Method and apparatus for forming improved nets
AssigneeSatron, Inc.
InventorsRobert Looker, Richard E. McLennan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Improved structural nets for cargo and the like are formed on a fixture including a knot forming matrix including a plurality of knot loop stations arranged in a predetermined orientation and cooperating with loop forming section disposed peripherally of the matrix. By forming a plurality of knot loops in sequence in a plurality of rows, each of which is in a predetermined x-y orientation, the manipulative operations for forming a plurality of hand tied knots is simplified. An inserted tension member is fed through each of the knot loops and the latter are tightened to form knots at the crossing point of the tension members.
Claims24
A method of forming a knotted net whose main body portion is composed of repeating geometric patterns of crossing tension members knotted at each crossing point comprising the steps of:
- arranging in multiple sequential predetermined spatial locations a series of female knot loops in multiple row patterns, and then
- inserting through each female loop in said multiple row patterns a male tension member and tightening the female loops to form a series of knots each having four legs, the male tension member which is inserted through each female loop being the same tension member used to form the female knot loops.
A method of forming a net whose main body portion is composed of repeating geometric patterns of crossing tension members knotted at each crossing point comprising the steps of
- arranging a tension member in a plurality of rows, each row including a plurality of knot loops arranged in two sets in an x-y orientation one set being alternate knot loops in axial alignment in an x direction and offset in a y direction with the knot loops of the other set,
- the knot loops of the other set being in axial alignment in an x direction,
- the adjacent rows being disposed such that one set of knot loops is in alignment in an x direction with the knot loops of the adjacent row on one side and the other knot loops are displaced in a y direction and in alignment with the knot loops extending in an x direction,
- inserting a tension member sequentially through the knot loops which are aligned in an x direction so that the inserted tension member extends in an x direction through each knot loop, and
- tightening each knot loop to form a knot at those positions when the inserted tension member passes through the knot loop.
A net making fixture for forming nets whose main body portion is composed of repeating geometric patterns of crossing tension members knotted at each crossing point comprising
- means forming a central knot forming matrix including a plurality of knot forming stations arranged in a predetermined pattern,
- said knot forming stations being arranged in an x-y orientation of rows and columns, alternate columns being arranged in alignment in a y direction and including the same number of knot stations,
- the knot stations of the rows being in alignment in an x direction,
- means positioned a predetermined distance below said knot stations and defining a z dimension for forming two of the legs between adjacent knots, and
- means located peripherally of said knot forming matrix and positioned in a predetermined position relative to selected knot forming stations and defining the unknotted peripheral loop portion of the net formed.
A method of forming a knotted structural net for use in restraining cargo, said net having a main body portion and composed of tension members knotted to form a pattern of knotted tension members comprising the steps of:
- forming in a tension member a series of spaced knot loops arranged in a repeating two-dimensional pattern, then
- inserting the same tension member through each knot loop, and
- tightening each knot loop to form a knot having four legs.
A net making fixture for forming nets whose main body portion is composed of patterns of knots each having four legs comprising;
- means forming a knot forming matrix having a plurality of knot forming stations,
- said knot forming stations being arranged in rows and columns, alternate columns being in alignment,
- the knot stations of the rows being in alignment,
- means cooperating with the knot stations and positioned relative thereto for defining the length of two of the legs between adjacent knots, and
- means cooperating with said knot forming stations to form an unknotted peripheral loop portion of the net.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.