Patent ID: 7721583
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
1. A pipe bending shoe comprising: (a) a support frame; (b) a first bending frame connected with the support frame; (c) a second bending frame connected with the support frame, wherein the first bending frame and the second bending frame define a pipe channel extending between the first bending frame and the second bending frame; and (d) a plurality of flexible straps spaced along the pipe channel, each of the flexible straps spanning the pipe channel transversely between the first bending frame and the second bending frame, wherein the plurality of flexible straps provide a transversely segmented pipe sling, wherein the pipe sling maintains a constant longitudinal sling profile during bending of a pipe using the pipe bending shoe, and wherein the longitudinal sling profile is convex.