Apparatus for tying a knot in one or more cords

Abstract

 An apparatus for tying a knot on one or more cords comprises a knotting channel that is continuous in an active mode of the apparatus, the cord or cords being transported through said channel by an air drive so as to form a loose knot. The apparatus comprises two rigid end parts (19, 22), each comprising a slotted portion of the knotting channel and a connection (20) for the air drive, and furthermore a rigid intermediate part (26) that, in the active mode, closes off said slotted portions between the end parts so as to form portions of the knotting channel, making the knotting channel continuous by means of a recess in the intermediate part. A mechanism is further provided for moving the respective parts away from one another into an inactive mode, such that the slotted portions become exposed and the loose knot can be tightened by a force applied to the cord or cords.
In particular, the end parts are arranged in an axial direction, and the intermediate part (26) extends in forward direction between said end parts (19, 22) transversely to said axial direction up to an end line in the active mode, said end parts substantially merging into one another at the location of said end line. Furthermore, the intermediate part widens from the end line transversely to the axial direction, and the inactive mode is achieved through a substantially non-rotational movement of at least two of said parts of the apparatus from the active mode in a direction away from said end line.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention in general relates to an apparatus for tying a knot in one or more cords, which apparatus comprises a knotting channel that is continuous in an active mode of the apparatus for the transport through said channel of said cord or cords driven by air, whereby a loose knot is formed, and which apparatus comprises two rigid end parts which each comprise a slotted portion of the knotting channel and a connection for the drive by air, and furthermore a rigid intermediate part that, in the active mode, closes off said slotted portions between the end parts so as to form portions of the knotting channel, making the knotting channel continuous by means of a recess in the intermediate part, and
   which apparatus comprises a mechanism for moving said parts of the apparatus away from one another for entering an inactive mode, such that said slotted portions become exposed and said loose knot can be tightened by a force exerted on said cord or cords.

[0002] Knots have been made since times immemorial for various purposes. The term 'cord' is understood to designate any cord, rope, string, and the like that may be single-stranded or braided, twisted, etc. and that is suitable on account of its material, weight, and flexibility for the tying of functional knots. Manual knotting of often thin cords is laborious and expensive in relation to the price of the cord itself.

[0003] The term 'air' is understood also to designate any other suitable gas or vapor. The driving mechanism may be compression as well as suction. The dimensions of the knotting channel are adapted to those of the cord or cords used and will in general be comparatively spacious.

[0004] The International Patent Publication WO 02/083540 published April 11, 2001, describes an apparatus as defined in the opening paragraph. The move from the active to the inactive mode therein is a rotation about a common axis of the end parts and the intermediate part of the apparatus. When the knot is being tightened, the apparatus is to be brought into its inactive mode while a continuous contact is maintained between the cord or cords and the intermediate part, which affects the location of the tightened knot in a non-reproducible manner. Furthermore, the path to be traveled by the knot is comparatively long for many applications owing to the use of the hinging construction. Opening and closing of the hinging construction also take place comparatively slowly. A further disadvantage is that the knotting channel in the known apparatus has a large number of bends.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is accordingly among the objects of the invention to improve an apparatus as described in the opening paragraph such that it allows a knotting channel of simple shape, that the displacement of parts of the apparatus has to take place over a small distance only, and that the apparatus can be given a robust construction.

[0006] To achieve this object, the invention in one of its aspects is characterized in that said end parts are arranged in an axial direction, and said intermediate part extends in forward direction between said end parts transversely to said axial direction up to an end line in the active mode, said end parts substantially merging into one another at the location of said end line, in that said intermediate part widens from said end line transversely to said axial direction, and in that said inactive mode is achieved through a substantially non-rotational movement of at least two of said parts of the apparatus from the active mode in a direction away from said end line. The known apparatus by contrast has a hinging construction between the three respective parts, i.e. the movement is essentially rotational. According to the invention, the inactive mode can be achieved in that an end part is axially retracted and the intermediate part is retracted transversely to the axis. It is also possible for the two end parts to be retracted. Finally, all three parts may be retracted. The expression 'non-rotational' denotes that rotations are absent or have no appreciable influence on the knotting process.

[0007] Preferably, said recess is axially slotted and located adjacent said end line. This means that no cord runs through the intermediate part in the inactive mode, so that the knot can be readily tightened and the cord can be readily removed.

[0008] Preferably, said intermediate part is substantially wedge-shaped or spatula-shaped, and said end parts merge into lateral surfaces of the intermediate part in the active mode. This is a simple construction. The end line here is the apex line of the wedge or spatula, which is preferably transverse to the axial direction. An alternative embodiment is one in which the wedge is replaced with a portion of a cylinder, in which case the end parts have to be internally cylindrical. The end line then is a straight line in the cylinder plane.

[0009] US Patent 3,591,217, Fig. 7, does describe a knotting apparatus with two axially positioned end parts and a spatula-shaped intermediate part. The latter, however, does not have a recess, and loosing of the cord takes place in that the intermediate part is not rigid, but bends out owing to a force exerted on the cord, thus releasing the cord. It was found that the constructions of the present invention operate reliably with small forces on the cord.

[0010] Preferably, the lateral surfaces of the intermediate part enclose an angle with the axial direction that lies in a range of 20° to 90°. The angle is substantially 90° for a spatula shape. For a wedge shape the angle is, for example, smaller than 70°. A favorable range lies between 30° and 60°. In the embodiment to be described below, the angle is 45°, and the end parts are substantially mutually symmetrical as regards their shape and positioning. The symmetry here does not apply to the shape of the slotted portions of the knotting channel in the end parts.

[0011] Preferably, the inactive mode is realized by means of an axial movement of said end parts. It is also possible to retract the intermediate part transversely to the axial direction, which may be facilitated inter alia by a correct choice of the angle mentioned above.

[0012] Preferably, the recess in the intermediate part creates a plurality of passages between respective slotted portions in the end parts in the active mode. The configuration is obviously dependent on the knot to be formed, which may be, for example, an overhand knot or a figure of eight.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the invention is designed for the tying of a knot in two ends of a cord, which thus forms a loop, and is further provided with a presentation device for presenting an auxiliary element that is provided with a hole through which said loop is passed prior to knotting. The auxiliary element may be, for example, a label or an information booklet, or may itself be a product, for example a spare part or an accessory, such as a battery, for the product around which the loop is to be fastened or twisted.

[0014] The invention further relates to a cord provided with a knot, which knot has been made by means of an apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] The above and further features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, and in particular with reference to the appended Figures in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of the loose knot to be formed;

Fig. 1a shows the same knot in a different perspective;

Fig. 1b shows the same knot in plan view;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to the invention in an active mode;

Fig. 3 views an inactive mode in the same manner;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 views the end face of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment with a spatula-shaped intermediate part; and

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of Fig. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of the loose knot to be formed, in this case a simple or overhand knot in two parallel cords. If the cords are joined at one of their ends, a loop will be formed that can be laid around a product, for example a bottle. The knot may also be used for a single cord; the knot may alternatively be, for example, a figure of eight. This is well known per se.

[0017] Fig. 1a illustrates the same knot in a perspective view making clear the small number of bends, i.e. a wide bend of approximately 360° and a bend of approximately 90° at either end.

[0018] Fig. 1b shows the same knot as Fig. 1 in a plan view in which the two crossings indicated with circles are clearly visible.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to the invention in an active mode. The scale is approximately 1:1, so that the length of the apparatus transverse to the axis will be 10 to 15 cm. The dimension of the slotted channel is strongly dependent on flexibility, weight, and the like of the cord or cords used. In the Figure, the two end parts 19 and 22 are connected to the intermediate part 26 by surfaces oriented at 45°. The cord is present in a knotting channel that is continuous in the active mode and that can be connected to a pneumatic suction or pressure device at the areas referenced 20 and/or 23. One of these two connection areas may obviously be connected to the outer air. The suction or pressure action then transports a pair of cords (in this case) or a single cord through the channel, such that a loose knot is formed. The control mechanisms for the pneumatic device, such as the detection that a cord is being presented or that the desired end position has been reached, are not shown for simplicity's sake. As is visible at reference numeral 25, part of the knotting channel is formed in that slotted portions in the two end parts are mutually complementary, jointly constituting a portion of the knotting channel in the active mode. The end faces of the end parts merge into one another for this purpose in the active mode. If so desired, the slotted portion 25 may be provided in only one of the end parts 19, 22, so that the end face of the other end part merely serves to close off the slotted portion.

[0020] The two end parts 19, 22 are fastened via arms 28 to a piston 30 that can be moved between the active and the inactive mode by a suction/pressure mechanism 32 that is not shown in any detail. Control, synchronization, etc. of this mechanism have also been left out. It is possible to retract the intermediate part 26 sideways from the active position; in that case there should be a provision for releasing the portion 25 of the knotting channel. This may be a comparatively small movement of one of the two end parts 19, 22.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows the apparatus in an inactive mode. The end parts 19, 22 have been moved apart herein by the arms 28 and the piston 30, in axial direction away from the intermediate part, so that the respective slotted portions in the end parts 19, 22 become exposed. As is apparent, these slotted portions are located both in the sloping surfaces of the end parts and in the end faces thereof, where the end parts merge directly into one another. A suitable mechanism tightens the knot in the inactive mode and removes it axially via channel 20 or 23. Tightening may again take place pneumatically or mechanically, the knot being held back for a short period by inertia and/or friction. An alternative means for tightening the knot is that the rear end of the cord is held in a clamp (not shown) for a short period while the cord is being sucked away. A detail that is visible is that the pneumatic channel 20 in the end part 19 is more or less rotationally symmetrical and that the pneumatic channel 23 in the end part 22 has a slotted shape (see also Fig. 4).

[0022] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 3. Here the end parts 19, 22 and the intermediate part 26 are especially visible, and furthermore the loose knot formed in the active mode and exposed in the inactive mode. The slotted channel 23 in the end part 22 is also clearly visible. The two pneumatic connections are not in one another's extended directions. It is furthermore apparent that the intermediate part 26 does not have a wedge-shaped end, but instead a certain beveling or narrow end facet 34. In said end facet there are two slotted passages, extending in vertical direction in the Figure, interconnecting further portions of the knotting channel in the end portions. The Figure further shows the horizontally extending portions of the cords that were present in the slotted portion 25.

[0023] Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the apparatus of Fig. 2, viewed from the side of the end part 22. The slotted channel 23 in this part and one of the arms 28 are clearly visible. In the above the apparatus was built on the basis of a rectangular system of coordinates: the axial direction in which the parts are pulled apart, the longitudinal direction of the end facet, and the movement of the piston 30. It is alternatively possible to operate with a system of coordinates in which one or several of the axes extend obliquely. The intermediate part may be cylindrical in shape, in which case the end parts in the active mode form a substantially complementary 'tube' for closing off the slotted channel. It is possible to move the intermediate part transversely to the longitudinal axis, especially if the apex angle of the 'wedge' is comparatively wide.

[0024] The knotting channel is prolonged for fastening an auxiliary element to the loop, such that said channel runs along a presentation position for the auxiliary element. This presentation position may be provided, for example, in the form of a second slotted passage at the side of the end part 19 with the same dimensions as the slotted channel 23. The pneumatic channel then extends transversely to this second slotted passage, and the auxiliary element is inserted laterally into the second slotted passage. The pneumatic channel continues from this second slotted passage and is connected to the channel 20. The cord is sucked through a hole into the auxiliary element and the two ends of the cord are pressed or sucked into the channel 20. Subsequently, the knot is tied.

[0025] Figs. 6 and 7 show an embodiment with a spatula-type intermediate part 100, the latter in a cross-section taken on the line A-A. In particular, the recess in the intermediate part adjacent the end line is formed by two parallel slots. Otherwise, the mechanical construction of the end parts 102 and the drive substantially corresponds to that of the embodiment described above, so that it will not be discussed any further.

[0026] The invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will be aware that many modifications may be applied without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims. The description should accordingly be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and no limitations are to be assumed in regard of the invention other than those recited in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for tying a knot in one or more cords,
   which apparatus comprises a knotting channel that is continuous in an active mode of the apparatus for the transport through said channel of said cord or cords driven by air, whereby a loose knot (24) is formed, and which apparatus comprises two rigid end parts (19, 22) which each comprise a slotted portion of the knotting channel and a connection for the drive by air (20), and furthermore a rigid intermediate part (26) that, in the active mode, closes off said slotted portions between the end parts so as to form portions of the knotting channel, making the knotting channel continuous by means of a recess in the intermediate part, and
   which apparatus comprises a mechanism for moving said parts thereof away from one another for entering an inactive mode, such that said slotted portions become exposed and said loose knot can be tightened by a force exerted on said cord or cords,
   characterized in that said end parts (19, 22) are arranged in an axial direction, and said intermediate part (26) extends in forward direction between said end parts transversely to said axial direction up to an end line in the active mode, said end parts substantially merging into one another at the location of said end line, in that said intermediate part widens from said end line transversely to the axial direction, and in that said inactive mode is achieved through a substantially non-rotational movement of at least two of said parts of the apparatus from the active mode in a direction away from said end line.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recess of the intermediate part (26) is axially slotted and located adjacent said end line.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate part (26) is substantially wedge-shaped or spatula-shaped, and said end parts (19, 22) merge into lateral surfaces of the intermediate part in the active mode.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lateral surfaces of the intermediate part (26) enclose an angle with the axial direction that lies in a range of 20° to 90°.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein said end parts (19, 22) are substantially mutually symmetrical as regards their shape and positioning.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inactive mode is realized by means of an axial movement of the two end parts (19, 22) with respect to the intermediate part (26).

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recess in the intermediate part (26) creates a plurality of passages between respective slotted portions in the end parts (19, 22) in the active mode.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein in addition said end parts merge into one another with their end faces in the active mode, and a further portion of said knotting channel is formed by a slotted passage in at least one of said ends so as to cooperate with the other end.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, designed for making a simple or overhand knot or a figure-of-eight knot.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, designed for making a knot in two ends of one cord so as to form a loop, which apparatus is provided with a presentation device for an auxiliary element provided with a hole, through which hole said loop is passed before the knot is tied.

11. A cord provided with a knot, wherein said knot has been made by means of an apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

Drawing