Abstract:
A portable, hand held, apparatus for crimping a hose fitting to the end of a hose, including a unitary frame having four sides surrounding an open middle section, wherein one of the sides is a base with a receiving opening extending therethrough for housing crimping componentry and another of the sides is a top portion for attaching a cylinder, piston, and a pusher. The outer surface of each of the remaining two sides has mounting holes for attaching a power unit. The unitary frame includes a handle for manual lifting purposes, and has multiple support surfaces enabling the crimping apparatus to be variably positioned during the crimping process. The unitary frame also includes blind mounting holes on three sides for attaching various mounting brackets, thus enabling the apparatus to be oriented in any desired angular position during the noted crimping process.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES  
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/300,279; filed Jun. 22, 2001. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to an apparatus for crimping hose fittings onto the ends of hoses, and more particularly to a portable, preferably hand held, crimping device.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Crimping machines or apparatuses are well known devices or mechanisms used for permanently crimping the cylindrical socket of a hose fitting onto the end of a hose. Initially, the cylindrical socket of the hose fitting has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hose, thus allowing the hose to be inserted into the cylindrical socket. The end of the hose and fitting are inserted into the crimping machine that holds a crimping die segment assembly. The die segment assembly is radially contracted and compresses the socket onto the hose to a predetermined diameter.  
           [0004]    To accomplish this crimping operation, a typical crimping machine is provided with a power source, such as a hydraulic pump, that supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a cylinder having a movable piston disposed therein. When pressurized fluid is supplied to the cylinder, the piston moves from a first position to a second position. A die pusher is connected to the piston and moves with the piston. During this movement, the die pusher comes in contact with a die ring that rests on top of the radially aligned die segment assembly. The die segment assembly is housed within a tapered die bowl and the die segment assembly radially contracts as it moves deeper into the die bowl. As the piston moves to the second position, the die segment assembly travels into the tapered die bowl, radially contracting, and crimps the fitting socket via the permanent deformation thereof. Due to forces from the transmission of hydraulic power, the longitudinal movement of the piston and die pusher, and the radial contraction of the die segment assembly, the structure of the crimping machine is subjected to various stresses. Therefore this structure must be rigid in order to withstand these stresses and produce a precise crimp diameter.  
           [0005]    Typically the structure for the crimping machine is comprised of a lower base plate, an upper end plate and four column rods interconnecting both plates. Examples of a crimping machine with this structure are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,514 to Chen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,055 to Phipps, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,006 to Stanley. As discussed previously, forces from the power transmission and movement of the componentry can cause stresses to the structure of the crimping machine. These stresses can adversely affect the linkages between the plates and column rods, thus creating fatigue failures.  
           [0006]    Certain crimping machines are used in hose assembly fabrication facilities and are permanently affixed to a flat surface, such as a workbench, either in a horizontal or vertical angular orientation. These types of machines are large, heavy, and the weight is not evenly distributed. This may cause a top-heavy machine to tip over during operation unless permanently affixed. An example of this type of crimping machine, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,892 to Currie, has such a vertical orientation. Therefore, this type of machine must be must be affixed to a support structure and is not easily transported to different locations.  
           [0007]    Portable crimping machines are used for those applications where crimping cannot take place in a hose assembly fabrication facility. These types of machines are typically lighter and smaller than those permanently affixed. Portable crimping machines are generally vertically oriented. A base, having a flat lower surface, is provided for setting the machine on a flat horizontal surface. Portable crimping machines typically have side walls or columns that are removably attached to the top and bottom plates. Examples of portable crimping machines with this design are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,437,177 and 6,125,681, both to Orcutt et al. Like permanently affixed crimping machines, forces from the power transmission and movement of the componentry can also cause stresses in the side walls and columns of portable crimping machines, creating fatigue failures in the linkages.  
           [0008]    Certain portable crimping devices provide handles for manual lifting. Examples of crimping machines with this feature include the above mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,437,177 and 6,125,681 to Orcutt et al. Due to the size and weight of these types of crimping devices, the portability thereof is quite limited.  
           [0009]    Portable crimping machines of the variety previously discussed have a structure that is likely to be damaged if the machine is dropped or topples over. These machines can be top heavy and unbalanced, lending themselves to tipping over. If this occurs, the linkages between the side walls and plates can break, or the structure becomes misaligned. Any misalignment will negatively affect the precision of the crimping process and the reliability of the crimping machine.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention provides a portable apparatus for crimping a hose fitting onto the end of a hose. This invention overcomes the obstacle of providing a crimping apparatus having a housing comprised of more than one structural element. A crimper housing with more than one structural element contains stress points localized at the junctions of these elements. These junctions are typically the failure points when crimper housings are damaged due to excessive stresses and strains.  
           [0011]    A feature of the present invention is to provide a hand held, portable crimper comprising a unitary frame having a longitudinal axis and four sides surrounding an open middle section, one of the sides being a base, located at one end of the middle open section, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and having a receiving opening longitudinally extending through. A top portion of the unitary frame, also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is located at the opposite end of the open middle section from the base. A first side, parallel with the longitudinal axis, is perpendicular to and interconnects the base and top portion. A second side, also parallel with the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the base and top portion, is located at the opposite side of the open middle section from the first side and also interconnects the base and top portion.  
           [0012]    The portable crimper also includes componentry, such as a cylinder, removably attached to an inner surface of the top portion, and a piston that is movable longitudinally from a first position to a second position within the cylinder. A pusher is removably attached to the piston, and has a hollow end portion. A removable annular die bowl is located within the receiving opening in the base. An annular die separator, having a base portion located adjacent to the die bowl and a series of angular extensions protruding from the base portion, is positioned within the die bowl. An annular die segment assembly is removably positioned on top of the die separator and includes a plurality of die segments which are radially movable relative to the base receiving opening. The die segments have a generally flat upper portion and an angular lower portion adapted to mate with the angular extensions of the annular die separator. An annular die ring is disposed between the pusher and the die segment assembly.  
           [0013]    The unitary frame of the noted apparatus may further have mounting holes on at least one of the outer surfaces of the first and second side for attaching a power unit or for attaching a mounting plate. The unitary frame may also have blind mounting holes on the outer surface of the base portion for also attaching a mounting plate. Another feature of the present invention includes being able to orient the apparatus in any desired angular position during the crimping of the hose fitting to the hose. The mounting plates of the present invention also overcome the obstacle of locating an available flat surface for resting the crimping apparatus thereupon in order to support the abutting flat surface of the crimping apparatus.  
           [0014]    The unitary frame of the noted apparatus may also include a handle, located longitudinally outward of the top portion, for manual lifting purposes. The handle can be integral with the unitary frame.  
           [0015]    Another feature of the present invention includes having a portable crimping apparatus as previously set forth, wherein the unitary frame includes multiple support surfaces enabling the longitudinal axis to be angularly positioned either horizontally or vertically during the crimping of the hose fitting to the hose. The base, first side and second side of the unitary frame may further have a generally flat outer surface so that the noted apparatus can he placed on either the base, first side or second side during the crimping of the hose fitting to the hose.  
           [0016]    A further attribute of the present invention includes having a portable crimping apparatus as previously set forth, wherein the first and second side of the unitary frame are comprised of solid, essentially unapertured surfaces.  
           [0017]    Another feature of the present invention includes having the unitary frame of the crimping apparatus preferably taking the form of a light metal casing. The unitary frame may be formed from a non-metallic material, or it may be comprised of a casting of a light metal alloy, such as of aluminum.  
           [0018]    Still, another attribute of the present invention includes having a portable crimping apparatus, as previously set forth, wherein the pusher includes a mechanism for cutting hose.  
           [0019]    Another feature of the present invention includes having the size and weight selected in order to make the apparatus readily portable and capable of being hand-carried to remote locations by a human operator.  
           [0020]    Further features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the following specification and attached drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 is a front, elevational view of a portable crimping device in accordance with the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a crimper housing in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the crimper housing.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 is a front, cross-sectional view of the crimper housing, taken along line  4 - 4  of FIG. 3.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the portable crimping device, including the crimper housing, cylinder, piston, die pusher, crimping componentry, hydraulic pump, handle, and conduit.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 is a front, cross-sectional view of the symmetrical piston.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view illustrating the die pusher.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 is a frontal view of the symmetrical, circular die segment assembly shown in a closed position when contracted in the die bowl.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 is a plan view of the die segment assembly, removed from the die bowl shown in an unrolled formation.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a side mounting plate  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base mounting plate used for affixing the crimper housing to a flat surface.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a base mounting plate.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 13 is a side view showing the die segment assembly in a contracted position, removed from the crimper housing;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the hose and hose fitting of a typical hose assembly.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 15 is a side view of the die pusher frontal opening, showing a further embodiment having a hose cutting mechanism (partially shown in dotted lines) removably attached to the die pusher.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0036]    Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a portable and preferably hand held crimping device, indicated generally at  10 , for crimping fitting sockets onto hydraulic hose ends. The portable (hand held) crimping device  10  includes a one-piece crimper housing  20 , a hydraulic cylinder  40 , a spring-loaded piston  45  movably situated inside the hydraulic cylinder  40 , a removable die pusher  50 , and an attachable manually operated hydraulic pump  60 . The portable crimping device  10  is utilized for permanently attach a fitting  95  onto the end of a hose  97 , as shown in FIG. 14 in a manner well known in the art.  
         [0037]    Referring to FIG. 2, crimper housing  20  is comprised of a one-piece, generally die-cast construction, preferably made of aluminum or a similar light weight material, having four sides that surround a central opening  25 . In the alternative, crimper housing  20  can be made of a non-metallic material, preferably filled or unfilled thermoplastic and thermoset plastics, or a similar material. These four sides of crimper housing  20  include an apertured base portion  21 , a solid upper portion  22 , a solid first side  23 , and a solid second side  24 . Base portion  21  includes a cylindrical cavity  29  centrally aligned with the longitudinal axis of crimper housing  20 . Cavity  29  extends from an upper surface  30  to a flat, lower surface  31  of base portion  21 . Central aperture  27  (as shown in FIG. 4) provided in surface  30 , and aperture  28  (as shown in FIG. 3) provided on base portion lower surface  31 , define the outer periphery and the longitudinal extent of cavity  29 . Apertures  38  are provided in base portion lower surface  31  for receiving fasteners (not shown) for affixing a base mounting plate such as  110 ,  114 , and  118  (discussed below) thereto. Located on the opposite side of central opening  25  from base portion  21  is upper portion  22 . Upper portion  22  includes at least one aperture  32  (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) in the surface adjacent central opening  25  for receiving fasteners in order to affix a hydraulic cylinder  40 , to be discussed below.  
         [0038]    First side  23  and second side  24  of crimper housing  20  are both parallel to the longitudinal axis of crimper housing  20 . The outer surfaces of both sides  23  and  24  are generally flat and contain one or more apertures  34 , or mounting holes, for receiving fasteners (not shown) for affixing hydraulic pump  60  (as shown in FIG. 5), or for affixing a side mounting plate  110  (discussed below) thereto. Hydraulic pump  60  can be affixed to either of sides  23  or  24 , depending on the user&#39;s preference.  
         [0039]    A carrying handle  36  is provided on the opposite side of upper portion  22  from central opening  25 . Handle  36  extends laterally from first side  23  to second side  24 . Handle  36  enables the user to conveniently grasp, handle and thereby transport crimping device  10  to any location where the crimping of a hose assembly is required.  
         [0040]    Referring to FIG. 5, the componentry of hand-held crimping device  10  is shown in an exploded fashion. Hydraulic cylinder  40  includes at least one aperture  41  on its upper surface that is capable of being aligned with the at least one aperture  32  in upper portion  22  of crimper housing  20  (as shown in FIG. 4). Cylinder  40  thus can be attached to crimper housing  20  via the use of a connecting fastener, not shown, into these aligned apertures. As best seen in FIG. 6, piston  45  has a cylindrical outer surface  46  that merges into a bottom portion  47 . The outer diameter of piston  45  is dimensioned for a fluid tight movable relationship with the inside diameter of cylinder  40 . Extending from the center of piston bottom portion  47  is a removable knob extension  48  having an outwardly directed shoulder  49  protruding from the knob periphery. If desired, knob extension  48  may be integral with piston bottom portion  47  in the manner shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0041]    Referring to FIG. 7, die pusher  50  consists of a generally cylindrical hollow member having a frontal opening  51  in the forward peripheral portion thereof. Die pusher  50  includes a top portion  55 , with a slot  52  that extends from the frontal face to the central axis, and a flat lower edge  54 . A recess  53  in slot  52  is provided in order to receive shoulder  49  of piston knob extension  48 . Threaded aperture  56  extends through top portion  55  and is dimensioned so that a detent  58  (as shown in FIG. 5) can be received within. Detent  58  ensures that die pusher  50  does not shift when die pusher&#39;s  50  central axis is aligned with knob  48 .  
         [0042]    Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, base portion  21  of crimper housing  20  has a counterbore  33  or radial recess machined in the inner surface thereof adjacent to central aperture  28 . Retaining ring  65  is adapted to fit within counterbore  33 . A spring  66  rests on top of and its lower end is held in place by retaining ring  65 . A die separator  67  is situated on top of spring  66  and consists of a tubular portion  68  integral with a generally flat, elongated mounting portion  69  that rests on top of spring  66 . Die separator  67  is preferably a one-piece structure formed of a rigid plastic material. The upper edge of tubular portion  68  is comprised of a series of intersecting angled surfaces  70  forming generally triangular shaped, axially extending, projections for support of a die segment assembly  80 , shown in FIG. 8, which will be discussed below.  
         [0043]    A die bowl  72  is located on top of an inwardly directed annular ridge  35  (FIG. 4) that protrudes into cavity  29  along the entire circumference of the inner surface of base portion  21 . Die bowl  72  has a cylindrical outer surface and a tapered interior surface (not shown). The taper of the interior surface is substantially equal to that of the outer surface  81  of die segment assembly  80 , as shown in FIG. 8. Angled surfaces  70  of die separator  67  project into the inside of die bowl  72 . The top surface of elongated die separator mounting portion  69  contacts a lower surface  74  of die bowl  72 . The top peripheral surface  73  of die bowl  72  receives a lower annular surface (not shown) of a die ring  75 . Die ring  75  has generally flat annular upper and lower surfaces. The inner diameter of die ring  75  is dimensioned such that a hose fitting with an angled end can fit therethrough. As is well known in the art, the height of die ring  75  varies depending on the desired crimp diameter of the fitting.  
         [0044]    Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, die segment assembly  80  consists of a plurality of generally interconnected identical individual contoured die segments  84 . Die segment assemblies  84  are used with mating componentry (e.g. die separator  67 ) to crimp a specific style of hose fitting. A typical die segment assembly will change depending on the size of the fitting, but the same mating componentry could be used for all sizes of a similar style of hose fittings. An example of a commercially available die segment assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,892 to Currie, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention.  
         [0045]    Each die segment  84  generally consists of a block of cast steel in a generally pie-shaped configuration. Die segment  84  has a generally flat top portion  86 , a pair of flat angled sides  87 , an inner curved surface  88  generally conforming, when assembled, to the shape of the hose fitting  95  (as shown in FIG. 14) to be assembled to the hose  97 , and a vee-shaped bottom portion  89  angled generally to fit into the receiving angled surfaces  70  (as shown in FIG. 5) of die separator  67 . Radial outer surface  81  consists of an upper cylindrical portion  82  and a lower conical portion  83 . Lower conical portion  83  is tapered in a manner to match the taper of the interior surface of die bowl  72 .  
         [0046]    Each die segment  84  is connected to an adjacent die segment  84  by means of an intermediate rigid link  91 . When die segment assembly  80  is in its closed or working position, as is best seen in FIG. 8, the two then-adjacent end die segments  84   a ,  84   b  are not linked together, as is best seen in FIG. 9, and thus form the first die segment  84   a  and the last die segment  84   b , with intermediate die segments  84  therebetween together forming die segment assembly  80  in a manner well known in the prior art.  
         [0047]    Referring again to FIG. 5, hydraulic pump  60  can be attached to crimper housing  20  on the outer surface of either first side  23  or second side  24 . Apertures on two pump mounting plates  62  align with apertures  34  on first  23  or second side  24  for attachment purposes. Hydraulic pump  60  includes a fluid reservoir located within a cylinder  61 . Cylinder  61  contains a movable piston (not shown) which can be moved when an attached handle  63  is manually pivoted relative to cylinder  61 . Movement of the piston within cylinder  61  creates a pressurized fluid flow from the fluid reservoir to a conduit  90  that links hydraulic pump  60  to hydraulic cylinder  40 . A pressure relief knob  64  is supplied at one end of cylinder  61  in order to relieve the built-up pressure with cylinder  61 .  
         [0048]    Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and  12 , mounting plates,  110 ,  118  and  114 , respectively, are provided for attachment to crimper housing  20 . As shown in FIG. 10, side mounting plate  110  has four apertures or cutouts  111  that align with apertures  34  on one of crimper housing sides  23  or  24  (as shown in FIG. 4). Fasteners (not shown) are received in both sets of apertures,  111  and  34 , for affixing side mounting plate  110  to crimper housing  20 . Apertures  34  are also used for attaching hydraulic pump mounting plate  62 , so, for example, if hydraulic pump  60  is attached to crimper housing first side  23 , then side mounting plate  110  can be attached to crimper housing second side  24 . Side mounting plate  110  has an intermediate lateral extension  112  that extends outwardly from crimper housing  20 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, a user of portable crimping device  10  can use a fastening mechanism, such as a vise, for example, (not shown) to clamp mounting plate extension  112  during the crimping process.  
         [0049]    As shown in FIG. 11, base mounting plate  118  is designed for attachment of crimper housing  20  to another, preferably flat, object, for example a horizontal table (not shown). Base mounting plate has a first portion  119  that can be attached to the base portion lower surface  31  and a second portion  120  that can be attached to another object. First portion  119  has a set of apertures  121  that align with crimper housing base portion apertures  38  (as shown in FIG. 3). Fasteners (not shown) are used to affix base mounting plate  118  onto base portion lower surface  31 . Second portion  120  has a set of apertures  122  that receive fasteners that affix second portion  120  to another object, for example a horizontal table. First portion  119  further has an inner edge  123  that is aligned with central aperture  28  on base portion lower surface  31 .  
         [0050]    As shown in FIG. 12, base mounting plate  114  is also designed for attachment onto base portion lower surface  31 . Base mounting plate  114  has a set of apertures  115  that align with apertures  38  (as shown in FIG. 3). Fasteners (not shown) are used to affix base mounting plate  114  onto base portion lower surface  31 . An angled extension  116  extends from plate  114  at any predetermined angle. Base mounting plate  114  has an inner edge  117  that is aligned with central aperture  28  on base portion lower surface  31 . A user of portable crimping device  10  can use any desired fastening mechanism, such as, a vise, for example, (not shown) to clamp extension  112  during the crimping process.  
         [0051]    The operation of the portable, and preferably, hand held crimping device  10  will now be described. With all of the componentry (as shown in FIG. 5) and die segment assembly  80  (as shown in FIG. 8) assembled within crimper housing  20 , portable crimping device  10  is ready to crimp a hose fitting. Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and  13 , a precrimped hose assembly, consisting of a hose fitting  95  and a hose  97  (FIG. 14) is inserted into base portion cavity  29  of portable crimping device  10  through the lower surface  31 . Since die pusher  50  is not yet in contact with die ring  75 , die segment assembly  80  is in a relaxed at-rest position and the precrimped hose assembly will fit through the center of die segment assembly  80 .  
         [0052]    The fabricator of the hose assembly will repeatedly pivot handle  63  relative to cylinder  61 , thereby building up pressure within cylinder  61  and conduit  90 . This pressure will cause movement of spring-loaded piston  45  within cylinder  40 . Piston  45 , and attached die pusher  50 , move longitudinally and die pusher lower edge  54  contacts the upper annular surface of die ring  75 , causing the latter to also move longitudinally. Die ring  75 , resting on top of die segment assembly  80 , forces die segment assembly  80  into the tapered interior of die bowl  72 . Die segment assembly  80  constricts radially inwardly and die segment inner cylindrical surface  88  engages and compresses fitting  95  onto hose  97  until the lower surface of die ring  75  bottoms out on die bowl  72 . The inward radial compression of fitting  95  produces a predetermined desired crimp diameter. The height of die ring  75  determines the longitudinal distance that piston  45 , die pusher  50 , and die ring  75  travels. The greater the height of die ring  75 , the shorter the travel distance. The greater the travel distance, the further die segment assembly  80  will travel within tapered die bowl  72 . The greater the longitudinal travel distance of die segment assembly  80 , the more it will be radially inwardly compressed.  
         [0053]    During the crimping process, forces from the radial contraction of die segment assembly  80 , and opposing forces from the crimping of the hose fitting cause stresses within integral crimper housing  20 . Due to the one-piece, unitary construction of crimper housing  20 , these forces are distributed throughout the four sides. Since the four sides are not fastened to each other in the columnar construction of the prior art, stresses are not localized in any specific area, e.g. a link between the side wall and base, thus preventing any stress damage to crimper housing  20 .  
         [0054]    After the crimping operation has been completed, piston  45  typically needs to be fully retracted in order to remove the crimped hose assembly, die segment assembly  80 , die separator  67 , or die bowl  72 . A full retraction is needed since the available space inside central opening (as shown in FIG. 2) is limited, and die pusher  50  must be fully displaced from die ring  75  in order to remove the above mentioned componentry. When retracting piston  45 , attached die pusher  50  loses contact with the upper annular surface of die ring  75 . This allows die segment assembly  80  to open up diametrically, thus providing room for the crimped hose and fitting assembly to be removed. Retraction of piston  45  is achieved by actuating pressure relief knob  64 , thus relieving pressure from hydraulic pump  60 . Since piston  45  is spring loaded it retracts within hydraulic cylinder  40  proportionally to the amount of pressure being relieved from hydraulic pump  60 . A full retraction of piston  45 , which may take a significant amount of time especially during multiple crimping operations, can be avoided with the present invention. Since die pusher  50  is removable from piston  45 , only a slight retraction of piston  45  is needed in order to remove the above mentioned componentry. Instead of a full retraction, piston  45  can be slightly retracted to the location where die pusher  50  is no longer in immediate contact with die ring  75 . At this location, die pusher  50  can slide off knob  48 , as best shown in FIG. 6, and space is then provided inside central opening  25  in order to remove the componentry. With this abbreviated retraction of piston  45  and subsequent removal of die pusher  50 , assembly cycle time is significantly reduced.  
         [0055]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, during the crimping operation, the longitudinal axis of portable crimping device  10  can be oriented either horizontally or vertically. The flat lower surface  31  of crimper housing  20  allows portable crimping device  10  to be positioned vertical with lower surface  31  resting on another horizontal, flat surface (e.g. a worktable). The flat outer surfaces of first and second sides,  23  and  24 , allow portable crimping device  10  to be positioned with its longitudinal axis in a horizontal position during the crimping operation. Depending on which side of crimper housing  20  hydraulic pump  60  is affixed, the opposite side can rest on another horizontal, flat surface. Since, as noted, die pusher  50  does not have to fully retract, the close proximity of die pusher  50  to die ring  75  will prevent the crimper componentry, i.e. die ring  75 , die segment assembly  80 , and die separator  67 , from shifting or falling out of cavity  29 . The outer, flat surfaces of apertured base portion  21 , first solid side  23 , and second solid side  24  gives the operator much flexibility on any flat surface without compromising the crimping accuracy.  
         [0056]    Likewise, the use of mounting plates,  110 ,  114 , and  118 , as shown in FIGS.  10 - 12 , provide the operator with even greater crimping flexibility. Base mounting plate  118  allows the operator to affix portable crimping device to any flat surface in any orientation. For example, with first portion  119  attached to base portion lower surface  31 , second portion  120  can be attached to an edge of a flat, horizontal table. In this arrangement, the longitudinal axis of portable crimping device  10  would be substantially vertical, with the lower surface  31  of base portion  21  hanging off the table. This arrangement would allow the operator accessibility to the lower surface of cavity  29  in base portion  21  in order to insert and remove the hose assembly. In another arrangement, second portion  120  could be attached to a vertical wall, positioning the longitudinal axis of portable crimping device  10  in a horizontal orientation. Due to its light weight and compact design, portable crimping device  10  can be rigidly held in this position. As mentioned above, since die pusher  50  does not have to be fully retracted, it will contain the crimper componentry when portable crimping device is in this orientation.  
         [0057]    Side mounting plate  110  allows the operator to perform the crimping operation when a flat surface is not available. Side mounting plate  110  can be affixed to the outer surface of either the first or second sides  23 ,  24  of crimper housing  20 . As previously mentioned, side mounting plate apertures  111  align with crimper housing apertures  34  and fasteners are used to affix side mounting plate  110  to crimper housing  20 . When attached, intermediate extension  112  protracts from crimper housing  20 . As previously noted, the crimper operator can use an attachment device, for example, a vise (not shown), for securing portable crimping device  10  so that crimping device  10  is stabilized during the crimping operation. For example, a hose assembly may fail in operation and a replacement assembly may have to be fabricated at the location of use. Many times this location will not have a flat surface for locating the portable crimping device  10 . Thus the operator can attach a vise to any available non-flat surface, and then secure intermediate extension  112  in the vise. Since portable crimping device  10  can be utilized in any orientation, a hose assembly can be properly crimped even when a flat surface is not available.  
         [0058]    Like the previously noted side mounting plate  110 , base mounting plate  114  can also be used when a flat surface is not available. Base mounting plate  114  is mounted on base portion lower surface  31  similar to base mounting plate  118  and provides the same flexibility as side mounting plate  110 . Angled extension  116  protracts from crimper housing  20  when attached, and an operator can use a vise as previously detailed in order to stabilize portable crimping device  10  so that crimping operations can be performed.  
         [0059]    As noted above, portable crimping device  10  can be utilized not only as a workplace-mounted unit, but also in the field, for example on a piece of machinery, where a flat mounting surface is unavailable. Portable crimping device  10  can also be operated in any angular orientation. Thus, regardless of the location for the replacement hose assembly, portable crimping device  10  can be used. Also, due to its compact size and light weight,  37  lbs. with added componentry, crimping device  10  can be transported to locations where typical portable crimping machines could not. An example of such a location is a truck boom. Typically the boom of a truck is hydraulically or pneumatically operated. Hose assemblies are used as conduits for the required pressurized fluid. These assemblies are typically drawn through orifices smaller in diameter than those of the hose fittings. Therefore, the crimping of the hose fitting must take place at the port location of the fitting attachment. When a hose assembly on the truck boom fails, the operator can hand carry portable crimping device  10  up a ladder to the hose assembly location, secure an attachment device to the boom and affix crimping device  10  thereto, with a mounting plate, if required, and operate portable crimping device  10  at that specific location and any angular orientation.  
         [0060]    As previously noted, crimper housing  20  is compact, preferably having the following approximate dimensions: 15″ height, 7″ width and 6″ depth. Due to this compact, one-piece or unitary design of crimper housing  20 , the center of gravity thereof is low enough to provide an even balance to the portable crimping device  10  when the additional componentry, e.g. cylinder  40 , piston  45 , die bowl  72 , etc., is attached. Therefore it is unlikely that portable crimping device  10  will tip over during operation. In the event that portable crimping device  10  is dropped, the compact, durable unitary housing  20  can withstand forces that would typically damage a prior art columnar portable crimper. Crimper housing  20  is not subject to misalignment from the external forces and, due to its one-piece unitary construction, there are no linkages, or columns in housing  20  that can act as stress/strain fracture points from such external forces.  
         [0061]    Referring to FIG. 15, a second embodiment is shown wherein the die pusher  150  has a removable cutting mechanism  157 , preferably made of a hardened tool steel, attached thereto. Die pusher  150  takes the same general form as that previously described in FIG. 7, except that the side opposite opening  51  has two apertures,  161  and  162 . Aperture  161  is generally circular in shape and has a larger diameter than aperture  162 . Cutting mechanism  157  is slidably attached to die pusher  150  with a fastener, not shown, which fits through a slot  158  provided within cutting mechanism  157  and is radially retained in aperture  162 . Cutting mechanism  157  has a sharp cutting edge  159  at its top portion and a bottom portion  160  that extends below die pusher  150 . Cutting mechanism  157  may be spring loaded (spring not shown per se), and while in its relaxed position, bottom portion  160  protrudes below the lowest portion of die pusher  150  at least the distance of the diameter of aperture  161 , and cutting edge  159  is positioned just below the bottom portion of aperture  161 .  
         [0062]    During the cutting operation, the hose is positioned through aperture  161  so that the prescribed cutting length location, normally indicated by an indicia mark on the hose, is coplanar with cutting edge  159 . In the same manner as described above (and shown in FIG. 5), the fabricator of the hose assembly will repeatedly pivot handle  63  relative to cylinder  61 , thereby building up pressure within cylinder  61  and conduit  90 . This pressure will cause movement of spring-loaded piston  45  within cylinder  40 . Piston  45 , attached die pusher  50 , and attached cutting mechanism  157  move longitudinally and cutting mechanism bottom portion  160  contacts the upper annular surface of die ring  75 . Cutting mechanism  157  is guided by the fastener, not shown, within slot  158  and moves upwardly until the bottom portion of slot  158  comes in contact with the fastener. During this movement, cutting edge  159  comes in contact with and thereafter severs the hose placed through aperture  161 .  
         [0063]    Cutting mechanism  157  is particularly useful when an operator needs to cut a hose at the job site. Typically a hose would have to transported to a fabrication site when a cutting tool is used to cut the hose at a prescribed length. With cutting mechanism  157 , a hose can be cut at the job location, thus saving time and expense.  
         [0064]    The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. The invention which is intended to be protected herein should not, however, be construed as limited to the particular form described as it is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.