US1503743A

US1503743A - Method of reenforcing reflectors

Info

Publication number: US1503743A
Application number: US387975A
Authority: US
Inventors: Bart Blasius
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1920-06-10
Filing date: 1920-06-10
Publication date: 1924-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 1941-08-05

Description

Aug.' 5. 1924.

B. BART IBTHOD OF REENFORCING REFLECTORS Filed June 10. 192

Patented Aug. 5, 1924.

UNITED STATES BLASIUS BART; OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

METHOD OF BEENFORCING REFLECTOBS.

Application filed June 10,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BLASIUS BART, a citizen of the Republic of Switzerland and resident of Newark, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Im rovements in -Meth ods of Reenforcing Re ectors, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates in general to a method for reenforcing electrolytically deposited thin sheet metal articles which do not possess a rigidity sufficient to maintain their configuration under the distorting effect of their own weight and the invention relates specifically to a method of forming a reinforced reflector of a straight or curvilinear form. 4

The invention also relates to an im roved form of reflectors most conveniently ormed by the method herein featured. Reflectors of the type under consideration are usually :formed of a thin film of reflecting metal, such as silver, with a thin backing sheet of some strengthening material, such as cop- ,per. Considerations of economy as well as other factors require that the combined films be of the least possible thickness of material. Such reflectors when of relatively small diameter, say four or five inches can be made of thickness of material tdprovide a rigidity in the backing layer suflicient to maintain the configuration of the article but when the reflectors are made of large dia meter, say six to ten feet, it is obvious that to produce a backing sufficient to give the rigidity necessary to defeat distortion, would be prohibitive especially in those cases where the backing is made of an expensive metal such as the electrolytic copper deposit usually employed.

The present disclosure features a means for reenforcing the frail, thin double sheet reflector so as to withstand any tendency on the part of the reflector to sag by its own weight or to become distorted under the variable temperature conditions incidental to the use of a reflector in search lights or other situations where intense heat is present.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to attain a simple mode of procedure to provide economically a reinforcement for a device of the class outlined which will act to maintain the desired configuration to the object under the variable conditions of use,

1920. serial mi. 887,975.

and at the same time secure the reenforcing stiffening material, such as copper, on the rear face of the reflecting layer, all as is usual 1n the manufacture of metallic mirrors as at present practiced.

The disclosure features a rigid and preformed reenforcing element of suitable form which is placed against the partially formed backing and the electroplating operation continued until the element is securely embedded in the backing sheet.

Considering the article'phase of the disclosure the primary object of the invention is to provide a well braced reflector in which the use of metal has been reduced to a minimum and the necessary strength provided by relatively inexpensive structural parts.

Still another ob ect of the invention is to provide a simple means for armouring the periphery of the formed reflector so that it may be moved about onthe armouring means utilized as a rim and so that the armouring means may be utilized as a mounting frame for securing the reflector in place. v Y

Still another object of the invention is to provide a metallic reflector which can be made of unusually large size and which need not have any greater thickness of metal parts than is necessary for a small reflector.

Various other objects and advantages of the invention will be in part obvious from an inspection of the accompanying drawings and in part will be more fully set forth in the following particular description of one form of mechanism embodying my invention, and the invention also consists in certain new and novel features of construction and combination of parts hereinafter set forth and claimed.

Referring to the accompanying drawformed reflector assembled with an encircling armouring band for-protecting the edges of the same; and

Fig. 2 is a reduced view in rear elevation of the device shown in Figure 1.

In the following description and .in the claims, arts will be identifiedv by specific names or convenience of expression but they are intended to be as generic in their application to similar parts as the art.. w1l1 permit.

In the accompanying drawings, a reflector has been selected to'illustrate one form of the resulting product obtained from practicing the method disclosed. It is to be understood that a very thin film 11.0f Sllver has been de osited upon a highly 01'- ished glass mou d as more fully descri ed in my copendin application on apparatus for'spraying so utions, Serial No. 387,974,

filed June 10, 1920. After the silver deposit was set the mould with the silver film thereon was positioned in an electrolytic vat and a thin copper film deposited on the rear face of the reflecting material as'is usual in such processes." After the film had attainedesome thi'clmess, as indicated at 12, so as to provide a frame spacing layer, the reen'forcing element, such as thefring 13, was' ositione on the copper film 12 and the e ectrolytic depositin process continued to form a backing ,s eet14 of the desired thickness. The copper backing embeds the reenforcing ring within its depth so thatthe element is entirely surrounded with the integral sheet 14 and in this way secured to the reflecting film to form a single united structure.

I In situations such as illustrated wherein there is shown a reflector of the curvilinear ity to the structure and may be a built-up structure featuring the best practices inherent in other internal reinforcement arts. In situations where the element of light weight is a material factor, the ring is made of aluminum but in general practice wooden structures have been found to be preferable for numerous reasons such as resiliencyand cheapness of manufacture.

- Inthose situations where it is desired that the ring form of reinforcement be used in articles of large diameter it is possible to form the reinforcement in the form of a wheel with internal bracing spokes 15 and this structure is particularly'applicable in the large sized reflectors which are pro- -vided with a central opening 16. In this cas'ethe okes are joined to a hub ring 17 which enclrcles the aperture opening 16. In such devices it ispreferable that the hub member and the part of'the spokes connected thereto be in spaced relation to the metallic part of the reflector so as to permit the necessary degree of expansion and contraction usual with the reflectors of high power lamps.

It is obvious that the securing of the reenforcin element within the body of the backing ayer eliminates any necessity for providing securing elements which would otherwise have to pass through the metalhe part of the reflector to the reflecting surface thus giving rise to an objectionable ap arance to the front of the device. The re ector disclosed is firmly braced at its periphery and is finished off .in a manner 'to give a pleasing finish to the-edge and at the same time to minimize the possibility of cracks starting at the edge of the refleeting surface. The back sideof the re- .flector looks as if it is formed entirely of '85 copper. with a thickened edge thus presenting a ileasing and complete appearance to the re ector as a whole. In installing the reinforcement in place there is eliminated any necessit of manual labor in fastening the reenforcmg' element to the reflector for- ,the' electroplating process acts to secure the frame accurately, positively, and rmanently, and without, in any way, wea ening either the reenforcin frame .or the thin films of metal which go to make up the reflector' proper. v 1 v I Y Refer'ring to a refinement of structural detail, it is noted that the outer edge of the -rmg 13 forms a sharp angled projection 13' at its inner side to insure the forming of the copper into the angle on the outerside of the ring .as it forms'onthe inner side as shown in the thickened rtion.14. The reflector as thu's describe is com late and may be transported and plosition in the reflecting apparatus with w ic'hit is intended to o rate without additional attachments. Tiizse reflectors frequently rolled about from place to place in the manner'of rolling a arge wheel and it is deemed advisable un. der some conditions of use to provide the formed reflector with an armouring band 18 resembling the rim of awheel. In the illustrated showing of the invention the perrphery of the reflector has been formed particularly to be received in an annular groove formed in the inner periphery of the band 18. The. reflector is mounted in the band in a manner similar to the mounting 'of a picture in a frame. The band illustrated is formed of wood with a metallic coating 18' butthis is of course immaterial and that form of band will be used which s best suited to give the strength or pleasin appearance desired. a

e illustrated showing is further coin-v plicated to disclose means for positively sek curing the band to the reflector. For this purpose countersunk bolts 19' are passed illustrates a collective showing of the sev eral features described and that usually.

there is no need for the armouri rim band nor for the peculiar configuration of the periphery of the electrolytically formed parts of the reflector.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1 In the art of forming a reinforced reflector, the process which consists in forming a film of a reflecting substance on a mould, partially forming a layer of strengthenin material as a backing to the reflecting .su stance and to form a frame spacing film of the backing material, positioning a preformed reenforcin element on the film forming said partially ormed back ing and'com leting the formation of said backing there y to embed the element in the backing material and thus secure the element to the reflector.

2. In the art of reenforcing electrolytically formed reflectors, the rocesswhich includes the steps of depositlng electrolytically a layer of the substance to be reinforced, positioning a reenforcing element in juxtaposition to the formed layerand continuing the electrolytical deposition thereby to form a layer of the substance about parts of. said element to secure the same wlthin the integral layer of the substance formed by the electrolytic deposits. 7

3. In the art of reenforcing electrolytically backed reflectors, the rocess which consists in forming a layer 0 the reflecting substance on a mould, positioning a reenforcing element in juxtaposition to the exposed face of said formed layer and electrolytically forming a backing to said formed layer while permitting the backing to extend across the reinforcing element to secure the same in place.

4. In the art of formin metallic reflectors, the process which consists in depositing a layer of silver on a mould electrolytically depositing a layer of copper on the back of the silver layer, positioning a reenforcing element on said copper layer and covering the back of the co per layer and the frame with an additiona backing of copper electrolytically deposited. I

' 5. A reflector includin a film of reflectin metal on the front side thereof and provided with a backing of a stiffening material, a preformed rigid reenforcing frame formed ofi a; material difl'erin from the stiffening material and embed ed in said stiffening material.

6. A metallic reflector including a thin sheet of metal, constituting the reflecting surface, said sheet being of insuflicient mass to maintain its configuration, a reenforcing frame secured to the thin sheet of metal 'to maintain the reflector in its prescribed shape. v

' 7 A curvilinear reflector including a thin film of reflecting metal, free of securing apertures, a backing of stiffening material formed on the back of the reflecting metal film and a reenforcing frame for maintaining the reflector in position, said frame being secured to the reflecting sheet by the stifl'ening material and secured coeval withthe formation of the backing.

8. A curvilinear reflector including a thin film of reflecting metal, a backing of stlfi'ening material formed on the back of the reflecting metal film, and a self-sustaining reenforcing frame. for maintaining the reflector in. position, said frame being secured to the reflecting sheet by the stiffening material and embedded .in the stiffening material and concealed thereby.

9. A reflector comprising three elements forming a unitary structure and including solely a film of reflecting metal, a sheet of metal forming a backing for the reflecting metallic film and an element for reenforcing the sheet and film, said element being intimately associated with the backing and free of fastenin means.-

10. A re ector having a thin layer of reflecting material defining the front side, a layer of strengthening metal defining the back side and a self-sustaining reenforcing frame secured to the reflecting layer and concealed b the back'strengthening layer.

11. A re ector, including a thin layer of reflecting metal defining itsv front face, a frame atthe rear side of the reflecting surface and outlining the periphery of the reflector and an electrolytlcally deposited layer of metal securing the frame to the reflecting layer.

12. A curvilinear reflector, including a I thin layer of reflecting metal defining its front face, a circular frame at the rear side sustaining reenforcing frametherefor, having parts thereof outlining the reflector, embedded in and surrounded by the outer portion of the backing la er.

14. A reflector inclu' ing a thin front layer of a reflecting material and a thin backing layer in. engagement therewith,

said layers being of insuflicient rigidity to maintain the configuration of thereflector, a reenforcing frame therefor havin parts thereof outlining the reflector and em (led in the outer portion of the backing layer and said frame includin other partsfree of the backing layer t ereby permittingrelative movement between the backing layer and said free arts.

15. In a device 0 the class described, the combination with a reflector having a copper coated periphery formed electrolytically, of an armouring band similarly, coated and encircling said periphery to form a rim for the reflector. and-with the :contacting surfaces-between tlie reflector-and rim of the same metal.

- 16. In a device of the class described, the

combination with a reflecto'r'having a thin ing the periphery of the reflector and said,

"and including solely a film 0 central portion and a periphery formed electrolytic-ally and having a greater thickness than the central portion of the reflec-' tor, ofan armouring band encircling said periphery to form a rim for the reflector, said band provided with a recess for receivpenphery and band coacting to maintain the configuration of the reflector.

17. 'In a device of the class described, the combination with a reflector having a periphery formed electrolytically, of an armouring band encircling said periphery to form. a rim for thereflector and means for securing the band tothe reflector said means being in spaced relation to its reflecting surface.

18. A reflector having a thin layer of reflecting material defining the front side, a layer of strengthenin material defining the back side, means for maintaining the shape of the reflectorsecured to the reflecting layer by the-back strengtheninglayer and positioned rearwardly of the reflecting material and a reenforcing band encircling said means as well as the reflecting material. A

19. A curvilinear reflector comprising three elements forming a unitar structure reflecting metal, a sheet of metal forming a backing for the reflecting metallic film. an elementfor reenforcing the sheet and film, said element being intimately associated with the backing and free of,fastening means, said backing extending homogeneously about the element and a band encircling the periphery of said reflector.

20. A curvilinear reflector comprisingthree elements forming a umtary structure and including solely a film of reflecting metal, 'a sheet of metal forming a backing forthe reflecting metallic film, anelement for reinforcing the sheet and film, said element [being intimately fassociatedwith the backing and free of fastening means, a

means band encircling the periphery of said reflector and bolts assmg throughthe band and reinforcing e ement.

21. A metallic mirror composed of an opaque film of chemically deposited silver,

the same having a reflecting surface which I is the counterpart of an optically ound and polished mold a baekin for sai silver film and astiifening ringorming part of said backing. 1 22. A mirror, having an exposed reflecting surface of deposited silver reinforcedby an electrolytic backing of copper superimposed upon the, silver anda stiffening ring electrically soldered to thecopper' at the edge of the reflecting. surface; P

23. A mirror, having an exposed'reflect-i ing surface of chemically deposited silver reinforced by an electrolytic backing of copper, a stiffening ring electrolytically so dered to the silver and copper at the edge of the reflecting surface and a backing of copper anchored to the edge ring. 24. mirror, having an exposed reflect ing surface. of chemically deposited silverv reinforced by an electrolytic backing ':of co per, a stiffening ring electrolytically so dered to the silver and copper at the edge of the reflecting surface and azbacking of copper anchored to the electrolytic deposit ofcopper and to the edge ring. 25. A-mirror, having an exposed reflect. in surface of chemically deposited silver reinforced by an electrolytic backing of copper superimposed upon the silver, 9.-

stiifening ring electrolytically soldered to .the silver and copper at the edge of the reflecting surface, said ring havin a rabbeted outer ed e, and a backing 0 copper interlocked wit said rabbeted edge.

ing surface of chemically deposited silver reinforced by an electrolytic backing of ice 26. A mirror, having an exposed refleetcopper superimposed .upon, the silver, a v I copper superimposed upon the silver, stifiening the silver deposits by applying a backing material to the copper, and removing the mirror from the form.

28. The process of making a mirror of the desired shape, which consists in chemical] depositing silver on a formof highly p3 yv eished lass, reenforcing the chemical posite silver by an electrolytic'deposit-of' cop r superimposing 'upon the copper an additidnal electrolytic deposit of copper and j by the latter soldering a stiffening edge ring ing the copper deposit by a backing rein-t forced by a shell, and removing the mirror from the form.

30. The process of producing a mirror of the desired shape which consists in chemically depositing silver on a form of highly polished glass, reenforcing the chemically deposited silver by an electrolytic backing of copper superimposed upon the silver, stiffemng the copper backed silver layer so formed by a backing and removing the mirror from the form.

31. A mirror, having an exposed reflecting surface of chemically deposited silver reinforced by an electrolytic backing of copper superimposed vupon the silver, a stifltening ring electrolytically soldered to the copper at the edge of the reflecting surface, a central opening in the reflecting surface and a stiffening central ring around the central opening and secured to the silver and copper.

- 32. A mirror, having an exposed reflecting surface of chemically deposited silver reinforced by an electrolytic backing of copper superimposed upon the silver, a stiffening ring electrolytically soldered to the copper at the edge of the reflecting surface, a central opening in the reflecting surface, a stiffening central, ring around the central opening to the silver and copper, and a backing over the copper anchored to the edge ring.

33. A mirror, having an exposed reflecting surface of chemically deposited silver reinforced by an electrolytic backing of copper superimposed upon the silver, a stiffening ring electrolytically soldered to the copper at the edge of the reflecting surface, a backing of copper anchored to the edge ring, and a metal shell reinforcement secured to the ring.

34. A mirror, having an exposed reflecting surface of chemicall deposited silver reinforced by an electro ytic backing of copper superimposed upon the silver, a stiffening ring electrolytically soldered to the copper at the edge of the reflecting surface, and a -metal shell formed with perforations and fastening means insaid perforations for securing the shell to the stiffening ring.

Signed at New York city, in the county of New York and State of New York, this 17th day of May, A. D. 1920.

BLASIUS .BART.