Support device and flange attachment means for cable drums

A device for connecting a substantially circular undamaged flange to a drum having a damaged flange which presents an opening therein and an inaccessible inner surface surrounding the opening, said device comprising:

• an expansible and contractable connector mechanism having a contracted position wherein said mechanism is small enough to pass through the opening of the damaged flange, and an expanded position wherein said mechanism is too large to pass through the central opening;
• means for coupling said connector mechanism with said undamaged flange in extension therefrom whereby said connector mechanism may be inserted through the opening of the damaged flange to position the damaged and undamaged flanges in proximity to one another;
• and
• means operable from the side of said undamaged flange remote from the damaged flange to effect movement of said connector mechanism from the contracted position to the expanded position.

A toggle mechanism for connecting a first flange member to a second flange member having an opening therein and an inaccessible surface surrounding the opening, said toggle mechanism comprising:

• a connector head movable by toggle action between a contracted position wherein said head is small enough to pass through the opening of the second member and an expanded position wherein said head is too large to pass through said opening;
• a spacer element connected with said connector head and adapted to be interposed between the first and second members to space same apart from one another;
• means for mounting said connector head to the first member with the head projecting therefrom to permit insertion of said head through said opening of the second member with said spacer element interposed between the first and second members;
• and
• actuating means operable from a side of said first member remote from the second member to effect movement of the connector head from the contracted to the expanded position, said connector head including a toggle linkage having a pair of levers each having an end which is drawn by toggle action firmly against said inaccessible surface of the second member upon movement of said connector head to the expanded position, whereby said ends of the levers contact said inaccessible surface to connect the first member to the second member with said spacer element interposed closely between the first and second members in engagement with each.