Abstract:
A former ( 10 ) for a reinforced concrete cage making machine, adapted to hold a plurality of longitudinally extending rods is disclosed, the former ( 10 ) including a frame comprising an inner frame ( 21 ), an outer frame ( 20 ) and transverse frame members ( 22 ), and a plurality of rod supports ( 11 ), each rod support ( 11 ) adapted to hold an associated longitudinally extending rod, wherein the rod supports ( 11 ) are mounted to the frame ( 21, 20, 22 ) such that the transverse location of at least one of the rod supports ( 11 ) can be varied, relative to the frame ( 21, 20, 22 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a former for a cage-making machine which is adapted to hold a plurality of longitudinally extending rods and, in particular, to a former which is adapted to hold a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcing rods. 
   The invention has been developed primarily for use with cage-making machines which are adapted for use in the construction of reinforcing cages for reinforcing concrete and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular use. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
   Some cage-making machines which are adapted for constructing reinforcing cages for reinforcing concrete utilise a former which is mounted on the machine. The former is adapted to hold a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcing rods during the construction of a reinforcing cage. In particular, the former is adapted to hold the rods such that the rods are maintained in a particular transverse relationship with respect to each other. Cage-making machines which employ formers of this type are usually operated by firstly inserting a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcing rods into the former. The rods are then progressively withdrawn from the former as a reinforcing cage is constructed. Construction of the cage typically involves winding a reinforcing bar around the withdrawn portions of the rods while simultaneously welding or otherwise attaching the bar to the rods. 
   A reinforcing cage manufacturer will usually have a number of formers on-hand with each former being adapted for use in the construction of a reinforcing cage having a particular arrangement of longitudinally extending reinforcing rods. There are a number of significant disadvantages associated with formers of this type. 
   One disadvantage is that, since cage-making machines usually permit only one former to be mounted thereon, it is often necessary to provide a sufficient amount of storage space to store the formers which are not in use. 
   A further disadvantage is that the manufacturer will often have to replace the former mounted on its cage-making machine with a diff rent former in order to produce a cage having a different arrangement of longitudinally extending reinforcing rods. 
   When a cage manufacturer transports its cage-making machine to a construction site, the manufacturer will often have to transport more than one former so that cages having different arrangements of longitudinally extending reinforcing rods can be constructed on-site. Transporting more than one former usually results in increased transportation costs. 
   Also, it often occurs that a manufacturer will not have a former on-hand which is suitable for constructing a cage having a particular arrangement of longitudinally extending reinforcing rods. Therefore, the manufacturer must either obtain a suitable former or somehow modify an existing former. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,773 (Pfender) discloses a machine for fabricating a reinforcing body or cage for a concrete pipe. The machine includes an axially stationary main wheel, an axially mobile support wheel mounted coaxially and drivable synchronously with the main wheel, a hub received by the main wheel, and a plurality of spokes radiating from the hub to the main wheel. Radially adjustable guide pieces are carried by the spokes and are used for supporting longitudinal rods of the cage which are to be welded to a wire which is wound around the rods. The transverse locations of the longitudinal rods relative to the main wheel and the hub are able to be adjusted by repositioning the radially adjustable guide pieces relative to the spokes so that the machine can be used for fabricating different types of cages. 
   It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a former for holding a plurality of longitudinally extending rods and for use with a cage-making machine which is used for fabricating reinforcing cages for reinforcing concrete, the former including: 
   an inner frame member; 
   an outer frame member; 
   a plurality of transverse frame members located around a perimeter of the inner frame member and extending between the inner frame member and the outer frame member; and 
   a plurality of rod supports for holding the rods, wherein the rod supports are secured relative to the transverse frame members, and wherein the transverse location of at least one of the rod supports is able to be adjusted relative to the transverse frame member to which the at least one of the rod supports is secured, 
   the former being characterised in that the transverse location of at least one of the transverse frame members is able to be adjusted relative to the inner frame member and the outer frame member such that the at least one of the transverse frame members is able to radiate from a particular location on the perimeter of the inner frame member towards any one of a plurality of locations on the outer frame member. 
   Preferably, an aperture substantially extends through the outer frame member; and
         the inner frame member is recieved by the aperature in the outer frame member.       

   Advantageously, the outer frame member is a cylinder and the aperture in the outer frame member extends longitudinally through the outer frame member. 
   Preferably, the radial location of at least one of the rod supports between the inner frame member and the outer frame member is able to be adjusted. 
   In a preferred form, at least one of the transverse frame members extends radially between the inner frame member and the outer frame member. 
   At least one of the transverse frame members is skewed relative to a radially extending position between the inner frame member and the outer frame member. 
   Advantageously, an aperture extends through the inner frame member. The aperture which extends through the inner frame member may be adapted to enable an axle which has a non-circular transverse cross-section to rotatably lock with the inner frame member. The aperture which extends through the inner frame member may have a non-circular transverse cross-section. For example, the aperture which extends through the inner frame member may have a rectangular transverse cross-section. 
   Preferably, the transverse frame members are removably mounted between the inner frame member and the outer frame member. The inner frame member and the outer frame member may each include locating formations which are adapted to locate the removable transverse frame members relative to the inner frame member and the outer frame member. Preferably, the locating formations of the inner frame member are located opposite an inside surface of the outer frame member, and the locating formations of the outer frame member are located opposite an outer surface of the inner frame member. Each of the locating formations may be in the form of a groove which is adapted to receive an associated one of the transverse frame members. In particular, each of the locating formations may be a radial groove. Each of the locating formations of the outer frame member may be in the form of a locating aperture which extends through a side of the outer frame member. Each of the locating apertures are adapted to receive the transverse frame members. Each of the locating apertures may extend radially through a side of the outer frame member. Preferably, the locating formations of the inner and outer frame members are adapted to enable at least one of the transverse frame members to be skewed relative to a radially extending position between the inner and outer frame members. 
   Advantageously, each of the transverse frame members is in the form of a plate. Each of the transverse frame members may include a plurality of mounting apertures 
   The mounting apertures are preferably elongate. The mounting apertures are preferably adapted to enable at least one of the rod supports to be removably secured to the plate. 
   The rod supports may be tubes. 
   In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is an end elevation of a former according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1B  is a side elevation of the former illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
       FIG. 2A  is a side elevation of a transverse frame member which is used in the former illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
       FIG. 2B  is an end elevation of the transverse frame member illustrated in  FIG. 2A ; 
       FIG. 3A  is a side elevation of a rod support which is used in the former illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
       FIG. 3B  is an end elevation of the rod support illustrated in  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 4  is a simplified end elevation of the former illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  which shows the former with a plurality of transverse frame members; 
       FIG. 5  is a simplified end elevation of the former illustrated in  FIG. 1A  which shows how the skewing of a transverse frame member can be achieved; 
       FIG. 6A  is a side elevation of a transverse frame member which is used in the former illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 6B  is a magnified view of a portion of the transverse frame member illustrated in  FIG. 6A ; 
       FIG. 7A  is an end elevation of a former according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7B  is a side elevation of the former illustrated in  FIG. 7A ; 
       FIG. 8  is an end elevation of a former according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9A  is an end elevation of a former according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9B  is a side elevation of the former illustrated in  FIG. 9A ; 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevation of a transverse frame member which is used in the former illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ; 
       FIG. 11A  is an end elevation of a former according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11B  is a side elevation of the former illustrated in  FIG. 11A ; 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevation of a transverse frame member and rod support which are used in the former illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ; 
       FIG. 13A  is a side elevation of a rod support which is used in the former illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ; 
       FIG. 13B  is an end elevation of the rod support illustrated in  FIG. 13A ; and 
       FIG. 14  is an end elevation of a former according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A first embodiment of a former is illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and is designated generally as  10 . The former  10  is adapted to hold a plurality of longitudinally extending rods. The former  10  includes a frame and a plurality of rod supports  11  that are each adapted to hold an associated said longitudinally extending rod. The rod supports  11  are mounted to the frame such that the transverse location of the rod supports  11  can be varied relative to the frame. 
   The frame includes an outer frame member  20 , an inner frame member  21  and a plurality of transverse frame members  22  (note that only one is shown) extending between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . 
   The rod supports  11  are mounted to the transverse frame members  22 . The outer frame member  20  is in the form of a cylinder having flanges  30  located at either end. An aperture  31  extends longitudinally through the outer frame member  20 . A plurality of locating formations in the form of radially extending grooves  32  are evenly distributed around an inner surface of the outer frame member  20 . Grooves  32  extend the length of the outer frame member  20  or, alternatively, the grooves  32  may only extend through the flanges  30 . Grooves  32  are substantially parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis of the outer frame member  20 . 
   The inner frame member  21  is also in the form of a cylinder. The length of the inner frame member  21  is substantially equal to the length of the outer frame member  20 . A plurality of locating formations in the form of radially extending grooves  42  are evenly distributed around an outer surface of the inner frame member  21 . Grooves  42  extend the length of the inner frame member  21 . Alternatively, the grooves  42  may extend through a plurality of rings which are mounted at spaced locations on the inner frame member  21 . Grooves  42  are substantially parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis of the inner frame member  21 . 
   The inner frame member  21  is coaxial with the outer frame member  20 . Aperture  31  receives the inner frame member  21  such that the inner frame member  21  is spaced from the outer frame member  20 . Each groove  42  of the inner frame member  21  is aligned with an associated groove  32  of the outer frame member  20 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , each transverse frame member  22  is generally in the form of a rectangular plate. The length of each transverse frame member  22  is substantially equal to the length of the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . The width of each transverse frame member  22  is such that the transverse frame members  22  can be mounted between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . Each transverse frame member  22  includes a plurality of mounting apertures  50  extending therethrough. The mounting apertures  50  are arranged into three main banks  51  to  53  with each main bank  51  to  53  being formed from two minor banks  54  and  55  which are offset from one another. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , each rod support  11  is adapted to slidably receive a longitudinally extending rod. Each rod support  11  includes a tube  60  and a plurality of lugs  61  extending perpendicularly therefrom. Lugs  61  are aligned with each other and are spaced along the length of the tube  60 . A threaded aperture extends into each lug  61  from a free end thereof. The threaded apertures enable a bolt to be screwed into each lug  61 . The distance between each adjacent pair of lugs  61  is equal to the distance between an associated pair of adjacent and like minor banks (i.e. minor bank  54  or  55 ). Also, the dimensions of the lugs  61  are such that each lug  61  can be received by a mounting aperture  50 . A rod support  11  is mounted to a transverse frame member  22  by inserting each lug  61  into an associated mounting aperture  50  of each main bank  51  to  53 . Once the lugs  61  are inserted into the transverse frame member  22 , the rod support  11  is secured to the transverse frame member  22  by screwing a bolt into the threaded aperture of each lug  61 . The mounting location of the rod supports  11  on the transverse frame member  22  can be varied by choosing different mounting apertures  50 . 
   Again referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a single transverse frame member  22  having a plurality of rod supports  11  mounted thereto is shown removably mounted between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . The rod supports  11  are mounted to the transverse frame member  22  such that they are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of both the outer and inner fram members  20 ,  21 . Further, the rod supports  11  are located on either side of the transverse frame member  22  such that the rod supports  11  on one side of the transverse frame member  22  are offset from the rod supports  11  on the opposite side of the transverse frame member  22 . 
   The transverse frame member  22  is mounted between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21  by aligning each longitudinal edge of the transverse frame member  22  with an associated groove  32  or  42  and then sliding the transverse frame member  22  between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . Each groove  32 ,  42  is adapted to receive a longitudinal edge of the transverse frame member  22  such that the transverse frame member  22  is positively located relative to the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . 
   The transverse frame member  22  is able to be mounted such that it extends radially between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . In this case the longitudinal edges of the transverse frame member  22  are received by aligned grooves  32 , 42 . 
   Although  FIG. 1A  only shows a single transverse frame member  22 , a plurality of transverse frame members  22  will normally be mounted between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . The transverse frame members  22  typically support the inner frame member  21  within the outer frame member  20 . However, the inner frame member  21  may be supported within the outer frame member  20  by some other means so that the inner frame member  21  maintains its position relative to the outer frame member  20  even if all of the transverse frame members  22  are removed from between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates the former  10  when a plurality of transverse frame members  22  are mounted between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . The transverse frame members  22  extend radially between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , the former  10  is shown having four transverse frame members  22  mounted between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . As previously mentioned, each groove  32  of the outer frame member  20  is aligned with an associated groove  42  of the inner frame member  21 . Thus, when a transverse frame member  22  is mounted between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21  by aligned grooves  32 ,  42 , the transverse member  22  will extend radially between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . However, grooves  32 ,  42  are adapted so that the transverse frame members  22  can be mounted in grooves  32 ,  42  which are not aligned with each other. This enables the transverse frame members  22  to be mounted such that they do not extend radially between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21  and are slightly skewed. In other words, the inclination of the transverse frame members  22  relative to the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21  can be varied. As an example, grooves  32 ,  42  may be adapted to enable the transverse frame members  22  to be mounted between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21  in any one of the illustrated positions A, B, C, D or E. 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B  further illustrate the transverse frame member  22  used in the former  10 . 
   A second embodiment of a former is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  and is designated generally as  100 . For convenience, features of the former  100  that are similar or correspond to features of the former  10  have been referenced using the same reference numbers. 
   The outer frame member  20  is generally in the form of a cylinder having flanges  30  located at either end. The cylinder is constructed from a plurality of longitudinally extending elongated members  101 , wherein each elongated member  101  has a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section. Flanges  30  are provided by a pair of axially aligned rings that are spaced apart from each other. Each elongated member  101  extends between the rings and is suitably mounted to an inner surface of each ring. The elongated members  101  are mounted to the rings such that adjacent elongated members  101  are separated from each other by radial locating apertures  102  which function as locating formations. The locating apertures  102 , which are identical to each other, extend the length of the outer frame member  20  and are substantially parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis of the outer frame member  20 . The locating apertures  102  are evenly distributed around the perimeter of the outer frame member  20  and each locating aperture  102  is aligned with an associated groove  42  of the inner frame member  21 . 
   There are two methods by which the transverse frame members  22  can be mounted between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21  of the former  100 . The first method is identical to the method described in connection with the former  10 . According to the second method, a transverse frame member  22  is inserted through an associated locating aperture  102  so that a longitudinal edge of the transverse frame member  22  is received by an associated groove  42  and an opposite longitudinal edge is received by an associated locating aperture  102 . This second method is illustrated in  FIG. 7A  which shows three different transverse frame members  22  at various stages of insertion between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . In order to use the second method, the rod supports  11  must be removed from the transverse frame members  22  before the transverse frame members  22  are able to pass through the locating apertures  102 . The transverse frame members  22  need to be secured to the outer or inner frame members  20 ,  21  by a suitable means to prevent them from falling out of the former  100 . 
   Grooves  42  and locating apertures  102  can be configured so that the inclination of the transverse frame members  22  relative to the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21  can be varied. 
   A third embodiment of a former is illustrated in  FIG. 8  and is designated generally as  200 . For convenience, features of the former  200  that are similar or correspond to features of the previously described embodiments have been referenced using the same reference numbers. 
   Former  200  is similar to former  10  except that former  200  includes an intermediate frame member  201 . Also, transverse frame members  22  extend between the intermediate and inner frame members  201 ,  21 . Further, transverse frame members  22  extend between the intermediate and outer frame members  201 ,  20 . 
   The intermediate frame member  201  has a similar configuration to the outer frame member  20  except that the intermediate frame member  201  has a plurality of locating formations in the form of radial grooves  202 ,  203  which are evenly distributed around an outer and inner surface, respectively, of the intermediate frame member  201 . Grooves  202 ,  203  extend the length of the intermediate frame member  201  and are substantially parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis of the intermediate frame member  201 . Each groove  202  of the intermediate frame member  201  is aligned with an associated groove  32  of the outer frame member  20 . Also, each groove  203  of the intermediate frame member  201  is aligned with an associated groove  42  of the inner frame member  21 . 
   A fourth embodiment of a former is illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  and is designated generally as  300 . For convenience, features of the former  300  that are similar or correspond to features of the previously described embodiments have been referenced using the same reference numbers. 
   Former  300  is similar to former  10  except that former  300  includes an aperture  301  which extends through the inner frame member  21 . The aperture  301  is adapted to enable an axle having a non-circular transverse cross-section to rotatably lock with the inner frame member  21 . The aperture  301  has a rectangular transverse cross-section. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates the configuration of the transverse frame members  22  which are used in the former  300 . 
   A fifth embodiment of a former is illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  and is designated generally as  400 . For convenience, features of the former  400  that are similar or correspond to features of the previously described embodiments have been referenced using the same reference numbers. 
   Former  400  is similar to former  300  except that former  400  uses transverse frame members  401  which have a different configuration to the transverse frame members  22  used by former  300 . 
     FIG. 12  details the configuration of the transverse frame member  401 . Each transverse frame member  401  is generally in the form of a rectangular plate. The length of each transverse frame member  401  is substantially equal to the length of the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . The width of each transverse frame member  401  is substantially equal to the width of the gap between the outer and inner frame members  20 ,  21 . Each transverse frame member  401  includes a plurality of elongated mounting apertures  402 ,  403  extending therethrough. The mounting apertures  402 ,  403  are arranged into three banks  404  to  406  with each bank  404  to  406  being formed from a pair of parallel mounting apertures  402 ,  403  which are offset from one another. 
   The rod support  11  illustrated in  FIGS. 13A and 13B  is identical to the rod support  11  illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The distance between each pair of adjacent lugs  61  is equal to the distance between an associated pair of adjacent and like mounting apertures  402 ,  403 . 
   Rod support  11  is mounted to the transverse frame member  401  by inserting each lug  61  into an associated mounting aperture  402  or  403 . Once the lugs  61  are inserted into the transverse frame member  401 , the rod support  11  is secured to the transverse frame member  401  by screwing a bolt into the threaded aperture of each lug  61 . The location of the rod support  11  relative to the transverse frame member  401  can be varied by sliding the lugs  61  within the apertures  402 ,  403 . This change of location can be implemented manually or by a suitable mechanical means. 
   A sixth embodiment of a former is illustrated in  FIG. 14  and is designated generally as  500 . For convenience, features of the former  500  that are similar or correspond to features of the previously described embodiments have been referenced using the same reference numbers. 
   Former  500  is similar to former  200  except that the inner frame member  21  of former  500  includes an aperture  301  in a similar manner to formers  300  and  400 .