Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for increasing the maximum effective outer diameter of an expansive mandrel of the type comprising a plurality of elongated, arcuate segments which define a generally cylindrical winding surface and are adapted to be moved between a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum outer diameter, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a somewhat cylindrical assembly of elongated arcuate segment members with the assembly having an open inner diameter no less than the predetermined minimum diameter of the mandrel and with the segment members being positively interconnected by releasable connecting means operable exteriorily of the assembly; b. sliding telescopingly the assembly onto the mandrel; c. positively connecting each member to only one of the mandrel segments; and d. releasing the connecting means which interconnect the segment members.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for increasing the maximum effective outer diameter of an expansive mandrel of the type comprising a plurality of elongated, arcuate segments which define a generally cylindrical winding surface and are adapted to be moved between a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum outer diameter, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a somewhat cylindrical assembly of elongated arcuate segment members with the assembly having an open inner diameter no less than the predetermined minimum diameter of the mandrel and with the segment members being positively interconnected by releasable connecting means operable exteriorily of the assembly; b. sliding telescopingly the assembly onto the mandrel; c. positively connecting each member to only one of the mandrel segments; and d. releasing the connecting means which interconnect the segment members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said segment members are provided with a length substantially as great as the mandrel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein each segment member is releasable connected to only one of the mandrel segments.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein aligned openings are formed through said segment members and into said mandrel and wherein said segment members are connected to the mandrel segments by threaded means positioned in said aligned openings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means operable exteriorily of the assembly include ring members encircling the assembly and connected to said segment members by threaded means and wherein said ring members are separated from the segment members after being released by longitudinally sliding them therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus for selectively increasing the outer diameter of an expansive mandrel comprising: a plurality of elongated arcuate segment members at least arcuate in number to the number of movable segment sections in said mandrel; said segment members being releasably interconnected into a cylindrical assembly having an opened inner diameter at least as great as the minimum diameter of the mandrel; said segment members being releasably interconnected by annular means which encircle said segments.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus for selectively increasing the outer diameter of an expansive mandrel comprising: a plurality of elongated arcuate segment members at least arcuate in number to the number of movable segment sections in said mandrel; said segment members being releasably interconnected into a cylindrical assembly having an opened inner diameter at least as great as the minimum diameter of the mandrel; said segment members being releasably interconnected by annular means which encircle said segments.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said annulAr means are ring members and are connected to said segment members by thread means passing through said ring members and into said segment members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein at least one of said segment members comprises an elongated wedge adapted, when moved radially, to cause radial movement of two adjacent segment members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said segment members are each spaced a short distance from the next adjacent segment members.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein at least two adjacent segment members are spaced a distance apart such that a portion of strip material to be wound on said assembly can be inserted therebetween into said mandrel.