Machine and process for aligning accessory to mesh structure

Abstract

Systems and methods for aligning an accessory with a mesh carpet to provide an improved transition between the components. Various embodiments include the use of one or more alignment points or features on a portion of the mesh carpet to be aligned with an accessory. The alignment features may identify one or more high points on the coil structures comprising the mesh carpet at the portion of the mesh carpet to be aligned with an accessory. Once identified, the alignment features may be used to guide the alignment of the accessory with the mesh carpet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mesh carpet assembly, comprising:
 an array of interlocking elements, comprising:
 a first interlocking element; 
 a second interlocking element configured to move relative to the first interlocking element; 
 wherein the first and second interlocking elements define an attachment region at least partially defined by:
 a highest point on the first interlocking element; and 
 an edge portion of the second interlocking element; and 
 
   an accessory affixed to the array of interlocking elements at the attachment region.   
     
     
         2 . The mesh carpet assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a highest point on the second interlocking element is coplanar with the highest point on the first interlocking element. 
     
     
         3 . The mesh carpet assembly of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the mesh carpet assembly further comprises an alignment line extending between the highest point on the first interlocking element and the highest point on the second interlocking element; and   the accessory is affixed to the array of interlocking elements along the alignment line.   
     
     
         4 . The mesh carpet assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a highest point on the second interlocking element is positioned within the array of interlocking elements below the highest point on the first interlocking element. 
     
     
         5 . The mesh carpet assembly of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the mesh carpet assembly further comprises a non-linear alignment line extending between the highest point on the first interlocking element and the highest point on the second interlocking element; and   the accessory is affixed to the array of interlocking elements along the alignment line.   
     
     
         6 . The mesh carpet assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second interlocking element is offset from the first interlocking element such that the highest point on the first interlocking element is closer to the accessory than a highest point on the second interlocking element. 
     
     
         7 . The mesh carpet assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and the second interlocking elements contact a lateral surface of the accessory to affix the accessory to the array of interlocking elements. 
     
     
         8 . The mesh carpet assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the array of interlocking elements further comprises a third interlocking element configured to move relative to the first interlocking element;   the attachment region is further defined by an edge portion of the third interlocking element; and   the first interlocking element is positioned within the array of interlocking elements between the second and third interlocking elements.   
     
     
         9 . The mesh carpet assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the accessory extends between the edge portion of the second interlocking element and the edge portion of the third interlocking element. 
     
     
         10 . A method of affixing an accessory to a mesh, comprising:
 identifying an alignment point on a portion of the mesh, the alignment point comprising:
 a highest point on an upper surface of a mesh element; 
   aligning an edge of the accessory with the alignment point such that part of the mesh is within the accessory; and   affixing the accessory to the portion of the mesh within the accessory.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the mesh comprises a group of intertwined metal coils. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein a dimension of a gap between the edge of the accessory and an adjacent one of the intertwined metal coils is substantially imperceptible. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the accessory is a first accessory; and   the method further comprises:
 aligning an edge of a second accessory with the alignment point such that part of the accessory is within the second accessory; and 
 attaching the second accessory to the first accessory. 
   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the second accessory comprises a coupling component operative to attach the mesh to an electronic device. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the mesh is a woven fabric. 
     
     
         16 . An attachment system for an electronic device, comprising:
 a body portion defining a surface of the electronic device and having a coupling feature;   an accessory removeably engaged with the body portion at the coupling feature; and   a mesh carpet assembly comprising an interlaced grouping of wires and affixed to the accessory along an alignment line, the alignment line being defined by uppermost portions of the interlaced grouping of wires.   
     
     
         17 . The attachment system of  claim 16 , wherein the alignment line is non-linear. 
     
     
         18 . The attachment system of  claim 16 , wherein the accessory is at least one of welded or soldered to the mesh carpet assembly along the alignment line. 
     
     
         19 . The attachment system of  claim 16 , wherein the coupling feature comprises at least one of:
 a pin;   a strap;   a clasp; and   a tongue shaped protrusion.   
     
     
         20 . The attachment system of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the accessory is a first accessory;   the alignment line is a first alignment line; and   the attachment system further comprises a second accessory affixed to the mesh carpet assembly opposite the first accessory and along a second alignment line defined by the uppermost portions of the interlaced grouping of wires.   
     
     
         21 . The attachment system of  claim 16 , wherein each of the interlaced grouping of wires is moveable relative to the mesh carpet assembly.