wall elements 16 18 20 22 have ribs 38 for allowing the pelt to be properly fixated to the pelt board 10". Further all of the wall elements 16 18 20 22 have ventilation holes 40.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the upper part 14 of the pelt board 10". It shows in detail how the fifth wall element 28 and the sixth wall element 30 both connect to the core extension element 26'. The actuator elements 34' in form of curved grooves connect to the cooperating members 36' in the form of pins. By longitudinal movement of the core extension element 26', the pins will follow the path defined by the curved grooves and thus cause the fifth wall element 28 and the sixth wall element 30 to move outwardly along the curve defined by the interaction between the curved grooves and the pins.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the lower part 12 of the pelt board 10". In the present embodiment the first wall element 16 is composed of two elements designated the reference numerals 16A and 16B which are interconnected by means of a snap fit connection 42. Also, the second wall element 18 is composed of two elements designated the reference numerals 18A and 18B and which are interconnected by means of a snap fit connection 42.
FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the lower part 12 of the pelt board 10". The present view especially shows a close-up view of the elements 16A 16B 18A 18B making up the first wall element 16 and the second wall element 18, respectively. In order to make the first wall element 16 and the second wall element 18 move in the first radial direction, the snap fit mechanisms 42 42', when assembled, define actuator members 34" in the form of pins. The elongated core element 26 defines cooperating members 36" in the form of curved grooves. The working principle of the curved groove and the pin is the same as for the upper part of the pelt board 10". The pins are guided by the curved grooves and forced inwardly/outwardly according to the longitudinal movement of the elongated core element 26. Thereby, the first wall element 16 and the second wall element 18 move along the first radial dimension and at the same time the first wall element 16 and the second wall element 18 are held by the elongated core element 26.
The wall elements 16A 16B 18A 18B also each comprise a number of respective peripheral parts 44 which are flexibly connected to its corresponding wall elements 16A 16B 18A 18B.
FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the lower part 12 of the pelt board 10" when assembled. When interconnected, each of the snap fit mechanism 42 42' will form a pin 34" to be guided in the curved groove of the elongated core element 26. The peripheral parts 44, which will be described in detail below, form a substantially smooth and continuous surface together with it corresponding wall element 16 18.
FIG. 7A shows a close up view describing the functional principle of the elongated core element 26, the wall element 16A and the corresponding peripheral part 44. The present view represents the contracted state of the pelt board. The elongated core element 26 comprises a further cooperating member 36"' constituting a wedge and which is adapted to cooperate with an actuator member 34"' constituting a protrusion on the peripheral part 44.
FIG. 7B shows the setup of FIG. 7B when in the expanded state. The elongated core element 26 moves in the longitudinal direction relative to the wall element 16a and causes the wall element 16A to move outwardly in the first radial direction as shown by the arrows. The outwardly movement of the wall element 16A is caused by the interaction between the cooperating member 36"' and the actuator member 34"'. The longitudinal movement of the elongated core 26 causes the actuator member 34"' constituting a protrusion to slide on the cooperating member 36"' constituting a wedge and thereby the peripheral part 44 is caused to move outwardly in both the first and second radial directions as shown by the arrow.
FIG. 8A shows a perspective view illustrating how the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 are fastened together and to the elongated core element 26. The third and fourth wall elements 20 22 each comprise further actuator members in the form of fastening members 46, which are cooperating with corresponding tracks 48 of the elongated core element 26. The third and fourth wall elements 20 22 are in the present embodiment additionally joined together via corresponding clip-on mechanisms 50 50' at the bottom end of the pelt board.
FIG. 8B shows the lower part 12 of the pelt board when the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 are fastened together and to the elongated core element 26.
FIG. 9A shows a close-up view illustrating the working principle of the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22. The third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 each comprise actuator members 34 and the elongated core element 26 comprises cooperating members 36. The actuator members 34 and the cooperating members 36 define wedges having sloped in opposite direction. In the present contracted state, the wedges of the actuator members 34 and the cooperating members 36 are located such that the protruding parts of the wedges are non-overlapping, allowing the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 to define a small distance between themselves. The fastening members 46, described in detail in the previous figure, will in the present case be interacting with the corresponding tracks 48 of the elongated core element 26 such that each of the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 are pulled inwardly towards the elongated core element 26.
FIG. 9B shows a close-up view illustrating the working principle of the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 when in the expanded state. In the present expanded state, the wedges of the actuator members 34 and the cooperating members 36 are located such that the protruding parts of the wedges are overlapping, causing the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 to define a larger distance between themselves. The moving principle of the third wall element 20, the fourth wall element 22 and the elongated core element 26 is illustrated by the arrows.
FIG. 9C a close-up view illustrating the working principle of the fastening member 46 when the pelt board is in the expanded state. The fastening member 46 has a wedged shape for controlling the distance between the elongated core element 26 and the respective third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 depending on the longitudinal position of the elongated core element 26. The fastening member 46 of the respective third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 grasps the track 48 of the elongated core element 26 which is located opposite the third wall element 20 of which the present fastening member 46 is part of.
FIG. 9D a close-up view illustrating the working principle of the fastening member 46 when the pelt board is in the expanded state. The contraction of the wall third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 may be controlled in that the slope of the fastening member causes the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 to move closer to the elongated core element 26 when the pelt board is assuming the contracted state.
FIG. 10A shows the mounting principle of the upper part 14. In the first step, the fifth wall element 28 and the sixth wall element 30 are positioned in a partial overlapping position about the core extension element 26'. In the next step, the cooperating members 36', which constitute pins, are positioned through the actuator members 34', which constitute curved grooves, and through the center of the core extension element 26'.
FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of the upper part 14 when mounted and when in the expanded state.
FIG. 11A shows the moving principle of the upper part 14 of the pelt board. The cooperating members 36' are guided in the actuator members 34' for causing the fifth wall element 28 and the sixth wall element 30 to minimize the radial dimension between themselves and relative to the core extension element 26.
FIG. 11B shows the moving principle of the upper part 14 of the pelt board. The cooperating members 36' are guided in the actuator members 34' for causing the fifth wall element 28 and the sixth wall element 30 to increase the radial dimension between them and relative to the core extension element 26 when the core extension element 26 is moved in the longitudinal direction as shown by the arrows.
FIG 12A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a pelt board 10"'. The pelt board 10"' resembles the pelt boards of the previous embodiments however in order to be able to adjust the length of the pelt board 10"', there has been included intermediate sections 52 in-between the upper part 14 and the lower part 12. The intermediate sections 52 constitute elliptic cylindrical spacer elements which are non-expandable. The intermediate sections 52 may be made non-expandable since the pelt is most likely to stick to the upper part 14 and the lower part 12. However, the intermediate sections 52 may of course also be made expandable similar to the lower part 12 or the upper part 14. For large pelts, a plurality of intermediate sections 52 may be used. A core connecting element 26" may be used for interconnecting the elongate core element of the lower part 12 and the core extension element of the upper part 14.
FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a pelt board 10'" and illustrates how the lower part 12 and the upper part 14 is expanding as shown by the arrows, while the intermediate sections remain constant in circumference.
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a pelt board 10^IV. The present pelt board 56 comprises a number of ribs 56 which contribute to holding the pelt on the pelt board. Further, a number of ventilation holes 40 are present for allowing the pelt to dry quickly. The pelt board 10^IV is of elliptical configuration and the third and fourth wall elements 20 22, having an arched configuration, may overlap the first and second wall elements 16 18 in order to assume the expanded state and the contracted state. The elongated core element has in the present view been omitted. A large opening 58 is present at the bottom end of the pelt board 10^IV for allowing a large amount of dry ventilation air to enter the pelt board 10^IV.
FIG. 14 shows the bottom end of the lower part 12 of the pelt board. The lower ends of the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 are fixated by means of cooperating clip-on mechanisms 50 50' such that the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 cannot move in relation to each other adjacent the lower end of the pelt board. Typically, the pelt does stop a few centimenters above the lower end, otherwise a longer pelt board should be used. Thus, it is not necessary that the third wall element 20 and the fourth wall element 22 are movable adjacent the lower end of the pelt board. A connecting element 60 is used for moving the elongated core element 26 in the longitudinal direction. Also shown are first locking protrusions 62 located on each of the third wall element 20 and fourth wall element 22. Second locking protrusions 64 are located on the connecting element 60. The locking protrusions 62 64 are used to lock the elongated core element 26 in the expanded state. This will be explained further below.
FIG. 15 shows the lower part 12 of the pelt board when it has been assembled. The connecting element 60 extends from an opening 58' at the lower end of the pelt board. The opening 58' is preferably large for allowing a large flow of air to enter the interior of the pelt board 10 and most preferably the opening 58' defines the greater part of the entire bottom surface of the pelt board 10. The opening 58' typically constitutes the limiting flow surface which determines the amount of air which will flow through the pelt board. A small opening 58' would limit the flow which would cause a less efficient drying of the pelt.
FIG. 16 shows a perspective close up of the connecting element 60 and the locking principle employed to lock the pelt board in the expanded state. The third and fourth wall elements comprise first locking protrusions 62, whereas the connecting element 60 comprises second locking protrusions 64. The connecting element 60 is flexible in the first radial direction in relation to the third and fourth wall elements. The present locking mechanism is located adjacent the bottom end of the pelt board and together with the friction between the internal moving parts of the pelt board, i.e. the actuator members and the cooperating members, it will eliminate the need of any further locking mechanisms inside the pelt board. The present locking mechanism should be located adjacent the bottom end of the pelt board in order to avoid it being jammed by fatty substances which may come from the pelt. The change from expanded state to contracted state may preferably be made when the bottom end of the elongated core element is attached to the drying unit, e.g. by tilting the pelt board sideways, thereby also taking advantage of the leverage provided by the pelt board for overcoming the friction between the first and second protrusions.
FIG. 17A shows the locked position of the pelt board. The first locking protrusions 62 are located below the second locking protrusions 64. The first locking protrusion 62 thus prevents the longitudinal movement of the connecting element 60 and thus of the elongated core element.
FIG. 17B shows the unlocking of the pelt board. By moving the connecting element 60 in the first radial direction, the second locking protrusion 64 is free to move past the first locking protrusion 62.
FIG. 17C shows the movement from expanded state to contracted state of the unlocked pelt board. By moving the connecting element 60 in the longitudinal direction, such that the second locking protrusion 64 moves past the first locking protrusion 62, the state may be altered from the expanded state to the contracted state.
FIG. 17D shows the connecting element 60 when the pelt board is in the contracted state. By releasing the connecting element 60, it flexes back to its central relaxed position.
FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a pelt board 10^V when in the contracted state. The pelt board 10^V comprises movable wall elements 16, 16', 16", 18, 18', 18", 20, 22 which together do not cover the complete circumference of the pelt board. In-between the wall elements 16, 16', 16", 18, 18', 18", 20, 22 fixed wall elements 54 are located. When in the contracted state, the wall elements 16, 16', 16", 18, 18', 18", 20, 22 form an even outer surface together with the fixed wall elements 54.
FIG. 18B shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a pelt board 10^V when in the expanded state. When in the expanded state, the wall elements 16, 16', 16", 18, 18', 18", 20, 22 move outwardly and form contact surfaces for the pelts. The moving principle of the wall elements 16, 16', 16", 18, 18', 18", 20, 22 have not been shown, however, preferably the same principles are used as for the previous embodiments.
FIG. 19 shows the pelt board during drying when connected to a drying unit 66. The drying unit 66 has a ventilator 68 and a number of ventilation apertures 70. The ventilator produces a flow of air which is led via the ventilation apertures 70 into the pelt board 10 through the openings 58' at the lower part 12 of the pelt board 10.

Reference numerals used in the drawings

10. Pelt board
12. Lower part
14. Upper part
16. First wall element
18. Second wall element
20. Third wall element
22. Fourth wall element
24. Cavity
26. Elongated core element
28. Fifth wall element
30. Sixth wall element
32. Extension element
34. Actuator member
36. Cooperating member
38. Ribs
40. Ventilation holes
42. Snap fit mechanism
44. Peripheral part
46. Fastening member
48. Track
50. Clip-on mechanism
52. Intermediate sections
54. Fixed wall elements
56. Ribs
58. Opening
60. Connecting element
62. First locking protrusion
64. Second locking protrusion
66. Drying unit
68. Ventilator
70. Apertures

Claims

An elongated pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt, said pelt board defining a longitudinal direction, a first radial direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and a second radial direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and said first radial direction, said pelt board comprising:
a first wall element extending along said longitudinal direction and defining a first outwardly oriented surface, a first inwardly oriented surface, a first set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a first actuator member,

a second wall element extending along said longitudinal direction and defining a second outwardly oriented surface, a second inwardly oriented surface facing said first inwardly oriented surface, a second set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a second actuator member, said first and second wall elements being spaced apart in said first radial direction,

a third wall element extending along said longitudinal direction and defining a third outwardly oriented surface, a third inwardly oriented surface, a third set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a third actuator member,

a fourth wall element extending along said longitudinal direction and defining a fourth outwardly oriented surface, a fourth inwardly oriented surface facing said third inwardly oriented surface, a fourth set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a fourth actuator member, said third wall element and said fourth wall element being spaced apart in said second radial direction, said first inwardly oriented surface, said second inwardly oriented surface, said third inwardly oriented surface and said fourth inwardly oriented surface together defining a cavity along said longitudinal direction, said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element defining:
a contracted state in which said first radial distance between said first inwardly oriented surface and said second inwardly oriented surface is reduced, and, said second radial distance between said third inwardly oriented surface and said fourth inwardly oriented surface is reduced, and

an expanded state in which said first radial distance between said first inwardly oriented surface and said second inwardly oriented surface is increased, and, said second radial distance between said third inwardly oriented surface and said fourth inwardly oriented surface is increased, and

an elongated core element extending within said cavity along said longitudinal direction between a top end and a bottom end and being movable in relation to each of said first wall element, second wall element, third wall element and fourth wall element, said elongated core element comprising a first cooperating member interacting with said first actuator member of said first wall element, a second cooperating member interacting with said second actuator member of said second wall element, a third cooperating member interacting with said third actuator member of said third wall element and a fourth cooperating member interacting with said fourth actuator member of said fourth wall element for allowing said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element to selectively define said contracted state or said expanded state by moving said elongated core element in said longitudinal direction relative to said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element.
The pelt board according to claim 1, wherein when in said contracted state, said first and second sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges overlapping respective edges of said third and fourth sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges or alternatively said third and fourth sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges overlapping respective edges of said first and second sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges, and, when in said expanded state said first and second sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges are substantially flush with respective edges of said third and fourth sets of oppositely located longitudinal edges.
The pelt board according to claim 2, wherein any of said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and/or said fourth wall element define a central part and a peripheral part, said peripheral part encompassing said set of edges, said central part and said peripheral part being flexibly joined together and when said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element define said contracted state said peripheral part assume an inwardly oriented position, whereas when said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element define said expanded state said peripheral part assume an outwardly oriented position.
The pelt board according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first actuator member and said second actuator member constitute pins and said first cooperating member and said second cooperating member constitute grooves, e.g. linear or curved grooves, in which said pins are guided between said contracted state and said expanded state, or, wherein said first cooperating member and said second cooperating member constitute pins and said first actuator member and said second actuator member constitute grooves, e.g. linear or curved grooves, in which said pins are guided between said contracted state and said expanded state.
The pelt board according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said third actuator member and said fourth actuator member constitute wedge members for contacting said third cooperating member and said fourth cooperating member, or, wherein said third cooperating member and said fourth cooperating member constitute wedge members for contacting said third actuator member and said fourth actuator member.
The pelt board according to claim 5, wherein said third actuator member and said fourth actuator members further engage said cooperating members opposite said elongated core element.
The pelt board according to any of the preceding claims, wherein any of said first wall element, second wall element, third wall element and fourth wall element comprise ventilation grooves between said cavity and the outside of said pelt board, and/or, wherein said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element define an opening between said cavity and the outside of said pelt board at said bottom end for allowing ventilation air to enter said cavity, and/or wherein said third wall element and said fourth wall element are fixedly connected at said bottom end.
The pelt board according to any of the preceding claims, wherein any of said first wall element, second wall element, third wall element and fourth wall element have an arched shape such that any of said first outwardly oriented surface, second outwardly oriented surface, third outwardly oriented surface and fourth outwardly oriented surface define a convex shape.
The pelt board according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first wall element defines a first radial edge adjacent said top end of said elongated core, said second wall element comprising a second radial edge adjacent said top edge of said elongated core, said pelt board further comprising:
a fifth wall element adjacent to said first wall element at said first radial edge, said fifth wall element extending along said longitudinal direction and away from said second wall element, said fifth wall element defining a fifth outwardly oriented surface and a fifth actuator member,

a sixth wall element adjacent to said second wall element at said second radial edge, said sixth wall element extending along said longitudinal direction and away from said second wall element, said sixth wall element defining a sixth outwardly oriented surface and a sixth actuator member, said fifth and sixth wall elements being spaced apart in said first radial direction, and

a core extension element connected to said top end of said elongated core element and extending along said longitudinal direction away from said elongated core element, said core extension element being movable in relation to said fifth wall element and sixth wall element, said core extension element comprising a fifth cooperating member interacting with said fifth actuator member of said fifth wall element and a sixth cooperating member interacting with said sixth actuator member of said sixth wall element for allowing said fifth wall element and said sixth wall element to change between said contracted state and said expanded states by moving said elongated core element and said core extension element in said longitudinal direction relative to said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element, said fourth wall element, said fifth wall element and said sixth wall element.
The pelt board according to claim 9, wherein said third wall element and said fourth wall element comprise opposing extension elements partially enclosing said core extension element.
The pelt board according to any of the claims 9-10, wherein said pelt board comprises:
a lower section including said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element, said fourth wall element and said elongated core element,

an upper section comprising said fifth wall element, said sixth wall element and said core extension element, and

an intermediate section located between said lower section and said upper section and comprising a core connecting element interconnecting said elongated core element and said core extension element, and a number of substantially elliptic cylindrical elements surrounding said core connecting element.
The pelt board according to any of the claims 9-11, wherein said fifth cooperating member and said sixth cooperating member constitute pins and said fifth actuator member and said sixth actuator member constitute grooves, e.g. linear or curved grooves, in which said pins are guided between said contracted state and said expanded state, or, said fifth actuator member and said sixth actuator member constitute pins and said fifth cooperating member and said sixth cooperating member constitute grooves, e.g. linear or curved grooves, in which said pins are guided between said contracted state and said expanded state.
The pelt board according to any of the claim 9-12, wherein said fifth wall element being connected to said first wall element at said first radial edge and said sixth wall element being connected to said second wall element at said second radial edge.
The pelt board according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said elongated core element comprises a first protrusion adjacent said bottom end, said elongated core element being spring-loaded at said bottom end and defines a centralized relaxed position and a non-centralized loaded position in said first radial direction and/or second radial direction, said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element or said fourth wall element comprise a second protrusion cooperating with said first protrusion such that when said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element define said expanded state and said elongated core element define said centralized related position, said first and second protrusions prevent any longitudinal movement of said elongated core element, whereas when said elongated core element define said non-centralized loaded position, said first and second protrusions allow longitudinal movement of said elongated core element.
A method of manufacturing a pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt, said method comprising:
providing a first wall element defining a first outwardly oriented surface, a first inwardly oriented surface, a first set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a first actuator member,

providing a second wall element defining a second outwardly oriented surface, a second inwardly oriented surface, a second set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a second actuator member,

providing a third wall element defining a third outwardly oriented surface, a third inwardly oriented surface, a third set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a third actuator member,

providing a fourth wall element defining a fourth outwardly oriented surface, a fourth inwardly oriented surface, a fourth set of oppositely located longitudinal edges and a fourth actuator member,

providing an elongated core element comprising a first cooperating member, a second cooperating member, a third cooperating member and a fourth cooperating member,

positioning said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element along a longitudinal direction such that said first inwardly oriented surface is facing said second inwardly oriented surface and spaced apart along a first radial direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, said third inwardly oriented surface facing said fourth inwardly oriented surface and spaced apart along a second radial direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and said first radial direction, such that said first inwardly oriented surface, said second inwardly oriented surface, said third inwardly oriented surface and said fourth inwardly oriented surface together define a cavity along said longitudinal direction,

interacting said first cooperating member, said second cooperating member, said third cooperating member and said fourth cooperating member with said first actuator member of said first wall element, said second actuator member of said second wall element, said third actuator member of said third wall element and said fourth actuator member of said fourth wall element, respectively, and

moving said elongated core element in said longitudinal direction relative to said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element thereby causing said first wall element, said second wall element, said third wall element and said fourth wall element to move between a contracted state and an expanded state, when in said contracted state said first radial distance and said second radial distance between said first inwardly oriented surface and said second inwardly oriented surface, and, said third inwardly oriented surface and said fourth inwardly oriented surface, respectively, are reduced, whereas, when in said expanded state said first radial distance and said second radial distance between said first inwardly oriented surface and said second inwardly oriented surface, and, said third inwardly oriented surface and said fourth inwardly oriented surface, respectively, are increased.