Method and Apparatus for Finishing Veneer Edge Banding

Abstract

An apparatus and method for treating flexible edge bands for furniture and the like is described. The apparatus includes a base, a drum rotatably mounted on the support. The drum is generally cylindrical and has a center axis and an outer surface. An applicator applies the edge band to the surface of the drum. A means for rotating the drum about its center axis is also present.

1 . An apparatus for treating flexible edge bands for furniture and the like comprising: 
 a) a base, said base having at least one support for supporting a drum,    b) a drum rotatably mounted on said support, said drum being generally cylindrical and having a center axis and an outer surface,    c) an applicator for applying the edge band to said surface of the drum,    d) a means for rotating said drum about said center axis.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said drum has a means for securing an end of said edge band to the surface of said drum.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the surface of said drum has a helical channel for receiving said edge band.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein said surface of said drum has a plurality of corrugations thereon.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said drum has a smooth surface.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein said drum has an edge band helically wrapped around the surface of said drum and wherein one edge of said edge band abuts the edge of the adjacent portion of said edge band.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  former comprising a means for transporting said apparatus into a drying chamber.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein said means for rotating said drum is a variable speed motor.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for treating flexible edge bands for furniture and the like comprising a platform, said platform having a first support and a second support supporting a drum, said drum being generally cylindrical in shape and having a length and a diameter, said drum being rotatable about a center axis by a drive means, said drum having an outer surface, said outer surface having an end of an edge band secured to said surface, said edge band being wrapped about said surface and said edge band having a second end of said edge band secured to said drum.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said edge band has a first edge and a second edge and wherein at least a portion of said first edge is in contact with at least a portion of said second edge.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said outer surface of said drum has a helical side wall.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said outer surface of said drum has a corrugated surface.  
   
   
       13 . A method for treating an edge band comprising securing an end of said edge band to a surface of a drum, applying said edge band to said drum such that said edge band is helically wrapped about said drum, rotating said drum about a certain axis treating said edgeband.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 13  wherein said edge band has a first edge and a second edge and wherein a portion of said first edge is in contact with a portion of said second edge when said edge band is helically wrapped about said drum.