Abstract:
A manually operated tool engages and draws towards one another opposed spaced flanges of a repair clamp disposed about a leaking pipe for securely maintaining the clamp in position on the pipe over the leak allowing plural nut and bolt combinations on the clamp to be tightened in sealing off the leak. A movable handle has attached thereto first and second pivoting arms adapted for respectively engaging a slot within the clamp&#39;s first edge flange and the outer edge of the clamp&#39;s second opposed edge flange when the handle is in a first non-use position. Moving the handle to a second use position urges the clamp&#39;s edge flanges toward one another drawing the clamp securely about the pipe, while still allowing the clamp to be moved along the pipe over the leak and plural nut and bolt combinations to be securely tightened in sealing off the leak.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to fluid carrying conduits, or pipes, and is particularly directed to a leaking pipe and a tool for facilitating the positioning of a repair clamp on the pipe for sealing off the leak. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Fluid carrying pipes are subject to leakage caused by damage or deterioration over time. When the leak in the pipe is readily accessible, repairing the leak is fairly straightforward. However, when the leaking pipe is buried in the ground or is otherwise not readily accessible, it is frequently difficult not only to locate the leak, but to repair the pipe and seal off the leak. 
   Repairing a leaking pipe typically involves positioning a clamp over the leak. The clamp is slipped over the pipe and facing end portions of the clamp are tightly drawn together typically by nut and bolt combinations. The repair clamp is typically comprised of high strength steel and is frequently difficult to position on the pipe and draw the opposed ends of the clamp together so that the clamp is securely positioned on the pipe because of the tendency of the clamp ends to pull away from one another due to tension in the clamp. This task also typically involves positioning a gasket comprised of a suitable sealing material between the fluid-carrying pipe and the repair clamp. This task is frequently made extremely difficult by leakage of the fluid from the pipe and may even be highly dangerous when dealing with hazardous materials. In addition, because of the difficulty in excavating around the pipe without damaging the pipe, access to the leaking portion of the pipe is typically very restricted and this further complicates and renders more difficult the task. Finally, because of the leaking fluid, the underground location, and the structure of the repair clamp, the clamp installer is subject to injury. 
   The present invention addresses the difficulties encountered in the prior art by providing a manually operated tool which facilitates the positioning of a pipe repair clamp about a leaking pipe for sealing off the leak. The pipe repair clamp installation tool can be operated with the use of only one hand allowing the installer to use the other hand for proper positioning of the clamp on the pipe. Once the repair clamp is properly positioned on the pipe, the installation tool securely maintains the repair clamp in position over the leak allowing for the tightening of nut and bolt combinations which draw the clamp tightly about the pipe in sealing off the leak. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to facilitate the secure positioning of a repair clamp on a leaking pipe allowing the clamp to be tightened to seal of the leak. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a tool which facilitates the positioning of a repair clamp on a leaking pipe and the tightening of the clamp over the leak to seal the pipe. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a manually operated tool which tightens a high strength repair clamp on a leaking pipe, allowing the clamp to be moved in position over the leak and securely tightened to seal off the leak, followed by removal of the tool from the clamp. 
   A further object of the present invention is to facilitate installation of a repair clamp on a leaking pipe where only limited access to the leak is available such as in an underground pipeline. 
   This invention contemplates apparatus for installing a repair clamp on a pipe, where the repair clamp includes a generally cylindrical body having first and second opposed edge flanges, a slot extending the length thereof for receiving the pipe and positioning the repair clamp about an outer circumference of the pipe, and plural nut and bolt combinations coupled to the clamp&#39;s edge flanges for drawing the repair clamp tightly about the pipe. The apparatus comprises a body portion having first and second opposed ends; an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the body portion intermediate the first and second opposed ends thereof, the arm further including a second opposed end adapted for insertion in an aperture in the first edge flange of the repair clamp; and a clasp pivotally coupled to the body portion toward its first end and adapted to engage an outer edge of the repair clamp&#39;s second edge flange when the body portion is in a first position relative to the arm and clasp and the repair clamp is loosely disposed about the pipe, wherein pivoting displacement of the body portion about the arm and clasp to a second position draws the repair clamp&#39;s edge flanges together for securely maintaining the repair clamp on the pipe and allowing the nut and bolt combinations to be tightened for securing the repair clamp to the pipe in a sealed manner. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The appended claims set forth those novel features which characterize the invention. However, the invention itself, as well as further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference characters identify like elements throughout the various figures, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pipe repair clamp installation tool in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the pipe repair clamp installation tool shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the pipe repair clamp installation tool shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an end-on view of the pipe repair clamp installation tool shown in  FIG. 3  taken along sight line  4 — 4  therein; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the pipe repair clamp installation tool of the present invention engaging opposed edge flanges of a repair clamp positioned on a leaking pipe prior to moving the tool to the clamping position; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the pipe repair clamp installation tool of the present invention engaging opposed edge flanges of a pipe repair clamp disposed on a leaking pipe, with the installation tool moved to the clamping position for securely maintaining the repair clamp in position on the pipe; 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a pipe repair clamp installation tool in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a sectional view showing the manner in which the pipe repair clamp installation tool of the present invention engages first and second opposed edge flanges of a pipe repair clamp prior to the application of a clamping force by the tool on the clamp; and 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view showing the engagement of a pipe repair clamp by the pipe repair clamp installation tool of the present invention after the tool has been moved to the clamping position for maintaining the clamp securely in position on a leaking pipe. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of a pipe repair clamp installation tool  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. A top plan view of the pipe repair clamp installation tool  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 , while a side elevation view of the pipe repair clamp installation tool is shown in FIG.  3 .  FIG. 4  is an end-on view of the pipe repair clamp installation tool  10  shown in  FIG. 3  taken along sight line  4 — 4  therein. 
   The repair clamp installation tool  10  includes a central body  12  having disposed on one end thereof a handle  14 . The central body  12  includes a pair of spaced, generally parallel arms  12   a  and  12   b . Inserted through and extending between the first and second arms  12   a  and  12   b  of the central body  12  are first and second pivot/coupling pins  20  and  22 . The first and second pivot/coupling pins  20  and  22  are securely connected to the central body&#39;s first and second arms  12   a  and  12   b . The repair clamp installation tool  10  further includes a pivot arm  16  and an edge engaging clasp  18 . Pivot arm  16  includes a clamp end  16   a , a curved center portion  16   b  and a hook end  16   c . The clamp end  16   a  of the pivot arm  16  is disposed about and attached to the second pivot/coupling pin  22 . The pivot arm&#39;s clamp end  16   a  allows the pivot arm to freely pivot about the second pivot/coupling pin  22 . An edge engaging clasp  18  is disposed about and pivotally coupled to the first pivot/coupling pin  20 . In the configuration of the pipe repair clamp installation tool  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the curved center portion  16   b  of the pivot arm  16  is disposed upon a curved portion of the edge engaging clasp  18  which is disposed about the first pivot/coupling pin  20 . The hook end  16   c  of the pivot arm  16  includes two 90° turns so as to form a step-like arrangement. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the distal end of the edge engaging clasp  18  includes a recessed slot  18   a  which is adapted to engage an outer edge of an edge flange of a repair clamp is described below. The tool&#39;s central body  12 , pivot arm  16 , edge engaging clasp  18 , and first and second pivot/coupling pins  20 ,  22  are preferably comprised of high-strength steel. The tool&#39;s handle  14  is preferably comprised of rubber or an elastomeric material to facilitate manual gripping and manipulation. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the first and second arms  12   a ,  12   b  of the tool&#39;s central body  12  extend into and are securely coupled to the tool&#39;s handle  14 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a perspective view of the inventive pipe repair clamp installation tool  10  and the manner in which it is used to secure a repair clamp  32  to a leaking pipe  30 . Repair clamp  32  includes a generally cylindrical body portion  32   c  having first and second opposed edge flanges  32   a  and  32   b  extending the length of the repair clamp. Each of the first and second edge flanges  32   a  and  32   b  of the repair clamp  32  is generally flat and is formed integrally with the clamp&#39;s body portion  32   c . Repair clamp  32  is shown disposed about a pipe  30 , with a liner  31  positioned between and in contact with the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the repair clamp. Repair clamp  32  does not extend fully around the circumference of pipe  30  and thus there is a gap between the clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  32   a ,  32   b . Inserted between the liner  31  and adjacent portions of the inner surface of the clamp&#39;s body portion  32   c  and spanning the gap between the clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  32   a ,  32   b  is a clamp insert  35 . Clamp insert  35  has generally the same curvature as the clamp&#39;s body portion  32   c  and extends the length of the repair clamp  32 . The combination of the repair clamp&#39;s body portion  32   c  and the clamp insert  35  engages the liner  31  about its entire outer circumference and maintains the liner in intimate contact with the outer surface of the pipe  30  about the liner&#39;s entire inner circumference and length. Liner  31  preferably has an elastomeric composition or is comprised of rubber. The pipe repair clamp  32  is preferably comprised of a high strength, corrosion resistant steel. The width of the gap between the clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  32   a  and  32   b  is such that the repair clamp  32  may be easily slipped over the leaking pipe  30  being repaired. Thus, once the repair clamp  32  is disposed on the pipe  30 , considerable force must be used to draw the opposed first and second edge flanges  32   a ,  32   b  of the repair clamp  32  toward one another to establish a sealed relationship between the liner  31  and repair clamp  32  combination and the inner fluid-carrying pipe. The inventive repair clamp  32  facilitates the application of this force in drawing the combination of the inner liner  31  and the inventive repair clamp  32  in contact with the outer surface of pipe  30  as described in the following paragraphs. 
   Attached to the clamp&#39;s first edge flange  32   a  by means of respective weldments  54   a  is a first pair of ribs  34   a  and  34   b . A second pair of ribs  36   a  and  36   b  is similarly attached to the clamp&#39;s first edge flange  32   a  by means of weldments  54   b . Finally, a third pair of ribs  38   a  and  38   b  is securely attached to the clamp&#39;s first edge flange  32   a  by means of weldments  54   c . Similarly, attached to the clamp&#39;s second edge flange  32   b  by means of weldments  56   a ,  56   b  and  56   c  are first, second and third bolts  40 ,  42  and  44 . The first bolt  40  is aligned with and disposed between the first pair of ribs  34   a ,  34   b  which are attached to the clamp&#39;s first edge flange  32   a . Similarly, the second and third bolts  42  and  44  are respectively disposed between and aligned with the second pair of ribs  36   a ,  36   b  and the third pair of ribs  38   a ,  38   b . Each of the first, second and third bolts  40 ,  42  and  44  includes a distal threaded end portion which extends outwardly from the pair of spaced ribs between which the bolt is positioned. A clamping bracket  46  includes three spaced apertures each of which is adapted to receive the threaded end of one of the first, second and third bolts  40 ,  42  and  44 . Each of the threaded end portions of the first, second and third bolts,  40 ,  42  and  44 , is adapted to receive and engage a respective nut  50   a ,  50   b  and  50   c . Tightening of the three nuts  50   a ,  50   b  and  50   c  on the three bolts  40 ,  42  and  44 , respectively, moves the clamping bracket  46  towards the repair clamp  32  and into contact with the distal ends of the three pairs of ribs  32   a ,  32   b  and  36   a ,  36   b  and  38   a ,  38   b , as shown in FIG.  6 . Each of the paired ribs of the clamping bracket  46  and the three nuts  50   a ,  50   b  and  50   c  is preferably comprised of a high strength, corrosion-resistant steel, as are each of the three bolts  40 ,  42  and  44 . Disposed between each of the three nuts  50   a ,  50   b  and  50   c  and the clamping bracket  46  is a respective nylon washer  48   a ,  48   b  and  48   c.    
   As shown in  FIG. 5 , the clamp&#39;s first edge flange  32   a  is provided with first and second spaced slots, or eyes,  52   a  and  52   b . Also as shown in  FIG. 5 , the hook end  16   c  of the repair clamp installation tool&#39;s pivot arm  16  is inserted within the first slot  52   a  within the clamp&#39;s first edge flange  32   a . The pivot arm&#39;s hook end  16   c  could as easily be inserted within the second slot  52   b  within the repair clamp&#39;s first edge flange  32   a  for proper operation of the clamp as described below. With the hook end  16   c  of the clamp&#39;s pivot arm  16  inserted within the first slot  52   a  in the clamp&#39;s first edge flange  32   a , a slot  18   a  in the repair clamp installation tool&#39;s edge engaging clasp  18  is positioned over and in contact with an outer edge of the repair clamp&#39;s second edge flange  32   b . The distance between the first slot  52   a  and the outer edge of the clamp&#39;s second edge flange  32   b  depends upon the size of the clamp and the normal, unstressed distance between the clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  32   a  and  32   b . The distance between the repair clamp installation tool&#39;s pivot arm hook end  16   c  and its edge engaging clasp  18  may be adjusted by the orientation of the tool&#39;s central body  12  relative to the pivot arm&#39;s hook edge and the tool&#39;s edge engaging clasp. For example, rotating the combination of the repair clamp installation tool&#39;s central body  12  and handle  14  in the direction of arrow  58  shown in  FIG. 5  draws the pivot arm&#39;s hook end  16   c  and the tool&#39;s edge engaging clasp  18  toward one another. Similarly, rotation of the combination of the repair clamp installation tool&#39;s central body  12  and handle  14  in a direction opposite to that of arrow  58  will cause increased separation between the pivot arm&#39;s hook end  16   c  and the tool&#39;s edge engaging clasp  18  to provide increased spacing between the first and second edge flanges  32   a ,  32   b  of the repair clamp  32 . Once in the position shown in  FIG. 5 , the repair clamp installation tool  10  will remain in this position because it is attached to the pipe clamps edge flanges  32   a ,  32   b.    
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a perspective view of the configuration of the repair clamp installation tool  10  for drawing the repair clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  32   a  and  32   b  toward one another for reducing the size of the gap between these edge flanges and securely positioning the repair clamp  32  on pipe  30 . In  FIG. 6 , the repair clamp installation tool&#39;s central body  12  and handle  14  have been rotated in the direction of arrow  58  so as to be generally aligned with the tool&#39;s pivot arm  16 . Rotation of the tool&#39;s central body  12  in the direction of arrow  58  reduces the separation between the pivot arm&#39;s hook end  16   c  and the tool&#39;s edge engaging clasp  18  so as to drawn the repair clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  32   a ,  32   b  toward each other, reducing the gap between these two edge flanges. This draws the repair clamp  32  and inner liner  31  more tightly about pipe  30 . With the repair clamp installation tool&#39;s central body  12  in general alignment with its pivot arm  16 , the repair clamp installation tool  10  maintains the repair clamp  32  in compression about the inner liner  31  disposed on the pipe  30 . The repair clamp installation tool&#39;s central body  12  will remain in the locked position shown in  FIG. 6  without requiring the application of force to either the tool&#39;s central body  12  or its handle  14 . This allows the repair clamp installer to use both hands, if necessary, to properly position the clamp&#39;s clamping bracket  46  on the three bolts  40 ,  42  and  44  and tighten the three nuts  50   a ,  50   b  respectively on bolts  40 ,  42  and  44 . In order to release the repair clamp installation tool  10  from the repair clamp  32 , the tool&#39;s body portion  32   c  and handle  14  must be moved in a direction opposite to that of arrow  58 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a repair clamp installation tool  70  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The repair clamp installation tool  70  includes a central body  72  having first and second connected arms  72   a  and  72   b . Adjacent first ends of the first and second arms  72   a ,  72   b  form a handle  74 . Adjacent a second end of the central body  72 , the first and second arms  72   a ,  72   b  are arranged in a spaced manner and are connected together by means of first and second pivot/coupling pins  80  and  82 . Repair clamp installation tool  70  further includes a pivot arm  76  having a first clamp end  76   a  disposed about and attached to the second pivot/coupling pin  82 . A second, opposed end of the pivot arm  76  is provided with a hook  76   c , while a curved center portion  76   b  of the pivot arm couples the clamp end  76   a  with the hook end. An edge engaging clasp  78  is disposed about and coupled to the first pivot/coupling pin  80  disposed on a second end of the tool&#39;s central body  72 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a sectional view of the repair clamp installation tool  70  engaging a pipe repair clamp  90  in accordance with the present invention. The handle  74  of the repair clamp installation tool  70  is formed by connecting adjacent portions of the tool&#39;s arms by means of a pair of coupling pins, or rivets,  84  and  86 . In addition, the hook end  76   c  of the tool&#39;s pivot arm  76  is inserted in a slot, or eye,  92  within a first edge flange  90   a  of a pipe repair clamp  90 . Similarly, a slot  78   a  within the edge engaging clasp  78  engages the outer edge of the second edge flange  90   b  of the repair clamp  90 . The repair clamp  90  further includes a generally cylindrical body portion  90   c  having the first and second edge flanges  90   a  and  90   b . The orientation of the repair clamp installation tool  70  and relative position of its first and second pivot/coupling pins  80 ,  82  respectively coupled to the pivot arm  76  and the edge engaging clasp  78  shown in  FIG. 8  is such as to maximize the distance “X” between the edge engaging clasp and the distal hook end  76   c  of the pivot arm. The orientation of the repair clamp installation tool  70  relative to the repair clamp  90  is such that the tool merely engages the first and second edge flanges  90   a ,  90   b  of the repair clamp without applying an inwardly directed force for drawing the two edge flanges together. In order to apply a compressive force by the repair clamp installation tool  70  to the repair clamp  90 , the tool&#39;s central body  72  must be rotationally displaced about the second pivot/coupling pin  82  in the direction of arrow  94  shown in FIG.  8 . This results in displacement of the repair clamp installation tool&#39;s pivot arm  76  in the direction of arrow  96  and a narrowing of the gap between the repair clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  90   a  and  90   b.    
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a longitudinal sectional view of the repair clamp installation tool  79  taken from the direction opposite to the sectional view of  FIG. 8 , wherein the repair clamp installation tool has been displaced to the pipe engaging position. In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 9 , the distance between the repair clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  90   a  and  90   b  has been reduced to a distance “Y”, where Y&lt;X, and the combination of the repair clamp  90  and a liner (not shown) securely engages the outer surface of a pipe (also not shown). 
   While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the relevant arts that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.