WO1993013932A1 - Mechanical repair system to repair holes in flexible materials - Google Patents

Mechanical repair system to repair holes in flexible materials Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1993013932A1
WO1993013932A1 PCT/GB1992/002362 GB9202362W WO9313932A1 WO 1993013932 A1 WO1993013932 A1 WO 1993013932A1 GB 9202362 W GB9202362 W GB 9202362W WO 9313932 A1 WO9313932 A1 WO 9313932A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
clamp portion
aperture
nut
mechanical
mechanical patch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1992/002362
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael John Cato Godfrey
Original Assignee
Michael John Cato Godfrey
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Michael John Cato Godfrey filed Critical Michael John Cato Godfrey
Publication of WO1993013932A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993013932A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B11/00—Hand knives combined with other implements, e.g. with corkscrew, with scissors, with writing implement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C73/00—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D
    • B29C73/04—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D using preformed elements
    • B29C73/06—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D using preformed elements using plugs sealing in the hole
    • B29C73/063—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D using preformed elements using plugs sealing in the hole expandable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C73/00—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D
    • B29C73/04—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D using preformed elements
    • B29C73/06—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D using preformed elements using plugs sealing in the hole
    • B29C73/08—Apparatus therefor, e.g. for inserting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C73/00—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D
    • B29C73/04—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D using preformed elements
    • B29C73/14—Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass B29D using preformed elements using elements composed of two parts joined together after having been placed one on each side of the article

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a mechanical patch system.
  • a mechanical patch system comprising a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion and a means of compressing the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion on either side of a tear or aperture in a material to effect an air and watertight seal, and also comprising a means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size to allow the second clamp portion, which reduces in size for this purpose, to enter into the aperture, the second clamp portion regaining full size after location on the underside of the material.
  • the means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size is incorporated into a handle for operating the mechanical patch.
  • the means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size is formed from a looped elongate member with a straight portion and an opening which enables the looped elongate member to be positioned. either side of the material and a length of the material to be measured along the straight portion of the looped elongate member from one end of the aperture, after which a blade situated at the opening can be used to cut the material.
  • the handle is attached by a quick-release bayonet fixing to the mechanical patch.
  • the means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size is orthogonally positioned in relation to the handle at the opposite end to the mechanical patch.
  • the first clamp portion has a rimmed edge to grip the material around the aperture and prevent dislodgement.
  • a mechanical patch system comprising a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion and a means for compressing the first and second clamp portions in the form of a brace bar, the second clamp portion having a recess in which the brace bar is housed when the clamp portions are compressed, the second clamp portion having sloping sections directed towards this recess.
  • a nut holds the first clamp portion in position and the base of an operating handle has a tapered guide for the nut to help prevent cross threading of the nut.
  • the receiving means for the nut is tapered to prevent cross-threading of the nut.
  • the nut at the base of the handle is received on a threaded stud attached to the brace bar via a round bar, the distance between the underside of the stud and the top of the brace bar being such that in use, when the brace bar is in its locked position, a sealing means on the upper side of the second clamp portion is pressed up under the nut receiver making an airtight seal.
  • Fig. la shows a mechanical patch in accordance with the present invention in situ, for example, on a section of an inflatable object, with operating handle attached;
  • Fig. lb shows a cross-sectional view of the mechanical patch of Fig. la;
  • Fig. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of a handle of a mechanical patch incorporating a means for enlarging an aperture in accordance with the present invention;
  • Fig. 2b shows the handle of Fig. 2a in position to enlarge the aperture;
  • Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the mechanical patch of Fig. la ready for insertion into the aperture in the material with the second clamp portion reduced in size by folding;
  • Fig. 4 shows the mechanical patch of Fig. la in position around the aperture in the material;
  • Fig. 5 shows the mechanical patch of Fig. la with the handle removed ready for use.
  • the mechanical patch 1 comprises a first clamp portion 2, a second clamp portion 3, a handle 4 of reinforced plastics material incorporating a hole enlarger 5, with blade 6, nut 7 and a brace bar 8.
  • the irst clamp portion is rimmed 9, with the rim covered by a flat seal 15 and the second clamp portion has a seal 10 and a grove 11 to house the brace bar 8.
  • the handle 4 has a bayonet fixing 12 which fits into the tapered nut receiver 13 attached to the brace bar 8 by a round bar 14, the handle 4 also has a nut guide 16.
  • the hole 20 may be enlarged using the hole enlarger 5 incorporated in the handle 4.
  • the hole enlarger 5 is positioned on either side of the material 21 to one side of the hole 20 by threading the material through the opening 22 of the enlarger 5 with the blade 6 of the enlarger on the underside of the material 21 at the opening 22.
  • the distance "a" required to be cut to make a correct hole size of 40 mm can be measured by location of the opposite ends of the enlarger 5 to the opening 22 against one side 25 of the existing hole 20, the enlarger is then removed in a direction "c" of Fig. 2b and in so doing the blade 6 cuts the material 21; "b" shows the original hole size in Fig. 2b.
  • the hole 30 is then ready to receive the mechanical patch.
  • the second clamp portion 3 is folded against the tension of the seal 10, the nut 7 is unscrewed and slid with the first clamp portion 2 up the handle 4.
  • the folded second clamp portion 3 as shown in Fig. 3 is inserted into the hole 30, once inserted the folded second clamp portion will spring open to its original size.
  • the first clamp portion 2 and the nut are dropped down the handle 4, the nut guide 16 directs the nut onto the tapered nut receiver 13, the handle 4 is turned through 90° as shown in Fig. 4 to lock the brace bar 8.
  • the sealing means 10 of the second clamp portion 3 is pressed up under the nut receiver 13 making an air-tight seal.
  • the nut 7 is also tightened.
  • the handle 4 is then removed as shown in Fig. 5 leaving the patch in place and the material sealed ready for use.
  • a complete repair kit may contain one handle with several patches.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)

Abstract

A mechanical and reusable patch system (1) has a first (2) and second (3) clamp portion adapted to compress and lock on either side of a tear (30) in a flexible material (21), thereby affecting an air and water tight seal. The system (1) also includes a means (5) for enlarging the tear (30) to enable the second clamp portion (3), which is contractable, to be passed through the tear (30), thereafter opening again to its original size. The system (1) also includes a detachable handle (4).

Description

MECHANICAL REPAIR SYSTEM TO REPAIR HOLES IN FLEXIBLE MATERIALS
This invention relates to a mechanical patch system.
The repair of holes or tears in soft sheet material such as rubber coated fabric, plastics materials, canvas and similar materials is traditionally carried out using adhesives with soft patches of a suitable material or by vulcanising.
The traditional patching methods, to be effective, require the object to be clean and dry throughout the process. A device has been developed as shown in GB 2 201 130 B which is a mechanical and reusable patch. A problem with this device is that it is not suitable for the small punctures which make up the majority of holes particularly in inflatable objects.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mechanical patch system comprising a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion and a means of compressing the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion on either side of a tear or aperture in a material to effect an air and watertight seal, and also comprising a means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size to allow the second clamp portion, which reduces in size for this purpose, to enter into the aperture, the second clamp portion regaining full size after location on the underside of the material.
Preferably, the means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size is incorporated into a handle for operating the mechanical patch.
Most preferably, the means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size is formed from a looped elongate member with a straight portion and an opening which enables the looped elongate member to be positioned. either side of the material and a length of the material to be measured along the straight portion of the looped elongate member from one end of the aperture, after which a blade situated at the opening can be used to cut the material.
Preferably, the handle is attached by a quick-release bayonet fixing to the mechanical patch.
Preferably, the means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size is orthogonally positioned in relation to the handle at the opposite end to the mechanical patch.
Preferably, the first clamp portion has a rimmed edge to grip the material around the aperture and prevent dislodgement.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a mechanical patch system comprising a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion and a means for compressing the first and second clamp portions in the form of a brace bar, the second clamp portion having a recess in which the brace bar is housed when the clamp portions are compressed, the second clamp portion having sloping sections directed towards this recess.
Preferably, a nut holds the first clamp portion in position and the base of an operating handle has a tapered guide for the nut to help prevent cross threading of the nut.
Preferably, the receiving means for the nut is tapered to prevent cross-threading of the nut.
Most preferably, the nut at the base of the handle is received on a threaded stud attached to the brace bar via a round bar, the distance between the underside of the stud and the top of the brace bar being such that in use, when the brace bar is in its locked position, a sealing means on the upper side of the second clamp portion is pressed up under the nut receiver making an airtight seal.
A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
Fig. la shows a mechanical patch in accordance with the present invention in situ, for example, on a section of an inflatable object, with operating handle attached; Fig. lb shows a cross-sectional view of the mechanical patch of Fig. la; Fig. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of a handle of a mechanical patch incorporating a means for enlarging an aperture in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2b shows the handle of Fig. 2a in position to enlarge the aperture; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the mechanical patch of Fig. la ready for insertion into the aperture in the material with the second clamp portion reduced in size by folding; Fig. 4 shows the mechanical patch of Fig. la in position around the aperture in the material; and Fig. 5 shows the mechanical patch of Fig. la with the handle removed ready for use.
Referring to Figs, la and lb the mechanical patch 1 comprises a first clamp portion 2, a second clamp portion 3, a handle 4 of reinforced plastics material incorporating a hole enlarger 5, with blade 6, nut 7 and a brace bar 8. The irst clamp portion is rimmed 9, with the rim covered by a flat seal 15 and the second clamp portion has a seal 10 and a grove 11 to house the brace bar 8. The handle 4 has a bayonet fixing 12 which fits into the tapered nut receiver 13 attached to the brace bar 8 by a round bar 14, the handle 4 also has a nut guide 16.
When the mechanical patch is to be used on a hole of less than 40 mm, the hole must be enlarged before the folded second clamp portion can be inserted. As shown in Fig. 2a the hole 20 may be enlarged using the hole enlarger 5 incorporated in the handle 4. The hole enlarger 5 is positioned on either side of the material 21 to one side of the hole 20 by threading the material through the opening 22 of the enlarger 5 with the blade 6 of the enlarger on the underside of the material 21 at the opening 22. When the enlarger 5 is in place as shown in Fig. 2a then the distance "a" required to be cut to make a correct hole size of 40 mm can be measured by location of the opposite ends of the enlarger 5 to the opening 22 against one side 25 of the existing hole 20, the enlarger is then removed in a direction "c" of Fig. 2b and in so doing the blade 6 cuts the material 21; "b" shows the original hole size in Fig. 2b.
The hole 30 is then ready to receive the mechanical patch.
The second clamp portion 3 is folded against the tension of the seal 10, the nut 7 is unscrewed and slid with the first clamp portion 2 up the handle 4. The folded second clamp portion 3 as shown in Fig. 3 is inserted into the hole 30, once inserted the folded second clamp portion will spring open to its original size.
The first clamp portion 2 and the nut are dropped down the handle 4, the nut guide 16 directs the nut onto the tapered nut receiver 13, the handle 4 is turned through 90° as shown in Fig. 4 to lock the brace bar 8. When the brace bar 8 is in its locked position the sealing means 10 of the second clamp portion 3 is pressed up under the nut receiver 13 making an air-tight seal. The nut 7 is also tightened.
The handle 4 is then removed as shown in Fig. 5 leaving the patch in place and the material sealed ready for use.
To remove the patch, if required, the procedures described above are reversed and the patch is then re-usable.
A complete repair kit may contain one handle with several patches.
Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 A mechanical patch system comprising a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion and a means of compressing the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion on either side of a tear or aperture in a material to effect an air and watertight seal, and also comprising a means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size to allow the second clamp portion, which reduces in size for this purpose, to enter into the aperture, the second clamp portion regaining full size after location on the underside of the material.
2 A mechanical patch system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size is incorporated into a handle for operating the mechanical patch.
3 A mechanical patch system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size is formed from a looped elongate member with a straight portion and an opening which enables the looped elongate member to be positioned either side of the material and a length of the material to be measured along the straight portion of the looped elongate member from one end of the aperture, after which a blade situated at the opening can be used to cut the material.
4 A mechanical patch system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle is attached by a quick-release bayonet fixing to the mechanical patch.
5 A mechanical patch system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for enlarging the aperture to a measured size is orthogonally positioned in relation to the handle at the opposite end to the mechanical patch.
6 A mechanical patch system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first clamp portion has a rimmed edge to grip the material around the aperture and prevent dislodge ent.
7 A mechanical patch system comprising a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion and a means for compressing the first and second clamp portions in the form of a brace bar, the second clamp portion having a recess in which the brace bar is housed when the clamp portions are compressed, the second clamp portion having sloping sections directed towards this recess.
8 A mechanical patch system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein a nut holds the first clamp portion in position and the base of an operating handle has a tapered guide for the. nut to help prevent cross threading of the nut.
9 A mechanical patch system as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the receiving means for the nut is tapered to prevent cross-threading of the nut.
10 A mechanical patch system as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 9 , wherein the nut at the base of the handle is received on a threaded stud attached to the brace bar via a round bar, the distance between the underside of the stud and the top of the brace bar being such that in use, when the brace bar is in its locked position, a sealing means on the upper side of the second clamp portion is pressed up under the nut receiver making an airtight seal.
PCT/GB1992/002362 1992-01-15 1992-12-18 Mechanical repair system to repair holes in flexible materials WO1993013932A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9200769.9 1992-01-15
GB929200769A GB9200769D0 (en) 1992-01-15 1992-01-15 Mechanical patch system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993013932A1 true WO1993013932A1 (en) 1993-07-22

Family

ID=10708599

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1992/002362 WO1993013932A1 (en) 1992-01-15 1992-12-18 Mechanical repair system to repair holes in flexible materials

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3167393A (en)
GB (1) GB9200769D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1993013932A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2329880A (en) * 1997-10-03 1999-04-07 Michael John Cato Godfrey Self locking wedge clamping device for repairing flexible materials
GB2409246A (en) * 2003-12-19 2005-06-22 John James Santy An apparatus for sealing an opening
GB2410532A (en) * 2004-01-27 2005-08-03 Keven Alan Chappell A sealing device
US7677136B2 (en) 2006-09-05 2010-03-16 Nathan Waugh Pneumatic tire puncture repair device
WO2012143478A1 (en) * 2011-04-19 2012-10-26 Peter Nathan Device and method for plugging a hole in a membrane
US11084234B2 (en) 2018-03-28 2021-08-10 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Rapid repair of pneumatic tire with damage by cut or tear
EP4094931A1 (en) * 2021-05-27 2022-11-30 Airbus Operations GmbH Repair body and method for repairing damage to a sandwich structure

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE273206C (en) *
GB153969A (en) * 1919-08-18 1920-11-18 Edward William Clare An improved device for stopping a leak in tanks, cylinders and the like
FR537794A (en) * 1921-03-01 1922-05-30 Device for immediate repair of tears in pneumatic tires
GB424129A (en) * 1933-07-11 1935-02-11 Charles Bryant Improvements in devices for stopping leaks or apertures in hose pipes and the like
US3400445A (en) * 1966-01-07 1968-09-10 Active Engineering Inc Method of making unitary tire repair cartridge
US3842887A (en) * 1972-10-02 1974-10-22 J Mendes Tire repair element
GB2201130A (en) * 1987-02-19 1988-08-24 Michael John Cato Godfrey Mechanical and re-usable patch

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE273206C (en) *
GB153969A (en) * 1919-08-18 1920-11-18 Edward William Clare An improved device for stopping a leak in tanks, cylinders and the like
FR537794A (en) * 1921-03-01 1922-05-30 Device for immediate repair of tears in pneumatic tires
GB424129A (en) * 1933-07-11 1935-02-11 Charles Bryant Improvements in devices for stopping leaks or apertures in hose pipes and the like
US3400445A (en) * 1966-01-07 1968-09-10 Active Engineering Inc Method of making unitary tire repair cartridge
US3842887A (en) * 1972-10-02 1974-10-22 J Mendes Tire repair element
GB2201130A (en) * 1987-02-19 1988-08-24 Michael John Cato Godfrey Mechanical and re-usable patch

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2329880A (en) * 1997-10-03 1999-04-07 Michael John Cato Godfrey Self locking wedge clamping device for repairing flexible materials
GB2409246A (en) * 2003-12-19 2005-06-22 John James Santy An apparatus for sealing an opening
GB2410532A (en) * 2004-01-27 2005-08-03 Keven Alan Chappell A sealing device
US7677136B2 (en) 2006-09-05 2010-03-16 Nathan Waugh Pneumatic tire puncture repair device
WO2012143478A1 (en) * 2011-04-19 2012-10-26 Peter Nathan Device and method for plugging a hole in a membrane
US11084234B2 (en) 2018-03-28 2021-08-10 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Rapid repair of pneumatic tire with damage by cut or tear
EP4094931A1 (en) * 2021-05-27 2022-11-30 Airbus Operations GmbH Repair body and method for repairing damage to a sandwich structure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3167393A (en) 1993-08-03
GB9200769D0 (en) 1992-03-11

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