Patent Application
20070256466
The machines and processes according to the present invention will be better understood with reference to the exemplary attached drawing figures, where:
Definitions: For simplicity and ease of reference thereto, the terms “wire,” “wire rods,” “rods,” “rod material,” and “material of any cross-section,” are used interchangeably and equivalently throughout the remainder of the detailed description and appended claims. Thus, artisans in the art will readily understand that the term “wire” within the appended claims encompasses and includes the aforesaid “rods,” “wire rods,” “rod material,” and generally “material of any cross-section” without differentiation unless such differentiation is explicitly set forth. Thus, all these known, utilizable materials of prismatic cross-section may be conveniently and clearly referred to in non-limiting brief form by the terms “wire,” or “rod” within the text of the description which immediately follows and within the appended claims.
With reference to
This process effects the production of three-dimensional stirrups 1a from rod, wire, or other suitable material of any cross-section. Such three-dimensional stirrups 1a typically have the two legs 4,5 on which are found the two ends of the stirrup 1a, being on the same plane and converging at a particular angle, though some of the other sides, that are located on a different plane, may converge under a different angle or may be parallel. In the present process preferably there is produced first the planar stirrup 9 from suitable layout; afterwards, with a suitable mechanism the leg 5 having a free end is trapped at a suitable location 11 and is pulled towards the opposite leg 4, so that the two legs' 4,5 two sides converge under a suitable desired angle. Finally, with another suitable bending mechanism 22 there are created simultaneously at least two sides 6, 7 under a suitable angle, outside of the plane, so that there is formed the third dimension of the product. A cutting may follow. The result is that the two free legs 4,5 converge under the desired angle even though the opposite sides 6, 7 in the other plane maintain their geometry as it was prior to the creation of the third dimension. In another version of the method as described above within the present paragraph, there may be produced simultaneously more than one three-dimensional stirrup 1a, applying the process to corresponding plural locations.
In a version of the process according to the immediately aforegoing paragraph, as further understandable with regard to
In a further version, in the processes according to the immediately preceding two paragraphs there may be received from the suitable layout more than one (i.e. plural) two-dimensional stirrups 9 simultaneously in plural corresponding locations of receipt by suitable mechanisms so that they undergo further processing for the shaping of the final product.
It must be explained also, with particular reference to
In one aspect, and with reference to
The machines of the present invention are further described with reference to
An intermediate stirrup-leg adjustment mechanism 25 for the production of three-dimensional stirrups 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, with converging free legs 4,5, from rod, wire, or other suitable material of any cross-section, is placed in stirrup machines. Such stirrup machines may include an arrangement of an advancement mechanism 21 for the rod, wire or other suitable material that may be supplied from a spool or from straightened pieces. In this case they may include a first bending mechanism 19 that bends the material in one plane to generate planar stirrups 9. Also in this case they may also include a cutter 20 for the cutting of the material after the generation of the three-dimensional stirrup 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e by a second bending mechanism 22. This second bending mechanism 22 comprises a fixed arm 23 and a second arm 24 that can move cyclically around the fixed arm 23 bending thus the two legs 4,5 of the planar stirrup simultaneously.
Alternatively, such stirrup machines may receive prepared and precut planar stirrups 9 trapping one free leg 4 with the aid of a grip or jaw 26. This is schematically depicted in
Assuming the first case, above, for illustration, the intermediate stirrup-leg adjustment mechanism 25 is placed between the first bender 19 and the second bender 22, under the plane of the under-production product. It comprises an arm 16 that can move with the aid of suitable mechanism 18 that produces a controlled, alternating, reciprocating motion. This may, for example, be a motor or drive mechanism 18. The arm 16 moves at a suitable selected angle relative to legs 4,5 of the planar stirrup 9, trapping with the aid of a suitable hook 17 the free leg 5, 11, and adjusting it towards the other leg 4. The arm 16 traverses a suitable distance, holding it until the second bending head 22 bends the two legs 4,5 at the suitable locations 12,13 creating the third dimension.
As a further alternative, the stirrup-leg adjustment mechanism 25 may be placed above the plane of the subjected-to-generation product. Thus it will be readily understood that the stirrup-leg adjustment mechanism 25 may be located either under the plane of the under-production part or above it.
As a further alternative, the stirrup-leg adjustment mechanism 25, according to the aforegoing description may trap the free leg 5 of the planar stirrup 9 with the aid of grip. Thus it will be understood that the free leg 5 may be trapped also with the aid of a suitable grip in place of the hook 17.
Finally, in a further version, a stirrup machine with a stirrup-leg adjustment mechanism 25 according to the aforegoing description, may include a suitable electronic computer for the maintenance, coordination, and control of all the functions of the process of production of the three-dimensional stirrup 1a. To this suitable electronic computer are entered the necessary product characteristics for the production of the three-dimensional product 1a. Thus, the coordination and control of all the functions of the process of production of the three-dimensional stirrup 1a may preferably be effected by a suitable electronic computer, in which are entered all necessary data, such as product characteristics for the production of the product.
In the implementation of the invention the materials that are used as well as the dimensions of the individual elements can be in accordance with the requirements of the particular construction.
Various exemplary devices and methods have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description but it will be understood that the claims to the methods and devices shown and described are not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, as these may be capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions, and may be implemented in many forms and dimensions without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims set forth below. Consistent with legal precedent, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. Accordingly, the techniques and structures described and illustrated herein should be understood to be illustrative only and not limiting upon the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, including known equivalents and unforeseeable equivalents at the time of filing of this application.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20060100262 | May 2006 | GR | national |
