The present disclosure relates to a shield used in welding and cutting. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a shield for debris and sparks from a torch.
Oxy-fuel torches are used to cut, bend, straighten, and weld materials. “Oxy-fuel” refers to technology that burns oxygen with gaseous fuel. Exemplary gaseous fuels used in oxy-fuel include, without limitation, acetylene, propane, and gasoline. During use, oxy-fuel torches can produce large sparks and debris, including chunks of hot molten metal. Other torches, such as plasma torches can also produce sparks and debris. Existing shields are either solid metal shields or transparent shaded curtains. A solid metal shield may obstruct an operator's view. Additionally, many existing welding curtains do not possess the heat resistance necessary to withstand the high temperature flame produced by oxy-fuel torches.
A torch shield includes a receptacle having a geometric shape with a central opening. A plurality of chains are disposed on the receptacle, such that the chains hang below the receptacle. A collar is connected to the receptacle for securing the receptacle to a shaft.
In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.
In the illustrated embodiment the torch 200 is an oxy-fuel torch. In alternative embodiments, other types of torches may be used. In one known embodiment, a plasma torch is employed.
In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 120 is directly attached to the inner plate 600. The inner plate 600 is directly attached to the receptacle 400. The outer plate 500 is also attached to the receptacle 400. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the collar may be directly attached to the receptacle. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the collar 120 and the receptacle may form one continuous or semi-continuous molded piece.
The receptacle 400 includes a plurality of notches 420 along the inner and outer diameters of the receptacle 400. In another embodiment (not shown), the receptacle 400 may have notches 420 along the inner diameter only. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the receptacle 400 may have notches 420 along the outer diameter only. In still another alternative embodiment (not shown), the receptacle may include a series of hooks in place of notches.
The receptacle 400 includes a plurality of eyelets 410 along its inner and outer diameters. In another embodiment (not shown), the receptacle 400 may have eyelets 410 along the inner diameter only. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the receptacle 400 may have eyelets 410 along the outer diameter only.
The chains 110 are disposed in a staggered configuration such that the chains 110 along the inner diameter of the receptacle 400 are placed between neighboring chains 110 along the outer diameter of the receptacle 400. In another embodiment (not shown), the chains 110 may be in a parallel configuration such that the chains 110 along the inner diameter of the receptacle 400 are placed behind and parallel to chains 110 along the outer diameter of the receptacle 400.
The inner and outer plates 600, 500 are connected to the receptacle 400. This connection may occur by placing fasteners 130 through the apertures 510 and the eyelets 410, in the manner illustrated in
In another embodiment, the collar 120 and the inner plate 600 form one continuous piece. In yet another embodiment, the collar 120, the inner plate 600 and the receptacle 400 form one continuous piece. However, it should be understood that the collar 120 may have any geometric shape with a central opening. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a collar 120 may be dimensioned to fit an irregular shaped shaft. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), a collar 120 may be dimensioned to fit any other part of the torch 200. Non-limiting examples of the shapes for collar 120 include: semi-circle, horseshoe shape, oval, triangular, square, moon shape, or ring shape.
In the above described embodiments, the receptacle 400, chains 110, collar 120, inner and outer plates 600, 500 and fasteners are constructed of stainless steel. In other embodiments, the receptacle 400, chains 110, collar 120, inner and outer plates 600, 500 and fasteners are constructed of galvanized steel, copper, brass or other metals, or metals with a zinc coating. The receptacle 400, chains 110, collar 120, inner and outer plates 600, 500 and fasteners may each be constructed of the same or a different material.
To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.
While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
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