Patent ID: 6779241
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: E04C,E04G,F24D,Y02B,Y10T

Abstract:
Method for moving a device from an opened position to a closed position so as to enclose at least two relatively rigid articles using a tool wherein a feed track supports a row of devices in an opened position and urges the row of devices in a direction toward an end plate of the tool so that the foremost device of the row of devices is urged against the end plate and the tool also having force applying apparatus for applying an equal amount of force to spaced apart portions of the device and wherein said device comprises at least two members pivotally connected together at one end portion thereof for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis and having a locking apparatus at the other end portion thereof and each having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein said method comprises:applying an equal amount of force on spaced apart portions of said device to move at least a control portion of one of said at least two members into contact with a first guiding surface on said end plate and at least a control portion of the other of said at least two pivotally connected members into contact with a second guiding surface on said end plate so that locking end portions of said at least two members are in a spaced apart relationship; moving said at least two members over said end plate while maintaining said control portions of said at least two members in contact with said first and second guiding surfaces to hold said device in said opened position; providing said first and second guiding surfaces so that said end portions, having said locking apparatus, can be moved toward each other; locating said at least two members so that at least two relatively rigid articles are located between said inner surfaces of said at least two members; and moving said end portions having said locking apparatus together so that said device moves into a closed position with said at least two relatively rigid articles contained therein.