MOBILE REBAR SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING UNLIMITED LENGTHS

Abstract

A vehicle supported system having a support frame, a support surface, a number of a coil handlers and a coil leveler, all supported upon the support surface. The coil handlers are configured to rotatably support a coil of reinforcing bar material in a manner which allows the reinforcing bar materials to be unwound and fed from the coil. The coil leveler may be configured to receive the reinforcing bar materials and to perform a straightening operation which will provide a straightened rebar material at an output of the mobile outfeed device. The system may also include a mobile cutter positioned adjacent outfeed device to cut reinforcing bar materials to a desired length when that length has been provided through the output.

Description

BACKGROUND

Reinforcing bar (hereinafter referred to as rebar or re-bar) used to strengthen concrete structures is often delivered to jobsites in predetermined lengths. For example, re-bar is typically delivered to a jobsite in 20-foot lengths, since this is a common length for handling, as it can be easily carried by flatbed trailers and can be unloaded/handled using forklifts or front-end loaders. Using material delivered at these lengths, contractors can then form internal re-bar structures that will be situated within poured concrete structures of many types (e.g., buildings, bridges, roadways, etc.). Delivering re-bar in these lengths however creates challenges when the structures being fabricated are longer, thus requiring some creativity to provide longer runs or spans of re-bar. In practice, these longer runs are typically achieved by tying together multiple segments. While effective, this is time consuming and labor intensive. In addition, the industry standard calls for a 2-foot overlap when re-bar is tied together, thus adding to the complexity of these “pieced together” structures and the time required to create them.

SUMMARY

A mobile re-bar delivery system can provide a supply of re-bar materials of practically unlimited lengths to a jobsite efficiently and effectively, thereby avoiding the need for excess labor and complexity when producing concrete structures reinforced with re-bar. To accomplish this, a vehicle having a support frame and a support surface are provide to support a coil handler which will rotatably support a coil of reinforcing bar material in a manner which allows the reinforcing bar materials to be unwound and fed from the coil. An outfeed device is positioned adjacent to the coil handler and is configured to perform straightening operations, thereby providing a straightened re-bar material at an output of the outfeed device. A cutter is also positioned adjacent outfeed device to cut reinforcing bar materials to a desired length when that length has been provided through the output.

In some aspects, the mobile system is configured so the outfeed device and the mobile cutter are rotatably supported upon the vehicle support surface, thus allowing for the selective alignment of these components.

In further aspects, the mobile re-bar supply system further includes a bending device positioned adjacent the cutter which is configured to bend the desired length of reinforcing bar materials into a predetermined configuration.

From other perspective, the mobile re-bar delivery system is configured so that the outfeed device, the mobile cutter and the bending device are rotatably supported upon a turntable, which is positioned upon the vehicle support surface. The mobile re-bar delivery system may be configured so that the turntable supports at least two spools of re-bar material.

In an alternative embodiment, the mobile rebar delivery system is configured to have a mobile framework with a support surface capable of supporting a turntable. A plurality of spools can be placed upon the turntable or the support surface, with each spool configured to support a coil of rebar material. A coil leveler is also movably supported upon the turntable at a location adjacent one of the plurality of spools and configured to receive rebar material from the coil so as to perform straightening of the rebar material. The turntable is rotatable so that the coil leveler can be positioned so that its output is positioned at a transport orientation and a plurality of delivery orientations.

In some aspects, the mobile re-bar delivery system is configured so that the mobile framework is part of a flatbed trailer. In other aspects, the mobile re-bar delivery system wherein the mobile framework is part of a flatbed truck.

In certain aspects, the mobile re-bar delivery system further includes a bending tool mounted to the support surface. Further, the mobile re-bar delivery system may also include welding, heating and cutting tools, each of which are mountable to the vehicle support surface, turntable or mobile framework.

In other aspects, the mobile re-bar delivery system is supported by a mobile framework which has a support platform which is movable by a loader, and which can be carried by a trailer or a flatbed truck for transport to a construction site. The support platform may be modular and separable, thereby allowing for the loading and unloading of individual modular components, which can then be combined at a job site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the re-bar delivery system will be better understood from the detailed description set forth below along with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the re-bar delivery system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of an another embodiment of the re-bar delivery system;

FIG. 3 shows an alternative layout for the re-bar delivery system;

FIG. 4 illustrates one type of coil spool that could be used with the mobile delivery system;

FIG. 5 shows the manner in which stock re-bar coils are typically delivered from a supplier or foundry;

FIG. 6 presents an alternative embodiment of the re-bar delivery system with a turntable mechanism included;

FIG. 7 shows another view of the alternative re-bar delivery system illustrated in FIG. 6 with the turntable mechanism in a side delivery position;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the alternative re-bar delivery system shown in FIG. 6 with the turntable mechanism in a transport position;

FIG. 9 is a second top view of the alternative re-bar delivery system of FIG. 6 with turntable mechanism in a first side delivery position;

FIG. 10 shows another top view of the re-bar delivery system shown in FIG. 6 with the turntable mechanism in a second side delivery position; and

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment where the mobile re-bar delivery system is a modular unit which can be transported to and placed at a jobsite.

DESCRIPTION

Outlined below are various embodiments of a mobile re-bar delivery system which is capable of delivering re-bar to a jobsite of nearly unlimited length. Additionally, the mobile re-bar delivery system can be configured to produce straight re-bar stock, to cut re-bar to a desired length, and to carry out bending operations, thereby allowing for customization of rebar structures while at the jobsite.

The components used to deliver and customize re-bar are carried by a movable platform or vehicle to allow for mobility. In some embodiments, these components are carried by complementary vehicles such as a trailer or related vehicle. For example, coiled rebar could be carried by a first vehicle and the outfeed systems (or coil levelers), a cutting device and bending tools could be carried by a second vehicle. Alternatively, all of these components can be carried by a single vehicle. As will be discussed in further detail below, it is contemplated that several of these systems could be modular and easily replaceable depending on the particular needs of the construction project.

FIGS. 1 & 2 show one embodiment of the re-bar delivery system 10 where all components are carried upon a trailer 42. As shown, the re-bar delivery system 10 includes a set of coil supports 20 at a first location on the vehicle/trailer 42. Here, a pair spools 24 and 25 are configured to rotatably support coils 22 of re-bar stock (not shown). As is well known, re-bar stock is often supplied in a coil, as is generally illustrated in FIG. 5. Although many variations are possible, one type of spool 24 designed to support and handle a coil of re-bar is illustrated in FIG. 4. Those skilled in the art will recognize that FIG. 4 shows three spools—a first spool 26, a second spool 27 and a third spool 28—each of which are all supported on a framework 30. This configuration creates further advantages which are discussed in further detail below.

In the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 2, re-bar delivery system 10 is again configured to be carried on a trailer 42 which is pulled by a truck 44 of some type. It is contemplated that re-bar delivery system 10 could also be carried upon a flat-bed truck, a semi-trailer, or other types of vehicles. Each of these options allow easy transportation to a jobsite. In this embodiment, a pair of spools 24 and 25 are supported upon a rear portion of trailer 42. As discussed in further detail below, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 accommodates delivery of re-bar supply at a front portion of trailer 42.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 & 2, the re-bar delivery system 10 further includes a straightening and feeding system, or coil leveler, 50 which is adjacent the spools 24 and 25. As is well known, most wire or coiled metal will have curvature, twist or memory when pulled from a supply coil. Coil leveler 50 will remove this curvature, twist or memory in the re-bar material. Coil leveler 50 can take many forms but is designed to pull re-bar material from a respective coil 22. At an output 58 of coil leveler 50, re-bar is supplied in a generally linear configuration, which can then be used as needed for use in the particular construction project. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that coil leveler 50 can be rotatably mounted to a top surface 44 of trailer 42, thus allowing for delivery of re-bar material to either side of trailer 42. In FIG. 2, the alignment to a first side is shown in solid lines, while alignment to a second side is shown in dashed lines. Alternatively, coil leveler 50 can be slidably mounted to trailer 42 to further accommodate positioning and alignment of components, thus providing additional delivery flexibility to users. As shown, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, output 58 of coil leveler 50 is positioned near the front of trailer 42. In many situations this may be convenient while at a jobsite since positioning of trailer 42 may be challenging. Having output 58 configured in this manner allows users to park trailer 42 at a curb or on a roadside, while also providing delivery of re-bar material to a convenient location.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, re-bar delivery system 10 will also include a cutter 60 positioned adjacent output 58 of leveler 50. Cutter 60 can be moved along a mounting track 62, to allow for desired positioning. Coil leveler 50 is again rotatably mounted to trailer surface 44, thus allowing its output 58 to be aligned in many different ways. By allowing cutter 60 to move along track 62, multiple supply operations can be achieved. As will be appreciated, cutter 60 can be used to cut re-bar once a desired length has been fed from output 58. Although not specifically illustrated in FIG. 3, cutter 60 could also be rotatable along track 62 to provide further flexibility to users.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a bending system 70 is also carried by trailer 42, which provides mechanisms necessary to perform bending operations. Bending system 70 could be removable, and/or could include a number of bending modules that are capable of being selectively mounted on trailer 42. Should the user know that certain being operations will be repeatably needed while at the jobsite, a customized bending module 72 could be included to provide additional efficiency. In the system generally illustrated in FIG. 3, cutter 60 could also be rotatable and slidable along the surface of the trailer 42, again thereby allowing for cutting operations to be carried out in line with coil leveler 50. It is also contemplated that bending system 70 would be rotatable, thereby allowing it to be aligned with cutter 60, and thus providing convenient access and positioning to users.

Although not specially illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, delivery system 10 will also include a power supply necessary to drive leveler 50 and the operation of other components. This could be an on-board generator, with various components being electrically powered or a hydraulic system to work with hydraulically powered tools. Alternatively, leveler 50 could be self-powered, or power could be provided by a related truck or vehicle. As will be appreciated, many alternatives are available.

As an additional way to provide re-bar suppliers with flexibility and enhanced capabilities an alternative re-bar delivery module 100 could be configure as a customized re-bar delivery module that could be transported to a job site and placed in a beneficial location. One example of this embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 11, wherein the customized re-bar delivery module 100 would include a framework 110 that includes end members 102, side members 104 and a number of cross members 108. As illustrated, this creates a self-contained unit which supports many of the above-mentioned components (e.g., a coil support platform 120, a coil leveler 150 and a cutter 160). Coil support platform 120 is configured to support a first spool 124 and a second spool 125 at a location adjacent to coil leveler 150. As illustrated, cutter 160 is situated on a tool platform 162 which has a number of tool mount slots 164. In this embodiment, any number of additional tools (i.e. welders, benders, etc.) could be easily mounted on tool platform 162 by having mounting pegs or related structures that are inserted into tool mount slots 164.

It is then contemplated that the re-bar delivery module 160 could be place upon a delivery truck or delivery trailer and transported to a job site as needed. Re-bar delivery module 100 would then be left at the jobsite until all re-bar work is completed. In this way, a trailer or truck is not “dedicated” to the custom re-bar delivery system. To accommodate transport, appropriate slots 108 are formed in sidewalls 104 to allow forks (e.g. the forks of a fork-lift, front end loader or boom truck) to be inserted into these slots and allow the entire module 100 transported and positioned as necessary.

In addition, the use of a modular approach (e.g. using rebar delivery module 100) may allow for additional flexibility by having certain portions of the module be expandable. As one example, first coil support 124 and second coil support 125 could be placed up a hinged or movable portion of the framework 110 without the need for platform 120. This would then allow for the use of expanded space on rebar delivery module 100) when in use. Alternatively, this could allow for the ability to handle multiple spools. Also, as mentioned, it would be possible to add bending, welding, or tying tools to the framework as needed. Also, the overall module could be formed of parts or segments that are combined at the job site, thus avoiding possible issues related to transportation.

While several advantages and beneficial features of the re-bar delivery system are apparent from the discussion above, some specific characteristics provide unique capabilities. For example, re-bar delivery system 10 is very mobile, thus providing the ability to bring custom re-bar delivery to the jobsite. Further, the system has the ability to produce re-bar of virtually any length (limited only by the overall length of rebar that can be carried upon a spool). The mobile system is easily reconfigurable, providing many tools for further customization of rebar segments. Additionally, the system can handle and configure re-bar of different thicknesses and types without the need for adjustment or using alternative delivery mechanisms.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative re-bar delivery system 80 is generally illustrated. Again, alternative re-bar delivery system 80 is configured to be carried by a trailer 81, having a trailer bed 82, wheels 84, and a connection or pulling mechanism (i.e., a hitch mechanism 86). Alternative re-bar delivery system 80 could be configured in many different ways, such as a system carried on a flatbed truck, or a standalone platform that is easily removable utilizing a frontend loader or forklift of some type. As further illustrated in FIG. 6, alternative re-bar delivery system 80 provides a number of mechanisms to support a first coil 96, a second coil 97 and a third coil 98. Generally speaking, the supporting mechanisms (not shown) are similar to the spools discussed above, and more fully shown in FIG. 4. In this particular embodiment, trailer bed 82 also supports a turntable 90 which is specifically configured to be movable, thus providing a number of delivery options. Here, turntable 90 includes a spool mechanism to support first coil 96, and also has a straightening and feeding system 94 (i.e., a coil leveler 94). In this configuration, straightening and feeding system 94 is capable of receiving re-bar material from coil 96, and performing the necessary steps to straighten and feed re-bar material to an output 92. Again, this operation may require removing memory and/or twists that had been incorporated during the manufacturing operations so that re-bar material is provided in a straight and continuous manner. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, output 92 of straightening and feeding mechanism 94 is directed towards a corner of the trailer bed. This allows material to be fed to that location, if desired by contractors.

Turning to FIG. 7, alternative re-bar delivery system 80 is illustrated with turntable 90 rotated to a side delivery position. As can be seen, output 92 of straightening and feeding system 94 is now directed to a side portion of trailer bed 82, thus changing the delivery location. As FIGS. 6 and 7 generally illustrate, turntable 90 allows the delivery location to be modified.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, a top view of alternative re-bar delivery system 80 is shown. In FIG. 8, turntable 90 is positioned in a transport position, where all parts are contained above trailer bed 82, so that nothing extends outwardly or causes interference while transporting alternative delivery system 80 to the jobsite. Turning now to FIG. 9, turntable 90 has been rotated to one side of trailer bed 82, to provide delivery to an alternative location. In a related manner, FIG. 10 illustrates turntable 90 rotated to an opposite side of trailer bed 82, thus accommodating a different delivery location. As will be appreciated, turntable 90 can be appropriately rotated to many different locations to achieve desired alignment as necessary.

Also illustrated on FIGS. 6-10 is a bending mechanism 88 positioned at one corner of the trailer bed. This allows further manipulation and configuration of re-bar as needed. As generally discussed above, additional tools could be carried by a trailer bed, such as cutters, benders, and welding machines. Further, these additional tools may be easily movable or mountable at different locations on the trailer 80.

Although not specifically illustrated above, it is contemplated that the various components could be modular to enhance flexibility. For example, each spool 22 could be mounted on base 30, such as that illustrated in FIG. 4. In this case, base 30 is configured to be easily handled/moved by a forklift or front-end loader. Using this approach, once a coil 22 is loaded on spool 24 (away from trailer 42), the coil 22 and spool 24 could collectively be moved to trailer 42 by simply handling base 30. Using this approach, base 30 and upper surface 44 of trailer 42 could have interlocking structures that allow for selective mounting and removal. In a similar manner a spool assembly could be used, where multiple spools are carried by a base and the base can be mounted and removed from the surface 44 of trailer 42.

Those skilled in the art may consider the above system as being particularly adapted to the delivery of custom lengths of steel or metal re-bar material. That said, the same system could also accommodate fiberglass or composite re-bar materials. When configured to accommodate fiberglass or composite re-bar materials, the configuration of the cutters and levelers will be configured to accommodate the unique characteristics of these materials.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A mobile system for providing supply of reinforcing bar materials to a jobsite, comprising:

a vehicle having a support frame and a support surface;

a coil handler supported by the support surface, the coil handler configured to rotatably support a coil of reinforcing bar material in a manner which allows the reinforcing bar materials to be unwound and fed from the coil;

a mobile outfeed device positioned adjacent to the coil handler, the mobile outfeed device configured to receive the reinforcing bar materials and to perform a straightening operation which will provide a straightened rebar material at an output of the mobile outfeed device; and

a mobile cutter positioned adjacent outfeed device to cut reinforcing bar materials to a desired length when that length has been provided through the output.

2. The mobile system of claim 1 wherein the outfeed device and the mobile cutter are rotatably supported upon the vehicle support surface to provide for selective alignment.

3. The mobile system of claim 1 further comprising a bending device positioned adjacent the cutter and configured to bend the desired length of reinforcing bar materials into a predetermined configuration.

4. The mobile system of claim 3 wherein the outfeed device, the mobile cutter and the bending device are rotatably supported upon a turntable which is positioned upon the vehicle support surface.

5. A mobile rebar delivery system, comprising:

a mobile framework having a support surface;

a turntable supported by the support surface;

a plurality of spools configured to support a coil of rebar material, wherein at least one of the plurality of spools is supported on the turntable; and

a coil leveler movably supported upon the turntable, the coil leveler having an input positioned adjacent the at least one of the plurality of spools configured to receive rebar material from the coil, the coil leveler further configured to perform a straightening process and provide straightened rebar material at a leveler output;

wherein the turntable is rotatable so that the coil leveler output is positionable at a transport orientation and a plurality of delivery orientations.

6. The mobile rebar delivery system of claim 5 wherein the turntable supports two spools.

7. The mobile rebar delivery system of claim 5 wherein the mobile framework is part of a flatbed trailer.

8. The mobile rebar delivery system of claim 5 wherein the mobile framework is part of a flatbed truck.

9. The mobile rebar delivery system of claim 5 further comprising a bending tool mounted to the support surface.

10. The mobile rebar delivery system of claim 5 wherein the mobile framework comprised a support platform movable by a loader which can be placed upon a trailer or a flatbed truck for transport to a jobsite.

11. The mobile rebar delivery system of claim 5 wherein the plurality of spools are all supported on the turntable.