WO2020076533A1 - Seam assembly method and leader wire for same - Google Patents
Seam assembly method and leader wire for same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2020076533A1 WO2020076533A1 PCT/US2019/053757 US2019053757W WO2020076533A1 WO 2020076533 A1 WO2020076533 A1 WO 2020076533A1 US 2019053757 W US2019053757 W US 2019053757W WO 2020076533 A1 WO2020076533 A1 WO 2020076533A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- loops
- leader wire
- wire
- leading portion
- leader
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
- D21F—PAPER-MAKING MACHINES; METHODS OF PRODUCING PAPER THEREON
- D21F1/00—Wet end of machines for making continuous webs of paper
- D21F1/0027—Screen-cloths
- D21F1/0054—Seams thereof
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
- D21F—PAPER-MAKING MACHINES; METHODS OF PRODUCING PAPER THEREON
- D21F7/00—Other details of machines for making continuous webs of paper
- D21F7/08—Felts
- D21F7/10—Seams thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G3/00—Belt fastenings, e.g. for conveyor belts
- F16G3/12—Joining belts by lacing
Definitions
- the present invention relates to textile production, and is more specifically directed to a leader wire for closing a textile seam.
- Textile sheets are well known components in the papermaking industry, but are also used in a wide range of applications.
- One type of textile sheet is a woven fabric for use in a papermaking, cellulose, or board manufacturing machine. Textile sheets can be used in any section of a papermaking assembly, including forming, pressing, or drying sections.
- a leader wire for a textile assembly including a seam is disclosed.
- the leader wire connects to a pintle, which is required to close a seam between opposing sheet ends.
- the shape and size of the leader wire tip promotes alignment of loops.
- the leader wire includes a body defining a leading portion including a tip and a trailing portion adapted to attach to a filament.
- the tip has a rounded leading edge that expands to a width (w).
- the leader wire is adapted to interdigitate a first sheet end defining a first plurahty of loops with a second sheet end defining a second plurahty of loops.
- the first and second plurality of loops each have a material thickness (t) and define a loop opening including a length (L) and a height (h).
- the width (w) of the rounded leading edge is less than or equal to 50%-90% (L-t).
- the rounded tip of the leader wire prevents the leader wire from catching on the edges of the loops.
- the width (w) of the rounded leading edge promotes alignment of opposing loops during insertion of the leader wire into the loops.
- the width (w) (2d + x), wherein (d) is a diameter of the leader wire at the leading portion, and (x) is a distance between a first and second portion of the leader wire at the leading portion.
- the width (w) of the leading edge of the tip is greater than the height (h) of the loop opening.
- the height (h) of the loop opening is greater than the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion, and the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion is greater than 50% of the height (h) of the loop opening.
- the leading portion includes a trailing wire portion.
- the trailing wire portion has a length that is at least 400% of a length of one loop of the plurality of loops.
- the body includes an intertwined helical wire.
- the intertwined hehcal wire extends along a majority of a length of the body.
- a method of closing a seam between two sheet ends includes providing a leader wire including a body defining a leading portion including a tip and a trailing portion attached to a filament.
- the method includes providing a first sheet end having a first plurality of loops with a second sheet end having a second plurality of loops.
- the method includes inserting the tip of the leader wire into the first and second plurality of loops such that the first and second plurality of loops interdigitate with each other and ahgn along a seam plane to define a channel for the filament.
- the leading portion When the leading portion is positioned within an engaged loop of each of the first and second plurahty of loops, the leading portion urges adjacent opposing loops downstream from the engaged loop towards each other and towards the seam plane. Downstream, as used herein, refers to a direction away from an insertion point of the leader wire into a textile assembly.
- the leading portion defines a first cross- sectional area
- the filament defines a second cross-sectional area
- the first cross-sectional area is at least 150% of the second cross-sectional area
- the leading portion urges adjacent loops downstream from the engaged loop such that a majority of immediately adjacent loops to the engaged loop are driven from a first side of the seam plane to a second side of the seam plane.
- Figure 1 is a top view of a leader wire inserted within a textile assembly.
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the textile assembly along line II -II of Figure 1.
- Figure 3A is a top view of the leader wire of Figures 1 and 2.
- Figure 3B is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a leader wire.
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a leader wire and filament being inserted into loops.
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of interdigitated loops.
- Figure 6 shows a connection between the leader wire and a filament.
- a fabric according to the invention is an industrial textile, which can have many industrial applications, such as conveyor belts, filter fabrics, etc.
- the textile is a fabric that is flat woven and seamed at the warp ends in order to form a continuous belt.
- One preferred apphcation of the textiles according to the invention is on a papermaking machine.
- the textile could have apphcations as a press fabric or a dryer fabric for use in the corresponding press or dryer sections of a papermaking machine. These are generally all referred to as a “papermaking fabric” regardless of the position of use in a papermaking machine.
- leader wire described herein can be used in any type of assembly, including textiles, fabrics, extruded films, plastic sheets, or any other material.
- leader wire disclosed herein can be inserted into loops or any other type of enclosure or opening.
- a leader wire 10 for a textile assembly 2 including a seam 4 is illustrated.
- the seam 4 can be provided for any type of textile, such as a dryer sheet in a papermaking application.
- the leader wire 10 connects to a pintle, which is required to close the seam 4 between two opposing sheet ends 30, 40.
- the leader wire 10 is a metallic wire.
- the leader wire 10 preferably has a constant thickness.
- the leader wire 10 includes a body 11 defining a leading portion
- the filament 6 can be attached to the leader wire 10 according to any variety of attachment configurations. In one embodiment, the filament 6 is connected directly to the leader wire 10. In another embodiment, the filament 6 is attached to the leader wire 10 via a connection adapter or component. As shown in Figure 6, in one embodiment, the connection between the leader wire 110 and the filament 106 is formed via a fitting or ferrule between the leader wire 110 and the filament 106. The connection can be formed as a friction fit. The interface shown in Figure 6 can be implemented into any one of the configurations shown in the other figures. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that a connection can be formed between the filament 6 and the leader wire 10 according to any connection method or means.
- the filament 6 can include any type of material or structure for closing a seam between textile sheet ends.
- the filament 6 is a monofilament.
- the filament 6 includes a plurality of filaments.
- One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any type of filament could be used.
- the leader wire 10 is an installation tool that aids with the insertion of the filament 6 into loops to close a seam. Installation personnel insert the leader wire 10 into opposing loops provided on textile sheet ends, as described in more detail herein.
- the leader wire 10 is adapted to interdigitate a first sheet end 30 defining a first plurality of loops 32 with a second sheet end 40 defining a second plurality of loops 42.
- the tip 14 includes a rounded leading edge that expands to a width (w). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the width (w) is defined at a widest portion of the leading portion 12 of the tip 14. The leading portion 12 of the leader wire 10 is generally enlarged compared to known leader wire configurations.
- the first and second plurality of loops 32, 42 each have a material thickness (t) and define a loop opening 34, 44 including a length (L) and a height (h).
- material thickness to define a thickness of a yarn, monofilament, or other fabric or textile used to form the loops.
- both lengths (L a , L b ) are illustrated in Figure 2.
- the width (w) of the rounded leading portion 12 is less than or equal to 50%-90% (L-t). This relationship ensures that the width (w) of the rounded leading portion 12 of the tip 14 is enlarged such that it urges the loops 32, 42 towards each other for ahgnment.
- (d) is a diameter of the leader wire 10 at the leading portion 12
- (x) is a distance between a first portion 12a and a second portion 12b of the leader wire 10 at the leading portion 12.
- the distance (x) between the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b can be modified depending on a particular apphcation. In some arrangements, the distance (x) is zero.
- the width (w) of the rounded leading portion 12 is 25%-100% greater than the height (h) of the loop opening 34, 44.
- the relatively larger width (w) of the leader wire 10 promotes movement of the opposing loops 32, 42 towards each other during formation of the seam.
- the height (h) of the loop opening 34, 44 is greater than the diameter (d) of the leader wire 10 at the leading portion 12, and the diameter (d) of the leader wire 10 at the leading portion 12 is greater than 50% of the height (h) of the loop opening 34, 44.
- the material thickness (t) can be selected based on the required strength characteristics of a particular application.
- the loop openings 34, 44 can be sized based on a specific apphcation’s requirements.
- fillers (not shown) can be inserted into voids formed in the loop openings 34, 44 adjacent to the seam.
- the rounded leading portion 12 includes a trailing wire portion 13, extending in an opposite direction of the downstream direction.
- the trailing wire portion 13 ensures that the channel for the filament 6 is sufficiently wide and promotes alignment of the loops 32, 42.
- the trailing wire portion 13 has a length (d a ) that is at least 400% of a length (d b ) of a loop.
- the length (d b ) of the loop corresponds to a depth of a pocket defined between adjacent loops.
- the length (d a ) of the trailing wire portion 13 is at least 600% of the length (d b ) of the loop.
- the length (d a ) of the trailing wire portion 13 is at least 1000% of the length (d b ) of the loop.
- the length (d a ) of the trailing wire portion 13 is selected to provide an improved guide channel for the filament 6.
- Figure 3A shows the body 11 having a generally straight profile.
- the body 11’ of the leader wire can include an intertwined helical wire.
- the intertwined helical wire 11a, l ib extends along a majority of a length of the body 11.
- One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that varying profiles of the leader wire can be provided.
- a method of closing a seam 4 between two sheet ends 30, 40 includes providing a leader wire 10 having a body 11 defining a leading portion 12 including a tip 14 and a trailing portion 16 attached to a filament 6.
- the method includes providing a first sheet end 30 defining a first plurality of loops 32 with a second sheet end 40 defining a second plurality of loops 42.
- the method includes inserting the tip 14 of the leader wire 10 into the first and second plurality of loops 32, 42 such that the first and second plurality of loops 32, 42 interdigitate with each other and align along a seam plane (P) to define a channel for the filament 6.
- P seam plane
- Figure 5 illustrates the leader wire 10 partially inserted into the loops 32, 42.
- the leader wire 10 can be fed into the openings formed by the loops 32, 42 according to any known method or configuration.
- the leading portion 12 is positioned within an engaged loop of each of the first and second plurality of loops 32, 42, and the leading portion 12 urges adjacent opposing loops downstream from the engaged loop towards each other and towards the seam plane (P).
- the leading portion 12 fills and contacts the engaged loop such that the downstream loops are pulled towards the opposing loop provided on the opposing sheet end.
- the leading portion 12 is enlarged compared to a cross-sectional area of the filament 6.
- the leading portion 12 defines a first cross-sectional area and the filament 6 defines a second cross-sectional area, and the first cross-sectional area is at least 150% of the second cross-sectional area.
- the first cross-sectional area of the leading portion 12 is comprised of a diameter of the leader wire (including both wire portions) plus a distance (x) defined between the leader wire portions 12a, 12b.
- the first cross-sectional area corresponds to the width (w) shown in Figure 2.
- the distance (x) defined between the leader wire portions 12a, 12b can vary depending upon a cross section through the leading portion 12.
- the second cross-sectional area can be modified depending on the requirements for a specific filament 6.
- the first cross-sectional area is at least 200% of the second cross-sectional area. In one embodiment, the first cross-sectional area is at least 250% of the second cross-sectional area.
- the leading portion 12 urges adjacent loops downstream from the engaged loops such that a majority of immediately adjacent loops to the engaged loops are driven from a first side of the seam plane (P) to a second side of the seam plane (P).
- the term majority is defined as more than 50% of a material/area.
- the immediately downstream loops from the engaged loops are generally urged towards the loops of an opposing sheet end, and therefore promotes interdigitating of the loops downstream from the engaged loops.
- the loops 32, 42 are formed on separately formed linkage sections of the sheet ends 30, 40.
- the separately formed linkage sections can be formed as a seam element that attaches to textile sheet ends.
- the seam element can be formed by a different material than the textile sheets, and in one embodiment can formed from an extruded plastic film sheet.
- the loops 32, 42 could be formed directly on the sheet ends 30, 40, such as by wrapping free ends of the sheet ends 30, 40 to form loops.
- Alternative methods and arrangements of loops on sheet ends can be used, all of which could be used in conjunction with the leader wire embodiments disclosed herein.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Paper (AREA)
Abstract
A leader wire for a textile assembly including a seam is disclosed. The leader wire includes a body defining a leading portion including a tip and a trailing portion adapted to attach to a filament. The tip has a rounded leading edge with a width (w). The leader wire interdigitates a first sheet end defining a first plurality of loops with a second sheet end defining a second plurality of loops. The first and second plurality of loops each have a material thickness (t) and define a loop opening including a length (L) and a height (h). In one embodiment, w ≤ 50%-90% (L-t). In one embodiment, when the leading portion is positioned within an engaged loop of each of the first and second plurality of loops, the leading portion urges adjacent opposing loops downstream from the engaged loops towards each other and towards a seam plane.
Description
SEAM ASSEMBLY METHOD AND LEADER WIRE FOR SAME
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Apphcation No. 62/743,891 filed on October 10, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to textile production, and is more specifically directed to a leader wire for closing a textile seam.
BACKGROUND
[0001] Textile sheets are well known components in the papermaking industry, but are also used in a wide range of applications. One type of textile sheet is a woven fabric for use in a papermaking, cellulose, or board manufacturing machine. Textile sheets can be used in any section of a papermaking assembly, including forming, pressing, or drying sections.
[0002] To form a continuous textile sheet, a plurality of loops are provided at opposing textile ends and a pintle is inserted into the loops to close a seam to render the sheet endless. Known seam assembhes require personnel to manually insert a leader wire into loops provided at opposing ends of a sheet. This process can be time-consuming and tedious, and the resulting seam can have imperfections due to misalignment of the loops.
[0003] It would be desirable to provide a leader wire configuration that promotes ahgnment of loops during formation of an associated seam.
SUMMARY
[0004] A leader wire for a textile assembly including a seam is disclosed.
The leader wire connects to a pintle, which is required to close a seam between opposing sheet ends. The shape and size of the leader wire tip promotes alignment of loops.
[0005] The leader wire includes a body defining a leading portion including a tip and a trailing portion adapted to attach to a filament. The tip has a rounded leading edge that expands to a width (w). The leader wire is adapted to interdigitate a first sheet end defining a first plurahty of loops with a second sheet end defining a second plurahty of loops. The first and second plurality of loops each have a material thickness (t) and define a loop opening including a length (L) and a height (h). In one embodiment, the width (w) of the rounded leading edge is less than or equal to 50%-90% (L-t). The rounded tip of the leader wire prevents the leader wire from catching on the edges of the loops. The width (w) of the rounded leading edge promotes alignment of opposing loops during insertion of the leader wire into the loops.
[0006] In one embodiment, the width (w) = (2d + x), wherein (d) is a diameter of the leader wire at the leading portion, and (x) is a distance between a first and second portion of the leader wire at the leading portion.
[0007] In one embodiment, the width (w) of the leading edge of the tip is greater than the height (h) of the loop opening.
[0008] In one embodiment, the height (h) of the loop opening is greater than the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion, and the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion is greater than 50% of the height (h) of the loop opening.
[0009] In one embodiment, the leading portion includes a trailing wire portion. In this embodiment, the trailing wire portion has a length that is at least 400% of a length of one loop of the plurality of loops.
[0010] In one embodiment, the body includes an intertwined helical wire.
In this embodiment, the intertwined hehcal wire extends along a majority of a length of the body.
[0011] In one embodiment, a method of closing a seam between two sheet ends is disclosed. The method includes providing a leader wire including a body defining a leading portion including a tip and a trailing portion attached to a filament. The method includes providing a first sheet end having a first plurality of loops with a second sheet end having a second
plurality of loops. The method includes inserting the tip of the leader wire into the first and second plurality of loops such that the first and second plurality of loops interdigitate with each other and ahgn along a seam plane to define a channel for the filament. When the leading portion is positioned within an engaged loop of each of the first and second plurahty of loops, the leading portion urges adjacent opposing loops downstream from the engaged loop towards each other and towards the seam plane. Downstream, as used herein, refers to a direction away from an insertion point of the leader wire into a textile assembly.
[0012] In one embodiment, the leading portion defines a first cross- sectional area, the filament defines a second cross-sectional area, and the first cross-sectional area is at least 150% of the second cross-sectional area.
[0013] In one embodiment, the leading portion urges adjacent loops downstream from the engaged loop such that a majority of immediately adjacent loops to the engaged loop are driven from a first side of the seam plane to a second side of the seam plane.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing Summary and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings:
[0015] Figure 1 is a top view of a leader wire inserted within a textile assembly.
[0016] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the textile assembly along line II -II of Figure 1.
[0017] Figure 3A is a top view of the leader wire of Figures 1 and 2.
[0018] Figure 3B is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a leader wire.
[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a leader wire and filament being inserted into loops.
[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of interdigitated loops.
[0021] Figure 6 shows a connection between the leader wire and a filament.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. In one embodiment, a fabric according to the invention is an industrial textile, which can have many industrial applications, such as conveyor belts, filter fabrics, etc. In one arrangement, the textile is a fabric that is flat woven and seamed at the warp ends in order to form a continuous belt.
[0023] One preferred apphcation of the textiles according to the invention is on a papermaking machine. The textile could have apphcations as a press fabric or a dryer fabric for use in the corresponding press or dryer sections of a papermaking machine. These are generally all referred to as a “papermaking fabric” regardless of the position of use in a papermaking machine.
[0024] One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the leader wire described herein can be used in any type of assembly, including textiles, fabrics, extruded films, plastic sheets, or any other material. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the leader wire disclosed herein can be inserted into loops or any other type of enclosure or opening.
[0025] Referring to Figure 1, a leader wire 10 for a textile assembly 2 including a seam 4 is illustrated. The seam 4 can be provided for any type of textile, such as a dryer sheet in a papermaking application. The leader wire 10 connects to a pintle, which is required to close the seam 4 between two opposing sheet ends 30, 40. In one embodiment, the leader wire 10 is a metallic wire. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that alternative materials could be used to form the leader wire. The leader wire 10 preferably has a constant thickness.
[0026] The leader wire 10 includes a body 11 defining a leading portion
12 including a tip 14 and a trailing portion 16 adapted to attach to a filament 6. The filament 6 can be attached to the leader wire 10 according to any variety of attachment configurations. In one embodiment, the filament 6 is connected directly to the leader wire 10. In another embodiment, the filament 6 is attached to the leader wire 10 via a connection adapter or component. As shown in Figure 6, in one embodiment, the connection between the leader wire 110 and the filament 106 is formed via a fitting or ferrule between the leader wire 110 and the filament 106. The connection can be formed as a friction fit. The interface shown in Figure 6 can be implemented into any one of the configurations shown in the other figures. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that a connection can be formed between the filament 6 and the leader wire 10 according to any connection method or means.
[0027] The filament 6 can include any type of material or structure for closing a seam between textile sheet ends. In one embodiment, the filament 6 is a monofilament. In another embodiment, the filament 6 includes a plurality of filaments. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any type of filament could be used.
[0028] As used in connection with a textile seam assembly, the leader wire 10 is an installation tool that aids with the insertion of the filament 6 into loops to close a seam. Installation personnel insert the leader wire 10 into opposing loops provided on textile sheet ends, as described in more detail herein.
[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the leader wire 10 is adapted to interdigitate a first sheet end 30 defining a first plurality of loops 32 with a second sheet end 40 defining a second plurality of loops 42.
[0030] As shown in Figure 2, in one embodiment, the tip 14 includes a rounded leading edge that expands to a width (w). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the width (w) is defined at a widest portion of the leading portion 12 of the tip 14. The leading portion 12 of the leader wire 10 is generally enlarged compared to known leader wire configurations.
[0031] The first and second plurality of loops 32, 42 each have a material thickness (t) and define a loop opening 34, 44 including a length (L) and a height (h). One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the term material thickness to define a thickness of a yarn, monofilament, or other fabric or textile used to form the loops.
[0032] Both lengths (La, Lb) are illustrated in Figure 2. In one embodiment, the width (w) of the rounded leading portion 12 is less than or equal to 50%-90% (L-t). This relationship ensures that the width (w) of the rounded leading portion 12 of the tip 14 is enlarged such that it urges the loops 32, 42 towards each other for ahgnment.
[0033] In one embodiment, the width (w) of the rounded leading portion
12 equals 2d + x, wherein (d) is a diameter of the leader wire 10 at the leading portion 12, and (x) is a distance between a first portion 12a and a second portion 12b of the leader wire 10 at the leading portion 12. The distance (x) between the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b can be modified depending on a particular apphcation. In some arrangements, the distance (x) is zero.
[0034] In one embodiment, the width (w) of the rounded leading portion
12 is greater than the height (h) of the loop opening 34, 44. In one embodiment, the width (w) of the rounded leading portion 12 is 25%-100% greater than the height (h) of the loop opening 34, 44. The relatively larger width (w) of the leader wire 10 promotes movement of the opposing loops 32, 42 towards each other during formation of the seam.
[0035] In one embodiment, the height (h) of the loop opening 34, 44 is greater than the diameter (d) of the leader wire 10 at the leading portion 12, and the diameter (d) of the leader wire 10 at the leading portion 12 is greater than 50% of the height (h) of the loop opening 34, 44.
[0036] The material thickness (t) can be selected based on the required strength characteristics of a particular application. The loop openings 34, 44 can be sized based on a specific apphcation’s requirements. In one
embodiment, fillers (not shown) can be inserted into voids formed in the loop openings 34, 44 adjacent to the seam.
[0037] In one embodiment, the rounded leading portion 12 includes a trailing wire portion 13, extending in an opposite direction of the downstream direction. The trailing wire portion 13 ensures that the channel for the filament 6 is sufficiently wide and promotes alignment of the loops 32, 42.
[0038] In one embodiment, the trailing wire portion 13 has a length (da) that is at least 400% of a length (db) of a loop. The length (db) of the loop corresponds to a depth of a pocket defined between adjacent loops. In another embodiment, the length (da) of the trailing wire portion 13 is at least 600% of the length (db) of the loop. In another embodiment, the length (da) of the trailing wire portion 13 is at least 1000% of the length (db) of the loop. The length (da) of the trailing wire portion 13 is selected to provide an improved guide channel for the filament 6.
[0039] Figure 3A shows the body 11 having a generally straight profile.
As shown in Figure 3B, the body 11’ of the leader wire can include an intertwined helical wire. The intertwined helical wire 11a, l ib extends along a majority of a length of the body 11. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that varying profiles of the leader wire can be provided.
[0040] In one embodiment, a method of closing a seam 4 between two sheet ends 30, 40 is disclosed. The method includes providing a leader wire 10 having a body 11 defining a leading portion 12 including a tip 14 and a trailing portion 16 attached to a filament 6. The method includes providing a first sheet end 30 defining a first plurality of loops 32 with a second sheet end 40 defining a second plurality of loops 42. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes inserting the tip 14 of the leader wire 10 into the first and second plurality of loops 32, 42 such that the first and second plurality of loops 32, 42 interdigitate with each other and align along a seam plane (P) to define a channel for the filament 6. Figure 5 illustrates the leader wire 10 partially inserted into the loops 32, 42. The leader wire 10 can be fed into the openings formed by the loops 32, 42 according to any known method or configuration.
[0041] In one embodiment, the leading portion 12 is positioned within an engaged loop of each of the first and second plurality of loops 32, 42, and the leading portion 12 urges adjacent opposing loops downstream from the engaged loop towards each other and towards the seam plane (P). The leading portion 12 fills and contacts the engaged loop such that the downstream loops are pulled towards the opposing loop provided on the opposing sheet end.
[0042] In one embodiment, the leading portion 12 is enlarged compared to a cross-sectional area of the filament 6. In one embodiment, the leading portion 12 defines a first cross-sectional area and the filament 6 defines a second cross-sectional area, and the first cross-sectional area is at least 150% of the second cross-sectional area. The first cross-sectional area of the leading portion 12 is comprised of a diameter of the leader wire (including both wire portions) plus a distance (x) defined between the leader wire portions 12a, 12b. The first cross-sectional area corresponds to the width (w) shown in Figure 2. The distance (x) defined between the leader wire portions 12a, 12b can vary depending upon a cross section through the leading portion 12. The second cross-sectional area can be modified depending on the requirements for a specific filament 6. In one embodiment, the first cross-sectional area is at least 200% of the second cross-sectional area. In one embodiment, the first cross-sectional area is at least 250% of the second cross-sectional area.
[0043] In one embodiment, the leading portion 12 urges adjacent loops downstream from the engaged loops such that a majority of immediately adjacent loops to the engaged loops are driven from a first side of the seam plane (P) to a second side of the seam plane (P). As used herein, the term majority is defined as more than 50% of a material/area. In other words, the immediately downstream loops from the engaged loops are generally urged towards the loops of an opposing sheet end, and therefore promotes interdigitating of the loops downstream from the engaged loops.
[0044] As shown most clearly in Figures 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the loops 32, 42 are formed on separately formed linkage sections of the sheet ends 30, 40. As shown in the drawings, the separately formed linkage sections
can be formed as a seam element that attaches to textile sheet ends. The seam element can be formed by a different material than the textile sheets, and in one embodiment can formed from an extruded plastic film sheet. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the loops 32, 42 could be formed directly on the sheet ends 30, 40, such as by wrapping free ends of the sheet ends 30, 40 to form loops. Alternative methods and arrangements of loops on sheet ends can be used, all of which could be used in conjunction with the leader wire embodiments disclosed herein.
[0045] Having thus described the present invention in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.
* * *
Claims
1. A leader wire for a textile assembly including a seam, the leader wire comprising:
a body defining a leading portion including a tip and a trailing portion adapted to attach to a filament, the tip having a rounded leading edge that expands to a width (w);
the leader wire is adapted to interdigitate a first sheet end defining a first plurality of loops with a second sheet end defining a second plurality of loops, the first and second plurality of loops each having a material thickness (t) and defining a loop opening including a length (L) and a height (h); and wherein (w) < 50%-90% (L-t).
2. The leader wire of claim 1, wherein the width (w) = (2d + x),
wherein (d) is a diameter of the leader wire at the leading portion, and (x) is a distance between a first and second portion of the leader wire at the leading portion.
3. The leader wire of claim 1, wherein the width (w) of the rounded leading edge is greater than the height (h) of the loop opening.
4. The leader wire of claim 1, wherein the height (h) of the loop opening is greater than the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion, and the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion is greater than 50% of the height (h) of the loop opening.
5. The leader wire of claim 1, wherein the rounded leading portion includes a trailing wire portion.
6. The leader wire of claim 5, wherein the trailing wire portion has a length that is at least 400% of a length of a loop.
7. The leader wire of claim 1, wherein the body includes an intertwined hehcal wire.
8. The leader wire of claim 7, wherein the intertwined helical wire extends for a majority of a length of the body.
9. The leader wire of claim 1, wherein:
(i) the width (w) = (2d + x),
wherein (d) is a diameter of the leader wire at the leading portion, and (x) is a spacing between a first and second portion of the leader wire at the leading portion,
(ii) the width (w) of the rounded leading edge is greater than the height (h) of the loop opening,
(hi) the height (h) of the loop opening is greater than the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion, and
(iv) the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion is greater than 50% of the height (h) of the loop opening.
10. A method of closing a seam between sheet ends, the method comprising: providing a leader wire including a body defining a leading portion including a tip and a trailing portion attached to a filament;
providing a first sheet end defining a first plurality of loops with a second sheet end defining a second plurality of loops;
inserting the tip of the leader wire into the first and second plurality of loops such that the first and second plurality of loops interdigitate with each other and align along a seam plane to define a channel for the filament, and when the leading portion is positioned within an engaged loop of each of the first and second plurahty of loops, the leading portion urges adjacent opposing loops downstream from the engaged loops towards each other and towards the seam plane.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the leading portion defines a first cross- sectional area and the filament defines a second cross-sectional area, and the first cross-sectional area is at least 150% of the second cross-sectional area.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the leading portion urges adjacent loops downstream from the engaged loops such that a majority of immediately adjacent loops to the engaged loops are driven from a first side of the seam plane to a second side of the seam plane.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the leading portion includes a bent portion defining a rounded leading edge.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the body includes an intertwined helical wire.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the intertwined helical wire extends along a majority of a length of the body.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein:
(i) the width (w) = (2d + x),
wherein (d) is a diameter of the leader wire at the leading portion, and (x) is a spacing between a first and second portion of the leader wire at the leading portion,
(ii) the width (w) of the rounded leading edge is greater than the height (h) of the loop opening,
(iii) the height (h) of the loop opening is greater than the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion, and
(iv) the diameter (d) of the leader wire at the leading portion is greater than 50% of the height (h) of the loop opening.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the rounded leading portion includes a trailing wire portion.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the trailing wire portion has a length that is at least 400% of a length of one loop of the plurality of loops.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862743891P | 2018-10-10 | 2018-10-10 | |
US62/743,891 | 2018-10-10 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2020076533A1 true WO2020076533A1 (en) | 2020-04-16 |
Family
ID=70164774
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2019/053757 WO2020076533A1 (en) | 2018-10-10 | 2019-09-30 | Seam assembly method and leader wire for same |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
WO (1) | WO2020076533A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3576055A (en) * | 1968-07-12 | 1971-04-27 | Scapa Dryers Ltd | Pintle wires for clipper seams |
US3668742A (en) * | 1969-07-23 | 1972-06-13 | Otto Bartmann | Coupling for webs |
US5038442A (en) * | 1989-04-27 | 1991-08-13 | Mato Maschinen-Und Metallwarenfabrik Curt Matthaei Gmbh & Co. Kg. | Coupling device including a hinge pin for interconnecting conveyor belt ends |
JP2002013089A (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2002-01-18 | Nippon Felt Co Ltd | Lead wire for connecting seam felt for paper making |
US20140053376A1 (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2014-02-27 | Astenjohnson, Inc. | Multi-pin nonwoven seaming element |
-
2019
- 2019-09-30 WO PCT/US2019/053757 patent/WO2020076533A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3576055A (en) * | 1968-07-12 | 1971-04-27 | Scapa Dryers Ltd | Pintle wires for clipper seams |
US3668742A (en) * | 1969-07-23 | 1972-06-13 | Otto Bartmann | Coupling for webs |
US5038442A (en) * | 1989-04-27 | 1991-08-13 | Mato Maschinen-Und Metallwarenfabrik Curt Matthaei Gmbh & Co. Kg. | Coupling device including a hinge pin for interconnecting conveyor belt ends |
JP2002013089A (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2002-01-18 | Nippon Felt Co Ltd | Lead wire for connecting seam felt for paper making |
US20140053376A1 (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2014-02-27 | Astenjohnson, Inc. | Multi-pin nonwoven seaming element |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1825054B1 (en) | Improved spiral fabrics | |
EP0805895B1 (en) | Laminated clothing, as well as method and blank for manufacturing the same | |
EP2788546B1 (en) | Process for preparing a seam area in a paper machine clothing base fabric | |
KR100282195B1 (en) | Papermaking fabric | |
EP0817883B1 (en) | Machine clothing having a seam, and spiral for use in such a seam | |
US6000441A (en) | Multi-layered papermaker's seam product with formed loops | |
WO2020076533A1 (en) | Seam assembly method and leader wire for same | |
EP1314814A2 (en) | Seam enhancements for seamed papermaker's fabrics | |
AU2003248787B2 (en) | On-machine-seamable industrial fabric having seam-reinforcing rings | |
CA2156228C (en) | Combination-type seaming pintles with wire leader | |
US5079807A (en) | Shaped pintle wire for paper machine clothing | |
MXPA06006830A (en) | Pintle for spiral fabrics. | |
US7393434B2 (en) | Method and device for stabilizing unseamed loops | |
US7128097B2 (en) | Transparent seam spirals | |
JPH09313835A (en) | Industrial spiral belt and its production | |
JP2017172063A (en) | Industrial woven fabric | |
US9957666B2 (en) | Clothing and method for the production thereof | |
CN112534096A (en) | Fabric for a web production machine and machine with a corresponding fabric |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 19870167 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 19870167 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |