Method for precision bending of a sheet of material and slit sheet therefor
US6481259B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24314
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method for precision bending of a sheet of material (31,41,61,91,231) along a bend line (35,45,62-66,96,235) and the resulting sheet are disclosed. A method includes a step of forming and longitudinally extending slits (33,43,68,92,233) through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to define bending webs (37,47,71,72,106,237), forming stress reducing structures such as enlarged openings (39,49,69,73) or transversely extending slits (239) at each of adjacent ends of pairs of slits in order to reduce crack propagation across the bending webs. In another aspect, the elongated slits (43,68,92,233) are formed with pairs of longitudinally extending slit segments (51,52;74,76;98,99;127) proximate to and on opposite sides of and substantially parallel to the desired bend line. Longitudinally extending slit segments further are connected by at least one intermediate transversely extending slit segment (53,77,101,128). Sheets of slit material suitable for bending also are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.