Curve forming device

Details Curve forming device Curve forming device

1998-10-16

2001-01-02

Fulton, Christopher W. (Department: 2859)

Geometrical instruments

Gauge

Conformator or adjustable curve template

C033S561100, C033S512000

Utility Patent

active

06167633

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to the field of curve forming devices and, in particular, to curve forming devices for creating, copying, and transferring complex curves.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a wide array of applications, it is often desirable to create, trace, or copy curves or curved structures for use in creating, duplicating, and transferring the curve or for imparting a desired curve to an object. Examples of such applications include drafting, carpentry, boat hull design, landscaping, engineering, aeronautics, aerospace and prosthetics. It can be appreciated that there are numerous other applications for curve forming devices.
In mechanical drafting, curve formation has been done with the use of “flexible rules”, which sometimes include two flexible strips of material that can be shaped into the desired curve and then locked together with a series of clamp screws, or the like. Examples of such flexible rules are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 407,756 and 447,657. These types of curve forming devices are generally effective; however, each individual fastening means must be separately and independently engaged and disengaged during use, this requires a significant amount of effort and time.
Other curve forming devices employ magnetic means and/or friction to attempt to maintain adjacent flexible members in a relative position to maintain a desired curve. Examples of these types of devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat Nos. 3,134,176; 3,724,083; and 4,539,757. These designs require less time and effort to adjust and disengage as compared to the previously-mentioned types of devices. However, they are subject to slippage which causes misalignment and loss of the desired curve.
Therefore, what is desired is a curve forming device for creating, copying and imparting complex curves, which device is easily locked and disengaged to form and change curve shapes and which, once locked in place, forms a rigid structure not susceptible to slippage.
The present invention provides a curve forming device which is applicable to an extremely wide variety of uses, and which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior designs.
The curve forming device of the present invention includes two flexible, elongated members which are joinable together by preferably releasable attachment means to form, or conform to, the shape of complex curves. One flexible member includes a plurality of projections rigidly affixed to and disposed along the length of the flexible member. Each projection extends outwardly perpendicular to the flexible member and includes an end face which is parallel to the flexible member. The attachment means preferably comprises hook-and-loop fasteners with one portion of the hook-and-loop fasteners affixed to the end face of each projection, and the complementary portion of the hook-and-loop fastener affixed to preferably the entire surface of the opposite flexible member. Thus, when the projections are urged against the opposite flexible member, the two flexible members will be locked in place until the two flexible members are separated.
It can be appreciated that the formation of a curve using the present invention is extremely efficient. To form or copy a curve, one of the flexible members is simply formed into the desired (or existing) shape. Then the other flexible member is quickly and easily attached to the preformed member. At this point the curve forming device is locked in place until disengaged by forcibly separating the two flexible members, thereby separating the hook-and-loop fasteners.


REFERENCES:
patent: 407756 (1889-07-01), Williams
patent: 447657 (1891-03-01), Blake
patent: 1233382 (1917-07-01), Malsin
patent: 1939565 (1933-12-01), McKittrick
patent: 3134176 (1964-05-01), Hoyle
patent: 3724083 (1973-04-01), Mehl
patent: 4539757 (1985-09-01), Shyu
patent: 4993164 (1991-02-01), Jacobsen
patent: 5063679 (1991-11-01), Schwandt

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