Abstract:
An apparatus and method for reforming deformed drums. Deformed drums are placed over an apparatus that expand a series of arms as a user exerts a force generally downward and outward along a sliding axis of a central mast. The apparatus is secured to a rigid mount that allows sufficient forces to be applied to the deformed drum that allow the device to reshape to a usable form. The apparatus is portable enough such that it can easily be mounted to a movable platform, for example, a construction vehicle with a typical square receiver trailer hitch.

Description:
RELATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/475,690 filed 5 Jun. 2003. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This invention relates to the reforming of deformed channelizer drums as used in road construction or maintenance. Such drums are often deformed when impacted by vehicular traffic in construction zones. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Channelizer drums are used to indicate a path for motorists during road construction or maintenance. Due to the close proximity to vehicles, these drums are routinely deformed during impact with said vehicles. The drums are designed to be reformed after an impact. If a drum is lightly deformed, it can generally be reformed by rolling it along the ground using ones hands to reshape the drum. If the drum is more severely deformed, it requires an increased effort using other methods. These methods may include kicking the drum from the inside, beating the inside of the drum with a shovel, lumber or similar object. If the damage is severe, the drum is generally discarded. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a system to quickly reform all conditions of said channelizer drums. 
   A typical channelizer drum used in the United States is tapered from an upper diameter of approximately 18 inches to a lower diameter of approximately 20 inches with a height of approximately 40 inches. The top of a channelizer drum is closed and includes a handle and mounting holes for use with lights or other devices. The drums are often made of low or high density polyethylene polymers and are wrapped with bands reflective sheeting. Typical channelizer traffic control devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,710,053 and 5,234,280. The bottom of a channelizer drum is open when not attached to a ballasted base. There exist many slight variations to this basic shape, but for the purposes of this invention, this approximate configuration will be assumed. 
   Each of the shown and discussed embodiments of this invention relate to the mounting of said invention to a rigid mounting structure, such as a motor vehicle. One mounting system illustrated and described is a typical square trailer hitch mounting system. A typical trailer hitch receiver is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,837. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for reforming deformed drums. Deformed drums are placed over an apparatus that expand a series of arms as a user exerts a force generally downward and outward along a sliding axis of a central mast. The apparatus is secured to a rigid mount that allows sufficient forces to be applied to the deformed drum that allow the device to reshape to a usable form. The apparatus is portable enough such that it can easily be mounted to a movable platform, for example, a construction vehicle with a typical square receiver trailer hitch. Of course, one skilled in the art would readily know and understand that many other rigid mounting systems exist and could be used while maintaining the scope of the invention. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method that allows a worker the capability to perform the reforming near the site where the deforming occurred. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method that allows for adjustment of the apparatus to allow for various worker heights and mounting heights. An optimal ergonomic height generally exists for a worker to exert a force along a generally outward and downward direction. Various workers and mounting heights make it desirable for the apparatus to accommodate these variations. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method that allows a worker to exert a nominal force to accommodate reforming. Existing equipment include typical construction tools, for example, a shovel, a hammer, a board, or a pipe. When used in conjunction with typical worker actions, for example, pulling or kicking, reforming can require significant effort. It is also generally understood that exerting considerable effort for an extended period of time is undesirable. Often, if a worker is given the choice of exerting considerable effort to reform a deformed drum versus replacing it, the worker will often choose to replace it. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for reforming deformed channelizer drums in a safer and in a generally improved ergonomic manner. Related to the object of providing an apparatus and method that allows a worker to exert a nominal force to accommodate reforming, a reduction in stress can be inferred from using the invention versus the awkward motions described previous. For example, trying to place one leg inside a deformed drum and trying to kick out the deformations, is generally understood to be non-ergonomic and potentially unsafe. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus that can provide additional reduction in worker effort by the adding a power-assisting capability. One embodiment of the invention utilizes and external power source to increase the power advantage of the invention. One such source, for example, could be a pneumatic compressor. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus that includes a power-assisting capability that allows for simple and efficient to control of the external power source. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus that includes a power-assisting capability that can still function in a manual-mode if the power source for said power-assisting device is unavailable. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method that allows for minimal additional damage to the channelizer drum during reforming. In one existing method of reforming, it requires a worker to roll a deformed drum along a generally flat surface while pressing down on the deformed drum. Often the surface consists of typical road construction debris, for example, rocks, dirt, asphalt, or concrete. These surfaces can have a negative affect on the reflective surface of the channelizer drum. The invention enables reforming from the interior of the drum and typically does not negatively impact the reflective sheeting on the exterior of the drum. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for reforming deformed channelizer drums that would previously be discarded due to the costly labor intensive method to reform said drums. High labor costs of skilled construction workers can imply that a specific amount of time be dedicated to reforming a deformed drum. If an excessive amount of time is required to reform the drum, it is financially advantageous to discard the drum and replace it with a new drum. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus is generally self-contained and easily transportable. 
   It should also be noted that this invention is generally described as to how it pertains to a channelizer drum, but it could also be suitably used to reform similarly shaped devices, such as a typical flexible polymer trash can, for example. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the channelizer drum reformer according to the invention in a retracted mode; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a typical non-deformed channelizer; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment in conjunction with a vehicle and showing an approximate direction of placing a deformed channelizer drum onto the invention; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment similar to  FIG. 1 , except in an expanded mode according to the invention; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a partial perspective view of first and second exemplary embodiments of the central mast according to the invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a partial perspective view of first and second exemplary embodiments of the rigid reforming template according to the invention; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a partial perspective view of first and second exemplary embodiments of an angularly adjustable mounting system according to the invention; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a partial perspective view of first and second exemplary embodiments of an expanding arm according to the invention; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment including a power-assist system shown in an expanded mode as according to the invention; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a partial perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment detailing a power-assist valve system according to the invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a pneumatic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment with a pneumatic power source available; 
       FIG. 12  is a pneumatic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment with a pneumatic power source unavailable; 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment shown in a retracted mode as according to the invention; and 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a partial perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a compressible linkage assembly. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1–11 , wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating certain preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same,  FIG. 3  shows a first exemplary embodiment of the invention  100  is mounted to a vehicle  300  utilizing a typical hitch receiver  310 . Drum  200  is positioned over the invention. 
     FIG. 2  shows drum  201  in a non-deformed condition, whereas drum  200  ( FIG. 3 ) is a typical condition where said invention would be generally useful. Drum  200  additionally indicates a generally flat or oval-shaped deformation. Drums  200  and  201  are shown without ballast bases secured. Most construction applications of drums require use of a ballast base. It is understood that any such ballast base that covers the open end of a channelizer drum is detached prior to use of the invention. 
   Placing the open-end of drum  200  over the invention will eventually contact a portion of the invention. Now referring to  FIG. 1 , drum  200  will contact a surface of the rigid reforming assembly  128 , and potentially one or more of the cam-arm assemblies  129  which are connected to the central mast The cam-arm assemblies have upper ends  501  and lower ends  502 . The upper ends are movable between a retracted position in which a deformed channelizer drum may be paced over them, and an extended position ( FIG. 4 ) in which the upper ends  501  are further from the axis of the central mast  127  than when in the retracted position. Moreover, when in the extended position, plurality of arms  129  generally match the shape of an inner surface of a channelizer drum ( FIG. 2 ). The rigid reforming assembly  128  and the cam-arm assemblies  129  are maintained in an extended and retracted mode by means for biasing the plurality of arms toward the retracted position, such as elastic cords  109  and  120 . As a worker continues to apply force to the top of drum  200 , the drum  200  will begin to reform due to the wedge-shape of the cam-arm assemblies  129  and the general drum-shape of the rigid reforming assembly  128 . As noted above, a deformed drum  200  often takes a generally flat shape. It is generally easier to orientate the wider open-end of drum  200  with the rigid reforming assembly  128 . Rigid reforming assembly has an outer perimeter conforming to the interior surface of a channelizer drum. 
   Continued applied force to the top of the drum  200  will begin to overcome the resistive forces of elastic cords  109  and  120  urging the rigid reforming assembly and attached cam-arm assemblies along a path generally defined by the central mast assembly  127  having an axis ( FIG. 5 ). Rigid reforming assembly  128  is guided from a combination of sliding and rolling members. Narrow rollers  105  are guided along a path generally defined by the c-shaped guide rails  113 . Low-friction guides  132  placed between roller guide  107  and guide mounting plates  136  is held in position from roller guide fasteners  133  guide the lower portion the rigid reforming assembly  128  along the central mast  101 . 
   Downward movement of the rigid reforming assembly  128  along the central mast assembly  127  encourages the cam-arm assemblies  129  to expand outward along a path generally defined by the grooved rollers  103  and cam  117  ( FIG. 8 ) from their retracted position to their extended position. The outward expansion of cam-arm assemblies  129  press against the interior surface of drum  200  encouraging it to take a generally cylindrical shape. Additionally, the tapered sides of the rigid reforming assembly  128  as defined by the outer frame member  110  encourage drum  200  to reform as it is pressed downward. 
   Continued downward movement of the rigid reforming assembly  128  along the central mast assembly  127  will eventually urge outer frame member  110  of the rigid reforming assembly  128  to contact the upper-most end of the central mast  101  of the central mast assembly  127 . At this position, cam-arm assemblies  129  being at their greatest outward position. 
   If upon the greatest outward position ( FIG. 4 ) of the cam-arm assemblies  129 , drum  200  is not at a desired level of reforming, the process can be repeated. As the downward force is removed from the top of drum  200 , elastic cords  109  and  120  will encourage the rigid reforming assembly  128  and cam-arm assemblies  129  to move upward and retract to its initial condition ( FIG. 1 ) upon roller guide  107  contacting end-of-travel stop  106 . If a deformed portion of drum  200  lie in a region that is not near a contact area of either the rigid reforming assembly  128  or cam-arm assemblies  129 , then it may be beneficial to rotate the drum  200  relative to the invention such that a deformed portion is aligned with the rigid reforming assembly  128  or a cam-arm assembly  129  for the next reforming cycle. 
     FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the central mast assembly  127 , which has an upper end  503  and lower end  504 . Narrow rollers  105  rotate about fasteners  126  and are inserted through plates  104  welded to central mast  101 . Fasteners  126  additionally support upper ends of elastic cords  109 . Grooved rollers  103  rotate about fasteners  143  and are inserted through plates  102  welded to spacer tubes  141  that are welded to central mast  101 . 
     FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the rigid reforming assembly  128 . Outer frame member  110  approximates the inner profile of a typical drum  201 . The strength of c-shaped guide rails  113  are enhanced by bracing tubes  111 ,  112  and lower frame member  135  which are joined to outer frame member  110 . Joined to lower frame members  135  are guides plates  136  that allow a mounting position for cam-arm assemblies  129 , low-friction guides  132 , and roller guides  107  held in position by fasteners  133 . Rods  125  attach to the lower end of elastic cords  109 . 
     FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of pivot mount assembly  130 . Central mast  101  is angularly adjustable about fastener  124  by positioning fastener  123  into a corresponding pair of holes  131  in angle adjuster plates  122 . Adjuster plates  122  are secured to hitch adapter mount tube  121 . Hitch adapter tube  121  can be in turn rigidly secured to a rigid structure such as vehicle  300  ( FIG. 3 ) if when said vehicle utilizes a typical hitch receiver  310  and secured into the hitch receiver  310  with a hitch pin or equivalent through hole  134 . Accordingly, the mounting assembly permits a selectable angular orientation of the apparatus with respect to the ground. 
     FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of cam-arm assembly  129 . Cam arm assembly  129  pivots about fastener  108  mounted through guide plates  136  ( FIG. 6 ). Fastener  108  is inserted through offset tube  116  secured to vertical arm tube  115 . Vertical arm tube  115  is capped by a low-friction structure such as radius cap  118  reducing sliding forces to the channelizer drum  200  during reforming. Cam  117  engages grooved roller  103  and generally defines the rate at which the cam-arm assembly  129  extends outwardly as the rigid reforming assembly encouraged downward. Elastic cords  120  are attached to rods  119  urging continuous contact between cams  117  and grooved rollers  103 . 
     FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a channelizer drum reformer  400 . Channelizer drum reformer  400  is generally the same as channelizer drum reformer  100  with the addition of a power-assist system. Pneumatic cylinder  401  is mounted at one end by fasteners  402  through plate  404 . The opposing end of pneumatic cylinder  401  is attached to nut  403  welded to lower frame member  135  of rigid reforming assembly  128 . Power-assist valve system  405  mounts to central mast  101  of central mast assembly  127  and angle adjuster plates  122  of the pivot mount assembly  130 . The powerized system moves the plurality of arms form their retracted position to their extended position. 
     FIG. 10  shows a partial perspective view of a second embodiment of a channelizer drum reformer  400  power-assist valve system  405 . It is the function of the power-assist valve system  405  to provide a simple means by which to actuate pneumatic cylinder  401 . Downward force applied on channelizer drum  200  is transmitted to the rigid reforming assembly  128 . If when the force is substantial enough, elastic cords  109  and  120  extend and cam-arm assemblies  129  are urged outward, and at some point contact the interior of channelizer drum  200 . This downward force on channelizer drum  200  is eventually transmitted to the central mast assembly  127  component central mast  101 . Adjustable angle adapter tube  420  is mounted rigidly to pivot mount assembly  130  by fasteners inserted through holes  421  and  422 . Compression spring  415  is contained in spring cup  406  at one end and contact tube  418  at the opposing end. Spring cup  406  and valve  416  are secured to pivot plate  407 . Pivot plates  407 ,  408 ,  409  and  410  rotate about fasteners  411 ,  412 ,  413  and  414  urging central mast  101  and adjustable angle adapter tube  420  to maintain a generally parallel orientation. Depression of the button  417  allows flow of compressed air from supply hose  419  to pneumatic cylinder  401 . When the power-assist valve system  405  is in equilibrium, valve  416  is not actuated and button  417  rests against contact tube  418 . Downward applied force on channelizer drum  200  is eventually transmitted to compression spring  415 . If the applied forces become great enough, compression spring  415  deflects and button  417  is depressed enabling flow of compressed air from supply hose  419  to pneumatic cylinder  401  urging it to extend. The extension of pneumatic cylinder  401  urges cam-arm assemblies outward against the interior of drum  200  aiding in the reforming process. 
     FIG. 11  is a pneumatic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment where a pneumatic power source  419  is available. Depression of button  417  allows compressed air to flow through hose  423  to cylinder  401  urging cylinder  401  to extend and urging air from the annular side of cylinder  401  through muffler  426  to atmosphere. Release of button  417  allows air flow through mufflers  425  and  426  as elastic cords  109  and  120  urge cylinder into a retracted position. 
     FIG. 12  is a pneumatic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment where power source  419  is unavailable or has been disconnected from valve  416 . Valve  416  is fitted with a typical male quick-disconnect fitting  424  that allows free-flow of air when disconnected and thereby allowing a generally free movement of cylinder  401 . 
   Valve  416  is designed such that when button  417  is not depressed, air within pneumatic cylinder  401  can flow freely through the valve  416 . Additionally, the annular cavity of pneumatic cylinder  401  is open to atmosphere. This pneumatic design enables the invention to function in a manual-mode when a compressed air supply is not available. 
     FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the channelizer drum reformer  500 . Drum  200  is similarly positioned over the invention as described in the second embodiment of the invention and illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As drum  200  is lowered onto the invention until at least one expander arm  508  contacts an interior area of drum  200 . Timing slide  502  is made of low-friction material and is contained by central mast  501 . Timing slide  502 , timing slide pivot  503 , and middle linkage  511  urge each expander arm  508  to move in unison. Elastic cord  509  is attached to an expander arm  508  at one end and central mast  501  at the opposite end urging expander arm  508  in an upward and retracted position. Expander arm  508  moves in a path generally defined by upper compressible linkage  513  and lower linkage  510 . It is intended that at full outward extension of linkages  513  and  510  that expander arms  508  approximate the maximum inside diameter of drum  201 . Upper compressible linkage  513  allows for variations in drum diameters. Radius cap  512  attached to expander arm  508  reduced sliding forces between drum  200  and expander arm  508 . 
   Continued downward force applied to drum  200  urges expander arms  508  in an outward direction encouraging reforming of drum  200 . If upon the greatest outward position of the expander arms  508 , drum  200  is not at a desired level of reforming, the process can be repeated. As the downward force is removed from the top of drum  200 , elastic cord  509  encourage the all expander arms  508  to move upward and retract to their initial retracted positions. The drum can be reoriented to position expander arms  508  in a manner that will further encourage reforming upon the next cycle of expansion. 
   As described previously in the first embodiment of the invention, it is useful to adjust the height of the invention to accommodate various worker and mounting heights. Spring  507  urges arm  506  into notches of adjustable index plate  505 . The angle of central mast  501  in relation to hitch adapter mount tube  504  is easily indexed by retracting arm  506  and positioning arm  506  into another notch. 
     FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of compressible linkage  513 . Slide linkage  514  inserted through square linkage tube  515 . Compression spring  518  contacts linkage tube  515  at one end and spring cap  519  at the opposing end. Spring cap  519  is joined to slide linkage  514 . Nut  517  is threaded on the lower end of slide linkage  514 . Pivot  516  is joined to linkage tube  515 . 
   Those of skill in the art will understand that various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims. For example, while the shown embodiment utilizes one movable arm, then invention could easily constructed using a single arm, along with a rigid-reforming structure, or with more than two arms, either with or without a rigid reforming structure. 
   All references cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they supplement, explain, provide a background for or teach methodology or techniques employed herein.