METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A MESH

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming mesh utilising moulded interlinking link elements an example of such a method and apparatus is known from US-2752 636. Where the term "mesh" is used in this specification it means a mesh formed of interlinking link elements, such as rings.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Mesh formed of interlinking link elements is best known in the form of chain mail. Chain mail has traditionally been formed by interconnecting closed metal rings with open metal rings and then closing the open rings by a process such as mechanical deformation, welding etc. In another method split rings formed of spring steel or some other resilient material are used as the interlinking link members and are temporarily opened using a tool, such as pliers, to enable interconnection to other link members. In recent times mesh has been formed from plastics material by joining closed rings with open rings and then mechanically fastening, welding or gluing the open rings closed.

[0003] It has been time-consuming, labourious and expensive to manufacture chain mail/mesh using traditional methods. Chain mail/mesh including unclosed link elements can only be exposed to limited forces before link elements fail. Where the interlinking link elements are closed the joint may detract from the appearance of the finished mesh. Such methods have also limited the materials that may be utilised in the manufacturing of mesh and have limited the practical size of link elements.

[0004] Whilst there have been complex apparatus for forming mesh by folding sections of wire, to date there has been no automated process for the continuous and economic production of chain mail/mesh for mass-market applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated process and apparatus for the continuous production of mesh.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide mesh having strong structural integrity and an attractive appearance.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mesh that is economic to produce for a range of applications.

[0008] It is a further object of the invention to provide novel mesh products and methods of using mesh.

[0009] Each of the above objects is to be read disjunctively with the object of at least providing the public with a useful choice.

[0010] According to first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forming a mesh comprising:

a. advancing a first plurality of link elements from a first set of positions to a second set of positions within a mould; and

b. for each successive advancement of the first plurality of preformed link elements, positioning a second set of preformed link elements in the first set of positions and moulding a plurality of new link elements in the mould through the first and second pluralities of preformed link elements that are positioned in the first set of positions and the second set of positions so as to interconnect the first and second pluralities of preformed link elements that are positioned in the first and second set of positions with the new link elements to form a continuous mesh of interconnected link elements.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for forming a mesh including a mould formed as a plurality of sections, at least some of which close together to define cavities to mould link elements and separate to release moulded link elements, the mould including:

a. a plurality of first cavities at spaced intervals to retain a first plurality of preformed link elements in a first set of positions and a second plurality of preformed link elements in a second set of positions;

b. a mechanism for sequentially advancing the first plurality of preformed link elements from the first set of positions to the second set of positions; and

c. a plurality of second cavities dimensioned and arranged when the mould sections are closed to form cavities to form new link elements in the second cavities that pass through preformed link elements located within the first cavities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1

is a perspective view illustrating the relative positions of rings in a method of producing a row of mesh;

Figure 2

is a front view illustrating the relative positions of rings when a further row of rings is joined;

Figure 3

is a side view of the rings shown in figure 2;

Figures 4

and 5 are sectional views of sections of a simple mould to illustrate the operations in a method of manufacturing mesh;

Figure 6a

is a side view of an apparatus suitable for continuously manufacturing mesh shown in a closed position;

Figure 6b

is a side view of the apparatus shown in figure 6a in a partially open at configuration;

Figure 6c

is a side view of the apparatus shown in figure 6a in a fully open configuration;

Figure 7

is a perspective view showing a portion of the working faces of the two mould sections forming one half of the mould of the apparatus shown in figure 6 with an array of fingers in front of the working face;

Figure 8

shows a front view of a portion of the working face shown in figure 7;

Figure 9

shows a front view of a portion of the working face shown in figure is 7 and 8 with the fingers raised;

Figure 10

shows a front view of a portion of the working face shown in figures 7 to 9 without the fingers;

Figure 11

shows a sectional view along line B-B in figure 10;

Figure 12

shows a perspective back view of a finger;

Figure 13

shows a back view of a finger;

Figure 14

shows a side view of a finger;

Figure 15

shows a front view of the working face of the mould section opposite to the working face shown in figures 7 to 10;

Figure 16

shows a perspective view of the working face of the mould section shown in figure 15;

Figure 17

shows a top view of the mould section shown in figures of 15 and 16;

Figure 18

shows a cross-sectional view through the mould section shown in figure 16 along line A-A;

Figures 19A to H

show a variety of possible link element shapes; and

Figure 20

show a further possible link element shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention includes a method of forming mesh in which the link elements may be in the form of unjoined closed loops. However, the link elements may take many forms including forms having a single aperture therethrough, such as rings, forms having multiple apertures etc.

[0014] Referring to figure 1 a method for continuously producing mesh is described. Preformed rings 1 to 4 are arranged in a first orientation with pairs 1, 2 and 3, 4 arranged so that portions of their central apertures overlap. Further such pairs may be provided in a row at spaced intervals in the plane of rings 1 to 4 to form a length of mesh as required. A ring 5 may then be moulded so that it passes through the central apertures of rings 1 to 4 as shown. Ring 6 illustrates how further rings may simultaneously be formed along row.

[0015] Referring now to figures 2 and 3 the production of a subsequent row of mesh is described. Ring 3 in figure 1 assumes the position of ring 4 in figure 2 and ring 1 in figure 1 assumes the position of ring 2 in figure 2. Ring 5 in figure 1 assumes the position of ring 7 in figure 2. New rings 3 and 1 are introduced to the positions shown in figure 2. A new ring 5 is moulded through the central apertures of rings 1 to 4. In this way it will be seen that by sequentially introducing a new row of rings 1 and 3 and moulding a new ring 5 through new rings 1 and 3 and old rings 2 and 4 that a mesh may be continuously manufactured. It will be appreciated that this pattern may be extended in either direction to obtain the desired width of mesh.

[0016] Referring now to figures 4 and 5 a cross-sectional side view of a basic mould for forming a continuous mesh will be described in the context of the arrangement shown in figure 3. The mould consists of mould sections 9, 10 and 14 and finger 13. Mould sections 9 and 10 part at mould faces 9b and 10a and mould sections 9 and 10 part from finger 13 at faces 9a, 10b and 14b. Annular cavity 12 is dimensioned to retain ring 2 and annular cavity 11 is dimensioned to retain ring 1. The relative component spacings indicated by the letters B, C and D are indicated respectively in figures 2 to 4.

[0017] A finger 13 of semicircular cross-section defines half of the central aperture of ring 5 to be formed in cavity 15. Plastics may be introduced into the mould, when closed as shown in figure 5, to form a ring 5 in cavity 15. Mould sections 9 and 10 may then be moved to the left to open the mould, finger 13 lifted upwards and mould sections 9 and 10 moved apart to free ring 5 moulded in cavity 15.

[0018] To form the next row the ring in cavity 11 is moved to cavity 12, a new ring is placed in cavity 11, the mould is closed as shown in figure 5 and a new ring is formed in cavity 15. It will be appreciated that figure 5 shows a section of a mould which may be repeated along the mould to form a continuous row of mesh. Referring now to figures 6a to 18 an apparatus for continuous mesh production is described. Figures 6a to 6c show the major components of the apparatus including mould sections 30, 31 and 32. Mould sections 30 and 31 can separate from mould section 32 as seen in figures 6b and 6c. A plurality of fingers, one of which is indicated at 37a move with mould section 30 and are movable vertically with respect thereto. Mould section 30 is movable with respect to mould section 31 to allow moulded link elements to be released as shown in figure 6b. Arm 33 is connected to bar 34 (shown in figure 7 and subsequently) which raises and lowers the fingers 37a as roller 35 is guided in slot 36 and section 30 is moved away from section 32.

[0019] Referring now to figures 7 to 11 a portion of the working faces of mould sections 30 and 31 are shown. These working faces may extend to the left and to the right as required to form a desired width of mesh. A plurality of fingers, of which only 37a to 37d are indicated, are secured to bar 34. Bar 34 is connected to arm 35 and raises and lowers fingers 37a to 37d as roller 35 moves in track 36. Figure 9 shows fingers 37a to 37d in their raised position whilst figures 7 and 8 show fingers 37a to 37d in their lowered position.

[0020] Preformed rings are supplied to the apparatus through supply tubes, some of which are indicated at 43a to 43e. Referring to figures 12 to 14 the form of the fingers 37a to 37d is shown. Finger 37a has partial annular cavities 39 and 40 in rear face 38. These cavities 39 and 40 are positioned so that when the fingers 37a to 37d are in the raised position shown in figure 9 rings supplied from supply tubes 43a to 43e may be located within partial annular cavities 39 and 40 of adjacent fingers. Cavities 39 and 40 include biasing elements 49 which urge rings retained therein away from cavities 39 and 40. The end 42 of finger 37a is engaged with bar 34. The distal end 41 is scalloped to assist product exit from the mould.

[0021] Referring now to figures 9 and 10 the working faces of mould sections 30 and 31 include cavities 45a to 45e for accommodating preformed rings and cavities 44a to 44e for accommodating rings overlapping those in cavities 45a to 45e. Ejector pins 48a to 48e move in and out in a direction normal to the page to assist in ejecting rings as will be described later. Ejector pins 48a to 48e include undercut sections 47a to 47e which accommodate rings within cavities 45a to 45e when retracted.

[0022] Referring now to figure 11 a view along the line B-B is shown (see figure 10). It can be seen that semicircular cavities 46a to 46e are provided normal to the working face of mould section 31. Semicircular protrusions 55a to 55e which define half the circular core of a ring extend from mould section 30 so that when the mould is closed half an annular ring is defined by cavities 46a to 46e and protrusions 55a to 55e.

[0023] Referring to figures 15 to 18 the working face of mould section 32 shown. A plurality of semicircular recesses 51 a to 51 d form the other half of the annular cavities which form the moulded rings. Fingers 37a to 37d locate within cavities 50a to 50d with fingers 37a to 37d defining half of the core of rings formed in the annular cavities (the other half being formed by protrusions 55a to 55e). Injectors 53a to 53d (see figure 18) inject molten material into semicircular cavities 51 a to 51d through apertures 52a to 52d during moulding. In one embodiment, the material is thermoplastic. In another embodiment, the material is metal.

[0024] Operation of the apparatus will now be described with reference to figures 6a to 18. Initially mould sections 30 and 31 are separated from mould section 32 and the fingers are in the raised position shown in figures 6c and 9. Rings contained in supply tubes 43a to 43e are urged towards fingers 37a to 37d and are retained within recesses 39 and 40 of respective fingers. Bar 34 is then moved down as mould sections 30 and 31 are moved towards mould section 32, so that the fingers assume the positions shown in figure 8. Biasing elements 49 in recesses 39 and 40 urge the rings into recesses 44a to 44e. These rings overlap rings already positioned within recesses 45a to 45e.

[0025] Mould sections 30 and 31 are then closed against mould section 32 so that fingers 37a to 37d are accommodated within recesses 50a to 50d (see figure 6a). Mould section 30 is also urged back into mould section 31 as the mould is closed. When the mould is closed recesses 51 a to 51 d and 46a to 46d define a disc shaped cavity. Fingers 37a to 37d in conjunction with projections 55a to 55e define a circular core so that a series of annular cavities are defined.

[0026] In one embodiment plastics is then injected by injectors 53a to 53d into cavities 51 a to 51 d so that rings are formed in cavities 51 a to 51 d and 46a to 46d. Alternatively, cavities 51 a to 51 d (or another part of the mould cavity for each ring) may be commonly fed with molten material. Mould section 31 is then moved away from mould section 32 (as shown in figure 6b) and simultaneously mould section 30, which is biased with respect to mould section 31, moves away from mould section 31 sufficiently to enable rings formed in the mould to be released from mould section 30. Mould sections 30 and 31 are then moved further away, as indicated in figure 6c, along with fingers 37a to 37d. As mould sections 30 and 31 are moved away from mould section 32 roller 35 reaches a section in slot 36 where it causes bar 34 to rise. Bar 34 eventually rises to the position shown in figures 6c and 9.

[0027] At this point ejector pins 48a to 48e move in a direction out of the page to eject rings retained within cavities 45a to 45e. However, the rings in recesses 44a to 44e are retained as they are located on top of ejector pins 48a to 48e and behind fingers 37a to 37e. Fingers 37a to 37e are then partially lowered as mould section 30 is moved towards mould section 32 to retain the rings in recesses 44a to 44e. Ejector pins 48a to 48e are then retracted and the rings retained in recesses 44a to 44e then drop into recesses 45a to 45e. Mould sections 30 and 31 then close with mould section 32 and the apparatus is ready for the next mould cycle.

[0028] Although the link elements are shown to be formed in rows it will be appreciated that other moulding arrangements may be employed. For example adjacent link elements may be offset with respect to one another. It will also be appreciated that the apparatus may be adapted to enable two sheets of mesh to be joined. It will be appreciated that the method of invention may be implemented in many ways.

[0029] Following production the mesh may undergo further treatment processes. In the process of "flash flaming" the mesh may be exposed to a high-temperature heat source for a short period of time so that any minor surface imperfections are melted and each link element has a substantially smooth surface. Further, a coating may be applied to the mesh by electroplating, spray painting or some other coating process. Coatings may be applied to provide physical properties or a particular appearance.

[0030] Mesh formed by the method of invention may be further processed to form products. A mesh may be maintained in a desired configuration, for example by draping the mesh over a mould, and then heating it so that the link elements fuse together and then cooling it so that the linking elements remain fixed relative to one another forming a rigid structure.

[0031] Alternatively, the mesh may be maintained in a desired configuration and a settable composition, such as a resin, is then applied and configuration is maintained until the settable material sets to form a rigid structure.

[0032] Link elements may be formed of a variety of materials that can exist in a fluids phase and then set, such as plastics, metals, glass, absorbent or non absorbent foams, flexible polymers etc. A mesh may contain a mixture of linking elements formed of different materials. Further, the optical characteristics of link elements may be varied over the mesh to create a pattern or particular visual appearance. For example, different patterns may be created using link elements of different colours and/or transparent link elements.

[0033] Link elements may also take a variety of shapes which may be mixed with a mesh. Some examples of closed loop link elements are shown in figures 19A to 19H. Other novelty shapes such as hearts etc may also be used. Further, link elements may have patterns or indicia moulded into their surface.

[0034] Figure 20 shows another form of link element in the form of a circular disc 66 having a plurality of apertures 67 to 70 provided therethrough. Rings or other linking elements may be formed through apertures 67 to 70. It will be appreciated that a wide variety of link element shapes and configurations may be employed as well as traditional mesh arrangements utilising 1:3; 1:4 or 1:6 link element layouts.

[0035] Mesh formed by the method or apparatus of invention may find use in a wide variety of applications including: filtration; pollution control; signage, flags, displays etc.; conveyors ; baffles; armour; clothing ; furniture, such as hammocks, deck chairs etc; screens, curtains etc..

[0036] It has been found that mesh is particularly effective at collecting materials such as oil from the surface of a fluid, such as water. A mesh formed of link elements formed of absorbent material or including links formed of an absorbent material in may provide additional capacity for oil collection. The mesh may be provided on a drum or as part of a conveyor system so that collected material may be continuously removed by a washing system or wringer etc..

[0037] There is thus provided a quick and economic method and apparatus for the continuous manufacture of mesh using a variety of materials. Mesh having a range of physical and optical properties may be produced. The mesh may have good structural strength and a smooth surface appearance. The method may also allow mesh having small link elements to be produced economically

[0038] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of forming a mesh comprising:

a. advancing a first plurality of preformed link elements (1,3) from a first set of positions to a second set of positions within a mould (9,10,13,14); and

b. for each successive advancement of the first plurality of preformed link elements (1,3), positioning a second set of preformed link elements (2,4) in the first set of positions and moulding a plurality of new link elements (5,7) in the mould through the first (1,3) and second (2,4) pluralities of preformed link elements that are positioned in the first set of positions and the second set of positions so as to interconnect the first (1,3) and second (2,4) pluralities of preformed link elements that are positioned in the first and second set of positions with the new link elements to form a continuous mesh of interconnected link elements.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second pluralities of preformed link elements are respectively positioned in rows.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein, apart from at the edges of the mesh, the plurality of new link elements link on each side to a previously provided preformed link element and to a preformed link element of a new row provided.

4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of new link elements are formed in an orientation transverse to the first and second pluralities of link elements

5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein each of the plurality of new link elements are formed substantially normal to the first and second pluralities of link elements.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second plurality of preformed link elements and the new link elements are in the form of a closed loop having a central aperture.

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second plurality of preformed link elements and the plurality of new link elements are rings.

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first and second plurality of preformed link elements have multiple apertures for receiving the plurality of new link elements moulded therethrough.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first plurality of link elements are provided in a first plurality of cavities (11) within the mould.

10. A method as claimed in claimed 9 wherein 2 preformed link elements are contained within each cavity of the first plurality of cavities during moulding.

11. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the mesh is maintained in a desired configuration and heated so that link elements fuse together when cooled so that the mesh retains the desired configuration.

12. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mesh is electroplated after formation of the mesh.

13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a binding agent is applied to the mesh which when set forms a rigid composite product.

14. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein some of the link elements have different optical properties.

15. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second and first sets of positions are arranged with respect to one another to form overlapping regions between the first and second pluralities of preformed link elements.

16. An apparatus for forming a mesh including a mould (30,31,32) formed as a plurality of sections, at least some of which close together to define cavities to mould link elements and separate to release moulded link elements, the mould including:

a. a plurality of first cavities (45a-45e) at spaced intervals to retain a first plurality of preformed link elements in a first set of positions and a second plurality of preformed link elements in a second set of positions;

b. a mechanism (48a-48e) for sequentially advancing the first plurality of preformed link elements from the first set of positions to the second set of positions; and

c. a plurality of second cavities (44a-44e) dimensioned and arranged when the mould sections are closed to form cavities to form new link elements in the second cavities that pass through preformed link elements located within the first cavities.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the first cavities are provided in a row at spaced intervals and the second cavities are dimensioned and arranged to form new link elements interconnecting with preformed link elements located within adjacent first cavities.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the first cavities are dimensioned and arranged to retain preformed link elements substantially in a first plane and the second cavities are dimensioned and arranged so that new link elements formed in the second cavities lie generally in a plane transverse to the first plane.

19. Apparatus is claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the first cavities accommodate a plurality of link elements

20. An apparatus as claimed in claimed 19 wherein retractable fingers (37a-37d) define a portion of an aperture to be formed within each new link element moulded in each second cavity.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein a portion of each second cavity is defined by the first and second mould sections which may be moved relative to each other to release new link elements moulded therein.

22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the third mould section and the fingers define the remaining portions of the second mould cavities.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the fingers feed preformed link elements to the first cavities.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Netzes, bei dem:

a. eine erste Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen (1, 3) von einem ersten Satz von Positionen zu einem zweiten Satz von Position innerhalb einer Form (9, 10, 13, 14) vorwärtsbewegt wird und

b. für jede sukzessive Vorwärtsbewegung der ersten Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen (1, 3) ein zweiter Satz von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen (2, 4) in dem ersten Satz von Positionen positioniert wird und eine Vielzahl von neuen Verbindungselementen (5, 7) in der Form durch die erste (1, 3) und die zweite (2, 4) Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen, die in dem ersten Satz von Positionen und in dem zweiten Satz von Positionen positioniert sind, gegossen wird, um so die erste (1, 3) und die zweite (2, 4) Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen, die in dem ersten und in dem zweiten Satz von Positionen positioniert sind, mit den neuen Verbindungselementen miteinander zu verbinden, um ein kontinuierliches Netz von miteinander verbundenen Verbindungselementen zu bilden.

2. Verfahren wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die erste und die zweite Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen jeweils in Reihen positioniert sind.

3. Verfahren wie in Anspruch 2 beansprucht, wobei, abgesehen von den Rändern des Netzes, die Vielzahl von neuen Verbindungselementen auf jeder Seite mit einem zuvor bereitgestellten vorgefertigten Verbindungselement und mit einem vorgefertigten Verbindungselement einer neu bereitgestellten Reihe verbunden sind.

4. Verfahren wie in einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche beansprucht, wobei die Vielzahl von neuen Verbindungselementen in einer transversalen Orientierung zu der ersten und zweiten Vielzahl von Verbindungselementen gebildet wird.

5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, wobei jede Vielzahl von neuen Verbindungselementen im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der ersten und der zweiten Vielzahl von Verbindungselementen gebildet wird.

6. Verfahren wie in einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche beansprucht, wobei die erste und die zweite Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen und die neuen Verbindungselemente in Form von geschlossenen Schlaufen mit einer zentralen Öffnung vorliegen.

7. Verfahren wie in einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche beansprucht, wobei die erste und die zweite Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen und die Vielzahl von neuen Verbindungselementen Ringe sind.

8. Verfahren wie in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5 beansprucht, wobei die erste und die zweite Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen mehrere Öffnungen haben, um die Vielzahl von neuen Verbindungselementen, die dadurch gegossen werden, aufzunehmen.

9. Verfahren wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die erste Vielzahl von Verbindungselementen in einer ersten Vielzahl von Hohlräumen (11) innerhalb der Form bereitgestellt wird.

10. Verfahren wie in Anspruch 9 beansprucht, wobei zwei vorgefertigte Verbindungselemente in jedem Hohlraum der ersten Vielzahl von Hohlräumen während des Gießens enthalten sind.

11. Verfahren wie in einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche beansprucht, bei dem das Netz in einer gewünschten Konfiguration gehalten und erwärmt wird, so dass die Verbindungselemente nach Abkühlung verschmolzen sind, so dass das Netz die gewünschte Konfiguration beibehält.

12. Verfahren wie in einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche beansprucht, wobei das Netz nach der Herstellung des Netzes galvanisiert wird.

13. Verfahren wie in einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche beansprucht, wobei das Netz mit einem Bindemittel versehen wird, das nach Verfestigung ein festes Verbundmaterialprodukt bildet.

14. Verfahren wie in einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche beansprucht, wobei einige der Verbindungselemente unterschiedliche optische Eigenschaften haben.

15. Verfahren wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die zweite und die erste Vielzahl von Positionen in Bezug aufeinander so angeordnet sind, um überlappende Regionen zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen zu bilden.

16. Vorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Netzes mit einer Form (30, 31, 32), die als Vielzahl von Abschnitten ausgebildet ist, von denen wenigstens einige sich zusammenschließen, um Hohlräume zum Gießen von Verbindungselementen zu definieren, und sich voneinander trennen, um gegossene Verbindungselemente freizulegen, wobei die Form aufweist:

a. eine Vielzahl von ersten Hohlräumen (45a - 45e) in beabstandeten Intervallen, um eine erste Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen in einem ersten Satz von Positionen und eine zweite Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen in einem zweiten Satz von Positionen aufzunehmen,

b. einen Mechanismus (48a - 48e) zum sequentiellen Vorwärtsbewegen der ersten Vielzahl von vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen aus dem ersten Satz von Positionen zu dem zweiten Satz von Positionen, und

c. eine Vielzahl von zweiten Hohlräumen (44a - 44e), die so dimensioniert und angeordnet sind, um, wenn die Formabschnitte geschlossen sind, Hohlräume zu bilden, um neue Verbindungselemente in den zweiten Hohlräumen zu bilden, die durch vorgefertigte Verbindungselemente, die in den ersten Hohlräumen angeordnet sind, hindurch verlaufen.

17. Vorrichtung wie in Anspruch 16 beansprucht, wobei die ersten Hohlräume in einer Reihe mit beabstandeten Intervallen bereitgestellt sind und die zweiten Hohlräume so dimensioniert und angeordnet sind, um neue Verbindungselemente zu bilden, die mit vorgefertigten Verbindungselementen, die innerhalb benachbarter erster Hohlräume angeordnet sind, verbunden sind.

18. Vorrichtung wie in Anspruch 17 beansprucht, wobei die ersten Hohlräume so dimensioniert und angeordnet sind, um vorgefertigte Verbindungselemente im Wesentlichen in einer ersten Ebene zu halten, und die zweiten Hohlräume so dimensioniert und angeordnet sind, so dass neue Verbindungselemente, die in den zweiten Hohlräumen gebildet werden, in einer Ebene liegen, die im Wesentlichen quer zu der ersten Ebene liegt.

19. Vorrichtung wie in einem der Ansprüche 16 bis 18 beansprucht, wobei die ersten Hohlräume eine Vielzahl von Verbindungselementen aufnehmen.

20. Vorrichtung wie in Anspruch 19 beansprucht, wobei zurückziehbare Finger (37a - 37d) einen Bereich einer innerhalb jedes neuen Verbindungselements, das in jedem zweiten Hohlraum angeordnet ist, zu bildenden Öffnung definieren.

21. Vorrichtung wie in Anspruch 19 oder Anspruch 20 beansprucht, wobei ein Bereich jedes zweiten Hohlraums durch die ersten und zweiten Formabschnitte definiert wird, die zueinander bewegt werden können, um darin gegossene neue Verbindungselemente freizugeben.

22. Vorrichtung wie in einem der Ansprüche 19 bis 21 beansprucht, wobei der dritte Formabschnitt und die Finger die verbleibenden Bereiche der zweiten Formhohlräume definieren.

23. Vorrichtung wie in einem der Ansprüche 20 bis 22 beansprucht, wobei die Finger vorgefertigte Verbindungselemente in die ersten Hohlräume fördern.

Revendications

1. Procédé de formage d'une maille, comprenant :

a. l'avance d'une première pluralité d'éléments de liaison préformés (1, 3) d'un premier jeu de positions à un second jeu de positions à l'intérieur d'un moule (9, 10, 13, 14) ; et

b. pour chaque avancement successif de la première pluralité d'éléments de liaison préformés (1, 3), le positionnement d'un second jeu d'éléments de liaison préformés (2, 4) dans le premier jeu de positions et le moulage d'une pluralité de nouveaux éléments de liaison (5, 7) dans le moule à travers les première (1, 3) et seconde (2, 4) pluralités d'éléments de liaison préformés qui sont positionnés dans le premier jeu de positions et le second jeu de positions afin de relier mutuellement les première (1, 3) et seconde (2, 4) pluralités d'éléments de liaison préformés qui sont positionnées dans les premier et second jeux de positions avec les nouveaux éléments de liaison pour former une maille continue d'éléments de liaison reliés mutuellement.

2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les première et seconde pluralités d'éléments de liaison préformés sont respectivement positionnées dans des rangées.

3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel, à part aux bords de la maille, la pluralité de nouveaux éléments de liaison se lient de chaque côté à un élément de liaison préformé prévu auparavant et à un élément de liaison préformé d'une nouvelle rangée prévue.

4. Procédé selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la pluralité de nouveaux éléments de liaison sont formés dans une orientation transversale aux première et seconde pluralités d'éléments de liaison

5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, dans lequel chacun parmi la pluralité de nouveaux éléments de liaison est formé de façon sensiblement normale aux première et seconde pluralités d'éléments de liaison.

6. Procédé selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les première et seconde pluralités d'éléments de liaison préformés et les nouveaux éléments de liaison sont sous forme de boucle fermée possédant une ouverture centrale.

7. Procédé selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les première et seconde pluralités d'éléments de liaison préformés et la pluralité de nouveaux éléments de liaison sont des anneaux.

8. Procédé selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel les première et seconde pluralités d'éléments de liaison préformés comportent de multiples ouvertures pour recevoir la pluralité de nouveaux éléments de liaison moulés à travers ceux-ci.

9. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première pluralité d'éléments de liaison sont prévus dans une première pluralité de cavités (11) à l'intérieur du moule.

10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel 2 éléments de liaison préformés sont contenus à l'intérieur de chaque cavité de la première pluralité de cavités durant le moulage.

11. Procédé selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la maille est maintenue dans une configuration souhaitée et chauffée de sorte que des éléments de liaison se fusionnent lorsqu'ils sont refroidis de sorte que la maille garde la configuration souhaitée.

12. Procédé selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la maille est électro-galvanisée après la formation de la maille.

13. Procédé selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel un agent liant est appliqué sur la maille qui, lorsqu'il a durci, forme un produit composite rigide.

14. Procédé selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel certains des éléments de liaison possèdent des propriétés optiques différentes.

15. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les second et premier jeux de positions sont agencés l'un par rapport à l'autre pour former des régions se chevauchant entre les première et seconde pluralités d'éléments de liaison préformés.

16. Appareil pour former une maille comprenant un moule (30, 31, 32) présentant la forme d'une pluralité de sections, dont au moins certaines sont proches pour définir des cavités pour mouler des éléments de liaison et séparées pour démouler des éléments de liaison moulés, le moule comprenant :

a. une pluralité de premières cavités (45a à 45e) à des intervalles espacés pour retenir une première pluralité d'éléments de liaison préformés dans un premier jeu de positions et une seconde pluralité d'éléments de liaison préformés dans un second jeu de positions ;

b. un mécanisme (48a à 48e) pour faire avancer séquentiellement la première pluralité d'éléments de liaison préformés du premier jeu de positions au second jeu de positions ; et

c. une pluralité de secondes cavités (44a à 44e) dimensionnées et agencées lorsque les sections de moule sont fermées pour former des cavités pour former de nouveaux éléments de liaison dans les secondes cavités qui passent à travers des éléments de liaison préformés positionnés à l'intérieur des premières cavités.

17. Appareil selon la revendication 16, dans lequel les premières cavités sont prévues dans une rangée à des intervalles espacés et les secondes cavités sont dimensionnées et agencées pour former de nouveaux éléments de liaison se liant mutuellement avec des éléments de liaison préformés positionnés à l'intérieur de premières cavités adjacentes.

18. Appareil selon la revendication 17, dans lequel les premières cavités sont dimensionnées et agencées pour retenir des éléments de liaison préformés sensiblement dans un premier plan et les secondes cavités sont dimensionnées et agencées de sorte que de nouveaux éléments de liaison formés dans les secondes cavités se trouvent généralement dans un plan transversal au premier plan.

19. Appareil selon une quelconque des revendications 16 à 18, dans lequel les premières cavités logent une pluralité d'éléments de liaison.

20. Appareil selon la revendication 19, dans lequel des doigts rétractables (37a à 37d) définissent une partie d'une ouverture destinée à être formée à l'intérieur de chaque nouvel élément de liaison moulé dans chaque seconde cavité.

21. Appareil selon la revendication 19 ou la revendication 20, dans lequel une partie de chaque seconde cavité est définie par les première et deuxième sections de moule qui peuvent être déplacées l'une par rapport à l'autre pour démouler de nouveaux éléments de liaison moulés dans celles-ci.

22. Appareil selon une quelconque des revendications 19 à 21, dans lequel la troisième section de moule et les doigts définissent les parties restantes des secondes cavités de moule.

23. Appareil selon une quelconque des revendications 20 à 22, dans lequel les doigts fournissent des éléments de liaison préformés aux premières cavités.

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