Method and apparatus for felting three-dimensional objects

A technology of three-dimensional objects and objects, applied in the fields of fiber processing, felting equipment, textiles and papermaking, etc., can solve problems that hinder the felting process, do not describe the automation of felting three-dimensional objects, and do not describe felting. Three-dimensional object stirring devices, etc. problem, to achieve the effect of eliminating dependencies

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-04-09
德博拉罗克萨姆科尔
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0024] Disadvantages of felting using a washer include excess water contained in the drum and indirect agitation by the beaters (in top-loading machines) or rotation of the drum (in front-loading machines) to prevent fiber entanglement, thereby hinders the felting process
[0029] The prior art does not describe any devices that can be used to automate the process of felting three-dimensional objects, nor does it describe stirring devices suitable for felting three-dimensional objects

Method used

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  • Method and apparatus for felting three-dimensional objects
  • Method and apparatus for felting three-dimensional objects
  • Method and apparatus for felting three-dimensional objects

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

[0089] Example 1: Felting method

[0090] Referring to Fig. 1, there is provided a method for felting a three-dimensional object according to the present invention, which method also employs the device according to the present invention.

[0091] wool wrap

[0092] According to the method shown in FIG. 1 , firstly in step A the object or blank to be felted is wrapped with wool. Multiple layers of wool batting are built up around the object such that each subsequent layer of wool batt is placed on top of the previous layer and the wool fibers are preferably displaced between the layers. Sufficient wool batting should be used to wrap the object to achieve the desired thickness of the felt (approximately 1  to 2 inches of wool batting compressed into a 1 / 4 to 3 / 8 inch thick stiff felt). The object to be felted may be a solid object such as a ball, or may be an inflated blank having a shape and size suitable for felting.

[0093] protective coat

[0094] A protective coat is ...

example 2

[0133] Example 2: Device

[0134] Figures 2 to 5 show an embodiment of an apparatus used in the method described above.

[0135] electric motor

[0136] The motor 1 drives the V-belt 5, which drives the pulley 6 connected to the driving roller 7a, so that the roller 15 rotates when it lies horizontally on the rollers 7a, 7b. The motor 1 should be chosen to provide sufficient power for the size of the machine so that the machine can work effortlessly under the weight of the drum and its contents. An underpowered motor will overheat and cannot effectively support the combined weight of the roller + rubber pellets + water + object. This will cause the drum to move between the rollers instead of rotating.

[0137] The motor can include various speed settings for flexibility, enabling the use of different sized or differently configured drums. Experiments have shown that a motor with a speed of 875 rpm is suitable for felting small objects in a cylindrical drum with a diameter ...

example 3

[0162] Example 3: Device

[0163] Referring to Figure 7, another embodiment of the apparatus is shown in which the drum 25 is a hexagonal cylindrical drum without internal baffles, the drum is constructed of a perforated rigid material such as perforated stainless steel plate, wire mesh or screen . A door or opening 26 is provided to enable access to the interior of the drum for placing and removing wrappings and rubber pellets 20 . A spray system 30 is provided for receiving hot alkaline solution or steam from a reservoir 35 and spraying the solution over the drum 25 and its contents. A hot alkaline solution or steam will penetrate the drum and the wrappings inside the drum to facilitate felting during the agitation process. As condensation from hot solution or application of steam will drip off the drum during agitation, a bottom tray 36 is provided to collect excess liquid which can be discarded or reheated and recycled into reservoir 35 .

[0164] The drum 25 may be dir...

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for felting three-dimensional objects is disclosed. The method involves wrapping a three-dimensional object with wool, and agitating the encased object within a drum in the presence of heated alkaline solution. The process may be repeated to achieve the desired felt consistency. An apparatus is provided for use with the method. Products produced in accordance with the invention have consistent texture, resiliency, and density throughout, with no visible seams or rough edges.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to felting processes. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for felting three-dimensional objects. Background technique [0002] Wool batting (that is, wool shorn from sheep) has the unique ability to compress and bond into a dense material called felt when combined with an alkaline solution, heat and agitation treatment. The method of felting wool originated in the highlands of northern Asia and has a history of 2,000 years, and the method has become popular in cold climates all over the world. Felting is traditionally used to make flat objects such as blankets, wall hangings and clothing fabrics. [0003] There are many advantages to felt products. Aesthetically, felt products are pleasant to the touch, retain their beautiful colors, and are warm and cozy. Physically, felt products have a consistent top, can be cut without disassembly, are durable and protective, insulate fro...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): D04H1/22D04H1/08D04H17/00D06M11/00
CPCD06M23/14D04H1/22D06M11/84
Inventor 德博拉·罗克萨姆-科尔
Owner 德博拉罗克萨姆科尔
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