KR101127295B1 - Mesh and methods and apparatus for forming and using mesh - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention forms one link element 5 around another link element 1, 2, 3, 4 to form a mesh in which the interconnect link elements 5 are formed as a continuous unbound loop by the forming process. The present invention relates to a method of forming a mesh. The present invention provides a plurality of first cavities 44a-44e, 45a-45e for receiving the first link elements 1, 2, 3, 4 and a plurality of second for forming the interconnect link element 5. A mesh forming apparatus comprising cavities 46a-46e and 51a-51d. The method and apparatus allow for continuous fabrication of meshes formed from a range of materials, including plastic materials.

Mesh, ring, mold section, cavity, finger

Description

Mesh, and methods and apparatus for forming and using the mesh {MESH AND METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND USING MESH}

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a mesh using modularized interconnect link elements. The invention also relates to a mesh formed by the method of the invention, an article comprising the mesh, and a method of using the mesh. The term " mesh " as used herein refers to a mesh formed of interconnecting link elements such as rings.

Meshes consisting of interconnecting link elements are best known in the form of chainmail. Chain mails have traditionally been formed by interconnecting a closed metal ring with an open metal ring and then closing the open ring by processes such as mechanical deformation and welding. In another method, a split ring formed of spring steel or some other elastic material is used as the interconnect link member and temporarily opened using a tool such as a plier to enable interconnection to other link members. Recently, meshes have been formed from plastic materials by combining closed rings with open rings and then mechanically fastening, welding, or bonding the open rings to close them.

Manufacturing chainmail / meshes using traditional methods is time consuming, labor intensive, and expensive. Chain mails / meshes that contain non-closed link elements may only be exposed to limited force before the link element fails. If the interconnect link elements are joined, the joint may damage the appearance of the finished mesh. Such a method also limited the materials that could be used in the manufacture of the mesh and limited the actual size of the link elements.

Although there are complex devices for forming meshes by folding sections of wires, there are currently no automated processes for the continuous and economical manufacture of chain mails / meshes for mass sale.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated process and apparatus for the continuous fabrication of meshes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mesh having strong structural integrity and an attractive appearance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mesh that is economical to manufacture for a range of applications.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel mesh product and a method of using the mesh.

Each of these purposes should be read alternatively for the purpose of providing at least a useful choice to the public.

According to the first aspect of the present invention,

a. Providing a plurality of link elements,

b. A method of forming a mesh is provided that includes forming a plurality of link elements through the link elements to interconnect the link elements to form a continuous mesh of interconnected link elements.

According to another aspect of the invention,

a. Positioning the plurality of first link elements in the plurality of first positions in the mold;

b. Positioning the plurality of second link elements in the plurality of second positions in the mold;

c. Shaping the plurality of third link elements in the plurality of third positions in the mold to be interconnected with the plurality of first and second link elements;

d. Advancing a subset of the plurality of first link elements to be in the plurality of second locations in the mold;

e. A method is provided that includes forming a plurality of fourth link elements to interconnect with a subset of the plurality of first link elements.

Also provided is a mesh formed by the method of the present invention.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mesh forming apparatus comprising a mold formed as a plurality of sections at least partially closed to each other to define a cavity for forming the link element and separated to release the formed link element,

The mold,

a. A plurality of first cavities for retaining the plurality of link elements at spaced intervals,

b. When the mold sections are closed to form a cavity, the mold section includes a plurality of second cavities dimensioned and arranged to form a link element in a second cavity that passes through a link element located in the first cavity.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mesh formed of link elements in which the interconnect link elements are formed as continuous unbonded loops by a forming process.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of link elements without interconnecting interconnects to form a two-dimensional mesh of link elements.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view showing the relative positions of the rings in a method of fabricating a row of meshes.

Figure 2 is a front view showing the relative position of the rings when the other two rings are joined.

3 is a side view of the ring shown in FIG.

4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of sections of a simple mold for showing operation in the mesh manufacturing method.

6A is a side view of a device suitable for continuously manufacturing the mesh shown in the closed position.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6A in a partially open configuration.

FIG. 6C is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6A in a fully open configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a portion of the working surface of two mold sections forming one half of the mold of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 6A-6D with the finger array in front of the working surface.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of a part of the working surface shown in FIG.

9 shows a front view of a portion of the working surface shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 with the finger raised.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of a portion of the working surface shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 without a finger.

FIG. 11 shows a sectional view along the line B-B in FIG.

12 shows a rear perspective view of the finger.

Figure 13 shows a rear view of the finger.

14 shows a side view of a finger.

Figure 15 shows a front view of the working surface of the mold section opposite to the working surface shown in Figures 7-10.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the working surface of the mold section shown in Figure 15;

17 shows a top view of the mold section shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 18 shows a cross section through the mold section shown in FIG. 16 along line A-A.

19A-19H illustrate various possible link element shapes.

20 shows another possible link element shape.

One embodiment of the invention includes a method of forming a mesh in which the link elements may be in the form of an unbonded closed loop. However, the link elements can take many forms, including forms having a single opening therethrough, such as a ring, and forms having multiple openings.

Referring to Fig. 1, a method for continuously producing a mesh is described. The preformed rings 1 to 4 are arranged in a first orientation with pairs 1, 2, 3, 4 arranged so that some of their central openings overlap. In addition, such pairs may be provided in rows at spaced intervals in the plane of the rings 1-4 to form the length of the mesh, if desired. The ring 5 can then be shaped to pass through the central opening of the rings 1 to 4 as shown. The ring 6 shows how additional rings can be formed simultaneously along the row. The ring 5 (molded link element) may be formed in a transverse orientation with respect to the preformed rings 1 to 4 (link element interconnected by the molded link element). In addition, the ring 5 (molded link element) may be formed substantially perpendicular to the preformed rings 1 to 4 (link element interconnected by the molded link element).

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the fabrication of subsequent rows of meshes is described. The ring 3 of FIG. 1 takes the position of the ring 4 of FIG. 2, and the ring 1 of FIG. 1 takes the position of the ring 2 of FIG. 2. The ring 5 of FIG. 1 takes the position of the ring 7 of FIG. New rings 3 and 1 are introduced into the position shown in FIG. A new ring 5 is shaped through the central opening of the rings 1 to 4. In this way, the mesh is continuously produced by introducing the rows of new rings 1, 3 sequentially and forming the new rings 5 through the new rings 1, 3 and the previous rings 2, 4. You will know. It will be appreciated that this pattern may extend in each direction to obtain the desired width of the mesh.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a cross-sectional side view of the base mold for forming the continuous mesh will be described in the context of the arrangement shown in FIG. 3. The mold consists of mold sections 9, 10, 14 and fingers 13. The mold sections 9, 10 are separated at the mold faces 9b, 10a and the mold sections 9, 10 are separated from the fingers 13 at the faces 9a, 10b, 14b. The annular cavity 12 is dimensioned to hold the ring 2, and the annular cavity 11 is dimensioned to hold the ring 1. Relative component spacings indicated by reference numerals B, C, and D are indicated in FIGS.

A finger 13 of semicircular cross section defines half of the central opening of the ring 5 formed in the cavity 15. When plastic is introduced into the mold and closed as shown in FIG. 5, it can form a ring 5 in the cavity 15. The mold sections 9, 10 are then moved to the left to open the mold, the fingers 13 are raised upwards, and the mold sections 9 and 10 are moved to be spaced apart to form a ring in the cavity 15. (5) can be released.

To form the next row, the ring in cavity 11 is moved to cavity 12, a new ring is located in cavity 11, the mold is closed as shown in Figure 5, and the new ring is cavity It is formed in (15). It will be appreciated that Figure 5 shows a section of the mold that can be repeated along the mold to form a continuous row of meshes.

Referring now to Figures 6A-18, an apparatus for a continuous mesh product is described. 6a to 6c show the main components of the apparatus including the mold sections 30, 31, 32. The mold sections 30, 31 can be separated from the mold section 32 as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. A plurality of fingers, one of which is marked 37a, moves with the mold section 30 and is movable vertically relative thereto. The mold section 30 is movable relative to the mold section 31 to allow the molded link elements to be released as shown in FIG. 6B. The arm 33 raises and lowers the fingers 37a when the roller 35 is guided in the slotted track 36 and the section 30 is moved away from the section 32 (shown after FIG. 7). Connected to the bar 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-11, a portion of the working surface of the mold sections 30, 31 is shown. This working surface may extend left and right if necessary to form the desired width of the mesh. A plurality of fingers, shown only 37a-37d, are secured to the bar 34. The bar 34 is connected to the arm 33 to raise and lower the fingers 37a to 37d as the roller 35 moves within the slotted track 36. Fig. 9 shows the fingers 37a to 37d in the raised position, and Figs. 7 and 8 show the fingers 37a to 37d in the lowered position.

The preformed rings are fed to the device through a feed tube, some of which are labeled 43a to 43e. 12-14, the shape of the fingers 37a-37d is shown. Finger 37a has partial annular cavities 39, 40 in backside 38. These cavities 39, 40 are partially annular cavities 39, 40 of the rings fed by the feed tubes 43a-43e adjacent the fingers when the fingers 37a-37d are in the raised position shown in FIG. 9. It is positioned to be located within. The cavities 39 and 40 include a biasing element 49 that urges the retained ring away from the cavities 39 and 40. The end 42 of the finger 37a is engaged with the bar 34. The distal end 41 is fan shaped to assist with product discharge from the mold.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the working surfaces of the mold sections 30, 31 define a cavity 45a-45e for receiving a preformed ring, and a ring that overlaps the ring in the cavity 45a-45e. Cavities 44a through 44e for receiving. The ejector pins 48a to 48e move in a direction perpendicular to the ground to help eject the ring as described later. The ejector pins 48a-48e include undercut sections 47a-47e that receive the ring in the cavities 45a-45e when retracted.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a view along line B-B (see FIG. 10). It can be seen that the semi-circular cavities 46a-46e are provided perpendicular to the working surface of the mold section 31. Semi-circular projections 55a to 55e defining half of the circular core of the ring are provided with mold section 30 such that when the mold is half closed, the annular ring is defined by cavities 46a to 46e and projections 55a to 55e. Extends from.

15 to 18, the working surface of the mold section 32 is shown. The plurality of semicircular recesses 51a to 51d form the other half of the annular cavity forming the forming ring. Fingers 37a through 37d are located in cavities 50a through 50d, and fingers 37a through 37d define half of the core of the ring formed in the annular cavity (the other half is formed by protrusions 55a through 55e). ). The injectors 53a to 53d (see FIG. 18) inject molten material through the openings 52a to 52d into the semicircular cavities 51a to 51d during molding. In one embodiment, the material is a thermoplastic resin. In another embodiment, the material is a metal.

Operation of the apparatus will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6A-18. First, the mold sections 30, 31 are separated from the mold section 32 and the fingers are in the raised position shown in FIGS. 6C-9. Rings received in the supply tubes 43a to 43e are pressed toward the fingers 37a to 37d and retained in the recesses 39 and 40 of each finger. The bar 34 is then moved down when the mold sections 30, 31 are moved towards the mold section 32 so that the finger takes the position shown in FIG. 8. The biasing element 49 in the recesses 39 and 40 urges the ring into the recesses 44a to 44e. This ring overlaps with a ring already located in the recesses 45a to 45e.

The mold sections 30, 31 are then closed relative to the mold section 32 such that the fingers 37a-37d are received in the recesses 50a-50d (see FIG. 6A). The mold section 30 is also pressed back into the mold section 31 when the mold is closed. When the mold is closed, the recesses 51a to 51d and 46a to 46d define disc shaped cavities. Fingers 37a through 37d define a circular core such that a series of annular cavities is defined with respect to protrusions 55a through 55e.

In one embodiment, plastic is then injected into the cavities 51a through 51d by the injectors 53a through 53d so that rings are formed in the cavities 51a through 51d and 46a through 46d. Alternatively, the cavities 51a-51d (or other portions of the mold cavities for each ring) may generally be supplied with molten material. The mold section 31 is then moved away from the mold section 32 (as shown in FIG. 6B) and at the same time the mold section 30, which is biased against the mold section 31, has a ring formed within the mold. Move away from the mold section 31 enough to allow release from the section 30. The mold sections 30, 31 are then moved further along the fingers 37a to 37d as shown in FIG. 6C. When the mold sections 30, 31 are moved away from the mold section 32, the roller 35 reaches the section in the slotted track 36 to raise the bar 34. Bar 34 eventually rises to the position shown in FIGS. 6C and 9.

At this point, the ejector pins 48a to 48e move in the direction coming out of the ground to eject the ring retained in the cavities 45a to 45e. However, the rings in the recesses 44a through 44e are located and retained on top of the ejector pins 48a through 48e and behind the fingers 37a through 37e. Fingers 37a through 37e then partially descend when mold section 30 is moved towards mold section 32 to retain ring in recesses 44a through 44e. Ejector pins 48a through 48e are then retracted and the ring retained in recesses 44a through 44e then falls into recesses 45a through 45e. The mold sections 30, 31 are then closed with the mold section 32 and the apparatus is ready for the next molding cycle.

Although the link elements are shown formed in rows, it will be appreciated that other forming arrangements may be employed. For example, adjacent link elements can be offset relative to each other. It will also be appreciated that the device may be adapted to allow two sheets of mesh to be joined. It will be appreciated that the method of the present invention may be practiced in many ways.

Following fabrication, the mesh may be subjected to further processing. In the process of "rapid flame treatment", the mesh may be exposed to a high temperature heat source for a short period of time so that any small surface defects melt and each link element has a substantially smooth surface. In addition, the coating may be applied to the mesh by electroplating, spray painting, or some other coating process. Coatings can be applied to provide physical properties or specific appearance.

The mesh formed by the method of the present invention can be further processed to form a product. The mesh can be maintained in a desired configuration, for example, by hanging the mesh over a mold and then heating it so that the link elements fuse with each other and then cool the link elements fixed against each other to form a rigid structure.

Alternatively, the mesh can be maintained in a desired configuration, where a curable component such as a resin is then applied and the configuration is maintained until the curable material cures to form a rigid structure.

The link elements can be formed from a variety of materials that can be cured and present in a fluid state such as plastic, metal, glass, adsorbent or nonadsorbent foam, flexible polymers, and the like. The mesh may comprise a mixture of link elements formed of different materials. In addition, the optical characteristics of the link elements can be changed for the mesh to create a pattern or a particular visual appearance. For example, different patterns can be generated using link elements of different colors and / or transparent link elements.

The link elements can also take various shapes that can be mixed with the mesh. Some examples of closed loop link elements are shown in FIGS. 19A-19H. Other new shapes, such as hearts, may also be used. In addition, the link element may have a pattern or mark molded into its surface.

20 shows another form of link element in the form of a circular disk 66 provided with a plurality of openings 67 to 70. Rings or other link elements can be formed through the openings 67-70. It will be appreciated that a wide variety of link element shapes and configurations may be employed, as well as traditional mesh arrangements using 1: 3, 1: 4, or 1: 6 link element placement.

The mesh formed by the method or apparatus of the present invention has a wide variety of uses including furniture, screens, curtains, etc., such as filtration, pollution control, symbols, flags, displays, conveyors, baffles, weapons, clothing, hammocks, decks, chairs, and the like. Can be used as

Meshes have been found to be particularly effective in collecting materials such as oil from the surface of fluids such as water. Meshes formed with link elements formed from adsorbent materials or comprising links formed from adsorbent materials may provide additional capability for oil collection. The mesh can be provided on a drum or as part of a conveyor system so that the collected material can be continuously removed by a cleaning system or a water hammer.

Thus, a rapid and economical method and apparatus for the continuous production of meshes using various materials is provided. Meshes with a range of physical and optical properties can be produced. The mesh can have good structural strength and smooth surface appearance. The method also allows a mesh with small link elements to be manufactured economically.

Although the invention has been illustrated by the description of its embodiments, and the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to limit or limit the appended claims to those details. Additional advantages and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited in its broadest aspect to specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and to the examples shown and described. Accordingly, changes may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of Applicants' general inventive concept.

Claims (50)

How to form the mesh, a. Providing a plurality of preformed link elements in the plurality of cavities in the mold, each having at least one through opening; b. A plurality of new link elements separate from each of the preformed link elements is molded in the mold through the through openings of the respective preformed link elements so that the preformed link element and the new link element are interconnected. Forming a continuous mesh of interconnected link elements. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of preformed link elements in a new row are continuously provided, and new link elements are formed through the through openings of previously provided preformed link elements and a plurality of preformed link elements in a new row. Whereby the plurality of preformed link elements in the new row are interconnected to each other and to the previously provided preformed link elements. The method of claim 2, wherein at locations other than the edge of the mesh, the newly formed link elements are connected on each side with respect to previously provided preformed link elements and newly provided rows of preformed link elements. The method of claim 1, wherein the newly shaped link elements are formed in a transverse orientation with respect to the preformed link elements they interconnect. The method of claim 4, wherein the newly shaped link elements are formed generally perpendicular to the preformed link elements they interconnect. The method according to claim 1, wherein the link elements are in the form of a closed loop with a central opening. The method of claim 1, wherein the link elements are rings. The method of claim 1, wherein the preformed link element has multiple openings for receiving new link elements formed therethrough. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of preformed first link elements of the preformed link elements is provided in a first plurality of cavities in the mold. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of preformed first link elements is continuously fed through the first cavity via a plurality of forming cycles, each first link element being connected to at least two molded new link elements on each side. How are they interconnected? The method of claim 10, wherein two preformed link elements are received in each first cavity during molding. The method of claim 1, wherein the link element is formed of plastic. The method of claim 1, wherein the link element is formed of glass. The method of claim 1, wherein the link element is formed of metal. The method of claim 1, wherein some link elements have different optical properties. The method of claim 15, wherein some link elements have different colors forming a pattern in the mesh. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mesh is subjected to a rapid flame treatment after shaping. The method of claim 1, wherein the mesh is maintained in a desired configuration and heated so that the meshes fuse with each other to maintain the desired configuration when the link elements are cooled. The method of claim 1, wherein the mesh is electroplated after molding. The method of claim 1, wherein the binder is applied to the mesh, which, when cured, forms a rigid composite product. The method of claim 20, wherein the binder is a resin. a. Positioning the plurality of first link elements in the plurality of first positions in the mold; b. Positioning the plurality of second link elements in the plurality of second positions in the mold; c. Shaping the plurality of third link elements in the plurality of third positions in the mold to be interconnected with the plurality of first and second link elements; d. Advancing a subset of the plurality of first link elements to be in the plurality of second locations in the mold; e. Forming a plurality of fourth link elements to interconnect with a subset of the plurality of first link elements. A mesh formed by the method of claim 1 or 22. A mesh forming apparatus comprising a mold formed as a plurality of sections at least partially closed to define a cavity for forming the link element and separated to release the molded link element, The mold, a. A plurality of first cavities for retaining a plurality of preformed link elements at spaced intervals, b. When the mold sections are closed to form a cavity, they are separate from the first cavity, dimensioned and arranged to form a new link element in a second cavity that passes through a preformed link element located in the first cavity. And a plurality of second cavities. The method of claim 24, wherein the first cavities are provided in a row at spaced intervals, and the second cavities are dimensioned to form a new link element interconnected with a preformed link element located in adjacent first cavities. Device arranged. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first cavities are dimensioned and arranged to retain preformed link elements in a first plane generally, wherein the second cavities are formed with new link elements formed within the second cavity generally relative to the first plane. The device is dimensioned and arranged to lie within the transverse plane. 27. The apparatus of any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the first cavities receive a plurality of preformed link elements. 27. The apparatus of any of claims 24-26, wherein the first cavities receive two preformed link elements. The apparatus of claim 27 comprising a mechanism for sequentially advancing preformed link elements retained in the first cavities from an input end to an output end. 27. The apparatus of any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the mold comprises first and second mold sections that together define a portion of the second cavity and a third mold section that defines another portion. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the retractable finger defines a portion of the opening formed in each new link element that is formed in each second cavity. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein a portion of each second cavity is defined by first and second mold sections that can be moved relative to each other to release the molded link elements therein. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the third mold section and the finger define a remainder of the second mold cavity. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the finger feeds the preformed link element into the first cavity. 27. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 24 to 26 comprising an ejector for discharging link elements from the first cavity. A mesh formed of link elements, A mesh in which interconnected link elements are formed as a continuous unbonded loop by a forming process. 37. The mesh of claim 36 formed from plastics. 37. The mesh of claim 36 formed from a metal. 37. The mesh of claim 36 formed from glass. The mesh of claim 36 formed from a flexible polymer. 37. The mesh of claim 36 formed from adsorbent foams. 42. The mesh of any of claims 36-41, wherein some of the link elements have different optical properties. 42. The mesh according to any of claims 36 to 41, wherein some of the link elements are of different colors. 44. The mesh of claim 43 wherein link elements of different colors form a pattern or graphic design. 37. The mesh of claim 36, wherein the link elements have substantially the same shape. 37. The mesh of claim 36, wherein the link elements have substantially the same cross section. The mesh of claim 36, wherein some of the link elements have multiple openings therethrough. 42. The mesh of claim 36 or 41 wherein the mesh is a contaminant collection mesh. 49. The mesh of claim 48 in the form of a continuous loop. A mesh comprising a plurality of link elements without interconnected joints to form a two-dimensional mesh of link elements.

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