CA2474217C - Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine - Google Patents
Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2474217C CA2474217C CA002474217A CA2474217A CA2474217C CA 2474217 C CA2474217 C CA 2474217C CA 002474217 A CA002474217 A CA 002474217A CA 2474217 A CA2474217 A CA 2474217A CA 2474217 C CA2474217 C CA 2474217C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- blind
- head rail
- cutting
- saw
- plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Abstract
A blind cut-down apparatus for cutting a head rail by means of a head rail cutting die and for sawing blind slat components suspended from the head rail by means of a slat cutting saw assembly, and characterized by a blind holding plate having an opening for a head rail component and a space for receiving blind slat components therethrough;
means for clamping said blind slat components in said space relative to said blind holding plate; means for guiding said slat cutting saw relative to said holding plate for cutting said blind slat components extending through said space; means for guiding said head rail cutting die for cutting said head rail extending through said head rail opening;
means for moving said slat cutting saw; and moving said head rail cutting die.
means for clamping said blind slat components in said space relative to said blind holding plate; means for guiding said slat cutting saw relative to said holding plate for cutting said blind slat components extending through said space; means for guiding said head rail cutting die for cutting said head rail extending through said head rail opening;
means for moving said slat cutting saw; and moving said head rail cutting die.
Description
CA 02474217 2004-08-04 Page 2 of 3 'Patent 2s79123 - Disclosures c~, cy~:en 3~ .~a,:~ icri>a-cry -~ i IYU U1d073d7 PCTIC.'A6CWrlll~lil RC' RY SAW CI.fTTER Ft~L,~ CUT DOWN MACHINEn~
FIE- LD OF,TH~ ItJVENTION
Tine irn~erntion retat~es to a machine for ttimminA the ends of blinds and window cou~rings, in which the slafs are formed of materiats requiring a savr cut, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIQN
Blinds and windrnu coverings are availabl~a in a variety of ma#erials.
Horizontal blinds are a~railakrte in sr~4~ich the head rail, and in some cases, the hottam rails arc formed of metal, usually steel, and ire which the slats are funned vt vrood, In other asses slats may la~e famed of materials such as think therma plastic 14 or ofher heavier materials, In same cases t~linds may bye available in which the slats are vertical being securod usually gt the #op to a head rail fypically made of steel. Bottom rails are oat usually requirEd vn this type of blind, aim the slats are r>elstiveay hea~ry.
Such blinds must be fitted to the widfh, or in $ome cases the heighf end uridfh, of the ivirldow ar other opening for which th~ey~ are intended. In the past blinds have bean made in a i~cfory, ran a eastern basis to a particular width ~an~1 height) specified by the purehe~ser_ A salesperson would usually have had to cell on the customer and take art order, Neure~~er, it is more odnveni~ent tn rnanufacture blinds and vuindaw coverings in certain standard widths, and stock these standard Zp tridfhs in a retail stare_ A customer may then simply came into tho store and hey a 171ind slightly wider than the desired vsridth tror longer tllar~ the height), end have it trimntad at the ends to the desired vuidth (or heigt~t~- This is both more economical, and thus mare readily saleable, and at the same time pro,rides the customer urith an app~rrlur~ity to purcl7ase blinds in a retail establishment end walk out of the stt~re t~~nkh them in his possession, ratfier than meeting a sal~espersan at home, and t~aiting a few w~.~eeks far them to be fabricated in a facfory.
SUBS~3TLlTE SHEET' MULE 2~ ~~~
http://patentsl.ic.gc.ca/patimage.pdf''page=die&patent number=02379123&out_ fang=EN&... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 2 Page 2 of 3 cao~oos44 ~ ' o~scPAr,~o r.~, crt-i~r~i.~ra acs°.~>._c~~-»
'~ ~1 For example MENSI.,i~Y tJS Patent 2,92,005 discloses a martiine for dampjrlp bundles ofi~~oodan places, and holding ihe~m for cutting.
ft does not relate bo trimmiryQ blinds as such. The method of clampin~ of >;he bundles of wooden pieoea disdassd essentially forms the pieces into ~ square bundle, This, is totally unsuited to rJarrtping blind stets, which must be held side byr side. This tg due bo the fact that blinds are #rimmed niter they hs~y~e~
all~e~dy begs assembled with theirbllnd.tapes and controls. The stets rrtust be clamped without disturbing fhe tapes or controls.
r o Hsu US Paten# ~,807,32~ discloses a rr~achirae used to trim both ends of a bond sirnulteneously. The entire blind is clamped by cylinders on a benoh_ 1',n~, s,aws then mane slrnultaneously to Prim opposite ends of a!I the blinrJ!
compan~ents, ie the heart rail the blind slats and tfte bottom rail.
Two mlllJng heads then mill the trimmest ends of the components to glue them a 25 sli~ntly curved pmtlie at esct~ end.
This wlll result in the head rail havins milled send curved ends, as uvell as the slats and bottom rail_ Generellybhl5 would be undesiraESle to a oonsumer_ I~lost consumers affect the blind head rail 6o be cut square at the ends. The effect of milling the head rail ends would be to defiine misled curves runnir~p from top tn ~ o bottom of the head rat! and would ar~ate an add appearance.
This system does not hare diet for firir»ming the head rail of the blind., separately frarn fhe bUnd slats_ zs Prirytad:28-~B-X001. At~Et~DED SHEJ=~ epoUne.File Irisp~aetidn~.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 3 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 Pa a 2 of 3 g r~.x rsr-s~rst.~a:i itsisa_ctt-ti WO ULIIIY~7a7 PCTICAUUVUIl849 In the past various apparatira has been designod for cutting down widths of horizontal blinds of specific designs and specific materials. However, in general terms, these machines have not been totally suifabla for cutting dawn blinds in which the slats are made of heavier (or ihicker~ materials, such as wood or thicK thermoplaet6c.
In addition to these factors, blinds and window ovverings are also available in which blind slats are suspended vertically from a head rail.
These blind slats may Joe drawn to one side or the other of the fnrindow opening, or in sums asses to both sides, end may be rotst~ed between open and classed positions, by a mechanism located in the head rail. Again, these blinds usually required a sales call, at ~e home, followed by custom fabrication in a factory.
Advantageously, these blinds too would be provided in standard widths, in a retail sure and it would be desirable fo prflvide sn apparatus in the stone for ruthing down the width of the head rail, and also the lengths of the verbir",al $lab, in the case of vertical blinds. ~lertical blinds, as yell as horiz4n#a!
blinds, also use blind slats which one made of heavier or thicker maiJerials such as wood or thick thermoplastic, and earlier machines such as tJlcse using shears or cu#ing blades ar$ not suitable for cutting blind slats elther,<arkical or horizontal, made of these thicker materials.
Preferably, in order to ~aoonomixe in-store instgtlatiøns of cut-down ~aquiprnent and also tb simplify instruction df staff, a single cutdown rneChirte will be provided which enables blinds having a metal heal rail, and ha ing slats formed of these hesv~er materials to be out down #o the desired width (or height in a single machine.
Clne 4f the considerations iri designing such a cut-down machine is tfio manna! effort that is required to aperatie the machine to cut thro~9h the head rail http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 0237912~3dis.afp Page 4 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g r~.a rs;r.-i~rm.~~:~ irsua_cs~-»
~?'O OI1i177i7 P(.'TPC.'hQIbVIpRld materials and the difffarent cutting ~ction, namely a saw cut i~nr the heavier (end thicken slat materials.
Clearly, metal such as steal, used in heed rails, is relatively hard ~ cut.
~n the other hand, since the sections used in this type of product are reiatively~
thin, the die for salting the metal components of the blind may only be required tp drove a short ~istsnc~.
Consequently,. so long as adequate leverage is prrnrided to move the metal cut#ing die s relatively short distance, this probl~rrt can be addressed.
On the other hand, the cutting of the blind slafis themselves presents t1 entirely different problems. In this type of blind the slats are made of relatively thick material which white easier to cut requEr$ a saw blade action. The thickness of all of the blind slats of these heavier materials when bandied together for cutting is considerable. Consequently, the saw for cuffing these heavier, thicker blind stets must move a considerable distance.
S While it is relatively easy t4 provide far the manual operation p~ such a saw moving a considerable distance for cutting easier to cut th icker materiais, ~e problem becomes more complex when it is understQOd that it is desirable, at least in the case of horizontal blinds, to cut all vtthe materials, both the metal head rail and the softer blind s1a#s, in ~,rhat is essentially a single cuttirEg sfroke, (E This is because, et least in the case of horizontal blinds, the trimming of the ends of the head rails and slat=" must ~ most cases he carried out, so that the blin6 hag a prec7sely measured twidth along e8ch side, and the widths of the blind slats c4rrespond to the widths of the head rail and bdttvm rail. This is not so important in the cage of ~re~tical blinds, but is stilt desirable.
It is not feasible to provide two machines, i.e. a firsf machine which cuts only the head rail whirJ~ is usually made of steel, and a second machine for an entirely aepara#e cut forcuttin~ the softer, Thicker blind slats.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 023791?3dis.afp Page 5 Page 2 of 3 r~, is.~:e~r~~.r:~ icsis.~z_rss-si W(! O1f04747 NGT1C:AUUIU~1844 ~'he moving of the blind from one machine tp another will almost ine~ritably resulE in same discrepancy betmeen the amount cut off from the head rail and the amvr~nt cut oft from the blind slats, and the end nesulf will not be sstisf$ctary.
In addition to these problems there are other Corms ~rf blends in wi,ich thv head rails and bottom rails a formed of thermoplastic material. VSlhen cut6ing dawn of blind components such as these fiprmad on thermoplastic it is found that it is generally unsuitable for cutting by means of a movable cutting die such as is used for cultin~ metal sections. Such therm4plastic section components are however easy ~ cut when using a rofiary saw blades.
In this case it is found desirable to provide some form of Component support to hnld the ~componer~t so tJ~at the saw cut is formsd cleanly anrf in a desired plane.
For these reasons therefore the pr9pvision of a cufdawrl machine meefirtg atJ of these objectives, i.e. b~aing capable of cutting through both fhe crafter but thicker blind slats, and the harder buf thinner male) head rail and bottom rai~, in g single manual cutting movemdnt, and teeing oapabte of saw cutting thicker materials, presents a oompiex problem.
The ~omplexify of the design is further egg raweted by the fact that (i n the case of horizontal biinsis) thv head rail is located at the head of the blind and is usually made of metal, eg, steel, and the blind slats (of thicker material) are Jocabsd spaae~i bel~onr the head rail, Corrs~rquently~, u~hon trimming the blind it is necessary to provide putting dies for cutting head rails and for substantially simultanaausly saw cutting the trii~cker blind slats. It will of course txe appreciated that an the case of horizontal, i.e. Venetian blinds, all of )bane cuts must be made in a c~amman plane, so as to provide a uniform en~! trimming function an the blind. Even for vertical blinds, the vertical blind slats must be trimmed, ator~g their lovuer ends, by cutting ell the staf ends slang a common plane.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 6 Page 2 of 3 w rsrs~r s~ as lSSI).'L-fY1 -1 ~
Y1'U U l ~IIT747 PCTIf A DIMYlllt4td A further factor in this type of apparatus is that s~s far as possible it is deeirablrr to simplify its operation for fhs service per$annel in the retail outlet, so that the cuttintt or trimming ofth$ ends of the blind may be carried oukwith the tesgt pos9ible chance for error. Pr~iersbly, in order to do this, the apparatus vrilt be constructed in such a vray that a ein~le movement of a manual cutting arm or lever, will produce the cut dovun or trim funCtian both in respect of the head rail cutting die and also the closure element saw blade, so that all the campanenfs of the blind are trimmed with s single manual stroke, When refisrring to s "manual"
stroke it will 6e appreciated that, in fact, then apparaku$ could be po~nrer operated.
Its some caee~s the head rails msy also be of softer material, such as thermoplastic, and in tiieae eases saw blade cutting may bo used to trim the ends of alt the blind components.
It wilt further be appreciated that this type ofi equipment will be used by seruice personnel in retail establishments, As such, while they will haue a certain degree of training, they will usually have numerous other duties, and may in tact be working some~nrhat under pressure, while a customer is actually waiting. Consequently, it is desirabae as far as possible to make the apparatus as simple to operate as is possible.
For this reason, it is desirable that the op~rating mechanism, in this case for example, a manual Fever, shall operate both the head rail cutting die and also the closure element cutting s~avr, ConsEquantly, it is desirable to provide some form of linkgge ire which both the die and the saw a~ operated.
It will also be appreciated that while reference is made to manual operation, it is Gonoeivabfe that some form of power operated means could be provided, which would Still requina same sfegree of manual operation, if only tv http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 7 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g r~ i5%.'i'f 31 .'r:i lt515.'t-(51 -1 1 lVt1 b 1~U7717 PCTI'C:al~D~l~i1 simply press a switch. Manual operation is deemed to be generic to a1! $uch Norms of operation whether p~o~u~ner assisted, or not.
BRIEF SUMfrrIARY OF THE=,INVENTION
S With a view #o providing a blind cutdown apparatus which addresses the various foregoing Gon~flicting problems, the invention comprises a blind Guk-down apparatus far cutting and sawing a blind hawing at Least a head rail cemponenf of thin meteri~l, end blind slsfa c~f thicker rnaterial suspended from the hear!
rail, and comprising a blind holding plate having opening means for at least a head 0 rail component and slat components therein for receiving re$pectiye components of a blind there through, and i~vlding them in position frar cutting, a sls~t cutting saw moveable relative tv said holding plate, for cutting blind slats extending through Bald htotding plate.
preferably in order to provide for cutting bath thermoplastic components andler metal components, the apparakus will also have s cutting die Molder adjacent to said cutting savr, said cutting die hotder carryring at Least one cutting die for receiving said head rail there through, and being moveable r~atative to said J7olding plate for cutting said head rail, and including mravsrnent means for moving said cutting saw and said cutting die holder substantially simultaneously, 0 wheroby both said blind slats sad said head rail may tta cut substantially simultaneously and in a rrommon plane airing tine surface of said holding plate, Prefer~bly the thermoplastic Component holder uaill be neoveable into and out of position, depending upon vrhetherfhe blind has all thermoplsat~c components, cr a mix of thermoplastic and of metal compan~ants, a The invention further provides for such a cut down apparatus end including a head rail cutting die secured to said holding plate, and said head rai!
cutting die being mounted to said die holder, v~hereby said Head raiE cuffing die http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 8 Page 2 of 3 ~f'.T i)!.'!'f!77.'L:i Jf513.'o_CM7-71 ~vcr oiruml9 ~twrr"~n ooMOQBaa may move relative fia said holding plate far cutting said head rail extending there th rough.
The invention further provides such an apparatus and further ha~rit~g a saw blade guide a~tteched to said holdings plate and said savr blade being moveable there along relative do said holding plate, The inueniion fur#her pra,ridas such an apps~rstus and in which manual movement means ana provides fcr mQ~ring both said cutting die and said saw blade, w~rith said cutting die moving a short distance, and said saw blade moving a greater distance and in s common plane, under the influence of a single manual operating means.
The inveniion further provides fior a slat clamping mechanism operable to clamp a bundle of slats extending through said holding plate, wherEby to hold them stationary during aperafidn of swirl saw blade-The inven#ian further provides that the s~sr blade is operated by an electric motor, the saw blade comprising a rofatable saw disk.
The invention further provides ihe# the cutting die guide shall pr4nride a cuffing die rnov~amenk path v~hich is diagonal tn the movement path of said sew b lade.
The invention further provides such an apparatus and including a vacuum fan and ~racuurn nozzle, Ibcated sdjaoen# to said sevr bledp collecting saw Cut debris resulting from the operation of said sew.
The inveniion iurilier provides such an appareius wherein the manual ~paration means comprises a rotary shaft, a manual lever connected to said shaft, en operating cam aonnecEed to said shaft and engaging said cuffing die, and a movement transmission !ewer aannected between said shaft and said saw blade, said Transmission means are being operable fJirnugh a path of movement greater than the path of movement t~f said cutting die, http://patents l .ic. gc.calfcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 0237912.3dis.afp Page 9 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g ?'.R fTJa'f 31 .'L:i YiSU.'~-i7!1 -1 1 t~V~ Orm77a~ P~refc~nsm~nAaa In a simpiifed form otthe inv~antion, bo#h the head rail, and the blind sfafs, and even the botfom rail, c-a,n all be cut by a single saw cutting blade, and they can all be held in a single clamp opening. This will become possible where, for example, the head rail and bottom rail are made out of a non-metallic maEerial such that it is easily cut lay means of a saw blade.
In this form of the invention a moveable head rail holder piat~ is provided, having head rail holding op~enlngs therein. The head rail hoEdsr plate is moveable betty~en inoperable and operable positions, and in the operable position, the head rail openings regi5tef with they openings in the holder plate. In this way both the head rail and blind slats are fveld in position fixed end immo~rable, suitable for cutting by the cuftin~ sevr.
The invention further provides an embodirnenf in vrhich a mn~reable component holder plate is formed with a plurality of component ape~ings of varying shapes, ~r holding components of cortesponding varying cross sections, i The various featufes of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and fiorming a pert of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made in the aocnrnpanping drawings and descriptive matter in ~rhich there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 10 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g f'.71 if%a'191.'~:i JSlIf.'L-Sf1-11 IVU U1IU7747 F"C:'1'fiC:e10~1008dø
IN ThiE DRALAfIAIr;S
Figure 1 is a perspective illusfratian of a rotary saw cut dawn machine from tine saw blade side, ildstrating the invention and showing blind component inserted therein;
Figure 2 is a perspective illustration of the apparatus of Figure 1 viewed from the opposite side;
Figure 3 is a section along the line 3-3 of Figuna 9;
Figure 4 is a schematic side illustration of the heed rail cut down die portion of the apparatus, shown in a flr5t pOSltlbn;
0 Figure 5 is a vie~~. conespnndir,g to Figure 1 showing the cut down die in a second position, and showing movemenf in phantom;
Figure B is a side elevationBl view of a further embodiment of the cutdown marbine;
Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FigaJre 6;
S Fig~rre 8 is a perspective illustration of a simplified form of saw blade cut down machine where the saw blade will cut ~eJi of the blind onmponents namely the teed rgil, the blind slats and the bnttnrn rail, in a single pass of the saw blade;
Figure 9 is a p~arspactive illustration of the appsrat~us otFigure B, sho~Yn from the opposite side;
1 Figure 10 illustrates a side elevatit~nal YEew of a further embodime~tt too the invention shotuin8 an optional moveable head rail holder plmte, the holder plate being in its inoperable pqsition in Figure 9~, and, Figure 11 is s side elevation view oorrespanding to Fig 10, and shanhring the i head rail holder plate moved into its vpereble position.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 023791y3dis.afp Page 11 ~ 02474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g ra, tia.'i'f37.'r:i Ylfly.'~-i51-11 v~~~ om~a~ rcn~:Aaa~nas~a DESCRIPTIOfxI OF A C EhdBODlhut T
Refierring first rrf all to Figs, 'i and ~, the invention is there iiluatrated in the form of a blind cut down machine indiCatecl gen~arally as 1fl. Such a machine is intended fo be installed at a retail afore, au~d would be bolted on a working i surface somewhere in s senrioe arrda away from the r~stomers.
As explained above the purpose of the apparatus 10 is tc~ be capai~le cf trimming fhe treed rail and slats b~ of horizontal or so called ~fenetian blinds, and also the head rail and slats of Vertical blinda-l~Jhere a Venetian blind has a bottom rail, then the apparatus is also capable is cutting down the bottom rail, if such a blind has a battnm rail.
It should also be ~undersiood that in the case of Venetian blinds, the Venetian blind is alresdp assembled so that there are so called ladder;apes and also raise cords which are already attached to the slats, and connected bd the head rail.
As a rESUIt, urban trimming the ends of the blind head rail and slats, in Venetian blinds it will be understood that it is necessary to insert both the head rail hand bottom rail) and the slats into the trimming apparatus at the same time, so that the trim cuts are made in a oornman plane. It will he farther understood that in the great majority of cases, when trimrnirtg a ~Ienetian blind, it is necessary to trim the head rail (and bottom rail) and slats at both ends, so as to produce sn even appearance in the finished cut dawn f~lirtd. If, for example, the blind must be cut down by, for example, a lof~J of t<~~na inches, then the slats and the head rail lend bottom rail} et each end wih have to be cut down by an amount t~f one inch, so as to produve a tptal two inch Cut dawn.
Urt the other hand, with vertical blinds, the normal industry practice is to supply the head rail t~eith its trolleys, and operating mechanism, and to supply a group of closure elements, ie. blind slats, in a pacltage, with the Slats separate http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 from and detached from the head rail. In this case, the normal practice is to cut down the head rail at one end only, since the controls for the blinds are usually located in a fixed location at the opposite end of the head rail.
The blind slats will usually be cut down only along their lower ends, since they are usually provided with some form of attachment means at their upper ends for connecting to the trolleys in the head rail when the blind is finally assembled and installed.
From this preliminary outline, it will be understood that the apparatus illustrated should preferably perform these varied functions on different types of blind products, so that a single cut down machine may be supplied to the retailer and the retail staff trained on that single machine, thereby avoiding the expense of supplying several different cut down machines and training staff on several machines.
Referring once again to the drawings, the apparatus 10 will be seen in this embodiment to comprise a base or mounting plate 12 and a frame plate 14 mounted thereon perpendicular thereto. The frame plate 14 or blind holding plate is provided with a rectangular opening or space 16 for receiving blind components typically a head rail indicated as H, and closely spaced thereto, closure elements i.e.
blind slats S, and in this case, a blind bottom rail R. The blind illustrated, typically would be a Venetian blind, and it will be understood that the ladder tapes and raise cords are not illustrated simply for the sake of clarity, and to avoid complexity in the illustration. Frame plate 14 also defines two upwardly directed support arms 18-18, defining between them a generally U-shaped rectangular space, for reasons to be described below. Mounted on frame plate 14 there is a spacer plate 20, and holder plate 22.
In order to cut the head rail H which typically will be made of thin relatively hard material, typically metal, a moveable die mounting plate or head rail plate 24 is provided.
N:\corp\egiercza\Shadeomatic 20664 (2084)\0142(C125D)\rplcmt pages 11-l2.doc The plate 22 in the embodiment shown is fixed while plate 24 is moveable relative -plate 22. The fixed plate 22 and moveable plate 24 are mounted in a common pair of channels 26-26 secured to frame plate 14. Holder plate 22 defines a rectangular slot like opening 28 of a shape that corresponds to the shape of the head rail H1 so as to hold it securely during cutting. In this particular embodiment, provision is made for two different shapes of head rails H and h1. For this purpose, a second head rail (h1) opening 29 is provided, which in this case, is located within the dimensions of the opening 28 for H1.
Moveable die plate 24 carries with it a cutting die 30 which has a corresponding rectangular slotted recess corresponding to the shape of the head rail H1 and opening 28. Moveable die plate 24 also carries a second cutting die 31, located within the dimensions of the cutting die 30, for cutting the smaller head rail placed through the smaller head rail opening 29.
Movement of the moveable plate 24 relative to the fixed holder plate 22 will cause movement of the cutting die 30 (or 31 ) and this will sever or shear the material of the head rail. It will be appreciated that since the head rail is of relatively thin gauge material, the die plate 24 will not move a great distance. On the other hand, considerable force must be exerted on the die plate 24 in order for it to perform the shearing action. It will also be noted from Figs. 1 and 2 that the channels 26-26 which hold and control the moveable die plate 24, also define its path of movement relative to the head rail. This path of movement will be seen to be in a generally diagonal direction. The reason for this is that the shearing action of the cutting die 30 is preferably of a progressive nature, and will shear the head rail in a direction which is diagonal to its rectangular cross section from one corner to another.
The moveable die plate 24 is moved by means of the manual lever 32.
Lever 32 is coupled to a drive shaft 34. Shaft 34 extends through frame plate and through fixed plate 22. Within fixed plate 22, there is mounted an offset N:\corp\egiercza\Shadeomatic 20Gfi4 (2084)\0142(C125D)\rplcmt pages 11-l2.doc 02379123dis.afp Page 14 ~ 02474217 2004-08-04 Pa a 2 of 3 g ~a zsfa~rs~.~ta azs°.~z-zai-m Wfl OII0774'7 PCTlCAOD1fl034a drive stub shaft 3B. By this means, by manual operation of lever 3~, the shaft 3d can be rotated thereby rotating and causing an orbitgl movement of the dove stub shaft 38_ 'his will cause sliding movement of the plate 24 relative tv.the fixed plate ~2, thareiay shearing the head rail, The saw cutting assernbiy for cutting the closure elements (and bot6om rally is indicated generally as dQ. It u~rill he assn to comprise a saw blad~a mounting plate ~2, which is secured to a slide block 4d. BIvcK 44 is mounted an slide rails 48-dB extending between the upright arms 1 B.
(art the Iowerend of the saw plate 42, there is mounted a rotary saw 0 assembly indicated as 48. The saw assembly 48 is essentially a typical electric motor, coupled by s shaft (not sho,nrn~ to a rotary saw blade 49 of a type yell known in the art, For simplicity, an operating handle $Q may be provided, an the savr assembly 4B, for manually drawing the saw 48 to and fro along ~e rail$
46, The spaaor plate X11 is Secured t4 the frame plate 7~~ so as fo space the saw 5 mounting plate 42 in the correct plane, so as fo bring the saw blade into alignment with the int~e,rfaoe betvmeen the fixed plate 22 end the moveable die pie#e 24. This is required so That the trimming cut down adton both of the score blad$ and of the moveable die plate 24, shall produce trimming of both the head rail and the blind slats, and th~a bottom rail where it is included in a carnmon :) plane.
In order to ensure that the saw debris does not fly about, a hollow r~oltection tuk~e ~4 is pro5rided. Tube ti4 is provided with a plurality of openings (not shown) along the length of the saw blade travel.
Qne end the hollow tube ti4 may be connected, for example, by vacuum hose 5fi (Fig. 2) to a vacuum pump and motor which are indicated generally as http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 023791~3dis.afp Page 15 Page 2 of 3 r.~ csxa~r st .~a:a issu.~z_ttt -t i Wl~ 0 I I117Ti~ FCi'r'~AULIIOONa4 In order to preset the length of end trim or cut dawn on any particular job, the length cutting control indicated generally at 8D is pnaYided. The length contrxtl 60 comprises a generall~r horizon! plate 82. A slidabia bar64 is movably connected #o plebe 82 by means of threaded screw 68. A generally t.-shaped spacer block 68 is secured to the end ~ bar ~~_ A blind contact plate is attached to the block 88 end is ori~entad to a contact at the ends of the tread rails N and the blind slat S and the bottom rail.
The spacer block 68 end blind contact plate 70 may, in some cases, be connected to the lever 32 and Fhaft 34 so thaf it moves away from the ands of :1 the blind component but this is not always necessary and conseQuently, the mechanism is octt described in detail, In o~rier to ~clar~op the blirtd slats S and bottom rail R in position, to be Jleld firmly during fhe operation of the saw blade, a clamp plate 7~ is provided, secured too frame plate 14. A moveable clamp arm 74 is mounted on a scrt9ur shaft 76. A hand vrheel 78 permits the screw shaft to be drawn tea and fro, thereby drawing the clamp arm into oontac# witty the blind slab and bottom rail (Fig. 2).
In operation, the head rail H and blind slats S and bott4m rail R are inserted as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The clamp arm 74 is operated go as to clamp the blind slats S and bottom rail R in position.
The lever 32 is then stperated so as to move the motreable die plate ~4 ~F~$, 4 and 5) thereby seuering the head rail.
Thereafter, the operator may simply manually grasp the Jlsndle 5p and stai~h an the mofor48, by any suitable electrical svvit~ch (not shop). The saw blade is then dravrn through tho blind slats and the bottom rail.
All of the blind components ttyerefore ere cut in a common plane while k~eing held in positipn in the apparatus.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fepoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 16 ~ 02474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g ~x csr:-e~r s~ .~a:i i~sis.~z_rs~ -i i 1'VO 01 RI~T~i7 YC,"IYC:AUQNlb~i4 1s As 5hauvn in Figure (3, the operation of the operating means in fhis case, f~he fever 32, although other operating means could be used whether hand opers6ed or powver operated, inr operating the die plate 24, and the operation of tha saw assembly 49 and its sliding mount 44, may be coupled,to~$fi~er. In order to provPde thi$ coupling, a first spring t3D may be provided. The spring 8D is cx~nnected befinreen the lever 32 and a vann~2ctin~ bar 82 which is itself maunt~ed on the slide block 44. h9anual nparation of the le~$r 32 will thus be communicated to the slide block 4d by the increased tension developed in spring 8i1.
0 In order tv provide a sfrnnr pro~ressiYe movement of the saw assembly, a damper means, namely a control cylinder t34 is provided. Cylinder 84 is mounted on a flange 86 on plats 18, and the piston rod of cylinder 84 is onnnacted to bar 82.
~'he oparation of the cylinder 8~ 15 sUCh as to cause a progressiv$ gradual 5 movement of the saw blade assembly 48 Fig. 7), in response to tensioning of the spring 80, thereby producing a slov~~, progressive, gradua9 movement of the saw blade assembly 49 so as to provide a smooth, regular cut Through the ends of the blind closure elements and bottflm rail.
Irt order tn return the block 44, and the saw blade assembly 48, the return l spring t38 is provided. Spring t3t3 connects between block 44 and frame 1 B.
In order to provide automatic onloff operation of the saw blade assembly 4t3, a typical limit switch AD is provided, b~eiag operated by a Fng~er 82 on block 44. As soon ae the spring 8a is placed in tension, the finger 9~ will rel~a$a the limit switch 90 thereby activating the motor in the saw blade assembly 4S.
Clnc~a the return spring 8$ returns to the black 44, the finger 92 s. ill contract the switch g0 and thereby shut off power to the motor and stop the saw blade assembly 4t3.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379? 23dis.afp Page 17 Page 2 of 3 f'.71 tlfa'f91.'i:i JfSU.'~-SSl-11 v~c~ n~~nxraa r~'tr~AOO~oo~~4 In addition, suitable end sbvps 64 and 96 rney be provided on the two frame portions 9 B-18, so as to limit the length of traueJ of the block 44.
'While the apparatus already described is suitable far use ~nrhere, for example, the head rail is made of a metallic material, and fhe slats and bottom rail are made of a softer material suitable (or cutting by means of a saw blade, it will be appreGabed that in certain ca$~aa it may be possible to fabricate the head rail itself out ofi a sbPter material, so that ~ by a saw blade.
A rnoefif~ed simplified form of apparatus fir this purpose is shown in Figures 8 and 9.
D In this simplified apparatus, a frame plate 7t10, is mounted on a base plate 902. A blind component opening 144 is fiatrned in plate 1~0. A component buffer 106 is mounted on plate 900.
A component clamp arm 108 is mounted nn screuu 110 operated by hand wheel 112.
5. Blind components consisting of a non-metallic head rail H, blind slats S, arid a bottom rail R, are all passed thmugh the opening 104. the edge of the head rail abuts against buffer 106, white the bQtt~am plate is clamped by mans of clamp 70~, tlieraby securing the blind components in position for cutting.
A saw blade mounting 11d, carries a notary saw blade 11~r dri~ren by any c~ suitable motor means knot shown). Arm 114 is secured to slide bearings 119.
Bearings 118 are spaced apart from one another and ride ors guide rods 120.
A collector channel 122 is secured to plate 10f1, and defines an opening along which blade 718 can travel. In this way, savr dust and debris from the savr blade cutting thro~cgh the blind components, can fall down into the channel.
The 5 channel wilt be connected to a suitable ~racuum source (not shown) in essentislJy the same manner ag d~esctibed above.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 18 Page 2 of 3 l'.~ ti%a't97 s:i %5515.'x-f!1-11 v~~c~ auui~~a~ rcrrcAaomosaa Blind component end stops are provided in the iQrm of a transverse stop bar 'ltd, mounted an a slide~ body 123, which is slidable to provide a fixed stop and which can be secured by means such as clamp sc~nrs 123, The plate 'i 14 is opere6ed by rnegr,s of a handle 130 and a trigger switch > 132 is provided in handle 130, and vahen the trigger switch is depressed, the motor driving the bkade 11fi will commence operation.
In a still further embndiment>bo the invention, the advantages of both the cut0ing apparatus of Figure 1 and Figure g may be provided in a single apparatur4.
i} Irr the apparatus Qf Figures 10 and 1'f, the essential features of the appara#ua of Figures 1 through 8 is provided, and is deemed included without reference.
In this embodiment, the apparatus is adaptable to either cut blinds in which the head rail is metallic and the alr#s are non-metallic, in vfiich cases the apparstu9 will employ the moveable cutter plate 24 and c~ctfer die, fior cutting the m~etalfic head rail, ~nr, the apparatus rney be adapted fior cutting a blind in which the head rail is made of softer materials typically thermoplastic, which does nQt require ccrtting in a (lead rail die, but vrhich can be cut simply by means of the saw.
? Ta fiacilifste this, the apparatus of Figures 10 and 19 provides a moveable head rail holder plate 140, mounted alongside the frarrEe plate 1d.
~Fypically, the rriov6able holder plate 140 vain) be mounted above the opening 18. The holder plate 140 will be slidably mounted in slide channels 142. Any Suitable form of plate locking device 'fA4 is provided fvr holding the platre in, iar v~xample, its i upper inoperative p4sition.
The head rail plate 140 is provided with the first ps~ir of head rail holder slats 1a6 for a larger head rail l12, which are parallel and spaced apart from one http://patents l .ic.gc. ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 023791.23dis.afp Page I9 Page 2 of 3 Ci> t5%a'fa1'~:i ltYl1'a,_~y1-11 Wfa flllQT74'r PI:Tlf. ArIDfirifitl another. They are oriented t4 support the two side walls of the typical fhree aided head rail channel, such as 28, 29 (Fig. 3).
Between thla two slots 14B-1~t6 a head rei! support shoulder 148 is prpvided, for supporting the web or infrermediate walls of the typical head rail channel.
A further head rail slot 150 is provided located between slots ld.Jy-14~.
The head rail slot 150, coupled with the Lower slat 148, will alJaw such a smaller rectangular head rail h2 fn be supported by the head rail plate 140.
Head rail slat 150 can receive a small head rail typical in so-called "t~lini-to blinds"hauinp~smailerslats.
When the head rail support plate 140 is in its upper inoperative position, fhe apparatus will typically be used for cu#ing a blind putting slats indicated as S1, which will be cut by the sate, and a head rail indicated as H1 which will be out by the head rail cutting die already describr~d, 5 Typically, ho~t~ever, when the support plate 140 is in its lower operative position as shown in Figure 11, the apparatus will be used for cutting Slats indicated as S2, and s head rail indicated as 1i2.
In each cas~a, the cutting of smaller blinds hasfin~ narrower slate and a smaller hsaci rail is not illustrated, but is de~amed to be self explanatory.
0 The embodiment shovan in Figs 1D and 11, is capable of handling blinds consisting of all thermopfastio components, on the one ?'land, and a mix of thermoplastic components and metal components on the other, As mentioned above the existence of acme blinds using all thermoplastic components mattes it desirable to provlda such a machine which is adaptable to 5 cuttincd dawn eitherfype of blind. Where the head rail and bottom rail components are formed of thermoptaetic then the using of metal cutting dies is http://patentsl .ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379,123dis.afp Page 20 Page 2 of 3 ('.71 S7Y.'i't 31 .'r:i lI7U.'~_S71 -11 Wa ouuza~~ rcr~CACnmns~a found to be unsuitable. Instead it is found to he preferable to use the rotary cutting savr to cut all the Componeata whstn they ate all of thermnplsstiC..
Irl t+~is case as explained the holder plate 22 arid cutting die plate ~4 era not used.
9 After positioning ~e moveable pkat~e 14D in its operative postlion, arid inserting the blind components, and operating the clamp, the rotary saw is then switched on- As it is dravlrn past pl~efe 9d it will cut the slats and then the heed rail H2.
Clearly, if desired a similar moveable plate,not ahowny could be pro~ricfed 3 with an opening far holding a bottom rail whil~ cutting. Such a botEr~rrt rail plate vlmuld of course be located somewhere slang the Length of the opening 14.
How~aver in mast cases this will not be nee~led_ Blinds of this type ane otfen made without a br~ttom rail, or , iE one is provided, it is simply forrnetl of 3oiid ple,stic but somewhat thicker than the slats, and can thendfore be held by the i clamp for cutting.
Tlte foregoing is a description of a preferred ernbodim$nt of the invention which is giuen herle by way of example only. The imrention is not to be taken ss limited to arry of the sp~acific features as described, but comprehends ail such variations thereof as come within the'GOpe of the appended claims.
i http://patentsl .ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004
FIE- LD OF,TH~ ItJVENTION
Tine irn~erntion retat~es to a machine for ttimminA the ends of blinds and window cou~rings, in which the slafs are formed of materiats requiring a savr cut, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIQN
Blinds and windrnu coverings are availabl~a in a variety of ma#erials.
Horizontal blinds are a~railakrte in sr~4~ich the head rail, and in some cases, the hottam rails arc formed of metal, usually steel, and ire which the slats are funned vt vrood, In other asses slats may la~e famed of materials such as think therma plastic 14 or ofher heavier materials, In same cases t~linds may bye available in which the slats are vertical being securod usually gt the #op to a head rail fypically made of steel. Bottom rails are oat usually requirEd vn this type of blind, aim the slats are r>elstiveay hea~ry.
Such blinds must be fitted to the widfh, or in $ome cases the heighf end uridfh, of the ivirldow ar other opening for which th~ey~ are intended. In the past blinds have bean made in a i~cfory, ran a eastern basis to a particular width ~an~1 height) specified by the purehe~ser_ A salesperson would usually have had to cell on the customer and take art order, Neure~~er, it is more odnveni~ent tn rnanufacture blinds and vuindaw coverings in certain standard widths, and stock these standard Zp tridfhs in a retail stare_ A customer may then simply came into tho store and hey a 171ind slightly wider than the desired vsridth tror longer tllar~ the height), end have it trimntad at the ends to the desired vuidth (or heigt~t~- This is both more economical, and thus mare readily saleable, and at the same time pro,rides the customer urith an app~rrlur~ity to purcl7ase blinds in a retail establishment end walk out of the stt~re t~~nkh them in his possession, ratfier than meeting a sal~espersan at home, and t~aiting a few w~.~eeks far them to be fabricated in a facfory.
SUBS~3TLlTE SHEET' MULE 2~ ~~~
http://patentsl.ic.gc.ca/patimage.pdf''page=die&patent number=02379123&out_ fang=EN&... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 2 Page 2 of 3 cao~oos44 ~ ' o~scPAr,~o r.~, crt-i~r~i.~ra acs°.~>._c~~-»
'~ ~1 For example MENSI.,i~Y tJS Patent 2,92,005 discloses a martiine for dampjrlp bundles ofi~~oodan places, and holding ihe~m for cutting.
ft does not relate bo trimmiryQ blinds as such. The method of clampin~ of >;he bundles of wooden pieoea disdassd essentially forms the pieces into ~ square bundle, This, is totally unsuited to rJarrtping blind stets, which must be held side byr side. This tg due bo the fact that blinds are #rimmed niter they hs~y~e~
all~e~dy begs assembled with theirbllnd.tapes and controls. The stets rrtust be clamped without disturbing fhe tapes or controls.
r o Hsu US Paten# ~,807,32~ discloses a rr~achirae used to trim both ends of a bond sirnulteneously. The entire blind is clamped by cylinders on a benoh_ 1',n~, s,aws then mane slrnultaneously to Prim opposite ends of a!I the blinrJ!
compan~ents, ie the heart rail the blind slats and tfte bottom rail.
Two mlllJng heads then mill the trimmest ends of the components to glue them a 25 sli~ntly curved pmtlie at esct~ end.
This wlll result in the head rail havins milled send curved ends, as uvell as the slats and bottom rail_ Generellybhl5 would be undesiraESle to a oonsumer_ I~lost consumers affect the blind head rail 6o be cut square at the ends. The effect of milling the head rail ends would be to defiine misled curves runnir~p from top tn ~ o bottom of the head rat! and would ar~ate an add appearance.
This system does not hare diet for firir»ming the head rail of the blind., separately frarn fhe bUnd slats_ zs Prirytad:28-~B-X001. At~Et~DED SHEJ=~ epoUne.File Irisp~aetidn~.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 3 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 Pa a 2 of 3 g r~.x rsr-s~rst.~a:i itsisa_ctt-ti WO ULIIIY~7a7 PCTICAUUVUIl849 In the past various apparatira has been designod for cutting down widths of horizontal blinds of specific designs and specific materials. However, in general terms, these machines have not been totally suifabla for cutting dawn blinds in which the slats are made of heavier (or ihicker~ materials, such as wood or thicK thermoplaet6c.
In addition to these factors, blinds and window ovverings are also available in which blind slats are suspended vertically from a head rail.
These blind slats may Joe drawn to one side or the other of the fnrindow opening, or in sums asses to both sides, end may be rotst~ed between open and classed positions, by a mechanism located in the head rail. Again, these blinds usually required a sales call, at ~e home, followed by custom fabrication in a factory.
Advantageously, these blinds too would be provided in standard widths, in a retail sure and it would be desirable fo prflvide sn apparatus in the stone for ruthing down the width of the head rail, and also the lengths of the verbir",al $lab, in the case of vertical blinds. ~lertical blinds, as yell as horiz4n#a!
blinds, also use blind slats which one made of heavier or thicker maiJerials such as wood or thick thermoplastic, and earlier machines such as tJlcse using shears or cu#ing blades ar$ not suitable for cutting blind slats elther,<arkical or horizontal, made of these thicker materials.
Preferably, in order to ~aoonomixe in-store instgtlatiøns of cut-down ~aquiprnent and also tb simplify instruction df staff, a single cutdown rneChirte will be provided which enables blinds having a metal heal rail, and ha ing slats formed of these hesv~er materials to be out down #o the desired width (or height in a single machine.
Clne 4f the considerations iri designing such a cut-down machine is tfio manna! effort that is required to aperatie the machine to cut thro~9h the head rail http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 0237912~3dis.afp Page 4 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g r~.a rs;r.-i~rm.~~:~ irsua_cs~-»
~?'O OI1i177i7 P(.'TPC.'hQIbVIpRld materials and the difffarent cutting ~ction, namely a saw cut i~nr the heavier (end thicken slat materials.
Clearly, metal such as steal, used in heed rails, is relatively hard ~ cut.
~n the other hand, since the sections used in this type of product are reiatively~
thin, the die for salting the metal components of the blind may only be required tp drove a short ~istsnc~.
Consequently,. so long as adequate leverage is prrnrided to move the metal cut#ing die s relatively short distance, this probl~rrt can be addressed.
On the other hand, the cutting of the blind slafis themselves presents t1 entirely different problems. In this type of blind the slats are made of relatively thick material which white easier to cut requEr$ a saw blade action. The thickness of all of the blind slats of these heavier materials when bandied together for cutting is considerable. Consequently, the saw for cuffing these heavier, thicker blind stets must move a considerable distance.
S While it is relatively easy t4 provide far the manual operation p~ such a saw moving a considerable distance for cutting easier to cut th icker materiais, ~e problem becomes more complex when it is understQOd that it is desirable, at least in the case of horizontal blinds, to cut all vtthe materials, both the metal head rail and the softer blind s1a#s, in ~,rhat is essentially a single cuttirEg sfroke, (E This is because, et least in the case of horizontal blinds, the trimming of the ends of the head rails and slat=" must ~ most cases he carried out, so that the blin6 hag a prec7sely measured twidth along e8ch side, and the widths of the blind slats c4rrespond to the widths of the head rail and bdttvm rail. This is not so important in the cage of ~re~tical blinds, but is stilt desirable.
It is not feasible to provide two machines, i.e. a firsf machine which cuts only the head rail whirJ~ is usually made of steel, and a second machine for an entirely aepara#e cut forcuttin~ the softer, Thicker blind slats.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 023791?3dis.afp Page 5 Page 2 of 3 r~, is.~:e~r~~.r:~ icsis.~z_rss-si W(! O1f04747 NGT1C:AUUIU~1844 ~'he moving of the blind from one machine tp another will almost ine~ritably resulE in same discrepancy betmeen the amount cut off from the head rail and the amvr~nt cut oft from the blind slats, and the end nesulf will not be sstisf$ctary.
In addition to these problems there are other Corms ~rf blends in wi,ich thv head rails and bottom rails a formed of thermoplastic material. VSlhen cut6ing dawn of blind components such as these fiprmad on thermoplastic it is found that it is generally unsuitable for cutting by means of a movable cutting die such as is used for cultin~ metal sections. Such therm4plastic section components are however easy ~ cut when using a rofiary saw blades.
In this case it is found desirable to provide some form of Component support to hnld the ~componer~t so tJ~at the saw cut is formsd cleanly anrf in a desired plane.
For these reasons therefore the pr9pvision of a cufdawrl machine meefirtg atJ of these objectives, i.e. b~aing capable of cutting through both fhe crafter but thicker blind slats, and the harder buf thinner male) head rail and bottom rai~, in g single manual cutting movemdnt, and teeing oapabte of saw cutting thicker materials, presents a oompiex problem.
The ~omplexify of the design is further egg raweted by the fact that (i n the case of horizontal biinsis) thv head rail is located at the head of the blind and is usually made of metal, eg, steel, and the blind slats (of thicker material) are Jocabsd spaae~i bel~onr the head rail, Corrs~rquently~, u~hon trimming the blind it is necessary to provide putting dies for cutting head rails and for substantially simultanaausly saw cutting the trii~cker blind slats. It will of course txe appreciated that an the case of horizontal, i.e. Venetian blinds, all of )bane cuts must be made in a c~amman plane, so as to provide a uniform en~! trimming function an the blind. Even for vertical blinds, the vertical blind slats must be trimmed, ator~g their lovuer ends, by cutting ell the staf ends slang a common plane.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 6 Page 2 of 3 w rsrs~r s~ as lSSI).'L-fY1 -1 ~
Y1'U U l ~IIT747 PCTIf A DIMYlllt4td A further factor in this type of apparatus is that s~s far as possible it is deeirablrr to simplify its operation for fhs service per$annel in the retail outlet, so that the cuttintt or trimming ofth$ ends of the blind may be carried oukwith the tesgt pos9ible chance for error. Pr~iersbly, in order to do this, the apparatus vrilt be constructed in such a vray that a ein~le movement of a manual cutting arm or lever, will produce the cut dovun or trim funCtian both in respect of the head rail cutting die and also the closure element saw blade, so that all the campanenfs of the blind are trimmed with s single manual stroke, When refisrring to s "manual"
stroke it will 6e appreciated that, in fact, then apparaku$ could be po~nrer operated.
Its some caee~s the head rails msy also be of softer material, such as thermoplastic, and in tiieae eases saw blade cutting may bo used to trim the ends of alt the blind components.
It wilt further be appreciated that this type ofi equipment will be used by seruice personnel in retail establishments, As such, while they will haue a certain degree of training, they will usually have numerous other duties, and may in tact be working some~nrhat under pressure, while a customer is actually waiting. Consequently, it is desirabae as far as possible to make the apparatus as simple to operate as is possible.
For this reason, it is desirable that the op~rating mechanism, in this case for example, a manual Fever, shall operate both the head rail cutting die and also the closure element cutting s~avr, ConsEquantly, it is desirable to provide some form of linkgge ire which both the die and the saw a~ operated.
It will also be appreciated that while reference is made to manual operation, it is Gonoeivabfe that some form of power operated means could be provided, which would Still requina same sfegree of manual operation, if only tv http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 7 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g r~ i5%.'i'f 31 .'r:i lt515.'t-(51 -1 1 lVt1 b 1~U7717 PCTI'C:al~D~l~i1 simply press a switch. Manual operation is deemed to be generic to a1! $uch Norms of operation whether p~o~u~ner assisted, or not.
BRIEF SUMfrrIARY OF THE=,INVENTION
S With a view #o providing a blind cutdown apparatus which addresses the various foregoing Gon~flicting problems, the invention comprises a blind Guk-down apparatus far cutting and sawing a blind hawing at Least a head rail cemponenf of thin meteri~l, end blind slsfa c~f thicker rnaterial suspended from the hear!
rail, and comprising a blind holding plate having opening means for at least a head 0 rail component and slat components therein for receiving re$pectiye components of a blind there through, and i~vlding them in position frar cutting, a sls~t cutting saw moveable relative tv said holding plate, for cutting blind slats extending through Bald htotding plate.
preferably in order to provide for cutting bath thermoplastic components andler metal components, the apparakus will also have s cutting die Molder adjacent to said cutting savr, said cutting die hotder carryring at Least one cutting die for receiving said head rail there through, and being moveable r~atative to said J7olding plate for cutting said head rail, and including mravsrnent means for moving said cutting saw and said cutting die holder substantially simultaneously, 0 wheroby both said blind slats sad said head rail may tta cut substantially simultaneously and in a rrommon plane airing tine surface of said holding plate, Prefer~bly the thermoplastic Component holder uaill be neoveable into and out of position, depending upon vrhetherfhe blind has all thermoplsat~c components, cr a mix of thermoplastic and of metal compan~ants, a The invention further provides for such a cut down apparatus end including a head rail cutting die secured to said holding plate, and said head rai!
cutting die being mounted to said die holder, v~hereby said Head raiE cuffing die http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 8 Page 2 of 3 ~f'.T i)!.'!'f!77.'L:i Jf513.'o_CM7-71 ~vcr oiruml9 ~twrr"~n ooMOQBaa may move relative fia said holding plate far cutting said head rail extending there th rough.
The invention further provides such an apparatus and further ha~rit~g a saw blade guide a~tteched to said holdings plate and said savr blade being moveable there along relative do said holding plate, The inueniion fur#her pra,ridas such an apps~rstus and in which manual movement means ana provides fcr mQ~ring both said cutting die and said saw blade, w~rith said cutting die moving a short distance, and said saw blade moving a greater distance and in s common plane, under the influence of a single manual operating means.
The inveniion further provides fior a slat clamping mechanism operable to clamp a bundle of slats extending through said holding plate, wherEby to hold them stationary during aperafidn of swirl saw blade-The inven#ian further provides that the s~sr blade is operated by an electric motor, the saw blade comprising a rofatable saw disk.
The invention further provides ihe# the cutting die guide shall pr4nride a cuffing die rnov~amenk path v~hich is diagonal tn the movement path of said sew b lade.
The invention further provides such an apparatus and including a vacuum fan and ~racuurn nozzle, Ibcated sdjaoen# to said sevr bledp collecting saw Cut debris resulting from the operation of said sew.
The inveniion iurilier provides such an appareius wherein the manual ~paration means comprises a rotary shaft, a manual lever connected to said shaft, en operating cam aonnecEed to said shaft and engaging said cuffing die, and a movement transmission !ewer aannected between said shaft and said saw blade, said Transmission means are being operable fJirnugh a path of movement greater than the path of movement t~f said cutting die, http://patents l .ic. gc.calfcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 0237912.3dis.afp Page 9 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g ?'.R fTJa'f 31 .'L:i YiSU.'~-i7!1 -1 1 t~V~ Orm77a~ P~refc~nsm~nAaa In a simpiifed form otthe inv~antion, bo#h the head rail, and the blind sfafs, and even the botfom rail, c-a,n all be cut by a single saw cutting blade, and they can all be held in a single clamp opening. This will become possible where, for example, the head rail and bottom rail are made out of a non-metallic maEerial such that it is easily cut lay means of a saw blade.
In this form of the invention a moveable head rail holder piat~ is provided, having head rail holding op~enlngs therein. The head rail hoEdsr plate is moveable betty~en inoperable and operable positions, and in the operable position, the head rail openings regi5tef with they openings in the holder plate. In this way both the head rail and blind slats are fveld in position fixed end immo~rable, suitable for cutting by the cuftin~ sevr.
The invention further provides an embodirnenf in vrhich a mn~reable component holder plate is formed with a plurality of component ape~ings of varying shapes, ~r holding components of cortesponding varying cross sections, i The various featufes of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and fiorming a pert of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made in the aocnrnpanping drawings and descriptive matter in ~rhich there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 10 ~ °2474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g f'.71 if%a'191.'~:i JSlIf.'L-Sf1-11 IVU U1IU7747 F"C:'1'fiC:e10~1008dø
IN ThiE DRALAfIAIr;S
Figure 1 is a perspective illusfratian of a rotary saw cut dawn machine from tine saw blade side, ildstrating the invention and showing blind component inserted therein;
Figure 2 is a perspective illustration of the apparatus of Figure 1 viewed from the opposite side;
Figure 3 is a section along the line 3-3 of Figuna 9;
Figure 4 is a schematic side illustration of the heed rail cut down die portion of the apparatus, shown in a flr5t pOSltlbn;
0 Figure 5 is a vie~~. conespnndir,g to Figure 1 showing the cut down die in a second position, and showing movemenf in phantom;
Figure B is a side elevationBl view of a further embodiment of the cutdown marbine;
Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FigaJre 6;
S Fig~rre 8 is a perspective illustration of a simplified form of saw blade cut down machine where the saw blade will cut ~eJi of the blind onmponents namely the teed rgil, the blind slats and the bnttnrn rail, in a single pass of the saw blade;
Figure 9 is a p~arspactive illustration of the appsrat~us otFigure B, sho~Yn from the opposite side;
1 Figure 10 illustrates a side elevatit~nal YEew of a further embodime~tt too the invention shotuin8 an optional moveable head rail holder plmte, the holder plate being in its inoperable pqsition in Figure 9~, and, Figure 11 is s side elevation view oorrespanding to Fig 10, and shanhring the i head rail holder plate moved into its vpereble position.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 023791y3dis.afp Page 11 ~ 02474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g ra, tia.'i'f37.'r:i Ylfly.'~-i51-11 v~~~ om~a~ rcn~:Aaa~nas~a DESCRIPTIOfxI OF A C EhdBODlhut T
Refierring first rrf all to Figs, 'i and ~, the invention is there iiluatrated in the form of a blind cut down machine indiCatecl gen~arally as 1fl. Such a machine is intended fo be installed at a retail afore, au~d would be bolted on a working i surface somewhere in s senrioe arrda away from the r~stomers.
As explained above the purpose of the apparatus 10 is tc~ be capai~le cf trimming fhe treed rail and slats b~ of horizontal or so called ~fenetian blinds, and also the head rail and slats of Vertical blinda-l~Jhere a Venetian blind has a bottom rail, then the apparatus is also capable is cutting down the bottom rail, if such a blind has a battnm rail.
It should also be ~undersiood that in the case of Venetian blinds, the Venetian blind is alresdp assembled so that there are so called ladder;apes and also raise cords which are already attached to the slats, and connected bd the head rail.
As a rESUIt, urban trimming the ends of the blind head rail and slats, in Venetian blinds it will be understood that it is necessary to insert both the head rail hand bottom rail) and the slats into the trimming apparatus at the same time, so that the trim cuts are made in a oornman plane. It will he farther understood that in the great majority of cases, when trimrnirtg a ~Ienetian blind, it is necessary to trim the head rail (and bottom rail) and slats at both ends, so as to produce sn even appearance in the finished cut dawn f~lirtd. If, for example, the blind must be cut down by, for example, a lof~J of t<~~na inches, then the slats and the head rail lend bottom rail} et each end wih have to be cut down by an amount t~f one inch, so as to produve a tptal two inch Cut dawn.
Urt the other hand, with vertical blinds, the normal industry practice is to supply the head rail t~eith its trolleys, and operating mechanism, and to supply a group of closure elements, ie. blind slats, in a pacltage, with the Slats separate http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 from and detached from the head rail. In this case, the normal practice is to cut down the head rail at one end only, since the controls for the blinds are usually located in a fixed location at the opposite end of the head rail.
The blind slats will usually be cut down only along their lower ends, since they are usually provided with some form of attachment means at their upper ends for connecting to the trolleys in the head rail when the blind is finally assembled and installed.
From this preliminary outline, it will be understood that the apparatus illustrated should preferably perform these varied functions on different types of blind products, so that a single cut down machine may be supplied to the retailer and the retail staff trained on that single machine, thereby avoiding the expense of supplying several different cut down machines and training staff on several machines.
Referring once again to the drawings, the apparatus 10 will be seen in this embodiment to comprise a base or mounting plate 12 and a frame plate 14 mounted thereon perpendicular thereto. The frame plate 14 or blind holding plate is provided with a rectangular opening or space 16 for receiving blind components typically a head rail indicated as H, and closely spaced thereto, closure elements i.e.
blind slats S, and in this case, a blind bottom rail R. The blind illustrated, typically would be a Venetian blind, and it will be understood that the ladder tapes and raise cords are not illustrated simply for the sake of clarity, and to avoid complexity in the illustration. Frame plate 14 also defines two upwardly directed support arms 18-18, defining between them a generally U-shaped rectangular space, for reasons to be described below. Mounted on frame plate 14 there is a spacer plate 20, and holder plate 22.
In order to cut the head rail H which typically will be made of thin relatively hard material, typically metal, a moveable die mounting plate or head rail plate 24 is provided.
N:\corp\egiercza\Shadeomatic 20664 (2084)\0142(C125D)\rplcmt pages 11-l2.doc The plate 22 in the embodiment shown is fixed while plate 24 is moveable relative -plate 22. The fixed plate 22 and moveable plate 24 are mounted in a common pair of channels 26-26 secured to frame plate 14. Holder plate 22 defines a rectangular slot like opening 28 of a shape that corresponds to the shape of the head rail H1 so as to hold it securely during cutting. In this particular embodiment, provision is made for two different shapes of head rails H and h1. For this purpose, a second head rail (h1) opening 29 is provided, which in this case, is located within the dimensions of the opening 28 for H1.
Moveable die plate 24 carries with it a cutting die 30 which has a corresponding rectangular slotted recess corresponding to the shape of the head rail H1 and opening 28. Moveable die plate 24 also carries a second cutting die 31, located within the dimensions of the cutting die 30, for cutting the smaller head rail placed through the smaller head rail opening 29.
Movement of the moveable plate 24 relative to the fixed holder plate 22 will cause movement of the cutting die 30 (or 31 ) and this will sever or shear the material of the head rail. It will be appreciated that since the head rail is of relatively thin gauge material, the die plate 24 will not move a great distance. On the other hand, considerable force must be exerted on the die plate 24 in order for it to perform the shearing action. It will also be noted from Figs. 1 and 2 that the channels 26-26 which hold and control the moveable die plate 24, also define its path of movement relative to the head rail. This path of movement will be seen to be in a generally diagonal direction. The reason for this is that the shearing action of the cutting die 30 is preferably of a progressive nature, and will shear the head rail in a direction which is diagonal to its rectangular cross section from one corner to another.
The moveable die plate 24 is moved by means of the manual lever 32.
Lever 32 is coupled to a drive shaft 34. Shaft 34 extends through frame plate and through fixed plate 22. Within fixed plate 22, there is mounted an offset N:\corp\egiercza\Shadeomatic 20Gfi4 (2084)\0142(C125D)\rplcmt pages 11-l2.doc 02379123dis.afp Page 14 ~ 02474217 2004-08-04 Pa a 2 of 3 g ~a zsfa~rs~.~ta azs°.~z-zai-m Wfl OII0774'7 PCTlCAOD1fl034a drive stub shaft 3B. By this means, by manual operation of lever 3~, the shaft 3d can be rotated thereby rotating and causing an orbitgl movement of the dove stub shaft 38_ 'his will cause sliding movement of the plate 24 relative tv.the fixed plate ~2, thareiay shearing the head rail, The saw cutting assernbiy for cutting the closure elements (and bot6om rally is indicated generally as dQ. It u~rill he assn to comprise a saw blad~a mounting plate ~2, which is secured to a slide block 4d. BIvcK 44 is mounted an slide rails 48-dB extending between the upright arms 1 B.
(art the Iowerend of the saw plate 42, there is mounted a rotary saw 0 assembly indicated as 48. The saw assembly 48 is essentially a typical electric motor, coupled by s shaft (not sho,nrn~ to a rotary saw blade 49 of a type yell known in the art, For simplicity, an operating handle $Q may be provided, an the savr assembly 4B, for manually drawing the saw 48 to and fro along ~e rail$
46, The spaaor plate X11 is Secured t4 the frame plate 7~~ so as fo space the saw 5 mounting plate 42 in the correct plane, so as fo bring the saw blade into alignment with the int~e,rfaoe betvmeen the fixed plate 22 end the moveable die pie#e 24. This is required so That the trimming cut down adton both of the score blad$ and of the moveable die plate 24, shall produce trimming of both the head rail and the blind slats, and th~a bottom rail where it is included in a carnmon :) plane.
In order to ensure that the saw debris does not fly about, a hollow r~oltection tuk~e ~4 is pro5rided. Tube ti4 is provided with a plurality of openings (not shown) along the length of the saw blade travel.
Qne end the hollow tube ti4 may be connected, for example, by vacuum hose 5fi (Fig. 2) to a vacuum pump and motor which are indicated generally as http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 023791~3dis.afp Page 15 Page 2 of 3 r.~ csxa~r st .~a:a issu.~z_ttt -t i Wl~ 0 I I117Ti~ FCi'r'~AULIIOONa4 In order to preset the length of end trim or cut dawn on any particular job, the length cutting control indicated generally at 8D is pnaYided. The length contrxtl 60 comprises a generall~r horizon! plate 82. A slidabia bar64 is movably connected #o plebe 82 by means of threaded screw 68. A generally t.-shaped spacer block 68 is secured to the end ~ bar ~~_ A blind contact plate is attached to the block 88 end is ori~entad to a contact at the ends of the tread rails N and the blind slat S and the bottom rail.
The spacer block 68 end blind contact plate 70 may, in some cases, be connected to the lever 32 and Fhaft 34 so thaf it moves away from the ands of :1 the blind component but this is not always necessary and conseQuently, the mechanism is octt described in detail, In o~rier to ~clar~op the blirtd slats S and bottom rail R in position, to be Jleld firmly during fhe operation of the saw blade, a clamp plate 7~ is provided, secured too frame plate 14. A moveable clamp arm 74 is mounted on a scrt9ur shaft 76. A hand vrheel 78 permits the screw shaft to be drawn tea and fro, thereby drawing the clamp arm into oontac# witty the blind slab and bottom rail (Fig. 2).
In operation, the head rail H and blind slats S and bott4m rail R are inserted as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The clamp arm 74 is operated go as to clamp the blind slats S and bottom rail R in position.
The lever 32 is then stperated so as to move the motreable die plate ~4 ~F~$, 4 and 5) thereby seuering the head rail.
Thereafter, the operator may simply manually grasp the Jlsndle 5p and stai~h an the mofor48, by any suitable electrical svvit~ch (not shop). The saw blade is then dravrn through tho blind slats and the bottom rail.
All of the blind components ttyerefore ere cut in a common plane while k~eing held in positipn in the apparatus.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fepoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 16 ~ 02474217 2004-08-04 pa a 2 of 3 g ~x csr:-e~r s~ .~a:i i~sis.~z_rs~ -i i 1'VO 01 RI~T~i7 YC,"IYC:AUQNlb~i4 1s As 5hauvn in Figure (3, the operation of the operating means in fhis case, f~he fever 32, although other operating means could be used whether hand opers6ed or powver operated, inr operating the die plate 24, and the operation of tha saw assembly 49 and its sliding mount 44, may be coupled,to~$fi~er. In order to provPde thi$ coupling, a first spring t3D may be provided. The spring 8D is cx~nnected befinreen the lever 32 and a vann~2ctin~ bar 82 which is itself maunt~ed on the slide block 44. h9anual nparation of the le~$r 32 will thus be communicated to the slide block 4d by the increased tension developed in spring 8i1.
0 In order tv provide a sfrnnr pro~ressiYe movement of the saw assembly, a damper means, namely a control cylinder t34 is provided. Cylinder 84 is mounted on a flange 86 on plats 18, and the piston rod of cylinder 84 is onnnacted to bar 82.
~'he oparation of the cylinder 8~ 15 sUCh as to cause a progressiv$ gradual 5 movement of the saw blade assembly 48 Fig. 7), in response to tensioning of the spring 80, thereby producing a slov~~, progressive, gradua9 movement of the saw blade assembly 49 so as to provide a smooth, regular cut Through the ends of the blind closure elements and bottflm rail.
Irt order tn return the block 44, and the saw blade assembly 48, the return l spring t38 is provided. Spring t3t3 connects between block 44 and frame 1 B.
In order to provide automatic onloff operation of the saw blade assembly 4t3, a typical limit switch AD is provided, b~eiag operated by a Fng~er 82 on block 44. As soon ae the spring 8a is placed in tension, the finger 9~ will rel~a$a the limit switch 90 thereby activating the motor in the saw blade assembly 4S.
Clnc~a the return spring 8$ returns to the black 44, the finger 92 s. ill contract the switch g0 and thereby shut off power to the motor and stop the saw blade assembly 4t3.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379? 23dis.afp Page 17 Page 2 of 3 f'.71 tlfa'f91.'i:i JfSU.'~-SSl-11 v~c~ n~~nxraa r~'tr~AOO~oo~~4 In addition, suitable end sbvps 64 and 96 rney be provided on the two frame portions 9 B-18, so as to limit the length of traueJ of the block 44.
'While the apparatus already described is suitable far use ~nrhere, for example, the head rail is made of a metallic material, and fhe slats and bottom rail are made of a softer material suitable (or cutting by means of a saw blade, it will be appreGabed that in certain ca$~aa it may be possible to fabricate the head rail itself out ofi a sbPter material, so that ~ by a saw blade.
A rnoefif~ed simplified form of apparatus fir this purpose is shown in Figures 8 and 9.
D In this simplified apparatus, a frame plate 7t10, is mounted on a base plate 902. A blind component opening 144 is fiatrned in plate 1~0. A component buffer 106 is mounted on plate 900.
A component clamp arm 108 is mounted nn screuu 110 operated by hand wheel 112.
5. Blind components consisting of a non-metallic head rail H, blind slats S, arid a bottom rail R, are all passed thmugh the opening 104. the edge of the head rail abuts against buffer 106, white the bQtt~am plate is clamped by mans of clamp 70~, tlieraby securing the blind components in position for cutting.
A saw blade mounting 11d, carries a notary saw blade 11~r dri~ren by any c~ suitable motor means knot shown). Arm 114 is secured to slide bearings 119.
Bearings 118 are spaced apart from one another and ride ors guide rods 120.
A collector channel 122 is secured to plate 10f1, and defines an opening along which blade 718 can travel. In this way, savr dust and debris from the savr blade cutting thro~cgh the blind components, can fall down into the channel.
The 5 channel wilt be connected to a suitable ~racuum source (not shown) in essentislJy the same manner ag d~esctibed above.
http://patents 1.ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379123dis.afp Page 18 Page 2 of 3 l'.~ ti%a't97 s:i %5515.'x-f!1-11 v~~c~ auui~~a~ rcrrcAaomosaa Blind component end stops are provided in the iQrm of a transverse stop bar 'ltd, mounted an a slide~ body 123, which is slidable to provide a fixed stop and which can be secured by means such as clamp sc~nrs 123, The plate 'i 14 is opere6ed by rnegr,s of a handle 130 and a trigger switch > 132 is provided in handle 130, and vahen the trigger switch is depressed, the motor driving the bkade 11fi will commence operation.
In a still further embndiment>bo the invention, the advantages of both the cut0ing apparatus of Figure 1 and Figure g may be provided in a single apparatur4.
i} Irr the apparatus Qf Figures 10 and 1'f, the essential features of the appara#ua of Figures 1 through 8 is provided, and is deemed included without reference.
In this embodiment, the apparatus is adaptable to either cut blinds in which the head rail is metallic and the alr#s are non-metallic, in vfiich cases the apparstu9 will employ the moveable cutter plate 24 and c~ctfer die, fior cutting the m~etalfic head rail, ~nr, the apparatus rney be adapted fior cutting a blind in which the head rail is made of softer materials typically thermoplastic, which does nQt require ccrtting in a (lead rail die, but vrhich can be cut simply by means of the saw.
? Ta fiacilifste this, the apparatus of Figures 10 and 19 provides a moveable head rail holder plate 140, mounted alongside the frarrEe plate 1d.
~Fypically, the rriov6able holder plate 140 vain) be mounted above the opening 18. The holder plate 140 will be slidably mounted in slide channels 142. Any Suitable form of plate locking device 'fA4 is provided fvr holding the platre in, iar v~xample, its i upper inoperative p4sition.
The head rail plate 140 is provided with the first ps~ir of head rail holder slats 1a6 for a larger head rail l12, which are parallel and spaced apart from one http://patents l .ic.gc. ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 023791.23dis.afp Page I9 Page 2 of 3 Ci> t5%a'fa1'~:i ltYl1'a,_~y1-11 Wfa flllQT74'r PI:Tlf. ArIDfirifitl another. They are oriented t4 support the two side walls of the typical fhree aided head rail channel, such as 28, 29 (Fig. 3).
Between thla two slots 14B-1~t6 a head rei! support shoulder 148 is prpvided, for supporting the web or infrermediate walls of the typical head rail channel.
A further head rail slot 150 is provided located between slots ld.Jy-14~.
The head rail slot 150, coupled with the Lower slat 148, will alJaw such a smaller rectangular head rail h2 fn be supported by the head rail plate 140.
Head rail slat 150 can receive a small head rail typical in so-called "t~lini-to blinds"hauinp~smailerslats.
When the head rail support plate 140 is in its upper inoperative position, fhe apparatus will typically be used for cu#ing a blind putting slats indicated as S1, which will be cut by the sate, and a head rail indicated as H1 which will be out by the head rail cutting die already describr~d, 5 Typically, ho~t~ever, when the support plate 140 is in its lower operative position as shown in Figure 11, the apparatus will be used for cutting Slats indicated as S2, and s head rail indicated as 1i2.
In each cas~a, the cutting of smaller blinds hasfin~ narrower slate and a smaller hsaci rail is not illustrated, but is de~amed to be self explanatory.
0 The embodiment shovan in Figs 1D and 11, is capable of handling blinds consisting of all thermopfastio components, on the one ?'land, and a mix of thermoplastic components and metal components on the other, As mentioned above the existence of acme blinds using all thermoplastic components mattes it desirable to provlda such a machine which is adaptable to 5 cuttincd dawn eitherfype of blind. Where the head rail and bottom rail components are formed of thermoptaetic then the using of metal cutting dies is http://patentsl .ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004 02379,123dis.afp Page 20 Page 2 of 3 ('.71 S7Y.'i't 31 .'r:i lI7U.'~_S71 -11 Wa ouuza~~ rcr~CACnmns~a found to be unsuitable. Instead it is found to he preferable to use the rotary cutting savr to cut all the Componeata whstn they ate all of thermnplsstiC..
Irl t+~is case as explained the holder plate 22 arid cutting die plate ~4 era not used.
9 After positioning ~e moveable pkat~e 14D in its operative postlion, arid inserting the blind components, and operating the clamp, the rotary saw is then switched on- As it is dravlrn past pl~efe 9d it will cut the slats and then the heed rail H2.
Clearly, if desired a similar moveable plate,not ahowny could be pro~ricfed 3 with an opening far holding a bottom rail whil~ cutting. Such a botEr~rrt rail plate vlmuld of course be located somewhere slang the Length of the opening 14.
How~aver in mast cases this will not be nee~led_ Blinds of this type ane otfen made without a br~ttom rail, or , iE one is provided, it is simply forrnetl of 3oiid ple,stic but somewhat thicker than the slats, and can thendfore be held by the i clamp for cutting.
Tlte foregoing is a description of a preferred ernbodim$nt of the invention which is giuen herle by way of example only. The imrention is not to be taken ss limited to arry of the sp~acific features as described, but comprehends ail such variations thereof as come within the'GOpe of the appended claims.
i http://patentsl .ic.gc.ca/fcgi-bin/any2html?FILENAME=%2Fcpoti%2Fprod%2Fapache%2F... 8/4/2004
Claims (24)
1. A blind cut-down apparatus for cutting a head rail by means of a head rail cutting die and for sawing blind slat components suspended from the head rail by means of a slat cutting saw assembly, and characterized by:
(a) a blind holding plate having an opening for a head rail component and a space for receiving blind slat components therethrough;
(b) means for clamping said blind slat components in said space relative to said blind holding plate;
(c) means for guiding said slat cutting saw relative to said holding plate for cutting said blind slat components extending through said space;
(d) means for guiding said head rail cutting die for cutting said head rail extending through said head rail opening;
(e) means for moving said slat cutting saw, and moving said head rail cutting die.
(a) a blind holding plate having an opening for a head rail component and a space for receiving blind slat components therethrough;
(b) means for clamping said blind slat components in said space relative to said blind holding plate;
(c) means for guiding said slat cutting saw relative to said holding plate for cutting said blind slat components extending through said space;
(d) means for guiding said head rail cutting die for cutting said head rail extending through said head rail opening;
(e) means for moving said slat cutting saw, and moving said head rail cutting die.
2. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 including a holder plate and head rail die plate for mounting said head rail cutting die, said head rail die plate moveably secured to said holder plate by said means for guiding said head rail cutting die whereby said head rail die plate and cutting die may move relative to said holder plate for cutting said head rail extending therethrough.
3. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and further having a pair of parallel a saw blade guide rods attached to said blind holding plate and a slide block carrying said cutting saw and being moveable along said rods relative to said blind holding plate.
4. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which said means for moving is provided for moving both said head rail die holder plate and said cutting die and said cutting saw, with said cutting die moving a short distance, and said cutting saw moving a greater distance than said cutting die holder and in a line therewith, under the influence of a single manual operating member.
5. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cutting saw includes a saw blade is operated by an electric motor, the saw blade comprising a rotatable saw disk.
6. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for guiding said head rail cutting die provide a cutting die movement path which is diagonal to the movement path of said saw blade.
7. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a vacuum fan and vacuum nozzle located adjacent to said saw blade collecting saw cut debris resulting from the operation of said cutting saw.
8. A blind cut-down apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a head rail holder plate for relative movement between operative and inoperative positions.
9. A blind cut-down apparatus as claimed in claim 8 including a first head rail opening in said head rail holder plate for receiving a first said head rail therein, and a second head rail opening in said head rail holder plate for receiving a second head rail therein.
10. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said blind further includes a bottom rail suspended from said blind slats, in which said means for clamping includes a moveable member adapted to abut against said bottom rail and urge said bottom rail toward said blind slats.
11. A method of operating a blind cut-down apparatus for sawing and trimming a blind having at least a head rail component of a material having a first thickness, and blind slats of material having a second thickness greater than said first thickness suspended from the head rail, the blind cut down apparatus having a holder plate with an opening for a head rail and a space for receiving blind slat components therethrough and a clamp for clamping the slats in said space, and a head rail die and a cutting saw moveable relative to the holder plate and characterized by the steps of:
(a) positioning said head rail in said opening;
(b) positioning said blind slat components in said space;
(c) clamping said blind slat components in said space by said clamp;
(d) moving a cutting saw relative to said blind slat space for cutting said blind slat components; and (e) moving said head rail die relative to said head rail opening thereby cutting said head rail component.
(a) positioning said head rail in said opening;
(b) positioning said blind slat components in said space;
(c) clamping said blind slat components in said space by said clamp;
(d) moving a cutting saw relative to said blind slat space for cutting said blind slat components; and (e) moving said head rail die relative to said head rail opening thereby cutting said head rail component.
12. A method according to claim 11 wherein said blind further comprises a bottom rail suspended from said blind slats, and including the step of clamping said bottom rail in said space together with said blind slats and in which said cutting saw is moved during said cutting step through said bottom rail in addition to said blind slats.
13. A method according to claim 12 in which said clamping step comprises moving a movable clamp member of said clamp against said bottom rail in order to move said bottom rail toward said blind slats and clamp them in said space.
14. A blind cut-down apparatus for cutting and sawing a blind having at least a head rail component and blind slats suspended from the head rail, and comprising:
(a) a blind holding plate having at least a head rail opening, and a space for receiving slates therethrough, and holding them in position for cutting;
(b) a slat cutting saw moveable relative to said blind holding plate, for cutting blind slats extending through said blind holding plate;
(c) a cutting die holder plate adjacent to a holder plate, said cutting die holder plate carrying at least one cutting die for receiving said head rail through said holder plate and said cutting die holder plate, said cutting die holder plate, being moveable relative to said holder plate for cutting said head rail and, (d) movement means for moving said cutting saw and said cutting die holder plate relative to said holder plate whereby both said blind slats and said head rail may be cut in line along the surface of said holding plate.
(a) a blind holding plate having at least a head rail opening, and a space for receiving slates therethrough, and holding them in position for cutting;
(b) a slat cutting saw moveable relative to said blind holding plate, for cutting blind slats extending through said blind holding plate;
(c) a cutting die holder plate adjacent to a holder plate, said cutting die holder plate carrying at least one cutting die for receiving said head rail through said holder plate and said cutting die holder plate, said cutting die holder plate, being moveable relative to said holder plate for cutting said head rail and, (d) movement means for moving said cutting saw and said cutting die holder plate relative to said holder plate whereby both said blind slats and said head rail may be cut in line along the surface of said holding plate.
15. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 14 including a head rail cutting die being mounted to said cutting die holder plate, whereby said head rail cutting die may move relative to said holder plate for cutting said head rail extending therethrough.
16. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 14 further having a saw blade guide attached to said blind holding plate and said saw blade being moveable there along relative to said blind holding plate.
17. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which manual movement means are provided for moving both said cutting die and said saw blade, with said cutting die holder plate moving a short distance, and said saw blade moving a greater distance than said cutting die holder plate and in a line therewith, under the influence of a single manual operating means.
18. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 14 including a slat clamping mechanism operable to clamp a bundle of slats extending through said blind holding plate, whereby to hold them stationary during operation of said saw.
19. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the saw blade is operated by an electric motor, the saw blade comprising a rotatable saw disk.
20. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 14 including a cutting die channels providing a cutting die movement path which is diagonal to the movement path of said saw blade.
21. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 14 including a vacuum fan and vacuum nozzle, located adjacent to said saw blade collecting saw cut debris resulting from the operation of said saw.
22. A blind cut down apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the manual operation means comprises a rotary shaft, a manual lever connected to said shaft, an operating cam connected to said shaft and engaging said cutting die holder plate, and a movement transmission means connected between said shaft and said saw blade, said saw blade being operable through a path of movement greater than the path of movement of said cutting die holder plate.
23. Apparatus for cutting blinds having at least a head rail and blind slats, by a cutting saw comprising means for holding said head rail and blind slates, and means for guiding said cutting saw to cut said head rail and blind slats in a common plane.
24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein said blinds include a bottom rail and said holding means hold said bottom rail.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/360,316 US6336388B1 (en) | 1999-07-23 | 1999-07-23 | Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine |
| US09/360,3161 | 1999-07-23 | ||
| US59695600A | 2000-06-20 | 2000-06-20 | |
| US09/596,956 | 2000-06-20 | ||
| WOPCT/CA00/0084 | 2000-07-18 | ||
| CA002379123A CA2379123C (en) | 1999-07-23 | 2000-07-18 | Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine |
| PCT/CA2000/000844 WO2001007747A1 (en) | 1999-07-23 | 2000-07-18 | Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002379123A Division CA2379123C (en) | 1999-07-23 | 2000-07-18 | Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2474217A1 CA2474217A1 (en) | 2001-02-01 |
| CA2474217C true CA2474217C (en) | 2006-09-12 |
Family
ID=32995163
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002474217A Expired - Fee Related CA2474217C (en) | 1999-07-23 | 2000-07-18 | Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2474217C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112756706B (en) * | 2021-04-07 | 2021-06-18 | 宁波格兰家居用品有限公司 | Shutter cutting equipment |
-
2000
- 2000-07-18 CA CA002474217A patent/CA2474217C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2474217A1 (en) | 2001-02-01 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6336388B1 (en) | Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine | |
| US7124672B2 (en) | Blind cut down machine | |
| US7017459B2 (en) | Blind cut down machine | |
| US6435066B1 (en) | Cutting apparatus for window covering and methods therefor | |
| US20010017073A1 (en) | Single plate cut down apparatus | |
| US6314851B1 (en) | Dual mini-blind cutter | |
| US20010054338A1 (en) | Blind cut down apparatus | |
| EP1198653B1 (en) | Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine | |
| CA2474217C (en) | Rotary saw cutter blind cut down machine | |
| US6481103B2 (en) | Electric shaving apparatus | |
| US7918150B2 (en) | Blind cut down machine | |
| CN2827667Y (en) | Cut-off knife structure for plastic packaging, mount and film covering machine | |
| CN212763932U (en) | Accurate cutting device of wooden furniture production usefulness | |
| CN217435061U (en) | Full-automatic hot-melt welding machine | |
| US20010003228A1 (en) | Electric shaving apparatus | |
| CN209440196U (en) | A kind of seat cushions blanking segmenting device | |
| CN114367575A (en) | Conveyor belt type automatic punching production line | |
| CN220922501U (en) | Full-automatic cutting machine is used in decorative paper processing | |
| CN211440995U (en) | Die-cut piece-shearing equipment that facilitates use | |
| CN220278149U (en) | Ji Jiegou is cut to tinned core wire | |
| CN218053108U (en) | Wire clamping assembly of inclined plane nailing machine | |
| CN216780169U (en) | Metal wire cuts off uses clamping device | |
| CN219669667U (en) | Film coiled material feeding mechanism | |
| CN217530948U (en) | Positioning cutting device of folio paper cutter | |
| CN213918423U (en) | Rubber silica gel production is with fixed thick slitter |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |