Patent ID: 6298549
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: E04C,E04G,F24D,Y02B,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus 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 comprising:said device being formed from a relatively rigid material and having at least two pivotally connected members each having an inner surface and an outer surface;each of said at least two members being elongated and having a central body portion, a pivot portion, a locking portion and an abutment portion;said abutment portion extending outwardly from a portion of said outer surface;said end plate having an generally planar surface;at least one guide projecting outwardly from said generally planar surface toward said row of devices;said guide having a first guiding surface and spaced therefrom a second guiding surface;said device being urged against said end plate so that a portion of one of said at least two members is facing one of said first and second guiding surfaces and a portion of the other of said at least two members is facing the other of said first and second guiding surfaces;said force applying apparatus being located relative to said abutment portions so that said force applying apparatus contacts said abutment portions to apply a force thereto to move said portions of said at least two members into contact with said first and second guiding surfaces and to move said portions of said at least two members over said first and second guiding surfaces; andsaid first and second guiding surfaces being contoured to move said at least two members from said opened position toward a closed position containing said at least two relatively rigid members between said inner surfaces of said at least two members.