US20130239646A1 - Post straightening apparatus and method - Google Patents
Post straightening apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130239646A1 US20130239646A1 US13/888,058 US201313888058A US2013239646A1 US 20130239646 A1 US20130239646 A1 US 20130239646A1 US 201313888058 A US201313888058 A US 201313888058A US 2013239646 A1 US2013239646 A1 US 2013239646A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- article
- arms
- rails
- actuator
- space
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D3/00—Straightening or restoring form of metal rods, metal tubes, metal profiles, or specific articles made therefrom, whether or not in combination with sheet metal parts
- B21D3/10—Straightening or restoring form of metal rods, metal tubes, metal profiles, or specific articles made therefrom, whether or not in combination with sheet metal parts between rams and anvils or abutments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D3/00—Straightening or restoring form of metal rods, metal tubes, metal profiles, or specific articles made therefrom, whether or not in combination with sheet metal parts
- B21D3/16—Straightening or restoring form of metal rods, metal tubes, metal profiles, or specific articles made therefrom, whether or not in combination with sheet metal parts of specific articles made from metal rods, tubes, or profiles, e.g. crankshafts, by specially adapted methods or means
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S72/00—Metal deforming
- Y10S72/705—Vehicle body or frame straightener
Definitions
- metal articles are used in fence lines as well as support posts for signs.
- the property owner travels along the fence line to inspect the integrity of the fence.
- the property owner typically discards the article and replaces the article with a new unbent replacement in lieu of the physically-intensive and time-intensive manual straightening of the article, and the cost-intensive option of transporting and repairing the article at a separate location.
- the apparatus and method described herein provide a portable implement that can be used on-site to quickly and effectively straighten a metal article thereby extending the useful life of the article, conserving metal and fuel, reducing transportation costs, reducing costs associated with the destruction of property, as well as stymie the growth of metal waste in landfills worldwide.
- Embodiments of the inventive apparatus could be used in a variety of applications, including the farming and livestock industries, as the costs with maintaining fencing lines are significant.
- an apparatus for straightening an article comprises an actuator; an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween; a support member, the support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween.
- the arms Upon activation of the actuator, the arms will engage article portions disposed on the rails to straighten the article.
- the spaces defined between the arms and the rails are adapted to receive article portions to prevent contact with such portions if desired.
- an apparatus for straightening an article comprises an actuator; an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween, and the arms also define arm contact surfaces for contacting the article.
- the apparatus also includes a support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween, and the rails also define rail contact surfaces for supporting the article.
- an elongated frame member such that the actuator and the support member are coupled to the frame member and arranged such that the space between the arms is aligned with the space between the rails.
- the actuator moves toward the support member causing the arm contact surfaces of the arms to engage the article.
- the space between the arms is adapted to receive article portions adjacent to those engaged by the arms and the space between the rails is adapted to receive article portions such that article portions within the spaces are not engaged.
- a method for straightening an article comprises the steps of: (a) placing an article on a pair of rails, the rails defining a space therebetween; (b) moving an actuator with a pair of arms connected thereto toward the rails and into engagement with a portion of the article to straighten, the arms defining a space therebetween; (c) moving the actuator with the pair of arms away from the article disposed on the rails; and (d) removing the article from the rails.
- the steps of (a)-(c) can be repeated one or more times at the same or a different portion of the article prior to performing step (d).
- FIG. 1A is a front view of the apparatus.
- FIG. 1B is a side view of the apparatus.
- FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the apparatus.
- FIG. 2A is a top view of one embodiment of the endpiece.
- FIG. 2B is a side view of one embodiment of the endpiece.
- FIG. 2C is a perspective view of one embodiment of the endpiece.
- FIG. 2D is a perspective view of another embodiment of the endpiece.
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the support member.
- FIG. 3B is a perspective view of another embodiment of the support member.
- FIG. 3C is a side view of one embodiment of an article disposed on the support member.
- FIG. 3D is a side view of one embodiment illustrating engagement of an article disposed on the support member by an endpiece.
- apparatus 100 comprises actuator 130 , endpiece 150 , support member 170 , and elongated frame member 190 . Upon activation of actuator 130 , endpiece 150 moves toward and engages an article that is located on support 170 .
- One advantage of apparatus 100 is that it permits selective straightening of articles such that some portions may be engaged by endpiece 150 while other portions are avoided.
- article 110 may contain portions 112 and 114 that need to be avoided during the straightening process, whereas portions 111 a and 111 b require straightening.
- Endpiece 150 and support member 170 are adapted to straighten article 110 based on features described in the embodiments that follow.
- endpiece 150 is depicted in FIGS. 2A , 2 B, and 2 C.
- endpiece 150 includes arms 152 a , 152 b , where arms 152 a , 152 b define space 154 .
- Arms 152 a , 152 b define arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b for selectively engaging article portions.
- Endpiece 150 further includes base portion 156 from which arms 152 a , 152 b extend.
- Base portion 156 provides a site of attachment to actuator 130 .
- the attachment of endpiece 150 to actuator 130 can be permanent or temporary, via weld, adhesive, pins, or threadably secured, etc.
- FIG. 2D depicts another embodiment of endpiece 150 .
- base 158 which has internal threading, can be for example, but not by way of limitation, a nut.
- One end of actuator 130 for example extendable portion 132 , is threaded to allow attachment to endpiece 150 .
- arms 152 a , 152 b are arranged to form a generally inverted V-shape as depicted in the figures.
- Arms 152 a , 152 b define the generally inverted V-shape by serving as the sides which meet at an apex as depicted in FIGS. 1B , 1 C, 2 B, 2 C, 2 D, and 3 D.
- space 154 defined by arms 152 a , 152 b can have some degree of contour as arrangment of arms 152 a , 152 b is varied but still generally has the appearance of an inverted letter “V.”
- arms 152 a , 152 b are arranged such that arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b are parallel to each other.
- arms 152 a , 152 b do not converge at an apex, rather aims 152 a , 152 b are parallel and the general shape can be thought of as generally rectangular in shape but without a fourth side.
- arms 152 a , 152 b have a length of 8.89 cm (3.5 in), a width of 1.27 cm (0.5 in), and a height of 3.81 cm (1.5 in).
- apparatus 100 includes a support member 170 .
- Support member 170 is coupled to elongated frame member 190 at lower end 194 of elongated frame member 190 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A , 1 B, and 1 C.
- support member 170 includes two rails 172 a , 172 b and space 174 defined between rails 172 a , 172 b .
- Rails 172 a , 172 b define rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b , respectively, for supporting article 110 as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D .
- support member 170 also includes gap 176 .
- Rails 172 a , 172 b are arranged such that rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b are parallel to each other.
- the distance between rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b is substantially similar to the distance between arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b such that arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b are aligned with rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b .
- “aligned” does not require the arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b to be parallel to the rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b , but instead, the surfaces are sufficiently aligned as long as the arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b will contact article portions disposed on the rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b upon activation of the actuator.
- the distance between rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b is approximately 1.27 cm (0.5 in) and the distance between arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b is approximately 1.27 cm (0.5 in).
- rails 172 a , 172 b of support member 170 have a length of about 101.6 cm (40 in), a width of about 1.27 cm (0.5 in), and a height of about 6.35 cm (2.5 in).
- Arms 152 a , 152 b are arranged to allow the force exerted upon an article 110 to be applied evenly on engaged article portions 111 a , 111 b while avoiding contact with proximal portions, such as 112 , 114 within spaces 154 , 174 , respectively. Arms 152 a , 152 b are arranged such that arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b engage article portions 111 a , 111 b of article 110 disposed on rails 172 a , 172 b .
- the distance between rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b is substantially similar to the distance between arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b such that arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b are aligned with or overlie rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b for engaging article 110 .
- arms 152 a , 152 b and rails 172 a , 172 b may be adapted and modified to accommodate the shape and dimensions of the article to be straightened.
- FIG. 3B depicts another embodiment of support member 170 where rail contact sufaces 173 a , 173 b contain gap 176 .
- article portions 111 a , 111 b which are engaged by arms 152 a , 152 b are not disposed on rails 172 a , 172 b and thus article portions 111 a , 111 b overlying gap 176 are not in contact with rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b when engaged by arms 152 a , 152 b .
- Gap 176 in rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b helps reduce the potential for cracking or breaking article 110 during the straightening process.
- article 110 When article 110 is engaged by endpiece 150 , article 110 is permitted to slightly bend, flex, or deform into gap area 176 . Once the force (or stress) is no longer applied, the article 110 returns to the starting position within gap area 176 with the portion of article 110 overlying gap 176 straightened.
- the endpiece 150 is caused to engage an article on the support member 170 through activation of an actuator 130 .
- Actuator 130 can be anything that converts a source of energy into some kind of motion capable of producing a force.
- actuator 130 could be a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic or air cylinder, a vertical ram, or any other device known in the art capable of applying a sufficient force required to straighten article portions 111 a , 111 b disposed on support member 170 , as depicted in FIG. 3D without cracking or breaking article 110 .
- actuator 130 can exert a force of approximately 20.7 MPa (3,000 psi) to straighten article 110 .
- actuator 130 is a double acting cylinder. Movement of actuator 130 is controlled by actuator valve 134 via lever 135 and lines 136 and 138 in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Lines 138 are connected to a reservoir not depicted in the drawings but known to those skilled in the art.
- actuator 130 and support member 170 are coupled to opposite ends of elongated frame member 190 .
- elongated frame member 190 has upper end 192 and lower end 194 providing attachments sites for the actuator 130 and support member 170 , respectively.
- Actuator 130 and support member 170 are arranged on the elongated frame member 190 such that space 154 between arms 152 a and 152 b is aligned with space 174 defined by rails 172 a and 172 b . For example, when endpiece 150 is moved toward support member 170 , space 154 will overlie space 174 , likewise arm contact surfaces 153 a , 153 b will overlie rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b.
- actuator 130 Activation or engagement of actuator 130 causes endpiece 150 to move toward or be lowered to support member 170 thereby permitting arms 152 a , 152 b to engage article 110 . Likewise, retracting or moving actuator 130 and endpiece 150 away from article 110 disposed on rails 172 a , 172 b ceases such engagement.
- endpiece 150 is coupled to extendable portion 132 that is on one end of actuator 130 .
- Activation of actuator 130 causes extendable portion 132 and endpiece 150 to move toward support member 170 .
- Extendable portion 132 and endpiece 150 can be secured to each other by any means known in the art, for example, pins, weld, adhesive, clips, or threadable attachment, etc.
- one end of actuator 130 for example extendable portion 132 , is threaded to permit attachment with endpiece 150 .
- the coupling between actuator 130 and endpiece 150 can be permanent or temporary.
- Article 110 as depicted in FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrates one embodiment as to how article 110 may be positioned with respect to support member 170 and endpiece 150 .
- bent portions 111 a , 111 b are disposed on rails 172 a , 172 b and are in contact with rail contact surfaces 173 a , 173 b .
- Space 174 is adapted to receive article portion 114 , which is proximal to portions 111 a , 111 b as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D .
- space 154 is adapted to receive article portion 112 .
- portion 112 in space 154 is not engaged by endpiece 150 .
- article 110 is not limited to that depicted in FIGS. 3C and 3D .
- article 110 can be arranged in such a way that article portion 112 and 114 are in contact with rails 172 a , 172 b and article portion 111 a is positioned in space 174 .
- article 110 can be positioned such that only article portion 112 is in contact with rail contact surface 173 a of rail 172 a and no remaining portions of the article 110 are disposed in space 174 .
- article 110 is a t-post; however, article 110 can be any metal or alloy post, such as posts typically used for street signs, i.e., U-channel posts; or any article that can be disposed on rails 172 a , 172 b regardless of having portions, such as 112 , 114 which can be received by spaces 154 , 174 .
- apparatus 100 is that it is portable.
- apparatus 100 may be attached, for example, to the three-point hitch on a tractor utilizing attachment portions 200 . Additionally, apparatus 100 may be transported on a flat bed vehicle or towed for use on-site, for example when a property owner travels along a fence line for inspection and repair.
- actuator 130 can come from using the hydraulics and/or electrical source of a tractor or the bale spike hydraulics of a truck. Additionally, actuator 130 may be operably connected to an air compressor.
- apparatus 100 may be adapted as a self-contained unit for use with a 4-wheeler or off-road vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
- ATV all-terrain vehicle
- provisions are made for attachment or towing of apparatus 100 to the vehicle, as well having a self-contained reservoir and movable power source.
- the power source could also be the battery of the ATV in addition to a separate movable power source.
- a self-contained movable resevoir may be used in the embodiments described herein.
- apparatus 100 may be oriented and operated horizontally provided provisions are made, for example, by adjusting location of attachment portions 200 .
- a method for straightening article 110 comprises placing article 110 on rails 172 a , 172 b and moving actuator 130 having arms 152 a , 152 b connected thereto toward rails 172 a , 172 b and into engagement with portions 111 a , 111 b of article 110 to straighten.
- Space 174 is defined between rails 172 a , 172 b and space 154 is defined between arms 152 a , 152 b .
- Spaces 174 and 154 are adapted to receive article portions 114 , 112 , respectively.
- the method also includes moving actuator 130 with arms 152 a , 152 b away from article 110 disposed on rails 172 a , 172 b .
- engaging and retracting actuator 130 are well known to those skilled in the art.
- activating or engaging and retracting actuator 130 is performed by operating lever 135 operably coupled to actuator 130 .
- the method also includes removing article 110 from rails 172 a , 172 b.
- steps of placing article 110 on rails 172 a , 172 b , and moving actuator 130 toward and away from article 110 can be repeated one or more times at the same portions of article 110 or at different portions along article 110 prior to removing article 110 from rails 172 a , 172 b.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Processing Of Meat And Fish (AREA)
- Chain Conveyers (AREA)
- Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
- Manipulator (AREA)
- Automobile Manufacture Line, Endless Track Vehicle, Trailer (AREA)
- Discharge Of Articles From Conveyors (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus and method for straightening an article are disclosed. The apparatus and method disclosed provide for the conservation of metal, reduction waste worldwide, and the extension of the useful life for an article. The apparatus may comprise an actuator, an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween; and a support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween. Upon activation of the actuator, the arms engage the article disposed on the rails. Also, the space between the arms is aligned with the space between the rails. Both spaces are adapted to receive article portions such that portions within the spaces are not engaged by the arms.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/452,112, filed Apr. 20, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/008,858, entitled POST-STRAIGHTENING APPARATUS AND METHOD filed Jan. 18, 2011.
- The inability to quickly and effectively straighten a bent metal article contributes to the proliferation of metal waste in landfills around the world.
- For example, metal articles are used in fence lines as well as support posts for signs. In maintaining fence lines, the property owner travels along the fence line to inspect the integrity of the fence. Upon finding a bent article, the property owner typically discards the article and replaces the article with a new unbent replacement in lieu of the physically-intensive and time-intensive manual straightening of the article, and the cost-intensive option of transporting and repairing the article at a separate location.
- The prior art does not describe an apparatus or method that quickly and effectively straightens a metal article containing ridges or other variable surfaces. An apparatus or method of this type would contribute to the reduction of metal waste in the world's landfills.
- The apparatus and method described herein provide a portable implement that can be used on-site to quickly and effectively straighten a metal article thereby extending the useful life of the article, conserving metal and fuel, reducing transportation costs, reducing costs associated with the destruction of property, as well as stymie the growth of metal waste in landfills worldwide. Embodiments of the inventive apparatus could be used in a variety of applications, including the farming and livestock industries, as the costs with maintaining fencing lines are significant.
- In one embodiment, an apparatus for straightening an article is provided. The apparatus comprises an actuator; an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween; a support member, the support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween. Upon activation of the actuator, the arms will engage article portions disposed on the rails to straighten the article. The spaces defined between the arms and the rails are adapted to receive article portions to prevent contact with such portions if desired.
- In another embodiment, an apparatus for straightening an article comprises an actuator; an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween, and the arms also define arm contact surfaces for contacting the article. The apparatus also includes a support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween, and the rails also define rail contact surfaces for supporting the article. Also included is an elongated frame member, such that the actuator and the support member are coupled to the frame member and arranged such that the space between the arms is aligned with the space between the rails. Upon activation of the actuator, the actuator moves toward the support member causing the arm contact surfaces of the arms to engage the article. The space between the arms is adapted to receive article portions adjacent to those engaged by the arms and the space between the rails is adapted to receive article portions such that article portions within the spaces are not engaged.
- In another embodiment, a method for straightening an article is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (a) placing an article on a pair of rails, the rails defining a space therebetween; (b) moving an actuator with a pair of arms connected thereto toward the rails and into engagement with a portion of the article to straighten, the arms defining a space therebetween; (c) moving the actuator with the pair of arms away from the article disposed on the rails; and (d) removing the article from the rails. The steps of (a)-(c) can be repeated one or more times at the same or a different portion of the article prior to performing step (d).
- The objects, features and advantages of the apparatus and method will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the description of preferred embodiments which follows when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1A is a front view of the apparatus. -
FIG. 1B is a side view of the apparatus. -
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the apparatus. -
FIG. 2A is a top view of one embodiment of the endpiece. -
FIG. 2B is a side view of one embodiment of the endpiece. -
FIG. 2C is a perspective view of one embodiment of the endpiece. -
FIG. 2D is a perspective view of another embodiment of the endpiece. -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the support member. -
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of another embodiment of the support member. -
FIG. 3C is a side view of one embodiment of an article disposed on the support member. -
FIG. 3D is a side view of one embodiment illustrating engagement of an article disposed on the support member by an endpiece. - In one embodiment, an apparatus for straightening an article is provided. As depicted in
FIG. 1C ,apparatus 100 comprisesactuator 130,endpiece 150,support member 170, andelongated frame member 190. Upon activation ofactuator 130,endpiece 150 moves toward and engages an article that is located onsupport 170. One advantage ofapparatus 100 is that it permits selective straightening of articles such that some portions may be engaged byendpiece 150 while other portions are avoided. For example, as depicted inFIGS. 3C and 3D ,article 110 may containportions portions support member 170 are adapted to straightenarticle 110 based on features described in the embodiments that follow. - One embodiment of
endpiece 150 is depicted inFIGS. 2A , 2B, and 2C. In this embodiment,endpiece 150 includesarms arms space 154.Arms arm contact surfaces Endpiece 150 further includesbase portion 156 from whicharms Base portion 156 provides a site of attachment toactuator 130. The attachment ofendpiece 150 toactuator 130 can be permanent or temporary, via weld, adhesive, pins, or threadably secured, etc.FIG. 2D depicts another embodiment ofendpiece 150. In this embodiment,base 158, which has internal threading, can be for example, but not by way of limitation, a nut. One end ofactuator 130, for exampleextendable portion 132, is threaded to allow attachment toendpiece 150. - In one aspect of this embodiment,
arms Arms FIGS. 1B , 1C, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3D. In effect,space 154, defined byarms arms arms embodiment arms arms - In one aspect,
apparatus 100 includes asupport member 170.Support member 170 is coupled toelongated frame member 190 atlower end 194 ofelongated frame member 190 as illustrated inFIGS. 1A , 1B, and 1C.FIGS. 3A and 3B depict two embodiments ofsupport member 170. InFIG. 3A ,support member 170 includes tworails space 174 defined betweenrails Rails article 110 as shown inFIGS. 3C and 3D . InFIG. 3B ,support member 170 also includesgap 176. -
Rails support member 170 have a length of about 101.6 cm (40 in), a width of about 1.27 cm (0.5 in), and a height of about 6.35 cm (2.5 in). -
Arms article 110 to be applied evenly on engagedarticle portions spaces Arms article portions article 110 disposed onrails article 110. It should be appreciated thatarms -
FIG. 3B depicts another embodiment ofsupport member 170 where rail contact sufaces 173 a, 173 b containgap 176. In this embodiment,article portions arms rails article portions b overlying gap 176 are not in contact with rail contact surfaces 173 a, 173 b when engaged byarms Gap 176 in rail contact surfaces 173 a, 173 b helps reduce the potential for cracking or breakingarticle 110 during the straightening process. Whenarticle 110 is engaged byendpiece 150,article 110 is permitted to slightly bend, flex, or deform intogap area 176. Once the force (or stress) is no longer applied, thearticle 110 returns to the starting position withingap area 176 with the portion ofarticle 110overlying gap 176 straightened. - In one embodiment, the
endpiece 150 is caused to engage an article on thesupport member 170 through activation of anactuator 130.Actuator 130 can be anything that converts a source of energy into some kind of motion capable of producing a force. Forexample actuator 130 could be a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic or air cylinder, a vertical ram, or any other device known in the art capable of applying a sufficient force required to straightenarticle portions support member 170, as depicted inFIG. 3D without cracking or breakingarticle 110. For example, but not by way of limitation,actuator 130 can exert a force of approximately 20.7 MPa (3,000 psi) to straightenarticle 110. - In one embodiment,
actuator 130 is a double acting cylinder. Movement ofactuator 130 is controlled byactuator valve 134 vialever 135 andlines Lines 138 are connected to a reservoir not depicted in the drawings but known to those skilled in the art. - In one arrangement,
actuator 130 andsupport member 170 are coupled to opposite ends ofelongated frame member 190. As depicted inFIG. 1C ,elongated frame member 190 hasupper end 192 andlower end 194 providing attachments sites for theactuator 130 andsupport member 170, respectively.Actuator 130 andsupport member 170 are arranged on theelongated frame member 190 such thatspace 154 betweenarms space 174 defined byrails endpiece 150 is moved towardsupport member 170,space 154 will overliespace 174, likewise arm contact surfaces 153 a, 153 b will overlie rail contact surfaces 173 a, 173 b. - Activation or engagement of
actuator 130 causes endpiece 150 to move toward or be lowered to supportmember 170 thereby permittingarms article 110. Likewise, retracting or movingactuator 130 andendpiece 150 away fromarticle 110 disposed onrails endpiece 150 is coupled toextendable portion 132 that is on one end ofactuator 130. Activation ofactuator 130 causesextendable portion 132 andendpiece 150 to move towardsupport member 170.Extendable portion 132 andendpiece 150 can be secured to each other by any means known in the art, for example, pins, weld, adhesive, clips, or threadable attachment, etc. In one embodiment, one end ofactuator 130, for exampleextendable portion 132, is threaded to permit attachment withendpiece 150. The coupling betweenactuator 130 andendpiece 150 can be permanent or temporary. -
Article 110 as depicted inFIGS. 3C and 3D illustrates one embodiment as to howarticle 110 may be positioned with respect to supportmember 170 andendpiece 150. InFIGS. 3C and 3D ,bent portions rails Space 174 is adapted to receivearticle portion 114, which is proximal toportions FIGS. 3C and 3D . For example, whenarticle 110 is engaged byarms b portion 114 inspace 174 is not engaged. Likewise,space 154 is adapted to receivearticle portion 112. Thus, whenarticle 110 is engaged byarms portion 112 inspace 154 is not engaged byendpiece 150. - It should be appreciated that the configuration of
article 110 is not limited to that depicted inFIGS. 3C and 3D . For example,article 110 can be arranged in such a way thatarticle portion rails article portion 111 a is positioned inspace 174. In another arrangement,article 110 can be positioned such thatonly article portion 112 is in contact withrail contact surface 173 a ofrail 172 a and no remaining portions of thearticle 110 are disposed inspace 174. In one aspect,article 110 is a t-post; however,article 110 can be any metal or alloy post, such as posts typically used for street signs, i.e., U-channel posts; or any article that can be disposed onrails spaces - One advantage of
apparatus 100 is that it is portable. In one embodiment,apparatus 100 may be attached, for example, to the three-point hitch on a tractor utilizingattachment portions 200. Additionally,apparatus 100 may be transported on a flat bed vehicle or towed for use on-site, for example when a property owner travels along a fence line for inspection and repair. - For example, in farming operations, the power required to operate
actuator 130 can come from using the hydraulics and/or electrical source of a tractor or the bale spike hydraulics of a truck. Additionally,actuator 130 may be operably connected to an air compressor. - For example,
apparatus 100 may be adapted as a self-contained unit for use with a 4-wheeler or off-road vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). In such an arrangement, provisions are made for attachment or towing ofapparatus 100 to the vehicle, as well having a self-contained reservoir and movable power source. The power source could also be the battery of the ATV in addition to a separate movable power source. It should be appreciated that a self-contained movable resevoir may be used in the embodiments described herein. - Although the figures depict
elongated frame member 190 as oriented vertically, it should be appreciated thatapparatus 100 may be oriented and operated horizontally provided provisions are made, for example, by adjusting location ofattachment portions 200. - A method for straightening
article 110 is disclosed. The method comprises placingarticle 110 onrails actuator 130 havingarms rails portions article 110 to straighten.Space 174 is defined betweenrails space 154 is defined betweenarms Spaces article portions actuator 130 witharms article 110 disposed onrails actuator 130 are well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, activating or engaging and retractingactuator 130 is performed by operatinglever 135 operably coupled toactuator 130. The method also includes removingarticle 110 fromrails - It should be appreciated that the steps of placing
article 110 onrails actuator 130 toward and away fromarticle 110 can be repeated one or more times at the same portions ofarticle 110 or at different portions alongarticle 110 prior to removingarticle 110 fromrails - Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While certain embodiments of the invention have been described for the purpose of this disclosure, numerous changes in the construction and arrangement of parts and the performance of steps can be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of this invention defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for straightening an article comprising:
an actuator;
an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece comprising two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween, wherein the arms define arm contact surfaces for contacting an article to be straightened; and
a support member comprising two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween, wherein the rails define rail support surfaces for supporting the article,
wherein the space between the arms aligns with the space between the rails, wherein upon activation of the actuator, the actuator moves toward the support member causing the arms to engage the article, wherein the spaces are adapted to receive article portions such that article portions within the spaces are not engaged, and wherein article portions within the space between the arms avoid contact with the endpiece and article portions within the space between the rails avoid contact with the support member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an elongated frame member, wherein the actuator and the support member are coupled to the frame member and arranged such that the arm contact surfaces are aligned with the rail support surfaces.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a gap in each rail support surface, wherein an article portion overlying the gap is not contacted by the rail support surfaces and is engaged by the arms.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the arms define a first length and the gap in the rail support surfaces defines a second length, wherein the first and second lengths are substantially similar.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arm contact surfaces are parallel.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rail support surfaces are parallel.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arms define an inverted V-shape.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the endpiece comprises a base portion and the arms extend from the base portion.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the base portion has internal threading and one end of the actuator is threaded to allow attachment to the endpiece.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the article is a t-post.
11. A method for straightening an article comprising the steps of:
a) placing an article on a pair of rails, the rails define rail support surfaces for supporting the article, wherein the rails define a space therebetween, wherein the article is placed on the pair of rails in a manner to permit receipt of a first article portion within the space defined between the rails such that the first article portion avoids contact with the rails;
b) moving an actuator with a pair of arms connected thereto toward the rails and into engagement with the article, wherein the aims define a space therebetween, wherein the space between the arms is capable of receiving a second article portion thereby permitting the second article portion to avoid contact with the arms;
c) moving the actuator with the pair of arms away from the article disposed on the rails; and
d) removing the article from the rails.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein each rail support surface includes a gap, wherein the portion of the article overlying the gap is not contacted by the rail support surfaces and wherein the portion of the article overlying the gap is engaged by the arms.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the article is a t-post.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the steps of moving the actuator toward and away from the rails are performed by operating a lever operably coupled to the actuator.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein steps (a) to (c) are repeated one or more times at the same or a different portion of the article prior to performing step (d).
16. An apparatus for straightening an article comprising:
an actuator;
an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece comprising two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween, wherein the arms define arm contact surfaces for contacting an article to be straightened;
a support member comprising two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween, wherein the rails define rail support surfaces for supporting the article, wherein the arm contact surfaces are aligned with the rail support surfaces; and
wherein upon activation of the actuator, the actuator moves toward the support member causing the arms to engage the article, and wherein the space between the arms and the space between the rails are adapted to receive article portions such that article portions within the spaces are not engaged, wherein article portions within the space between the arms avoid contact with the endpiece and article portions within the space between the rails avoid contact with the support member.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , further comprising an elongated frame member, wherein the actuator and the support member are coupled to the frame member.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein each rail support surface includes a gap, wherein an article portion overlying the gap is not contacted by the rail support surfaces and wherein the article portion overlying the gap is engaged by the arms.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the arms define a first length and the gap in the rail support surfaces defines a second length, wherein the first and second lengths are substantially similar.
20. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the space between the arms defines a first width and the space between the rails defines a second width, wherein the first and second widths are substantially similar.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/888,058 US20130239646A1 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2013-05-06 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/008,858 US8181497B2 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2011-01-18 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
US13/452,112 US20120198907A1 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2012-04-20 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
US13/888,058 US20130239646A1 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2013-05-06 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/452,112 Continuation US20120198907A1 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2012-04-20 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130239646A1 true US20130239646A1 (en) | 2013-09-19 |
Family
ID=43897230
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/008,858 Expired - Fee Related US8181497B2 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2011-01-18 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
US13/452,112 Abandoned US20120198907A1 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2012-04-20 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
US13/888,058 Abandoned US20130239646A1 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2013-05-06 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/008,858 Expired - Fee Related US8181497B2 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2011-01-18 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
US13/452,112 Abandoned US20120198907A1 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2012-04-20 | Post straightening apparatus and method |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US8181497B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012207520A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2824810A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2013008089A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012099857A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103143596A (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2013-06-12 | 常熟市中钛科技有限公司 | Titanium pipe straightening machine |
CN108500091A (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2018-09-07 | 陕西飞机工业(集团)有限公司 | A kind of T-shaped proximate matter curved surface forming processing unit (plant) and processing method |
CN110340179B (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2024-06-25 | 电子科技大学中山学院 | Automatic all-in-one of pivot length detection screening and burring that flattens |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2135278A (en) * | 1936-10-13 | 1938-11-01 | Guy A Countryman | Attachment for hydraulic jacks |
US2726703A (en) * | 1952-01-24 | 1955-12-13 | William W Fultz | Axle and flange straightener |
US3400567A (en) * | 1965-11-09 | 1968-09-10 | Cie Du Filage Des Mataux Et De | Method and apparatus for straightening and untwisting elongated metal sections |
US4088002A (en) * | 1975-07-10 | 1978-05-09 | G.C. Barnes Tooling And Mfg. Co., Inc. | Method and means of straightening cycle frames |
US7310987B1 (en) * | 2006-07-17 | 2007-12-25 | Eitel Presses, Inc. | Bend-straightening machine with vertically movable table |
Family Cites Families (41)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2750983A (en) * | 1956-06-19 | Rogers | ||
GB190225472A (en) | 1902-11-20 | 1903-09-24 | Sam Thomas Richardson | Improvements in the Manufacture of Pneumatic Tyres. |
US1426658A (en) * | 1921-03-16 | 1922-08-22 | Schwab Louis | Bench block |
US1677968A (en) * | 1923-01-08 | 1928-07-24 | United Shoe Machinery Corp | Fastener-applying device |
US1700748A (en) * | 1927-01-21 | 1929-02-05 | Richard A Schaaf | Automobile axle-straightening device |
US1907925A (en) * | 1931-05-04 | 1933-05-09 | Bear Mfg Co | Automobile frame straightening machine |
US2141736A (en) * | 1937-07-06 | 1938-12-27 | Boeing Aircraft Co | Offset die |
US2180157A (en) * | 1937-09-18 | 1939-11-14 | John T Loftus | Method and apparatus for straightening rails |
US2255987A (en) * | 1938-12-19 | 1941-09-16 | Blackhawk Mfg Co | Automobile repair equipment |
US2393317A (en) * | 1944-02-09 | 1946-01-22 | Jr William C Edwards | Straightening press for aircraft propellers and the like |
US2596976A (en) * | 1946-10-17 | 1952-05-20 | Edford E Barber | Post straightening jack |
US2490976A (en) * | 1946-11-26 | 1949-12-13 | Goodyear Aircraft Corp | Method of making airfoils, helicopter blades, leading edges, and the like |
US2788831A (en) * | 1953-10-27 | 1957-04-16 | Auto Bumper Straightening Dies | Apparatus for straightening metallic vehicle bumpers |
US3007508A (en) * | 1955-09-05 | 1961-11-07 | Promecam | Sheet-metal bending press |
US3103963A (en) * | 1960-07-29 | 1963-09-17 | Starr A Dove | Shaft straightening device |
US3108629A (en) * | 1961-09-14 | 1963-10-29 | Vance J Jenkins | Body clamp |
US3220240A (en) * | 1963-03-15 | 1965-11-30 | Joseph L Selvaggio | Rail curving machine |
US3501941A (en) * | 1967-06-28 | 1970-03-24 | Sylvester F Long | Straightener for posts and the like |
US3623350A (en) * | 1970-02-02 | 1971-11-30 | Robert N Hansen | Scaffold straightening method and apparatus |
US3779295A (en) * | 1971-10-14 | 1973-12-18 | P Balsbaugh | Log splitter and tube bender |
US4055981A (en) * | 1977-01-19 | 1977-11-01 | Olson Barry W | Portable guardrail straightener for field use |
US4254651A (en) * | 1979-02-01 | 1981-03-10 | Kelly William R | Device for bending metal objects |
US4400968A (en) * | 1981-04-20 | 1983-08-30 | Barbieri Louis C | Apparatus for reforming deformed container structures and the like |
US4534197A (en) * | 1982-03-23 | 1985-08-13 | Woolley Brown J | Method and apparatus for straightening pipe |
US4483175A (en) * | 1982-12-17 | 1984-11-20 | Hansen Edward L | Thin wall tube straightening apparatus |
US4558583A (en) * | 1984-02-07 | 1985-12-17 | Shaw Sr Robert A | Mobile pipe bending carriage |
JPS63199025A (en) | 1987-02-14 | 1988-08-17 | Sumitomo Metal Ind Ltd | Method for straightening bend of pipe/bar stock |
US4862724A (en) * | 1988-08-23 | 1989-09-05 | Haws Spencer K | Expander for thin walled metal pipe |
US4974436A (en) * | 1989-02-24 | 1990-12-04 | Sanko Industries Limited | Cutting tool to facilitate bending of hollow tubing |
US5315856A (en) * | 1992-08-07 | 1994-05-31 | Lips Propellers, Inc. | Apparatus for propeller straightening |
US5406821A (en) * | 1994-04-07 | 1995-04-18 | Eagle Precision Technologies, Inc. | Tube bending apparatus and method |
US5878615A (en) * | 1996-06-17 | 1999-03-09 | Akard & Griffin | Apparatus and method for bending/cutting a workpiece |
DE19647894A1 (en) * | 1996-11-20 | 1998-06-04 | Kbh Produktions Automation Gmb | Bending straightener |
US5904340A (en) * | 1998-02-19 | 1999-05-18 | Allamon; Bruce D. | Hydraulic device for automobile accidents |
US6272900B1 (en) * | 1999-04-21 | 2001-08-14 | Matthew Kobel | Extension ram tip |
DE19924408A1 (en) | 1999-05-27 | 2001-01-04 | Rolf W Albert | Mobile straightening device for traffic sign posts and bollards, with hydraulic cylinder, hand pump, oil tank, dolly and changeable holding cuffs |
US6393890B1 (en) | 1999-07-12 | 2002-05-28 | Eitel Presses, Inc. | Bend-straightening machine with drive unit mounted on top of press frame |
US6318424B1 (en) * | 2001-03-05 | 2001-11-20 | Herman F. Elfrink | Multi-purpose hydraulic press, metal bending, and log splitting apparatus |
US6823707B2 (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2004-11-30 | Abl Fabricators, Inc. | Mobile flange press and method |
US7302824B1 (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2007-12-04 | Buckler Donald J | Portable press system for repairing automotive components |
CN201217024Y (en) | 2008-06-30 | 2009-04-08 | 南京金长江交通设施有限公司 | Upright post straightening press |
-
2011
- 2011-01-18 US US13/008,858 patent/US8181497B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2012
- 2012-01-17 MX MX2013008089A patent/MX2013008089A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2012-01-17 CA CA2824810A patent/CA2824810A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-01-17 AU AU2012207520A patent/AU2012207520A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-01-17 WO PCT/US2012/021515 patent/WO2012099857A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-04-20 US US13/452,112 patent/US20120198907A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-05-06 US US13/888,058 patent/US20130239646A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2135278A (en) * | 1936-10-13 | 1938-11-01 | Guy A Countryman | Attachment for hydraulic jacks |
US2726703A (en) * | 1952-01-24 | 1955-12-13 | William W Fultz | Axle and flange straightener |
US3400567A (en) * | 1965-11-09 | 1968-09-10 | Cie Du Filage Des Mataux Et De | Method and apparatus for straightening and untwisting elongated metal sections |
US4088002A (en) * | 1975-07-10 | 1978-05-09 | G.C. Barnes Tooling And Mfg. Co., Inc. | Method and means of straightening cycle frames |
US7310987B1 (en) * | 2006-07-17 | 2007-12-25 | Eitel Presses, Inc. | Bend-straightening machine with vertically movable table |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20120198907A1 (en) | 2012-08-09 |
WO2012099857A8 (en) | 2013-08-08 |
AU2012207520A1 (en) | 2013-05-02 |
CA2824810A1 (en) | 2012-07-26 |
WO2012099857A1 (en) | 2012-07-26 |
US20110094284A1 (en) | 2011-04-28 |
US8181497B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 |
MX2013008089A (en) | 2014-01-31 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20130239646A1 (en) | Post straightening apparatus and method | |
US7673492B2 (en) | Tool to aide in the bending of rebar (reinforced steel bars) on construction site | |
ATE422813T1 (en) | AGRICULTURAL MACHINE WITH A TRANSPORTATION DEVICE | |
JP2013199819A (en) | Foundation pile | |
CN202070606U (en) | Straightening device of guardrail baffle | |
DE502007002488D1 (en) | METHOD AND BENDING DEVICE FOR BENDING FLAT METALLIC WORKPIECES | |
CN110465563A (en) | A kind of steel construction part bending auxiliary device and its application method | |
US6260403B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for arching large diameter pipes | |
CN205008450U (en) | High pressure fuel pipe's auxiliary fixtures bends | |
CN107838644B (en) | A kind of assembly method of automobile bearing assembly frame | |
CN202527621U (en) | Guardrail net bending machine | |
CN2087539U (en) | Movable hydraulic bed | |
CN205726946U (en) | Trapezoidal traction apparatus | |
US4055981A (en) | Portable guardrail straightener for field use | |
KR200355388Y1 (en) | Apparatus for reforming pipe | |
CN204122520U (en) | Reclaim anchor pole repair machine | |
CN212970899U (en) | Greenhouse frame corrector | |
CN215998370U (en) | Special-shaped tube forming device | |
CN206838801U (en) | Body of a motor car lines shaping assisting tension device | |
CN210754498U (en) | Loading machine brake oil pipe protection plate pressing device | |
CN207961415U (en) | A kind of drag chain fixing device | |
CN213768504U (en) | Brake device for pile driver | |
CN108772710B (en) | A kind of protective fence processing unit (plant) used based on highway convenient for assembling | |
CN2865898Y (en) | Rockbolt straightener | |
US20070152202A1 (en) | Roller jack assembly and methods of using same |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |