Wire treatment method and apparatus

Abstract

A demountable wire carrier 100 is for supporting loops of wire W and comprises a lower end-stop 110, an upper end-stop 120 and a plurality of frame members 130 extending between the end-stops. The carrier is shown standing inside a cylindrical loop-forming container 140 into which the wire W has been fed in the direction of Arrow A, so that the wire forms loops around the inside of the container wall. The introduction of the wire takes place when, prior to assembly of the carrier, only the lower end-stop 110 is positioned inside the container, so that the loops of wire rest on the lower end-stop 110. After all the wire has been introduced into the container 140, the frame members are connected to the lower end-stop, and the upper end stop is then connected to the frame members to complete assembly of the carrier.

1 . A method of loading wire onto a carrier, the method comprising the steps of: heat treating the wire, introducing the heat-treated wire in loops into a container having at least one sidewall, and onto a part of a carrier, at least partly completing the assembly of the carrier while the wire is in the container, and withdrawing the wire from the container on the assembled carrier. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the wire is of metal. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises forming the wire into an article comprising a spring. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , comprising straightening the wire before introducing the wire to the container. 
     
     
         5 . A carrier apparatus for supporting wire, the apparatus comprising a first end-stop, one or more frame members releasably connectable to the first end-stop, and a second end-stop releasably connectable to the one or more frame members. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the first and/or second end-stop comprises a plurality of limb members. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the first and/or second end-stop is generally cruciform in shape. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the, or each, frame member is substantially elongate and, more preferably, generally rod-like or tubular. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the frame members are arranged for releasable engagement with the first and/or second end-stops by locating a portion of the frame member in a socket or aperture of the end-stop. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the end-stops includes an aperture that has first and second portions of different sizes, so that a locating member of the frame member may be received in one portion and retained in the other, smaller portion. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein a locking fixture may be used for securing at least one of the end-stops to the frame member. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the locking fixture comprises a threaded nut and bolt arrangement or a quick release handle/thumb wheel/lever. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the carrier apparatus is assembled by engaging the locating portion at one end of the frame member in the aperture of the first end-stop and engaging the locating portion at the opposed end of the frame member with the aperture in the second end-stop. 
     
     
         14 . A method of assembling a carrier for looped wire, the method comprising engaging a locating portion at one end of a frame member in an aperture of a first end-stop and engaging a locating portion at the opposed end of the frame member with an aperture in a second end-stop, so that the loops of wire become retained on the carrier and rest upon the lower end stop. 
     
     
         15 . A carrier apparatus according to  claim 5  when loaded with wire.