U.S. patent application number 10/650216 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-11 for cable cutter/crimper mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to GREENLEE TEXTRON INC. Invention is credited to Nordlin, William F..
Application Number | 20040045174 10/650216 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26761605 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040045174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nordlin, William F. |
March 11, 2004 |
Cable cutter/crimper mechanism
Abstract
A tool for cutting/crimping a workpiece, such as a cable,
includes an automatic rapid blade advance such that a blade on a
movable jaw of the tool advances toward cutting the cable every
time the handles of the tool are closed. The automatic rapid blade
advance also advances the blade on the movable jaw toward cutting
the cable every time the handles of the tool are opened up until
the blade on the movable jaw first encounters a resistive force
from the cable. The tool also includes an automatic blade return
such that the blade on the movable jaw will automatically return to
its original position after the blade has cut through or crimped
the cable.
Inventors: |
Nordlin, William F.; (Poplar
Grove, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TREXLER, BUSHNELL, GIANGIORGI,
BLACKSTONE & MARR, LTD.
105 WEST ADAMS STREET
SUITE 3600
CHICAGO
IL
60603
US
|
Assignee: |
GREENLEE TEXTRON INC
Rockford
IL
|
Family ID: |
26761605 |
Appl. No.: |
10/650216 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10650216 |
Aug 28, 2003 |
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10079089 |
Feb 20, 2002 |
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60291513 |
May 16, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
30/194 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B26B 17/02 20130101;
B25B 7/12 20130101; Y10T 74/1556 20150115; B23D 29/023
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
030/194 |
International
Class: |
B26B 013/00; B26B
019/00 |
Claims
The invention is claimed as follows:
1. A tool for cutting or crimping a workpiece comprising: a first
lever having first and second ends; a second lever having first and
second ends; first means for pivotally fastening said first and
second levers to one another; a first jaw which is fixed to said
first means; a second jaw which is movable and has a blade portion
formed along an inner edge thereof and a plurality of teeth formed
along an outer edge thereof; second means for pivotally fastening
said second jaw to said first jaw, said blade portion of said
second jaw being adapted to be placed about the workpiece and moved
toward said first jaw to envelope the workpiece between said first
and second jaws; a first member being adapted to engage with said
plurality of teeth; means for attaching said first member to said
first means, said first member being capable of moving relative to
said first means; a second member adapted to engage with said
plurality of teeth, said second member being pivotally connected to
said first means; and a third member adapted to engage with said
plurality of teeth, said third member being pivotally connected to
said first means.
2. A tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said first means includes
a first member fastened to said first lever and a second member
fastened to said second lever.
3. A tool as defined in claim 2, wherein said first jaw is
connected to said second member of said first means.
4. A tool as defined in claim 2, wherein said attaching means
fastens said first pawl to said first member of said first
means.
5. A tool as defined in claim 4, wherein said first member of said
first means includes a slot and said attaching means includes a pin
slidably mounted in said slot and a normally expanded spring which
biases said first member toward said plurality of teeth.
6. A tool as defined in claim 2, said second member is pivotally
attached to said first member of said first means.
7. A tool as defined in claim 2, wherein said third member is
pivotally attached to said second member of said first means.
8. A tool as defined in claim 7, wherein said third member is
pivotally attached to said second member of said first means by a
pin and a torsion spring.
9. A tool as defined in claim 1, further including means for
automatically returning said second jaw from a closed position to
an open position.
10. A tool as defined in claim 9, wherein said second member
includes a first indent and a second indent; and wherein said
automatically returning means includes: a pair of stops provided on
said second jaw, a member having a first end and a second end, said
first end being attached to said second means, said member being
capable of abutting against said stops, a normally expanded spring
attached to said member, a pin attached to said normally expanded
spring and selectively engageable with one of said first indent of
said second member and said second indent of said second member,
and a normally contracted spring attached to said second jaw and
said first jaw.
11. A tool as defined in claim 9, wherein said automatically
returning means includes means to disengage said first member from
said plurality of teeth and a normally contracted spring attached
to said second jaw and said first jaw.
12. A tool for cutting or crimping a workpiece comprising: a pair
of handles; a first jaw which is fixed to one of said handles; a
second jaw which is movable and is pivotally mounted to said first
jawv, said second jaw having a blade portion formed along an inner
edge thereof and a plurality of teeth formed along an outer edge
thereof; first means for selectively engaging said plurality of
teeth of said second jaw, said first means advancing said second
jaw toward said first jaw by a predetermined number of tooth spaces
each time said handles are moved toward each other; and second
means for selectively engaging said plurality of teeth of said
second jaw, said second means advancing said second jaw toward said
first jaw by more tooth spaces than said predetermined number of
tooth spaces each time said handles are moved away from each other
until said second jaw meets resistance with the workpiece, said
second means includes a pawl operatively associated with one of
said handles, said pawl being adapted to engage with said plurality
of teeth, said pawl being biased toward said plurality of teeth,
said pawl has a base portion and a pair of extending portions which
extend from opposite ends of said base portion and from a first end
of said base portion to a second end of said base portion, a height
of said extending portions proximate to said second end of said
base portion is smaller than a height of said extending portions
proximate to said first end of said base portion, each of said
extending portions further having an aperture therethrough
proximate to said first end of said base portion.
13. A tool for cutting or crimping a workpiece comprising: a pair
of handles; a first jaw which is fixed to one of said handles; a
second jaw pivotally mounted to said first jaw, said second jaw
having a blade portion formed along an inner edge thereof and a
plurality of teeth formed along an outer edge thereof; first means
for selectively engaging said plurality of teeth of said second
jaw, said first means advancing said second jaw toward said first
jaw by a predetermined number of tooth spaces each time said
handles are moved toward each other, said first means includes a
pawl operatively associated with one of said handles, said pawl of
said first means having teeth thereon which are adapted to mesh
with said plurality of teeth of said movable jaw, said pawl of said
first means is a block having three corners and three sides with
one of said corners being rounded, said pawl of said first means
has an aperture therethrough proximate to said rounded corner, said
side which is opposite said rounded corner has said teeth thereon
proximate to one of said other corners, said pawl of said first
means further having a pair of indents therein next to said teeth
on said side which is opposite said rounded corner; and second
means for selectively engaging said plurality of teeth of said
second jaw, said second means advancing said second jaw toward said
first jaw by more tooth spaces than said predetermined number of
tooth spaces each time said handles are moved away from each other
until said second jaw meets resistance with the workpiece, said
second means includes a pawl operatively associated with said
handles, said pawl of said second means being adapted to engage
with said plurality of teeth of said second jaw, said pawl of said
second means being biased toward said plurality of teeth of said
second jaw.
14. A tool for cutting or crimping a workpiece comprising: a pair
of handles; a first jaw which is fixed to one of said handles; a
second jaw pivotally mounted to said first jaw, said second jaw
having a blade portion formed along an inner edge thereof and a
plurality of teeth formed along an outer edge thereof; first means
for selectively engaging said plurality of teeth of said second
jaw, said first means advancing said second jaw toward said first
jaw by a predetermined number of tooth spaces each time said
handles are moved toward each other, said first means includes a
pawl operatively associated with one of said handles, said pawl of
said first means having teeth thereon which are adapted to mesh
with said plurality of teeth of said second jaw; and second means
for selectively engaging said plurality of teeth of said second
jaw, said second means advancing said second jaw toward said first
jaw by more tooth spaces than said predetermined number of tooth
spaces each time said handles are moved away from each other until
said second jaw meets resistance with the workpiece, said second
means includes a pawl operatively associated with said handles,
said pawl of said second means being adapted to engage with said
plurality of teeth of said second jaw, said pawl of said second
means being biased toward said plurality of teeth of said second
jaw, said pawl of said second means has a base portion and a pair
of extending portions which extend from opposite ends of said base
portion and from a first end of said base portion to a second end
of said base portion, a height of said extending portions proximate
to said second end of said base portion is smaller than a height of
said extending portions proximate to said first end of said base
portion, each of said extending portions fuirther having an
aperture therethrough proximate to said first end of said base
portion.
15. A tool for cutting or crimping a workpiece comprising: a pair
of handles; a first jaw which is fixed to one of said handles; a
second jaw which is movable and has a blade portion formed along an
inner edge thereof and a plurality of teeth along an outer edge
thereof, said second jaw being pivotally mounted to said first jaw;
means for advancing said second jaw from an open position to a
closed position wherein said blade portion of said second jaw is
distal to said first jaw in said open position and is proximate to
said first jaw in said closed position, said advancing means
including first and second members for selectively engaging said
plurality of teeth of said second jaw, said first member advancing
said second jaw toward said first jaw by a predetermined number of
tooth spaces each time said handles are moved toward each other,
said second member advancing said second jaw toward said first jaw
by more than said predetermined number of tooth spaces each time
said handles are moved away from each other until said second jaw
meets resistance with said workpiece; and means for automatically
returning said second jaw from said closed position to said open
position.
16. A tool as defined in claim 15, wherein said advancing means
further includes a third member for preventing said second jaw from
moving toward said open position when said handles are being moved
toward and away from one another, said third member capable of
engaging with said plurality of teeth of said second jaw.
17. A tool as defined in claim 15, wherein said first member is a
pawl operatively associated with one of said handles, said pawl
having teeth thereon which are adapted to mesh with said plurality
of teeth of said second jaw.
18. A tool as defined in claim 15, wherein said second member is a
pawl operatively associated with one of said handles, said pawl
being adapted to engage with said plurality of teeth of said second
jaw, said pawl being biased toward said plurality of teeth.
19. A tool as defined in claim 15, wherein said first member
further has a first indent and a second indent; and wherein said
automatically returning means includes: a pair of stops provided on
said second jaw, a member having a first end and a second end, said
first end being pivotally mounted to said second jaw, said member
being capable of abutting against said stops, a normally expanded
spring attached to said member, a pin attached to said normally
expanded spring and selectively engageable with one of said first
indent of said first member and said second indent of said first
member, and a normally contracted spring attached to said second
jaw and said first jaw.
20. A tool for cutting or crimping a workpiece comprising: a first
lever having first and second ends, said first lever having a
handle portion at said first end thereof; a first member having
first and second ends and a middle portion, said middle portion of
said first member having a slot therethrough, said second end of
said first lever being fixedly connected to said middle portion of
said first member; a second member having first and second ends,
said second end of said second member being connected to said
second end of said first member; a third member having first and
second ends, said second end of said third member being connected
to said second end of said first member; a second lever having
first and second ends, said first lever having a handle portion at
said first end thereof, said second end of said second lever being
fixedly connected to said first end of said third member; a first
jaw which is fixed to one of said levers and has a blade portion
formed along an inner edge thereof, said first jaw being connected
to said second end of said second member; a second jaw which is
movable and has a blade portion formed along an inner edge thereof
and a plurality of teeth formed along an outer edge thereof, said
second jaw being pivotally connected to said first jaw; a fourth
member having first and second ends, said first end of said fourth
member being connected to said second end of said third member; a
first pawl adapted to engage with said plurality of teeth, said
first pawl being slidably connected to said first member within
said slot of said member; a first normally expanded spring
positioned between said first lever and said first member, said
first normally expanded spring abutting against said first pawl
such that said first pawl is biased toward said plurality of teeth;
a second pawl having teeth thereon which are adapted to engage with
said plurality of teeth, said second pawl having a first indent and
a second indent provided therein, said second pawl being connected
to said second end of said first member; a third pawl having teeth
thereon which are adapted to engage with said plurality of teeth,
said third pawl being connected to said first jaw; a torsion spring
positioned between said third pawl and said first jaw, said second
end of said third member and said third pawl being connected to
said torsion spring; a fifth member having first and second ends,
said first end of said fifth member being connected to said second
end of said first member, said second end of said fifth member
being connected to said second end of said fourth member; a sixth
member having first and second ends, said first end of said sixth
member being connected to said second end of said first member,
said second end of said sixth member being connected to said first
jaw; a normally contracted spring positioned between said first jaw
and said second jaw; a reversing member having first and second
ends, said second end of said reversing member being connected to
said second end of said fifth member and to said second jaw; a
second normally expanded spring positioned between said reversing
member and said second jaw; a pin attached to said second normally
expanded spring, said pin being selectively engageable with one of
said first indent of said second pawl and said second indent of
said second pawl; and first and second stops connected to said
second jaw.
21. A method of automatically returning a first, movable jaw of a
tool from a closed position to an open position, said method
comprising the steps of: a) providing said tool having a pair of
handles, said tool having a second jaw which is fixed to one of
said handles, said first jaw being pivotally mounted to said second
jaw, a first member engageable with said first jaw and having a
first indent and a second indent, a pair of stops provided on said
first jaw, a second member having a first end and a second end,
said first end being pivotally mounted to said first jaw, a
normally expanded spring attached to said second member, a pin
attached to said normally expanded spring and selectively
engageable with one of said first indent of said first member and
said second indent of said first member, and a normally contracted
spring attached to said first jaw and said second jaw; b)
positioning said first jaw to said closed position such that said
normally contracted spring is expanded, said pin is engaged with
said first indent of said first member, and said second member
abutting against one of said stops provided on said first jaw; c)
pushing said second member against said one of said stops; d)
forcing said pin from said first indent to said second indent; e)
contracting said normally contracting spring; f) moving said first
jaw from said closed position to said open position; and g) forcing
said pin from said second indent to said first indent.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This patent application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/079,089, filed Feb. 20, 2002,
and entitled "Cable Cutter/Crimper Mechanism", which in turn claims
the benefit of domestic priority of U.S. Provisional Application
Serial No. 60/291,513, filed May 16, 2001, and entitled "Improved
Cable Cutter/Crimper Mechanism".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A novel tool for cutting/crimping a workpiece, such as a
cable, is provided.
[0003] There are many different types of tools that cut/crimp
cables in many different ways. These tools generally cut through
cables in one of two ways. The first way is by scissor cutting in
which the blades of the cutter cut through the cable during a
single closing motion of the handles of the cutter. The second way
is by a ratchet mode. The ratchet mode provides a slower cut in
which the blades of the tool slowly cut through the cable with each
opening and closing motion of the handles of the cutter. The
scissors cut generally provides a cut much quicker. The ratchet
mode cut is preferred for a larger, thicker cable over the scissors
cut because it provides a mechanical advantage to reduce operator
effort.
[0004] Thus, there is a need for a tool that is capable of cleanly
cutting through thick cable in a ratchet mode cut, but that also
provides a faster cutting action than do ratchet mode cutters in
the prior art.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A primary object of the invention is to provide a cable
cutter/crimper having an automatic rapid advance feature.
[0006] Another primary object of the invention is to provide a
cable cutter/crimper having an automatic blade return feature
whereby the blades automatically return to their original position
at the end of the cutting/crimping cycle.
[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a cable
cutter/crimper that is easier to use and of a lower cost than prior
cable cutters/crimpers.
[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a cable
cutter/crimper which makes use of the opening stroke of the handle
to rapidly close the blades.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a cable
cutter/crimper which only requires one hand of a user to open the
blades, allowing the user's free hand to grab the cable and insert
it between the blades.
[0010] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cable
cutter/crimper in which the release mechanism cannot be
accidentally actuated in the middle of the cutting cycle.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a cable
cutter/crimper that can be manufactured with various blade
configurations for cutting/crimping copper, aluminum and steel
reinforced power cables.
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cable
cutter with enough mechanical advantage to cut Cardinal ACSR cable
but fast enough to cut 300 MCM copper cable.
[0013] Other features and advantages of the tool which incorporate
features of the present invention will become apparent upon a
reading of the attached specification, in combination with a study
of the drawings.
[0014] Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, a novel tool
for cutting/crimping a workpiece, such as a cable, is provided. The
tool includes an automatic rapid blade advance such that the blade
on a movable jaw of the tool advances toward cutting the cable
every time the handles of the tool are closed. The automatic rapid
blade advance also advances the blade on the movable jaw toward
cutting the cable every time the handles of the tool are opened up
until the blade on the movable jaw first encounters a resistive
force from the cable. The tool also includes an automatic blade
return such that the blade on the movable jaw automatically returns
to its original position after the blade has cut through or crimped
the cable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The features of the present invention which are believed to
be novel are described in detail hereinbelow. The organization and
manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together
with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood
by reference to the following description taken in connection with
the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify
like elements in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a tool which
incorporates the features of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tool;
[0018] FIG. 2a is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
tool shown in FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 2b is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
tool shown in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 2c is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
tool shown in FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 2d is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
tool shown in FIG. 2; and
[0022] FIGS. 3-9 are side elevational views of the tool depicting a
complete cutting/crimping cycle with the tool of a workpiece.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
[0023] While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be
described herein in detail, a specific embodiment with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an
exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not
intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated.
[0024] A tool 20 which is used to cut and/or crimp a workpiece 22,
such as cable, is provided. The tool 20 is preferably used to cut
and/or crimp copper, aluminum and steel reinforced power cables. A
side elevational view of the tool 20 which incorporates features of
the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2a, the tool 20 includes an
elongated first lever 24 which has a first portion 26 and a second
portion 28. The first portion 26 and the second portion 28 can be
integrally formed or can be formed separately and connected by
suitable means at one of their respective ends.
[0026] The first portion 26 is preferably a circular cylinder,
although the first portion 26 could take on many different shapes,
and is utilized as a handle portion. The first portion 26 can also
be encompassed by a fiberglass portion 27 as illustrated in, for
example, FIG. 1. The first portion 26 and/or fiberglass portion 27
can have a gripping material 30, as illustrated in FIG. 1, wrapped
at least partially therearound such that a user's hand can easily
grip the first portion 26 of the first lever 24. The length of the
first portion 26 can also be varied if desired.
[0027] The second portion 28 is preferably an elongated member
which is rectangular in crosssection, although the second portion
28 could take on many different shapes. The second portion 28 has a
pair of apertures 32, 34 therethrough. The second portion 28 has a
height that is larger than a height of the first portion 26, but
the second portion 28 and the first portion 26 have a thickness
that are substantially equivalent.
[0028] An elongated second lever 36 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 2b. The
elongated second lever 36 has a first portion 38 and a second
portion 40. The first portion 38 and the second portion 40 can be
integrally formed or can be formed separately and connected by
suitable means at one of their respective ends.
[0029] The first portion 38 is preferably a circular cylinder,
although the first portion 38 could take on many different shapes,
and is utilized as a handle portion. The first portion 38 can also
be encompassed by a fiberglass portion 39 as illustrated in, for
example, FIG. 1. The first portion 38 and/or fiberglass portion 39
can have a gripping material 42, as illustrated in FIG. 1, wrapped
at least partially therearound such that a user's hand can easily
grip the first portion 38 of the second lever 36. The length of the
first portion 38 can also be varied if desired.
[0030] The second portion 40 is preferably an elongated member
which is rectangular in cross-section, although the second portion
40 could take on many different shapes. The second portion 40 has a
pair of apertures 44, 46 therethrough. The second portion 40 has a
height that is larger than a height of the first portion 38, but
the second portion 40 and the first portion 38 have a thickness
that are substantially equivalent.
[0031] A member 48, as illustrated in FIG. 2a, includes a first
portion 50, a second portion 52 and a bridge portion 54. The first
portion 50 is generally L-shaped such that first portion 50 has a
height from a first end thereof to a middle thereof that is less
than a height from the middle thereof to a second end thereof. The
first portion 50 has an elongated slot 56 therethrough at the
middle of the first portion 50 such that a portion of the slot 56
is positioned between the first end and the middle while another
portion of the slot 56 is positioned between the middle and the
second end.
[0032] The first portion 50 has an aperture 58 therethrough
proximate to the first end thereof. The first portion 50 has an
aperture 60 therethrough and an aperture 62 therethrough which are
both proximate to the second end thereof Aperture 60 is positioned
near a top of the first portion 50 while aperture 62 is positioned
near a bottom of the first portion 50. The first portion 50 further
has an aperture 64 therethrough that is positioned near a bottom of
the first portion 50 proximate to the middle of the first portion
50 and below the portion of the slot 56 that is positioned between
the middle and the second end of the first portion 50. The first
portion 50 further has an aperture 66 therethrough. Aperture 66 is
positioned near a bottom of the first portion 50 and between
aperture 62 and aperture 64. Aperture 64 and aperture 66 are
distanced from one another the same distance that aperture 32 and
aperture 34 are distanced from one another for reasons that will
become apparent herein.
[0033] The second portion 52 of member 48 is a mirror image of the
first portion 50 of member 48 and, therefore, the second portion 52
will not be described in detail. The apertures and slots within the
second portion 52 will be referenced herein by the same reference
numeral as their corresponding apertures and slots in the first
portion 50, i.e., aperture 58 in first portion 50 corresponds to
aperture 58 in second portion 52.
[0034] The first portion 50 and the second portion 52 of member 48
are connected to one another by the bridge portion 54. The bridge
portion 54 is generally U-shaped and has a base portion 68, an
extending portion 70 that extends from one end of the base portion
68 and an extending portion 72 that extends from an opposite end of
the base portion 68. Extending portion 70 connects to a top of the
first portion 50 from the first end of the first portion 50 to the
middle of the first portion 50. Extending portion 72 connects to a
top of the second portion 52 from the first end of the second
portion 52 to the middle of the second portion 52. The bridge
portion 54 is generally integrally formed with the first and second
portions 50, 52, however, the bridge portion 54 can be formed
separately therefrom and connected to the first and second portions
50, 52 by suitable means.
[0035] The bridge portion 54 has a width that is large enough such
that the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 are spaced
apart from one another a distance that allows the first portion 50
to be positioned on one side of the first lever 24 while the second
portion 52 is positioned on an opposite side of the first lever
24.
[0036] The member 48 is connected to the first lever 24 by suitable
connecting means, such as a pair of fasteners 74, 76. As best
illustrated in FIG. 2, fastener 74 is inserted through aperture 64
of the first portion 50 of member 48, through aperture 32 of the
second portion 28 of lever 24, and through aperture 64 of the
second portion 52 of member 48. The fastener 74 can be secured
outside the second portion 28 of member 48 by suitable means, such
as a nut 78. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, fastener 76 is inserted
through aperture 66 of the first portion 50 of member 48, through
aperture 34 of the second portion 28 of lever 24, and through
aperture 66 of the second portion 52 of member 48. The fastener 76
can be secured outside the second portion 28 of member 48 by
suitable means, such as a nut 80.
[0037] A generally triangular member 82, as illustrated in FIG. 2a,
has an aperture 84 therethrough at a first corner thereof, an
aperture 86 therethrough at a second corner thereof, and an
aperture 88 therethrough at a third corner thereof. The generally
triangular member 82 also has an aperture 90 therethrough which is
positioned between aperture 84 and aperture 88. Aperture 84 and
aperture 90 are distanced from one another the same distance that
aperture 44 and aperture 46 are distanced from one another for
reasons that will become apparent herein.
[0038] A generally triangular member 92, which is the same as
member 82, is illustrated in FIG. 2b. The generally triangular
member 92 has an aperture 94 therethrough at a first corner
thereof, an aperture 96 therethrough at a second corner thereof,
and an aperture 98 therethrough at a third corner thereof. The
generally triangular member 92 also has an aperture 100
therethrough which is positioned between aperture 94 and aperture
98. Aperture 94 and aperture 100 are distanced from one another the
same distance that aperture 44 and aperture 46 are distanced from
one another for reasons that will become apparent herein.
[0039] The generally triangular member 82 and the generally
triangular member 92 are connected to the member 48 by suitable
means, such as fastener 102. As best illustrated in FIG. 2,
fastener 102 is inserted through aperture 96 of generally
triangular member 92, through aperture 62 of the first portion 50
of member 48, through aperture 62 of the second portion 52 of
member 48, and through aperture 86 of generally triangular member
82. The fastener 102 can be secured outside the generally
triangular member 82 by suitable means, such as a nut 104. The
fastener 102 allows the member 48 to pivotally rotate with respect
to the generally triangular member 82 and the generally triangular
member 92, thus allowing the pivotal rotation of the first lever 24
with respect to the generally triangular member 82 and the
generally triangular member 92.
[0040] The generally triangular member 82 and the generally
triangular member 92 are connected to the second lever 36 by
suitable connecting means, such as a pair of fasteners 106, 108. As
best illustrated in FIG. 2, fastener 106 is inserted through
aperture 94 of generally triangular member 92, through aperture 44
of the second portion 40 of the second lever 36, and through
aperture 84 of the generally triangular member 82. The fastener 106
can be secured outside the generally triangular member 82 by
suitable means, such as a nut 110. As best illustrated in FIG. 2,
fastener 108 is inserted through aperture 100 of generally
triangular member 92, through aperture 46 of the second portion 40
of the second lever 36, and through aperture 90 of the generally
triangular member 82. The fastener 108 can be secured outside the
generally triangular member 82 by suitable means, such as a nut
112. This allows relative movement between the first lever 24 and
the second lever 36.
[0041] A first jaw 114 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2c. The first
jaw 114 has an outer edge 116 and an inner edge 118. The jaw 114 is
generally E-shaped such that it has a base portion 120, a first end
extending portion 122 which is generally perpendicular to the base
portion 120, a second end extending portion 124 which is generally
perpendicular to the base portion 120, and a middle extending
portion 126 which is between extending portion 122 and extending
portion 124 and which is generally perpendicular to the base
portion 120.
[0042] The base portion 120 extends from the first end extending
portion 122 which is at a first end thereof, to the second end
extending portion 124 which is at a second end thereof. The outer
edge 116 is generally straight between the first end extending
portion 122 and the middle extending portion 126. The outer edge
116 is generally curved between the middle extending portion 126
and the second end extending portion 124.
[0043] The ends of the extending portions 122, 124, 126 which form
a part of the inner edge 118 of the first jaw 114 are generally
rounded. A blade 128 is formed along the inner edge 118 between the
middle extending portion 126 and the second end extending portion
124. The blade 128 can be formed in a number of different manners
depending on the type of workpiece to be cut/crimped.
[0044] The first end extending portion 122 has an aperture 130
therethrough. The middle extending portion 126 has an aperture 132
therethrough. Base portion 120 has an aperture 134 therethrough
between the first end extending portion 122 and the middle
extending portion 126.
[0045] A second jaw 136 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2d. The
second jaw 136 is generally circular, but has a portion cut-out,
and has a plurality of teeth 138 along an outer edge 140 thereof.
The tooth pitch of the plurality of teeth 138 is preferably 4.8
degrees. The cut-out portion of the second jaw 136 forms an inner
edge 142. The inner edge 142 extends from the outer edge 140 and
extends toward a middle of the second jaw 136, extends around the
middle of the second jaw 136, and then extends back to the outer
edge 140 of the second jaw 136. A blade 144 is formed along a
portion of the inner edge 142 between the outer edge 140 and the
middle of the second jaw 136. The blade 144 can be formed in a
number of different manners depending on the type of workpiece to
be cut/crimped.
[0046] The second jaw 136 has an aperture 146 therethrough at a
center point of the circle. The second jaw 136 further has an
aperture 148 therethrough which is positioned proximate to a
juncture of the outer edge 140 and the inner edge 142, but distal
to the blade 144 of the inner edge 142. The second jaw 136 further
has an aperture 150 therethrough which is positioned along the
outer edge 140 and proximate to the blade 144 of the inner edge
142. The second jaw 136 further has an aperture 152 therethrough
that is positioned between aperture 150 and the blade 144 of the
inner edge 142.
[0047] An elongated, generally U-shaped member 154 is illustrated
in FIGS. 2 and 2d. The Ushaped member 154 has a base portion 155, a
first end portion 157 and a second end portion 159. The first end
portion 157 is generally curved and extends outwardly from the base
portion 155 and away from the second end portion 159. An aperture
156 is provided through the first end portion 157. The second end
portion 159 is generally curved and extends outwardly from the base
portion 155 and away from the first end portion 157. An aperture
158 is provided through the second end portion 159.
[0048] A holding pawl 160 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2b. The
holding pawl 160 is generally V-shaped such that the holding pawl
160 has an extending portion 162 and an extending portion 164 which
are connected at one end thereof. At the connection of the
extending portions 162, 164, an aperture 166 is provided
therethrough. The extending portion 162 has a shoulder 170 provided
along an outside edge 168 thereof at the end opposite the
connection to extending portion 164. Also along an outside edge 168
of the holding pawl 160, teeth 172 are provided on the extending
portion 164, at the end opposite the connection to extending
portion 162. The teeth 172 are formed to mesh with the plurality of
teeth 138 provided on the outer edge 140 of the second jaw 136.
[0049] A torsion spring 174 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2b. The
torsion spring 174 is formed of wire that is coiled along the
length of the torsion spring 174 such that an opening is formed
through the torsion spring 174. One end 176 of the torsion spring
174 extends straight out from the coiled length of the spring 174
and a hook 178 is provided at an end thereof. The hook 178 of the
torsion spring 174 is wrapped around the holding pawl 160 below the
shoulder 170 thereof. The other end 180 of the torsion spring 174
extends straight out from the coiled length of the spring 174 and a
hook 182 is provided at an end thereof. The hook 182 of the torsion
spring 174 is wrapped around the outer edge 116 of the first jaw
114 proximate to the first end extending portion 122. The end 176
and the end 180 are angled from one another at approximately a 90
degree angle. The torsion spring 174 biases the holding pawvl 160
such that the teeth 172 of the holding pawl 160 prevent the
plurality of teeth 138 of the second jaw 136 from moving clockwise
when the second jaw 136 is viewed as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0050] A circular cylinder 184 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2b.
The circular cylinder 184 has a bore 186 therethrough. The circular
cylinder 184 is positioned to fit within the opening of the torsion
spring 184 such that the coiled length of the torsion spring 184 is
wound around the circular cylinder 184.
[0051] A fastener 188 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 2d. The fastener 188
is inserted through the aperture 156 of member 154, through
aperture 98 of the generally triangular member 92, through the bore
186 of the circular cylinder 184, through the aperture 166 of the
holding pawl 160, through the aperture 130 of the first jaw 114,
and through the aperture 88 of the generally triangular member 82.
The fastener 188 can be secured outside the generally triangular
member 82 by suitable means, such as a nut 190 and a pair of
washers 192, 194. The circular cylinder 184 and the holding pawl
160 can pivotally rotate around the fastener 188 as further
described herein.
[0052] A speed pawl 196 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a. The speed
pawl 196 is generally U-shaped such that it has a base portion 198
and a pair of extending portions 200, 202, each of which extends
from an opposite end of the base portion 198. Each of the extending
portions 200, 202 extend from a position proximate to a first end
or tab 203 of the base portion 198 to a second end 205 of the base
portion 198. The extending portions 200, 202 are generally L-shaped
such that the height of the extending portions 200, 202 proximate
to the second end 205 of the base portion 198 is less than the
height of the extending portions 200, 202 proximate to the first
end 203 of the base portion 198. Each of the extending portions
200, 202 have an aperture 204 therethrough proximate to the first
end 203 of the base portion 198.
[0053] A fastener 206, which may be a circular rod, is inserted
through the slot 56 of the first portion 50 of the member 48,
through the aperture 204 of the extending portion 200, through the
aperture 204 of the extending portion 202, and through the slot 56
of the second portion 52 of the member 48. The fastener 206 is
secured outside both the first portion 50 and the second portion 52
of the member 48 by suitable means. The fastener 206 can slide
within the slots 56 of the first and second portions 50, 52 of the
member 48, thus allowing the speed pawl 196 to move forward and
backward the length of the slots 56 as further described
herein.
[0054] The second end 205 of the base portion 198 of the speed pawl
196 is free and can engage with the plurality of teeth 138 of the
second jaw 136 as the second jaw 136 is rotated as described
herein. The bridge portion 54 of the member 48 provides resistance
to the speed pawl 196, preventing the second end 205 of the base
portion 198 of the speed pawl 196 from moving at an angle too great
relative to the member 48.
[0055] A normally expanded or compression spring 208 is positioned
between the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 of the
member 48 from the first ends thereof to the middle thereof. The
compression spring 208 is also positioned between the bridge
portion 54 of the member 48 and the first portion 26 of the first
lever 24. A first end of the spring 208 abuts against a pin 209
which is positioned through the apertures 58 of the first and
second portions 50, 52 of the member 48. A second end of the spring
208 abuts against the tab 203 on the speed pawl 196 that is
proximate to the base portion 198. Because of the spring force of
the spring 208, the speed pawl 196 is biased within the slots 56
toward the second end of the member 48. Furthermore, speed pawl 196
is rotationally biased counterclockwise toward teeth 138 of blade
136.
[0056] A generally elongated member 210 is illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 2d. The generally elongated member 210 has rounded ends 212,
214. The member 210 has an aperture 216 therethrough proximate to
end 212. The member 210 has an aperture 218 therethrough proximate
to end 214.
[0057] A generally elongated member 220 is illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 2c. The generally elongated member 220 has rounded ends 222,
224 and a middle portion 226. An aperture 228 is provided
therethrough proximate to the end 222. An aperture 230 is provided
therethrough proximate to end 224. The middle portion 226 of the
member 220 is raised such that the middle portion 226 is in a
different plane than the ends 222, 224.
[0058] A drive pawl 232 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a. The drive
pawl 232 is generally a triangular block wherein one of the corners
of the triangular block is generally rounded. The drive pawl 232
has an aperture 234 therethrough proximate to the rounded corner.
The side of the pawl 232 opposite the rounded corner, and between
the other corners, has teeth 236 for meshing with the plurality of
teeth 138 of the second jaw 136. The teeth 236 are positioned
proximate to one of the other corners. The side of the pawl 232
opposite the rounded corner further has a pair of indents 238, 240
therein, as best illustrated in FIG. 1. The indents 238, 240 are
positioned directly next to one another with indent 238 being
positioned directly next to the teeth 236.
[0059] A piece 242 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a. The piece 242
is a circular cylinder having a bore 244 therethrough. The piece
242 is positioned to fit within the aperture 234 of the drive pawl
232.
[0060] A fastener 246 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 2d. The fastener 246
is positioned through the aperture 216 of member 210, through the
aperture 60 of the first portion 50 of the member 48, through the
bore 244 of the piece 242, through the aperture 60 of the second
portion 52 of the member 48, and through the aperture 228 of the
member 220. The fastener 246 can be secured to the member 220 by a
nut 248 and washers 250, 252, 254. The piece 242 and the drive pawl
232 can pivotally rotate about the fastener 246 as further
described herein.
[0061] A reverser 256, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2d, has a
circular cylindrical portion 258, a portion 260 that extends
therefrom, and a portion 274 which extends from portion 260. The
circular cylindrical portion 258 has a thickness that is greater
than a thickness of the portion 260. The circular cylindrical
portion 258 has a height that is substantially equivalent to a
height of the portion 260. An aperture 262 is provided through the
circular cylindrical portion 258.
[0062] The portion 260 has an inner side (not shown), an outer side
264, a top edge 266, a bottom edge 268, a first end (not shown) and
a second end 272. The second end 272 is concave such that the
second end 272 of the portion 260 connects to the circular cylinder
portion 258.
[0063] Portion 274 has a top 276 and a bottom 278. The top 276 of
the portion 274 is positioned on the top edge 266 of the portion
260 and extends generally perpendicularly therefrom toward both the
inner side and the outer side 264 of the portion 260. The top 276
has a height at the first end that is less than a height of the top
276 proximate to the second end. Likewise, the bottom 278 of the
portion 274 is positioned on the bottom edge 268 of the portion 260
and extends generally perpendicularly therefrom toward both the
inner side and the outer side 264 of the portion 260. The bottom
278 has a height at the first end that is less than a height of the
bottom 278 proximate to the second end. Thus, the portion 274 has a
thickness that is greater than a thickness of the portion 260. The
thickness of the portion 274 is substantially equivalent to a
thickness of the circular cylindrical portion 258. The top 276 and
the bottom 278 are connected to one another by piece 280 which
extends along the first end of portion 260.
[0064] The portion 274 further includes two extending portions 282,
284. Extending portions 282, 284 extend generally perpendicularly
from the inner surface of the portion 260 approximately the same
distance as the top 276 and the bottom 278 extend away from the
inner surface of the portion 260. The extending portions 282, 284
also have a length that runs from the circular cylinder portion 258
to the piece 280. The extending portions 282, 284 also define a
recess 286 therebetween.
[0065] A fastener 288, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2d, is inserted
through the aperture 158 of the member 154, through the aperture
218 of the member 210, through the aperture 262 of the reverser
256, through the aperture 146 of the second jaw 136, through the
aperture 132 of the first jaw 114, and through the aperture 230 of
the member 220. The fastener 288 can be secured to the member 220
by suitable means, such as a nut 290 and a washer 292. The reverser
256 and the second jaw 136 can pivotally rotate about the fastener
288 as is further described herein.
[0066] A normally expanded or compression spring 294, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 2d, is positioned within the recess 286 formed by the
extending portions 280, 282 and the inner surface of the portion
260. The recess 286 is closed by the connection of the second jaw
136 to the reverser 256 by the fastener 288, and thus the spring
294 is also positioned next to the second jaw 136. One end of the
spring 294 abuts against the circular cylindrical portion 258 of
the reverser 256 while the opposite end of the spring 294 abuts
against an end of a generally cylindrical pin 296.
[0067] The opposite end of the pin 296 has a circular knob 298
which is sized to engage with either the indent 238 or the indent
240 of the drive pawl 232. The spring 294 biases the pin 296 toward
the drive pawl 232 such that the knob 298 is positioned in either
the indent 238 or the indent 240. When the knob 298 is positioned
within the indent 238, the drive pawl 232 is biased such that the
teeth 236 of the drive pawl 232 do not engage the teeth 138 of the
second jaw 136 as viewed as in FIG. 1. When the knob 298 is
positioned within the indent 240, the drive pawl 232 is biased such
that the teeth 236 of the drive pawl 232 will engage the teeth 138
of the second jaw 136, allowing the drive pawl 232 to move the
second jaw 136 counterclockwise, as will be discussed herein.
[0068] A pair of stops 300, 302, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2d,
are provided. Stop 300 is a cylindrical rod and is positioned
within aperture 148 of the second jaw 136 and extends outwardly
therefrom toward the reverser 256. The stop 300 is capable of
abutting against the bottom 278 of the reverser 256, as will be
explained in more detail in the operation of the tool 20. The stop
302 is a cylindrical rod and is positioned within the aperture 150
of the second jaw 136 and extends outwardly therefrom toward the
reverser 256. The stop 302 is capable of abutting against the top
276 of the reverser 256, as will be explained in more detail in the
operation of the tool 20.
[0069] An extension spring 304 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2c.
The extension spring 304 has a first end with a hook 306 and a
second end with a hook 308. The hook 306 is wrapped around a shank
portion 310 of a fastener 312. The fastener 312 also has a head
portion 314. After the hook 306 is wrapped around the shank portion
310, the shank portion 310 is inserted into the aperture 134 of the
first jaw 114 such that the hook 306 is between the first jaw 114
and the head portion 314 of the fastener 312, with the head portion
314 being proximate to the member 220. The hook 308 is wrapped
around a shank portion 316 of a fastener 318. The fastener 318 also
has a head portion 320. After the hook 308 is wrapped around the
shank portion 316, the shank portion 316 is inserted into the
aperture 152 of the second jaw 136 such that the hook 308 is
between the second jaw 136 and the head portion 320 of the fastener
318, with the head portion 320 being proximate to the first jaw
114.
[0070] Now that the specifics of the tool 20 have been described,
operation of the tool 20 is described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 3-9. FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the tool 20 prior to the
cutting/crimping process when the cable or workpiece 22 is inserted
between the blade 128 of the first jaw 114 and the blade 144 of the
second jaw 136 by a user. The blade portions 128, 144 are offset
from one another because of the connection of the first jaw 114 to
the second jaw 136 by fastener 288, thus allowing the blade
portions 128, 144 to shear the workpiece 22 when the tool 20 is
operated in the cut mode.
[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 1, prior to the cutting/crimping
process, the first lever 24 and the second lever 36 are in a closed
position such that the rear ends of the first lever 24 are
generally proximate to the second lever 36.
[0072] The torsion spring 174 biases the holding pawl 160 toward
the second jaw 136 in order to force the teeth 172 of the holding
pawl 160 to engage with the plurality of teeth 138 of the second
jaw 136. When the levers 24, 36 are closed, though, the second
portion 28 of the first lever 24 abuts against the extending
portion 162 of the holding pawl 160 at a position above the
shoulder 170 where the hook 178 of the torsion spring 174 is
wrapped therearound, thus preventing the teeth 172 of the holding
pawl 160 from engaging with the plurality of teeth 138 of the
second jaw 136.
[0073] The second end of the base portion 198 of the speed pawl 196
rests against the plurality of teeth 138 of the second jaw 136. The
fastener 206, which is connected to the speed pawl 196, is
positioned in the slots 56 of the first portion 50 and the second
portion 52 of the member 48 proximate to the second end of the
speed pawl 196, with the speed pawl 196 being biased in this
position by the spring 208. Because of the resting of the second
end of the speed pawl 196 against the plurality of teeth 138, along
with the connection of the speed pawl 196 to the fastener 206 at
the first end of the speed pawl 196, the speed pawl 196 is
positioned at a small angle relative to the top of the first and
second portions 50, 52 of the member 48.
[0074] The drive pawl 232 is positioned such that the teeth 236 of
the drive pawl 232 are engaged with the plurality of teeth 138 of
the second jaw 136 as the knob 298 of the pin 296 is positioned
within the indent 240 of the drive pawl 232. The knob 298 of the
pin 296 stays within the indent 240 by the force of spring 294.
[0075] The member 210 is positioned such that a top thereof abuts
against the top 276 of the portion 274 of the reverser 256. A
bottom of the member 210 does not abut against the bottom 278 of
the portion 274 of the reverser 256.
[0076] The stop 302 abuts against the top 276 of the portion 274 of
the reverser 256.
[0077] The spring 304 is in its normally compressed state.
[0078] After the user has placed the workpiece 22 between the blade
128 of the first jaw 114 and the blade 144 of the second jaw 136,
the user grips the first lever 24 with one hand and grips the
second lever 36 with the other hand. The user then begins to open
the levers 24, 36 by pulling the levers 24, 36 away from one
another as shown in FIG. 3.
[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the user begins to open the
levers 24, 36, the second end of the base portion 198 of the speed
pawl 196 engages with one of the plurality of teeth 138 of the
secondjaw 136.
[0080] As the levers 24, 36 are opened, the second portion 28 of
the first lever 24 and the extending portion 162 of the holding
pawl 160 continue to abut against one another, but the teeth 172 of
the holding pawl 160 come closer to being in contact with the
plurality of teeth 138 of the second jaw 136 to prevent the second
jaw 136 from moving in a clockwise position, when the second jaw
136 is viewed as shown in FIG. 3, such that the blade 144 of the
second jaw 136 would move away from the workpiece 22 and the blade
128 of the first jaw 114.
[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the levers 24, 36 are completely
opened, such that the rear ends of levers 24, 36 are positioned as
far away from one another as possible and are approximately
perpendicular to one another.
[0082] By completely opening the levers 24, 36, the speed pawl 196
advances the blade 144 of the second jaw 136 toward the workpiece
22 and the blade 128 of the first jaw 114. The speed pawl 196
preferably advances the blade 144 of the second jaw 136 by three
teeth when the levers 24, 36 are opened prior to the blade portions
128, 144 meeting resistance from the workpiece 22. The angle of the
speed pawl 196 with respect to the tops of the first and second
portions 50, 52 of the member 48 also increases. The angle which
the speed pawl 196 can achieve relative to the tops of the first
and second portions 50, 52 of the member 48 is limited by the
bridge portion 54 of the member 48 as the first end of the base
portion 198 of the speed pawl 196 abuts against the bridge portion
54 when the levers 24, 36 reach their maximum opening.
[0083] Because of the advancement of the blade 144 of the second
jaw 136, the stop 302 and the top 276 of the portion 274 of the
reverser 256 separate from one another while the stop 300 on the
second jaw 136 moves closer to abutment with the bottom 278 of the
portion 274 of the reverser 256.
[0084] Further, because of the advancement of the blade 144 of the
second jaw 136, the spring 304 is forced to expand such that it no
longer rests in its normally compressed state.
[0085] As the levers 24, 36 are completely opened, the extending
portion 162 of the holding pawl 160 and the second portion 28 of
the first lever 24 also separate from one another such that the
teeth 172 of the holding pawl 160 engage with the teeth 138 of the
second jaw 136 because of the spring force provided by the torsion
spring 174, thus preventing the blade 144 on the second jaw 136
from retreating.
[0086] As the levers 24, 36 are opened, the teeth 236 of the drive
pawl 232 move over the teeth 138 of the second jaw 136 such that
the drive pawl 232 pushes against the knob 298 of the pin 296 to
compress the spring 294.
[0087] After the levers 24, 36 are completely opened and the speed
pawl 196 has advanced the second jaw 136, the user pushes the
levers 24, 36 back to a closed position, where the rear ends of the
levers 24, 36, are proximate to one another and are at a position
where they are generally parallel to one another as shown in FIG.
5.
[0088] By closing the levers 24, 36, the speed pawl 196 is moved
across the plurality of teeth 138 of the second jaw 136. The spring
294 pushes back against the pin 296 to push the knob 298 into the
indent 240 of the drive pawl 232, forcing the teeth 236 of the
drive pawl 232 to engage the plurality of teeth 138 of the second
jaw 136 and to advance the blade 144 of the second jaw 136 toward
the blade 128 of the first jaw 114 and the workpiece 22. The drive
pawl 232 preferably advances the blade 144 of the second jaw 136 by
one tooth when the levers 24, 36 are closed.
[0089] Because of the advancement of the blade 144 of the second
jaw 136, the stop 302 and the top 276 of the portion 274 of the
reverser 256 further separate from one another while the stop 300
on the second jaw 136 moves further closer to abutment with the
bottom 278 of the portion 274 of the reverser 256.
[0090] Further, because of the advancement of the blade 144 of the
second jaw 136, the spring 304 is forced to further expand from its
normally compressed state.
[0091] The closing of the levers 24, 36 further forces the
extending portion 162 of the holding pawl 160 to abut with the
second portion 28 of the first lever 24 forcing the teeth 172 of
the holding pawl 160 to become disengaged from the plurality of
teeth 138 of the second jaw 136. The extending portion 162 further
separates from the fastener 102.
[0092] The foregoing description relating to FIGS. 4 and 5
continues until the blade 144 of the second jaw 136 and the blade
128 of the first jaw 114 are both engaged or in contact with the
workpiece 22, such that the workpiece 22 is providing resistance to
the counterclockwise movement of the second jaw 136.
[0093] Once the workpiece 22 provides resistance to the
counterclockwise movement of the second jaw 136, as the blade 144
of the second jaw 136 and the blade 128 of the first jaw 114 are in
contact with the workpiece 22, the user again completely opens the
levers 24, 36 as depicted in FIG. 6.
[0094] As the levers 24, 36 are opened, the extending portion 162
of the holding pawl 160 and the second portion 28 of the first
lever 24 separate from one another. The extending portion 162 of
the holding pawl 160 abuts against the fastener 102. The torsion
spring 174 biases the holding pawl 160 toward the second jaw 136 to
force the teeth 172 of the holding pawl 160 to engage with the
plurality of teeth 138 of the second jaw 136.
[0095] Unlike the opening of the levers 24, 36 as illustrated and
described with reference to FIG. 4, the opening of the levers 24,
36 with reference to FIG. 6, does not force the speed pawl 196 to
advance the blade 144 of the second jaw 136 toward the workpiece 22
and the blade 128 of the first jaw 114. Rather, the resistance of
the workpiece 22 against the speed pawi 196 is greater than the
spring force of the spring 208 against the speed pawl 196, thus the
speed pawl 196 overcomes the spring force of the spring 208 and
causes fastener 206 to move within the slots 56 of the first and
second portions 50, 52 of the member 48 to a position proximate to
the first end of the member 48. Thus the fastener 206 and, in
effect, the speed pawl 196, simply oscillate against the spring 208
within the slots 56.
[0096] As the levers 24, 36 are opened, the teeth 236 of the drive
pawl 232 move over the teeth 138 of the second jaw 136 such that
the drive pawl 232 pushes against the knob 298 of the pin 296 to
compress the spring 294.
[0097] After the user has pulled the levers 24, 36 completely apart
as shown in FIG. 6, the user again pushes the levers 24, 36
together to a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 7, where the
rear ends of the levers 24, 36, are proximate to one another and
are at a position where they are generally parallel to one
another.
[0098] By closing the levers 24, 36, the spring 294 pushes back
against the pin 296 to push the knob 298 into the indent 240 of the
drive pawl 232, forcing the drive pawl 232 to engage the plurality
of teeth 138 of the second jaw 136 and to advance the blade 144 of
the second jaw 136 into the workpiece 22 and toward the blade 128
of the first jaw 114, which also is forced into the workpiece 22.
The drive pawl 232 preferably advances the blade 144 of the second
jaw 136 by one tooth when the levers 24, 36 are closed.
[0099] Because of the advancement of the blade 144 of the second
jaw 136, the stop 302 and the top 276 of the portion 274 of the
reverser 256 further separate from one another while the stop 300
on the second jaw 136 moves further closer to abutment with the
bottom 278 of the portion 274 of the reverser 256.
[0100] Further, because of the advancement of the blade 144 of the
second jaw 136, the spring 304 is forced to further expand from its
normally compressed state.
[0101] The closing of the levers 24, 36 further forces the
extending portion 162 of the holding pawl 160 to abut with the
second portion 28 of the first lever 24, forcing the teeth 172 of
the holding pawl 160 to become disengaged from the plurality of
teeth 138 of the second jaw 136. The extending portion 162 further
separates from the fastener 102.
[0102] The foregoing description relating to FIGS. 6 and 7
continues until the bottom 278 of the portion 274 of the reverser
256 abuts against the stop 300 provided on the second jaw 136. At
this point, the tool 20 has either cut through the workpiece 22 or
crimped the workpiece 22 as desired. The spring 304 is also
expanded well beyond its normally compressed state as it is wound
around the fastener 288.
[0103] Once the stop 300 abuts against the bottom 278 of the
portion 274 of the reverser 256, the continued movement of the stop
300 by continued movement of the second jaw 136 pushes the reverser
256 thus forcing the knob 298 of the pin 296 to move from a
position within the indent 240 of the drive pawl 232 to the indent
238 of the drive pawl 232, as shown in FIG. 8. The member 210 also
changes position such that the bottom of the member 210 abuts
against the bottom 278 of the portion 274 of the reverser 256 while
the top of the member 210 does not abut against the top 276 of the
portion 274 of the reverser 256.
[0104] By the knob 298 of the pin 296 being forced into the indent
238 of the drive pawl 232, the teeth 236 of the drive pawl 232
become disengaged from the plurality of teeth 138 of the second jaw
136, thus entirely disengaging the drive pawl 232 from the second
jaw 136. The disengagement of the drive pawl 232 from the second
jaw 136 also causes the disengagement of the speed pawl 196 from
the second jaw 136 as the drive pawl 232 abuts against the speed
pawl 196, lifting the speed pawl 196 away from the plurality of
teeth 138 of the second jaw 136.
[0105] The teeth 172 of the holding pawl 160 also become disengaged
from the plurality of teeth 138 of the second jaw 136 when the
levers 24, 36 are closed by the contact of the extending portion
162 with the second portion 28 of the first lever 24.
[0106] Because all three pawls 160, 196, 232 are disengaged from
the second jaw 136, nothing prevents the second jaw 136 from moving
clockwise and, thus, the spring 304 returns to its normally
compressed state. When the spring 304 returns to its normally
compressed state, the spring 304 forces the second jaw 136 to
return, in a clockwise manner, to its original position as shown in
FIG. 9. As the second jaw 136 is in its original position, the
continued movement of the stop 302 by continued movement of the
second jaw 136 pushes against the top 276 of the portion 274 of the
reverser 256, thus forcing the knob 298 of the pin 296 to move from
the indent 238 back to the indent 240.
[0107] With the knob 298 of the pin 296 forced into the indent 240
of the drive pawl 232, the teeth 236 of the drive pawl 232 are
re-engaged with the plurality of teeth 138 of the second jaw 136.
The re-engagement of the drive panvl 232 with the second jaw 136
allows for the speed pawl 196 to again rest against the plurality
of teeth 138 of the second jaw 136.
[0108] The tool 20 is then ready for then next cutting/crimping
cycle.
[0109] It should be noted that the automatic blade return can be
performed manually by the user physically switching the reverser
256.
[0110] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art
may devise various modifications without departing from the spirit
and scope of the foregoing description.
* * * * *