Process for reversing and end-shaping inflatable bodies

Details Process for reversing and end-shaping inflatable bodies Process for reversing and end-shaping inflatable bodies

1997-03-11

1998-08-11

Houtteman, Scott W.

Apparel apparatus

Turning

2807281, A41H 4302, B60R 2116

Patent

active

057915326

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a process for reversing and finally shaping inflatable bodies consisting of fabric(s) with or without coating, in particular airbags, using a suitable device.
2. The Prior Art
Various reversing devices for slackingly bending fabric parts are known from the textile-processing industry (DE-B-25 57 155; DE-U-17 78 607). Such devices, however, are not usable for reversing and finally shaping airbags of any construction because of the materials used and the pre-specified geometric shape. The airbag is a large-volume, textile structure with small-sized openings; this condition makes the reversing process considerably more difficult. During reversing, the inside of the body or airbag is passed through an opening in the body or airbag in a way such that it subsequently forms the outside, whereas the previous outside is then the inside.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to make available an economical process for the reversing of inflatable bodies, in particular of airbags, by means of a device that is particularly suitable for such a process.
Completing the reversing process, final shaping of the body or airbag is to be carried out with the same device as well. In this connection, the fabric must not be expanded excessively. Furthermore, no folds must remain afterwards.
This object of the process is achieved with the use of a device comprising whereby the downwardly driving die pushes the body or airbag completely into the reversing pipe while simultaneously reversing the body or airbag; the die has completed its movement; as as well as has been driven out of the reversing die by a blast of compressed air through the die so as to inflate and unfold it in the reversed condition.
Usefully, a die satisfying the following criteria is used: directly on the circumference of the die; of the die, said head being fitted with one or a plurality of blow-out openings, whereby the compressed-air connection is connected with the one or more blow-out opening(s) of the reversing head via an air duct contained in the die. Furthermore, when the reversing pipe is in the closed condition, the reversing head projects into the collecting device; plate made of metal and/or elastomeric material.
The following design parameters usefully apply with respect to the reversing pipe: roller ring, such a ring being designed with respect to shape, material and surface in such a way that only minimal frictional forces are directed against the reversing process; collecting device, the reversing pipe is designed in a way such that the final shaping process of the body or airbag is met by only minor resistance.
Furthermore, it is advantageous with respect to the interaction between the die and the reversing pipe if said parts of the device each are connected in a fixed way with a horizontally extending holding arm, whereby each holding arm in turn is in contact with a guide rail extending parallel with the die and the reversing pipe, namely with vertical displaceability of the holding arms. The holding arm is, in this connection, usefully arranged above the sealing element or sealing plate, i.e., the sealing element or sealing plate is here an integrated component of the holding arm. It is particularly advantageous in connection with this overall arrangement principle if the reversing pipe is, as the body or airbag is being pushed in, driven downwardly by means of a drive at half the speed of the die.
Furthermore, it is useful if a collecting device is used, such device limiting the discharge of the body or airbag downwardly by means of a horizontal bottom for the purpose of obtaining as flat a final shaping as possible in the radial direction. Also, it is an advantage if the collecting device is alternatively designed in the form of a transporting device for removing the reversed and finally shaped body or airbag.
Finally, it is advantageous if additional devices are available for adjusting with their help the time, pressure an

REFERENCES:
patent: 4392596 (1983-07-01), Painter
patent: 5114180 (1992-05-01), Kami et al.
patent: 5134947 (1992-08-01), Price et al.

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