Patent Publication Number: US-10773364-B2

Title: Pinch clamp removal tool and method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a tool for removing pinch clamps from pipes and a method for removing pinch clamps from pipes. More specifically, the tool is intended to facilitate removal of pinch clamps from tubing, such as “PEX” flexible water pipe, where fittings have been inserted into the pipe end and clamped into the inserted position. A pinch clamp is an initially-oversized thin metal ring that fits over the pipe end and over the part of the fitting positioned in the pipe end. A raised portion of the ring is “pinched” together, reducing the overall circumference of the clamp and squeezing the clamp against the pipe and the underlying fitting. The pinched area of the clamp formed a raised nub that extends radially outwardly from the remainder of the clamp. The nub has a relatively narrow neck with an enlarged, outwardly-extending head. The traditional manner of removing the clamp is to twist the nub back and forth several times with pliers or some similar tool until the nub fatigues at the neck and breaks. This technique often damages the pipe end, making it necessary to replace the pipe. In some situations where there is not sufficient additional length to permit trimming the damaged end portion and reusing the remaining pipe, replacement of a long length of pipe may be necessary, which may involve disconnecting and replacing other fittings. 
     A prior art tool comprises a metal body that has a slot on one end that extends diametrically through the end from one side of the tool to the opposing side. The clamp nub is placed in the slot, and then the tool is twisted using a handle to break the nub away from the clamp so that it can be removed from the pipe. While advantageous in comparison with other removal techniques, the prior art tool is difficult to use because the slot extends completely across the end of the tool and allows the nub to slip out of the slot during twisting. This is particularly problematic when working in cramped areas, such as in closets and in crawlspaces where it may not be possible to place the tool on the nub in a perpendicular direction to the direction of twisting. In such instances, there is a tendency for the twisting motion to drive the nub out of one or the other ends of the slot. 
     There is therefore a need for a pinch clamp removal tool that more efficiently removes pinch clamps from pipes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple and efficient way of removing pinch clamps from the pipe without damaging the pipe. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a tool that is easily placed onto a pinch clamp nub and remains on the nub during twisting removal of the clamp. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a pinch clamp removal tool that is usable with conventional socket wrench handles. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the invention are achieved by providing a pinch clamp removal tool that includes a tool body having a slot extending partially across a top portion of the tool body and adapted for receiving a nub extending radially-outwardly from a pinch clamp to be removed from a pipe and a stop positioned at an interior end of the slot for engaging the nub when the nub is fully positioned in the slot. The tool body is adapted for being rotated to impart a twist to the pinch clamp nub sufficient to break the nub in order to loosen the pinch clamp and permit removal of the clamp from the pipe. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the stop is an integrally formed part of the tool body. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the tool body includes a relatively small-diameter segment and a relatively large-diameter segment. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the slot is formed in the small-diameter segment and a handle-receiving opening is formed in the large-diameter segment. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the tool body includes a radially-extending hole in the large-diameter segment of the tool body for receiving a spring-loaded retention ball of a handle. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a handle is provided for manually rotating the tool body and thereby twisting the nub positioned in the slot to breaking so that the pinch clamp is loosened from engagement with the pipe and can be removed. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the tool body is steel. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a pinch clamp removal tool is provided that includes a tool body having a slot extending partially across a top portion of the tool body and adapted for receiving a nub extending radially-outwardly from a pinch clamp to be removed from a pipe. A stop is integrally formed in the tool body and positioned at an interior end of the slot for engaging the nub when the nub is fully positioned in the slot. The tool body is adapted for being rotated to impart a twist to the pinch clamp nub sufficient to break the nub in order to loosen the pinch clamp and permit removal of the clamp from the pipe. The tool body includes a relatively small-diameter segment and a relatively large-diameter segment. The slot is formed in the small-diameter segment and a handle-receiving opening is formed in the large-diameter segment. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of removing a pinch clamp from a pipe is provided and includes the steps of providing a tool that includes a tool body having a slot extending partially across a top portion of the tool body and adapted for receiving a nub extending radially-outwardly from a pinch clamp to be removed from a pipe, and a stop positioned at an interior end of the slot for engaging the nub when the nub is fully positioned in the slot. The nub of a pinch clamp is placed in the slot of the tool body and against the stop at the interior end of the slot. The tool is rotated while the nub is against the stop to impart a twist to the pinch clamp nub sufficient to break the nub in order to loosen the pinch clamp and permit removal of the clamp from the pipe and the tool is removed from the clamp. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of using a handle to rotate the tool body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       The present invention is best understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art pinch clamp removal tool; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a pinch clamp removal tool according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows placement of the removal tool onto the nub of a pinch clamp; 
         FIG. 4  shows the twisting motion used to break the nub of the pinch clamp; and 
         FIG. 5  shows removal of the tool from the broken nub and the condition of the pinch clamp when ready for removal from the pipe. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, a prior art pinch clamp removal tool is shown in  FIG. 1  and includes a metal body A that includes an opening B on one end for receiving a handle (not shown), and a slot C on the other end of the body A that extends diametrically and fully across the end of the body from one side to the other. As described above, the prior art tool is difficult to use because the slot C extends completely across the end of the tool and allows the nub to slip out of the slot during twisting. This is particularly problematic when working in cramped areas, such as in closets and in crawlspaces where it may not be possible to place the tool on the nub in a perpendicular direction to the direction of twisting. In such instances, there is a tendency for the twisting motion to drive the nub out of one or the other ends of the slot. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a pinch clamp removal tool  10  is shown and includes a body  12  that has a relatively small diameter segment  12 A and an integrally formed large diameter segment  12 B. A handle-receiving opening  14  permits use with an L-shaped handle  30 , see  FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 , or a conventional socket wrench handle (not shown). A hole  20  in the large diameter segment  12 B of the body is positioned to receive a spring-loaded retention ball found on some wrench handles. 
     The end of the tool body  12  opposite the handle-receiving opening  14  is provided with a slot  16  that extends only partway across the top of the tool body. A stop  18  between an interior end of the slot  16  and one side of the top of the tool body  12  prevents movement of the nub of the pinch clamp completely through the slot and out the other end. The slot  16  has a relatively narrow opening of sufficient width to receive the neck of the nub. The slot  16  opens into a larger, tubular-shaped area of sufficient size to receive the head of the nub. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 , the pinch clamp removal tool  10  is shown in use. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the tool  10  is used to remove a pinch clamp D from a pipe end E, such as a PEX pipe, so that a fitting F can be removed from the pipe end E. The clamp D includes a raised nub G as described above, with a narrow neck and a relatively large head. To break the nub G and enable the clamp D to be removed, the tool body  12  is moved onto the nub G, with the nub G extending into the slot  16  until it is engages the stop  18 . By applying force to the tool body  12  in the direction of the stop  18 , the nub G is held securely in place in the slot  16  without regard to whether or not the body  12  is fully perpendicular to the nub G. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the handle  30  is rotated, twisting the nub G in the slot  16  until the nub G breaks at its neck and the clamp loosens. Then, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the tool  10  is removed from the clamp D and the clamp D removed from the pipe end E without damage to the pipe end E. 
     Any suitable device can be used to rotate the tool  10 , including the above-mentioned handle  30 , a conventional socket wrench handle. 
     A pinch clamp removal tool according to the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.