Patent · US Expired

Method of designing fold lines in sheet material

US7440874B2 · kind B2 · utility

17Cited by
55References
40Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 8, 2004
Grant dateOct 21, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 23, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB21D5/00
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method includes defining a desired fold line in sheet material and populating the fold line with a fold geometry including cut zones that define connected zones, whereby upon folding the material produces edge-to-face engagement of the material on opposite sides of the cut zones. Alternatively, the method includes storing cut zone configurations and connected zone configurations, defining a desired fold line, selecting a cut zone and/or a connected zone, locating a preferred fold geometry, including the cut zone and the connected zone, along the fold line, and relocating, rescaling and/or reshaping the preferred fold geometry to displace, add and/or subtract at least one of the connected zones, whereby upon folding the material produces edge-to-face engagement of the material on opposite sides of the cut zones. Also, a computer program product and a system configured for implementing the method.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.