Canasta for Forming Tubes of Different Diameters

Abstract

In one embodiment, the subject invention includes a frame 10 comprising a front plate, a rear plate, a generally circular passage which extends through the frame, and rollers arranged, circumferentially positioned about the passage. The rollers are suspended within the passage by an adjustable arm which is mounted to the frame on one end, and is rotatably coupled to a roller on an opposite end. The adjustable arm includes a threaded rod that is rotatably mounted to a plate by a mounting plate and extension 18 which engages the rod and which travels longitudinally along the rod.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 761,570, filed Jan. 21, 2004, which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 152,329, filed May 20, 2002, which also claims priority to Ecuador SP-2001-4090, filed May 29, 2001, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to an apparatus for making tubular objects from a strip of material. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus which produces helically wound tubes or pipes of varying sizes from, preferably a continuous strip of material. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Machines for helically winding strips of material into a pipe, tube, or other form of tubular objects are known. These machines typically receive a strip of material, e.g. a continuous strip, bend that material into a loop, and concurrently connect the newly formed loop onto an e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an apparatus for making tubular objects of various diameters from a continuous strip of material. It includes a unique circular rolling surface that is radially adjustable to form tubular objects of different diameters. The apparatus includes a frame with a circular pathway for bending the strip of material as it passes through the frame. The frame has adjustable arms that can be rotated to align rollers, which are suspended within the frame. The adjustable arms have a threaded rod and an extension that engages a slot and a threaded ring to threadedly engage the roller. The diameter of the formed pipe can be changed by adjusting the rollers until a desired diameter is produced. The invention is capable of modifications in various aspects without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

Problems solved by technology

While the prior art is currently capable of making tubular objects from a continuous strip of materials, most of the prior art references are only capable of making tubular objects of one size.

However, a new pipe forming machine is typically needed whenever a pipe of a different size is needed.

The expediency of setting up and carrying just one machine for a given job, or the cost of additional pipe forming machines often prevent the use of multiple machines.

As a result, the ideal diameter of pipe for a given site may not be used.

Images