Abstract:
A tool for gripping, clamping or holding an object, wherein the tool has a handle portion, a linkage portion and a working portion, and wherein the working portion includes two workpiece contacting surfaces, at least one of the surfaces shaped to generally conform to at least a portion of the outer surface of a workpiece to be clamped, gripped or held. In some embodiments, at least one of the workpiece contacting surfaces is adapted to provide a treatment to a workpiece being clamped, gripped or held.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 10/926,366 field on Aug. 25, 2004 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/498,612, filed on Aug. 28, 2003, the entire subject matters of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to tools, including clamping, holding and gripping type tools. More specifically, the present invention relates to clamping, holding and gripping type tools, including such tools adapted to apply a treatment to a workpiece. In some embodiments, the treatment may be selected as suitable for the workpiece to be held, clamped or gripped and for the effect sought. 
     Various circumstances require a clamping tool. Repair, joining or sealing conduits, pipes and the like or other workpieces may be facilitated by clamping. Often, it is advantageous to pinch or otherwise block piping through which fluid is moving. For example, a utility crew may expose a portion of a natural gas line to perform maintenance or some other type of work. The utility crew cannot access the pipe without controlling the flow of the fluid, yet it may be difficult and disruptive to cease flow to that entire line. Thus, a clamp is often used to pinch the pipe or otherwise block the piping to stop fluid flow from that point forward. 
     Alternatively, a clamping tool may be used to clamp a pipe or conduit and apply a treatment thereto, without disturbing the flow of the fluid through the pipe or conduit. 
     A number of tools have been created to address these tasks. Some of the difficulties common to these tools include positioning of the tool around the pipe within a confined area, clamping the pipe without expelling it from the tool, providing a configuration offering sufficient force to compress the pipe, and providing a treatment to the pipe. These difficulties act individually and collectively to make it more difficult to use a clamping tool to secure a pipe or conduit and stop fluid flow through the pipe or conduit. 
     Generally, when securing a pipe to stop fluid flow through the pipe, only a small area is provided to work in. For example, a trench may be dug through the ground to reveal a small segment of the pipe. This can make it difficult to access the pipe, to reach the pipe (it may be several feet below ground level), and to engage the pipe with a tool. Because of the generally cylindrical shape of pipes, the strength of pipes, and the typical “scissoring” (i.e., angled closing) effect of clamping tools, pipes often become expelled from the clamping tool as the tool is actuated. That is, the pipe may not be easy to compress and, as the tool closes, the angled closing may cause the tool to disengage rather than clamping the pipe. 
     The small workspace, the resistance of the pipe to clamping, and the depth of the pipe in the ground make it difficult to provide a tool that an operator can use to develop sufficient force to apply a treatment to a pipe or to stop fluid flow through the pipe. Traditionally, when manually operated tools are needed to exert a greater force, a longer lever arm is provided. However, such a solution, in this context, is impractical for the reasons previously noted. 
     In some applications, it would be helpful if a radially directed force could be applied substantially completely and uniformly around a workpiece using a clamping or gripping type tool. This is difficult with a traditional scissor type jaw movement, or with clamp type tools having the typical generally flat jaw surfaces. 
     Thus, there exists a need to provide an improved clamping tool. 
     SUMMARY 
     A tool for gripping, clamping or holding an object, wherein the tool has a handle portion, a linkage portion and a working portion, and wherein the working portion includes two workpiece contacting surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being shaped to generally conform to at least a portion of the outer surface of a workpiece to be clamped, gripped or held. In some embodiments, at least one of the workpiece contacting surfaces is adapted to provide a treatment to a workpiece being clamped, gripped or held. For example, in some embodiments, a chemical may be applied to at least a portion of the workpiece while it is being held in the tool. In some embodiments, a collar, patch or other structure may be all or part of the treatment. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a tool for gripping, clamping or holding an object, wherein the tool comprises a handle portion, a linkage portion and a working portion, and wherein the working portion comprises two workpiece contacting surfaces wherein the surfaces are shaped to generally conform to the outer surface of a workpiece to be clamped, gripped or held therein. In some embodiments, the workpiece contacting surfaces are adapted to provide a treatment to a workpiece being clamped, gripped or held. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the jaws remains generally parallel throughout the operation of the tool, and/or shaped portions of the jaws are generally reflective as the tool is operated. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a tool such as disclosed in a pending international application entitled “Clamping Tool”, Int&#39;l. Appln. No.: PCT/US02/16490, filed 23 May 2002, the disclosure of which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a tool for gripping and/or clamping and/or holding an object, wherein the tool comprises a handle portion, a linkage portion and a working portion, and wherein the working portion comprises a double jaw design with two pivot pins per jaw. In use, the jaws generally remain parallel throughout the operation of the tool and move generally axially from a tube portion. When open, the jaws are spaced generally axially away from the remainder of the tool. The first jaw and second jaw are moveable towards one another. The first jaw and the second jaw each have a workpiece contacting surface that remains generally parallel to the other. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is a tool comprising a clamp assembly having an opening; a first jaw coupled to the clamp assembly with a first four bar linkage, the first jaw being moveable within the opening; a second jaw being coupled to the clamp with a second four bar linkage, the second jaw being moveable within the opening; a first link being coupled between an actuating member and the first jaw; a second link being coupled between the actuating member and the second jaw, wherein selective actuation of the actuating member causes the first and the second link to move the first and the second jaw respectively, between an open and a closed position, wherein the first and the second jaws remain generally parallel to one another. Either or both of the first jaw and the second jaw may be provided with a workpiece contacting surface. If provided on both the first and the second jaw, the workpiece contacting surface remain generally parallel to the other. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is a pipe clamping tool comprising a clamp assembly; a tube extending from the clamp assembly; a handle rotatably coupled with the tube; a first jaw coupled with the clamp assembly; a second jaw coupled with the clamp assembly, wherein rotational movement of the handle causes the first jaw to move towards the second jaw, while the first jaw and the second jaw remain generally parallel to one another. Either or both of the first jaw and the second jaw may be provided with a workpiece contacting surface. If provided on both the first and the second jaw, the workpiece contacting surface remain generally parallel to the other. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is a pipe clamping tool comprising an extension tube; a threaded rod located within the extension tube and linearly moveable therein; a jaw base coupled to a first end of the threaded rod; a first jaw; a second jaw; and a linkage assembly coupled to the first jaw, the second jaw, the jaw base and the extension tube so that actuation of the threaded rod causes the first jaw to move towards the second jaw while the first jaw and the second jaw remain parallel to one another. Either or both of the first jaw and the second jaw may be provided with a workpiece contacting surface. If provided on both the first and the second jaw, the workpiece contacting surface remain generally parallel to the other. 
     In some embodiments, the working portion of the tool is adapted to contact a workpiece, for example, a tube or pipe, substantially completely around its outer diameter, and to apply a selected treatment to the workpiece. In some embodiments, a selected treatment applied by the tool to the workpiece may be chemical, thermochemical, electrical, or other suitable treatment or process. The treatment applied may be designed to have any desired effect on a workpiece, e.g., heating, melting, joining, patching, sealing, severing, compressing, deposition of a like or different material, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is a tool comprising a first jaw; a second jaw, wherein at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw are moveable towards one another while at least a portion of the jaws remains generally parallel, and wherein at least a portion of the jaws is configured to generally complement the shape of an intended workpiece. In some embodiments, at least one of the jaws of the tool of the present invention is adapted to apply a selected treatment to at least a portion of a workpiece. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be apparent, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the accompanying drawings and this description are to be regarded as illustrative, not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a clamping assembly of a clamping tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in an open position. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a clamping assembly of a clamping tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in an open position being used in a narrow access. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a clamping assembly of a clamping tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a clamping assembly of a clamping tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in a closed position being used in a narrow access. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a clamping assembly of a clamping tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. 
         FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of a workpiece with an irregular outer diameter. 
         FIG. 6   b  is a perspective view of a workpiece comprising two sections, the workpiece having a ridge between the sections. 
         FIG. 7   a  is a perspective view of a workpiece having a gash in the surface thereof. 
         FIG. 7   b  is a perspective view of a workpiece having a gash in the surface thereof. 
         FIG. 8   a  is a perspective view of a workpiece with a patched section placed on the surface thereof in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8   b  is a perspective view of a workpiece with a patched section placed on the surface thereof in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8   c  is a cross-sectional view of a workpiece with a patched section placed on the surface thereof, sealing a gash in the surface of the workpiece, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a movable jaw provided with a treatment structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a sectional view of a clamping assembly of a clamping tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in an open position. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a schematic view of a handle assembly with a threaded rod in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of a clamping assembly of a clamping tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With regard to fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting components of the present invention to form a tool as a whole, unless specifically described otherwise, such are intended to encompass conventional fasteners such as threaded connectors, snap rings, detent arrangements, rivets, toggles, pins, and the like. Components may also be connected by adhesives, glues, welding, ultrasonic welding, and friction fitting or deformation, if appropriate. In embodiments wherein electricity is involved, for example for electrical heating of a workpiece, suitable connections may be provided, along with a suitable power source or connectors for connecting to a power source. Unless specifically otherwise disclosed or taught, materials for making components of the present invention may be selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys, vinyls, plastics and the like, and appropriate manufacturing or production methods including casting, pressing, extruding, molding and machining may be used. 
     Any references to front and back, right and left, top and bottom and upper and lower are intended for convenience of description, not to limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spatial orientation. 
     The accompanying Figures illustrate a clamping tool including a clamping assembly coupled with a handle. The handle may be permanently coupled to the assembly or may be removable, and it may have a selected length. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a clamping tool  10 . The clamping tool  10  includes a clamping assembly  12  coupled with an extension tube  14 . A handle  16  is rotatably coupled to the extension tube  14 . In use, the handle  16  is rotated in one direction to cause the clamping assembly  12  to open and is rotated in the opposite direction to cause the clamping assembly  12  to close. Alternate handle configurations may be used in accordance with the present invention. That is, it is not necessary that the handle be rotatable. For example, the handle may be a push handle or a lever handle. As shown, the clamping assembly  12  is in an open position. The handle  16  may be permanently coupled with the extension tube  14  or may be removable. In one embodiment, extension tube  14  includes a standard sized bolt head so that a socket driver and socket can be use as the handle  16 . Thus, different lengths of the handle  16  or extension tube  14  can be utilized depending upon the amount of force that will be required or the distances involved (e.g., the depth of a trench). As shown, the clamping tool  10  is positioned to apply a treatment  17  to a workpiece  19 , the workpiece  19  having a gash  21  in the surface thereof. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the clamping tool  10  of  FIG. 1 , also in a closed position, in use in a narrow space. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , and  12 , the clamp assembly  12  includes a clamp base  18 . The clamp base  18  is a rigid structural element having a clamp base opening  15  defined therein. A pair of moveable jaws are defined by first movable jaw  20  and a second movable jaw  22 . In an alternate embodiment, a single movable jaw may be provided parallel to a relatively stationary structure or a movable structure formed as, for example, a block. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the opposing moveable jaws  20  and  22 , via operation of linkages  7  and  9 , remain parallel to one another when opening and closing. This prevents the clamped working piece from sliding out of or away from the jaws. In addition, it becomes easier to clamp the pipe because the jaws  20 ,  22  are positioned on opposite sides of the pipe and the force is applied to the pipe in a direction that is generally normal to the abutting surfaces of the jaws  20 ,  22 . Portions of the first and second movable jaws  20  and  22  may be designed to be reflective during use. 
     One or both of the first and second jaws  20  and  22  may be provided with a moveable jaw portion for accommodating workpieces of various sizes. 
     Each of the first and second jaws  20  and  22  include a working surface  21  and  23  for contacting the workpiece  19 . As shown, the first and second movable jaws  20  and  22  may be configured to conform to the workpiece  19 . Thus, as shown, the working surfaces  21  and  23  together form a generally cylindrical shape for grasping a workpiece  19  such as a pipe. 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of interchangeable workpiece contacting surface members may be provided with the clamping tool  10 , wherein a member or members fitting or conforming to a workpiece may be selected from the set and removeably connected to the tool  10 . Thus, while generally cylindrical workpiece contacting surface members are shown, alternative shapes may be provided. 
     To cause the jaws to remain parallel, a “four bar linkage” may be utilized. Of course, any other suitable linkage may be utilized. The first movable jaw  20  forms one bar of the four bar linkage, and is pivotably coupled to the clamp base  18  by a top link  30  and a bottom link  32 , forming two more bars of the four bar linkage. Though not clearly shown, another top link  31  and another bottom link  33  couple the first movable jaw  20  to the clamp base  18  and are located behind the assembly, as illustrated. Thus, the two top links  30 ,  31  form one “bar” of the “four bar linkage” and the two bottom links  32 ,  33  form another “bar” of the “four bar linkage.” The fourth bar is formed by a portion of the clamp base  18 , and is denoted as the base link  34 . 
     Like the first movable jaw  20 , the second movable jaw  22  is coupled to the clamp base  18  through a four bar linkage. Top links  24 ,  25  and bottom links  26 ,  27  are provided along with base link  28  to form the four bar linkage with second movable jaw  22 . 
     While as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the movable jaws  20  and  22  are generally parallel to one another, portions of the jaws may not be parallel to each other and the workpiece contacting surfaces thereof may be parallel or move toward and away from each other in a generally straight line. In addition, the workpiece contacting surfaces may be parallel at all times or may only be parallel over a portion of their path of travel, which would include contact with the outer surface of a workpiece, e.g., a pipe, and compression of the workpiece. 
     As shown, a top surface  29  of each of the first and second jaws  20  and  22  contact one another. In both the open position and the closed position (seen in  FIGS. 3 through 5 ), the top surface  29  of each of the first and second jaws  20  and  22  contact one another to form an extension between the first and second jaws  20  and  22 . Thus, the tool  10  can be set down on top of or around a pipe in a relatively confined space. The congruent top surfaces  29  keep the pipe positioned between the jaws  20 ,  22 , and in some embodiments centered between the jaws  20 ,  22 . The congruent top surfaces  29  and the shaped working surfaces  21 ,  23  together and independently keep the pipe positioned. The pipe generally extends in an axial direction between the jaws  20 ,  22 . The clamping tool  10  is brought into position in a direction normal to the pipes axial length. The congruent top surfaces  29  aid in keeping the pipe properly positioned and the arrangement of the jaws  20 ,  22  generally prevent the tool from moving off of the pipe and prevent the pipe from moving out of the jaws  20 ,  22  in cases where such movement might be possible. 
     To close the jaws, adjusting links  44 ,  46  are retracted into clamp base  18 . As this occurs, the first movable jaw  20  and the second movable jaw  22  are raised. Because of the pivoting top links  30 ,  31 ,  24 ,  25  and the pivoting bottom links  32 ,  33 ,  26 ,  27 , the first movable jaw  20  and the second movable jaw  22  move towards one another, while remaining generally parallel to one another (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ). To open the jaws, the process is reversed. That is, the adjusting links  44 ,  46  are extended out of the clamp base  18 . This causes the jaws  20 ,  22  to move in a direction away from extension tube  14  and to separate from one another, while still remaining generally parallel. As shown by comparison of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , throughout the opening and closing movement of the jaws  20 ,  22 , a width of the clamp base  18 , defined as a dimension of the clamp base  18  in a direction substantially parallel to the jaw movement, is fixed. Again, it is not necessary that the tool be configured such that the jaws  20 ,  22  remain constantly parallel to one another. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a clamp assembly  12  with the clamping tool  10  being put into a closed position around a workpiece  19 .  FIG. 4  illustrates the clamp assembly with the clamping tool  10  being put in a closed position around a workpiece  19  being used in a narrow space. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a clamp assembly  12  with the clamping tool  10  in a closed position around a workpiece  19 . First and second wires extend to the top surfaces  29  of the first and second movable jaws  20  and  22 . Wires  74 , to be described in more detail below, are coupled to the movable jaws  20 ,  22 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5 , the clamping tool  10  may be configured such that the working portion of the tool is adapted to contact a workpiece, for example, a tube or pipe, substantially completely around its outer diameter, and to apply a selected treatment to the workpiece. 
       FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrated a workpiece  19  formed of two sections. The sections are joined at ridge  77 . Additionally,  FIG. 6   a  illustrates a workpiece  19  having an irregularly shaped outer diameter  79 . A clamping tool  10  such as described with reference  FIG. 1  may be used to clamp workpieces  19  having ridges  77  and/or irregularly shaped outer diameters  79 . The working surfaces  21 ,  23  may be configured to generally conform to a cylindrical shape of a workpiece and the ridge  77  does not overly deflect the tool  10  from clamping the workpiece  10 . Further, as will be described in more detail below, the tool  10  may apply a treatment to the workpiece  19 . Such treatment may, for example, smooth out or minimize the ridge  77 . 
     The tool  10  may be used to grasp a workpiece  19  having an irregularly shaped outer diameter  79  as the working surfaces  21 ,  23  conform generally to the shape of the outer diameter  79 . It is not necessary that the working surfaces  21 ,  23  conform exactly to the shape of the outer diameter  79 . As can be appreciated from the figures, generally cylindrically shaped working surfaces  21 ,  23  can snugly grasp a workpiece  19  having an irregularly shaped diameter  79  as shown in  FIG. 6   a . Similarly, otherwise irregularly shaped workpieces may be grasped with a tool having otherwise shaped workpiece contacting surface members as described above. 
       FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  illustrate perspective views of a workpiece  19  having a gash  21  in the surface thereof. Further,  FIG. 7   a  illustrates a workpiece  19  having an irregularly shaped outer diameter  79 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the clamping tool  10  may be used to apply a treatment  17  over the gash  21  of the workpiece  19 .  FIGS. 8   a  through  8   c  illustrate a treatment  17  placed over the gash  21  of the workpiece  19 . The treatment  17  shown in  FIGS. 8   a  through  8   c  is a collar. The collar may, for example, include a patch element. The patch element is designed such that it bonds securely to the workpiece  19  and seals the gash  21 . Alternatively, other treatments such as heating, melting, joining, sealing, severing, compressing, deposition of a like or different material, etc. may be applied to the workpiece  19  by the clamping tool  10 . 
       FIGS. 1 through 5  illustrate the application of the treatment  17  to the workpiece  19 , from being carried into place by the tool and compressed around the workpiece  19 . 
     In some embodiments, the workpiece contacting surfaces  21 ,  23  of the tool  10  may be adapted to deliver a chemical treatment or patch to a workpiece.  FIG. 1  illustrates various structures for delivering a treatment to a workpiece. A gel or patch  80  may be provided on the working surface  21  of either or both movable jaws  20 ,  22 . A quick release coating, easy release type adhesive, or other to deliver or apply a chemical or other treatment to a workpiece may be provided. 
     Alternatively, or additionally, the tool  10  may include structures, such as wires  74 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5  for delivering electricity, heat or other forms of energy to the too, portions thereof, the workpiece and/or a patch by carrying suitable internal or external heating or energy producing and/or transmitting elements. Thus, wires  74  may be used to deliver heat to the working surfaces of the tool. The working surfaces may become warm and subsequently warm the workpiece. Referring to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , the malleability of the workpiece  19  may be increased due to the warmth delivered via the wires  74 . The working surfaces  21 ,  22  may be used to compress the workpiece  19  in the area of the ridge  77  to minimize the ridge  77 . The malleability of the workpiece  19  due to the warmth enhances the tool&#39;s ability to minimize the ridge  77 . Alternately, the tool  10  may be used to minimize the ridge  77  without application of heat or other energy to the workpiece  19 . 
     Further, the tool  10  may be provided with sensors, e.g., shown at  82  of  FIG. 1 , to measure and/or display the amount of pressure, heat or other treatment being applied to a workpiece. Alternatively, sensors  82  may be provided for measuring other characteristics. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment a treatment delivery structure in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The working surface  21  of a jaw, here the first jaw  20 , is provided with a recess or relieved region  86 . The relieved region  86  may be adapted to receive a chemical, in liquid, solid, or semi-solid form, to be applied to a workpiece. The relieved region  86  may extend over substantially the entire working surface of the jaw or may extend over only a portion of the working surface of the jaw. 
     The relieved region  86  may be surrounded by heating elements  87 , which may also take the form of treatment elements, e.g., sonic horns. The selected types of elements  87  may alternately underlie or be adjacent to the relieved region  86 . Also, in some embodiments, the elements  87  may be used in a jaw without a relieved region  86  in conjunction with a material to be applied to a workpiece  19 . The elements  87  may be arranged in any suitable pattern depending on the treatment effect desired. Further, a single element  87  may be arranged under substantially all of the working surface of the jaw. 
     Various mechanisms may be employed to translate a rotational movement of the handle  16  into a force that extends and retracts the adjusting links  44 ,  46 . Further, a rotational movement of the handle  16  is not necessary in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 10  illustrates one example of a mechanism to translate a rotational movement of the handle into a force that extends and retracts the adjusting links. Thus, a clamping tool  10  is shown wherein a threaded rod  64  is provided within a bearing assembly  60  that is coupled with extension tube  14 . The threaded rod  64  need only have threads over a portion of the rod and is coupled at one end with the handle  16 . The threaded rod  64  passes through a threaded nut  66 , so that rotational movement is translated into linear movement. The threaded rod  64  is coupled with a slider  62 . The slider  62  is pivotably connected to both the adjusting links  44 ,  46  at couplings  70 ,  72  respectively. Thus, when threaded rod  64  is rotated within threaded nut  66 , linear motion results, causing the slider  62  to move axially relative to the clamp base  18 ; that is, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the extension tube  14  (up or down as illustrated). As it moves down it moves the actuating links  44 ,  46  out of the clamp assembly  12 . This motion causes the jaws  20 ,  22  to open, as previously described. As the slider  62  is moved up, the adjusting links  44 ,  46  are pulled into the clamp assembly  12 . This causes the jaws  20 ,  22  to close. Because the adjusting links  44 ,  46  are pivotably coupled between the slider  62  and the jaws  20 ,  22 , they come together within clamp assembly  12 . As an alternative to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-5  and  9 , movable jaws  20 ,  22  may comprise a mandrel block and a rotating sleeve. Further, the first and second movable jaws may be provided with working surfaces generally conforming to a workpiece. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a handle  16  as it is coupled to the threaded rod  64  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Suitable mechanisms other than threaded structures may be used to operate the tool of the present invention. For example, as known to those skilled in the art, a ratchet arrangement or a rack and pinion system may alternately be used. In a threaded arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 11 , an angled bar  82  may be attached to the extension tube  14 . The angled bar  82  includes a lower locking hole  84  that can be aligned with an upper locking hole  86  bored through handle  16 . When the two holes  84 ,  86  are aligned a locking member such as a padlock or any securing member can be passed through both holes  84 ,  86  and essentially lock the clamping tool  10 . When the clamping tool  10  is locked after a pipe has been sealed, the lock will prevent the clamping tool  10  from accidentally or unintentionally being opened. Of course, other suitable handle assemblies may be used with clamping tools in accordance with the present invention. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.