U.S. patent application number 10/350142 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-22 for method and apparatus for making an improved chain link fabric.
Invention is credited to Barsotti, Scott C., Garcia, Jose G..
Application Number | 20040140463 10/350142 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32712790 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040140463 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garcia, Jose G. ; et
al. |
July 22, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for making an improved chain link fabric
Abstract
An improved chain link fabric having flattened end portions that
are stronger and safer and a method and apparatus for forming the
flattened end portions of the fabric. In a preferred embodiment,
the flattened end portions are formed by cutting woven chain link
fabric and bending, welding and compressing two adjacent wires end
portions that extend from elbows of the cut chain link fabric to
form a joint that is lap welded. By compressing the two adjacent
wire end portions, the sharp edges of the wire end portions are
minimized or eliminated and the joint is made safer and stronger.
Advantageously, the present invention provides a chain link fabric
having strong flattened end portions that do not pose the risk of
serious harm to installers and individuals who come into contact
with the flattened end portions of the chain link fabric.
Additionally, the chain link fabric of the present invention
eliminates the need for a tension wire, top rail, crimping wire or
its equivalent, which are costly and require additional time to
install and repair.
Inventors: |
Garcia, Jose G.; (La Puente,
CA) ; Barsotti, Scott C.; (Santa Monica, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON LLP
333 SOUTH HOPE STREET
48TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071-1448
US
|
Family ID: |
32712790 |
Appl. No.: |
10/350142 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21F 27/02 20130101;
B21F 29/00 20130101; B21F 27/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/045 |
International
Class: |
E04H 017/02 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A chain link fabric comprising a plurality of interwoven wires,
each wire having a wire end portion along the periphery of the
fabric that extends from an elbow of the interwoven wires and
adjoins an adjacent wire end portion to form a joint, wherein the
wire end portion is substantially parallel to its adjoining wire
end portion.
2. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein the adjacent wire end
portions overlap each other where they adjoin and form a joint.
3. The chain link fabric of claim 2, wherein the overlapping
portion of the wire end portions is welded together.
4. The chain link fabric of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of
the wire end portions is compressed.
5. The chain link fabric of claim 4, wherein the wire end portions
do not have sharp edges.
6. The chain link fabric of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of
the wire end portions is painted.
7. The chain link fabric of claim 5, wherein the wire end portions
are adjoined using a sleeve.
8. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein the wire end portions
are adjoined by welding them together.
9. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the wire end portions is compressed.
10. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the wire end portions is painted.
11. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein the wire end portions
do not have sharp edges.
12. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein the wire end portions
are adjoined using a sleeve.
13. The chain link fabric of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of support members, wherein the wire end portions are
attached to a least one support member using a least one attaching
member.
14. The chain link fabric of claim 13, wherein the attaching member
is a wire.
15. The chain link fabric of claim 13, wherein the wire end
portions are located in the plane of the support members.
16. A chain link fence comprising: a plurality of support members,
each support member being substantially parallel to at least one
other support member; a plurality of interwoven wires having
flattened end portions that are attached to at least one support
member, each flattened end portion having two wire end portions
that extend from an elbow of the interwoven wires and adjoin at
substantially the center of the flattened end portion to form a
joint.
17. The chain link fence of claim 16, further comprising an
attachment member that attaches at least one flattened end portion
to at least one support member.
18. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the attachment member
is a wire that attaches a plurality of flattened end portions to a
plurality of support members.
19. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end
portions overlap each other at substantially the center of the
flattened end portions.
20. The chain link fence of claim 19, wherein the two wire end
portions are adjoined by welding the overlapping portion of the two
wire end portions together.
21. The chain link fence of claim 20, wherein at least a portion of
the overlapping wire end portions is compressed.
22. The chain link fence of claim 21, wherein the flattened end
portions do not have sharp edges.
23. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of
the two wire end portions is painted.
24. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end
portions are adjoined using a sleeve.
25. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end
portions are adjoined by welding them together.
26. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of
the two wire end portions is compressed.
27. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of
the two wire end portions is painted.
28. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the flattened end
portions are located in the plane of the support members.
29. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the at least a
portion of the two wire end portions is compressed.
30. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end
portions are adjoined using a butt weld.
31. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end
portions are adjoined using a lap weld.
32. An apparatus for producing chain link fabric having flattened
end portions comprising: a means for bending a wire at the edge of
the chain link fabric; a means for securing two adjacent wires at
the edge of the chain link fabric together; and a means for
compressing two adjacent wires at the edge of the chain link fabric
together.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a means for
cutting a wire at the end of chain link fabric.
34. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a means for
painting the adjacent wires at the edge of the chain link
fabric.
35. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a means for
attaching a wire at the edge of the chain link fabric to a support
member.
36. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising providing a means
for testing the strength of the connection of the two adjacent
wires secured together by the securing means.
37. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the means for cutting forms
adjacent wires having flat ends.
38. A method of constructing a chain link fabric including
flattened end portions comprising; providing chain link fabric;
bending a wire at the periphery of the chain link fabric; securing
two adjacent wires at the periphery of the chain link fabric
together; and compressing the two adjacent wires at the periphery
of the chain link fabric together.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising attaching a
plurality of the flattened end portions to at least one support
member.
40. The method of claim 38, further comprising testing the strength
of connection formed by securing the two adjacent wires
together.
41. The method of claim 38, further comprising painting a portion
of the adjacent wires.
42. The method of claim 38, wherein compressing the adjacent wires
removes all sharp protrusions at the ends of the adjacent wires.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to chain link
fabrics and, more particularly, to an improved chain link fabric
with flattened ends and a method and apparatus for forming the
flattened ends of the fabric.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It has been estimated that throughout the world, millions of
cubic square feet of chain link fabric is produced and sold
annually. Recognizing the importance of providing effective and
durable chain link fabric, the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) has established minimum quality standards for both
residential and commercial chain link fabric. Realizing that chain
link fabric can be effective for various different applications,
the fencing and chain link industry has developed many different
types of chain link fabric. Each type of chain link fabric has
specific features that provide additional advantages when the
fabric is used for its intended purpose.
[0003] Typically, chain link fabric is used as a barrier. When it
is used as a barrier, it is typically used with some type of
support member, such as a fence frame, that holds the fabric in
place. Chain link fabric is also commonly used to control or
prevent the movement of nearby objects. For example, chain link
fabric is often used in land fills, mines and on land to control
rocks, boulders and soil.
[0004] Traditionally, chain link fabric is produced using a weaving
machine. A typical weaving machine continually feeds two strands of
wire into a weaving blade and trough mechanism that bends and
weaves the two wires together. The weaving blade and trough
interweave the two wires by helically winding them to provide a
continuous mesh, without knots or ties, except possibly at the
edges of the finished fabric. After being woven together, the
formed continuous links of chain link fabric are cut off at the
edges, leaving sharp wire end portions. How the edges of the fabric
are finished is generally referred to as the selvage. Typically,
the selvage is knuckled or barbed depending on the intended use of
the chain link fabric. If a knuckled edge is desired, typically an
assembly on the weaving machine bends the sharp wire end portions
of the fabric over one another, forming a knuckle at the edge of
the chain link fabric. Similarly, if a barbed edge is desired,
typically, an assembly on the weaving machine twists the sharp wire
end portions creating a sharp barb at the edge of the chain link
fabric.
[0005] Forming a chain link fabric having the characteristics and
using the method described above has certain drawbacks. One such
drawback is that knuckled or barbed ends are weak and can easily be
crushed or bent out of place. When someone or something comes into
contact with the barbed or knuckled ends of chain link fabric, the
ends may be either crushed or bent out of place. Either way, the
damage may be so severe that the fabric must be repaired or
replaced.
[0006] Additionally, if the ends of the fabric protrude because
they have been bent out of place, the fabric has an undesirable, if
not unsightly appearance. The protruding ends of the fabric are
also more likely to cause injury because individuals passing by are
more likely to come into contact with them. The protruding ends can
poke individuals who do not notice them, causing serious
injury.
[0007] Sometimes, individuals who encounter a fence will try to get
around it by climbing it. The protruding ends of a damaged chain
link fabric can poke an individual trying to climb the fence in a
sensitive area, like the eye, or catch on to the individual's
clothing as he is climbing the fence, causing the individual to
fall and be seriously injured. The additional risk of injury and
the undesirable appearance that results when the barbed and
knuckled ends of the fabric are damaged can result in additional
time being spent and expenses being incurred to repair or replace
the damaged chain link fabric.
[0008] Another drawback of the chain link fabric described above,
is the difficulty associated with shipping, installing and removing
it. Typically, after the fabric has been woven and the selvage has
been formed, the fabric is indexed through the weaving machine and
rolled into a compacted form that is useful for shipping. The chain
link fabric is usually compacted by rolling the fabric so that the
diamonds of the fabric collapse into each other to form a
relatively tight and small roll of fabric. However, the knuckled or
barbed ends of these compacted rolls usually become tangled in the
rest of the chain link fabric, causing the ends to be bent out of
place or pulled apart.
[0009] Alternatively, if the fabric is attached to a fence frame or
other type of support member, when separate frames are placed close
to one another the knuckled and barbed ends of the different chain
link fabrics get tangled together and pulled apart. The damaged
ends of the fabric may require repair, resulting in additional time
being spent and expenses being incurred. Additionally, individuals
who install and repair the fabric are exposed to the additional
risk of being seriously injured by the sharp barbed and knuckled
ends that must be untangled, repaired, and installed.
[0010] Although there are known types of fence fabric, which might
be categorized as having flattened end portions, these fabrics also
have certain disadvantages. One such disadvantage is that many of
these fabrics, such as gabion, are made of a very light gauge wire,
which cannot be an effective permanent barrier and is more
expensive to use. The flattened end portions of fabrics, other than
gabion, are not strong enough to resist a large force (e.g., an
individual climbing onto the fabric) without bending or crushing.
Typically, chain link fabrics are used in environments where a
substantial number of people or animals are nearby. Some of these
people or animals will exert a large force on the chain link fabric
by trying to climb or go under it. Therefore, through regular use,
these fabrics usually experience a large amount of force at some
time during their useful life. As a result, these fabrics usually
crush or bend when a large force is exerted on them. The bent or
crushed fabric must then be repaired or replaced resulting in
additional time being spent and expenses being incurred.
[0011] Yet another disadvantage of the chain link fabrics that
might be categorized as having flattened end portions is that they
often have protrusions and sharp edges at the ends of the adjoined
wire end portions resulting from a straight cut that can cause
serious injury. More specifically, the flattened end portions are
typically butt or lap welded together in a manner that leaves sharp
edges and protrusions that are dangerous. Over an extended period
of time, these protrusions and sharp edges result in serious injury
to numerous individuals. This is especially true when the
individuals nearby might not see the protrusions or appreciate the
harm they can cause (e.g., small children and young adults).
Therefore, fabrics having sharp edges and protrusions create an
increased risk of injury when they are located near schools or in
other areas where large numbers of children are likely to be
present.
[0012] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved chain link
fabric that has strong flattened end portions to withstand large
forces without bending or crushing and is safe enough that it does
not pose a serious risk of injury to installers and others that
come into contact with it. The chain link fabric could also be
quickly prepared for transportation and easily installed and would
have an improved aesthetic appearance that lasts. Additionally,
there exists a need for a method and apparatus for efficiently
making the flattened end portions of the improved chain link
fabric. The present invention fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention resides
in an improved chain link fabric with flattened end portions and a
method and apparatus for forming the flattened end portions.
Advantageously, the present invention provides a chain link fabric
with strong flattened end portions that do not pose the risk of
serious harm to installers or individuals who come into contact
with the flattened end portions. The flattened end portions of the
present invention can withstand large amounts of force without
being bent or pulled apart. Additionally, the chain link fabric can
be quickly and easily prepared for shipping and instalation without
the end portions tangling. Additionally, the improved chain link
fabric of the present invention eliminates the need for a tension
wire, top rail, crimping wire or its equivalent because the
flattened end portions serve as a continuous wire that creates
tension in the fabric. Eliminating the need for these types of
wires reduces the total cost of the fabric and the time required to
install and repair the fabric, and provides for a more
aesthetically pleasing fabric. The present invention also resides
in an apparatus and method for efficiently forming the flattened
end portions of the chain link fabric.
[0014] More specifically, by way of example and not limitation, in
a presently preferred embodiment the chain link fabric with
flattened end portions of the present invention includes numerous
joints along the periphery of the chain link fabric. Each joint
adjoins the two cut ends of the woven fabric, otherwise known as
the wire end portions, which extend from an elbow of the chain link
fabric to form the flattened end portions. The wire end portions
are adjoined so each wire end portion is substantially parallel to
its adjoining end portion. By adjoining the two wire end portions
of each cut end together so that they are substantially parallel, a
strong chain link fabric having flattened end portions that do not
pose a substantial risk of serious injury is formed. Additionally,
the flattened end portions do not get caught on the fabric when it
is being rolled for shipping or unrolled for setup and
installation.
[0015] In another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the two wire end portions of the fabric overlap
each other and are welded together to form a strong lap weld. By
providing a strong weld, the chain link fabric can withstand a
large amount of force before it bends or is crushed.
[0016] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, once the two overlaying wire end portions of
the fabric overlap are joined together to form a lap type
connection, at least a portion of the two wire end portions are
compressed using a compressing assembly. By compressing at least a
portion of the two wire end portions, the sharp edges from the two
cut ends are eliminated and the chain link fabric is made safer.
Additionally, compressing a portion of the two wire end portions
together increases the tensile strength of the two wire end
portions, making the joint where they connect stronger. This
provides the additional advantage of providing an even stronger
fabric that can withstand an even larger force before it bends,
breaks or splinters, thereby giving the chain link fabric a longer
and more useful life.
[0017] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, at least some of the wire end portions of
the fabric are attached to at least one support member using at
least one attachment member. The support members are typically the
posts in a fence frame, but can be anything well known in the art
for providing support to the chain link fabric. The attachment
members are typically a wire or wires that secure the fabric to at
least one of the support members but can be anything well known in
the art for attaching a fabric to a support member. The wire end
portions are attached to support members in such a way that the
wire end portions are located in the plane of the support members.
This provides the additional advantage of allowing the support
members and their attached chain link fabric to be stored in close
proximity to one another (e.g. stacked on top of one another)
without the ends of the different fabrics getting tangled
together.
[0018] In another presently preferred embodiment of the present
invention, by way of example and not limitation, the present
invention includes a chain link fence including two or more support
members that are substantially parallel to at least one other
support member and a chain link fabric having flattened end
portions that are in close proximity to at least one support
member. Each flattened end portion has two wire end portions that
extend from an elbow of the chain link fabric and adjoin at
substantially the center of the flattened end portion.
[0019] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, a metal band is used as an attachment member
to attach more than one of the flattened end portions to at least
one of the support members.
[0020] In another presently preferred embodiment of the present
invention, by way of example and not limitation, the present
invention includes an apparatus for producing chain link fabric
having a means for bending and aligning wires at the edge of a
chain link fabric, a means for securing adjacent wires at the edge
of the chain link fabric, and a means for compressing adjacent
wires at the edge of the chain link fabric.
[0021] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the apparatus for producing chain link
fabric further includes a means for cutting or painting adjacent
wires of the chain link fabric, or a means for attaching the fabric
to support members, or a means for testing the strength of the
connection formed by the securing means.
[0022] In another presently preferred method of the present
invention, by way of example and not limitation, the present
invention includes a method of constructing a chain link fabric
where two adjacent wires at the periphery of a chain link fabric
are bent, secured and compressed to form flattened end
portions.
[0023] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred method of the
present invention, the method further includes attaching at least
some of the flattened end portions to at least one support member
or testing the strength of the connection made by securing the
adjacent wires together, or painting a portion of the two adjacent
wires with a substance that prevents corrosion.
[0024] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred method of the
present invention, compressing the adjacent wires removes all sharp
protrusions at the ends of the adjacent wires and increases the
tensile strength of the wire end portions. By removing the sharp
protrusion and increasing the tensile strength of the wire end
portions, separately and together, the flattened end portions of
the chain link fabric formed by the method of the present invention
are safer and stronger.
[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which illustrate, by way of example, the principals of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention will now be described with reference to the
presently preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, which are
provided only as examples to illustrate the principles of the
invention. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown,
and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The
embodiments are not shown or described in more detail than
necessary to describe the invention, and the manner and process of
making and using it, to those skilled in the art.
[0027] In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of an improved chain link
fabric with flattened end portions and an apparatus for forming the
flattened end portions, in accordance with the present invention,
showing the effect each of the assemblies of the apparatus has on
forming the flattened end portions.
[0029] FIG. 2 is an enlarged right perspective view of the square
cutter assembly used to cut the chain link fabric shown in FIG.
1.
[0030] FIG. 3 is an enlarged right perspective view of the bender
assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 4 is an enlarged right perspective view of the welding
assembly shown in FIG.
[0032] FIG. 5 is an enlarged right perspective view of the
compressing assembly used shown in FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of the compressed
joint shown in FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevational view of the
compressing assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 7 is an enlarged left side elevational view of the
compressing assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 8 is an enlarged right perspective view of the testing
assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an enlarged left perspective view of the painting
assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the chain link fence
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] The present invention provides for an improved chain link
fabric having flattened end portions and a method and apparatus for
making the flattened end portions. The method and apparatus for
making flattened end portions and the chain link fabric itself,
described herein, provide a number of significant advantages. By
way of example only, some of the advantages of the present
invention include, extending the useful life of the fabric and
reducing the need to replace or repair the fabric; providing an
aesthetically pleasing, taut fabric with flattened end portions
that are strong enough to resist a large force without becoming
bent or crushed; preventing serious injury to installers and those
who come into contact with the chain link fabric by providing a
fabric without sharp or protruding edges; providing a fabric that
does not tangle and can be quickly and safely prepared for shipping
and installation; and reducing the expense and repair associated
with traditional chain link fences by eliminating the need for
tension wires, top rails, crimp wires or their equivalents.
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1,
there is shown, by way of example and not limitation, an apparatus
for forming the flattened end portions of the chain link fabric,
which is indicated generally by reference numeral 10, in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
structural components of a weaving apparatus for weaving the chain
link fabric are well known in the art and are not shown or
described herein. Accordingly, any weaving apparatus that produces
chain link fabric may be used in conjunction with the present
invention. The structural components of the apparatus for forming
the flattened end portions 10 and the woven chain link fabric 12
include a cutting assembly 14, a bending assembly 16, a welding
assembly 18, a compressing assembly 20, a testing assembly 22 to
test the weld formed by the welding assembly 18, and a painting
assembly 24. The specific structural components of each assembly
are shown in more detail in FIGS. 2-9 and are described in more
detail below.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows the woven chain link fabric 12 being indexed
through the apparatus for forming flattened end portions 10. For
purposes of clarity, and in order to show the formed ends 8, the
chain link fabric 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown as having been
completely upstream from the apparatus for forming flattened end
portion, that is before reaching the cutting assembly 14. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric 12 is
woven by a weaver that faces the cutting assembly 14 and feeds the
fabric into the cutter assembly from the front as the fabric is
formed, rather than from the side as shown in FIG. 1.
Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present invention to
use a pre-woven sheet of fabric, similar to the one shown in FIG.
1, in the apparatus for forming flattened end portions 10 of the
present invention.
[0042] The cutting assembly 14 functions to cut the formed ends 8
of the chain link fabric 12 in one step to form two sharp wire end
portions 26. The chain link fabric 12 and cutting assembly 14 are
shown as being positioned to be cut by the blades of the cutting
assembly 14 at an angle that results in the wire end portions 26
having sharp flat ends. Each wire end portion 26 extends from the
elbow of the chain link fabric 12. In accordance with the present
invention, other types of cutting assemblies that cut at a
different angle can be used. For example, and not by way of
limitation, the cutting assembly 14 could be modified to cut the
chain link fabric 12 at an angle that causes the two adjacent and
aligned wire end portions 26 to not have any sharp or protruding
edges at their ends.
[0043] After the cutting assembly 14 cuts the chain link fabric 12,
the fabric with wire end portions 26 is indexed down to the bending
assembly 16. The bending assembly 16 uses knuckling blades 32 to
bend the two adjacent wire end portions 26 toward each other. Even
though FIG. 1. shows the knuckling blades of bending assembly 16
bending two adjacent wire end portions 26 toward each other, the
present invention includes other methods of bending the wire end
portions 26 of the chain link fabric 12. For example, and not by
limitation, the present invention includes using a bending
apparatus that bends non-adjacent wire end portions away from each
other until adjacent wire end portions 26 are in close proximity to
each other. FIG. 1 shows the formed ends 8 being cut by the cutting
assembly 14 and bent so that at least a portion of wire portion 28
and wire portion 30 overlap each other.
[0044] Once the bending assembly 16 bends the wire end portions 26,
the chain link fabric is indexed to the welding assembly 18. The
welding assembly 18 fastens the two adjacent wire end portions 26
together. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the welding
assembly 18 provides a lap weld of the overlapping portions of the
two adjacent wire end portions 26. In accordance with the present
invention, the welding assembly 18, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, can
secure the two adjacent wire end portions 26 using any means known
in the art, including, but not limited to, using a clip, sleeve,
adhesive, wire, metal strip, or binding agent. Once the welding
assembly 18, secures the two wire end portions 26 together, the
flat ends of the wire end portions 26 are aligned and provide
tension for the fabric. Typically, the aligned flat ends of the
wire end portions 26 form sharp or protruding edges at the end of
the wire end portions 26.
[0045] To eliminate or reduce the potential danger created by these
sharp or protruding edges, the chain link fabric 12 is further
indexed to a compressing assembly 20. The compressing assembly 20
places pressure on a portion of the wire end portions 26, causing
the sharp or protruding edges at the ends of the wire end portions
26 to be eliminated or greatly reduced. By eliminating or greatly
reducing the protruding edges formed by the adjoined wire end
portions 26 of the flattened ends, the flattened ends are made
safer because they are less likely to cause injury to individuals
who come into contact with them. An additional advantage of the
present invention is that the pressure exerted by compressing
assembly 20 increases the tensile strength of the wire end portions
26, making the connections between the wire end portions 26
stronger. Splintering, a known problem with fabrics having wires
that are butt welded together, is also prevented because the
tensile strength of the wires is increased by the compressing. Not
only do the stronger connections between the wire end portions 26
result in a more durable and longer lasting chain link fabric, but
they result in the wire end portions 26 that are safer because they
are less likely to splinter.
[0046] After the chain link fabric 12 has been compressed, it is
indexed to the testing assembly 22, which tests the strength of the
connection formed by the securing assembly 18. In the preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a square shaped block 38 having a
centered triangular cutout along the entire length of its bottom
face comes down on the wire end portions 26, exerting a large force
on them. If the square shaped block 38 goes past a predetermined
point, an alarm sounds and the weaving and selvage process is
temporarily stopped. The alarm signals that the two adjoining wire
end portions 26 were not properly secured together. By sounding an
alarm and temporarily stopping the weaving and selvage process, the
testing assembly 22 allows the improperly formed joint to be
repaired before the weaving and selvage process continues.
Additionally, the testing assembly 22 reduces the chances that a
flattened end portion having a poor connection will leave the
factory and cause harm to someone or will need to be repaired.
[0047] The last assembly shown in FIG. 1 is the painting assembly
24, which can add a layer of any substance or coating to the wire
end portions 26. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the substance applied to the wire end portions 26 is
zinc. In accordance with the present invention, any substance known
in the art to add strength, durability, or improve the aesthetic
appearance of the wire end portions 26 can be used.
[0048] In accordance with the present invention, the assemblies
shown in FIG. 1 can be moved around and rearranged in various
different orders. Therefore, the scope of the present invention
includes performing the different tasks of the assemblies in a
different order. Additionally, it is within the scope of the
present invention to remove one or more of the assemblies shown in
FIG. 1 from the apparatus of the present invention.
[0049] The finished chain link fabric 12 may then be moved
incrementally over guided rollers and taken up by a take up unit.
Typically the finished chain link fabric 12 is tightly rolled into
large rolls that are ready for shipping and installation. Once the
chain link fabric arrives to its intended destination, the
flattened end portions allow the fabric to be rolled out like a
carpet without the end portions getting caught and tangled.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown, by way of example
only, an enlarged view of the cutting assembly 14 shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 shows the cutting assembly 14 having cutting edges 40 and
42, which cut the formed ends 8 of woven chain link fabric 12 to
have sharp cut ends that are flat in one step. The formed ends 8
are cut by having the top portion of the cutting assembly 44 come
together with the bottom portion of the cutting assembly.
Additionally, as indicated above, the scope of the present
invention includes using any known cutting apparatus to cut the
formed ends 8 at any angle.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows, by way of example only, an enlarged view of
the bending assembly 16 shown in FIG. 1. The bending assembly 16
has a support assembly 46, which supports and guides the chain link
fabric 12 into position for the knuckling blades 32 to bend them to
the appropriate position. The knuckling blades 32 are attached to a
knuckling bracket 48 and adjustable support 50, which can be
adjusted to modify the position of the knuckling blades 32. The
knuckling blades 32 are attached to an air cylinder 52, which uses
compressed air to move the knuckling blades 32 toward and away from
the wire end portions 26. The air cylinder 52 is mounted on a
mounting plate 54 and is supported by a cylinder adjusting block 56
which allows the cylinder 52 and the attached knuckling blades 32
to be moved toward and away from the chain link fabric 12.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown, by way of example
only, an enlarged view of the welding assembly 18 shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 shows the welding assembly 18 with a welding bracket 58
attached to an upper base plate 60 and a cylinder mounting block
62. The upper base plate 60 is attached to a transformer 66. The
cylinder mounting block 62 is attached to an air cylinder 68, which
moves the portions of the welding apparatus 18 that provide the
weld. The welding apparatus 18 also includes an electrode that
provides electricity to the wire end portions 26 and an upper and
lower electrode support and clamp which hold the electrodes in
place. The welding assembly 18 also has an electrode guide near the
electrode, which holds the wire end portions 26 in place. The
electrode guide is made of a non-conducting ceramic but can be made
of any material that does not conduct electricity. In accordance
with the present invention, the welding means shown in FIG. 4 can
be replaced with any apparatus that secures the wire end portions
26 together, including, but not limited to a securing apparatus
that uses sleeves, clips, adhesives, binding agents or metal straps
or their equivalent.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown, by way of example
only, an enlarged view of the compressing assembly 20 shown in FIG.
1. FIG. 5 shows the compressing assembly 18 having a hydraulic
cylinder 72 that provides the force that compresses at least a
portion of the wire end portions 26. The compressing assembly 20
also includes a frame 70 that is attached to and upper die holder
76 and a lower die holder 80. The upper die holder holds the upper
die 74, and the lower die holder 80 holds a lower die 78. The upper
die 74 and the lower die 78 are traditional dies made of a durable
material and formed into a shape that will apply pressure to
specific areas of the wire end portions that are to be
compressed.
[0054] With cylinder 72 providing the force, the upper die 74 comes
down toward the lower die 78 and places pressure on the specific
portions of the wire end portions 26. In the preferred embodiment
shown in FIG. 5, the upper die 74 and the lower die 78 are each
shaped so that they place pressure on the sharp or protruding ends
of the wire end portions 26. The pressure from the dies 74 and 78
removes or reduces the sharp edges at the ends of the wire end
portions 26 and increases the tensile strength of the two wire end
portions 26, separately and together, causing them to have a
stronger connection. The chain link fabric in FIG. 5 shows how the
welded joints 88 having sharp edges that could cause serious injury
are compressed by compressing assembly 20 to form compressed joint
90 which has smoother edges and ends. The compressing assembly of
FIG. 5 also includes a block holder 82 that holds the upper die
holder 76 and the upper die 74. Above the upper block 82 is an
alignment coupler 84 that allows the upper die 74 to be aligned
properly. FIGS. 6 and 7 are front elevational and left side
elevational views, respectively, of the compressing assembly of the
present invention showing the upper and lower dies from a different
angle.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is shown, by way of example
only, an enlarged view of the compressed joint 90 shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5A shows joint 90 having smooth and rounded edges because the
ends of the wire end portions 26 were compressed using the
compressing assembly 20.
[0056] FIG. 8, shows, by way of example only, an enlarged view of
the testing assembly 22 shown in FIG. 1. The testing assembly 22
has an air cylinder 96 supported by a cylinder bracket 94 which is
attached to a support base 92. The air cylinder 96 pushes a square
shaped block 38 having a centered triangular cutout along the
entire length of its bottom face toward the compressed joints 90 of
the chain link fabric 12. The testing assembly also includes
support brackets 98 which hold the chain link fabric 12 in place.
As discussed above, if the force provided by the cylinder 96 causes
the square shaped block 38 to go a determined distance past the
point of contact between the square shaped block 38 and the joint
90 of the chain link fabric 12, an alarm will go off and the
weaving and selvage process will temporarily stop. This allows
defective or weak connections at the joint 90 to be repaired before
the leave the factory and possibly cause harm to others.
[0057] FIG. 9 shows, by way of example only, an enlarged view of
the painting assembly 24 shown in FIG. 1. The painting assembly 24
has a cylinder mounting plate 102 that holds the air cylinder 100,
a support brace 104 and a sliding gear bracket 108. The cylinder
100 pushes the support brace 104 and the attached lower arm 106.
The attached lower are 102 is attached to a raising member, which
raises and lowers the upper arm 110 as the lower arm 106 goes back
and forth. The sliding gear basket allows the paint brush 112 that
is located at the end of the upper arm 110 to move in a circular
motion, dipping into the paint reservoir 114 and painting the
compressed joints 90 so that a coating of non-corrosive material is
applied to them. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the
paint applied to joints 90 is zinc, but any non-corrosive substance
can be used The paint is maintained at the same level by a counter
and a pump, which are well known in the art. The pump adds paint to
the reservoir 114. The painted joints 118 provide the additional
advantage of protecting the joints, which allows them to last
longer and have smother edges that are less likely to cause injury
to anyone who comes into contact with them.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown, by way of example
only, a chain link fence in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the chain link fabric 12
attached to support members 120 with attachment member 122. The
attachment member 122 shown in FIG. 10 is a wire that attaches the
chain link fabric 12 to the support members 120 by wrapping around
the ends of the fabric 12 and the support members 120. As indicated
above, in accordance with the present invention, other types of
attachment members 122 can be used. In the preferred embodiment
shown in FIG. 10, the support members 120 are tubular fence frame
poles that provide support for the chain link fabric 12.
[0059] In yet another preferred embodiment in accordance with the
present invention, the chain link fabric 12 is attached to the
support member 120 by using a plurality of metal bands as an
attaching members 122. The wire raps around the ends of the chain
link fabric 12 and the support members 120 thereby attaching the
two together.
[0060] Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, any
of the wires that are shown and described herein can be wires that
are galvanized after weaving (G.A.W) or wires that are galvanized
before weaving (G.B.W.). Wires that are not galvanized and wires
that are coated with a non-corrosive material are also within the
scope of the present invention.
[0061] The foregoing detailed description of the present invention
is provided for the purposes of illustration and is not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments
disclosed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is
defined only by the following claims.
* * * * *