ES2394491T3 - Procedure and apparatus for forming a mesh - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of forming a mesh comprising: a. advancing a first plurality of preformed joining elements (1, 3) from a first set of depositions to a second set of positions within a mold (9, 10, 13, 14); and b. for each successive advance of the first plurality of preformed joining elements (1, 3), place a second set of preformed joining elements (2, 4) in the first set of positions and shaping a plurality of new joining elements (5, 7 ) in the mold through the first (1, 3) and the second (2, 4) pluralities of preformed joining elements that are placed in the first set of positions and in the second set of positions to interconnect the first (1, 3) and the second (2, 4) pluralities of preformed joining elements that are placed in the first and second sets of positions with the new joining elements to form a continuous mesh of interconnected joining elements.

Description

Procedure and apparatus for forming a mesh

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for forming meshes using molded interconnection joining elements, an example of such a method and apparatus being known from US-2 752 636. When the The term "mesh" in the present specification means a mesh formed by interconnection joining elements, such as rings.

Background

The mesh formed by interconnection joining elements is best known in the form of a chainmail. The chainmail has been traditionally formed by interconnecting closed metal rings with open metal rings and then closing the open rings by a process such as mechanical deformation, welding etc. In another method, split rings formed of spring steel or some other elastic material, are used as interconnection joint members and are temporarily opened by a tool, such as pliers, to allow interconnection to other joint members. In recent times, the mesh has been formed from plastic material by joining closed rings with open rings and then mechanically fixing, welding or gluing open rings to close them.

The manufacture of the chainmail / mesh by traditional procedures takes a lot of time, work and is expensive. The mesh / mesh dimension that includes open joint elements can only be exposed to limited forces before the joint elements fail. When the interconnection connecting elements are closed, the joint can impair the appearance of the finished mesh. Such procedures have also limited the materials that can be used in the manufacture of the mesh and have limited the practical size of the joining elements.

Although there has been a complex apparatus for the formation of meshes by cable folding, to date there has been no automated process for the continuous and economical production of the chainmail / mesh dimension for mass consumption applications.

Summary of the Invention

An objective of the present invention is to provide an automated process and an apparatus for the continuous production of meshes.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a mesh with strong structural integrity and an attractive appearance.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a mesh that is economical to produce for a range of applications.

A further objective of the invention is to provide new mesh products and mesh use procedures.

Each of the above objectives must be read separately in order to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a mesh comprising:

to.

 advancing a first plurality of joining elements from a first set of positions to a second set of positions within a mold; Y

b.

 for each successive advance of the first plurality of preformed joining elements, place a second set of preformed joining elements in the first set of positions and molding a plurality of new joining elements in the mold through the first and second pluralities of preformed joining elements that are placed in the first set of positions and in the second set of positions to interconnect the first and second pluralities of preformed joining elements that are placed in the first and second sets of positions with the new elements of union to form a continuous mesh of interconnected elements of union.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for forming a mesh that includes a mold formed as a plurality of sections, at least some of which are closed together to define cavities for molding joining elements and which separate to release molded joint elements, including the mold:

to. a plurality of first cavities at spaced intervals to retain a first plurality of preformed joining elements in a first set of positions and a second plurality of preformed joining elements in a second set of positions;

b.

 a mechanism for sequentially advancing the first plurality of preformed joining elements from the first set of positions to the second set of positions; Y

C.

 a second plurality of cavities sized and arranged when the mold sections are closed to form the cavities to form new joining elements in the second cavities that are passed through the preformed joining elements located within the first cavities.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the relative positions of the rings in a method of producing a row of meshes; Figure 2 is a front view illustrating the relative positions of the rings when a row is attached

additional rings; Figure 3 is a side view of the rings shown in Figure 2; Figures 4 and 5 are sectional views of the sections of a simple mold to illustrate the operations in

a mesh manufacturing process; Figure 6a is a side view of an apparatus suitable for the continuous manufacture of meshes shown in a closed position; Figure 6b is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6a in a partially open configuration; Figure 6c is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6a in a completely open configuration; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a portion of the working faces of the two mold sections that form a half of the mold of the apparatus shown in Figure 6

with a matrix of fingers in front of the work face; Figure 8 shows a front view of a portion of the work face shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 shows a front view of a portion of the work face shown in the Figures

7 and 8 with raised fingers; Figure 10 shows a front view of a Proction of the work face shown in the Figures

7 to 9 without fingers; Figure 11 shows a sectional view along the line B-B in Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a rear perspective view of a finger; Figure 13 shows a rear view of a finger; Figure 14 shows a side view of a finger; Figure 15 shows a front view of the work face of the mold section opposite the face of

work shown in Figures 7 to 10; Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the working face of the mold section that is

shown in Figure 15; Figure 17 shows a top view of the mold section shown in Figures 15 and 16; Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view through the mold section shown in

Figure 16 along line A-A; Figures 19A to H show a variety of possible forms of joining elements; Y Figure 20 shows a more possible form of the connecting element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention includes a meshing process in which the elements

junction can be in the form of closed loops. However, the joining elements can take many forms, including shapes that have a single opening therethrough, such as rings, shapes that have multiple openings, etc.

Referring to Figure 1, a process for the continuous production of meshes is described. The preformed rings 1 to 4 are arranged in a first orientation with pairs 1, 2 and 3, 4 arranged so that the portions of their central openings overlap. Other such pairs may be provided in a row at spaced intervals in the plane of rings 1 to 4 to form a mesh length as required. A ring 5 can then be molded so that it passes through the central openings of rings 1 to 4 as shown. Ring 6 illustrates how additional rings can be formed simultaneously along the row.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the production of a subsequent row of mesh is described. Ring 3 of Figure 1 assumes the position of ring 4 of Figure 2 and ring 1 of Figure 1 assumes the position of ring 2 of Figure 2. Ring 5 of Figure 1 assumes the position of ring 7 of Figure 2. The new rings 3 and 1 are introduced in the positions shown in Figure 2. A new ring 5 is molded through the central openings of rings 1 to 4. In this way, it will be seen that sequentially introducing a new row of rings 1 and 3 and by molding a new ring 5 through the new rings 1 and 3 and the old rings 2 and 4 a mesh can be manufactured continuously. It will be appreciated that this pattern can be extended in any direction until the desired mesh width is obtained.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, a cross-sectional side view of a basic mold for the formation of a continuous mesh will be described in the context of the arrangement shown in Figure 3. The mold is composed of the mold sections 9, 10 and 14 and finger 13. The mold sections 9 and 10 split on the faces of the mold 9b, 10a and the mold sections 9 and 10 start from the finger 13 on the faces 9a, 10b and 14b. The annular cavity 12 is sized to retain the ring 2 and the annular cavity 11 is sized to retain the ring 1. The relative separations of the components, indicated by the letters B, C and D are indicated respectively in Figures 2 to 4.

A finger 13 of semicircular cross-section defines half of the central opening of the ring 5 that is formed in the cavity 15. Plastic materials can be introduced into the mold, when closed, as shown in Figure 5, to form a ring of 5 in the cavity 15. The mold sections 9 and 10 can then be moved to the left to open the mold, lifting the finger 13 up and the mold sections 9 and 10 are separated from the free ring 5 molded in the cavity 15 .

To form the next row, the ring in the cavity 11 moves to the cavity 12, a new ring is placed in the cavity 11, the mold is closed as shown in Figure 5 and a new ring is formed in the cavity 15 It will be appreciated that Figure 5 shows a section of a mold that can be repeated along the mold to form a row of continuous mesh. Referring now to Figures 6a to 18, an apparatus for continuous mesh production is described. Figures 6a to 6c show the main components of the apparatus including mold sections 30, 31 and 32. Mold sections 30 and 31 can be separated from mold section 32 as seen in Figures 6b and 6c. A plurality of fingers, one of which is indicated with the number 37a moves with the mold section 30 and can move vertically with respect thereto. The mold section 30 is movable with respect to the mold section 31 to allow the molded joining elements to be released as shown in Figure 6b. The arm 33 is connected to the bar 34 (shown in Figure 7 and later) that raises and lowers the fingers 37a as the roller 35 is guided in the groove 36 and section 30 moves out of section 32 .

Referring now to Figures 7 to 11, a portion of the work faces of mold sections 30 and 31 is shown. These work faces may extend to the left and right as required to form a desired mesh width. A plurality of fingers, of which only 37a to 37d are indicated, is fixed to the bar 34. The bar 34 is connected to the arm 35 and raises and lowers the fingers 37a to 37d as the roller 35 moves on the track 36. Figure 9 shows fingers 37a to 37d in their raised position, while Figures 7 and 8 show fingers 37a to 37d in the down position.

Preformed rings are supplied to the apparatus through supply tubes, some of which are indicated by the numbers 43a to 43e. Referring to Figures 12 to 14, the shape of fingers 37a to 37d is shown. The finger 37a has partial annular cavities 39 and 40 on the rear face 38. These cavities 39 and 40 are positioned so that when the fingers 37a to 37d are in the raised position shown in Figure 9, the rings supplied from the tubes of Supply 43a to 43e may be located within the partial annular cavities 39 and 40 of the adjacent fingers. The cavities 39 and 40 include deflection elements 49, which push the retained rings therein away from the cavities 39 and 40. The end 42 of the finger 37a is coupled with the bar 34. The distal end 41 is scalloped to help the product output from the mold.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, the work faces of the mold sections 30 and 31 include the cavities 45a to 45e to accommodate the preformed rings and the cavities 44a to 44e to accommodate the overlapping rings in said cavities 45a to 45e. Ejector pins 48a to 48e move in and out in a normal direction to the page to aid in the ejection of the rings, as will be described later. The

Ejector pins 48a to 48e include recessed sections 47a to 47e that house rings within cavities 45a to 45e when they retract.

Referring now to Figure 11, a view is shown along the line B-B (see Figure 10). It can be seen that the semicircular cavities 46a to 46e are provided with a normal orientation with respect to the working face of the mold section 31. Semicircular projections 55a to 55e defining the half of the circular core of a ring extend from the mold section 30 so that when the mold is closed, half of an annular ring is defined by cavities 46a to 46e and protrusions 55a to 55e.

Referring to Figures 15 to 18, the working face of the mold section 32 is shown. A plurality of semicircular cavities 51a to 51d form the other half of the annular cavities that form the molded rings. The fingers 37a to 37d are located inside the cavities 50a to 50d, the fingers 37a to 37d defining half of the ring core formed in the annular cavities (the other half being formed by the projections 55a to 55e). Injectors 53a to 53d (see Figure 18) inject molten material into semicircular cavities 51a to 51d through openings 52a to 52d during molding. In one embodiment, the material is thermoplastic. In another embodiment, the material is metal.

The operation of the apparatus will now be described with reference to Figures 6a to 18. Initially, the mold sections 30 and 31 are separated from the mold section 32 and the fingers are in the raised position shown in Figures 6c and 9 The rings contained in supply tubes 43a to 43e are pushed towards the fingers 37a to 37d and held in the cavities 39 and 40 of the respective fingers. The bar 34 then moves downward as the mold sections 30 and 31 move towards the mold section 32, so that the fingers adopt the positions shown in Figure 8. The deflection elements 49 in the cavities 39 and 40 push the rings into cavities 44a to 44e. These rings are superimposed on the rings already placed inside the cavities 45a to 45e.

The mold sections 30 and 31 are then closed against the mold section 32 so that the fingers 37a to 37d are housed within the cavities 50a to 50d (see Figure 6a). The mold section 30 is also pushed back into the mold section 31 as the mold is closed. When the mold is closed, the cavities 51a to 51d and 46a to 46d define a disk-shaped cavity. The fingers 37a to 37d together with the projections 55a to 55e define a circular core so that a series of annular cavities is defined.

In one embodiment, the injectors 53a to 53d then inject plastic materials into the cavities 51a to 51d, so that the rings are formed in the cavities 51a to 51d and 46a to 46d. Alternatively, the cavities 51a to 51d (or another part of the mold cavity for each ring) can normally be fed with the molten material. The mold section 31 then moves out of the mold section 32 (as shown in Figure 6b) and, simultaneously, the mold section 30, which is skewed with respect to the mold section 31, moves away from the mold section 31 sufficiently to allow the rings formed in the mold to be released from the mold section 30. The mold sections 30 and 31 are then moved further, as indicated in Figure 6c, together with fingers 37a to 37d As the mold sections 30 and 31 move away from the mold section 32, the roller 35 reaches a section in the groove 36 in which it causes the bar 34 to rise. The bar 34 eventually rises to the position shown in Figures 6c and 9.

At this point the ejector pins 48a to 48e move in an off-page direction to eject the retained rings within the cavities 45a to 45e. However, the rings of the cavities 44a to 44e are retained since they are located at the top of the ejector pins 48a to 48e and behind the fingers 37a to 37e. The fingers 37a to 37e are then partially lowered as the mold section 30 moves towards the mold section 32 to retain the rings in the cavities 44a to 44e. The ejector pins 48a to 48e are then retracted and the rings retained in the cavities 44a to 44e then fall into the cavities 45a to 45e. The mold sections 30 and 31 are then closed with the mold section 32 and the apparatus is ready for the next molding cycle.

Although the joining elements are shown to form in rows, it will be noted that other molding arrangements may be employed. For example, adjacent joining elements may be offset with respect to each other. It will also be appreciated that the apparatus may be adapted to allow two sheets of mesh to be attached. It will be appreciated that the process of the invention can be implemented in many ways.

After manufacturing, the mesh can undergo additional treatment processes. In the "spark ignition" process the mesh may be exposed to a high temperature heat source for a short period of time so that minor surface imperfections melt and each joint element has a substantially smooth surface. In addition, a coating can be applied to the mesh by electroplating, spray painting or some other coating process. The coatings can be applied to provide physical properties or a particular appearance.

The mesh formed by the process of the invention can be further processed to form products. A mesh can be maintained in a desired configuration, for example, by placing the mesh on a mold, and then heating it so that the joining elements melt and then cooling it so that the elements of

union remain fixed relative to each other forming a rigid structure.

Alternatively, the mesh can be maintained in a desired configuration and then a hardenable composition, such as a resin, is applied, and the configuration is maintained until the fragrable material hardens to form a rigid structure.

The joining elements can be made of various materials that can exist in a fluid phase and then harden, such as plastics, metals, glass, absorbent or non-absorbent foams, flexible polymers, etc. A mesh can contain a mixture of joining elements formed of different materials. In addition, the optical characteristics of the joining elements may vary on the mesh to create a particular pattern or visual appearance. For example, different patterns can be created using joining elements of different colors and / or transparent joining elements.

The joining elements can also take a variety of shapes that can be mixed with a mesh. Some examples of closed loop joining elements are shown in Figures 19A to 19H. Other novel forms, such as hearts, etc. They can be used too. In addition, the joining elements may have patterns or indications molded on their surfaces.

Figure 20 shows another form of connecting element in the form of a circular disk 66 having a plurality of openings 67 to 70 provided therein. Rings or other joining elements can be formed through openings 67 to 70. It will be noted that a wide variety of shapes and configurations of connecting elements can be used, as well as traditional mesh arrangements using joint element designs 1 : 03;

1:04 or 1:06.

The mesh formed by the process or by the apparatus of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications including: filtration, pollution control; signage, flags, screens, etc .; conveyors; baffles; armor, clothing, furniture, such as hammocks, terrace chairs, etc .; screens, curtains, etc.

It has been found that the mesh is particularly effective in collecting materials, such as oil, from the surface of a fluid, such as water. A mesh formed by joining elements formed of absorbent material

or which includes links formed of an absorbent material can provide an additional capacity for oil collection. The mesh can be provided in a drum or as part of a conveyor system so that the collected material can be continuously removed by a washing or draining system etc.

A fast and economical method and apparatus for the continuous manufacture of meshes using various materials is therefore provided. A mesh that has a range of physical and optical properties can be manufactured. The mesh can have a good structural strength and a smooth surface appearance. The process can also allow a mesh with small connecting elements that is economically manufactured.

Although the present invention has been illustrated by describing the embodiments thereof, and although the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit in any way the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A method of forming a mesh comprising:

to.

 advancing a first plurality of preformed joining elements (1, 3) from a first set of positions to a second set of positions within a mold (9, 10, 13, 14); Y

b.

 for each successive advance of the first plurality of preformed joining elements (1, 3), place a second set of preformed joining elements (2, 4) in the first set of positions and molding a plurality of new joining elements (5 , 7) in the mold through the first (1, 3) and the second (2, 4) pluralities of preformed joining elements that are placed in the first set of positions and in the second set of positions to interconnect the first (1, 3) and the second (2, 4) pluralities of preformed joint elements that are placed in the first and second sets of positions with the new joint elements to form a continuous mesh of interconnected joint elements.

2.

 A method according to claim 1 wherein the first and second pluralities of preformed joining elements are respectively placed in rows.

3.

 A method according to claim 2, wherein, apart from the edges of the mesh, the plurality of new joint elements is attached on each side to a preformed joint element already provided previously and to a preformed joint element of A new row provided.

Four.

 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of new joining elements is formed in a transverse orientation with respect to the first and second pluralities of joining elements.

5.

 A method according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of new joining elements is formed substantially in a normal orientation with respect to the first and second pluralities of joining elements.

6.

 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second pluralities of preformed joining elements and the new joining elements are in the form of a closed loop having a central opening.

7.

 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second pluralities of preformed joining elements and the plurality of new joining elements are rings.

8.

A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second pluralities of preformed joining elements have multiple openings to receive the plurality of new joining elements molded therethrough.

9.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of joining elements is provided in a first plurality of cavities (11) within the mold.

10.

 A method according to claim 9, wherein 2 preformed joining elements are contained during molding within each cavity of the first plurality of cavities.

eleven.

 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mesh is maintained in a desired configuration and is heated so that the joint elements fuse when cooled, so that the mesh retains the desired configuration.

12.

 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mesh is electrodeposited after mesh formation.

13.

 A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bonding agent is applied to the mesh, which when hardened forms a rigid composite product.

14.

 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein some of the joining elements have different optical properties.

fifteen.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sets of positions are arranged relative to each other to form the overlapping regions between the first and second pluralities of preformed joining elements.

16.

 An apparatus for forming a mesh that includes a mold (30, 31, 32) formed as a plurality of sections, at least some of which are closed together to define cavities for molding the connecting elements and are separated to release elements of Union molded, including the mold:

to. a plurality of first cavities (45a-45e) at spaced intervals to retain a first plurality of preformed joining elements in a first set of positions and a second plurality of preformed joining elements in a second set of positions;

b.

 a mechanism (48a-48e) for sequentially advancing the first plurality of preformed joining elements from the first set of positions to the second set of positions; Y

C.

 a plurality of second cavities (44a-44e) sized and arranged when the mold sections

5 are closed to form cavities to form new joining elements in the second cavities that pass through the preformed joining elements located within the first cavities. 17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first cavities are provided in a row at spaced intervals and the second cavities are sized and arranged to form new interconnection joint elements with the preformed joint elements located within the first cavities 10 adjacent. 18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the first cavities are sized and arranged to retain the preformed joining elements substantially in the foreground and the second cavities are sized and arranged so that the new forming elements formed in the second cavities they are generally in a plane transverse to the foreground. 19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the first cavities house a plurality of connecting elements 20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the retractable fingers (37a-37d) define a portion of an opening that must be formed within each new molded joint member in each of the second cavities. An apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein a portion of each of the second cavities is defined by the first and second mold sections that can be moved relative to each other to release new molded joint elements inside. 22. An apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the third mold section and fingers define the remaining portions of the second mold cavities. 23. An apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the fingers supply preformed joining elements to the first cavities.