Patent Publication Number: US-2016236263-A1

Title: Milanese mesh rolling

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to a wire mesh, and more particularly to a Milanese wire mesh and individual wire coils which provide a highly flexible mesh carpet, and methods and apparatuses for manufacturing the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A Milanese mesh structure (sometimes called a “carpet”), as illustrated for example in  FIG. 1A , is a decorative mesh typically made from multiple metallic spiral wires threaded together. The wire utilized in forming the spirals, as illustrated for example in  FIG. 1B . typically has a circular cross-section as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 1C . The mesh carpet is sometimes used to make necklaces, bracelets, or other decorative accessories. 
     Typically, a spool containing a straight wire material is set into a machine, The machine runs the wire material into a mandrel apparatus that forms the wire material into a spiral. The spiral is then forced forward and cut off at a certain length. After this, the machine makes the next spiral. This new spiral is then threaded into an already existing cutoff spiral. Once threaded the machine cuts off the new spiral. This process is continually repeated until a mesh carpet is formed. 
     Once the mesh carpet is formed, it is cut into various shapes depending on the end product. Typically, the product is formed of relatively short pieces of mesh. The pieces of mesh may be manually bound into a long strip utilizing another spiral of equal strength to join the discrete pieces together. The edges may then be processed to remove sharp and uneven coil ends. In this form the mesh is unstable as the individual coils can be removed. As such, the material may be locked so that the individual coils movement is significantly limited and the mesh carpet is secure. The locking is accomplished by pressing the strip flat and thus deforming the shape of the round coils. 
     Once locked, the mesh may be further processed to provide flexibility. The mesh may pass through a machine with cylinders that oscillate or otherwise move up and down, thereby forcing the mesh strip to bend back and forth. This treatment makes the mesh flexible but also often leaves visible lines in the mesh from contact with the internal cylinders of the machine. 
     Other processing steps may be used to improve the overall aesthetics of the mesh. For example, a folding clasp and/or end pieces may be formed by stamping the ends. The mesh strips may also undergo a polishing to enhance their appearance. 
     Typical manufacturing process for Milanese mesh devices do not allow mesh carpets that are created to be flexible without the crimping of the mesh and or introduction of the intervening binding and locking coils discussed above. Thus, there is a need for a improved method for forming a Milanese mesh product. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, embodiments disclosed herein may include apparatuses and methods for forming a flexible mesh carpet. The mesh carpet may be made flexible in a variety of ways. For example, the coils of the mesh carpet may be preformed to have a particular cross-section in order to manufacture a flexible mesh carpet. In another example, the mesh carpet may be processed after manufacture in order to improve the flexibility. Additionally the various examples may be combined to achieve greater flexibility, e.g. a mesh carpet made from preformed coils may undergo additional processing to further improve the flexibility. In the various embodiments and examples the mesh carpet may be a Milanese mesh carpet. 
     In one embodiment, a flexible mesh carpet may include a first wire coil. The first wire which makes up the coil may have a first surface and a second surface which oppose one another. The first surface and the second surface may be connected by surfaces that substantially form partial arcs (e.g. of a circle or ellipsis). The mesh carpet may also include a second wire coil threaded into the first wire coil. One of the surfaces from the first wire coil may contact a surface on the second wire coil. The first wire coil and the second wire coil may form two rows of the mesh carpet. In one example, the first surface and the second surface in the first wire coil may be opposing flat surfaces positioned at an acute angle from one another. Alternatively they may be positioned at an obtuse angle from one another. In another example, the first surface and the second surface may be concave surfaces. The concave surfaces may have a profile that approximately matches the second wire coil surface. In another example, the wire may have a triangular cross-section. In such and example, the first surface and the second surface may be opposing flat surfaces positioned at an angle to one another connected by another flat surface. 
     In another embodiment, the flexibility of a mesh carpet may be improved by wrapping the mesh carpet around a first mandrel having a circumference smaller than natural mesh flexibility circumference of the mesh carpet. The first end of the mesh carpet may be constrained in a fixed or moveable restraint. The second end of the mesh carpet may be constrained in a movable restraint. The mesh carpet may then be moved back and forth around the first mandrel forming a smaller mesh flexibility circumference without the mesh carpet being impacted by the first mandrel or additional mandrels, The finishing process may include continuously rolling the Milanese mesh around or against the mandrel such that the Milanese mesh carpet forms a smaller loop around the mandrel as the flexibility of the Milanese mesh product improves. 
     The finishing process may include compressing the mesh carpet between two restraining plates such that the restraining plates contact the mesh carpet decreasing the bend radius and thereby improving the flexibility of the mesh carpet. Another embodiment may take the form of utilizing a coil with a specific wire cross-section and providing a secondary finishing process to the mesh carpet. The mesh carpet may be moved to a smaller mandrel after a substantial portion of the mesh carpet has moved around the first mandrel. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the mesh carpet may be wrapped around a first mandrel. Contact may be made between the mesh carpet and the first mandrel. The mesh carpet may be moved back and forth across the mandrel. The mesh carpet may be moved to a smaller mandrel. The mesh carpet may be moved back and forth across the smaller mandrel. This may continue to subsequent mandrels such as a third or fourth mandrel. The method may end once an improved or desired flexibility is achieved in the mesh carpet. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a mesh carpet may be wrapped around a first mandrel. Contact may be made or maintained between the mesh carpet and the first mandrel. The mesh carpet may be wrapped around a second mandrel. The mesh carpet may also be additionally wrapped around other mandrels such as third mandrel and weaved between them in a zigzag path. The mesh carpet may be translated in a first direction causing both sides of the mesh carpet to contact and bend against each of the mandrels. The mesh carpet may be translated in a second direction in addition to the first direction. Alternatively the mesh carpet may be continuously translated in the same direction and not back and forth. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for purposes of example and explanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows an example of a prior art strip of Milanese mesh. 
         FIG. 1B  shows an example of an isometric view of a prior art Milanese mesh wire coil. 
         FIG. 1C  shows an example of a cross-section view of a prior art Milanese mesh wire coil. 
         FIG. 2A  shows an example of an isometric view of Milanese mesh wire coil with flat surfaces, 
         FIG. 2B  shows an example of a cross-section view of a Milanese mesh wire coil with flat surfaces. 
         FIG. 3A  shows an example of an isometric view of Milanese mesh wire coil with concave surfaces. 
         FIG. 3B  shows an example of a cross-section view of a Milanese mesh wire coil with concave surfaces. 
         FIG. 4A  shows an example of an isometric view of Milanese mesh wire coil that is triangular. 
         FIG. 4B  shows an example of a cross-section view of a Milanese mesh wire coil that is triangular. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an example of a massaging machine for improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet as known in the art. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an example of a system for improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet. 
         FIG. 7A-C  is a schematic view of an example of a system for improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an example of a system for improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an example method of improving the flexibility in a mesh carpet utilizing preformed coils. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating an example method of improving the flexibility in a mesh carpet utilizing restraint plates. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating an example method of improving the flexibility in a mesh carpet utilizing multiple mandrels. 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart illustrating an example method of improving the flexibility in a mesh carpet utilizing offset mandrels. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally, embodiments disclosed herein may take the form of a flexible mesh carpet and methods for forming the same. In various embodiments and examples the mesh carpet may be a Milanese mesh carpet. The mesh carpet may have a structure that is formed by a flexible mesh material. One embodiment may take the form of a mesh carpet being formed from rows of preformed coils. The coils may be pre-formed with a specific cross-section (e.g., shape) of wire that improves or enhances the flexibility of the mesh carpet. Examples of cross-sections include wires that have flat sides, concave sides, or are generally triangular. Certain cross-sections may allow an improved flexibility in the mesh carpet over a traditional circular wire cross-section. Utilizing preformed wires may improve mesh carpet flexibility without requiring a secondary process to enhance flexibility, for example, by deforming, stretching or manipulating the constituent wires. 
     Another embodiment may take the form of applying a secondary finishing process to a mesh carpet. The finishing process may include continuously rolling the Milanese mesh around or against a mandrel such that the Milanese mesh carpet forms a smaller loop around the mandrel as the flexibility of the Milanese mesh product improves. The finishing process may include compressing the mesh carpet between two restraining plates such that the restraining plates contact the mesh carpet, decreasing its bend radius, and thereby improving the flexibility of the mesh carpet. Multiple size mandrels may be used. Mandrels may also be offset from one another, allowing both sides of a mesh carpet to be worked simultaneously. Another embodiment may utilize a coil with a specific wire cross-sectional shape to form the mesh carpet, and may provide a secondary finishing process to the mesh carpet. 
     As indicated above, a Milanese mesh carpet, shown for example in  FIG. 1A , is a decorative mesh typically made from a plurality coils with the plurality of coils threaded together. The wire utilized in coil  110 , as illustrated for example in  FIG. 1B , traditionally has a circular cross-section  108  with a single circumferential exterior surface  106  as illustrated in  FIG. 1C . However, once the Milanese mesh carpet is formed, the circular cross-section of the wire coils limits the flexibility of the mesh carpet insofar as the bend radius of the coils is limited. To improve the flexibility of a mesh carpet when compared to one formed with circular cross-sectional wire coils, coils with flexibility improving (e.g., non-circular) cross-sectional shapes may be utilized.  FIGS. 2-4  illustrate examples of these flexibility improving cross-sections. 
     In one embodiment and as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a coil  200  may have a non-circular major exterior surface. The major exterior surface as shown in  FIG. 2B  is the perimeter of the cross-section  201  of wire  200 , which may define a plurality of exterior surfaces. For example, the plurality of exterior surfaces may include a first flat surface  204  and a second flat surface  208 . As one example, the first flat surface  204  and the second flat surface  208  may be formed on opposing sides of an axis running through the cross-section and may taper toward that axis and thus toward one another 
     In various embodiments, the flat surfaces  204 / 208  may be positioned relative to one another at one of an acute angle, an obtuse angle or parallel. The first flat surface  204  and the second flat surface  208  may be connected by an outward-facing surface  202  (“outward surface”) and an inward-facing surface  206  (“inward surface”). It should be appreciated that these outward and inward orientations are provided with respect to an axis running along the length of the coiled wire, e.g., an axis about which the wire coils. 
     Outward surface  202  may connect with the first flat surface  204  along surface interface  203  and with the second flat surface  208  at surface interface  209 . Inward surface  206  may connect with the first flat surface  204  at surface interface  205  and with the second flat surface  208  at surface interface  207 . The surface interfaces  203 ,  205 ,  207 ,  209  may be abrupt transitions defined by a line extending along the wire  201  at the transition (as shown in  FIG. 2B ) or the interfaces may be rounded transitions between surfaces. In accordance with various embodiments, the inward surface  206  and the outward surface  202  may be different sizes relative to one another. For example, the inward surface  206  may be wider than the outward surface  202 . Alternatively, the inward surface  206  may be narrower than the outward surface  202  (as shown in  FIG. 2B ). In another example, the inward surface  206  may be the same as the outward surface  202 . 
     The surfaces  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 , may be oriented with respect to the helical structure of the coil  200  in order to reduce the interference contact between one coil and any adjacent coils woven into a mesh carpet. In accordance with one embodiment, the inward surface  206  may point toward a center axis  220  of the coil  200 . Stated another way, inward surface  206  may be the portion of the wire that is most proximate to the center axis  220  of the coil  200 . Conversely, outward surface  202  may be the portion of the wire that is most distal to the center axis  220  of the coil  200 . In this configuration, the outward surface forms the exterior of coil  200  and the inward surface  206  forms the interior surface of the coil  200 . 
     In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a coil  300  may have a flexibility improving major exterior surface. The major exterior surface as shown in  FIG. 3B  is the perimeter of the cross-section  301  of wire  300  which may include a plurality of exterior surfaces. The plurality of exterior surfaces may include a first concave surface  304  and a second concave surface  308 . The first concave surface  304  and the second concave surface  308  may oppose one another. In various embodiments, the concave surfaces  304  and  308  may be positioned relative to one another at one of an acute angle, an obtuse angle or parallel. The first concave surface  304  and the second concave surface  308  may be connected by an outward surface  302  and an inward surface  306 . Outward surface  302  may connect with the first concave surface  304  along surface interface  303 . Outward surface  302  may connect with the second concave surface  308  at surface interface  309 . Inward surface  306  may connect with the first concave surface  304  at surface interface  305 . Inward surface  306  may connect with the second concave surface  308  at surface interface  307 . The surface interfaces  303 ,  305 ,  307 , and  309  may be lines where the surfaces come to a point or the surface interfaces  303 ,  305 ,  307 , and  309  may be round transitions between surfaces. (as shown in  FIG. 3B ) In accordance with various embodiments, the inward surface  306  and the outward surface  302  may be different sizes relative to one another. For example, the inward surface  306  may be wider than the outward surface  302 . Alternatively, the inward surface  306  may be narrower than the outward surface  302  (as shown in  FIG. 3B ). In another example, the inward surface  306  may be the same as the outward surface  302 . 
     Similar to the surfaces of coil  200 , the surfaces  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 , of coil  300  may be oriented to the helical structure of the coil  300  in order to reduce the interference contact between one coil and any adjacent coils when woven into a mesh carpet. In accordance with one embodiment, the inward surface  306  may point toward a center axis  320  of the coil  300 . Stated another way, inward surface  306  may be the portion of the wire that is most proximate to the center axis  320  of the coil  300 . Conversely, outward surface  302  may be the portion of the wire that is most distal to the center axis  320  of the coil  300 . In this configuration, the outward surface forms the exterior of coil  300  and the inward surface  306  forms the interior surface of the coil  300 . 
     In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a coil  400  may have a flexibility improving major exterior surface. The major exterior surface as shown in  FIG. 4B  is the perimeter of the cross-section  401  of wire  400  which may include a plurality of exterior surfaces. The plurality of exterior surfaces may include a first flat surface  404  and a second flat surface  406 . The first flat surface  404  and the second flat surface  406  may oppose one another. In various embodiments, the flat surfaces  404  and  406  may be positioned relative to one another at one of an acute angle or an obtuse angle. The first flat surface  404  and the second flat surface  406  may be connected by a surface  402 . Surface  402  may connect with the first flat surface  404  along a first surface interface  403 . Surface  402  may connect with the second flat surface  406  at a second surface interface  407 . First flat surface  404  and second flat surface  406  may connect at a third surface interface  405 . The surface interfaces  403 ,  405 , and  407  may be lines where the surfaces come to a point or the interfaces may be round transitions between surfaces. 
     The surfaces  402 ,  404 , or  406  may be oriented with respect to the helical structure of the coil  400  in order to reduce the interference contact between one coil and any adjacent coils when woven into a mesh carpet. In accordance with one embodiment, the surface interface  405  may point toward a center axis  420  of the coil  400 . Stated another way, the surface interface  405  may be the portion of the wire that is most proximate to the center axis  420  of the coil  400 . Conversely, outward surface  402  may be the portion of the wire that is most distal to the center axis  420  of the coil  400 . In this configuration, the outward surface forms the exterior of coil  400  and the surface interface  405  forms the interior surface of the coil  400 . In another embodiment, the opposite may be true. The surface interface  405  may be the portion of the wire that is most distal to the center axis  420  of the coil  400 , Surface  402  may be the portion of the wire that is most proximal to the center axis  420  of the coil  400 . In this configuration, the surface  402  forms the exterior of coil  400  and the surface interface  405  forms the interior surface of the coil  400 . 
     While each of the wires in the forgoing examples and embodiments are illustrated and discussed as being symmetric, this is not required. For example, one half of a wire cross-section may include a flat surface as shown in the left half of  FIG. 2B  or  FIG. 4B  and one half of a wire cross-section may include a concave surface as shown in right half of  FIG. 3B . Any combination of surfaces, symmetries, and wire cross-section designs may be utilized to improve the flexibility of the mesh carpet. As such, one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that each of the embodiments or examples discussed herein may be combined in order to form a wire cross-section that achieves the flexibility goals of the mesh carpet. While only limited examples are provided herein, all forms of wire cross-sections that may be coiled and wire cross-sections that improve the flexibility of the mesh carpet are contemplated herein. 
     In order to form coils having a wire with a flexibility improving cross-section, the wire with the cross-section may first be formed. The wire cross-sections may be formed by, for example, by drawing the wire through a die with the particular cross-section embedded in the die. The output wire from the drawing die may then include the flexibility improving cross-section. Alternatively, the wire cross-sections may, be formed by, for example, rolling the wire between two mandrels having the particular cross-section. The output wire from the rolling process may then include the flexibility improving cross-section. These particular wire cross-sections may be formed prior to or during coiling of the wire coils. For example, the drawn wire may be fed directly onto a coiling mandrel. Alternatively, the coiling mandrel may include a cross-section forming die such that as the wire is coiled onto the mandrel, the wire can be forced (by either a rolling press or similar device) into the mandrel die obtaining the particular wire shape. It should be recognized that the flexibility improving cross-section may be applied to the wires under any circumstances or by any process known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     It should also be understood that the term wire does not necessarily apply strictly to elongated metallic strands. As used herein, the term wire may refer to any pliable strand or rod of material made in any diameter or length suitable for winding into a coil for use in forming a mesh carpet. The coils may be formed from a variety of different materials. For example, ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic (e.g. paramagnetic and diamagnetic) metals may be utilized including iron, nickel cobalt, chromium, manganese, ferromagnetic stainless steel (e.g., 400 series stainless steel), copper, silver, gold, aluminum and non-ferromagnetic stainless steel (e.g., 300 series stainless steel) or any other ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic material as well, The various materials may be utilized for corrosion resistance, magnetic characteristics, conductive characteristics, aesthetics, weight, or workability. In other embodiments, some of the coils may be non-metallic materials including polymers, carbon fibers, or natural fibers capable of being formed in and holding a coil shape. These non-metallic materials may be utilized for insulating properties, weight, cost, or other desirable properties. Therefore, in the context of this application, the terms “coil” and “wire” may include forms made of metallic or non-metallic materials. 
     Although a mesh carpet&#39;s flexibility may be improved by pre-forming a particular wire cross-section, flexibility may also be improved without requiring a particular wire cross-section. Other flexibility improving procedures include processing the mesh carpet after it has been formed. When originally formed, the mesh carpet may have a natural circumference providing a default mesh flexibility. This “mesh flexibility circumference” may be understood as the unforced shape the mesh carpet makes when bent, which may define a minimum bend radius for the carpet. By forcing a formed mesh carpet into a smaller mesh flexibility circumference, the mesh carpet flexibility may be improved. Traditionally the process has been performed by a massaging machine as shown in  FIG. 5 . A massaging machine may have a plurality of cylinders ( 500 ,  501 , and  502 ) that gyrate up and down (e.g. along arrows a, b, and c respectively) impacting the mesh carpet  100 . The mesh carpet  100  is moved between the cylinders. 
     As discussed above, this process may create aesthetically unpleasing marks on the mesh carpet. Further, such marks may be failure points or weak points for the mesh carpet. Typically the marks are in the form of visual transverse lines across the strip of mesh. In accordance with various embodiments, a system and method for improving flexibility of a mesh carpet may also be utilized without leaving behind impact marks. Such a system and method for improving flexibility of a mesh carpet may be utilized without impacting the mesh carpet. 
     In accordance with various embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the flexibility of a mesh carpet may be improved by wrapping the mesh carpet around a mandrel. Wrapping as used herein may include more than minimal contact but instead may include the mesh carpet traveling a significant distance around the circumference of the mandrel, For example, wrapping the mesh carpet may include the carpet traveling around at least 50 percent of the circumference of the mandrel. Alternatively, wrapping the mesh carpet may include the carpet traveling around 0-25 percent, 25-50 percent, 50-75 percent, or greater than 75 percent, of the circumference of the mandrel. To improve the flexibility of the mesh carpet, the mandrel may have a smaller radius than the natural circumference of the mesh carpet. Forcing the mesh carpet around this smaller radius may improve the flexibility of the mesh carpet. Contact between the mandrel and the mesh carpet may also be maintained. Maintaining the contact may prevent localized distortion in the mesh carpet from contact with the mandrel. Instead, any distortion that occurs, to improve the flexibility of the mesh carpet, may be continuous across the length of the mesh carpet and not localized, In accordance with the various embodiments as discussed herein, various apparatuses may be utilized to improve the flexibility of the mesh carpet. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a mesh carpet  100  may be wrapped around mandrel  600 . The mandrel  600  or the mesh carpet  100  may be movable. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6  mandrel  600  may be movable in more than one direction such as along to arrow c. The mandrel  600  may be supported in a guide  604  that enables the travel of mandrel  600 . In one embodiment, the mandrel  600  may rotate according to arrow d in  FIG. 6  around a pivot  602 . The rotation of the mandrel  600  may allow a static contact between the mesh carpet  100  and the exterior surface of the mandrel  600 . The static contact may reduce abrasions or deformations that may otherwise result from the mesh carpet  100  sliding across the mandrel  600 . Alternatively, the mandrel  600  may be stationary allowing carpet  600  to slide across the mandrel. 
     As indicated, the mesh carpet  100  may be movable. Particularly one or more of an end  110  or  120  of the mesh carpet  100  may be movable. Moving the ends  110  or  120  in opposite direction may cause the mesh carpet  100  to move back and forth around mandrel  600 . Similarly, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , moving the first end  110  and retaining the second end  120  may allow the mesh carpet  100  to move back and forth around mandrel  600  with mandrel  600  be movable as well. A fixed position retaining device  620  may be utilized to retain the second end  120  in place. It may be noted that a restraint may be any device operable to hold an end of the mesh carpet such that resistance may be applied to the movement of the mesh carpet. For example, the restraint may be a clamp, bracket, weight, or the force applied by a person holding the end of the mesh carpet. The restraint may be fixed limiting movement of the mesh carpet. For example, a clamping force indicated by arrows e may be exerted against second end  120 . As shown, a clamp may retain that end in place. The first end  110  may have a movable restraint  630 . The movable restraint  630  may be operable to change locations allowing the first end  110  of the mesh carpet  100  to move relative to the second end  120 . The movable restraint  630  may be operative to receive a force from, for example, a cable  610  placing the mesh carpet  100  in tension. In various embodiments, this may be a constant tension. The tension may increase or decrease. For example, in response to a sufficient force applied to the movable restraint  630 , the movable restraint  630  may cause the mesh carpet  100  to move. When the sufficient force is applied to movable restraint  630 , the mandrel may be operable to move in the direction of the movable restraint  630 . Once the mandrel  600  has made a full travel toward second end  120 , the mandrel may drive the carpet back in the other direction, In this manner the apparatus is operable to have the mandrel drive in one direction forcing the first end  110  of the carpet  100  toward the mandrel  600  while the mandrel  600  travels away from the second end  120  of the mesh carpet  100 . This motion causes the mesh carpet  100  to travel around the mandrel  600 . Then the movable restraint  630  may receive a force from cable  610  drawing the first end  110  of the mesh carpet  100  in the opposite direction of the mandrel  600  and pulling the mandrel  600  in the same direction. This enables the apparatus to work the mesh carpet  100  back and forth across mandrel  600 . 
     In accordance with various embodiments, the mandrel  600  may be smaller than the natural mesh flexibility circumference of mesh carpet  100 . Working the mesh carpet  100  back and forth around the mandrel  600  may cause the mesh flexibility circumference of the mesh carpet  100  to adapt to the circumference of the mandrel  600 . However, additional forces may aid in causing the mesh carpet  100  to adapt to the circumference of the mandrel  600 . In accordance with one embodiment, the mandrel  600  and the mesh carpet  100  may be retained between a first plate  640  and a second plate  650 . The mesh carpet  100  may contact a first surface  642  on the first plate and a second surface  652  on the second plate. The first plate  640  or the second plate  650  may be movable toward or away from the other plate as indicated by arrows a and b in  FIG. 6 . By moving the first plate  640  and the second plate  650  closer together, the contact between the mesh carpet  100  and the surface of the plates ( 642  and  652 ) may force the mesh carpet  100  into a smaller mesh flexibility circumference. This motion between the plates may be continuously driven as the mesh carpet  100  works back and forth around mandrel  600 . Alternatively, this motion may be controlled such that after a certain amount of time of the mesh carpet  100  working back and forth around mandrel  600 , the distance between the first plate  640  and the second plate  650  may decreases in an incremental amount. This decrease may force the mesh flexibility circumference to adapt to the circumference of the mandrel, thus allowing the plates to move even closer and closer together. Once the mesh flexibility circumference of the mesh carpet  100  substantially matches the mandrel  600  circumference, a smaller mandrel can be placed in the system and the process can continue. The plate force and working the mesh carpet  100  around the mandrel circumference can be continued until the desired mesh flexibility circumference is achieved. 
     In accordance with various embodiments, the mandrel  600  or the plates  640  and  650  may be configured to reduce any surface abrasion or deformation on the mesh carpet  100  due to contact with the mandrel  600  or the plates  640  and  650 . For example, the mandrel  600  or the plates  640  and  650  may have a low friction surface. Alternatively or in addition to, the mandrel  600  or the plates  640  and  650  may be made of a softer surface material than mesh carpet  100 . Examples of low friction surfaces may include nylon, polyoxymethylene, polished steal, a lubricated surface or any similar low friction material or process for reducing the friction of a surface. Similarly the nylon or polyoxymethylene or other polymers may be a softer material than mesh carpet  100  limiting their ability to scratch a harder surface. It should be appreciated that a person of ordinary skill in the art may select other known or developed materials accordingly. 
     In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A-C , an apparatus may include a plurality of mandrels  700 ,  710 , and  720  for improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet. Similar to other embodiments as discussed herein, the mandrels  700 ,  710 , or  720  may be rotatable (along arrow c as shown in  FIG. 7A-C ) about pivots  701 ,  711 , and  721  respectively or the mandrels  700 ,  710 , or  720  may be fixed. Mandrels  700 ,  710 , or  720  may have mesh carpet  100  wrapped around the mandrels. Each end of the mesh carpet may be movably restrained. The first end of the mesh carpet may be movable along arrow a (as shown in  FIG. 7A-C ). The second end of the mesh carpet may be movable along arrow b (as shown in  FIG. 7A-C ). Placing a force on one end of the mesh carpet  100  and allowing the other end of the mesh carpet  100  to move allows the mesh carpet to move back and forth around the mandrel. As such, this apparatus may allow the mesh flexibility circumference of mesh carpet  100  to conform to the circumference of the mandrel. It may be noted that after working the mesh carpet across a first mandrel, a second smaller mandrel may be used to further increase the flexibility of the mesh carpet. As such, mandrel  710  may be smaller in diameter than mandrel  700  and mandrel  720  may be smaller in diameter than mandrel  710 . 
     In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , an apparatus may improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet by winding the mesh carpet through a series of mandrels (e.g. mandrels  800 ,  810  and  820 ). The apparatus may include any number of mandrels such as 1, 2, 3 . . . or N different mandrels. The mandrels (e.g.  800 ,  810  and  820 ) may be fixed or rotatable around pivots (e.g.  802 ,  812 , and  822 ). If rotatable, the mandrels (e.g.  800 ,  810  and  820 ) may be able to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise (e.g. according to arrows c, d, and e). 
     In various embodiments, the mandrels may be offset from one another. The offset may allow the mesh carpet  100  to be threaded between and wrap around each of the different mandrels (e.g.  800 ,  810  and  820 ). In one example, the mandrels (e.g.  800 ,  810  and  820 ) may be located relative to one another in a zigzag pattern as shown in  FIG. 8 . The mesh carpet  100  may wrap around a first mandrel  800 . The mesh carpet may then wrap around a second mandrel  820  such that both sides of the mesh carpet  100  are in contact with a mandrel. The mesh carpet may wrap around a third mandrel  810 . The mash carpet may be retained on both ends. A first end may be restrained by restraint  860 . A second end may be restrained by restraint  870 . Restraints  860  or  870  may be movable restraints. In accordance with one embodiment Restraints  860  or  870  may be operable to receive a force causing the mesh carpet to move through the mandrels. The force may alternate between restraint  860  and restraint  870 . The alternating force may cause mesh carpet to move back and forth as illustrated by arrows a and b. Alternatively, the mesh carpet may be moved continuously through the mandrel pattern in the same direction. 
     As here may any number of mandrels in the pattern, the mesh carpet  100  may move through an apparatus with a sufficiently long path to allow the mesh carpet  100  to obtain the desired mesh flexibility circumference. To aid in this, the mandrels may decrease in size along the path of the mesh. For example, mandrel  820  may be smaller than mandrel  800 . 
     This decrease in size may continue until the mandrel is the size operable to form the desired mesh flexibility circumference. With the mesh carpet continuing from one mandrel to another, the apparatus path that the mesh carpet  100  follows may include various guides e.g.  830 ,  840 , and  850 . The various guides ( 830 ,  840 , and  850 ) may be operable to direct the mesh carpet  100  between mandrels, keep mesh carpet  100  from falling off the mandrels, or apply a force on mesh carpet  100  in order to conform the mesh carpet to the circumference of the mandrel. 
     While  FIGS. 6-8  are described herein as separate embodiments, it may be noted that each of the embodiments may stand alone or be combined with other embodiments. For example, the apparatus described and exemplified in either  FIG. 6  of  FIG. 8  may utilize multiple sizes of mandrels as exemplified in  FIG. 7 . 
     As indicated herein a method for improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet may include using a wire with a specific surface, In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9  an operation  900  for making a mesh carpet with improved flexibility may start. In operation  910 , a first coiled wire with a surface operable to improve the flexibility of the mesh carpet may be obtained. The wire may have a first surface and a second surface which oppose one another. The first surface and the second surface may be operable to contact the wire of other coils in a manner that improves flexibility between the adjacent coils. In operation  920  a second coiled wire may be obtained. In operation  930  the second wire may be intertwined into the first wire to form a mesh carpet. In operation  940  the first surface of the first coiled wire may contact the second coiled wire. The process may continue with intertwining additional coiled wires forming a mesh carpet. Utilizing the shape of the wires with opposing surfaces as discussed above with regard to  FIGS. 2-4 , the mesh carpet may be formed with flexibility superior to a mesh carpet formed with circular wires. In operation  950  the method may end. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10 , an operation  1000  for improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet may start. In operation  1005 , a first end of the mesh carpet may be constrained. In operation  1010 , a second end of the mesh carpet may be constrained. In operation  1015 , the mesh carpet may be located between a first plate and a restraint plate. In operation  1020 , the mesh carpet may be wrapped around a first mandrel. In operation  1025 , contact may be made between the mesh carpet and the first mandrel. In operation  1030 , the first mandrel may move away from a fixed end of the mesh carpet. In operation  1035 , the movable end of the mesh carpet may be moved back to an original position. In operation  1040 , the mesh carpet may be contacted with the first plate and the second plate. In operation  1045  the gap between the first plate and the second plate may be decreased. In operation  1050 , a smaller mesh flexibility circumference may be formed by moving the mesh carpet around the first mandrel and between the restraint plates. In operation  1055 , the method may end once an improved or desired flexibility is achieved in the mesh carpet 
     In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 11 , an operation  1100  for improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet may start. In operation  1110 , the mesh carpet may be wrapped around a first mandrel. In operation  1120 , contact may be made between the mesh carpet and the first mandrel. In operation  1130 , the mesh carpet may be moved back and forth across the mandrel. In operation  1140 , the mesh carpet may be moved to a smaller mandrel. Alternatively, the first mandrel may be replaced with a smaller mandrel. In operation  1150 , the mesh carpet may be moved back and forth across the mandrel. This may continue to subsequent mandrels such as a third or fourth mandrel. In operation  1160 , the method may end once an improved or desired flexibility is achieved in the mesh carpet. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12 , an operation  1200  for improving the flexibility of a mesh carpet may start. In operation  1210 , the mesh carpet may be wrapped around a first mandrel. In operation  1220 , contact may be made or maintained between the mesh carpet and the first mandrel. In operation  1230 , the mesh carpet may be wrapped around a second mandrel. The mesh carpet may also be additionally wrapped around other mandrels such as third mandrel and weaved between them in a zigzag path. In operation  1240 , the mesh carpet may be translated in a first direction causing both sides of the mesh carpet to contact and bend against each of the mandrels. In operation  1250 , the mesh carpet may be translated in a second direction. Alternatively the mesh carpet may be continuously translated in the same direction and not back and forth. In operation  1260 , the method may end once an improved or desired flexibility is achieved in the mesh carpet. 
     As used throughout this document in each of the embodiments, aspects, examples, lists and various descriptions of the subject matter contained herein, the word “or” is intended to be interpreted in its inclusive form (e.g. and/or) not in its exclusive form (e.g. only one of) unless explicitly modified to indicate only one item in a list is intended (e.g. only one of A, B, or C). For example, the phrase A, B, or C is intended to include any combination of the elements. The phrase can mean only A. The phrase can mean only B. The phrase can mean only C. The phrase can mean A and B. The phrase can mean A and C. The phrase can mean B and C. The phrase can mean A and B and C. This concept extends to any length of list (e.g. 1, 2, 3 . . . n) used herein. 
     Although the foregoing discussion has presented specific embodiments, the foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the teachings herein. For example, the processing steps may be performed in another order, or in different combinations. It will thus he appreciated that those having skill in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are thus within the spirit and scope of the present invention. From the above description and drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the particular embodiments shown and described are for purposes of illustration only, and references to details of particular embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.