Mesh structure and its manufacturing method

This invention provides a mesh structure and its manufacturing method. The method comprises: (a) having a three-dimensional figure transformed into a polyhedron, (b) having the polyhedron unfolded into at least one two-dimensional figure, (c) according to the two-dimensional figure, having a mesh planar material cut to get a two-dimensional mesh structure, and (d) having edges of the two-dimensional mesh structure mounted. The method further comprises: (e) having at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional mesh structure. The three-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulated object.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention belongs to the technology field of manufacturing a mesh structure by mesh planar materials and more particularly to the technology field of manufacturing topiary apparatuses, lampshades, lanterns, and hutches.

THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As for a device of a mesh structure, the U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,992,812, 4,196,542, 4,190,984, and 4,258,503, are a reference.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,190,984, (984' patent) disclosed a method for making a shrubbery shaper. The method comprises: first making a frame, then having some meshes cut to get some shapes consistent with any facets of the frame, and at last having the shaped meshes combined in terms of their corresponding facets of the frame to form a three-dimensional mesh structure. Please refer to FIG. 1.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,503, (503' patent) illustrated a topiary figure aid its producing method. The method of the 503' patent is also to make a frame, and the frame is more complete than that of the 984' patent. However, the 503' patent did not use any mesh planar materials. The 503' patent can only apply to shapes with symmetric plains.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,542, (542' patent) illustrated a topiary frame. The 542' patent disclosed the linkage method for that frame. However, this patent never used mesh planar materials.

THE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a method for manufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planar material. The method comprises: (a) having a three-dimensional figure transformed into a polyhedron, (b) having the polyhedron unfolded into at least one two-dimensional figure, (c) according to the two-dimensional figure, having a mesh planar material cut to get a two-dimensional mesh structure, and (d) having edges of the two-dimensional mesh structure mounted. The method further comprises: (e) having at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional mesh structure. The three-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulated object.

This invention also provides a method for manufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planar material. The method comprises: (a) having a three-dimensional figure transformed into a polyhedron, (b) having the polyhedron unfolded into at least one two-dimensional figure, (c) having the two-dimensional figure placed over a mesh planar material to have a contour formed over the mesh planar material according to the two-dimensional figure, and (d) according to the contour having the mesh planar material cut to get at least one two-dimensional mesh structure. The method further comprises: (c) having at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional mesh structure. The three-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulated object.

A method of this invention can be used to manufacture a three-dimensional mesh structure. Therefore, this invention provides a three-dimensional mesh structure made through a mesh planar material. The structure comprises at least one sub-mesh structure combined by at least one linkage device. At least one sub-mesh structure can be unfolded into a two-dimensional mesh structure. Each two-dimensional mesh structure can stand for a two-dimensional figure. These two-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron. The polyhedron can be transformed into a three-dimensional figure. The three-dimensional figure is similar to the appearance of the three-dimensional mesh structure.

A three-dimensional mesh structure of this invention can be sold before combination. Therefore, this invention also provides a two-dimensional mesh structure set used to form a three-dimensional mesh structure. The two-dimensional mesh structure set comprises at least one sub-two-dimensional mesh structure. Each sub-two-dimensional mesh structure can stand for a two-dimensional figure. These two-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron. The polyhedron can be transformed into a three-dimensional figure. The three-dimensional figure is similar to the appearance of the three-dimensional mesh structure.

Through this invention, products of a mesh structure are provided. The advantage of these products is the reduction of transportation costs. Because these products are a two-dimensional mesh structure or two-dimensional mesh structure set before becoming a three-dimensional mesh structure, they can be placed in a two-dimensional way (sometimes parallel) in a container when transported. Compared to the transportation of the products of a three-dimensional mesh structure, this invention saves much more space in a container. It reduces the transportation costs due to the increase of the transportation amount.

The next section will describe other features of this invention. Embodiments in the next section are considered examples and not used to limit this invention. Moreover, processes, steps, materials, dimensions, structures, applications or other optional parts in the embodiments also do not limit this invention. Besides, this invention is defined as the appended claims.

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This invention can be illustrated in three ways: a method for manufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planar material, a three-dimensional mesh structure and a two-dimensional mesh structure set.

In one embodiment in accordance with this invention, FIG. 2, a method for manufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planar material is given. The procedure of the method comprises at least four steps. The first step 201 is to have a three-dimensional figure transformed into a polyhedron. The second step 202 is to have the polyhedron unfolded into at least one two-dimensional figure. The third step 203, according to the two-dimensional figure, is to have a mesh planar material cut to get a two-dimensional mesh structure. The fourth step 204 is to have edges of the two-dimensional mesh structure mounted. In other embodiments, the method of this invention further comprises the fifth step 205 that is to have at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional mesh structure. In other embodiments, the three-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulated object.

In other embodiments, the first and second steps are carried out by one or some, softwares. For example, a CAD program (computer-aided design program) is executed in the operation systems of Microsoft Corporation. In other embodiments, softwares that can carry out the first and second steps of this invention can be used. In other embodiments, this sort of software has graphic functions.

In the first step 201, through softwares, such as functions of some CAD programs, to increase the facets of the polyhedron, the three-dimensional figure is more similar to a to-be-simulated object. See FIG. 3, where the number of the facets in FIG. 3(A) is smaller than that in FIG. 3(B).

In some embodiments of the second step 202, the polyhedron may be unfolded into one two-dimensional figure. In other embodiments of the second step 202, the polyhedron may be unfolded into a plurality of two-dimensional figures.

In the third step 203, the mesh planar material is composed of plastic steel, such as stainless steel. Therefore, the mesh structure is also composed of plastic steel. In some embodiments, the mesh planar material or mesh structure is also composed of polymers. In some embodiments, ceramic materials may be chosen. In other embodiments, the mesh planar material is composed of a plastic metal.

In the third step 203, if there is one unfolded two-dimensional figure, then according to the two-dimensional figure, a mesh planar material is cut to got a two-dimensional mesh structure. If there are two unfolded two-dimensional figures, in, some embodiments the two-dimensional figures are given to different mesh planar materials to be cut to get two two-dimensional mesh structures. If there are three unfolded two-dimensional figures, in some embodiments, the two-dimensional figures are given to different mesh planar materials to be cut to get three two-dimensional mesh structures; in other embodiments, the two-dimensional figures are given to the same mesh planar material to be cut to get three two-dimensional mesh structures, in some embodiments, two of two-dimensional figures are given to the same mesh planar material and the rest two-dimensional figure is given to another mesh planar material, and as a result, there are three two-dimensional mesh structures. Other embodiments related to the third step are deduced like this.

Due to the characteristics of the mesh planar material, after cut, the two-dimensional mesh structure may have branched. Thus, in the fourth step 204, the edges of the two-dimensional mesh structure are mounted. The mounting method can be from known or to-be-invented technologies. In some embodiments, a soldering method with strips or bars is used to make the two-dimensional mesh structure have a contour.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned third and fourth steps are exchangeable.

Refer to FIG. 2 again. The third step 213 is to have the two-dimensional figure placed over a mesh planar material to have a contour formed over the mesh planar material according to the two-dimensional figure. In some embodiments, this step can be executed by hands. In other embodiments, this step can be carried out by mechanical systems. See FIG. 4. The contour 405 of the two-dimensional figure is placed over a mesh planar material 404. In a computer 401, at least one soldering site is acquired and transmitted to a locator 402. The locator 402 connects and controls a soldering device 403. The soldering device 403 follows an assignment of the locator 402 to have the contour 405 of the two-dimensional figure and the mesh planar material 404 connected together through soldering.

Still refer to FIG. 2. The fourth step 214 is to have the mesh planar material cut to got one two-dimensional mesh structure according to the contour. In some embodiments, if the mesh planar material has one contour over it, then it is cut to get one two-dimensional mesh structure. In other embodiments, if the mesh planar material has two contours over it, then it is cut to get two two-dimensional mesh structures. And so on.

In some embodiments, after the fourth step, in FIG. 2, the fifth step 205 is to have at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional mesh structure. In some embodiments, if there is only one two-dimensional mesh structure, it is folded to have a three-dimensional mesh structure. In some embodiments, if one three dimensional mesh structure requires two two-dimensional mesh structures, then these two-dimensional mesh structures can be combined together by clamps or spirals. And so on. These two-dimensional mesh structures may or may not be folded to have a form.

In some embodiments, in the fifth step 205, these two-dimensional mesh structures can be combined together by soldering to have a required three-dimensional mesh structure.

Refer to FIG. 5(A). A swan figure 510 is simulated as a polyhedron 520 through a CAD software. The polyhedron 520 is similar to the swan figure 510. See FIG. 5(B). Then, the polyhedron 520 is unfolded into four two-dimensional figures 531, 532, 533 and 534. Then some mesh planar materials 540 are provided. See FIG. 5(C). The two-dimensional figure 531 is taken as an example. According to the two-dimensional figure 531, one mesh planar material 541 is cut to get a two-dimensional mesh structure 551. Due to the characteristics of the mesh planar material, after cut, the two-dimensional mesh structure may have branched. Then, the edges of the two-dimensional mesh structure 551 are mounted. See FIG. 5(D). A soldering method with strips or bars is used to make the two-dimensional mesh structure 551 have a contour 551a. If this two-dimensional mesh structure is going to be folded in the future, a folding line 551b may be added. However, the folding line 551b is not necessary, depending on the users' needs. Then, see FIG. 5(E). These two-dimensional mesh structures 551, 552, 553, and 554 are combined together by clamps 561 or spirals 562 to form a three-dimensional mesh structure 570. In some embodiments, as spinning the spirals 562, they should avoid mesh lines to make adjacent faces continuous.

According to FIG. 5 and above description, this invention provides a three-dimensional mesh structure made through a mesh planar material. The structure comprises at least one sub-mesh structure combined by at least one linkage device. At least one sub-mesh structure can be unfolded into a two-dimensional mesh structure. Each two-dimensional mesh structure can stand for a two-dimensional figure. These two-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron. The polyhedron can be transformed into a three-dimensional figure. The three-dimensional figure is similar to the appearance of the three-dimensional mesh structure.

In some embodiment, the linkage device linkage device of the three-dimensional mesh structure is a clamp 561. In other embodiments, the linkage device of the three-dimensional mesh structure is a spiral 562. It should be noted that all linkage devices may be a clamp or spiral. It is acceptable that clamps and spirals are used together as the linkage devices.

See FIG. 5(E). A three-dimensional mesh structure 570 comprises sub-mesh structures 541, 542, 543 and 544. The three-dimensional mesh structure 570 has a swan figure. These sub-mesh structures are combined through clamps or spirals. In some embodiments, these sub-mesh structures are combined through soldering.

Before a three-dimensional mesh structure of this invention is combined, this invention also provides a two-dimensional mesh structure set used to form a three-dimensional mesh structure. The two-dimensional mesh structure set comprises at least one sub-two-dimensional mesh structure. Each sub-two-dimensional mesh structure can stand for a two-dimensional figure. These two-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron. The polyhedron can be transformed into a three-dimensional figure. The three-dimensional figure is similar to the appearance of the three-dimensional mesh structure.

See FIG. 5(D). These two-dimensional mesh structures 541, 542, 543 and 544 are considered as a whole subject. Its components (541, 542, 543 and 544) have the above-mentioned relationships.

A three-dimensional mesh structure of this invention can be used for topiary. A usage method is to use a three-dimensional mesh structure of this invention to cover a plant. The plant will grow along with meshes. After cutting the part of branches outside the three-dimensional mesh structure, the plant will have a shape. Or after this cutting action, some parts of branches outside the three-dimensional mesh structure are remained. The outside parts still show a shape, and the three-dimensional mesh structure will not be seen. For example, a three-dimensional mesh structure of a swan figure can make a plant have a swan shape.

Through this invention, many kinds of topiary apparatuses can be produced. Thus, compared to the 503' patent that can only apply to shapes with symmetric plains, this invention is more novel and non-obvious.

Through his invention, producing a frame is not necessary. Thus, compared to the above patents that need a frame, this invention is more novel and non-obvious.

Through this invention, plants can be beautified to design a beautiful park or garden. A nice-looking park or garden helps people relax and enjoy the leisure time of holidays. Besides, through this invention, an animal-shaped bonsai can be designed for a child present to make children approach plants better than man-made toys.

Besides, the three-dimensional mesh structure may apply to lanterns and hutches.

Although this invention is disclosed in the abovementioned, preferable embodiments, they are not used to limit this invention. Any one skilled in the art, within the spirit and scope of this invention, can make any change and modification. Thus, the protection scope of this invention should be defined as the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional mesh structure of the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the methods in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 3 shows how the number of facets of a polyhedron affects a three-dimensional figure.

FIG. 4 shows how to carry out a step of one embodiment of the methods in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 5 shows one of the embodiments in accordance with this invention.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planar material, comprising:

(a) having a three-dimensional figure transformed into a polyhedron;
(b) having the polyhedron unfolded into at least one two-dimensional figure;
(c) according to the two-dimensional figure, having a mesh planar material cut to get a two-dimensional mesh structure; and
(d) having edges of the two-dimensional mesh structure mounted.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulated object.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps (a) and (b) are carried out by at least one software.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein part of the softwares have graphic functions.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising (e) having at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional mesh structure.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step (e) is carried out by a soldering method.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step (e) uses at least one clamp.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the step (e) uses at least one spiral.

9. A method for manufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planar material, comprising:

(a) having a three-dimensional figure transformed into a polyhedron;
(b) having the polyhedron unfolded into at least one two-dimensional figure;
(c) having the two-dimensional figure placed over a mesh planar material to have a contour formed over the mesh planar material according to the two-dimensional figure; and
(d) according to the contour, having the mesh planar material cut to get at least one two-dimensional mesh structure.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the three-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulated object.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the steps (a) and (b) are carried out by at least one software.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein part of the softwares have graphic functions.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising (e) having at least ones two-dimensional mesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional mesh structure.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step (e) is carried out by a soldering method.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step (e) uses at least one clamp.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the step (e) uses at least one spiral.

17. A three-dimensional mesh structure, made through a mesh planar material, comprising at least one sub-mesh structure combined by at least one linkage device;

wherein at least one sub-mesh structure can be unfolded into a two-dimensional mesh structure;
wherein each two-dimensional mesh structure can stand for a two-dimensional figure;
wherein the two-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron;
wherein the polyhedron can be transformed into a three-dimensional figure;
wherein the three-dimensional figure is similar to the appearance of the three-dimensional mesh structure.

18. The three-dimensional mesh structure of claim 17, the linkage device is a clamp.

19. The three-dimensional mesh structure of claim 17, the linkage device is a spiral.

20. A two-dimensional mesh structure set, used to form a three-dimensional mesh structure, comprising at least one sub-two-dimensional mesh structure;

wherein each sub-two-dimensional mesh structure can stand for a two-dimensional figure;
wherein the two-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron;
wherein the polyhedron can be transformed into a three-dimensional figure;
wherein the three-dimensional figure is similar to the appearance of the three-dimensional mesh structure.
Patent History
Publication number: 20060079142
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 12, 2004
Publication Date: Apr 13, 2006
Inventor: I Chao Chen (Taipei County)
Application Number: 10/961,186
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 442/2.000
International Classification: D04H 1/00 (20060101);