Link elements for improved flexible abrasive cutting tools
AssigneeHusqvarna AB
InventorTristan Nijs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An element for serial configuration with an adjacent element in an abrasive tool, wherein the element is arranged to be mounted on a flexible drive carrier having a drive direction D. The element comprising at least one protruding member extending in a direction parallel to the drive direction D. The at least one protruding member being configured to overlap with the adjacent element at least when the flexible drive carrier has a straight configuration, and to reduce a width of a gap G formed between the element and the adjacent element when the flexible drive carrier is configured bent in an arcuate form.
Claims22
An element for serial configuration with an adjacent element in or on an abrasive cutting tool, wherein the element is arranged to be mounted on a flexible drive carrier having a drive direction, the element comprising at least one protruding member extending in a direction parallel to the drive direction and arranged to be in contact with a material to be cut by the abrasive cutting tool, the at least one protruding member being configured to overlap with the adjacent element at least when the flexible drive carrier has a straight configuration, and to reduce a width of a gap formed between the element and the adjacent element when the flexible drive carrier is configured bent in an arcuate form.
17-19. (canceled)
A chain comprising a plurality of link elements, wherein the link elements are joined together by either:
- connecting elements having a rounded form, wherein the connecting elements extend in respective slots formed in the link elements along a center line of the link elements in a drive direction, thereby filling a gap formed between two adjacent ones of the link elements when the chain is bent in an arcuate form, wherein a respective plurality of other elements are mounted on the link elements and configured for an abrasive operation, or
- tie straps that are arranged on a side of the chain opposite to a guide bar side of the chain, wherein spaces are formed between the link elements when the chain has a straight configuration, thereby allowing bending of the chain to an arcuate form without significant gaps forming between link elements on the side of the chain when the chain has the arcuate form.
21-23. (canceled)
A method for producing an element for an abrasive tool, arranged to be mounted on a flexible drive carrier having a drive direction, the method comprising
- configuring an element comprising an outer surface for holding an abrasive compound;
- configuring the element with at least one protruding member extending in a direction parallel to the drive direction;
- and
- arranging the at least one protruding member on the element such that the at least one protruding member overlaps with an adjacent element mounted on the flexible drive carrier at least when the flexible drive carrier has a straight configuration, and such that the at least one protruding member is in contact with a material to be cut by the abrasive cutting tool, and such that the at least one protruding member it-reduces a width of a gap formed between the element and the adjacent element when the flexible drive carrier is configured bent in an arcuate form.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.