Lattice and method and apparatus for producing lattice

Abstract

A lattice forming machine is disclosed for forming lattice from first and second lattice sections (12, 14) which are joined together by a pin (20) having first and second pin sections (28, 30) and a mid-section (22). The machine includes an indexing mechanism (66) for indexing a lattice section passed a pin insertion mechanism (90) for inserting the pins into one of the lattice sections. A jig (160) is provided for receiving the lattice sections with the pins, and for enabling second lattice sections to be loaded onto the lattice sections with the pins, and a roller assembly (170) is provided for receiving the jig so as to cause the lattice sections to be pressed together to force the pins into the second lattice sections to form the lattice.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to lattice, a lattice pin, and method and apparatus for producing lattice. The invention has particular application to lattice which is formed from lattice box sections which are made from metal such as aluminium. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Lattice formed from aluminium box section generally comprises a plurality of lattice sections which extend in a first direction and a plurality of lattice sections which extend in a direction transverse to the first direction. Most typically, the lattice sections extend horizontally and vertically with respect to one another or at 45° to the vertical with respect to one another. The lattice sections are joined together by fasteners which most preferably enable the sections to pivot relative to one another, so that the lattice can be folded into a storage or closed configuration or extended into a deployed or open configuration. [0003] One conventional form of connecting the lattice sections together...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a lattice pin, a lattice, and also apparatus and method for forming lattice, which produces a much more secure connection of the lattice sections so that the sections do not tend to separate during transport, or when the lattice is being installed in a structure.

[0011] It has been found that by providing a pin which bursts through the lattice sections, a very strong joining of the lattice sections can be provided which resists separation of the lattice sections by pulling the lattice sections apart. Thus, a very strong and sturdy lattice can be formed, whilst still providing the ability of the lattice to be folded from a closed position and then extended to an open configuration.

[0013] Preferably the second tapered portion includes serrations for facilitating gripping of the second tapered portion to the lattice when the pin sections burst through the lattice sections.

[0034] Preferably the apparatus includes feeder moving means for moving the feeder relative to the pin so as to disengage the pin from the feeder after engagement by the press so that the pin can be pressed into the lattice section without interference from the feeder.

[0059] Preferably an upper roller in each roller pair is coupled to position adjusting means for adjusting the position of the upper roller relative to the lower roller in each roller pair, to thereby set the distance between the rollers in each roller pair.

[0077] a roller assembly having a plurality of roller pairs which comprise an entry roller pair, an exit roller pair, and at least one intermediate roller pair, the rollers in each roller pair being separated by a distance which gradually decreases from the entry roller pair to the exit roller pair, so that when a lattice assembly formed of a plurality of first lattice sections, and a plurality of second lattice sections overlapping the first lattice sections, and pins between the first and second lattice sections, is passed through the roller assembly, the first lattice sections are progressively pressed towards the second lattice sections as the lattice assembly passes through each roller pair, so as to progressively cause the pins the penetrate into at least the second lattice sections to therefore join the lattice sections together and form the lattice.

Problems solved by technology

The use of plastic lugs of the type described above does enable the lattice to be folded, but the lattice is generally not self-supporting.

Furthermore, the assembled structure tends to have considerable flexural movement.

Simply, the sections bend and the forces are magnified, causing individual sections to pop off the assembly, making them unsatisfactory for handling purposes.

Furthermore, when the pre-drilled holes are formed, burrs are created during the drilling operation and restoring of the sections which have separated, as well as the folding of the assembly, degrades or damages the plastic pins, thereby resulting in the pins not securely holding the lattice sections together, further facilitating the possibility of separation of the lattice sections.

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