Segmented pyramid roller

Abstract

A roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece includes a first pinch rod and a second pinch rod mounted in opposition to the first pinch rod, the workpiece passing between the first pinch rod and the second pinch rod during operation. A radius rod is also mounted adjacent to the first pinch rod and the second pinch rod, the radius rod being selectively displaceable with respect to the first and second pinch rods to contact the workpiece after the workpiece has passed between the first and second pinch rods, the radius rod conferring a predetermined radius of curvature to the workpiece. The roller assembly further includes a roller mounted onto one of said first pinch rod, the second pinch rod or the radius rod, the roller being selectively positionable along one of the first pinch rod, the second pinch rod and the radius rod.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece, said roller assembly comprising: 
 a first pinch rod;    a second pinch rod mounted in opposition to said first pinch rod, said workpiece passing between said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod;    a radius rod mounted adjacent to said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod, said radius rod being selectively displaceable with respect to said first and second pinch rods to contact said workpiece after said workpiece has passed between said first and second pinch rods, said radius rod conferring thereby a predetermined radius of curvature to said workpiece; and    a roller mounted onto one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod, said roller being selectively positionable along one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         2 . The roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said roller includes a key groove for accommodating an outwardly extending key guide provided on one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         3 . The roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece according to  claim 2 , wherein: 
 said key guide is longitudinally formed on each of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         4 . The roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece according to  claim 3 , wherein: 
 said roller is mounted onto each of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         5 . The roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a threaded adjustment assembly operable for selectively displacing said radius rod with respect to said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod.    
     
     
         6 . The roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a handle assembly for providing drive force to one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         7 . The roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece according to  claim 6 , wherein: 
 said handle assembly provides drive force to said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod via a gear train.    
     
     
         8 . The roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece according to  claim 2 , wherein: 
 said roller includes a radially formed aperture.    
     
     
         9 . The roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece according to  claim 8 , wherein: 
 said radially formed aperture includes threads inscribed about the inner periphery thereof; and    a threaded securing element mating with said inscribed threads for selectively retaining said securing element against one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod, thereby securing said roller along one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         10 . A method for providing a curved profile to a workpiece having a seam, said method comprising the steps of: 
 mounting a first pinch rod in a frame;    mounting a second pinch rod in opposition to said first pinch rod, said workpiece passing between said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod;    mounting a radius rod adjacent to said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod, said radius rod being selectively displaceable with respect to said first and second pinch rods to contact said workpiece after said workpiece has passed between said first and second pinch rods, said radius rod conferring thereby a predetermined radius of curvature to said workpiece; and    releasably securing a roller on one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod, said roller being selectively positionable along one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod so as not to contact said seam when said workpiece travels through said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod.    
     
     
         11 . The method for providing a curved profile to a workpiece having a seam according to  claim 10 , further comprising the steps of: 
 forming a key groove longitudinally through said roller; and    forming an outwardly extending key guide on one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod, said outwardly extending key guide slidably mating with said key groove.    
     
     
         12 . The method for providing a curved profile to a workpiece having a seam according to  claim 11 , further comprising the steps of: 
 forming said key guide on each of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         13 . The method for providing a curved profile to a workpiece having a seam according to  claim 12 , further comprising the steps of: 
 mounting said roller onto each of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         14 . The method for providing a curved profile to a workpiece having a seam according to  claim 10 , further comprising the steps of: 
 utilizing a threaded adjustment assembly to selectively displace said radius rod with respect to said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod.    
     
     
         15 . The method for providing a curved profile to a workpiece having a seam according to  claim 10 , further comprising the steps of: 
 utilizing a handle assembly to provide a drive force to one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         16 . The method for providing a curved profile to a workpiece having a seam according to  claim 15 , further comprising the steps of: 
 utilizing a gear train to transmit said drive force to said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         17 . The method for providing a curved profile to a workpiece having a seam according to  claim 10 , further comprising the steps of: 
 forming a radially extending aperture in said roller.    
     
     
         18 . The method for providing a curved profile to a workpiece having a seam according to  claim 17 , further comprising the steps of: 
 forming said radially extending aperture to include threads inscribed about the inner periphery thereof; and    providing a threaded securing element for selective mating with said inscribed threads for selectively retaining said securing element against one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod, thereby securing said roller along one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod.    
     
     
         19 . A roller assembly for processing a substantially planar workpiece having a seam, said roller assembly comprising: 
 a frame;    a first pinch rod mounted to said frame;    a second pinch rod mounted to said frame and oriented in opposition to said first pinch rod, said workpiece passing between said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod;    a radius rod mounted adjacent to said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod, said radius rod being selectively displaceable with respect to said first and second pinch rods to contact said workpiece after said workpiece has passed between said first and second pinch rods, said radius rod conferring thereby a predetermined radius of curvature to said workpiece; and    a roller mounted onto one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod, said roller being selectively positionable along one of said first pinch rod, said second pinch rod and said radius rod so as not to contact said seam when said workpiece travels through said first pinch rod and said second pinch rod.