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:
BACKGROUND 
     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&#39;s landfills. 
     SUMMARY 
     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 first 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 second 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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus for straightening an article is provided. As depicted in  FIG. 1C , 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. For example, as depicted in  FIGS. 3C and 3D , 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. 
     One embodiment of endpiece  150  is depicted in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C. In this embodiment, 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 . In this embodiment, 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 . 
     In one aspect of this embodiment, 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. In effect, space  154 , defined by arms  152   a ,  152   b  can have some degree of contour as arrangement of arms  152   a ,  152   b  is varied but still generally has the appearance of an inverted letter “V.” In another embodiment, not depicted in any of the figures, arms  152   a ,  152   b  are arranged such that arm contact surfaces  153   a ,  153   b  are parallel to each other. In this embodiment arms  152   a ,  152   b  do not converge at an apex, rather arms  152   a ,  152   b  are parallel and the general shape can be thought of as generally rectangular in shape but without a fourth side. In one embodiment, 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). 
     In one aspect, 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.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict two embodiments of support member  170 . In  FIG. 3A , 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 . In  FIG. 3B , 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 . In this embodiment, “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. For example, in one embodiment, 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). In another embodiment, 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 . As previously discussed, 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 . It should be appreciated that 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 surfaces  173   a ,  173   b  contain gap  176 . In this embodiment, 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. 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. 
     In one embodiment, 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. For example 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 . For example, but not by way of limitation, actuator  130  can exert a force of approximately 20.7 MPa (3,000 psi) to straighten article  110 . 
     In one embodiment, 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. 
     In one arrangement, actuator  130  and support member  170  are coupled to opposite ends of elongated frame member  190 . As depicted in  FIG. 1C , 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.    
     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. In one embodiment, 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. In one embodiment, 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 . In  FIGS. 3C and 3D , 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 . First 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 . For example, when article  110  is engaged by arms  152   a ,  152   b  portion  114  in space  174  is not engaged. Likewise, second space  154  is adapted to receive article portion  112 . Thus, when article  110  is engaged by arms  152   a ,  152   b , portion  112  in space  154  is not engaged by endpiece  150 . 
     It should be appreciated that the configuration of article  110  is not limited to that depicted in  FIGS. 3C and 3D . For example, 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 . In another arrangement, 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 . 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 on rails  172   a ,  172   b  regardless of having portions, such as  112 ,  114  which can be received by spaces  154 ,  174 . 
     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 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. 
     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 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. It should be appreciated that a self-contained movable reservoir may be used in the embodiments described herein. 
     Although the figures depict elongated frame member  190  as oriented vertically, it should be appreciated that 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  is disclosed. The method 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. First space  174  is defined between rails  172   a ,  172   b  and second space  154  is defined between arms  152   a ,  152   b . First and second 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 . As previously discussed above, engaging and retracting actuator  130  are well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, 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.    
     It should be appreciated that the 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.    
     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.