U.S. patent application number 12/295399 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-21 for heddle frame with multi-directional adjustable brace.
This patent application is currently assigned to GTP GREENVILLE, INC.. Invention is credited to Thomas A. Korbutt, Charles F. Kramer, Ronald L. Perschall.
Application Number | 20100012218 12/295399 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39645098 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100012218 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Korbutt; Thomas A. ; et
al. |
January 21, 2010 |
HEDDLE FRAME WITH MULTI-DIRECTIONAL ADJUSTABLE BRACE
Abstract
A heddle frame for supporting a plurality of heddles comprises a
top rail separate from a bottom rail Each of the rails defines a
front wall and a rear wall opposed to the front wall A carrying
flange extends from the front wall of the top rail and toward the
bottom rail Each of the rails carries a heddle bar disposed toward
the back of the respective rail, and the top heddle bar is
connected to the carrying flange The top rail defines a first cut
out portion extending through a section of the carrying flange The
heddle frame further includes at least one intermediate brace
extending between the top rail and the bottom rail at a position
aligned with the first cut out portion and configured for assisting
in maintaining parallelism of the top and bottom rails.
Inventors: |
Korbutt; Thomas A.;
(Bluffton, SC) ; Perschall; Ronald L.; (Greer,
SC) ; Kramer; Charles F.; (Greenville, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORITY & MANNING, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 1449
GREENVILLE
SC
29602-1449
US
|
Assignee: |
GTP GREENVILLE, INC.
Greenville
SC
|
Family ID: |
39645098 |
Appl. No.: |
12/295399 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
January 16, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2008/051145 |
371 Date: |
August 25, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60881620 |
Jan 22, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
139/91 ;
139/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03C 9/0616 20130101;
D03C 9/0633 20130101; D03C 9/0658 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
139/91 ;
139/93 |
International
Class: |
D03C 9/06 20060101
D03C009/06 |
Claims
1. A heddle frame for supporting a plurality of heddles,
comprising: a top rail extending longitudinally relative said frame
and defining opposed top rail ends thereof, the top rail defining a
front wall and a rear wall opposed to said front wall of said top
rail; a top heddle bar configured for slidably carrying the
plurality of heddles, said top heddle bar being carried by said top
rail and disposed toward said back of said top rail; a bottom rail
extending longitudinally relative said frame and parallel to said
top rail and defining opposed bottom rail ends thereof, the bottom
rail defining a front wall and a rear wall opposed to said front
wall of said bottom rail; a bottom heddle bar configured for
slidably carrying the plurality of heddles, said bottom heddle bar
being carried by said bottom rail and disposed toward said back of
said bottom rail; a first end member connecting a first top rail
end of said top rail to a first bottom rail end of said bottom rail
so as to form part of a generally rectangular frame structure
therewith; a second end member connecting a second top rail end of
said top rail to a second bottom rail end of said bottom rail so as
to form part of a generally rectangular frame structure therewith;
a carrying flange extending from said front wall of said top rail
and toward said bottom rail, said top heddle bar being connected to
said carrying flange; said top rail defines a first cut out portion
extending through a section of said carrying flange; and at least
one intermediate brace extending between said top rail and said
bottom rail at a position aligned with said first cut out portion
and configured for assisting in maintaining parallelism of said top
and bottom rails, said intermediate brace having a first end
connected to said top rail, said intermediate brace having a second
end connected to said bottom rail.
2. A heddle frame as in claim 1, wherein said intermediate brace is
configured to permit the heddles unimpeded longitudinal movement
past said intermediate brace.
3. A heddle frame as in claim 1, wherein said first end of said
intermediate brace is disposed between said top heddle bar and said
front of said top rail.
4. A heddle frame as in claim 1, wherein at least one end of said
intermediate brace is configured with a transition region having a
ninety degree twist to permit heddles unimpeded longitudinal
movement past said intermediate brace.
5. A heddle frame as in claim 4, wherein: said intermediate brace
defines a rigid elongated rod having a main body portion defining a
relatively narrow front edge and a pair of opposed, relatively
wider side surfaces, said intermediate brace further defining on
each opposite end thereof, a relatively flattened, thin-profiled
paddle portion, each paddle portion defining a relatively wide rear
surface and relatively wide front surface disposed opposite said
rear surface, each said paddle portion defining relatively narrow
side edges, each said main body portion of the intermediate brace
extending generally to a transition portion that tapers from narrow
to wide when moving in the direction away from the end of the main
body portion and toward each respective paddle portion.
6. A heddle frame as in claim 1, wherein the pitch of the generally
rectangular frame structure is no more than 20 millimeters.
7. A heddle frame as in claim 1, wherein the pitch of the generally
rectangular frame structure is no more than 12 millimeters.
8. A heddle frame as in claim 1, wherein said intermediate brace is
configured so as to be selectively, detachably connected to said
top rail.
9. A heddle frame as in claim 1, further comprising: a locking
clamp block selectively, detachably attached to said top rail and
said intermediate brace to connect said intermediate brace to said
top rail, said clamp block defining a first section and a second
section, said second section of said clamp block defining a chamber
internally thereof, said first section defining an entrance slot
communicating with said chamber; a top pin defining a first free
end and a second free end opposite said first free end, said top
pin defining a head on said first free end thereof and a keyed
section on said second free end thereof, said keyed section being
configured to be received in said entrance slot and said chamber
and slideably disposed in said entrance slot and said chamber, said
keyed section defining a tip configured to be slideably disposed in
said chamber and incapable of passing through said entrance slot so
as to selectively, slideably connect said top pin to said locking
clamp block and said intermediate brace.
10. A heddle frame as in claim 1, wherein said first end of said
intermediate brace being non-rotatably connected to said top
rail.
11. A heddle frame as in claim 10, wherein: said top rail defines a
hollow extrusion between said front and rear walls, said hollow
extrusion having a plurality of internal webs that extend between
the front wall and the rear wall, one of said internal webs
defining a top-most web, one of said internal webs defining a
bottom-most web and another of said internal webs defining a
penultimate web, said bottom-most web being said internal web
disposed nearest to said penultimate web and farthest from said
top-most web; and said first cut out portion in said top rail
extending through said bottom-most internal web and defining a
relatively shallow pocket between said bottom-most internal web and
said penultimate internal web, said first cut out portion defining
a pair of opposed skirt flange portions extending beneath said
penultimate internal web, said pair of opposed skirt flange
portions and the penultimate internal web defining a groove
therebetween.
12. A heddle frame as in claim 11, further comprising: a locking
clamp block being configured to selectively, detachably connect
said top rail and said intermediate brace, said locking clamp block
defining a first section and a second section, said first section
of said locking clamp block defining a pair of opposed flanges,
said flanges of said first section of said locking clamp block
being configured to be selectively received non-rotatably in said
groove of said shallow pocket.
13. A heddle frame as in claim 12, wherein: each flange of said
locking clamp block having an interior-facing surface, said
interior-facing surfaces defining an entrance slot, said locking
clamp block further defining a chamber internally thereof, said
chamber communicating with said entrance slot.
14. A heddle frame as in claim 13, further comprising: a top pin
having a first free end and a second free end disposed opposite
said first free end, said first free end of said top pin defining a
head, said second free end defining a keyed section, said keyed
section being configured to be received in said entrance slot and
said chamber and slideably disposed in said entrance slot and said
chamber, said keyed section defining a tip configured to be
slideably disposed in said chamber and incapable of passing through
said entrance slot so as to selectively, slideably connect said top
pin to said locking clamp block.
15. A heddle frame as in claim 12, further comprising: a sealing
block connected to the top rail; and wherein said top rail defines
a second cut out portion extending through a second section of said
carrying flange, said second cut out portion being disposed in
communication with said first cut out portion, said sealing block
being received by said second cut out portion.
16. A heddle frame as in claim 1, wherein said second end of said
intermediate brace being disposed between said bottom heddle bar
and said front of said bottom rail.
17. A heddle frame as in claim 9, wherein: said top rail defines a
hollow extrusion between said front and rear walls, said hollow
extrusion having a plurality of internal webs that extend between
the front wall and the rear wall, one of said internal webs
defining a top-most web, one of said internal webs defining a
bottom-most web and another of said internal webs defining a
penultimate web, said bottom-most web being said internal web
disposed nearest to said penultimate web and farthest from said
top-most web, each said internal web defining a hole through said
web and each said hole through said internal web being aligned with
each other said hole through each said other internal web, each
said hole through said internal web being configured to allow the
passage therethrough of said top pin, said head of said top pin
being detachably connected to said top-most web of said top
rail.
18. A heddle frame as in claim 10, wherein: said top rail defines a
hollow extrusion between said front and rear walls, said hollow
extrusion having a plurality of internal webs that extend between
the front wall and the rear wall, one of said internal webs
defining a top-most web, one of said internal webs defining a
bottom-most web and another of said internal webs defining a
penultimate web, said bottom-most web being said internal web
disposed nearest to said penultimate web and farthest from said
top-most web; each said internal web defining a first hole through
each said internal web, each said first hole through said internal
web being aligned with each other said first hole through each
other said internal web; and each said internal web defining a
second hole through each said internal web, each said second hole
through each said internal web being aligned with each other said
second hole through each other said internal web.
19. A heddle frame as in claim 18, further comprising: a locking
clamp block connected to one end of said intermediate brace, said
intermediate brace defining a rigid elongated rod having a main
body portion defining a relatively narrow front edge and a pair of
opposed, relatively wider side surfaces, said intermediate brace
further defining on each opposite end thereof, a relatively
flattened, thin-profiled paddle portion, each paddle portion
defining a relatively wide rear surface and relatively wide front
surface disposed opposite said rear surface, each said paddle
portion defining relatively narrow side edges, each said main body
portion of the intermediate brace extending generally to a
transition portion that tapers from narrow to wide when moving in
the direction away from the end of the main body portion and toward
each respective paddle portion; and said locking clamp block
defining a top plate and a connector plate, the top plate being
fixed to the end of the paddle portion of the intermediate brace,
the top plate having opposed end portions, near each of the opposed
end portions of the top plate is defined an elongated slot that
elongates in the longitudinal direction, the connector plate is
connected to at least one of the side surfaces of the paddle member
of the intermediate brace, the connector plate defines a threaded
opening near each opposite end of the connector plate.
20. A heddle frame as in claim 19, further comprising: a first top
pin having a first free end and a second free end disposed opposite
said first free end, said first top pin being disposed through said
aligned first holes that are defined in the internal webs of the
top rail, said first free end of said first top pin defining a head
that is selectively, detachably connected to the top rail, said
second free end of said first top pin defining a threaded tip that
is selectively, detachably screwed into one of said separate
threaded openings that is defined in the connector plate so as to
selectively connect said first top pin to said locking clamp block
and said intermediate brace; and a second top pin having a first
free end and a second free end disposed opposite said first free
end, said second top pin being disposed through said aligned second
holes that are defined in the internal webs of the top rail, said
first free end of said second top pin defining a head that is
selectively, detachably connected to the top rail, said second free
end of said second top pin defining a threaded tip that is
selectively, detachably screwed into the other one of said separate
threaded openings that is defined in the connector plate so as to
selectively connect said second top pin to said locking clamp block
and said intermediate brace.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] N/A
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N/A
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention pertains to heddle frames for looms
and in particular to heddle frames with adjustable intermediate
braces for such heddle frames.
[0004] Intermediate braces for heddle frames are known. U.S. Pat.
No. 4,349,052 to Yaji discloses a frame structure 10 with an
intermediate stay 21 that is attached to the upper frame stave 12
by a threaded bolt 75 and nut 73 arrangement and attached to the
bottom crosspiece by a connector bar 77 (FIGS. 12 and 13) fitting
into a connector groove 80 on opposite sides of a hole 79. In this
way, the intermediate stay 21 can be secured to the upper frame
stave 12 via the threaded bolt 75, thereby avoiding the need for
the person maintaining the frame to have access to the lower frame
stave 13. This is advantageous because beneath the frames 10 in
these types of looms there typically is trash as well as moving
mechanical mechanisms that make it difficult for a person
maintaining the frame 10 to access the lower frame stave 13 for
purposes of turning a threaded bolt for example as is required from
the upper frame stave 12 such as shown in FIG. 11.
[0005] An arrangement whereby a single bolt 28 is threaded through
both the top rail 14 and the bottom rail 16 is shown in FIG. 1 of
commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,399 to Kramer, which is hereby
incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes. Another
arrangement with a center brace 28 having a center portion 29
extending between a top rail 14 and a bottom rail 16 of a heddle
frame 10 is shown in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,448 to
Faase, which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference for
all purposes. An arrangement that is adjustable side-to-side is
shown in FIG. 5 of commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,147 to King
et al, which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference for
all purposes. The side-to-side movement is accommodated by
providing elongated slots 66, 68 through rigid intermediate walls
88, 90 of the top rail 14. Commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,916
to Faase et al, which is hereby incorporated herein by this
reference for all purposes, describes a heddle frame 10 with a
drop-through bolted center brace 20 that may be located in
alternative positions within the heddle frame.
[0006] Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0090809 to Fumex
discloses a heddle frame 2 with a plurality of intermediate braces
10 disposed between the cross-rails 4 and 4' and arranged to clamp
on opposite sides of the projections 45 and 46 on the inside faces
of the partitions 42 and 43 of each cross-rail 4, 4'. However, as
shown in FIG. 4, the heddles 6 mounted on the bar 5 cannot slide
past the flattened portion 114 of the rod 11 of the intermediate
brace 10. Additionally, the side-to-side adjustability of the
intermediate braces 10 requires machining of the internal webs 49
(FIGS. 2 and 3), which requires additional machining operations,
the result of which tends to increase the cost of manufacture and
weaken the structural integrity of the cross-rails 4, 4'.
BRIEF OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a heddle
frame for supporting a plurality of heddles, comprising one or more
intermediate braces wherein each intermediate brace is configured
to permit the heddles (without yarn) to be moved past each
installed intermediate brace.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
heddle frame for supporting a plurality of heddles, comprising one
or more intermediate braces wherein each intermediate brace is
configured to be infinitely adjustable from left to right within
the length of the locking clamp block of the intermediate
brace.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
heddle frame for supporting a plurality of heddles, comprising one
or more intermediate braces wherein each intermediate brace is
configured with an integral key that functions to retain the
desired alignment of the intermediate brace and prevents turning of
the intermediate brace.
[0010] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a heddle frame for supporting a plurality of heddles,
comprising a pair of opposed profiles, one or more intermediate
braces installed between the profiles, a pocket cutout defined in
at least one of the profiles and a selectively removable stop block
wherein such configuration makes it convenient to install an
intermediate brace in the heddle frame and/or retain an
intermediate brace in the heddle frame and/or position an
intermediate brace in the heddle frame and/or remove an
intermediate brace in the heddle frame.
[0011] It also is an object of the present invention to provide a
heddle frame for supporting a plurality of heddles, comprising a
pair of opposed profiles and one or more intermediate braces
installed between the profiles, wherein the manufacturing costs are
less because they are configured without elongated bolt holes for
securing each intermediate brace in a manner that renders such
brace moveable left to right within the heddle frame.
[0012] These objects and additional objects and advantages of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description that
follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may
be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages
of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the
instrumentalities and combinations described herein both in text
and/or drawings and/or particularly pointed out in the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate at least one
presently preferred embodiment of the invention as well as some
alternative embodiments. These drawings, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention but
by no means are intended to be exhaustive of all of the possible
manifestations of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a rear plan view of an embodiment of the heddle
frame of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a view taken from the back an embodiment of an
intermediate brace with locking clamp blocks in accordance with the
present invention and with features not ordinarily visible from
this viewing perspective being shown in dashed line.
[0016] FIG. 2B is a view taken from the side of the intermediate
brace with locking clamp blocks shown in FIG. 2A.
[0017] FIG. 3A is an expanded detailed rear plan view of a section
of FIG. 1 within the balloon designated FIG. 3A in FIG. 1 and with
features that ordinarily would be hidden from the viewer being
shown in dashed line and a double-headed arrow schematically
indicating direction of movement of certain components and with
elements in chain dashed line to indicate that these elements
ordinarily would not be visible in the plane of this view.
[0018] FIG. 3B is a view shown partially in cross-section taken
along the lines 3B-3B indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3A with
elements in chain dashed line to indicate that these elements
ordinarily would not be visible in the plane in which the
cross-section is taken of FIG. 3A.
[0019] FIG. 4A is an elevated perspective view of a section of an
embodiment of a top rail of a heddle frame and an embodiment of one
end of an intermediate brace of the present invention with features
that ordinarily would be hidden from view internally of the top
rail being shown in dashed line and chain dashed line indicating
the positioning of other elements when assembled and with portions
cut away to reveal internal structure.
[0020] FIG. 4B is an elevated perspective view of portions of
alternative embodiments of an intermediate brace and a pin.
[0021] FIG. 4C is an elevated perspective view of portions of a top
rail and portions of an alternative embodiment of an intermediate
brace and pin, with dashed lines showing structure that otherwise
would be hidden from view and chain dashed lines showing a top
section of the top rail for purposes of illustrating positioning of
other components during assembly.
[0022] FIG. 4D is an elevated perspective view of two separated
sections of portions of an embodiment of a top rail with dashed
lines showing structure that otherwise would not be visible and
showing portions of other components, including a portion of an
alternative embodiment of an intermediate brace and pin with the
solid lines showing relative positioning of components of the
pin.
[0023] FIG. 4E is an elevated perspective view of two separated
sections of portions of an embodiment of a top rail with dashed
lines showing structure that otherwise would not be visible and
showing portions of other components, including a portion of an
alternative embodiment of an intermediate brace and pins with the
solid lines showing relative positioning of components of the
pin.
[0024] FIG. 4F is an elevated perspective view of portions of an
embodiment of a top rail with dashed line showing structure that
otherwise would not be visible and showing portions of other
components, including a portion of an intermediate brace and twin
pins, with the solid lines showing relative positioning of
components of the pin and a double headed arrow indicating the
selectively permitted directions of movement of certain
components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0025] Reference now will be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, several examples of which
being illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is
provided by way of explanation of the invention, which is not
restricted to the specifics of the examples. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used on
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention cover such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents. The same numerals are assigned to the same
components throughout the drawings and description.
[0026] A presently preferred embodiment of a heddle frame in
accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is
represented generally by the numeral 10.
[0027] As schematically shown in FIG. 1, a heddle frame 10
desirably includes a top rail 11 that extends longitudinally
(widthwise across the paper) relative to frame 10 and defines
opposed top rail ends 11a, 11b thereof. Similarly, the heddle frame
10 also includes a bottom rail 12 that extends in the longitudinal
direction and that extends generally parallel to the top rail 11.
The bottom rail 12 also defines opposed bottom rail ends 12a, 12b
thereof. Alternative terminology for the top rail 11 and the bottom
rail 12 is respectively the top profile and the bottom profile or
the top crossbrace and bottom crossbrace.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a first end member 13a connects the
first top rail end 11a of the top rail 11 to the first bottom rail
end 12a of the bottom rail 12. Similarly, a second end member 13b
connects the second top rail end 11b of the top rail 11 to the
second bottom rail end 12b of the bottom rail 12. The top rail 11,
first end member 13a, bottom rail 12 and second end member 13b are
connected so as to provide the heddle frame 10 formed thereby with
a generally rectangular structure. Because the rails 11, 12 and end
members 13a, 13b typically are made from aluminum, the heddle frame
10 is sometimes called the aluminum profile 10. Moreover, as shown
in FIG. 1, an intermediate brace 15 extends between and connects
the top rail 11 and the bottom rail 12 to assist in maintaining
parallelism of the top and bottom rails and the overall rectangular
shape of the heddle frame 10.
[0029] The heddle frame 10 carries a plurality of heddles 14, the
lengths of which extending vertically between the top rail 11 and
the bottom rail 12 and thus generally transversely to the frame 10.
As shown in FIG. 1, one end of each warp heddle 14 is slidably
carried by a top heddle bar 19 that is mounted near one
longitudinal edge of the top rail 11, while the opposite end of
each warp heddle 14 is slidably carried by a bottom heddle bar 19
that is mounted near one longitudinal edge of the bottom rail 12.
As shown in FIG. 3B for example, each heddle bar 19 is disposed
toward the back of the respective top rail 11 and bottom rail 12,
and the back of each rail 11, 12 is disposed to face away from the
reed when the heddle frame 10 is mounted in the loom (not
shown).
[0030] In the illustrative embodiment discussed herein, for
purposes of simplifying the discussion, it is assumed that the top
rail 11 and the bottom rail 12 are configured identically. However,
when a top rail 11 and a bottom rail 12 are connected to form a
heddle frame 10, they are oriented such that the top rail's
longitudinal edge nearest the heddle bar 19 is facing toward the
bottom rail's longitudinal edge nearest the heddle bar 19. Thus,
the heddle bar 19 of each rail 11, 12 is oriented to face toward
the interior of the heddle frame 10. Accordingly, since the top
rail 11 and the bottom rail 12 are configured identically, then for
the sake of brevity, only the construction of an embodiment of a
top rail 11 will be described in detail.
[0031] A section of an embodiment of a top rail 11 is shown in FIG.
4A for example. As shown therein, the top rail 11 defines a
generally hollow extrusion 20 that has a largest dimension
extending in the longitudinal direction (widthwise across the paper
as shown in FIG. 1 for example). As shown in FIG. 4A, the hollow
extrusion 20 forming the top rail 11 defines a top surface 20a, and
the top surface 20a defines a larger dimension that extends in the
longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 4A, the top surface 20a
defines a smaller dimension that extends in a horizontal direction,
the horizontal direction being the direction that defines the
thickness of the hollow extrusion 20 in a direction that is normal
to the flat planar front surface 20c and the flat planar rear
surface 20d of the top rail 11. As shown in FIG. 4A, the smaller
dimension defining the top surface 20a is bounded between the front
surface 20c of the hollow extrusion 20 and the parallel rear
surface 20d of the hollow extrusion 20. Thus, in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4A, the horizontal direction is the direction that is
normal to the longitudinal direction and normal to each of the
front surface 20c and rear surface 20d of the top rail 11.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4A for example, the hollow extrusion 20
that defines the top rail 11 also defines a front wall 21 that
defines a smaller dimension that extends in a vertical direction
from the front side of the top surface 20a. The vertical direction
is defined as being normal to the longitudinal direction and normal
to the horizontal direction. The front wall 21 defines a larger
dimension that extends in the longitudinal direction.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 4A for example, the hollow extrusion 20 of
the top rail 20a is further defined by a rear wall 22 that is
disposed generally parallel to the front wall 21. The rear wall 22
defines a smaller dimension extending in the vertical direction
from the rear side of the top surface 20a. The rear wall 22 defines
a larger dimension extending in the longitudinal direction and is
equal in this larger dimension to the larger dimension of the front
wall 21 of the top rail. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the
vertical dimension of the front wall 21 is larger than the vertical
dimension of the rear wall 22 by virtue of the addition to the
front wall 21 of a carrying flange 23 for the heddle bar 19.
[0034] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the interior surface of
the carrying flange 23 defines a projection bar 24. As shown in
FIG. 4A, the projection bar 24 extends in the horizontal direction
from the rear surface of the front wall 21 near the bottom edge of
the front wall 21 and toward the back wall 22. A heddle bar 19 on
which the heddles 14 are slideably mounted via the rod slots of the
heddles 14 is connected to the rearwardly projecting surface of the
projection bar 24. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 3B, the bottom
surface 20e of the top rail 11 overhangs the projection bar 24 and
the heddle bar 19.
[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the hollow extrusion 20
that defines the top rail 11 defines a plurality of internal webs
that are shaped and configured in much the same manner as the web
25a that forms the top wall of top rail 11 and has an exterior
surface defining the top surface 20a of the top rail 11. These
internal webs 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e extend in the horizontal
direction between the front wall 21 and the rear wall 22 and
desirably are symmetrically spaced apart from one another. These
internal webs 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e provide the top rail with
strength and rigidity. Though five of these webs are shown in the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, more or fewer webs can be
provided according to the size of the rail, the material forming
the rail, and the type of heddle frame. However, the bottom wall
25e of the top rail 11 desirably is spaced relatively closer to the
next adjacent internal web 25d than is the space between the
uppermost web that defines the top wall 25a of the top rail 11 and
the internal web 25b closest to the top wall 25a.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 4A, each of the webs defining the top wall
25a and each of the internal webs 25b, 25c, 25d of the hollow
extrusion 20 of the top rail 11 defines a respective through hole
26a, 26b, 26c, 26d that is vertically aligned along the desired
location for the intermediate brace 15. The alignment of each of
these holes 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d with one another is shown
schematically indicated in FIG. 4A for example by the chain dashed
line designated 27. The through holes 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are
configured to allow the passage therethrough of a top pin 35
(described hereafter). The passage of top pin 35 through the
through holes 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d is also indicated schematically by
the chain dashed line 27.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4A, a first cut out portion 31 can be
defined in a section of the top rail 11. The first cut out portion
31 can be located in the immediate vicinity where the aligned
through holes 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are provided and extend
longitudinally past each side of the boundary of the diameter of
the aligned holes 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d by at least the distance of
that diameter. This first cut out portion 31 can result in the
removal of two identically shaped sections of the rear wall 22 and
the front wall 21 that define the top rail 11 between the bottom
wall 25e and the internal web 25d that is closest to the bottom
wall 25e of the top rail 11. The first cut out portion 31 also is
defined through and therefore eliminates a portion of the carrying
flange 23 of the front wall 21. Alternatively, the first cut out
portion 31 need not remove any of the rear wall 22 and the front
wall 21 and can just remove a portion of the bottom wall 25e. In
such alternative configuration, one end of the entrance slot 17 and
chamber 18 of the locking clamp block 16 shown in FIG. 4A can be
closed off and thus blind in one end.
[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, a second cut out portion
32 can be defined in a second section of the top rail 11. The
second cut out portion 32 can be located in the immediate vicinity
where the first cut out portion 31 is provided and can extend
longitudinally to one side of the first cut out portion 31. As
shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A for example, the
second cut out portion 32 communicates in the longitudinal
direction without interruption with the first cut out portion 31.
The second cut out portion 32 can result in the removal of two
identically shaped sections of the rear wall 22 and the front wall
21 that define the top rail 11 between the bottom wall 25e and the
internal web 25d that is closest to the bottom wall 25e of the top
rail 11. Another name for the internal web 25d closest to the
bottom wall 25e of the top rail 11 is the penultimate bottom
internal web 25d. The second cut out portion 32 also is defined
through and therefore eliminates a portion of the carrying flange
23 of the front wall 21.
[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the second cut out
portion 32 extends in the vertical direction through the rear wall
22 from the bottom wall 25e up to the penultimate bottom internal
web 25d and through the front wall 21 completely through the
carrying flange 23 of the front wall 21 and up to the penultimate
bottom internal web 25d. However, the first cut out portion 31
extends in the vertical direction through the rear wall 22 from the
bottom wall 25e and stops just short of the penultimate bottom
internal web 25d. The first cut out portion 31 extends through the
front wall 21 completely through the carrying flange 23 of the
front wall 21 and stops just short of the penultimate bottom
internal web 25d. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3B for example, a
pair of opposed skirt flange portions 31a are defined between the
free edge 31b of the first cut out portion 31 and the penultimate
bottom internal web 25d. As shown in FIG. 3B, the pair of opposed
skirt flange portions 31a and the penultimate bottom internal web
25d define a groove 31c therebetween.
[0040] When considering the relative distances in the vertical
direction in the front wall 21 and the rear wall 22 by which the
first cut out portion 31 stops short of reaching the penultimate
bottom internal web 25d, the first cut out portion 31 can be said
to define a so-called shallow pocket 31, and the second cut out
portion 32 disposed alongside the shallow pocket can be said to
define a so-called deep pocket 32. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
4A, the shallow pocket 31 is disposed immediately, vertically
beneath the portion of the top rail 11 in which the aligned through
holes 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are provided to receive the top pin 35
(described below).
[0041] In accordance with the present invention, at least one
intermediate brace 15 is configured to assist in maintaining
parallelism of the top rail 11 and the bottom rail 12. As shown in
FIG. 1, the intermediate brace 15 extends between and connects the
top rail 11 and the bottom rail 12. Moreover, the intermediate
brace 15 is disposed at a position between the end members 13a, 13b
that connect the top and bottom rails 11, 12. Moreover, when only
one intermediate brace 15 is provided, desirably that intermediate
brace 15 can be centrally located between the end members 13a, 13b
as shown in FIG. 1 for example. However, more than one intermediate
brace 15 can be provided for a given heddle frame 10, and more than
one brace 15 desirably would be provided as the length (the left to
right direction widthwise across the paper in FIG. 1) of the heddle
frame 10 increases.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B for example, each intermediate
brace 15 defines a main body portion 15a extending in the
longitudinal direction of the brace 15, which when assembled into
the frame 10 is the direction that is parallel to the vertical or
transverse direction of the frame 10. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B
for example, each intermediate brace 15 carries at each opposite
end thereof, a locking clamp block (generally designated 16) that
is connected in a fixed manner to the intermediate brace 15.
Alternatively, a single piece of material (a steel blank for
example) can be machined and formed into a unitary structure that
defines the intermediate brace 15 and locking clamp blocks 16 at
each opposite end.
[0043] The locking clamp block 16 on one end of the intermediate
brace 15 is configured to be connected to the top rail 11, while
the locking clamp block 16 on the opposite end of the intermediate
brace 15 is configured to be connected to the bottom rail 12. The
manner in which the intermediate brace 15 is connected to each of
the top and bottom rails 11, 12 desirably can involve the same
kinds of components, and accordingly, for purposes of brevity, the
following discussion will describe only the manner of connecting an
intermediate brace 15 with the top rail 11.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the intermediate brace 15
defines a rigid elongated rod, which desirably is formed of
stainless steel. However, the intermediate brace 15 can be formed
of other materials that provide the same structural strength
characteristics. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the main body portion
15a of the intermediate brace 15 defines a relatively narrow rear
edge 15c. As shown in FIG. 2B, the main body portion 15a defines a
relatively narrow front edge 15d and a pair of opposed, relatively
wider side surfaces 15e. The intermediate brace 15 defines on each
opposite end thereof, a relatively flattened, thin-profiled paddle
portion 15b. Each paddle portion 15b defines a relatively wide rear
surface 15f and front surface 15g and relatively narrow side edges
15h. The main body portion 15a of the intermediate brace 15 extends
generally to a transition portion 15k that tapers from narrow to
wide when moving in the direction away from the end of the main
body portion 15a and toward each respective paddle portion 15b. As
shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the paddle portion 15b of the
intermediate brace 15 is disposed immediately adjacent the locking
clamp block 15 where the locking clamp block 16 is attached to the
intermediate brace 15.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3B for example, a locking clamp
block 16 is attached to one end of the intermediate brace 15. As
shown in FIG. 2B for example, the locking clamp block 16 has a
front face 16d that defines a recess 16e therein. As shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B for example, the distal free end of the paddle member 15b
is received in the recess 16e that is formed in the front face 16d
of the locking clamp block 16. As shown in FIG. 2B for example, the
depth of this recess 16e corresponds desirably to the thickness of
the side edge 15h of the paddle member 15b that is inserted into
the recess 16e and fixed therein as by a means of permanent
attachment such as welding for example. The means of attachment
also can be selectively removable such as by a rivet or a threaded
screw for example. Desirably, as shown in FIG. 2B, the front
surface 15g of the paddle member 15b lies in the same plane as the
front face 16d of the locking clamp block 16 to which the paddle
member 15b is attached.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3B for example, the locking
clamp block 16 defines a first section 16a that in turn defines an
entrance slot 17. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first section
16a of the locking clamp block 16 defines a pair of opposed flanges
16c. The interior-facing surfaces of the opposed flanges 16c define
the entrance slot 17. The locking clamp block 16 further defines a
second section 16b that defines a chamber 18 internally of the
second section 16b of the locking clamp block 16. The entrance slot
17 is configured to communicate directly with and be connected to
the chamber 18. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the third section of
the locking clamp block 16 defines the base 16g of the locking
clamp block 16 in which is formed the recess 16e for receiving the
paddle member 15b of the intermediate brace 15.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 4A for example, a top pin 35 is defined by
a rigid, elongated, narrow rod, which desirably is formed of
stainless steel. However, the top pin 35 can be formed of other
materials that provide the same structural strength
characteristics. As in the embodiment that is shown in FIG. 4A, the
top pin 35 can have a generally cylindrical exterior surface over
substantially its entire length and can define a head portion 35a
on a first free end thereof. The free end of the head portion 35a
of the top pin 35 can include a flat surface 35b that facilitates
being able to grasp the pin 35 and rotate the pin about its
lengthwise axis, also known as its longitudinal axis. Other
configurations can be provided for the free end of the head portion
35a of the top pin 35 to accomplish the same purpose. For example,
the free end of the head portion 35a of the top pin 35 can include
dual, opposing flat surfaces 35b (not shown). As in the embodiment
that is shown in FIG. 4A, the top pin 35 can have a generally
threaded exterior surface 35c over the distal portion of the head
portion 35a of the top pin 35.
[0048] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the
keyed portion of the top pin and the entrance slot and chamber of
the locking clamp block are configured in a complementary manner so
that they are selectively, slideably disposable with respect to one
another so as to selectively attach the top rail and the
intermediate brace. As shown in FIG. 4A, the top pin 35 can further
define a keyed portion 35d on the end of the top pin 35 that is
opposite the head portion 35a. As shown in FIG. 4A, the keyed
portion 35d of the top pin 35 on the second end of the top pin 35
desirably can be configured to be selectively, securably received
within the entrance slot 17 and the chamber 18 of the locking clamp
block 16.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 4A for example, the keyed portion 35d of
the top pin 35 desirably can define a tip that is configured to be
selectively slideably disposed in the chamber 18 of the slideably
connected locking clamp block 16 (as shown in FIG. 2B for example)
to which the top pin 35 is connected. Moreover, the tip of the top
pin 35 can be configured so that it is incapable of passing through
the entrance slot 17 and must approach entry into the chamber 18
via one of the open end faces 16f of the locking clamp block 16.
Thus, the chamber 18 of the locking clamp block 16 is accessible
both from the entrance slot 17 in the top of the locking clamp
block 16 and from each of the opposed ends 16f of the locking clamp
block 16. In this way, it is possible to slideably connect the top
pin 35 to the locking clamp block 16 and thus to the intermediate
brace 15 that is connected to the locking clamp block 16. In
particular, it is the tip of the keyed portion 35d on one end of
the top pin 35 that is configured so as to be slideably connectable
to the locking clamp block 16 via the end openings in the slot 17
and chamber 18 that are defined in the first and second sections
16a, 16b of the locking clamp block 16.
[0050] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the keyed portion 35d of
the top pin 35 can be configured with a disk 35e on the tip, which
is the distal-most end of the keyed portion 35d of the top pin 35.
The keyed portion 35d of the top pin 35 can be configured further
with a pair of opposed flat surfaces 35f between the disk 35e and
the main body of the top pin 35. The pair of opposed flat surfaces
35f are configured to fit into the slot 17, and the disk 35e is
configured to fit into the chamber 18 but not into the slot 17 of
the locking clamp block 16. Thus, the only way to connect the top
pin 35 with the locking clamp block 16 is to position the keyed
portion 35d of top pin 35 into the chamber 18 and the slot 17 of
the locking clamp block 16. However, this connection or
disconnection (as selected by the user) only can be accomplished by
approaching the locking clamp block 16 from one of its end faces
16f and sliding the keyed portion 35d of top pin 35 in the
longitudinal direction into the locking clamp block 16 so that the
flat surfaces 35f fit into the slot 17 and the disk 35e fits into
the chamber 18. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and
4A for example, the locking clamp block 16 is selectively,
slideably connectable with respect to the keyed portion 35d of the
top pin 35 in the longitudinal directions that are schematically
indicated by the double ended arrow designated 42 in FIGS. 3A and
4A when the top pin 35 is disposed transversely through the
interior of the top rail 11 for example. Since the disk 35e is too
big to pass through the slot 17, when the keyed portion 35d is held
within the slot 17 and chamber 18 of the locking clamp block 16,
then it becomes impossible to disengage the locking clamp block 16,
and hence the intermediate brace 15, from the top pin 35 by the
exertion of forces in the vertical or transverse direction with
respect to the heddle frame 10.
[0051] When the head portion 35a of the top pin 35 is anchored to
the top rail 11 by a washer 36 and a threaded nut 37 as
schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A, then the top rail 11 can be
connected to the intermediate brace 15 in this fashion. As shown in
FIG. 1, a similar arrangement of the opposite end of the
intermediate brace 15 and a bottom pin 45 that is configured like
the top pin 35 effects the same connection between the intermediate
brace 15 and the bottom rail 12. Tightening the top pin 35
compresses the two rails 11, 12 toward one another and thereby
increases the stiffness of the aluminum profile 10 at the location
of the intermediate brace 15. Tightening the nut 37 on the head
portion 35a of the top pin 35 and/or the nut 47 on the counterpart
bottom pin 45 creates a parallel condition of the heddle frame 10
that sets the vertical distance over the heddle bars 19, and that
vertical distance allows about a three millimeter clearance that is
enough for the heddles 14 to run freely on the heddle bars 19.
Moreover, increasing the stiffness of the heddle frame 10 can
reduce the number of intermediate braces 15 that are needed along
the length of the heddle frame 10.
[0052] The deep pocket 32 can extend from the bottommost edge of
the front wall 21 of the top rail 11 to the penultimate bottom
internal web 25e of the top rail 11. The difference in depth
between the deep pocket 32 and the shallow pocket 31 is attributed
to the skirt flange portions 31a that extend vertically downwardly
and away from the penultimate lower web 25d. These two skirt flange
portions 31a and the penultimate lower web 25d define a groove 31c
within which are received the flanges 16c that define the slot 17
in the locking clamp block 16 that is to be connected to the keyed
portion 35d end of the top pin 35. As shown in FIG. 3B for example,
the exterior surfaces of the flanges 16c of the locking clamp block
16 are configured to be received within the groove 31c that is
defined between the interior-facing surfaces of the skirt flange
portions 31a of the front wall 21 and the rear wall 22 that define
the top rail 11. The flanges 16c of the locking clamp block 16
received within the groove 31c act to prevent the locking clamp
block 16 from twisting with respect to the top rail 11.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 3A, a sealing block 50 (only part is
visible in the view shown) is received within the deep pocket 32
that is defined in the lower portion of the top rail 11 and can be
secured therein by connecting the sealing block 50 to the top rail
11. This connection can be accomplished in any of a number of ways.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the sealing block 50 can include a removably
securable fastener such as a threaded pin 50a that threads into a
threaded opening 50b in the penultimate bottom internal web 25d.
Thus, the sealing block 50 prevents enough movement in the
direction of the double-headed arrow 42 that would result in the
escape of the tip of the keyed portion 35d of the top pin 35 from
within the chamber 18 defined in the second section 16b of the
locking clamp block 16 to which the top pin 35 was slideably
connected. When the sealing block 50 is removed from the deep
pocket 32, then as shown in FIG. 4A for example, the locking clamp
block 16 of the intermediate brace 15 can be moved in the
longitudinal direction 42 sufficiently clear of the skirt flange
portions 31a to release the tip of the keyed portion 35d of the top
pin 35 from within the chamber 18 defined in the locking clamp
block 16. The locking clamp block 16 and the attached intermediate
brace 15 then can be removed from the assembled frame 10 once the
keyed portions 35d, 18 are disconnected from each other.
[0054] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the
heddles 14 that are carried by the heddle frame 10 are free to move
in the longitudinal direction 42 past the intermediate braces 15.
This is accomplished because of the manner of connecting the
intermediate braces 15 to the top rail 11 and the bottom rail 12 as
well as the configuration of the intermediate brace 15 and the
location of the intermediate brace 15 in front of the heddle bar
19. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B for example, the transition region
15k connects each paddle member 15b on the end of each intermediate
brace 15 with the main body portion 15a of the intermediate brace
15. Thus, in the view shown in FIG. 3B for example, the heddle 14
that is indicated by the chain-dashed line can move into and out of
the paper and without such movement being impeded by virtue of the
shape and position of the intermediate brace 15. The ninety degree
twist of the transition region 15k of the intermediate brace 15 is
shaped so that the intermediate brace 15 can be positioned in front
of the heddle 14 rather than being alongside the heddle 14. If the
shape of the brace 15 were such that the brace 15 was positioned
alongside the heddle 14, then the brace 15 would prevent passage of
the heddle 14 past the brace 15. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3A,
the heddles 14 that are illustrated by the chain-dashed lines can
move to and fro in the directions of the double-headed arrow 42
without having such movement being impeded or blocked in any way by
the position of the intermediate brace 15.
[0055] The present invention is particularly applicable for heddle
frames that have so-called thin profiles. The relevant measurement
that determines whether a frame is a thin profile frame is called
the pitch. The pitch of a heddle frame is measured in the direction
of the arrow beneath the legend TO REED in FIG. 3B. The pitch
measurement is taken between the vertical centerlines of two heddle
frames that are resting against one another as they would be placed
in a loom. This pitch measurement also takes into account the fact
that there would be nose guides in place during the measurement of
the pitch, as nose guides would be used when the heddle frames are
positioned in the looms in order to reduce frictional wearing of
the profiles 11, 12. A nose guide design can be seen in commonly
owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,223, which is hereby incorporated herein
by this reference for all purposes. Examples of four nose guides
(not designated with a number) disposed on a frame can be seen in
FIG. 1 of commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,399.
[0056] A typical heddle frame has a length (measured from left to
right across the page in FIG. 1) of twelve to fourteen meters. The
longer the thin profile frame, the more braces are needed in order
to ensure that the frame retains its rectangular shape. However,
with thinner profiles, less space is available to accommodate the
braces in a conventional arrangement. For a heddle frame 10 to be
considered a thin profile frame for purposes herein, the relevant
pitch measurement would be no more than about twenty millimeters.
In a way that is not possible with conventional bracing
arrangements, the present invention is configured to accommodate
braces in thin profile frames. A pitch in the range of about of ten
millimeters to about twelve millimeters is contemplated herein for
frames with the benefit of braces in accordance with the present
invention.
[0057] As noted above, the configuration of the bottom rail 12 is
merely the mirror image of the configuration of the top rail 11
described above. Thus, the bottom rail 12 would be connected to the
opposite end of the intermediate brace 15 via a bottom pin 45 that
was similarly configured to the top pin 35 described above.
However, it is contemplated that differently configured locking
clamp blocks 16 might be attached to each of the opposite ends of
the intermediate brace 15. In such situations, the manner of
connecting the respective second free end of each respective top
pin 35 or bottom pin 45 would need to be configured in a
complementary manner to interact with whatever configuration was
presented by the locking clamp block to which the top or bottom
connecting pin was to be connected.
[0058] FIG. 4B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a locking
clamp block 216 in accordance with the present invention. As shown
therein, the locking clamp block 216 includes a base portion 216a.
Each one of a pair of outwardly extending wing portions 216c is
connected to an opposite end of the base portion 216a. The wing
portions 216c and the base portion 216a can be formed as a unitary
structure or can be integrated from two separate elements that are
mechanically connected together. A bridge member 216d can be
connected to each of the wing portions 216c. The upper surface of
the base portion 216a, the underside of the bridge member 216d and
the internal edges of the wing portions 216c together define a
chamber 216b. A key hole-shaped slot 216e can be defined through
the bridge member 216d above the chamber 216b and is configured to
receive therein a suitably configured tip defining a keyed portion
35d of the second free end of the top pin 35. Desirably, the bridge
member 216d is removably securable to the locking clamp block 216
by bolts 216f that can be passed through openings 216g in the wing
portions 216c and threaded into threaded openings 216h defined in
the ends of the bridge member 216d. The threaded openings 216h in
the bridge portion are aligned with non-threaded openings 216g
through the wing portions 216c of the locking clamp block 216.
Between each of the threaded openings 216g and the extreme lateral
edge of the bridge member 216d, there can be defined a detent 216j
that can be configured to be received within the groove 31c that is
formed between the skirt flange portions 31a that define one
boundary of the shallow pocket 31 defined in the lower portion of
the top rail 11. The detents 216j received within the groove 31c
act to prevent the locking clamp block 216 from twisting with
respect to the top rail 11. This embodiment of the locking clamp
block 216 can be used with a sealing block 50 and top pin 35 in
much the same manner as the locking clamp block 16 described
above.
[0059] Another alternative embodiment of the locking clamp block
and associated brace and pin are shown in FIG. 4C, which in the
interest of simplifying the view shown in FIG. 4C, does not show
the heddles or the heddle bar 19 attached to the projection member
24 of the carrying flange 23 of the front wall 21 of the top rail
11. Instead of being permanently attached to the end of an
intermediate brace 315, the locking clamp block 316 embodiment
shown in FIG. 4C is slideably attachable along the longitudinal
directions indicated by the double-headed arrow 42 to the free end
of the intermediate brace 315. The FIG. 4C embodiment is similar to
the FIG. 4A embodiment, except that the base 316g of the locking
clamp block 316 is configured to connect to the top pin 335, and
the first and second sections 316a and 316b of the locking clamp
block 316 are configured to be connected to the intermediate brace
315. The locking clamp block 316 defines a first section 316a that
in turn defines an entrance slot 317. The locking clamp block 316
further defines a second section 316b that defines a chamber 318
internally of the second section 316b of the locking clamp block
316. The paddle portion 15b of the intermediate brace 315 is
provided with a keyed portion 315d that can be configured with an
elongated hexahedron 315e on the tip or distal-most end of the
keyed portion 315d of the intermediate brace 315. The keyed portion
315d of the intermediate brace 315 can be configured further with a
pair of opposed flat surfaces 315f between the hexahedron 315e and
the transition portion 15k of the intermediate brace 315. The pair
of opposed flat surfaces 315f are configured to fit into the slot
317, and the hexahedron 315e is configured to fit into the chamber
318 but not into the slot 317 of the locking clamp block 316.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 4C, a pair of detents 316j extend away from
the upper surface of the base 316g of the locking clamp block 316
and are configured to be received within the groove 31c that is
formed at the leading edge of the shallow pocket 31 formed in the
lower portion of the top rail 11. The detents 316j are shown
cylindrically shaped, but they also can be shaped as the detents
216j that are shown in FIG. 4B for example. This embodiment of the
locking clamp block 216 can be used with a sealing block 50 and top
pin 35 in much the same manner as the locking clamp block 16
described above.
[0061] In this embodiment of FIG. 4C, the top pin 335 can have a
generally cylindrical exterior surface over substantially its
entire length and can define a head portion 335a on a first free
end thereof. The free end of the head portion 335a of the top pin
335 can include a recess 335b configured to receive a tool that
facilitates being able to grasp the pin 335 and rotate the pin 335
about its lengthwise axis, also know as its longitudinal axis. In
the embodiment that is shown in FIG. 4C, the cross-section of the
recess 335b has a hexagonal shape, but other configurations can be
provided for the free end of the head portion 335a of the top pin
335 to accomplish the same purpose. As in the embodiment that is
shown in FIG. 4A, the top pin 335 can have a generally threaded
exterior surface 335c over the distal portion of the head portion
35a. The head portion 335a of the top pin 335 is anchored to the
top rail 11 by a threaded nut 337 that engages the threaded
exterior surface 335c of the head portion 335a. In this embodiment
of FIG. 4C, the second end of the top pin 335 is configured with a
threaded tip 335d that can be received by being screwed into a
threaded opening 316e disposed in the base 316g of the locking
clamp block 316 and connects the top rail 11 to the intermediate
brace 15 in this fashion.
[0062] Another alternative embodiment of the locking clamp block is
shown in FIG. 4D. The FIG. 4D embodiment of a locking clamp block
416 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C except for the
fact that the locking clamp block 416 is fixed to the free end of
the intermediate brace 15 in much the same fashion as the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. However, the movement of the
intermediate brace 15 in the longitudinal direction is effected by
movement of the top pin 435.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 4D, instead of the aligned circular holes
that receive the shaft of the top pin 435, the top web 25a and the
remaining intermediate webs such as the penultimate bottom internal
web 25d that connect the front wall 21 and the back wall 22 of the
top rail 11 are provided with aligned elongated slots, e.g.,
elongated slot 426d defined in the penultimate bottom internal web
25d. Each of these slots elongates in the longitudinal direction,
which is the direction in which it is desired to have the freedom
to translate the position of the intermediate brace 15. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4D, a reinforcement plate 436 is attached
(as by threaded screws for example) to the web member 25a that
defines the top wall of the top rail 11. The reinforcement plate
436 defines a slot 436a that is aligned with the elongated opening
that is formed in the top wall 25a of the top rail 11.
[0064] Additionally, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4D, a guide
plate 437 having a detent 437a that is slideably received in the
slot 436a in the reinforcing plate 436 is provided. The guide plate
437 defines a through hole 437b that receives the shaft of the top
pin 435 therethrough. The guide plate 437 is disposed between the
head 435b of the top pin 435 and the reinforcement plate 436 so
that the head 435b of the top pin 435 can engage the guide plate
437, which acts as a washer to ensure a tight fit when the threaded
distal end 435d of the top pin 435 is screwed into the threaded
opening 416e that is formed in locking clamp block 416. As in the
view shown in FIG. 4C, the view in FIG. 4D also does not show the
heddle bar 19 or heddles 14 in order to avoid unnecessarily
cluttering the view of the locking clamp block 416 embodiment shown
in FIG. 4D.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 4D, a pair of detents 416j extend away from
the upper surface of the base 416g of the locking clamp block 416
and are configured to be received within the groove 31c that is
formed at the leading edge of the shallow pocket 31 formed in the
lower portion of the top rail 11. The detents 416j are shown as
elongated hexahedron shaped, but they also can be shaped as the
detents 316j that are shown in FIG. 4C for example. This embodiment
of the locking clamp block 416 can be used with a sealing block 50
in much the same manner as the locking clamp block 16 described
above.
[0066] Another alternative embodiment of the locking clamp block is
shown in FIG. 4E. As in the locking clamp block 416 of FIG. 4D, as
shown in FIG. 4E, a locking clamp block 516 is similarly provided
with elongated slots defined through the webs of the top rail 11, a
reinforcement plate 436, and a guide plate 537. The guide plate 537
defines a clearance hole 537b through which a threaded exterior
surface 535c of the head portion of the top pin 535 can be passed
and freely rotated.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 4E, the embodiment of a chamber 518 of the
locking clamp block 516 has a tongue-in-groove connection with a
keyed portion 535e at the tip of the top pin 535 at the second free
end of the top pin 535. In the FIG. 4E embodiment, the longitudinal
translational motion occurs within the confines of the elongated
slots that are defined in the internal webs of the top rail 11,
e.g., elongated slot 426d defined in the penultimate bottom
internal web 25d. As shown in FIG. 4E, the first free end of the
top pin 535 is provided with a threaded exterior surface 535c to
receive thereon a nut 37 that has mating threads. When the
tongue-in-groove connection is made between the top pin 535 and the
locking clamp block 516 attached to the intermediate brace, then
tightening of the nut 37 on the threaded first free end of the top
pin 535 applies tension to the intermediate brace 15 and between
the top rail and the bottom rail of the heddle frame. The line
designated 43 schematically indicates the direction of travel of
the plate 535e forming the tip at the second free end of the top
pin 535 into and out of the chamber 518 that is formed in the
locking clamp block 516.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 4E, a pair of detents 516j extend away from
the upper surface of the locking clamp block 516 and are configured
to be received within the groove 31c that is formed at the leading
edge of the shallow pocket 31 formed in the lower portion of the
top rail 11. The detents 516j are shown as elongated hexahedron
shaped, but they also can be shaped as the detents 316j that are
shown in FIG. 4C for example. This embodiment of the locking clamp
block 516 can be used with a sealing block 50 in much the same
manner as the locking clamp block 16 described above.
[0069] Another alternative embodiment of the locking clamp block is
illustrated in FIG. 4F. As shown in FIG. 4F, a locking clamp block
616 defines a first flat, narrow plate 616a and a second connector
plate 616d, The first flat, narrow plate 616a is fixed (as by being
welded) to the extreme free edge of the paddle portion 15b of the
intermediate brace 15. Near each of the opposed end portions of
this top plate 616a is defined an elongated slot 616b that
elongates in the longitudinal direction that is indicated by the
double-headed arrow 42 shown in FIG. 4F. In this particular
embodiment, each of a pair of top pins 635, 635 is disposed through
aligned circular openings that are defined in the internal webs of
the top rail 11 in much the same way that top pin 35 passes through
the through holes 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d in each respective top wall
25a and internal web 25b, 25c and 25d in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4A. Neither of the top pins 635, 635 is free to move in the
longitudinal direction by the circular openings in the internal
webs of the top rail 11. Though not shown in this view of FIG. 4F,
the first free end of each of the twin top pins 635, 635 can be
connected to the top rail 11 in much the same fashion as either pin
35 is connected as shown in FIG. 4A or as pin 335 is connected as
shown in FIG. 4C.
[0070] The second free end of each of the twin top pins 635, 635 is
provided with a threaded tip 635d that is screwed into a separate
threaded opening 616e that is defined in the second flat connector
plate 616d. The bottom connector plate 616d has a recess 616c with
a depth sufficient to receive therein the paddle member 15b. Each
of the twin top pins 635 is threaded into a respective one of the
threaded openings 616e in this bottom connector plate 616d. The
recess 616c in this bottom connector plate 616d is longer in the
longitudinal direction than the width of the paddle portion 15b of
the intermediate brace 15 is wide in the same longitudinal
direction. This relatively larger sizing of the recess 616c permits
movement of the intermediate brace 15 with respect to the twin pins
635 to a certain extent to either side in the longitudinal
direction indicated by the double-headed arrow 42 when the twin
pins 635 are threaded into the bottom connector plate 616d. The
FIG. 4F embodiment only requires a single deep pocket 32 in the
lower portion of the top rail 11 and thus eliminates the need for a
deep pocket and a shallow pocket in this lower portion of the top
rail 31 in order to accommodate this embodiment of the intermediate
brace 15.
[0071] While several presently preferred embodiments of the
invention have been described using specific terms, such
descriptions are for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be
understood that changes and variations may be made without
departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.
* * * * *