Method and apparatus for making an improved chain link fabric

Abstract

An improved chain link fabric having flattened end portions that are stronger and safer and a method and apparatus for forming the flattened end portions of the fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the flattened end portions are formed by cutting woven chain link fabric and bending, welding and compressing two adjacent wires end portions that extend from elbows of the cut chain link fabric to form a joint that is lap welded. By compressing the two adjacent wire end portions, the sharp edges of the wire end portions are minimized or eliminated and the joint is made safer and stronger. Advantageously, the present invention provides a chain link fabric having strong flattened end portions that do not pose the risk of serious harm to installers and individuals who come into contact with the flattened end portions of the chain link fabric. Additionally, the chain link fabric of the present invention eliminates the need for a tension wire, top rail, crimping wire or its equivalent, which are costly and require additional time to install and repair.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to chain link fabrics and, more particularly, to an improved chain link fabric with flattened ends and a method and apparatus for forming the flattened ends of the fabric.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It has been estimated that throughout the world, millions of cubic square feet of chain link fabric is produced and sold annually. Recognizing the importance of providing effective and durable chain link fabric, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has established minimum quality standards for both residential and commercial chain link fabric. Realizing that chain link fabric can be effective for various different applications, the fencing and chain link industry has developed many different types of chain link fabric. Each type of chain link fabric has specific features that provide additional advantages when the fabric is used for its intended purpose.

[0003] Typically, chain link fabric is used as a barrier. When it is used as a barrier, it is typically used with some type of support member, such as a fence frame, that holds the fabric in place. Chain link fabric is also commonly used to control or prevent the movement of nearby objects. For example, chain link fabric is often used in land fills, mines and on land to control rocks, boulders and soil.

[0004] Traditionally, chain link fabric is produced using a weaving machine. A typical weaving machine continually feeds two strands of wire into a weaving blade and trough mechanism that bends and weaves the two wires together. The weaving blade and trough interweave the two wires by helically winding them to provide a continuous mesh, without knots or ties, except possibly at the edges of the finished fabric. After being woven together, the formed continuous links of chain link fabric are cut off at the edges, leaving sharp wire end portions. How the edges of the fabric are finished is generally referred to as the selvage. Typically, the selvage is knuckled or barbed depending on the intended use of the chain link fabric. If a knuckled edge is desired, typically an assembly on the weaving machine bends the sharp wire end portions of the fabric over one another, forming a knuckle at the edge of the chain link fabric. Similarly, if a barbed edge is desired, typically, an assembly on the weaving machine twists the sharp wire end portions creating a sharp barb at the edge of the chain link fabric.

[0005] Forming a chain link fabric having the characteristics and using the method described above has certain drawbacks. One such drawback is that knuckled or barbed ends are weak and can easily be crushed or bent out of place. When someone or something comes into contact with the barbed or knuckled ends of chain link fabric, the ends may be either crushed or bent out of place. Either way, the damage may be so severe that the fabric must be repaired or replaced.

[0006] Additionally, if the ends of the fabric protrude because they have been bent out of place, the fabric has an undesirable, if not unsightly appearance. The protruding ends of the fabric are also more likely to cause injury because individuals passing by are more likely to come into contact with them. The protruding ends can poke individuals who do not notice them, causing serious injury.

[0007] Sometimes, individuals who encounter a fence will try to get around it by climbing it. The protruding ends of a damaged chain link fabric can poke an individual trying to climb the fence in a sensitive area, like the eye, or catch on to the individual's clothing as he is climbing the fence, causing the individual to fall and be seriously injured. The additional risk of injury and the undesirable appearance that results when the barbed and knuckled ends of the fabric are damaged can result in additional time being spent and expenses being incurred to repair or replace the damaged chain link fabric.

[0008] Another drawback of the chain link fabric described above, is the difficulty associated with shipping, installing and removing it. Typically, after the fabric has been woven and the selvage has been formed, the fabric is indexed through the weaving machine and rolled into a compacted form that is useful for shipping. The chain link fabric is usually compacted by rolling the fabric so that the diamonds of the fabric collapse into each other to form a relatively tight and small roll of fabric. However, the knuckled or barbed ends of these compacted rolls usually become tangled in the rest of the chain link fabric, causing the ends to be bent out of place or pulled apart.

[0009] Alternatively, if the fabric is attached to a fence frame or other type of support member, when separate frames are placed close to one another the knuckled and barbed ends of the different chain link fabrics get tangled together and pulled apart. The damaged ends of the fabric may require repair, resulting in additional time being spent and expenses being incurred. Additionally, individuals who install and repair the fabric are exposed to the additional risk of being seriously injured by the sharp barbed and knuckled ends that must be untangled, repaired, and installed.

[0010] Although there are known types of fence fabric, which might be categorized as having flattened end portions, these fabrics also have certain disadvantages. One such disadvantage is that many of these fabrics, such as gabion, are made of a very light gauge wire, which cannot be an effective permanent barrier and is more expensive to use. The flattened end portions of fabrics, other than gabion, are not strong enough to resist a large force (e.g., an individual climbing onto the fabric) without bending or crushing. Typically, chain link fabrics are used in environments where a substantial number of people or animals are nearby. Some of these people or animals will exert a large force on the chain link fabric by trying to climb or go under it. Therefore, through regular use, these fabrics usually experience a large amount of force at some time during their useful life. As a result, these fabrics usually crush or bend when a large force is exerted on them. The bent or crushed fabric must then be repaired or replaced resulting in additional time being spent and expenses being incurred.

[0011] Yet another disadvantage of the chain link fabrics that might be categorized as having flattened end portions is that they often have protrusions and sharp edges at the ends of the adjoined wire end portions resulting from a straight cut that can cause serious injury. More specifically, the flattened end portions are typically butt or lap welded together in a manner that leaves sharp edges and protrusions that are dangerous. Over an extended period of time, these protrusions and sharp edges result in serious injury to numerous individuals. This is especially true when the individuals nearby might not see the protrusions or appreciate the harm they can cause (e.g., small children and young adults). Therefore, fabrics having sharp edges and protrusions create an increased risk of injury when they are located near schools or in other areas where large numbers of children are likely to be present.

[0012] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved chain link fabric that has strong flattened end portions to withstand large forces without bending or crushing and is safe enough that it does not pose a serious risk of injury to installers and others that come into contact with it. The chain link fabric could also be quickly prepared for transportation and easily installed and would have an improved aesthetic appearance that lasts. Additionally, there exists a need for a method and apparatus for efficiently making the flattened end portions of the improved chain link fabric. The present invention fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention resides in an improved chain link fabric with flattened end portions and a method and apparatus for forming the flattened end portions. Advantageously, the present invention provides a chain link fabric with strong flattened end portions that do not pose the risk of serious harm to installers or individuals who come into contact with the flattened end portions. The flattened end portions of the present invention can withstand large amounts of force without being bent or pulled apart. Additionally, the chain link fabric can be quickly and easily prepared for shipping and instalation without the end portions tangling. Additionally, the improved chain link fabric of the present invention eliminates the need for a tension wire, top rail, crimping wire or its equivalent because the flattened end portions serve as a continuous wire that creates tension in the fabric. Eliminating the need for these types of wires reduces the total cost of the fabric and the time required to install and repair the fabric, and provides for a more aesthetically pleasing fabric. The present invention also resides in an apparatus and method for efficiently forming the flattened end portions of the chain link fabric.

[0014] More specifically, by way of example and not limitation, in a presently preferred embodiment the chain link fabric with flattened end portions of the present invention includes numerous joints along the periphery of the chain link fabric. Each joint adjoins the two cut ends of the woven fabric, otherwise known as the wire end portions, which extend from an elbow of the chain link fabric to form the flattened end portions. The wire end portions are adjoined so each wire end portion is substantially parallel to its adjoining end portion. By adjoining the two wire end portions of each cut end together so that they are substantially parallel, a strong chain link fabric having flattened end portions that do not pose a substantial risk of serious injury is formed. Additionally, the flattened end portions do not get caught on the fabric when it is being rolled for shipping or unrolled for setup and installation.

[0015] In another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two wire end portions of the fabric overlap each other and are welded together to form a strong lap weld. By providing a strong weld, the chain link fabric can withstand a large amount of force before it bends or is crushed.

[0016] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, once the two overlaying wire end portions of the fabric overlap are joined together to form a lap type connection, at least a portion of the two wire end portions are compressed using a compressing assembly. By compressing at least a portion of the two wire end portions, the sharp edges from the two cut ends are eliminated and the chain link fabric is made safer. Additionally, compressing a portion of the two wire end portions together increases the tensile strength of the two wire end portions, making the joint where they connect stronger. This provides the additional advantage of providing an even stronger fabric that can withstand an even larger force before it bends, breaks or splinters, thereby giving the chain link fabric a longer and more useful life.

[0017] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the wire end portions of the fabric are attached to at least one support member using at least one attachment member. The support members are typically the posts in a fence frame, but can be anything well known in the art for providing support to the chain link fabric. The attachment members are typically a wire or wires that secure the fabric to at least one of the support members but can be anything well known in the art for attaching a fabric to a support member. The wire end portions are attached to support members in such a way that the wire end portions are located in the plane of the support members. This provides the additional advantage of allowing the support members and their attached chain link fabric to be stored in close proximity to one another (e.g. stacked on top of one another) without the ends of the different fabrics getting tangled together.

[0018] In another presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, by way of example and not limitation, the present invention includes a chain link fence including two or more support members that are substantially parallel to at least one other support member and a chain link fabric having flattened end portions that are in close proximity to at least one support member. Each flattened end portion has two wire end portions that extend from an elbow of the chain link fabric and adjoin at substantially the center of the flattened end portion.

[0019] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a metal band is used as an attachment member to attach more than one of the flattened end portions to at least one of the support members.

[0020] In another presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, by way of example and not limitation, the present invention includes an apparatus for producing chain link fabric having a means for bending and aligning wires at the edge of a chain link fabric, a means for securing adjacent wires at the edge of the chain link fabric, and a means for compressing adjacent wires at the edge of the chain link fabric.

[0021] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for producing chain link fabric further includes a means for cutting or painting adjacent wires of the chain link fabric, or a means for attaching the fabric to support members, or a means for testing the strength of the connection formed by the securing means.

[0022] In another presently preferred method of the present invention, by way of example and not limitation, the present invention includes a method of constructing a chain link fabric where two adjacent wires at the periphery of a chain link fabric are bent, secured and compressed to form flattened end portions.

[0023] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred method of the present invention, the method further includes attaching at least some of the flattened end portions to at least one support member or testing the strength of the connection made by securing the adjacent wires together, or painting a portion of the two adjacent wires with a substance that prevents corrosion.

[0024] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred method of the present invention, compressing the adjacent wires removes all sharp protrusions at the ends of the adjacent wires and increases the tensile strength of the wire end portions. By removing the sharp protrusion and increasing the tensile strength of the wire end portions, separately and together, the flattened end portions of the chain link fabric formed by the method of the present invention are safer and stronger.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principals of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The invention will now be described with reference to the presently preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, which are provided only as examples to illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are not shown or described in more detail than necessary to describe the invention, and the manner and process of making and using it, to those skilled in the art.

[0027] In the drawings:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of an improved chain link fabric with flattened end portions and an apparatus for forming the flattened end portions, in accordance with the present invention, showing the effect each of the assemblies of the apparatus has on forming the flattened end portions.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an enlarged right perspective view of the square cutter assembly used to cut the chain link fabric shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an enlarged right perspective view of the bender assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an enlarged right perspective view of the welding assembly shown in FIG.

[0032] FIG. 5 is an enlarged right perspective view of the compressing assembly used shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of the compressed joint shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevational view of the compressing assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 7 is an enlarged left side elevational view of the compressing assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 8 is an enlarged right perspective view of the testing assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 9 is an enlarged left perspective view of the painting assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the chain link fence of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The present invention provides for an improved chain link fabric having flattened end portions and a method and apparatus for making the flattened end portions. The method and apparatus for making flattened end portions and the chain link fabric itself, described herein, provide a number of significant advantages. By way of example only, some of the advantages of the present invention include, extending the useful life of the fabric and reducing the need to replace or repair the fabric; providing an aesthetically pleasing, taut fabric with flattened end portions that are strong enough to resist a large force without becoming bent or crushed; preventing serious injury to installers and those who come into contact with the chain link fabric by providing a fabric without sharp or protruding edges; providing a fabric that does not tangle and can be quickly and safely prepared for shipping and installation; and reducing the expense and repair associated with traditional chain link fences by eliminating the need for tension wires, top rails, crimp wires or their equivalents.

[0040] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown, by way of example and not limitation, an apparatus for forming the flattened end portions of the chain link fabric, which is indicated generally by reference numeral 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The structural components of a weaving apparatus for weaving the chain link fabric are well known in the art and are not shown or described herein. Accordingly, any weaving apparatus that produces chain link fabric may be used in conjunction with the present invention. The structural components of the apparatus for forming the flattened end portions 10 and the woven chain link fabric 12 include a cutting assembly 14, a bending assembly 16, a welding assembly 18, a compressing assembly 20, a testing assembly 22 to test the weld formed by the welding assembly 18, and a painting assembly 24. The specific structural components of each assembly are shown in more detail in FIGS. 2-9 and are described in more detail below.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows the woven chain link fabric 12 being indexed through the apparatus for forming flattened end portions 10. For purposes of clarity, and in order to show the formed ends 8, the chain link fabric 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown as having been completely upstream from the apparatus for forming flattened end portion, that is before reaching the cutting assembly 14. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric 12 is woven by a weaver that faces the cutting assembly 14 and feeds the fabric into the cutter assembly from the front as the fabric is formed, rather than from the side as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present invention to use a pre-woven sheet of fabric, similar to the one shown in FIG. 1, in the apparatus for forming flattened end portions 10 of the present invention.

[0042] The cutting assembly 14 functions to cut the formed ends 8 of the chain link fabric 12 in one step to form two sharp wire end portions 26. The chain link fabric 12 and cutting assembly 14 are shown as being positioned to be cut by the blades of the cutting assembly 14 at an angle that results in the wire end portions 26 having sharp flat ends. Each wire end portion 26 extends from the elbow of the chain link fabric 12. In accordance with the present invention, other types of cutting assemblies that cut at a different angle can be used. For example, and not by way of limitation, the cutting assembly 14 could be modified to cut the chain link fabric 12 at an angle that causes the two adjacent and aligned wire end portions 26 to not have any sharp or protruding edges at their ends.

[0043] After the cutting assembly 14 cuts the chain link fabric 12, the fabric with wire end portions 26 is indexed down to the bending assembly 16. The bending assembly 16 uses knuckling blades 32 to bend the two adjacent wire end portions 26 toward each other. Even though FIG. 1. shows the knuckling blades of bending assembly 16 bending two adjacent wire end portions 26 toward each other, the present invention includes other methods of bending the wire end portions 26 of the chain link fabric 12. For example, and not by limitation, the present invention includes using a bending apparatus that bends non-adjacent wire end portions away from each other until adjacent wire end portions 26 are in close proximity to each other. FIG. 1 shows the formed ends 8 being cut by the cutting assembly 14 and bent so that at least a portion of wire portion 28 and wire portion 30 overlap each other.

[0044] Once the bending assembly 16 bends the wire end portions 26, the chain link fabric is indexed to the welding assembly 18. The welding assembly 18 fastens the two adjacent wire end portions 26 together. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the welding assembly 18 provides a lap weld of the overlapping portions of the two adjacent wire end portions 26. In accordance with the present invention, the welding assembly 18, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, can secure the two adjacent wire end portions 26 using any means known in the art, including, but not limited to, using a clip, sleeve, adhesive, wire, metal strip, or binding agent. Once the welding assembly 18, secures the two wire end portions 26 together, the flat ends of the wire end portions 26 are aligned and provide tension for the fabric. Typically, the aligned flat ends of the wire end portions 26 form sharp or protruding edges at the end of the wire end portions 26.

[0045] To eliminate or reduce the potential danger created by these sharp or protruding edges, the chain link fabric 12 is further indexed to a compressing assembly 20. The compressing assembly 20 places pressure on a portion of the wire end portions 26, causing the sharp or protruding edges at the ends of the wire end portions 26 to be eliminated or greatly reduced. By eliminating or greatly reducing the protruding edges formed by the adjoined wire end portions 26 of the flattened ends, the flattened ends are made safer because they are less likely to cause injury to individuals who come into contact with them. An additional advantage of the present invention is that the pressure exerted by compressing assembly 20 increases the tensile strength of the wire end portions 26, making the connections between the wire end portions 26 stronger. Splintering, a known problem with fabrics having wires that are butt welded together, is also prevented because the tensile strength of the wires is increased by the compressing. Not only do the stronger connections between the wire end portions 26 result in a more durable and longer lasting chain link fabric, but they result in the wire end portions 26 that are safer because they are less likely to splinter.

[0046] After the chain link fabric 12 has been compressed, it is indexed to the testing assembly 22, which tests the strength of the connection formed by the securing assembly 18. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a square shaped block 38 having a centered triangular cutout along the entire length of its bottom face comes down on the wire end portions 26, exerting a large force on them. If the square shaped block 38 goes past a predetermined point, an alarm sounds and the weaving and selvage process is temporarily stopped. The alarm signals that the two adjoining wire end portions 26 were not properly secured together. By sounding an alarm and temporarily stopping the weaving and selvage process, the testing assembly 22 allows the improperly formed joint to be repaired before the weaving and selvage process continues. Additionally, the testing assembly 22 reduces the chances that a flattened end portion having a poor connection will leave the factory and cause harm to someone or will need to be repaired.

[0047] The last assembly shown in FIG. 1 is the painting assembly 24, which can add a layer of any substance or coating to the wire end portions 26. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substance applied to the wire end portions 26 is zinc. In accordance with the present invention, any substance known in the art to add strength, durability, or improve the aesthetic appearance of the wire end portions 26 can be used.

[0048] In accordance with the present invention, the assemblies shown in FIG. 1 can be moved around and rearranged in various different orders. Therefore, the scope of the present invention includes performing the different tasks of the assemblies in a different order. Additionally, it is within the scope of the present invention to remove one or more of the assemblies shown in FIG. 1 from the apparatus of the present invention.

[0049] The finished chain link fabric 12 may then be moved incrementally over guided rollers and taken up by a take up unit. Typically the finished chain link fabric 12 is tightly rolled into large rolls that are ready for shipping and installation. Once the chain link fabric arrives to its intended destination, the flattened end portions allow the fabric to be rolled out like a carpet without the end portions getting caught and tangled.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown, by way of example only, an enlarged view of the cutting assembly 14 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the cutting assembly 14 having cutting edges 40 and 42, which cut the formed ends 8 of woven chain link fabric 12 to have sharp cut ends that are flat in one step. The formed ends 8 are cut by having the top portion of the cutting assembly 44 come together with the bottom portion of the cutting assembly. Additionally, as indicated above, the scope of the present invention includes using any known cutting apparatus to cut the formed ends 8 at any angle.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows, by way of example only, an enlarged view of the bending assembly 16 shown in FIG. 1. The bending assembly 16 has a support assembly 46, which supports and guides the chain link fabric 12 into position for the knuckling blades 32 to bend them to the appropriate position. The knuckling blades 32 are attached to a knuckling bracket 48 and adjustable support 50, which can be adjusted to modify the position of the knuckling blades 32. The knuckling blades 32 are attached to an air cylinder 52, which uses compressed air to move the knuckling blades 32 toward and away from the wire end portions 26. The air cylinder 52 is mounted on a mounting plate 54 and is supported by a cylinder adjusting block 56 which allows the cylinder 52 and the attached knuckling blades 32 to be moved toward and away from the chain link fabric 12.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown, by way of example only, an enlarged view of the welding assembly 18 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows the welding assembly 18 with a welding bracket 58 attached to an upper base plate 60 and a cylinder mounting block 62. The upper base plate 60 is attached to a transformer 66. The cylinder mounting block 62 is attached to an air cylinder 68, which moves the portions of the welding apparatus 18 that provide the weld. The welding apparatus 18 also includes an electrode that provides electricity to the wire end portions 26 and an upper and lower electrode support and clamp which hold the electrodes in place. The welding assembly 18 also has an electrode guide near the electrode, which holds the wire end portions 26 in place. The electrode guide is made of a non-conducting ceramic but can be made of any material that does not conduct electricity. In accordance with the present invention, the welding means shown in FIG. 4 can be replaced with any apparatus that secures the wire end portions 26 together, including, but not limited to a securing apparatus that uses sleeves, clips, adhesives, binding agents or metal straps or their equivalent.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown, by way of example only, an enlarged view of the compressing assembly 20 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 shows the compressing assembly 18 having a hydraulic cylinder 72 that provides the force that compresses at least a portion of the wire end portions 26. The compressing assembly 20 also includes a frame 70 that is attached to and upper die holder 76 and a lower die holder 80. The upper die holder holds the upper die 74, and the lower die holder 80 holds a lower die 78. The upper die 74 and the lower die 78 are traditional dies made of a durable material and formed into a shape that will apply pressure to specific areas of the wire end portions that are to be compressed.

[0054] With cylinder 72 providing the force, the upper die 74 comes down toward the lower die 78 and places pressure on the specific portions of the wire end portions 26. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the upper die 74 and the lower die 78 are each shaped so that they place pressure on the sharp or protruding ends of the wire end portions 26. The pressure from the dies 74 and 78 removes or reduces the sharp edges at the ends of the wire end portions 26 and increases the tensile strength of the two wire end portions 26, separately and together, causing them to have a stronger connection. The chain link fabric in FIG. 5 shows how the welded joints 88 having sharp edges that could cause serious injury are compressed by compressing assembly 20 to form compressed joint 90 which has smoother edges and ends. The compressing assembly of FIG. 5 also includes a block holder 82 that holds the upper die holder 76 and the upper die 74. Above the upper block 82 is an alignment coupler 84 that allows the upper die 74 to be aligned properly. FIGS. 6 and 7 are front elevational and left side elevational views, respectively, of the compressing assembly of the present invention showing the upper and lower dies from a different angle.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is shown, by way of example only, an enlarged view of the compressed joint 90 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5A shows joint 90 having smooth and rounded edges because the ends of the wire end portions 26 were compressed using the compressing assembly 20.

[0056] FIG. 8, shows, by way of example only, an enlarged view of the testing assembly 22 shown in FIG. 1. The testing assembly 22 has an air cylinder 96 supported by a cylinder bracket 94 which is attached to a support base 92. The air cylinder 96 pushes a square shaped block 38 having a centered triangular cutout along the entire length of its bottom face toward the compressed joints 90 of the chain link fabric 12. The testing assembly also includes support brackets 98 which hold the chain link fabric 12 in place. As discussed above, if the force provided by the cylinder 96 causes the square shaped block 38 to go a determined distance past the point of contact between the square shaped block 38 and the joint 90 of the chain link fabric 12, an alarm will go off and the weaving and selvage process will temporarily stop. This allows defective or weak connections at the joint 90 to be repaired before the leave the factory and possibly cause harm to others.

[0057] FIG. 9 shows, by way of example only, an enlarged view of the painting assembly 24 shown in FIG. 1. The painting assembly 24 has a cylinder mounting plate 102 that holds the air cylinder 100, a support brace 104 and a sliding gear bracket 108. The cylinder 100 pushes the support brace 104 and the attached lower arm 106. The attached lower are 102 is attached to a raising member, which raises and lowers the upper arm 110 as the lower arm 106 goes back and forth. The sliding gear basket allows the paint brush 112 that is located at the end of the upper arm 110 to move in a circular motion, dipping into the paint reservoir 114 and painting the compressed joints 90 so that a coating of non-corrosive material is applied to them. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the paint applied to joints 90 is zinc, but any non-corrosive substance can be used The paint is maintained at the same level by a counter and a pump, which are well known in the art. The pump adds paint to the reservoir 114. The painted joints 118 provide the additional advantage of protecting the joints, which allows them to last longer and have smother edges that are less likely to cause injury to anyone who comes into contact with them.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown, by way of example only, a chain link fence in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the chain link fabric 12 attached to support members 120 with attachment member 122. The attachment member 122 shown in FIG. 10 is a wire that attaches the chain link fabric 12 to the support members 120 by wrapping around the ends of the fabric 12 and the support members 120. As indicated above, in accordance with the present invention, other types of attachment members 122 can be used. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the support members 120 are tubular fence frame poles that provide support for the chain link fabric 12.

[0059] In yet another preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the chain link fabric 12 is attached to the support member 120 by using a plurality of metal bands as an attaching members 122. The wire raps around the ends of the chain link fabric 12 and the support members 120 thereby attaching the two together.

[0060] Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, any of the wires that are shown and described herein can be wires that are galvanized after weaving (G.A.W) or wires that are galvanized before weaving (G.B.W.). Wires that are not galvanized and wires that are coated with a non-corrosive material are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] The foregoing detailed description of the present invention is provided for the purposes of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A chain link fabric comprising a plurality of interwoven wires, each wire having a wire end portion along the periphery of the fabric that extends from an elbow of the interwoven wires and adjoins an adjacent wire end portion to form a joint, wherein the wire end portion is substantially parallel to its adjoining wire end portion.

2. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein the adjacent wire end portions overlap each other where they adjoin and form a joint.

3. The chain link fabric of claim 2, wherein the overlapping portion of the wire end portions is welded together.

4. The chain link fabric of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the wire end portions is compressed.

5. The chain link fabric of claim 4, wherein the wire end portions do not have sharp edges.

6. The chain link fabric of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the wire end portions is painted.

7. The chain link fabric of claim 5, wherein the wire end portions are adjoined using a sleeve.

8. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein the wire end portions are adjoined by welding them together.

9. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the wire end portions is compressed.

10. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the wire end portions is painted.

11. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein the wire end portions do not have sharp edges.

12. The chain link fabric of claim 1, wherein the wire end portions are adjoined using a sleeve.

13. The chain link fabric of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support members, wherein the wire end portions are attached to a least one support member using a least one attaching member.

14. The chain link fabric of claim 13, wherein the attaching member is a wire.

15. The chain link fabric of claim 13, wherein the wire end portions are located in the plane of the support members.

16. A chain link fence comprising:

a plurality of support members, each support member being substantially parallel to at least one other support member;

a plurality of interwoven wires having flattened end portions that are attached to at least one support member, each flattened end portion having two wire end portions that extend from an elbow of the interwoven wires and adjoin at substantially the center of the flattened end portion to form a joint.

17. The chain link fence of claim 16, further comprising an attachment member that attaches at least one flattened end portion to at least one support member.

18. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is a wire that attaches a plurality of flattened end portions to a plurality of support members.

19. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end portions overlap each other at substantially the center of the flattened end portions.

20. The chain link fence of claim 19, wherein the two wire end portions are adjoined by welding the overlapping portion of the two wire end portions together.

21. The chain link fence of claim 20, wherein at least a portion of the overlapping wire end portions is compressed.

22. The chain link fence of claim 21, wherein the flattened end portions do not have sharp edges.

23. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the two wire end portions is painted.

24. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end portions are adjoined using a sleeve.

25. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end portions are adjoined by welding them together.

26. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the two wire end portions is compressed.

27. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the two wire end portions is painted.

28. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the flattened end portions are located in the plane of the support members.

29. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the at least a portion of the two wire end portions is compressed.

30. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end portions are adjoined using a butt weld.

31. The chain link fence of claim 16, wherein the two wire end portions are adjoined using a lap weld.

32. An apparatus for producing chain link fabric having flattened end portions comprising:

a means for bending a wire at the edge of the chain link fabric;

a means for securing two adjacent wires at the edge of the chain link fabric together; and

a means for compressing two adjacent wires at the edge of the chain link fabric together.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a means for cutting a wire at the end of chain link fabric.

34. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a means for painting the adjacent wires at the edge of the chain link fabric.

35. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a means for attaching a wire at the edge of the chain link fabric to a support member.

36. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising providing a means for testing the strength of the connection of the two adjacent wires secured together by the securing means.

37. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the means for cutting forms adjacent wires having flat ends.

38. A method of constructing a chain link fabric including flattened end portions comprising;

providing chain link fabric;

bending a wire at the periphery of the chain link fabric;

securing two adjacent wires at the periphery of the chain link fabric together; and

compressing the two adjacent wires at the periphery of the chain link fabric together.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising attaching a plurality of the flattened end portions to at least one support member.

40. The method of claim 38, further comprising testing the strength of connection formed by securing the two adjacent wires together.

41. The method of claim 38, further comprising painting a portion of the adjacent wires.

42. The method of claim 38, wherein compressing the adjacent wires removes all sharp protrusions at the ends of the adjacent wires.