SHEET FOLDING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FOLDING SHEET

Abstract

A sheet folding device is provided, the device comprising a body and a folding assembly, the folding assembly having a changeable folding end. A sheet folding kit is also provided, the kit comprising a sheet folding mechanism comprising a fixing body and a folding mechanism, two or more folding ends, and two or more folding blocks. A method of folding a sheet is further provided, the method comprising selecting a folding end of a folding assembly based on the fixing profile and the desired seam.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of folding devices and of methods for folding sheets. More specifically, the invention relates to devices for folding metal sheets and to methods of folding metal sheets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In building construction, cladding generally involves the application of a material over another to provide a protective layer. In many instances, cladding involves covering a gap an insulation layer. The surface to be covered may have any profile, such as including edges or bends. Cladding may be used to cover walls, shafts, and any other component of buildings. As such, cladding may be required in areas having limited or inconvenient accesses. As such, such areas may be difficult to cover with cladding due to of the need of heavy machinery or specialised equipment which are hard to move in such areas.

Such machinery typically requires a plurality of operators, as such, increasing risks of accidents and reducing efficiency. The surface to be covered may be uneven or may require different types of folds or shapes when the profile of the surface changes or when the folds are different. Usually, the equipment to fold the cladding, also referred to as folding devices, are configured to perform one type of fold applicable to a limited number of fixing profiles. Thus, there is a need for a device or tool manipulable by a single operator and that allows folding of various fold profiles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The shortcomings of the prior art are generally mitigated by providing a sheet folding mechanism, the mechanism comprising: a fixing body; and a folding mechanism, the folding mechanism having a changeable folding end.

In another aspect of the invention, a sheet folding kit is provided, the kit comprising: a sheet folding mechanism comprising a fixing body and a folding mechanism; two or more folding ends, and two or more folding blocks.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of folding a sheet is provided, the method comprising selecting a folding end of a folding mechanism based on the fixing profile and the desired seam.

Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sheet folding device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the sheet folding device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a back elevation view of the sheet folding device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sheet folding device shown with a first embodiment of a folding block in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sheet folding device of FIG. 4 shown with a second embodiment of a folding block.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sheet folding device of FIG. 4 shown with a third embodiment of a folding block.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the sheet folding device of FIG. 4 shown with replaceable parts.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sheet folding device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the sheet folding device of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a sheet folding device with the second embodiment of the folding block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the sheeting folding device of FIG. 10 shown with another embodiment of a folding block.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the sheet folding device of FIG. 10 shown with yet another embodiment of a folding block in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 8 showing a press roller.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 10 showing the attachment mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A novel sheet folding device and method for folding a sheet will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

First referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a first embodiment of a sheet folding device 100 is provided. The sheet folding device 100 comprises a fixation section 10, a folding section 20 and handling means 40 secured to the fixation and to the folding sections 10, 20. The sheet folding device 100 is configured to create a seam or a fold by folding a sheet to a surface having a fixing profile. In a typical embodiment, the fixing profile comprises angles or curves preventing seamless covering by straight rigid sheets. The sheet may be a sheet of any foldable material, such as but not limited to a sheet of aluminum, steel, or any other suitable metal. In a preferred embodiment, the device 100 is configured to fold an aluminum sheet. The surface comprising the fixing profile may be any fixing profile known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing profile is a wall or a shaft. The sheet folding device generally aims at being transportable and usable by a single operator.

The fixation assembly 10 generally aims at securing the sheet folding device 100 to the sheet to be folded. The fixation assembly 10 may comprise body or frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 12 comprises two angled surfaces 12a and 12b. In some embodiments, the support surfaces 12a and 12b are embodied as a flat vertical surface 12a and a flat horizontal surface 12b. The flat horizontal surface 12b is typically secured to a top end of the flat vertical surface 12a in a perpendicular orientation. The fixation assembly 10 further comprises an adjusting mechanism 14 configured to adjust height of the pushing member 15 to adapt to the fixing profile. The pushing member 15 is positioned as a function of the height of the fixing profile and is configured to push on a top surface of said fixing profile (not shown) and the location of the desired folding.

The adjusting mechanism 14 comprises the pushing member 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the pushing member 15 is a flat surface 15. The pushing member 15 is attached to sliding member 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding member comprises under two elongated member 16a, 16b, such as shaft or posts. The elongated members 16a, 16b may slide up and down through apertures or passages 17 of the body 12. The fixation assembly 10 further comprises a securing mechanism 18 adapted to hold the sliding member 16 at a desired height or position. The securing mechanism 18 may be embodied as a member increasing friction between the elongated members 16a and 16b and the apertures 17 of the body. In some embodiments, the elongated members 16a and 16b are squeezed against pieces 18a movable by the rotation or movement of handles 18b. Understandably, any other number of elongated members 16a, 16b may be used and any other securing mechanism 18 known in the art may be used to secure the displacement of the said sliding member 16.

The folding module 20 generally aims at providing a distance between a substantially vertical surface of the profile of the sheet to be folded and the fixation assembly. The folding module 20 is typically positioned at a bottom end of the body 12. The folding module 20 comprises a removable folding block or profile 22. The folding block 22 is generally adapted to rest against a substantially vertical surface of the profile of the sheet to be folded (not shown). The folding block 22 is shaped to match or conform with a shape of the desired profile of the sheet. Accordingly, the folding block 22 may have any dimensions or shape adapted to a predetermined or desired profile. In other embodiments, the folding block 22 may have any other shape known in the art. The folding block 22 may be made of a rigid material to prevent movement of the device 100 against the fixing profile when folding the sheet. It may further be appreciated that the folding block 22 is detachably attached or mounted to the body 12. The folding block 22 is interchangeable with another folding block 22 between uses of the device 100. For example, the folding block 22 may be mounted to the body 12 using any fasteners 23, such as bolts and wing nuts 24.

The folding module 20 may further comprise the folding assembly 30. The folding assembly 30 is made of rigid material, such as metal. The folding assembly 30 is typically made of a metal stiffer or harder than the sheet to be folded. The folding assembly 30 further comprises a pivot point 32 allowing pivoting of a folding end 34 with respect to the bottom end or fulcrum of the body 12. adapted to fold the sheet upon pivoting. The folding assembly 30 is pivotable towards and away from the folding block 22. The folding assembly 30, when pivoted towards the folding block 22, enters in contact with the sheet and fold said sheet during pivoting. Accordingly, the shape of the folding mechanism 30, especially of the folding end 34, may be adapted to provide a predetermined fold on the sheet. In the embodiment shown at FIG. 2, the folding end 34 has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape having an angle of the shape adapted to push against the sheet when the assembly 30 is pivoted. Any other shape of folding assembly 30 may be used to provide different resulting folded sheets.

It may be appreciated that due to the folding block 22 possibly being in contact with the sheet, said folding block 22 may have a bottom surface 25 angled such allow the folding mechanism 30 to confer the predetermined shape to the sheet. The folding block 22 may further have an angled bottom surface 25 providing more range of motion for the folding mechanism 30 to pivot. A first embodiment of the folding block 22 is shown at FIG. 4, in which the folding block 22 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile with an angled bottom surface 25 to create a first seam profile. The illustrated folding block 22 is made of a polymeric material. In a second embodiment illustrated at FIG. 5, the folding block 22′ comprises two perpendicular metal surfaces 26a, 26b allowing folding of a second seam profile. In a third embodiment illustrated at FIG. 6, the folding block 22″ comprises two perpendicular metal surfaces 27a, 27b creating a third seam profile. The vertical metal surface 27b is facing the folding assembly 30 and may further limit pivoting of said mechanism 30.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a sheet folding kit, or disassembled device, 200 is illustrated. The kit 200 comprises a plurality of embodiments of folding blocks 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d. The folding blocks 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d may be attached yet detached from the fixation assembly 10 to provide different folding profiles in a single device. As such, the kit 200 has a reduced volume while allowing different profiles. Understandably, the kit 200 may comprise a plurality of folding assemblies 30.

In use, the device 100 or 200 may be carried at the area where cladding is required. An operator may attach a folding block 22 or 202 matching the desired profile of the sheet to be folded. In some embodiment, the kit 200 may further comprise other types or shapes of handles (not shown).

Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 3, the illustrated sheet folding device 100 comprises two handling members 42, 44. The first handling member 42 is a top handle mounted to the fixation assembly 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first handling member 42 is mounted over the flat horizontal surface 12b. The first handling member 42 may allow carrying the device 100 and/or provides a hold of said device 100 when folding a sheet to a fixing profile. The first handling member 42 may be shaped as any handle known in the art and may be secured at any desirable position on the fixation section 10.

The second handling member 44 is pivotably attached to the body 12. By pivoting the second handling member 44, the folding mechanism 30 is activated. The second handling member 44 is attached to the folding assembly. The folding assembly 30 is typically attached near or adjacent to the pivot point 32 to allow deformation of the sheet to be folded. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second handling member 44 is at rest at a first position substantially parallel to a substantially vertical portion 12a of the body 12. The second handling member 44 may be pivoted downwardly and away from said substantially vertical surface 12a toward a folded position as seen in FIG. 1. Depending on the configuration, when the second handling member 44 is at the first position, the folding assembly 30 can be moved away from the sheet or pushed toward the sheet. When the second handling member 44 is in the second position, the folding assembly 30 is moved toward the sheet or away from the sheet. It may be understood that the range of rotation of the handle 44 may limited by a limiting member (not shown). The required range of rotation typically depends on a plurality of factors, such as the range of motion of the folding assembly 30, the shape of the folding block 22 and the shape of the second handling member 44. The second handling member 44 may further have any shape of handles known in the art.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the device 100 may be easily changed to provide different profiles adapted to specific uses in installation of cladding. The folding block 22 may be removed by unmounting the said folding block 22 from the body 12 of the device 100. Once removed, another folding block 22′, 22″ may be mounted to the body 12 of the device 100. As shown at FIGS. 4 to 6, the folding blocks 22, 22′ and 22″ may have different shapes. Understandably, the folding block 22 may have any shaped adapted to profile to be folded. As illustrated at FIG. 4, a first folding block 22 has a generally trapezoid shape, having an angled edge near the folding assembly 30 and a flat top surface. As illustrated at FIG. 5, a second folding block 22′ has a general L-shape, comprising a vertical portion attached to the body 12 and a substantially horizontal surface adjacent to the folding assembly 30. The folding block 22′ may further comprise a generally rectangular section meeting the folded folding assembly 30. Referring now to FIG. 6, a third embodiment of a folding block 22″ is illustrated. The folding block 22″ has a generally S-shape cross-section. The folding block 22″ has a L-section similarly to the folding block 22′ further comprising a substantially vertical portion extending from the horizontal portion of the L-shaped cross-section. The interchangeable folding blocks 22, 22′ and 22″ generally allows an operator to make use of the same device 100 with different folding profiles. As an example, a first folding profile may be a flat surface folding the sheet in one angle only wherein a second folding profile may be two consecutive angled surfaces folding the sheet at two angles.

In another embodiment of the device 10, the folding assembly 30 may be removable from the device 100. In such embodiment, the second handling member 44 is typically attached to the folding assembly 30 and is also removable from the body 12 of the device 100.

After being removed, another folding mechanism 30 having a different shape may be pivotally mounted to the body 12 of the device 100. The removable folding mechanism 30 may be pivotally mounted to the sheet folding device 100 using any known fasteners, such as but not limited to snap fit fasteners or sliding pins. In some embodiments, the fasteners are slid in slits of the body 12.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the folding assembly 30 may comprise two members 34 and 36. A first member 36 comprise a fulcrum adapted to be pivotally mounted to the body 12. The second member 34 is a pressing or pushing portion adapted to contact the sheet to be folded to form specific types of shapes. The pressing member 36 may be removable from the pivoting member 36 to allow the use of the different shapes. The folding or pressing member 34 may be slid over or inside the pivoting member 36 or may be secured with any fastener know in the art. The folding assembly 30 and the folding member 34 may be installed and removed from the fixation section 10 by use of conventional handheld tools such as hammers and screwdrivers without the need of heavy machinery or specialized tooling.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, another embodiment of a sheet folding device 300 is illustrated. In such embodiment, the sheet folding device 300 comprises a body 310, a removable folding assembly 320, a pivoting folding assembly 330 and handling assembly 340. The present embodiment of the device 300 comprises similar components to the previously disclosed embodiments 100, 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handling assembly 340 comprises two handling members 342, 344. The first handling member 342 generally aims at manipulating, positioning, or moving the device 300. The first handling member 342 typically comprises a handle 343 mounted on a slider or elongated member 341. The sliding elongated member is adapted to move the pushing assembly 315 toward the sheet to be folded. The sliding elongated member 341 may maintain in a position using a securing mechanism 318. As such, moving the sliding elongated member 341 through the securing mechanism 318 allows changing the height or position of the pushing assembly 315. The first handling member 342 may have any handle shape known in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the securing assembly 318 comprises a passage or aperture 317 shaped to allow passage of the first handling member 342, and in the present embodiment the sliding elongated member 341. As such, the handle 343 is position on one side of the aperture 317 or securing assembly 318 and the pushing member 315, mounted to the elongated member 341, is movingly positioned on the other side of the securing assembly 318. As such, the movement of the sliding elongated member 341 through the aperture allow moving the pushing member 315 toward or away from a sheet profile to be folded.

The securing assembly 318 may further comprise a securing mechanism 318a/318b to maintain the first handling member 342 in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing mechanism comprises one or more handles 318b adapted to move a locking member towards and away from the elongated member 341 to hold it or release it. In some embodiments, the rotation of the handle 318b may move the movable pieces 318a to restrict or free the translation of the top handle 342, and thereof the securing surface 315 so that the device may be secured to varying fixing profiles. Understandably, any other securing mechanism known in the art may alternatively be used to secure translation of the top handle 342.

In another embodiment, the first handling member 342 and securing mechanism 318a/318b could be replace by an actuator or cylinder to move and lock the elongated member 341.

The securing surface or pushing member 315 may be mounted to the first handling member 342 using any fastening means, such as but not limited to fasteners 319a as illustrated at FIG. 14. Referring now to FIG. 14, an exemplary fastening means for the pushing member 315 is illustrated. In such embodiment, the fastening means comprises a threaded bolt 319a to be inserted in a matching threaded hole 319b on the first handling member 342. The pushing member 315 may be unfastened removed from the device 100 and may be replaced by another pushing member 315 having a different shape matching a fixing profile to be folded. A fastener 319a passes through the securing surface 315 and is secured to a corresponding hole 319b. The bottom end of the top handle 342 may comprise a bottom portion 343 secured by any fasteners known in the art to receive multiple types and sizes of fasteners 319a for securing the pushing member 315.

The second handling member 344 is pivotally attached to the body 310 or to a surface of the body 312. When pivoted, the handling member 344 is mounted to the folding assembly 330. As such, when the handling member 344 is pivoted about the body 310, the folding assembly 330 is pivoted to fold the sheet 1 to the desired profile. In some embodiment, the body 310 comprises a support surface 312 to which the second handling member 344 is rotatably mounted at a pivot point 332. Alternatively, the second handling member 344 may be pivotally mounted at the pivot point 332 and may be slidingly attached the support surface 312. It may be understood that manipulating or moving of the second handling member 344 shall pivot the folding mechanism 330.

Still referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, the folding mechanism 330 is generally positioned at a bottom end of the support surface 312. The folding mechanism may comprise two members 334 and 336. The first member 336 comprises a fulcrum adapted to be pivotally mounted to the body 310. The second member 334 is a pressing or pushing portion adapted to contact the sheet 1 to be folded to form specific types of shapes.

The pressing member 334 may be removable from the pivoting member 336 to allow the use of the different shapes. The folding or pressing member 334 may be slid over or inside the pivoting member 336 or may be secured with any fastener know in the art. The folding assembly 330 and the folding member 334 may be installed and removed from the body 310 by use of conventional handheld tools such as hammers and screwdrivers without the need of heavy machinery or specialized tooling.

In embodiments comprising a detachable or removable folding mechanism 330, the second handling member 344 may have any shape adapted to the shape of the body 310 or of the pivot point 332. Understandably, any desirable shape of folding ends 334 may therefore be used to obtain different folding profiles.

In the illustrated embodiment, the folding block 322 may be secured to the support surface 312. In some embodiments, the folding block 322 is fastened to the support surface using known fasteners. As discussed regarding embodiments of the device 100 and 200, the folding block 322 is shaped and adapted contact with a sheet 1 when the folding end 334 is pivoted against the said folding block 322. The folding block 322 may be shaped to provide or form a folded profile to the sheet 1 when pressed against that sheet 1 to be folded. The folding block 322 may be mounted to the support surface 312 or body 310 using any fasteners or attaching member known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the folding block 322 comprises one or more passages or apertures 333. The aperture 333 may comprise threads matching a threaded bolt or screw. In other embodiment, a threaded bolt may be attachable to compatible nut 335 entering the aperture 333 from the other side. The fastener 335, as shown in FIG. 13, may be temporarily or permanently secured to the device 300.

Referring again to FIGS. 8 to 12, a first embodiment a folding block 322 and matching folding end 334 is illustrated. The folding block 322 may be removed by unmounting the said folding block 322 from the body 310 of the device 300.

Understandably, the folding block 22 may have any shaped adapted to profile to be folded. Once removed, another folding block 322′, 322″ may be mounted to the body 310 of the device 300. As shown at FIGS. 8 to 12, the folding blocks 322, 322′ and 322″ may have different shapes.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a first embodiment of a folding block 322 is illustrated. The folding block 322 has a generally trapezoid shape, having an angled edge near the folding assembly 330 and a flat top surface.

Referring to FIG. 11, a second embodiment of a folding block 322′ has a general L-shape, comprising a vertical portion attached to the body 12 and a substantially horizontal surface adjacent to the folding assembly 330. The folding block 322′ may further comprise a generally rectangular section meeting the folded folding assembly 330.

Referring to FIG. 12, a third embodiment of a folding block 322″ has a generally S-shape cross-section. The folding block 322″ has a L-section similarly to the folding block 322′ further comprising a substantially vertical portion extending from the horizontal portion of the L-shaped cross-section.

The interchangeable folding blocks 322, 322′ and 322″ generally allows an operator to make use of the same device 300 with different folding profiles. As an example, a first folding profile may be a flat surface folding the sheet 1 in one angle only wherein a second folding profile may be two consecutive angled surfaces folding the sheet 1 at two angles. It may hence be appreciated that the device 300 may having adjustable folding profiles by replacing various of its components, such as but not limited to the folding block 322, the folding end 334 and the securing surface 315.

A method of folding a sheet 1 to a fixing profile is further provided. The method may comprise identifying a shape of a folding profile, based on the desired resulting folded sheet 1 to be installed on the fixing profile. The method may further comprise mounting a folding block matching the fixing profile to a folding device. The method may further comprise mounting a folding assembly matching the fixing profile to folding device. The method further comprises abutting the folding block and folding assembly to a sheet 1 to be folded along a fixing profile and adjusting height of a pushing member to conform with a top surface of the fixing profile. The method may further comprise an operator holding with a first hand the folding device over the sheet 1 to be folded and using a second hand applying pressure on the sheet 1 to be folded by pivoting a pressing assembly of the folding device. The process may be repeated along the length or width of the sheet 1 to be folded to conform with a fixing profile. The method may further comprise selecting a folding block matching a shape of the fold to be made of a sheet 1 and on the fixing profile to which the sheet 1 is installed to 480; and installing the folding block to the fixation section 490.

While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

1) A sheet folding device comprising: a body comprising an interchangeable folding block;a pressing assembly pivotally mounted to the body, the pressing member comprising a folding end;wherein the folding end and the folding block are shaped to fold the sheet to a predetermined shape.

2) The sheet folding device of claim 1, the folding end being detachably mounted to the pressing assembly.

3) The sheet folding device of claim 1, the folding end having a shape matching a portion of a desired profile.

4) The sheet folding device of claim 1, the folding block having a shape matching a portion of a desired profile.

5) The sheet folding device of claim 1, the body further comprising a movable pressing member adapted to press on the sheet.

6) The sheet folding device of claim 5, the movable pressing member being interchangeable.

7) The sheet folding device of claim 5, the movable pressing member comprising a handle.

8) The sheet folding device of claim 5, the movable pressing member comprising an elongated member selectively maintained at different positions about the body.

9) The sheet folding device of claim 8, the body further comprising a securing assembly adapted to alternatively lock or release the elongated member in place.

10) The sheet folding device of claim 9, the securing assembly comprising a passage sliding receiving the elongated member and a locking mechanism pressing or releasing the elongated member in the passage.

11) The sheet folding device of claim 1, the pressing assembly further comprising a handle.

12) The sheet folding device of claim 11, the pressing assembly being pivotable about a fulcrum positioned between the handle and the folding end.

13) The sheet folding mechanism of claim 12, the pressing assembly being movably attached to the body between the fulcrum and the handle.

14) The sheet folding mechanism of claim 1, the folding block further comprising threaded apertures, the folding block being attached to the body using threaded fasteners passing through the threaded apertures.

15) A sheet folding kit, the kit comprising: the sheet folding device of claim 1;one or more additional folding blocks having shapes matching different desired profiles.

16) The sheet folding kit of claim 15 further comprising one or more additional folding ends having shapes matching different desired profiles.

17) A method of folding a sheet over a profile, the method comprising: mounting a folding block matching the profile to a folding device;abutting the mounted folding block to a sheet to be folded along the profile;holding a body portion of the folding device over the sheet to be folded;pivoting a pressing assembly about the body portion to fold the sheet according to a shape of the folding block.

18) The method of claim 17 further comprising mounting to the folding device a folding assembly matching the fixing profile.

19) The method of claim 17, further comprising: unmounting the folding assembly from the device;mounting another folding assembly to the folding device, the folding assembly matching a portion of another profile.

20) The method of claim 17 further comprising adjusting height of a pushing member of the folding device to conform with a top surface of the fixing profile.

21) The method of claim 20 further comprising holding sliding the pushing member in relation to the body to adjust height.

22) The method of claim 20 further comprising securing the pushing member to the body.

23) The method of claim 17 further comprising holding a body portion using a first hand of an operator and pivoting the pressing assembly using a second hand of an operator.

24) The method of claim 17, further comprising: unmounting the folding block from the device;mounting another folding block to the folding device, the folding block matching another profile.