US3748889A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for deforming sheet material
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1971-11-29
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Granted: 1973-07-31
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Expires: 1991-11-29
Abstract
Abstract A die assembly for deforming sheets in which a first member is segmented to provide a collapsible crowned surface, and another member is substantially planar. The segments are backed by a resilient pad-like member which permits a controlled progressive loading of the segments. The assembly permits the deformation of a sheet material workpiece by means of stretching and gathering said material progressively outwardly from the central portions of said workpiece.
Inventors
- 👤 K Miller
- 👤 E Patton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:27
CPC Classifications
B; B21; B21D; B21D22/00; B21D22/10; B21D13/00; B21D13/02; B21D22/02; B21D22/06; B44; B44B; B44B5/00; B44B5/02; B44B5/026
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A die assembly for deforming a workpiece of sheet material comprising; a planar die member, a plurality of collapsible crown-shaped die members disposed for relative movement toward and away from said planar die member, resilient means associated with said plurality of collapsible crown-shaped die members for progressively loading said plurality of collapsible crowned die members to deform said workpiece outwardly from its central portion as said planar die member and said plurality of collapsible crowned die members are moved together, said plurality of crown-shaped die members being arranged for relative movement and diminishing symetrically in size transversely outwardly from the centermost member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A die assembly for deforming a workpiece of sheet material comprising; a planar die member, a plurality of collapsible crown-shaped die members disposed for relative movement toward and away from said planar die member, resilient means associated with said plurality of collapsible crown-shaped die members for progressively loading said plurality of collapsible crowned die members to deform said workpiece outwardly from its central portion as said planar die member and said plurality of collapsible crowned die members are moved together, said plurality of crown-shaped die members being arranged for relative movement and diminishing symetrically in size transversely outwardly from the centermost member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said plurality of collapsible crowned die members are mounted in frame means for supporting said members and said resilient means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said resilient means is a pad member fabricated from relatively dense elastic material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein said pad member has four edGe surfaces and two other surfaces and wherein at least one of said surfaces is contoured.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
The invention of claim 2 wherein said frame means include at least one member having a flange formed thereon and wherein each of said collapsible crowned die members has a flanged portion which cooperates with said flange of said frame means to retain said members within said frame means and to limit movement of said members toward said planar die member relative to said frame means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 2 wherein said frame means include a rigid plate member and wherein said resilient means is disposed in said frame means between said plate member and said plurality of crown-shaped die members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-30 | 1977-01-29 | 1977-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-30 | 1981-01-29 | 1981-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-30 | 1985-01-29 | 1985-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |