Patent ID: 7296455

Claim:
A bending tool system for forming a three-dimensional structure from a two-dimensional sheet material which includes a predetermined fold line and a clamping aperture adjacent said fold line and spaced from a peripheral edge of said sheet material, said system comprising: a tool base for receiving and supporting said sheet material in a work plane, said tool base having an actuator slot; a bend actuator extending through said actuator slot, said bend actuator including a mounting bracket, a clamp pivotally mounted to said bracket below said work plane, extending above said tool base, and movable between an open position and a secured position for securing a portion of the sheet material relative to said tool base, and a bending arm connected to said bracket below said work plane and movable between an initial position located below said work plane and an upper position in order to apply a force against an unsecured portion of sheet material to effect bending of said sheet material about the fold line; and a locator for positioning said sheet material relative to said work base such that said clamp extends through the clamping aperture of the sheet material.