US1659711A

US1659711A - Composite upholstery rope or cord and the method of making same

Info

Publication number: US1659711A
Application number: US192472A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ray F Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1927-05-18
Filing date: 1927-05-18
Publication date: 1928-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 1945-02-21

Description

Feb. 21, 1928.

' R. F. SMITH COMPOSITE UPHOLSTERY ROPE QR (iORD AND THE METHOD OF MAKING SAME Fiied May 18, 1927 RNEY.

Patented Feb. 21, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RAY F. SMITH, OF CORTLAND, NEW YORK.

COMPOSITE UPHOLSTERY ROPE OR CORD AND THE METHOD OF MAKING SAME.

Application filed MaylB,

My invention relates to cords, lines and. the like stranded threads or yarns primarily composed of fibrous material, and more particularly pertains to means for reenforcing that class of loosely woven strands which owing to their inherently stretchy nature, have heretofore proven deficient and not altogether serviceable when used under occasional heavy strains for the purposes herein intended. I I

It is therefore contemplated to fortify upholstery ropes of the conventional all-yarn type-againstobjectionable sagging by resorting to a supplementary embedded ligament or core element extending centrally through the rope filler. lhis core made up of, relatively inextensible material, imparts this unyielding characteristic to the adjoining fibrous filler medium andthereby augments the 'longitudinalrigidityof the rope structure ;as a whole. .Said ligament is intended I to effectively meetthe major portion of load All that may be carried by my composite rope and thus prevent the surrounding filler body from becoming loaded beyond its limit of re siliency or yield point; it is further preferred to resort to relatively low flexural strength for the core element in order to give ample pliability and obviate retention ofany fixed contour when bent transversely.

The objectof the present invention is-to devise-a substantially non-yielding and durable rope capable of taking up considerable lengthwise strain and to provide improved means for economically making composite ropes, especially reenforced upholstered ropesof different sizes, styles and lengths such as find a rather wide application in the held of vehicle robesupporting rails, seat hangersand door grip cords also in rail ropes for enclosing-gangways, stair cases, exhibition spaces and similar decorative or utilitarian purposes. I Rope of this kind is commonly cut into comparatively short lengths and suspended between suitable supports or posts; a further object lies in de vising effective means for the securement of my non-stretchable core element tosuch supports whereby undue-sag on part of the composite rope may be checked-orretarded even when subjected .to abnormal usa'geor strain.

A still further object is to provide for building up afibrous filler medium adapted to neatly conceal and gripsaid reenforcing core, and in turn to surround this smoothly rounded filler contour with a decorative 1927. Serial No. 192,472.

outer sheath that serves to adorn my compos-.

ite rope. In addition, means have been devised for neatly trimming the ends of such rope sections with appropriate terminal fittings that are securely bonded to the component rope elements and adapted to transmit the full rated load Without diminution of rope capacity.

An improved rope of the indicated character lends itself to many uses, and as exem" plified by the cited robe rail for automobiles, my reen-forced rope when hung and transyersely loaded with lap robes or heavy wearing apparel is still capable of withstanding the resultant strain without suffering a per-' niciousset or permanent stretch. Robe rails are not infrequently subjected to unusual stralns and especially when fashioned from conventional twisted rope, they tend to stretch progressively under repeated overloads. Eventually the resulting sag of such all-yarn ropes is likely to become augmentfed to such extent that the suspended gartrative embodiment of my invention; like characters of reference indicate like-parts in the several views and in which drawing:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation showing my inextensible rope applied as a robe rail located at the backof an automobile seat, the opposite rope ends being for convenience shown as equipt withtwo different styles of bracket attachments.

Fig. 2 is a broken perspective view of one type of core element that may be embedded within the filler mediumof a robe rail such as shownin .Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 represents a'enlarged detail of the left-hand terminal piece as-taken along line 33 of Fig. 1 while Fig. 4 is a similar detail of the modified right-hand piece taken along line 4-4.

Fig. 5 depicts a series of linked or inter- Reference is had to the accom-' connected core elements of the type indicated in Fig. 2 and which chain of links may be covered with a fibrous filler medium by means of a continuous laying process. 1

Fig. 6 shows still another style of rope terminal fitting which, likewise permits the.

reenforcedrope to be fabricated continuously but differs somewhat from the showing of Fig. 5 in that a perforated band or tape of relatively thin metal is here utilized as the core elements, the terminal fittings being anchored thereto after cutting the rope into finite lengths.

Fig. 7 is a transverse section of said core tape as taken along; line 77 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 4i except that a crocheted fab- 'ric hood is here resorted to for trimming the preferably embedded near the center region of its surrounding stretchable filler or body medium 5. Said core may comprise one or more end to end linked elementsof which one such may be formed into a relatively flexible cable section interposed between suitable terminal. pieces as indicated in Fig. 2. v Said intermediate section such as r may be made up of a plurality of metallic stranded wires, flat tape'or the like'ligament possessing a sufficiently high coetlicient of rigidityto enable a suspended or otherwise hung cable of this kind to carry its anticip ated load without appreciable elongation or permanent stretch.

The cross-sectional area of such cable means M is preferably kept small relative to the exterior of the pliable filler 5 in order not to unduly stifi'enthe rope transversely at least in one direction and thus afford suiticient pliability to assume a graceful catenary or chain-like curvature when looped or freely suspended between two closely spaced suppo'rtmembers such as the

brackets

2 and 3 of Fig. 1

In the particular core embodiment shown in Fig. 2, relatively stiff terminal pieces are provided to reenforce the end regions of the flexible cable 4A and said pieces are here fashioned into short metallic extension straps or

keepers

7 and 8. Each suchstrap may be provided with a series of. spaced holes therethrough such as 7A, 7B, and 7G,

and the respective ends of the cable core portion 4A maybe secured to said comple mentary straps in any suitable manner, for instance by the eye end means having the return loop end secured upon itself by tubular clamps 9'as indicated. The purpose of said sraps is to provide for amanipulative member adapted to reenforce the somewhatfragile stranded cable lA and it will be observed that said straps together with the intermediate cable section are intended to form an embedded ligament that afiords a continuous metallic tie connection capable of being firmly anchored to the respective rope end supports. 7 r.

In order to facilitate the manufactureof my composite rope, a plurality of core elements similar to those shown in Fig. 2 and of any predetermined sectional length such as L, L etc., may be coupled together by. means of detachable core links (designated as 10, 10 etc.) to form a chain of linked members in the manner indicated in Fig. 5 but as will appear hereinafter,'such a continuous core may also. be made up in other ways. The formation of a relatively'iong core means that possesses the described characteristics, constitutes theffirst step in my method of making reenforceol ropes. I

A core chain or other virtually continuous core medium having anindefinite length but at least as long as the shortest desired single unit measurement L, L, etc., may most readily be carried up and made to feed through the former of a suitable braiding machine or the like. The second step in mymethod consists iii-providing forbrai'din'g, or otherwise laying a tiller 5 upon and-lengthwise of the aforesaid linked core'elements, it be ing understood that the term laying of the filler is herein used in its broadest sense to include any suitable method adapted to pack the filler yarn around the core member. This filler may comprise a'plurality of comparatively loosely woven superimposed layers of yarn or other similar filler'body material,

preferably of an inherently pliable fibrous and stretchy character such as will freely accommodate itself to any sharp deflection on part of the more rigid core member. The purpose of said body medium is to provide for an enlarged and substantially uniform periphery about said intermediate ligaments 4A together with. the

adjoined straps

7 and 8 and thereby form a suitable smooth foundation for the finishing covering 5A. This filler 5 further provides for a protective cushioning medium between said outer sheath and the concealed core element; itnot only maintains initial fullness but keeps said sheath in a perfect sleek condition and prevents collapse or peripheral distortion thereof. I v r 7 When the cited braiding operation is used to lay the rope filler, thepartially completed rope may be reeled between successive layers and this operation repeated until the desired body thickness has been reached; if-desired this operation may also bev effected byrunningmy rope ligament through a seriesof machines, each of which braids one or more such layers. It is emphasized that my virtually endless core link method greatly expe- 'dites and otherwise effectively reduces the cost of making such composite ropes.- In resortingto the type of enlarged ends for the twisted or plied fashion other than braiding.

The outer or last of such filler layers is here shown as worked up into a seamless finishing sheath 5A, and this is preferably woven from variously colored plied or braided yarns such as rayon or the like, adapted to decorate and enhance the salability of my upholstery rope. As applied to automobile robe rail purposes, it is advantageous to finish such textile covering into an anti-slip or friction surface adapted toprevent the suspended apparel from slipping off while sub jectcd to jolting or car vibration.

Regarding the intermediate strap hole 7B, one or more such may be utilized to receive suitable pronged cleats or filler bonds such as 12, which securement obviates slipping of the filler along the core ligament. As shown in Fig. 3, the rivet cleat 12 may comprise an L shaped staple that is driven through said hole 7B as indicated in dotted lines, whereupon the projecting unbent leg thereof may be clinched down in place as shown in full lines for establishing a tighter grip between the strap 7 and its surrounding filler 5. This cleat is preferably insertedprior to weaving the finishing sheath 5A so as not to deface the exterior of the rope; any suitable filler gripping means projecting outwardly from the core element will answer said interloeking purposes and any such bond may be 'ap-' n plied either before or after wrapping the filler about the core element.

As a third step in my method of making said reenforccd rope,this is now cut into any desired fixed length to meet requirements. in the event a linked core should be used as indicated in Fig. 5, the severing of my rope of indefinite length is intended to occur in the region of the separable core links 10, 10, etc. which links may thereupon be discarded.

l Said relatively vlong rope is thereby divided into a .series of unit or sectional ropes each having a predetermined but selective length L, L, etc., andit now merelyremains .to trim the complementary rope ends in one of several alternative ways.

Referring first to Fig. 3, the keeper strap 7 is here shown as a flat terminal piece having its surrounding filler trimmed back to partially expose the free strap end for attachment purposes. An apertured cap or ferrule such as 6 may be sprung over and cemented to the end of the sheath 5A so as to incase and prevent the rope end from be coming frayed or unraveled; if preferred, the same end may be attained by trimming the tiller end by means of a cord binding. The exposed projection of the strap 7 may thereuponbe fitted into the socket 2A of the support bracket 2 and a Wedge pin 5213 entered and driven through the outermost strap hole 7 C to interlock and firmly anchor the rope core into said bracket. Either of such :robe rail fastenings may however be 1 made detachable to facilitate placing garments thereon. 1

The fourth step in my method resides in providing for suitably anchoring the rope 7 ends to enable said core ligament to give better support to the surrounding fibrous filler medium but this particular step is op- 'tional and does not represent an indispensable feature in the making of my composite rope.

Referring now to Fig. 4, it will be seen that this style of terminal strap 8 is essentially similar to the previously described strap 7, except that the aperture 7A is now replaced by a bent up eye end 8C; this alternative method may in turn engage the endless link or ring 313 as mounted through the hook 3A of themodified bracket 3. A

ferrule 6 may again be resorted to and this is here provided with an apertured cap portion adapted to slip over the strap eye end 8C. r 1

Regarding a further modification as shown .in Fig. 6, a metal tape or other strip of non-stretchable ligament 4A is indicated which may be provided with a series of closely spaced perforations 7 C" to serve as'the integral equivalent of the aforesaid core chain links, and a filler medium 5 together with a finishing sheath 5A may again be woven thereon in the manner previously described.

Said tape is preferably kept amply long while passing through the braiding machine to allow of fabricating the rope in easily workable stocklengths which may subsequently be cut off into any shorter lengths without having to predetermine the desired finite len hs.

' The filler adjacent to the respective rope ends may then be cut back a short distance with respect to the severed tape ends 4A so as to exposeone of the perforations such as 70". In this instance, it may also be expedient to alter the support bracket somewhatand provide. one such designated as 11, having a tubular socket or housing portion 11A equipt with an inwardly disposed flange 11B andan aperture 11C therefor adapted to snugly embrace the rope sheath A.

When resorting to the style of terminal that is shown in Fig. 6, it is preferred to pass the rope end through the bracket aperture 11C and apply a slightly modified cap or ferrule such as 6A which is provided with an outwardly flared flange 6A adapted to abut the reversed flange 1113 in the manner I shown. A bent up pin 2B engaging the tape aperture 7C serves to lock the ligament into the bracket 11. Should it be desired to bond said tape 4A into the filler -5, this may be accon'lplished by the use of one or more cleats such as 12A which are here concealed Within the bracket housing and intended to pass through one of said tape perforations. OW:

ing to the pliable nature of my composite rope, its end may be drawn through the aperture 11C to more conveniently secure the Iliave provided for a novel and effective method for the rapid production of a composite rope and oneembodying either an interconnected or continuous inextensible core ligament that extends longitudinally through the surrounding resilient filler medium and serves as an effective reenforcement and protection for the latter. Said filler may be made up of any fibrous substances having an inherently stretchy and pliable character and which of itself does not possess sufficient rigidity to sustain heavy strains without undergoing an ultimate permanent sag; as such'it provides for a suitable cushioning body and takes out any unevenness in the contour ofthe core element. Furthermore, my well-rounded rope structure is finished with a neat seamless outer covering to make it entirely suitable applied to fine upholstery or other trimming purposes. In addition, my incorporated ligament is kept transversely flexible and because this core-is anchored directly to the rope support, it is adapted to carry the major portion of any reasonable load that may be exerted thereon, all without abnormal elongation or allowing undue capable'of retaining its shape and without tendency to permanently. stretch the loosely woven fillermedium even under adverse load conditlons'or eopard1ze the initial looseness of knitand fluffy luster of'my sheath covering. I i

- ;While specific embodiments of my invention have been set forth in detail, it is to be understood that the herein described structures mayreadily be modified to meet differing. conditions of use and manufacture, such for instance as the making up of my composite rope in predetermined short lengths rather than in the indicated endless fashion, andthat various changes-in the details of my method ma be resorted to, all Without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Iclaim f l.-The method of making flexible compositeropes or the like comprising a core ligament means that is substantially inextensible longitudinally but kept flexible transversely and which ligament is embedded lengthwise of a relatively stretchy filler'medium, said method consisting in the following steps, viz: firstly, forming a core ligament means comprising a series of finite cable lengths each having their respective ends reenforced by a relatively rigid keeper strap and which straps are initially coupled together into an indefinite length; secondly,

repeatedly carrying said ligament through a braiding machine or machines to lay thereon a series :of superimposed layers of braided yarn strands adapted to build upfia pliable filler body andfila'stly, severing to divide said composite rope into finite sectional lengths each provided with reenforced' ends. -2.,The method of making flexible composite ropes or the like comprising acore ligament .means that is substantially inextensible longitudinally but kept flexible transversely and which ligament is embedded lengthwise of a relatively stretchy;

filler medium, said method consisting in the" following steps, viz: firstly, forming a continuous core ligament means having enlarged reenforced end portions vthat are adjoined to a relatively flexible intermediate portion; and lastly, laying fibrous strands between said enlarged end portions untilsaid ligament assumes a substantially even size and thereupon superimposing layers of such strands extending throughout the length of said ligamentt'o build up a filler body of substantially uniform periphery embracing a. cross-section area materially larger than thatjof the core ligament.

3. Themethod' of. making flexible com posite ropesor the like comprising a core ligament means that is substantially inextensiblo longitudinally but kept flexible transversely and which ligament is embedded lengthwise of a relatively stretchy filler medium, said method consisting in the following steps, vizz'firstly, forming a core ligament means comprising a flexible cable length having each of its ends reenforced by a relatively rigid keeper strap; secondly, laying thereon: a filler body composed of fibrous strands of a diflerentmaterial from that used in forming said ligament and which filler is bonded to said ligament to prevent slippage therebetween, and lastly, braiding a tubular finishing cover over both said filler body and the aforesaid bonding means. 7 a

a. The method of making flexible composite ropes or the like comprising a core ligament means that is substantially inextensible longitudinally but kept flexible transversely and which ligament is embedded lengthwise of a relatively stretchy filler medium, said method consisting in the following steps, viz: firstly, forming a core ligament means comprising a flexible cable length having each of its ends reenforced by a relatively rigid keeper strap provided with a plurality of spaced perforations; and lastly, laying thereon a body of braided fibrous filler strands adapted to accommodate itself to lateral flexur'e on part of said ligament and bonding said body to the ligament by fully concealed means of the clinched staple type entered through one or more of the aforesaid spaced perforations.

5. The method of making flexible composite ropes or the like adapted for suspension between support means and which rope comprises a core ligament kept substantially inextensible longitudinally but flexible transversely and which ligament is embedded lengthwise of a relatively stretchy filler medium, said method consisting in the following steps, viz: firstly, forming a core ligament means comprising a flexible'cable length having each of its ends reenforced by an apertured relatively rigid keeper strap; secondly, laying thereon a pliable filler body composed of braided fibrous strands; and

lastly, anchoring said straps directly to the rope support by means of the respective strap apertures. 1

6. The method of making flexible composite ropes or the like adapted for securement to support means and which rope comprises a core ligament kept substantially inextensible longitudinally but flexible transversely and which ligament is embedded lengthwise of a relatively stretchy filler medium, said method consisting in the fol lowing steps, viz: firstly, forming a core ligament means comprising a series of finite cable lengths each having their respective ends reenforced by a keeper strap and which straps are initially coupled together into an indefinite length; secondly, laying thereon a pliable filler body' composed of fibrous strands thirdly, severing to divide said composite rope into finite sectional lengths each provided with reenforced ends; and lastly, trimming back a terminal portion of one such length to expose the outermost severed ligament end portion and prepare the same for anchorage to the ropesupport means.

7. The method of making flexible compos ite ropes or the like adapted for secure ment to support means and which rope comprises a core ligament kept substantially inextensible longitudinally but flexible transversely and which ligament isv embedded lengthwise of a relatively, stretchy filler medium, said method consisting in the fol.-

lowing steps, viz: :firstly, forming a core ligament means comprising a flexiblecable length having each of its ends reenforced by a relatively rigid keeper strap provided with a plurality of spaced perforations; secondly, laying thereon a pliable filler body composed of fibrous strands and bonding said body to the ligament of staple means entered through one of the intermediately disposed perforations of each strap; and l lastly, trimming back the respective filler body ends to expose the respective terminal perforations for interlocked anchorage to th rope support means. I 8. The method of making flexible composite ropes or the like adapted for-securement to support means and which rope comprises a core ligament kept substantially in extensible longitudinally but flexible transversely and which ligament is embedded lengthwise of a relatively stretchy filler medium, said method consisting in the following steps, viz firstly, forming a core ligament means comprising a series of finite cable lengths each having their respective ends reenforced by a relatively rigid keeper strap and which straps are initially coupled together into an indefinite length; secondly, laying thereon a pliable filler body composed of fibrous strands; thirdly, severing said composite rope into finite sectional lengths; and lastly, trimming back the end portions of one such filler body length to expose its complementary ligament terminals and incasing each of such filler body ends within an apertured ferrule-like hood through which the respective terminal projectsfor anchorage to the rope support means. v V

9.'The' method of making flexible composite-ropes or the like adapted forsecureembedded lengthwise of a relatively stretchy filler'medium, said method consisting in the ment to metal support means and which 2 following steps, Viz: firstly, forming a definite length of metallic ligament means comprising a flexible cable length having each of its ends reenforced by a relatively rigid keeper strap secondly, laying thereon a pliable filler body composed of fibrous strands; and lastly, attaching the respective ligament terminals to spaced rope support means to constitute a continuous inextensible and direct metal tie connection therebetween adapted to take up the major portion of rope loading and obviate stretching of the filler medium beyond its yield point.

10. The method of making flexible composite ropes or the like adapted for securement to support means and Which rope comprises a core ligament kept'substantially inextensible longitudinally but flexible trans- 'versely and which ligament is embedded 20 lengthwise of a relatively stretchy filler medium, said method consisting in the following steps, viz firstly, formin a continu ous metallic ligament means of nite length comprising an intermediary flexible cable portion Whose endsare adjoined to keeper strap-like members of an enlarged crosssectional area adapted toreenforce the cable terminals for attachment purposes; secondly, laying thereon a pliable filler body composed of fibrous strands and Which built-up body provides for smooth covering sheath 01 substantially uniform periphery adapted 1 to conceal the innermost end portions of said interconnected straps; and lastly, preparing RAY F. SMITH.