# US 12,109,768 B2 · Thermoplastic composite grip for manufacturing process > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,109,768 B2 - Document ID: US12109768B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/784,764 - Filed: 2020-11-06 - Published: 2023-01-12 - Granted: 2024-10-08 - Earliest claimed: 2019-12-13 - Assignees: Kolon Dacc Composite Co., Ltd. - Applicants: KOLON DACC COMPOSITE Co., Ltd. - Inventors: Oyoung Choi; Kyungseok Jung; Moonsung Ko - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12109768B2 ## CPC - B29C 70/543: {Fixing the position or configuration of fibrous reinforcements before or during moulding (for non-woven fabrics D04H3/08)} - B29C 70/541: {Positioning reinforcements in a mould, e.g. using clamping means for the reinforcement (positioning inserts in moulds B29C33/12; lay-up on a mould B29C70/30)} - B29C 31/008: {Handling preformed parts, e.g. inserts (B29C37/001 takes precedence; for injection moulding B29C45/14008; for blow moulding B29C49/2408; for thermoforming B29C51/165)} - B29C 51/262: {Clamping means for the sheets, e.g. clamping frames} - B29C 70/56: Tensioning reinforcements before or during shaping - B29K 2101/12: Thermoplastic materials - B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00) - B29K: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR {MOULDS, } REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS ## Abstract Disclosed herein is an apparatus for fixing a thermoplastic composite. The apparatus for fixing a thermoplastic composite for fixing the thermoplastic composite and placing a transferring tray to be transferred to a forming mold, the apparatus comprising a frame unit having a location space where the thermoplastic composite is positioned and placed on the transferring tray, and a plurality of connecting units for connecting the frame unit and the thermoplastic composite to pull the thermoplastic composite toward the frame unit. In this case, the plurality of connecting units have variable length and move along the frame unit. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for fixing a thermoplastic composite, the apparatus comprising: a frame having a location space where the thermoplastic composite is positioned; and a plurality of connectors for connecting the frame and the thermoplastic composite to pull the thermoplastic composite toward the frame, wherein the plurality of connectors have variable length, each of the plurality of connectors has a first end connected to the frame and a second end connected to the thermoplastic composite, and the first end is movable along the frame, wherein each of the plurality of connectors comprises: a moving unit movable along the frame and rotatable; a fixing unit combined with the thermoplastic composite; and an elastic member for connecting the fixing unit and the moving unit wherein a rail is formed along a circumference of the location space, and wherein the moving unit comprises: a roller rolled along the rail; and a rod for connecting the roller and the elastic member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod comprises: a fixing rod connected to the roller and being opened inside; an operating rod exposed from inside to outside of the fixing rod and is axis rotatable; and a fixing ring formed in the operating rod and connected to the elastic member, wherein an inner flange is formed along an inner circumference of the fixing rod, and an outer flange is formed along an outer circumference of the operating rod, and wherein the operating rod is not separated from the fixing rod while the inner flange is in contact with the outer flange. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a plurality of inner balls in contact with the outer circumference the operating rod to be rolled are arranged in the inner flange, and a plurality of outer balls in contact with the inner circumference the fixing rod to be rolled are arranged in the inner flange. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod comprises: a fixing rod connected to the roller; an operating rod for connecting the fixing rod and the elastic member; and a joint for connecting the fixing rod and the operating rod, wherein the operating rod is rotated by the joint to bended. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixing unit includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a bolt, a pin, and karabiner, which penetrates the thermoplastic composite up and down. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixing unit includes a tongs or a clamp, which presses and fixes a surface of the thermoplastic composite. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixing unit comprises: a fixing body including an inserting hole where an edge of the thermoplastic composite is inserted; a pressing bar arranged inside the fixing body to press the edge of the thermoplastic composite; and a controlling member arranged in the fixing body and pressurizing the pressing bar to press the thermoplastic composite. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a plurality of unevenness is formed at one side of the pressing bar faced at edges of the thermoplastic composite intervals and a bottom of the inserting hole. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixing unit is point or surface contact with the thermoplastic composite. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an articulating unit for partitioning the frame, wherein the frame is bended by the articulating unit, and the distance of the connectors faced at the thermoplastic composite intervals becomes narrowed.