Abstract:
A manually operated tool engages and draws towards one another opposed spaced flanges of a repair clamp disposed about a leaking pipe for moving the clamp into position and securely maintaining the clamp 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, allowing the clamp&#39;s nut and bolt combinations to be tightened. The tool is adjustable for use with a wide range of clamp sizes and pipe diameters.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/393,820 filed on Mar. 21, 2003. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    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. The tool is adjustable to accommodate various clamp sizes and pipe diameters.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    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.  
           [0004]    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.  
           [0005]    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. The installation tool is adjustable in size to accommodate a wide range of repair clamp dimensions and pipe diameters.  
         OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    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 off the leak.  
           [0007]    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.  
           [0008]    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.  
           [0009]    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.  
           [0010]    A still further object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable tool for installing a repair clamp on a pipe which is adapted for use with a wide range of repair clamp sizes and pipe diameters.  
           [0011]    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 adjacent the first end thereof, the arm further including a second opposed end adapted for insertion in an aperture in the first edge flange of the repair clamp; a clasp pivotally coupled to the body portion intermediate the first and second opposed ends thereof 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; and an adjustable mechanism coupling the clasp to the body portion for adjusting spacing between the arm and the clasp to accommodate a range of sizes of the repair clamp and diameters of the pipe. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    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:  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe repair clamp installation tool in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the pipe repair clamp installation tool shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the pipe repair clamp installation tool shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0016]    [0016]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;  
         [0017]    [0017]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;  
         [0018]    [0018]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;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a pipe repair clamp installation tool in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]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  
         [0021]    [0021]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;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the inventive adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool shown in FIG. 10;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of the elongated members forming the central body of the adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool of the present invention engaging one flange of a pipe repair clamp with which the inventive tool is intended for use;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool of the present invention engaging first and second flanges of a pipe repair clamp, with the tool positioned so as to begin the application of tension across the pipe repair clamp;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the inventive adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool engaging first and second flanges of a pipe repair clamp and applying tension across the pipe repair clamp, where the tool and clamp are shown as partially closed; and  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the inventive adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool engaging first and second flanges of a pipe repair clamp, where the installation tool is shown in the fully closed configuration and the pipe repair clamp is shown substantially closed about a pipe. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]    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.  
         [0030]    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 .  
         [0031]    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.  
         [0032]    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.    
         [0033]    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.    
         [0034]    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 .  
         [0035]    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 .  
         [0036]    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.    
         [0037]    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).  
         [0038]    Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a perspective view of an adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool  100  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. A side elevation view of the inventive adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool  100  is shown in FIG. 11, while a perspective view of one of the elongated members  102   b  forming the installation tool&#39;s central body is shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0039]    The adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool  100  includes a central body  102  formed of a pair of connected elongated members  102   a  and  102   b . The first and second members  102   a ,  102   b  are preferably comprised of a high strength material such as steel and are joined by conventional means such as weldments (not shown for simplicity). First ends of the first and second members  102   a ,  102   b  are joined together to form a handle  104 . Second opposed ends of the first and second members  102   a ,  102   b  are disposed in spaced relation so that various components of the installation tool may be positioned between and connected to first and second members as described below.  
         [0040]    Each of the first and second elongated members  102   a ,  102   b  is provided with a generally circular aperture  118  and an elongated aperture, or slot,  120  as shown for the case of the second member  102   b  in FIG. 12. Disposed along the length of the slot  120  are first and second arrays of plural spaced concave recesses  120   a . A first pivot/coupling pin  106  is inserted through the aligned circular apertures  118  in the first and second elongated members  102   a ,  102   b . A nut  114 , or other connecting element, is attached to each end of the first pivot/coupling pin  106  for securely attaching the pin to the first and second members  102   a ,  102   b . Similarly, a second pivot/coupling pin  108  is inserted through the aligned elongated slots  120  in each of the first and second members  102   a ,  102   b . Attaching lugs  116  are affixed to opposed ends of the second pivot/coupling pin  108  for connecting the second pivot/coupling pin to the combination of the first and second members  102   a ,  102   b.    
         [0041]    The adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  further includes a first pivot arm  110  and a second pivot arm  112 . The first pivot arm  110  includes a first clamp end  110   a  and a second hook end which is not shown in the figures. The second hook end of the first pivot arm  110  is disposed about and connected to the first pivot/coupling pin  106  and allows the first pivot arm to be pivotally displaced about the first pivot/coupling pin. The second pivot arm  112  is curvilinear in shape and includes a first clamp end  112   a  and a second opposed hook end  112   b . The second pivot arm&#39;s clamp end  112   a  is adapted for secure attachment to the edge of a flange of a pipe repair clamp as described in detail below, while its second hook end  112   b  is disposed about and attached to the second pivot/coupling pin  108 . The second pivot arm  112  is thus free to pivot about the second pivot/coupling pin  108 .  
         [0042]    Referring to FIGS. 13, 14,  15  and  16 , there are shown a series of perspective views of the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  in various positions of engagement with a pipe repair clamp  130  in attaching the pipe repair clamp to a pipe  122  in accordance with the present invention. A liner is typically installed between the pipe repair clamp  130  and pipe  122 , and in some cases a metal insert or sleeve may be positioned between the clamp and pipe, but these are not shown in the figures because they are not part of the present invention.  
         [0043]    As shown in FIG. 13, the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  is first attached to a pipe repair clamp  130  having first and second edge flanges  130   a  and  130   b  by inserting the clamp end  110   a  of the first pivot arm  110  into an elongated, linear slot  134  disposed in the clamp&#39;s second edge flange. The first edge flange  130   a  of the pipe repair clamp  130  is similarly provided with one or more slots  132   a  and  132   b  which are each adapted to receive the clamp end  110   a  of the first pivot arm  110 . This allows the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  to be attached across the pipe repair clamp  130  either as shown in the figures, or reoriented 180° from its position shown in these figures so as to face in the opposite direction. With the first pivot arm&#39;s clamp end  110   a  inserted in slot  134 , the clamp end  112   a  of the second pivot arm  112  is positioned in engagement with the outer edge of the pipe repair clamp&#39;s first edge flange  130   a  as shown in FIG. 14. The second pivot arm&#39;s clamp end  112   a  is moved into engagement with the outer edge of the pipe repair clamp&#39;s first edge flange  130  by rotating the installation tool&#39;s central body  112  in a clockwise direction as viewed in the various figures. The adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  pivots about the first pivot/coupling pin  106  which attaches one end of the first pivot arm  110  to an end of the installation tool&#39;s central body  102 . In FIG. 13, the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  is shown in the fully open configuration, and the pipe repair clamp  130  is also shown fully open. In FIG. 14, initial tension has been applied across the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  by rotation of its central body  102  in a clockwise direction. Also in the configuration shown in FIG. 14, a compressive force of increasing magnitude is beginning to be applied across the pipe repair clamp  130  by the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100 . The spacing between the pipe repair clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  130   a ,  130   b  is shown as “X” in FIGS. 13 and 14.  
         [0044]    Further rotation of the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 15 applies increased tension across the pipe repair clamp  130  drawing its first and second edge flanges  130   a ,  130   b  further toward one another. In the configuration shown in FIG. 15, the second pivot arm&#39;s clamp end  112   a  firmly engages the outer edge of the pipe repair clamp&#39;s first edge flange  130   a . The installation tool&#39;s central body  102  has been further rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 15 from its earlier position shown in FIG. 14. The increased tension applied by the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  across the pipe repair clamp  130  has pulled its first and second edge flanges  130   a ,  130   b  toward one another and has reduced the gap therebetween to a value “Y”, where Y&lt;X. In FIG. 15, the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  and the pipe repair clamp  130  are both in a partially closed configuration.  
         [0045]    Referring to FIG. 16, the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  is shown in the fully closed configuration wherein the first and second edge flanges  130   a ,  130   b  of the pipe repair clamp  130  are further drawn toward one another, where the separation of the two flanges is shown as “Z”, where Z&lt;Y. In the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  securely engages the pipe repair clamp  130  and facilitates manual manipulation of the pipe repair clamp such as in positioning it on the desired location of the pipe being repaired. In this configuration, the pipe repair clamp  130  is loosely disposed about the pipe and can be easily moved along the length of the pipe by means of the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  attached to the clamp. In the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the first pivot pin  106  is disposed between the second pivot pin  108  and the second pivot arm&#39;s clamp end  112   a . In addition, the second pivot arm&#39;s clamp end  112   a  and the first and second pivot/coupling pins  106 ,  108  are in generally linear alignment in the clamping configuration shown in FIG. 16. The installation tool&#39;s central body  102  has been manually displaced in a clockwise direction from its positions shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and  15  to the stop position shown in FIG. 16. In this configuration, maximum tension is applied across the pipe repair clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  130   a ,  130   b , and the linear alignment of the second pivot arm&#39;s clamp end  112   a  and the first and second pivot/coupling pins  106 ,  108  provides for the stable and secure positioning of the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  on the pipe repair clamp  130 . In order to remove the tension applied across the pipe repair clamp  130  by the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100 , the installation tool&#39;s central body  102  must be manually moved in a counter clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 16 so that the second pivot arm&#39;s clamp end  1   12   a  and the first and second pivot/coupling pins  106 ,  108  are no longer in linear alignment such as shown in FIG. 13, allowing the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  to be removed from the pipe repair clamp  130 . With the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  positioned on the pipe repair clamp  130  as shown in FIG. 16, with maximum tension exerted between the pipe repair clamp&#39;s first and second edge flanges  130   a ,  130   b , a clamping bracket (not shown) attached to the first and second bolts  140  and  142  may be tightened by respective nuts (also not shown) attached to the first and second bolts for securely tightening the pipe repair clamp about the pipe. This structure and the procedure for securely and tightly attaching the pipe repair clamp  130  about the pipe was described in detail above and is shown in previously discussed FIGS. 5 and 6.  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 11 a,  there is shown an arrangement for adjusting the size of the adjustable repair clamp installation tool  100  to accommodate a range of sizes of pipe repair clamps and pipe diameters. Shown in FIG. 11 a  is one end of the second pivot/coupling pin  108 , it being understood that the other end of the second pivot/coupling pin is similarly configured. Disposed on each end of the second pivot/coupling pin  108  is an attaching lug  116 . Attaching lug  116  is elongated in shape and includes first and second opposed flat portions  124   a  and  124   b  and first and second opposed curvilinear portions  126   a  and  126   b . With the attaching lug  116  oriented as shown in FIG. 11 a,  its first and second opposed curvilinear portions  126   a ,  126   b  engage respective facing concave recesses in the elongated aperture  120  within the first elongated member  102   a  of the central body  102 . In this configuration, the second pivot/coupling pin  108  is securely attached to the opposed concave recesses of slot  120  and is fixedly positioned within the slot. This permits tension to be applied to the second pivot arm  112  as the installation tool&#39;s central body  102  is rotationally displaced about the first pivot/coupling pin  106  in a clockwise direction as shown in the various figures and as described above. By rotating the second pivot arm  112  relative to the central body  102 , the orientation of the attaching lug  116  may be changed to that shown in FIG. 11 b.  In FIG. 11 b,  the first and second flat portions  124   a ,  124   b  of the attaching lug  116  are shown in facing relation to the spaced concave recesses in the elongated aperture  120 . In this configuration, attaching lug  116  may be displaced along the length of the slot  120 . By changing the orientation of attaching lug  116  within slot  120 , the position of the second pivot arm  112  relative to the first pivot arm  110  may be adjusted according to the size of the pipe repair clamp  130  and the diameter of the pipe being repaired. When the attaching lug  116  is located in the proper position within the slot  120  to accommodate the size of the pipe repair clamp  130 , the combination of the second pivot arm  112  and second pivot/coupling pin  108  and attaching lug  116  is rotationally displaced so that the curvilinear portions  126   a ,  126   b  of the attaching lug engage facing concave recesses at the desired locations within the elongated linear slot. By moving the attaching lug  116  leftward within slot  120  as viewed in FIGS. 11 a  and  11   b,  larger pipe repair clamps and larger pipe diameters may be accommodated. Conversely, by moving the attaching lug  116  rightward within slot  120  as viewed in FIGS. 11 a  and  11   b,  smaller pipe repair clamps and smaller diameter pipes may be accommodated by the adjustable pipe repair clamp installation tool  100  of the present invention.  
         [0047]    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.