apparatus for use with an uncoiling mandrel

Abstract

An apparatus relating to an uncoiling mandrel. The apparatus comprises an elongated arcuate segment and a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment. A slot is located on the longitudinal portion. The apparatus has a shield that is rectangular. There is a flange that is integrally attached to an edge of the shield. The flange is attachable and detachable to the slot. The apparatus capable of being located between two arcuate segments in order to cover the insides of the uncoiling mandrel.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with an uncoiling mandrel, the apparatus comprising: an elongated arcuate segment; a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment; a slot being located on the longitudinal portion; a shield; the shield being rectangular; a flange being integrally attached to an edge of the shield; the flange being connected to the slot.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flange is detachably connected to the slot.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flange is elastic.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shield is made from flexible material.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second flange being integrally attached to a second edge of the shield; the second flange being detachably connected to a second slot located on a second longitudinal portion of a second elongated arcuate segment; the elongated arcuate segment and the second elongated arcuate segment being located about the perimeter of the uncoiling mandrel; the shield being capable of sufficiently covering a space between the two arcuate segments.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shield is constructed from a plurality of overlapping segments.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the overlapping segments are metal.

8. An apparatus for use with an uncoiling mandrel, the apparatus comprising: an elongated arcuate segment; a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment; a slot being located on the longitudinal portion; a shield; the shield being rectangular; a flange being integrally attached to an edge of the shield; the flange being detachably connected to the slot; the flange being elastic; the shield being made from flexible material; a second flange being integrally attached to a second edge of the shield; the second flange being detachably connected to a second slot located on a second longitudinal portion of a second elongated arcuate segment that is sufficiently similar to the elongated arcuate segment; the elongated arcuate segment and the second elongated arcuate segment being located about the perimeter of the uncoiling mandrel.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the shield is capable of sufficiently covering a space between the two arcuate segments.

10. An apparatus for use with an uncoiling mandrel, the apparatus comprising: an elongated arcuate segment; a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment; a slot being located on the longitudinal portion; a shield; the shield being rectangular; a flange being integrally attached to an edge of the shield; the flange being detachably connected to the slot; the flange being elastic; the shield being constructed from a plurality of overlapping segments; the overlapping segments being metal; a second flange being integrally attached to a second edge of the shield; the second flange being detachably connected to a second slot located on a second longitudinal portion of a second elongated arcuate segment; the elongated arcuate segment and the second elongated arcuate segment being located about the perimeter of the uncoiling mandrel.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the shield is capable of sufficiently covering a space between the two arcuate segments.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention being used with a mandrel.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention being used with a mandrel.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a detailed perspective view of a section of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows an end view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

Overview.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention being used with a mandrel comprises a mandrel 124. The mandrel 124 having a plurality of elongated arcuate segments 120 attached to a central mechanism, an arbor for instance 121. A plurality of shields 122 being attached to the mandrel and positioned between the plurality of elongated arcuate segments 120 and the central mechanism 121. The elongated arcuate segments have a slot 125. The shields 122 snap into the slots 125 and prevent debris from passing the teeth 123 of the elongated arcuate segments 120 and infiltrating the central mechanism 121.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention being used with a mandrel comprises a mandrel 201 having a plurality of elongated arcuate segments 202 forming the outer boundary of the mandrel 201. The plurality of elongate arcuate segments 202 shown in an expanded position such that there is an opening between the toothed sides 204. Below the plurality of elongated arcuate segments 202 are located a plurality of shields 205. The shields 205 snap into slots 204 on the underside of the elongated arcuate segments 202. Importantly, the slots 204 are made into the surface facing the inside of the mandrel. That surface can be any shape and best when made to minimize any unneeded material being added to the inside area of the mandrel.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, a detailed perspective view of a section of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of elongated arcuate segments 120. One of the plurality of shields 122 being attached to the mandrel and positioned between the plurality of elongated arcuate segments 120 and the central mechanism 121 (not shown). It can be seen at 130 how the shield 122 snaps into the slot 125. The slot is located on an integral portion of the arcuate segment 120 that extends away from the underside face of the arcuate segment 120 but the slot can be located on the face underneath the segment itself. We envision either configuration works sufficiently well at eliminating the need for an extra piece, e.g. a rail, for attachment of the shield.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention which comprises a slot 400 located on the underside of an arcuate segment 401 of a mandrel. Alternatively, FIG. 5 shows an end view of an embodiment of the present invention and comprises a view of the slots 501 located on an integral portion of an arcuate segment that extends away from the arcuate segment.

[0031] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with the reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For instance, the mandrel can have both protective segments and flexible membranes or have one or the other. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

[0032] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with the reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For instance, the flange and shield need not be integrally manufactured, and other mechanisms besides snapping can be used to connect the flange and the shield. Certainly, the slot need not extend fully lengthwise along the longitudinal portion. So, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

[0033] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6.