US3848450A

US3848450A - Cable straightener

Info

Publication number: US3848450A
Application number: US00350335A
Authority: US
Inventors: E Dehlbom; R Foshaug
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-04-12
Filing date: 1973-04-12
Publication date: 1974-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 1991-11-19

Abstract

A ram is mounted on a base for reciprocative movement of the ram head in a plane extending between a pair of blocks also mounted on the base. A bent portion of a cable is supported across the blocks with the bend facing the ram head, whereupon movement of the latter toward the blocks effects straightening of the cable. In a preferred embodiment, the ram head extends through an opening in the base and is provided with opposed cable-engaging surfaces, and a pair of blocks are provided on each of the opposing sides of the base, whereupon bent cable may be straightened either from below the base or from above it. The spacing between the blocks is adjustable to accommodate the straightening of cables of various diameters.

Description

United States Patent Dehlbom et al.

[ Nov. 19, 1974 l CABLE STRAIGHTENER [76] 1111161110151 Eugene K. Dehlbom, 3241 Allen St., SW g m jg g K6150 wash. 98626; Rockne sszstant xammerF amesOl uIZDanO1 Foshaug, Route 1, Box 15, Rainier, Attorney Agent or lrm Iver Ore 97048 g 57 ABSTRACT [22] Filed: 1973 A ram is mounted on a base for reciprocative move- [21] Appl. No.: 350,335 ment of the ram head in a plane extending between a pair of blocks also mounted on the base. A bent portion of a cable is supported across the blocks with the 72/384 6 bend facing the ram head, whereupon movement of [58] d 29/200 B the latter toward the blocks effects straightening of le earc 29/203 D the cable. In a preferred embodiment, the ram head extends through an opening in the base and is provided with opposed cable-engaging surfaces, and a [56] References cled pair of blocks are provided on each of the opposing UNITED STATES PATENTS sides of the base, whereupon bent cable may be 489,102 1/1893 Short 72/389 straightened either from below the base or from above 630,484 8/1899 Brown 1 72/389 it, The spacing between the blacks is adjustable to ac- 2,100,961 11/1937 Jones et a1.... 72/389 commodate h Straightening f cables of various 2,711,205 6/1955 Brown 72/389 ameters 3,270,545 9/1966 Jackes et a] 29/200 B 3.333445 8/1967 Mergler et al. 72/389 I 6 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 5 54 6456 I I II 10 U11 W I y R i i 48 w:

14 7' l: as U12 7 36 V PATENTEL rm 1 9 I914 CABLE STRAIGHTENER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to cable straighteners, and more particularly to a cable straightener of unique construction and mode of operation.

Cable straighteners provided heretofore involve the introduction of bent cable between clamps or rollers. This requires arduous, difficult and sometimes hazardous manual manipulation of the cable. Further, the strength of the cable is adversely affected by such treatment. Moreover, such prior cable straighteners are of bulky and heavy construction and therefore are not capable of convenient transport. Accordingly, it has been required to transport bent cable from the site of use to a distant plant in which the equipment is permanently installed. The cost of transport to and from such permanent installation, together with the loss of cable production time at the site of use, reflect adversely on the cost of operations in which the cable is employed. Such prior cable straighteners also are of complex and costly construction and require considerable maintenance and repair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In its basic concept, the cable straightener of this invention involves the relative movement between a pair of spaced cable supports and a ram head positioned in a plane extending between the pair of cable supports, whereby engagement of the head with an intermediate portion of bent cable extending between the cable supports effects straightening of the cable as the head and spaced cable supports move toward each other.

It is by virtue of the foregoing basic concept that the principal objective of this invention is achieved; namely, to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of prior cable straighteners.

Another important object of this invention is the provision of a cable straightener which is capable of mounting on a vehicle for transport to and use at a site of cable operation.

Still another important object of this invention is the provision of a cable straightener which requires minimum manual manipulation of bent cable for installation in the straightener.

A further important object of this invention is the provision of a cable straightener which is adjustable with speed and facility to accommodate the straightening of cables of various diameters.

A still further important object of this invention is the provision of a cable straightener which is of simplified construction for economical manufacture.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this invention will appear from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing of a preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a view in side elevation of a cable straightener embodying the features of this invention, parts being broken away to disclose details of internal construction.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 33 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, foreshortened view in elevation of the head component of the straightener shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The cable straightener illustrated includes a base member 10 in the form of a flat structural plate. The base member may be secured to any desired form of structural support. In the embodiment illustrated, an elongated post 12 of square or other non-circular crosssection is secured at its upper end to the rearward side of the base member and extends vertically downward therefrom. The post is receivable removably in an elongated hollow sleeve 14 having a corresponding noncircular cross-section. The sleeve is secured to any desired structural support. Thus, it may be secured to a bench or other structural support to provide a permanent, in-plant installation. Alternatively, it may be secured to a truck, tractor, or other type of vehicle for transport of the straightener to the site of cable operations.

Mounted on the base and extending upwardly therefrom is an elongated structural frame 16. In the embodiment best illustrated in FIG. 2, this frame is in the form of an H-beam. The bottom of the beam is secured to the base member, as by welding or other suitable means, and the top of the beam is provided with a support plate 18.

An extensible fluid pressure ram is supported by the beam. In the embodiment illustrated, the elongated fluid pressure cylinder 20 of the ram is supported at its upper end by a bolt 22 extending through the top plate 18. A U-shaped strap 24 encircles the exposed lower portion of the cylinder and is secured at its ends to the beam, as by means of bolts 26. Flexible conduits 28 extend from the opposite ends of the cylinder through openings in the beam 16 for connection to a source of fluid pressure, preferably hydraulic pressure.

The piston rod 30 of the ram projects downward from the cylinder for removable attachment of a head member 32. In the embodiment best illustrated in FIG. 4, the head member comprises an elongated structural member of substantially C-shape, providing a pair of

opposed head sections

34 and 36. The upper end of the head member is provided with a threaded bore for connection to the threaded terminal end of the piston rod 30. A lock nut 38 on the threaded piston rod (FIG. 3) serves to secure the connection.

The elongated head member extends freely through an opening 40 in the base member, for vertical reciprocation during extension and retraction of the ram. The portion of the head member projecting downward through the base member is confined within and guided by a channel-shaped guide 42 which is secured to and projects downward from the base member.

Associated with the head member are two pairs of laterally spaced cable support members. One pair 44 projects upward from the base member and other pair 46 projects downward therefrom. In the embodiment illustrated, one member of each pair are interconnected as an integral unit, by forwardly and rearwardly extending channel sections 48 and 5.0, respectively. These channel sections space the joined support members apart and form an elongated slot 52 which freely receives the base member therethrough. Outwardly extending gussets 54 on the support members bear on the base plate to stablize the support members against outward tilting.

Means is provided for securing the pairs of support members to the base member, preferably for lateral adjustment of the spacing therebetween. As explained more fully hereinafter, such adjustment of lateral spacing accommodates the straightening of cables of varying diameters. In the embodiment illustrated, such means comprises a plurality of openings through the base member adjacent the forward and rearward sides of the latter. The openings are arranged in laterally spaced pairs, with each pair being spaced apart a distance different from the other pairs. In the embodiment best illustrated in FIG. 2, three such pairs of openings are provided. The innermost openings 56 form one pair, the intermediate openings 58 form a second pair and the outermost openings 60 forming a third pair.

An opening 62 also is provided through the C-

shaped sections

48 and 50 of each joined pair of support members. These openings are arranged for registration with the openings in the base member, whereupon a locking pin 64 may be inserted through the aligned openings to secure the support members to the base member in the selected position of lateral adjustment.

The pairs of

cable support members

44 and 46 preferably are provided at their outer sides with laterally aligned, outwardly concave grooves 66. These grooves form pockets within which to receive and retain spaced portions of a cable to be straightened. Similarly, the inner, longitudinally spaced sides of the

head sections

34 and 36 preferably have inwardly concave surfaces 68 for the purpose of receiving and retaining an intermediate portion of bent cable extending between the pair of support members. The areuate surfaces of the support members and head member are aligned so as to support the bent cable in the plane of reciprocative movement of the head member.

The cable straightener construction described hereinbefore accommodates the straigtening of cable either by installing the cable upon the upper pair of support members 44 or upon the lower pair of support members 46. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper pair of support members are utilized when the bend in the cable C extends upward, and the lower pair of support members 46 are utilized when the bend in the cable C' extends downward. By the provision of upper and lower pairs of support members, manual manipulation of bent cable is minimized. For example, if the bent cable lies flatwise on the ground, it need be rotated no more than 90, either upward or downward, whichever is easier. This represents a significant advantage, particularly when cables of large diameter are involved.

As previously mentioned, the cable straightener illustrated accommodates cables of various diameters, by virtue of the lateral adjustability of the support members. Thus, for example, with the pair of support members spaced apart the minimum distance illustrated in FIG. 2, which spacing is about 4 inches, the straightener functions properly to straighten cable up to /s inch in diameter. When the support members are spaced apart the intermediate distance of the intermediate pair of openings 58, which distance is about 6 inches, the straightener functions properly to straighten cable having a diameter ranging from about inch to about 1.5 inches. When the support members are spaced apart the maximum distance of the outermost openings 60, which distance is about 8 inches, the straightener functions properly to straighten cable ranging in diameter from 1.5 inches to about 2 inches.

In the operation of the straightener described hereinbefore, let it be assumed that the cable to be straightened is less than inch in diameter, and therefore the support members are secured to the base member with the minimum spacing illustrated in FIG. 2. Assuming that the bend of cable C faces upward, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the ram is retracted and the bent portion of cable is installed across the upper pair of support members 44 and under the upper head section 34 of the head member. Fluid pressure then is delivered to the upper end of the ram cylinder 20 to cause extension of the ram and consequent downward movement of the upper head section 34. This movement usually is continued until the cable has been bent slightly beyond the straight condition, since it will spring back slightly. The extent to which the upper head section is thus moved downward depends upon the magnitude of the bend in the cable, the strength characteristics of the cable, and other factors which soon are learned by the operator. Fluid pressure then is supplied to the lower end of the ram cylinder to effect retraction of the ram and consequent upward movement of the upper head section 34. The cable thereupon returns from the slightly overbent condition to the straightened condition.

In the event the bend of the cable C extends downward, as indicated in FIG. 3, fluid pressure is initially supplied to the upper end of the cylinder 20 to effect extension of the ram and consequent downward movement of the head member until the lower head section 36 is spaced sufficiently below the associated lower pair of support members 46 to accommodate the bent cable therebetween. Fluid pressure then is supplied to the lower end of the ram cylinder to effect retraction of the latter and consequent upward movement of the lower head section 36. The latter thus engages the bent cable C intermediate the points of support by the spaced support members 46. Continued upward movement of the lower head section thus effects straightening of the cable, in the same manner as previously described.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the size, shape, type, number and arrangement of parts described hereinbefore. For example, the cable straightener may be provided with but a single pair of support members 44 mounted on the base member 10 and projecting therefrom toward the ram. In such event, only the upper head section 34 need be provided, and the central opening 40 in the base member may be omitted. The pair of support members may be secured to the base member in a fixed, non-adjustable condition, in the event the straightener is to be used for a limited range of sizes of cable. The extensible ram may be replaced by any other suitable source of extensible power, and the source of power may interconnect the base member and head member in such manner as to move the base member relative to the head member, rather than the reverse arrangement illustrated. These and other modifications may be made, as desired,'without departing from the spirit of this invention.

Having now described our invention and the manner in which it may be used, we claim:

1. A cable straightener comprising:

a. a base member,

b. two pairs of laterally spaced cable support members mounted on the base member for supporting a bent portion of cable between the support members of each pair, one pair projecting from one surface of the base member and the other pair projecting from the opposite surface of the base member,

c. the base member having an opening therethrough between the cable support members of each pair,

d. a head member extending freely through said opening and having a pair of opposed head sections one associated with each of said pairs of cable support members for engaging a bent portion of cable intermediate the associated cable support members, and

e. reciprocative power means interengaging the base member and head member for moving said head member relative to the base member, whereby movemnt of each head section toward its associated cable support members effects straightening of a cable supported therebetween.

2. The cable straightener of claim 1 wherein one cable support member of each pair are joined together with a slot therebetween arranged to receive the base member freely therethrough, and adjustment means interengages the base member and each joined pair of cable support members for adjusting the spacing between said cable support members.

3. The cable straightener of claim 2 wherein the adjustment means comprises a plurality of laterally spaced openings in the base member, an opening in each joined pair of cable support members registrable selectively with the openings in the base member, and securing means receivable in said registering openings for securing the support members to the base member in selected positions of lateral spacing.

4. The cable straightener of claim 1 including an elongated frame secured to and projecting perpendicu larly from the central rear portion of the base member between the cable support members, said frame mounting the reciprocative power means.

5. The cable straightener of claim 1 including a mounting post projecting from the rear portion of the base member, and a mounting sleeve removably receiving the mounting post and adapted to be attached to a support.

6. A cable straightener comprising:

a. a base member,

b. a pair of laterally spaced cable support members mounted on the base member and projecting from the plane thereof for supporting a bent portion of cable between them,

c. an elongated frame secured to and projecting perpendicularly from the central rear portion of the base member between the cable support members.

d. a head member disposed in a plane extending between the pair of cable support members for engaging the bent portion of cable intermediate the cable support members,

e. reciprocative power means mounted on the frame and supporting the head member for reciprocating the latter relative to the cable support members, whereby movement of the head member toward the cable support members effects straightening of the cable supported therebetween,

f. a mounting post projecting from the rear portion of the base member, and

g. a mounting sleeve removably receiving the mounting post and adapted to be attached to a support.

Claims

1. A cable straightener comprising: a. a base member, b. two pairs of laterally spaced cable support members mounted on the base member for supporting a bent portion of cable between the support members of each pair, one pair projecting from one surface of the base member and the other pair projecting from the opposite surface of the base member, c. the base member having an opening therethrough between the cable support members of each pair, d. a head member extending freely through said opening and having a pair of opposed head sections one associated with each of said pairs of cable support members for engaging a bent portion of cable intermediate the associated cable support members, and e. reciprocative power means interengaging the base member and head member for moving said head member relative to the base member, whereby movemnt of each head section toward its associated cable support members effects straightening of a cable supported therebetween.

4. The cable straightener of claim 1 including an elongated frame secured to and projecting perpendicularly from the central rear portion of the base member between the cable support members, said frame mounting the reciprocative power means.

6. A cable straightener comprising: a. a base member, b. a pair of laterally spaced cable support members mounted on the base member and projecting from the plane thereof for supporting a bent portion of cable between them, c. an elongated frame secured to and projecting perpendicularly from the central rear portion of the base member between the cable support members, d. a head member disposed in a plane extending between the pair of cable support members for engaging the bent portion of cable intermediate the cable support members, e. reciprocative power means mounted on the frame and supporting the head member for reciprocating the latter relative to the cable support members, whereby movement of the head member toward the cable support members effects straightening of the cable supported therebetween, f. a mounting post projecting from the rear portion of the base member, and g. a mounting sleeve removably receiving the mounting post and adapted to be attached to a support.