Patent Description:
One type of clamp is a stainless steel band clamp that is formed in a shape of a ring. These band clamps may be used in a variety of applications, such as but not limited to automotive and irrigation systems for example. The ring is slid over and surrounds the tubing and fitting. A tool is then used to crimp the clamp onto the tube.

The process of crimping the band reduces the diameter of the band to secure the tubing and also deforms the band material to reduce the risk of the clamp loosening over time. It should be appreciated that considerable force is used to crimp the band. Typical tools perform the crimp with a single actuation of the tool. In many instances this causes the tool to have longer than desired handles in order to obtain a desired mechanical advantage. Further, the handles are usually positioned on the rearward side of the tool which may be awkward to actuate when there are obstructions in the area the operator is working.

The document <CIT> discloses a crimping tool according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Further related tools are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Accordingly, while existing crimping tools are suitable for their intended purposes, the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing a crimping tool that includes the features and advantages described herein.

According to one aspect of the disclosure a crimping tool with the features of claim <NUM> is provided. The crimping tool includes a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw is arranged adjacent the stationary jaw, the movable jaw being movable from an open position to a closed position. A linkage is operably coupled to the movable jaw on one end, the linkage rotatable about an axle. A first input member is operably coupled to the linkage to rotate the linkage about the axle, the first input member rotating about a first axis. A second input member is operably coupled to the linkage to rotate the linkage about the axle, the second input member rotating about a second axis, the second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

In this or one or more other embodiments, the linkage is integral with the movable jaw. In this or one or more other embodiments, the linkage first comprises a first plurality of gear teeth arranged to engage with the first input member and a second plurality of gear teeth arranged to engage with the second input member. In this or one or more other embodiments, a transfer gear coupled between the first input member and the first plurality of gear teeth.

In this or one or more other embodiments, a first frame and a second frame disposed on opposing sides of the linkage, the axle being coupled to the first frame and second frame. Further a handle is movably coupled to the first frame.

In this or one or more other embodiments, the handle is movable between a plurality of positions. In this or one or more other embodiments, the handle includes: a bracket coupled to the first side; a handle portion rotationally coupled to the bracket, the handle having a plurality of first teeth on one end; a position member having a plurality of second teeth arranged to engage the plurality of first teeth; and a biasing member disposed between the bracket and the handle portion to bias the plurality of first teeth into engagement with the plurality of second teeth.

In this or one or more other embodiments, an extension spring coupled to the movable jaw and the stationary jaw, the extension spring being positioned between the axle and a first jaw portion of the movable jaw and a second jaw portion of the stationary jaw. In this or one or more other embodiments, the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion each include a recess, the recesses cooperating to device an opening in the crimped position sized to device a predetermined amount of crimp in a band clamp. In this or one or more other embodiments, the open is offset from a centerline of the movable jaw and stationary jaw. In this or one or more other embodiments, a compression spring coupled between the stationary jaw and the linkage and arranged to bias the movable jaw into the crimped position.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide for a crimping tool for band clamps, such as those used with PEX tubing. Embodiments of the crimping tool provide advantages in a compact tool for crimping band clamps. Embodiments of the crimping tool further provide advantages in allowing the actuation of the tool from different directions. Still further embodiments provide advantages in allowing a multi-position handle to be positioned by an operator to facilitate holding of the tool.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a crimping tool <NUM> is shown having a first side plate <NUM> and a second side plate <NUM> coupled together, at least partially by an intermediate frame <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of fasteners, such as fasteners <NUM> couple the plates <NUM>, <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. The crimping tool <NUM> includes a stationary jaw <NUM> and a movable jaw <NUM>. The stationary jaw <NUM> remains fixed relative to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM>, while the movable jaw <NUM> is movable between a closed position (<FIG>) and an open position (<FIG>). Each of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> have a jaw portion <NUM>, <NUM> respectively. The jaw portions <NUM>, <NUM> have recesses <NUM>, <NUM> that define an opening <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the opening <NUM> is sized to crimp a band clamp a predetermined amount when the movable jaw <NUM> is in the closed position.

A handle <NUM> is coupled to side plate <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the handle <NUM> is movable between a plurality of positions to allow the operator to grip the tool <NUM> in a variety of ways based on the application where it is being used. In an embodiment, the handle <NUM> is rotatably coupled to a bracket <NUM> by a pin <NUM>. An end <NUM> of the handle <NUM> has a position selector, such as teeth <NUM>, which cooperate with a corresponding position selector, such as teeth <NUM>, that is coupled to the bracket <NUM>.

To actuate the tool <NUM>, a first input member <NUM> and a second input member <NUM> are provided. The input member <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to accept a hand tool (not shown), such as an Allen key or a hex-wrench for example. In response to the rotation of the input members <NUM>, <NUM>, the movable jaw <NUM> may be selectively moved between the open position and the closed position. The first input member <NUM> is rotationally coupled to the side plate <NUM> to rotate about a first axis <NUM> (<FIG>). In an embodiment, the second input <NUM> is rotationally coupled to frame <NUM> about a second axis <NUM> (<FIG>). In an embodiment, the first input member <NUM> is nestled in a needle bearing <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second input member <NUM> is coupled to a bearing, such as a ball bearing <NUM> (<FIG>). The bearings <NUM>, <NUM> allow the respective input members <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate freely when the tool <NUM> is being actuated by the other input member.

Referring now to <FIG>, the actuation mechanism <NUM> of the tool <NUM> is shown and described. In an embodiment, the movable jaw <NUM> rotates about a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is fixed to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the movable jaw <NUM> includes a linkage portion <NUM>. The linkage portion <NUM> may be arranged on the opposite side of the shaft <NUM> from the jaw portion <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiment shows the linkage portion <NUM> as being integral with the movable jaw portion <NUM>, this is for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the linkage portion <NUM> and movable jaw portion <NUM> are separate components.

In an embodiment, the linkage portion <NUM> includes a first gear <NUM> formed to extend from an end of the linkage portion <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth <NUM> arranged on a curved surface having a center that is co-axial with the shaft <NUM>. In this embodiment, the teeth <NUM> are perpendicular to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM>. In an embodiment, a jaw insert <NUM> is coupled to the linkage portion <NUM> by fasteners <NUM>. In one embodiment, the jaw insert <NUM> is formed by casting. The jaw insert <NUM> includes a second gear <NUM> having a plurality of teeth <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> extend outwardly from a curved end <NUM> of the jaw insert <NUM> and are arranged parallel to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The center of the curved end <NUM> is co-axial with the shaft <NUM>. In an embodiment, the jaw insert <NUM> includes an arcuate slot <NUM> having a center co-axial with the shaft <NUM>.

The slot <NUM> is sized to allow a shaft <NUM> to pass therethrough. The shaft <NUM> is fixed to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is sized to allow the movable jaw <NUM> to move between the open position and the closed position without interference from the shaft <NUM>. Coupled to rotate on the shaft <NUM> is a transfer gear <NUM>. The transfer gear <NUM> is arranged to engage the teeth <NUM> and a first input gear <NUM> and transfer torque therebetween. It should be appreciated that the gears <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate with the teeth <NUM> to rotate the movable jaw <NUM> between the open position and closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first input gear <NUM> is integrally formed with the first input member <NUM>.

Coupled to the second input member <NUM> is a second input gear <NUM>. The second input gear <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth that a sized and shaped to engage the teeth <NUM> of second gear <NUM> and transfer torque from the second input member <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the gears <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to rotate the movable jaw <NUM> between the open position and the closed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the movable jaw <NUM> is biased into the closed position. In an embodiment, the biasing of the movable jaw <NUM> is provided by a compression spring <NUM> that is arranged between an end <NUM> of the stationary jaw <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM> of the movable jaw <NUM>. In an embodiment, the end <NUM> has a blind hole <NUM> sized to receive an end of the compression spring <NUM> and the surface <NUM> also has a blind hole <NUM> sized to receive an opposite end of the compression spring <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the compression spring applies a force on the movable jaw <NUM> normal to the bottom surface of the pocket <NUM>. The force applied by the compression spring <NUM> causes the movable jaw <NUM> to rotate about the shaft <NUM> into the closed position (clockwise when viewed from the position of <FIG>).

In the illustrated embodiment, a second biasing member, such as extension spring <NUM> for example, is positioned on a side of the shaft <NUM> opposite the compression spring <NUM>. In an embodiment, the extension spring <NUM> is positioned in a pocket defined by blind hole <NUM> in the movable jaw <NUM> and blind hole <NUM> in the stationary jaw <NUM>. The ends of the extension spring <NUM> are held in place by pins <NUM>, <NUM> that are pressed into the stationary jaw <NUM> and the movable jaw <NUM> respectively. The extension spring <NUM> pulls on the movable jaw <NUM> to rotate the movable jaw <NUM> about the shaft <NUM> towards the closed position (clockwise when viewed from the position of <FIG>).

It should be appreciated that due to the biasing by the springs <NUM>, <NUM>, when the operator moves the movable jaw to the open position (<FIG>) and releases the input members <NUM>, <NUM>, the movable jaw <NUM> will rotate to the closed position.

Referring now to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, an embodiment of the multi-position handle <NUM> is shown and described. In an embodiment, the handle <NUM> is an elongate member that is rotationally attached to the bracket <NUM> by a pin <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the side plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the handle <NUM> has a plurality of teeth <NUM> arranged on one end <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> are radially disposed about the pin <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is coupled to the bracket <NUM>. In this embodiment, the bracket <NUM> includes a positioning member <NUM> coupled to an arm <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. The positioning member <NUM> has a plurality of teeth <NUM> arranged on a side opposite the arm <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> cooperate with the teeth <NUM> to hold the handle <NUM> in one of a plurality of positions. In the exemplary embodiment, the teeth <NUM>, <NUM> have a triangular profile. It should be appreciated that the handle <NUM> will remain in position when the teeth <NUM> are engaged with the teeth <NUM>. To facilitate this, a biasing member, such as compression spring <NUM> is arranged between a surface <NUM> of the handle and an arm <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. The spring <NUM> applies a force to the surface <NUM> that causes the teeth <NUM> into engagement with the teeth <NUM>. To move the position of the handle <NUM>, the operator applies a counter force (moving the surface <NUM> towards the arm <NUM>) until the teeth are disengaged and the handle <NUM> may be rotated about the pin <NUM>.

As described above, the handle <NUM> may be selectively moved between a plurality positions, such as but not limited to a closed position (<FIG>), an open position (<FIG>) and an extended position (<FIG>).

Referring now to <FIG>, the operation is shown of the tool <NUM> to crimp a band clamp <NUM>. The operator initially slides the band clamp <NUM> onto the tube <NUM> to be coupled and installs the end of the tube <NUM> over a fitting <NUM>. The band clamp <NUM> has a u-shaped section, sometimes referred to as an "ear" <NUM>. The ear <NUM> is inserted into the gap <NUM> between the movable jaw <NUM> and the stationary jaw <NUM> with the movable jaw <NUM> in the open position.

By actuating the first input member <NUM> or the second input member <NUM>, the crimping mechanism engages the sides of the ear <NUM> causing the ear '<NUM> to deform by bending inwardly (<FIG>). As the ear <NUM> deforms, the band portion of the band clamp <NUM> is pulled towards the ear <NUM>. This has the effect of reducing the diameter of the band clamp <NUM>, tightening the band clamp <NUM> on the tube <NUM> and the fitting <NUM>. As the operator continues to actuate either the first input member <NUM> or the second input member <NUM>, the crimping mechanism moves the movable jaw <NUM> towards the stationary jaw <NUM> until the desired amount of crimp is achieved (<FIG>). In an embodiment, the jaw portions <NUM>, <NUM> each have a curved surface <NUM> that defines an area <NUM> that allows the ear <NUM> to deform as the jaw portions <NUM>, <NUM> are closed.

It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein refer to the use of a tool <NUM> with a particular type of clamp (e.g. a ear type band clamp), this is for exemplary purposes.

In other embodiments, the tool <NUM> may be used with other types of clamps. In still other embodiments, the tool <NUM> may be adapted to perform a cutting operation or be used in cooperation with ring clamps.

Technical effects and benefits of some embodiments include providing a tool that allows the crimping of a clamp from multiple input positions. Further technical benefits include a crimping mechanism that provides a compact crimping tool having a handle that may be moved to multiple positions to facilitate holding of the tool.

While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the claims.

Claim 1:
A crimping tool (<NUM>) comprising:
a stationary jaw (<NUM>);
a movable jaw (<NUM>) adjacent the stationary jaw (<NUM>), the movable jaw (<NUM>) being movable from an open position to a closed position ;
a linkage operably coupled to the movable jaw on one end, the linkage rotatable about an axle;
a first input member (<NUM>) operably coupled to the linkage to rotate the linkage about the axle, the first input member (<NUM>) rotating about a first axis (<NUM>); and
a second input member (<NUM>) operably coupled to the linkage to rotate the linkage about the axle, the second input member (<NUM>) rotating about a second axis (<NUM>), the second axis (<NUM>) being substantially perpendicular to the first axis (<NUM>);
characterized in that the first and second input members (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to accept a hand tool.