Abstract:
By constructing clamping jaws, which are employed for applying the desired force to the rings to be crimped, and mounting the clamping jaws in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the handle members are positioned or constructing the clamping jaws for arcuate movement relative to the handle members, an easily employed, force generating, crimping tool assembly is achieved wherein the clamping jaws cooperatively associated with the handle members are positioned at a fixed angle relative to the handle members, or are constructed for being arcuately pivotable relative to the handle members. The crimping tool assembly is able to provide the desired crimping forces to rings mounted in areas in which access is virtually impossible to achieve using prior art tool assemblies. Alternatively, if desired, the clamping jaws may be mounted to the handle members at any desired fixed angle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/906,006, filed Mar. 8, 2007 entitled CRIMPING TOOL CONSTRUCTION WITH ANGULARLY DISPOSED JAW HEAD ASSEMBLY. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to crimping tools and, more particularly, to crimping tools constructed with a clamping jaws head assembly mounted at a fixed angle, or an adjustable angle, relative to the handle members. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART 
     Crimping tools have become popular and have been constructed in a wide variety of alternate configurations in order to enable various components, usually ring members to be clampingly mounted about plastic pipes or other fittings for sealing these components to each other. Although substantial forces are required in order to crimp or clamp the ring member in the precisely desired position about the desired fittings, most prior art crimping tools are constructed in a manner which requires the application of substantial forces to the handle members in order to enable the jaw members to impart the crimping force to the ring members. 
     In addition, all prior art crimping tools are constructed with the jaw members and handle members being co-axially aligned with each other, for lying in a single plane. As a result, difficulties are often encountered whenever ring members need to be mounted to pipes and fittings in confined areas, such as are often found between floor joists, under vanities, and along baseboards. However, in spite of the long felt need that has existed for crimping tools constructed in a manner to provide the required clamping forces in a more easily used tool construction as well as a desire for a crimping tool which is capable of being more easily used in a wide variety of confined areas that are often encountered, no prior art construction has been developed which satisfies these needs. 
     Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a crimping tool having a crimping head which is mounted to the handle members with an angular relationship relative thereto. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a crimping tool having the characteristic features described above wherein the crimping tool is constructed in a manner which amplifies the forces applied to the handle members for producing enhanced crimping forces without requiring the application of excessive force to the handle members. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a crimping tool having the characteristic features described above which is capable of being produced using conventional manufacturing techniques. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a crimping tool having the characteristic features described above which is capable of being produced effectively and efficiently, thereby achieving a cost competitive product. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a crimping tool having the characteristic features described above which is capable of being employed with substantially improved convenience over prior art constructions. 
     Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     By employing the present invention, all of the difficulties and drawbacks found in prior art products has been overcome and an easily employed, force generating, crimping tool assembly is achieved wherein the clamping jaws cooperatively associated with the handle members are positioned at a fixed angle relative to the handle members, or are constructed for being arcuately pivotable relative to the handle members. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping jaws employed for applying the desired force to the rings to be crimped are mounted in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the handle members are positioned. In this way, the crimping tool assembly of the present invention is able to provide the desired crimping forces to rings mounted in areas in which access is virtually impossible to achieve using prior art tool assemblies. Alternatively, if desired, the clamping jaws may be mounted to the handle members at any desired fixed angle. 
     In an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping jaws of the crimping tool assembly are constructed for being arcuately pivotable relative to the handle members for enabling the clamping jaws to be positioned at virtually any desired angle relative to the handle members. In this way, regardless of the placement, position, or location of any desired work area in which ring members need to be affixed to pipe assemblies for securely affixing cooperating components to each other, the crimping tool assembly of the present invention is capable of being easily positioned in cooperating association with the ring member for securely clamping and crimping the ring member in the desired position. 
     By merely adjusting the clamping jaw to be angularly positioned relative to the handle members in any desired position, ease of access and use is realized. In this way, all of the difficulties and drawbacks found in prior art constructions are completely eliminated and use of the present invention in any confined area is easily achieved. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, two elongated handle members are constructed and positioned in cooperating relationship with each other, with the handle members mounted for arcuate pivoting movement about a single pivot axis. In this regard, the two elongated handle member are constructed for mating, cooperating, relationship along their adjacent inside edges, with their proximal ends being affixed to each other, establishing a single pivot axis. 
     In the preferred construction, each handle member incorporates a pair of flanges extending from the side edge of the proximal end of the handle member, with the flanges constructed for being positioned in overlying cooperating relationship with each other. In addition, the flanges incorporate both a receiving aperture formed therein for enabling a single bolt to be passed through the apertures of each flange for securely affixing the handle members to each other, and establishing the pivot axis about which of the handle members are able to operate. In this way, each elongated handle member is freely movable and arcuately pivotable about the pivot axis established by the bolt member. 
     In addition, in the preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, each handle member also incorporates a pair of cooperating, vertically aligned mounting plates formed along the proximal end thereof, positioned adjacent the flanges. Furthermore, each pair of mounting plates is constructed for enabling a clamping jaw mounting or connecting post to be positioned between the mounting plates, with a bolt receiving aperture formed in each mounting plate and in the connecting post for enabling a single bolt to be mounted through the aligned apertures for securely affixing the connecting post to the mounting plates while also establishing a pivot axis for each connecting post. 
     In the preferred construction, each connecting post comprises a block portion and a stud portion which are coaxially aligned with each other to be in a single plane. The block portion is affixed to the mounting plates of the handle member, while the stud portion is affixed to the clamping jaws. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the clamping jaws are cooperatively associated with each other to form a clamping jaw head assembly. In the preferred construction of the head assembly, two clamping jaws are employed and are mounted in cooperating, side-to-side association with each other. In addition, each clamping jaw is constructed to be substantially identical to the other clamping jaw, with each clamping jaw incorporating a substantially, semi-circular shaped crimping zone formed in the distal end of the clamping jaw, with each crimping zone being positioned in cooperating association with the crimping zone of the cooperating clamping jaw. In this way, a circular shaped crimping zone is effectively established. 
     Furthermore, each clamping jaw incorporates a pivot axis defining passageway formed therein, thereby establishing separate pivot axes for each clamping jaw. In order to assure the desired cooperating arcuate pivoting movement of each clamping jaw relative to the adjacent clamping jaw, a linking plate is mounted to each clamping jaw extending from the pivot axis of the first clamping jaw to the pivot axis of the second clamping jaw. In this way, the two clamping jaws are secured and affixed in side-to-side, adjacent relationship, with two separate and independent pivot axes being established and maintained in juxtaposed, spaced, parallel relationship to each other. 
     Finally, the proximal end of each clamping jaw incorporates a post or strut receiving aperture formed therein and, in the preferred construction, is securely affixed to the stud portion of the connecting post detailed above. In this regard, the stud portion receiving aperture formed in each clamping jaw comprises a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the axis of the pivot defining passageway. As a result of this construction, when each clamping jaw of the jaw head assembly is mounted to one of the connecting posts affixed to the handle members, the clamping jaw head assembly is securely interconnected to the handle members at a substantially perpendicular angle thereto. 
     As it more fully detailed below, each of the interconnected engagements detailed above, particularly the connecting post engagement with the mounting plates of the handle members and the mounting post engagement to the clamping jaws of the clamping jaw head assembly, are constructed with slip rings mounted between adjacent surfaces for assuring the free pivotable movement of the interconnected components. In this way, assurance is provided that the desired arcuate pivoting movement of the clamping jaws relative to each other is achieved in a smooth, trouble-free operation. 
     In the alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, a clamping jaw head assembly is mounted to the handle members in a manner which enables the head assembly to be arcuately pivoted relative to the handle members, while also being securely maintained in the selected position. By employing this construction, the head assembly is able to be placed in any desired arcuate position, in order to achieve a crimping tool assembly which is able to be used in any confined areas with limited or difficult access. In this way, the secure affixation of any crimping ring to pipes, fittings, or other components can be achieved quickly and easily regardless of the location or position of the components to be affixed. 
     If desired, a variety of alternate constructions can be employed to achieve an effective arcuately pivotable clamping jaw head assembly. However, in order to achieve a crimping tool assembly having the greatest versatility and broad applicability, the preferred construction of the present invention provides a crimping tool assembly wherein the head assembly is arcuately pivotable relative to the handle members through an arcuate distance ranging between about 0° and 90°. Furthermore, although any desired incremental distances can be employed for establishing the alternate positions of the head assembly relative to the handle members, it has been found that incremental positions ranging between about 20° and 25° is preferred. 
     In the preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, each handle member incorporates a support bracket mounted at its proximal end, directly adjacent the flanges which incorporate the pivot defining passageway for enabling the handle members to be arcuately pivotable relative to each other. In the preferred embodiment, each support bracket incorporates a flange portion which is securely mounted to the proximal end of the handle member for pivotal movement relative thereto, while also incorporating a bracket portion defined by two spaced, cooperating wall members. In addition, the flange portion and bracket portion are preferably co-axially aligned to lie in a single plane. Furthermore, each wall member of the bracket portion incorporates a pivot pin receiving aperture, with the two apertures being coaxially aligned. 
     In addition, each support bracket incorporates a longitudinally extending cavity formed therein which is positioned between the wall members, extending inwardly into the flange portion. As is more fully detailed below, a position defining ball bearing and spring assembly are mounted in the cavity for cooperating relationship with a swivel plate for enabling the clamping jaw head assembly to be arcuately pivotable into the desired angular positions. 
     In order to enable the clamping jaw head assembly to be arcuately pivotable relative to the handle members, each clamping jaw incorporates a swivel plate mounted to the proximal end of the clamping jaw. In the preferred construction, the swivel plate incorporates a post-member formed at one end thereof which is affixed to the proximal end of the clamping jaw for pivotal movement relative thereto, while also incorporating a substantially flat plate portion dimensioned for being inserted between the wall members of the bracket portion of support the bracket. In addition, the plate portion incorporates a pivot receiving aperture formed therein which is constructed for being cooperatively associated with the pivot receiving apertures of the wall members for securely mounting the plate portion between the wall members for enabling the plate portion to be securely retained between the wall members, while also being arcuately pivotable relative thereto. 
     In completing the construction of this embodiment of the present invention, the plate portion incorporates a plurality of arcuately curved recess zones formed along the side edge thereof in position for cooperative engagement with the ball bearing and spring lock assembly mounted in the support bracket. By controlling the forces generated by the spring on the ball bearing, the swivel plate is able to be positioned relative to the support bracket in a plurality of alternate angular locations, with the spring and ball bearing engaging the arcuately curved recess zones. As a result, the swivel plate is maintained in any selected position formed by one of the recess zones. 
     By employing this construction, arcuate pivoting movement of the clamping jaw head assembly is easily achieved by forcing the ball bearing to move against the biasing force of the spring for enabling a particularly desired recess zone to be selected and then enabling the biasing force or the spring to cause the ball bearing to securely engage in the selected recess zones, maintaining the clamping jaw head assembly in the desired position. In this way, any one of a plurality of alternate positions is capable of being quickly and easily achieved for providing a crimping tool assembly which can be used in any desired location. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the several steps in relation of one or more such steps with respect to each of the others and the article possessing the features, properties, and relation of elements, which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the crimping tool assembly of the present invention depicting the clamping jaw head assembly mounted at right angles to the handle members; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded perspective view of the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the mounting post employed in constructing the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the mounting post of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cylindrically shaped pin or rod employed for securing the mounting post to the handle members of the crimping tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamping jaw head assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the clamping jaw head assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a still further alternate embodiment of the clamping jaw head assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the fully assembled crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 1  shown in the open position; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the crimping tool assembly of the present invention depicting the clamping jaw head assembly constructed for being arcuately pivotable relative to the handle members; 
         FIG. 12  is a partially exploded perspective view of the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the completely assembled crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the swivel plate employed in constructing the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the swivel plate of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the support bracket employed in constructing the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the support bracket taken along the 17-17 line of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a plan view of a ball bearing employed in the support bracket of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a spring member employed in constructing the bracket of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a pin or rod employed in securing the support bracket to the handle members of the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged side elevation view, partially in cross-section and partially broken away, depicting the mounted interconnected engagement of the clamping jaw head assembly to the handle member employing the swivel plate and support bracket for constructing the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIGS. 22-26  are side elevation views depicting the alternate angular positions in which the clamping jaw head assembly is capable of being positioned relative to the handle members in the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 11  shown in the open position with the clamping jaw head assembly lying in substantially the same plane as the handle members; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 11  shown in the closed position with the clamping jaw head assembly lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the handle members; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the crimping tool assembly of  FIG. 28  shown in the open position; and 
         FIG. 30  is a side elevation view partially in cross-section, depicting the crimping tool assembly of the present invention in use in a confined area. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     By referring to  FIGS. 1-30 , along with the following detailed discussion, the construction and operation of two alternate preferred embodiments of the crimping tool assembly  20  of the present invention can best be understood. In order to provide a full and complete disclosure of the present invention, the two alternate preferred embodiments are fully discussed in detail. However, since alternate constructions and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is to be understood that the following detailed disclosure is provided for exemplary purposes only and is not intended as a limitation of the present invention. 
     As the best seen in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first preferred embodiment of crimping tool assembly  20  comprises handle members  21  and  22  in combination with clamping jaw head assembly  23 . As depicted, and fully detailed below, clamping jaw head assembly  23  incorporates clamping jaws  24  and  25 , which are mounted to each other for arcuate pivoting movement about two separate and independent pivot axes. In addition, clamping jaws  24  and  25  cooperate with each other to form a crimping zone  26  which is employed for peripherally surrounding the desired ring to be crimped to the pipes, fittings, or other components, and enabling the clamping forces to be applied to the ring for securely clampingly engaging the desired components to each other. 
     In the preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, handle members  21  and  22  each comprise elongated, longitudinally extending arm members having proximal ends  30  and distal ends  31 . In addition, gripping covers  32  are mounted to distal ends  31  of handle members  21  and  22 , longitudinally extending therefrom along a major portion of the length of handle members  21  and  22 . In this way, operational ease and comfort are provided. 
     In order to provide the desired controlled, compound pivot axis movement of clamping jaws  24  and  25 , while also providing a construction which enables the forces applied to handle members  21  and  22  to be substantially enhanced and concentrated for assuring that a sufficient force is delivered to crimping zone  26 , handle members  21  and  22  are constructed for being arcuately pivotable relative to each other. In this regard, handle member  21  comprises a pair of flanges  35  and  36  formed at its proximal end  30 , with flanges  35  and  36  being positioned in juxtaposed, spaced relationship with each other. In addition, flanges  35  and  36  each incorporate a pivot axis defining aperture formed therein, with the pivot axis defining apertures of flanges  35  and  36  being aligned with each other. 
     Similarly, handle member  22  comprises a pair of flanges  38  and  39  formed at its proximal end, with flanges  38  and  39  being positioned in juxtaposed, spaced relationship with each other. In addition, flanges  38  and  39  each incorporate a pivot axis defining aperture formed therein, with the pivot axis defining apertures of flanges  38  and  39  being aligned with each other. 
     In order to provide the desired cooperating, arcuate pivoting movement of handle members  21  and  22 , flanges  35  and  36  of handle member  21  are positioned in cooperating association with flanges  38  and  39  of handle member  22  for enabling the flanges to be in overlying, vertically aligned relationship with each other, with the pivot axis defining apertures thereof also being aligned. In order to complete the construction, cylindrically shaped pin or rod  41  is positioned the pivot axis defining apertures and securely mounted thereto, affixing flanges  35 ,  36 ,  38 , and  39  together, while also enabling handle members  21  and  22  to be arcuately pivotable relative to each other about the axis defined by pin or rod  41 . 
     As discussed above, one of the unique aspects of the construction of this embodiment of crimping tool assembly  20  is the affixation of clamping jaw head assembly  23  to handle members  21  and  22  at substantially right angles thereto. In order to achieve this construction, as best seen in  FIGS. 1-6 , crimping tool assembly  20  incorporates mounting or connecting posts  45  and  46 , each of which are separately secured to handle members  21  and  22 . As depicted, connecting post  45  is mounted to proximal end  30  of handle member  21  directly between adjacent flanges  35  and  36 . Similarly, connecting post  46  is mounted to proximal end  30  of handle member  22  directly between adjacent flanges  38  and  39 . 
     In the preferred construction, each connecting post  45  and  46  comprises block portion  47  and threaded stud portion  48 . In addition, each block portion  47  incorporates aperture  49  which extends therethrough and forms the pivot axes for connecting posts  45  and  46 . 
     Furthermore, in order to pivotally affix connecting posts  45  and  46  to handle members  21  and  22 , handle members  21  and  22  each comprise a pair of holding flanges or plates  50  and  51  which are mounted in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationship with each other at proximal end  30  thereof. In addition, holding flanges or plates  50  and  51  incorporate aperture  52  which is constructed for aligned, cooperative relationship with aperture  49  of block portion  47  of connecting post  45  and  46 . In order to provide the desired pivotal mounted engagement of connecting post  45  and  46  with handle members  21  and  22 , block portions  47  are positioned between holding flanges or plates  50  and  51 , and cylindrically shaped pin or rod  53  is positioned extending through apertures  49  and  52  and secured in position for enabling connecting posts  45  and  46  to be pivotal relative to handle members  21  and  22 . 
     As depicted, threaded stud portions  48  of connecting posts  45  and  46  extend longitudinally from block portion  47 , preferably being co-axially aligned therewith. In addition, as more fully detailed below, threaded stud portions  48  of connecting posts  45  and  46  are constructed for engagement with clamping jaws  24  and  25  of clamping jaw head assembly  23  in order to position and maintain clamping jaw head assembly  23  at the desired fixed angular relationship relative to handle members  21  and  22 . 
     In order to achieve the desired construction for the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, each clamping jaw  24  and  25  comprises stud receiving aperture  57  formed in proximal end  58 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  7 - 9 . Preferably, stud receiving apertures  57  are constructed with a central axis which is substantially parallel to the central axis of crimping zone  26 . In this way, when clamping jaw head assembly  23  is mounted to threaded stud portions  48  of connecting post  45  and  46 , clamping jaw head assembly  23  is positioned and maintained in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane within which handle members  21  and  22  are maintained. As a result, the desired right angular configuration sought for this preferred embodiment of the present invention is achieved. 
     In order to securely affix clamping head assembly  23  to handle members  21  and  22 , threaded stud portions  48  are telescopically advanced through apertures  57  of clamping jaws  24  and  25 , and locking nuts  59  are securely affixed to the terminating threaded end of stud portions  48 . In this way, the mounted engagement of threaded stud portions  48  to clamping jaws  24  and  25  is achieved in a manner which enables clamping jaws  24  and  25  to be arcuately pivoted in response to the movement of handle member  21  and  22 . As a result, the desired arcuate pivotal movement of clamping jaws  24  and  25  is achieved. 
     In the preferred construction, clamping jaw  24  comprises distal end  60  with at least one curved recess zone  64  formed therein adjacent distal end  60 . Similarly, clamping jaw  25  comprises at least one arcuately curved recess zone  65  formed adjacent distal end  60  thereof. 
     Preferably, curved recess zones  64  and  65  comprises semi-circular shapes and are pre-positioned for cooperative aligned relationship with each other to form crimping zone  26  when clamping jaws  24  and  25  are mounted together to form clamping jaw head assembly  23 . 
     Furthermore, recess zones  64  and  65  are preferably constructed with smooth, toothless surfaces in order to produce a crimped element which is free of any grooves, marks, dimples and the like. However, if desired, recess zones  64  and  65  may incorporate a raised portion or tooth element which produces a depression, channel, or ring shape on the crimped element. 
     In addition, in order to provide a compound pivot axis construction and enable clamping jaw head assembly  23  to produce increased clamping forces in crimping zone  26 , clamping jaw  24  comprises a pivot axis defining aperture formed therein and positioned between distal end  60  and proximal end  58 . Similarly, clamping jaw  25  comprises a pivot axis defining aperture formed therein, between distal end  60  and proximal end  58 . In addition, in the preferred construction, the axes defined by the pivot axis defining apertures are parallel to each other, while also being parallel to the axes defined by stud receiving apertures  57  and crimping zone  26 . 
     By employing this construction, the desired dual axis, compound pivot configuration is achieved for clamping jaw head assembly  23 , while also enabling head assembly  23  to be mounted to handle members  21  and  22  at substantially right angles to each other. Furthermore, by controlling the spaced distance between the pivot axis defining apertures and crimping zone  26 , the force generated by clamping jaws  24  and  25  in crimping zone  26  is controlled. Also, as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , crimping zone  26  may comprise any desired diameter as well as having multiple crimping zones  26  formed therein. 
     In order to assure that clamping jaws  24  and  25  cooperate with each other to produce the desired crimping force in crimping zone  26 , clamping jaws  24  and  25  are mounted in side to side relationship, with linking or tie plates  70  and  71  extending between clamping jaws  24  and  25 . In the preferred construction, cylindrically shaped mounting pin or rod  68  is mounted to clamping jaw  24 , extending through its pivot defining aperture and connecting tie plates  70  and  71  to the opposite surface of jaw  24 . Similarly, pin or rod  69  extends through its pivot defining aperture of clamping jaw  25  affixing tie plates  70  and  71  to the opposed surfaces of jaw  25 . 
     In addition to securing tie plates  70  and  71  to the surfaces of clamping jaws  24  and  25 , pins or rods  68  and  69  establish the pivot axis for enabling jaws  24  and  25  to operate. Furthermore, pins or rods  68  and  69 , along with tie plates  70  and  71  assure that clamping jaws  24  and  25  are securely mounted to each other to form clamping jaw head assembly  23  while also providing the desired cooperating and controlled movement. 
     By employing this preferred embodiment of the present invention, a unique crimping tool assembly  20  is realized, wherein clamping jaw head assembly  23  is maintained at about 90° relative to handle members  21  and  22 . As a result, crimping tool assembly  20  can be easily used in small, confined areas in which prior art constructions were virtually impossible to be used. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 10 , by arcuately moving handle members  21  and  22  in opposite directions, clamping jaws  24  and  25  are moved away from each other, with clamping jaw  23  moving about the axis defined by pin or rod  68 , while clamping jaw  24  pivots about the axis defined by pin/rod  69 . In this way, crimping zone  26  is opened to enable the desired ring to be inserted therein. 
     In addition, once a ring is inserted into crimping zone  26 , handle members  21  and  22  are pivoted toward each other, causing clamping jaws  24  and  25  to pivot from the position shown in  FIG. 10  into the position shown in  FIG. 1 , effectively causing the ring to be compressed, squeezed and crimped into secure, mounted engagement with the desired pipes and/or fitting for achieving the required interengagement of the components. Furthermore, due to the multi-axis, compound pivoting construction achieved by the present invention, the force applied by the user on handle members  21  and  22  are effectively and efficiently multiplied to produce a substantially increased crimping force on the ring placed in crimping zone  26 . As a result, ease of operation and use are realized. 
     In  FIGS. 11-30 , the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is fully depicted. In this embodiment, handle members  21  and  22 , as well as clamping jaw head assembly  23  are constructed in a manner substantially identical to the construction detailed above. However, in the second preferred embodiment, clamping jaw head assembly  23  is affixed to handle members  21  and  22  in a manner which enables clamping jaw head assembly  23  to be arcuately movable relative to handle members  21  and  22 , while also being securely positioned in a plurality of alternative angular orientations. In this way, crimping tool assembly  20  is substantially enhanced and able to be used easily and conveniently in a wide variety of locations and applications. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 11-21 , clamping jaw head assembly  23  is able to be arcuately pivoted relative to handle members  21  and  22  by employing support brackets  80  and  81  in combination with swivel plates  82  and  83 . In the preferred construction, support brackets  80  and  81  each comprise flange or block portion  84  and cooperating wall portions  85  and  86 . As depicted, wall portions  85  and  86  are formed in cooperating aligned relationship with each other and incorporate a pivot pin receiving aperture  87 , which are aligned with each other. 
     Support brackets  80  and  81  also incorporate a longitudinally extending cavity formed therein, extending into block position  84  between wall portions  85  and  86 . As is more fully detailed below, cavity  88  is employed for housing biasing spring  89  and ball bearing  90 , which are employed to control the accurate pivoting movement of the clamping jaw head assembly. 
     In the preferred construction, block portion  84  of each support bracket  80  and  81  incorporates a cavity  91  which is employed for maintaining support brackets  80  and  81  to the proximal end  30  of handle members  21  and  22 . In this regard, pin or rod  92  is employed and is secured to holding flanges or plates  50  and  51  of arm members  21  and  22 , in a substantially identical manner as detailed above. 
     With support brackets  80  and  81  longitudinally extending from handle members  21  and  22 , the clamping jaw head assembly is constructed with swivel plates  82  and  83  mounted thereto. Preferably, swivel plates  82  and  83  are constructed with threaded post member  97  formed on one end thereof and plate portion  98  formed on the other end thereof. In addition, plate portion  98  incorporates a plurality of arcuately curved recess zones  100  formed therein which provides the alternate angular positions for clamping jaw head assembly  23  relative to handle members  21  and  22 . 
     In order to secure clamping jaw head assembly  23  to handle members  21  and  22 , post member  97  of swivel plate  82  is inserted in cavity  57  of clamping jaw  24  and secured thereto by lock nut  99 . Similarly, post member  97  of swivel plate  83  is inserted into cavity  57  of clamping jaw  25  and secured thereto by lock nut  99 . 
     The interconnected engagement of clamping jaw head assembly  23  with handle members  21  and  22  is completed by placing plate portion  98  of each swivel plate  82  and  83  between wall portions  85  and  86  of support brackets  80  and  81 . In this regard, arcuately curved recess zones  100  of plate portions  98  are positioned in cooperating alignment with ball bearing  90  and spring  89  for enabling clamping jaw head assembly to be lockingly positioned in any desired angular position provided by curved recess zones  100 . 
     In the preferred construction, plate portion  98  incorporates five arcuately curved recess zones  100 , each of which are spaced equally from an adjacent recess zone. In addition, recess zones  100  preferably define a 90° arc in their entirety. As a result, each recess zone  100  is spaced at an arcuate distance of 22.5° from an adjacent zone  100 , enabling clamping jaw head assembly to be placed in five alternate locations ranging from 0°, 22.5°, 45°, 77.5° to 90°. In this way, virtually any desired orientation or position is easily achieved for enabling this embodiment of crimping tool assembly  20  to be used in any location. 
     In order to assure that clamping jaw head assembly is quickly and easily placed in any desired alternative position, plate portions  98  of swivel plates  82  and  83  incorporate apertures  101  and are placed between wall portions  85  and  86  of support brackets  80  and  81 . Furthermore, elongated rod  102  is inserted through aperture  93  formed in wall portions  85  and  86 , capturing plate portion therebetween and extending from support bracket  80  to support bracket  81 . In this way, a single, continuous, elongated rod extends from support bracket  80  to support bracket  81 , being held in place by lock ring  103 . 
     As a result of this construction, clamping jaw head assembly  23  is easily arcuately pivoted about the axis defined by elongated rod or beam  102 , enabling ball bearing  90  to be moved into and out of engagement in each arcuately curved recess zone  100 . Once the desired angular position of clamping jaw head assembly  23  relative to handle members  21  and  22  is attained, the forces generated by spring  89  cause ball bearing  90  to lockingly engage the selected recess zone  100 , assuring clamping jaw head assembly  23  is maintained in the desired angular relationship with handle member  21  and  22 . 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.