Method and apparatus for cutting and shaping belt-like members

An apparatus for cutting and shaping belt-like members, wherein a raw material belt-like member is cut to obtain desired product belt-like members and jointing inclined surfaces at a predetermined angle are formed at cut end portions of said product belt-like members, said apparatus comprising:

• a first die including a die surface having a shape corresponding to said jointing inclined surfaces;
• a second die for cooperating with said first die for cutting and shaping said raw material belt-like member;
• means for conveying said raw material belt-like member past said first die, said die surface being opposite to a face of said raw material belt-like member, extending in a widthwise direction of said raw material belt-like member and being inclined with respect to said face in a lengthwise direction of said raw material belt-like member;
• means for heating said first die;
• means for pressing said first die against said raw material belt-like member perpendicularly to said face;
• and
• means for separating said first die and said belt-like members from each other,
• wherein said die surface comprises a first inclined surface at a portion in a first direction from a centerline of said die surface and a second inclined surface at a portion in a second direction from said centerline, said first and second inclined surfaces intersecting with each other along said centerline,
• said first and second inclined surfaces being inclined at an angle of no more than approximately 20.degree. with respect to said face.

A method for cutting and shaping belt-like members, wherein a raw material belt-like member is cut to obtain desired product belt-like members and jointing inclined surfaces at a predetermined angle are formed at cut end portions of said product belt-like members, said method comprising:

• positioning a first die opposite to a face of said raw material belt-like member so as to extend in a widthwise direction of said raw material belt-like member, said first die including a die surface having a shape corresponding to said jointing inclined surfaces and being inclined with respect to said face in a lengthwise direction of said raw material belt-like member;
• conveying said raw material belt-like member past said first die;
• heating said first die;
• pressing said first die against said raw material belt-like member perpendicularly to said face, said first die cooperating with a second die for cutting and shaping said raw material belt-like member;
• and
• separating said first die and said belt-like members from each other,
• wherein said die surface comprises a first inclined surface at a portion in a first direction from a centerline of said die surface and a second inclined surface at a portion in a second direction from said centerline, said first and second inclined surfaces intersecting with each other along said centerline,
• said first and second inclined surfaces being inclined at an angle of no more than approximately 20.degree. with respect to said face.