U.S. patent application number 13/560197 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for tool to crimp non-metallic tubing onto fittings.
Invention is credited to Bruns Daniel Kidd.
Application Number | 20120291245 13/560197 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37900097 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120291245 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kidd; Bruns Daniel |
November 22, 2012 |
TOOL TO CRIMP NON-METALLIC TUBING ONTO FITTINGS
Abstract
A low-cost crimping tool is provided for crimping non-metallic
tubing such as PEX tubing connections. The tool includes two
primary pieces which fit together forming an integral pivot without
being pinned together about which the tool may be closed with
pliers to form a secure tubing connection.
Inventors: |
Kidd; Bruns Daniel;
(Limington, ME) |
Family ID: |
37900097 |
Appl. No.: |
13/560197 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12948947 |
Nov 18, 2010 |
8241029 |
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13560197 |
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11665105 |
Apr 10, 2007 |
7878790 |
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PCT/US2006/037048 |
Sep 22, 2006 |
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12948947 |
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60720241 |
Sep 23, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/53896 20150115;
B21D 39/048 20130101; B21D 39/046 20130101; Y10T 29/53996 20150115;
B25B 27/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/267 |
International
Class: |
B25B 27/14 20060101
B25B027/14 |
Claims
1-13. (canceled)
14-32. (canceled)
33. A crimping tool for use in crimping a connector crimp ring with
non-metallic tubing, said tool comprising: a. a first jaw having a
first end, a second end, an outer surface and a forming surface
between said first end and said second end, wherein said forming
surface includes at least one crimping die section; and b. a second
jaw pivotally connected to said first jaw, said second jaw having a
first end, a second end, an outer surface and a forming surface
between said first end and said second end opposing said forming
surface of said first jaw, wherein said forming surface of said
second jaw includes at least one crimping die section corresponding
in number to, and in alignment with, the at least one crimping die
section of said first jaw such that the opposing at least one
crimping die section of said first jaw and said second jaw together
form at least one crimping die, wherein the crimping tool has a
centerline from said first ends to said second ends of said first
jaw and said second jaw when said first jaw and said second jaw are
together to form the at least one crimping die, and wherein said
second ends of said first jaw and said second jaw include lands
adapted to enable squeezing together of said first jaw and said
second jaw and wherein a distance from the centerline to the outer
surfaces of said first jaw and said second jaw at the at least one
crimping die is greater than a distance from the centerline to the
outer surfaces of said first jaw and said second jaw at the
lands.
34. The crimping tool of claim 33 wherein said forming surface of
said first jaw includes a plurality of crimping die sections and
said forming surface of said second jaw includes a plurality of
crimping die sections and wherein the plurality of crimping die
sections of said first jaw and said second jaw form a plurality of
crimping dies between said first ends and said second ends of said
first jaw and said second jaw when said first jaw and said second
jaw are together.
35. The crimping tool of claim 34 wherein a first crimping die
adjacent to said first ends of said first jaw and said second jaw
is larger than a second crimping die adjacent to said second ends
of said first jaw and said second jaw and any intermediate crimping
dies between said first crimping die and said second crimping die
are smaller than said first crimping die and larger than said
second crimping die.
36. The crimping tool of claim 33 wherein said first jaw and said
second jaw are separable from one another.
37. The crimping tool of claim 33 wherein said first jaw and said
second jaw are fixedly connected together.
38. The crimping tool of claim 33 wherein said first end of said
first jaw includes a cavity and said first end of said second jaw
includes a protrusion, wherein said first jaw and said second jaw
are pivotally connected together when said protrusion is engaged in
said cavity.
39. The crimping tool of claim 38 wherein the protrusion is a
separable pin.
40. The crimping tool of claim 38 wherein the protrusion is an
integral part of said second jaw.
41. The crimping tool of claim 33 wherein said first jaw and said
second jaw are pivotally connected together with a protrusion of
said second jaw.
42. The crimping tool of claim 33 wherein each of said first jaw
and said second jaw further includes: a. a stop at a predetermined
distance from said first end between said at least one crimping die
and said second end, said stops abutting one another when the
crimping tool is fully closed; and b. a relief between said stop
and said second end, adjacent to said stop, providing thereby an
opening between said second end of said first jaw and said second
end of said second jaw.
43. A crimping tool for use in crimping a connector crimp ring with
non-metallic tubing, said tool comprising: a. a first jaw having a
first end, a second end, an outer surface and a forming surface
between said first end and said second end, wherein said forming
surface includes at least one crimping die section; and b. a second
jaw pivotally connected to said first jaw, said second jaw having a
first end, a second end, an outer surface and a forming surface
between said first end and said second end opposing said forming
surface of said first jaw, wherein said forming surface of said
second jaw includes at least one crimping die section corresponding
in number to, and in alignment with, the at least one crimping die
section of said first jaw such that the opposing at least one
crimping die section of said first jaw and said second jaw together
form at least one crimping die, wherein the crimping tool has a
centerline from said first ends to said second ends of said first
jaw and said second jaw when said first jaw and said second jaw are
together to form the at least one crimping die, and wherein said
first jaw and said second jaw are pivotally connected together with
a protrusion at said first end of said second jaw.
44. The crimping tool of claim 43 wherein said first end of said
first jaw includes a cavity, wherein said first jaw and said second
jaw are pivotally connected together when said protrusion is
engaged in said cavity.
45. The crimping tool of claim 44 wherein the protrusion is a
separable pin.
46. The crimping tool of claim 44 wherein the protrusion is an
integral part of said second jaw.
47. The crimping tool of claim 43 wherein said first jaw and said
second jaw are fixedly connected together.
48. The crimping tool of claim 43 wherein said second ends of said
first jaw and said second jaw include lands adapted to enable
squeezing together of said first jaw and said second jaw and
wherein a distance from the centerline to the outer surfaces of
said first jaw and said second jaw at the at least one crimping die
is greater than a distance from the centerline to the outer
surfaces of said first jaw and said second jaw at the lands.
49. The crimping tool of claim 43 wherein said forming surface of
said first jaw includes a plurality of crimping die sections and
said forming surface of said second jaw includes a plurality of
crimping die sections and wherein the plurality of crimping die
sections of said first jaw and said second jaw form a plurality of
crimping dies between said first ends and said second ends of said
first jaw and said second jaw when said first jaw and said second
jaw are together.
50. The crimping tool of claim 49 wherein a first crimping die
adjacent to said first ends of said first jaw and said second jaw
is larger than a second crimping die adjacent to said second ends
of said first jaw and said second jaw and any intermediate crimping
dies between said first crimping die and said second crimping die
are smaller than said first crimping die and larger than said
second crimping die.
51. The crimping tool of claim 43 wherein each of said first jaw
and said second jaw further includes: a. a stop at a predetermined
distance from said first end between said at least one crimping die
and said second end, said stops abutting one another when the
crimping tool is fully closed; and b. a relief between said stop
and said second end, adjacent to said stop, providing thereby an
opening between said second end of said first jaw and said second
end of said second jaw.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation, and claims the
priority benefit, of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser.
No. 12/948,947, filed 2010 Nov. 18 by the same inventor, which
Nonprovisional patent application is a continuation, and claims the
priority benefit, of Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.
11/665,105, filed 2007 Apr. 10 by the same inventor, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,878,790, which Nonprovisional patent application is a 371 of
International Application PCT/US2006/037048, filed 2006 Sep. 22,
which PCT application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 60/720,241 filed 2005 Sep. 23 by the
same inventor. The entire contents of those applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to an improvement on tools for
crimping non-metallic tubing, including plastic tubing, especially
cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] As with all technologies, the art of plumbing continues to
evolve, and with it the tools for effecting it. Currently popular
is the use of non-metallic tubing to supplant copper tubing and
formerly cast iron pipe in distributing hot, cold and potable water
throughout a building. Where iron pipe was threaded and copper pipe
was soldered, the polymers used in non-metallic tubing lend
themselves well to neither of these connection methods.
[0005] Consequently, clamps or compression fittings which can be
effected at room temperature are used most commonly to join
non-metallic tubing. One such technique, used with plastic tubing,
particularly PEX tubing, is to compress or crimp a malleable band
around the tubing to create a leak-proof joint. When it was a
comparatively new and initially unproven technology, the use of PEX
tubing called for new tools and new testing standards before its
crimped connections could become trusted and widely used.
[0006] These tools are today widely known in the prior art, some of
which is discussed below, but all share in common one principle of
operation: they all work to compress the malleable band uniformly
around its entire circumference. Consequently, they all, in
essence, comprise a pair of limber C-shaped crimping sections built
uniquely for one single size of tubing. Some comprise more than
just two crimping sections, linked together as a chain around the
joint to be crimped. They act in concert with a separate power tool
or a specialized pliers-like actuator which closes the C-shaped
sections around the band and then, by tensile stresses in the
sections, compress the band inward. Many elaborations on this theme
have evolved, to guarantee precise, proper and complete compression
and to afford different actuation mechanisms. A consequence of all
this development has been that the available tooling is both
cumbersome and expensive.
[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,923,037 to Bowles et al., and 6,477,757 to
Viegener disclose details of the complexity of typical actuators.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,681 to Frenken illustrates a three-segment
crimping tool, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,135 to Dischler is
exemplary of a 5-segment tool. Recently granted U.S. Pat. No.
7,059,166 to Bowles et al. reinforces the currency and commonplace
use of C-shaped crimping sections and the delicate, complex
measures which are needed in properly closing their sections to
effect an adequately crimped connection.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] By comparison, the crimping tool described herein is simple,
highly convenient to carry and use, well adapted to crimping in
cramped locations, and low in cost. Its use obviates the need for
elaborate actuators and instead uses commonplace Vise-Grip.RTM.
pliers, such as are commercially available and offered by Irwin
Industrial Tool Company and carried ubiquitously by every plumber
or handyman, to effect the crimp. Furthermore, the crimping tool
can be used universally for several common diameters of tubing.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention
are to provide a much simpler and more convenient crimping tool,
rugged, easy to carry on-the-job in a pocket or tool pouch, and
readily closed with common Vise-Grip.RTM.-like pliers. Other
objects are to provide one tool which may be used on several sizes
of tubing, so that separate tools are not necessary. Other
advantages will become apparent from the drawings and description
that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the crimping tool.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool, as
disassembled.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the tool in its open-most
position.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the tool in its closed
configuration.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the tool.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative pivot construction.
REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN DRAWINGS
[0016] The following reference numerals correspond to the following
items: [0017] 10 first crimping jaw [0018] 11 top beam surface
[0019] 12 bottom beam surface [0020] 20 second crimping jaw [0021]
21 top beam surface [0022] 22 bottom beam surface [0023] 30
non-metallic tubing [0024] 40 crimp ring [0025] 50 fitting [0026]
60 pivot [0027] 61 cylindrical cavity [0028] 62 cylindrical
protrusion [0029] 70 end [0030] 80 stop [0031] 81 relief [0032] 90
chamfer [0033] 100 crimping tool assembly [0034] 110 first crimping
die [0035] 120 second crimping die [0036] 130 third crimping die
[0037] 140 lands [0038] 150 Vise-Grip.RTM. pliers
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] A general perspective view of the crimping tool assembly 100
in its preferred embodiment may be seen at FIG. 1, showing a first
crimping jaw 10 and a second crimping jaw 20, which together form
the primary components of the crimping tool assembly 100. These two
crimping jaws 10 and 20 slide together and engage to form a pivot
at 60. Shown also are a multiplicity of crimping dies 110, 120 and
130, each of which is configured for one unique size of tubing
connection. In particular as shown in FIG. 1, crimping die 110 is
formed by crimping die section 110A of the first crimping jaw 10
and crimping die section 110B of the second jaw 20, crimping die
120 is formed by crimping die section 120A of the first crimping
jaw 10 and crimping die section 120B of the second jaw 20 and
crimping die 130 is formed by crimping die section 130A of the
first crimping jaw 10 and crimping die section 130B of the second
jaw 20. The respective crimping die sections correspond in number
for their respective crimping jaws, and they are aligned with one
another to form the crimping dies, as shown in FIG. 4. Noteworthy
is the fact that the largest crimping die 110 is closest to pivot
60, and that progressively smaller dies at 120 and 130 are
progressively further from pivot 60.
[0040] Included for reference in FIG. 1 is a length of non-metallic
tubing 30, which may be PEX tubing and which may be arbitrarily
long, a crimp ring 40 and a fitting 50. It should be noted that
fitting 50 is characteristic of an entire family of plumbing
fittings such as tees, elbows, nipples, adapters, splices and so
forth well known in the trade, all of which may be used with the
invention. As shown, fitting 50 represents a straight connecting
nipple, half of which may be seen, and the other half of which
extends inside the tubing 30 and against which the crimp ring 40
will compress the tubing. The visible end of fitting 50 would
typically be later crimped to a second length of non-metallic
tubing similar to tubing 30.
[0041] Also included for reference in FIG. 1 are plier jaws 150A
and 150B characteristic of a typical set of Vise-Grip.RTM. or
similar locking pliers 150, such as taught in 1938 U.S. Pat. No.
2,201,918 to Petersen. These jaws 150A and 150B are shown in their
open position, prepared to actuate the crimping tool assembly 100.
Although these plier jaws 150A and 150B are for clarity shown
aligned linearly with the crimping tool assembly 100, it can be
easily understood that the force they apply to ends 70 can be
effected even if the pliers are applied perpendicular to the tool
assembly 100, or indeed at any arbitrary angle. This facilitates
using the tool assembly 100 in tight quarters, such as adjacent to
a wall, a joist or some other obstacle.
[0042] From FIG. 1 it's readily evident that as plier jaws 150A and
150B move closer together, first crimping die sections 110A and
110B also move closer together, at first merely contacting and
closing upon crimp ring 40, but then gradually closing about crimp
ring 40 entirely, and ultimately forging it into a diameter
completely conforming to die sections 110A and 110B when closed
together. Because die sections 110A and 110B are closer to pivot 60
than are the ends 70 where force is applied, the forces exerted at
die sections 110A and 110B upon crimp ring 40 are much greater than
the already substantial force applied by plier jaws 150. It can be
appreciated that the forces which would be applied to a smaller
crimp in dies 120 in 130 are progressively less than those at dies
110, commensurate with the lesser forces needed to crimp such a
smaller ring.
[0043] What can also be seen in FIG. 1, but is best appreciated in
FIG. 2, is the separability of first and second crimping jaws 10
and 20 from one another by simply sliding them apart at pivot 60.
This unique feature allows each jaw separately to be arranged
around a crimp ring 40, even in very tight quarters, assembled by
sliding together again, and completing the crimping operation. Not
having loose parts such as hinge pins, bolts or springs is here a
great advantage, in that each jaw is complete unto itself, allowing
the crimping tool assembly 100 to be managed easily with two hands
and without the risk of dropping small parts, particularly if the
plumber is working on a ladder and over a cluttered or irregular
floor. Functionally, of course, a separate pin fit through both
jaws could form pivot 60.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the crimping tool assembly 100 in
its openmost position, showing where first and second crimping jaws
10 and 20 abut near pivot 60. It can be seen that a crimp ring 40
of a size appropriate to crimping die 120 may be conveniently
inserted into the crimping tool assembly 100 directly, between ends
70, without disassembling the tool assembly 100. Chamfers 90 may be
provided, to help ease ends 70 around the ring 40.
[0045] In its most closed position, as shown in FIG. 4, stops 80
make abutting contact, assuring that the tool assembly 100 is fully
closed and assuring that excessive closure cannot occur, resulting
in damage to the crimped connection. A relief 81 can be provided
between ends 70A and 70B so that a prying tool such as a
screwdriver may be inserted to open the first and second crimping
jaws 10 and 20, should it become necessary.
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a variation of the crimping tool that
accommodates only one single size of crimped connection. In this
most-simplified configuration, the straight, elongated flat faces
of top beam surfaces 11 and 21, and bottom beam surfaces 12 and 22,
of each crimping jaw, 10 and 20, can clearly be distinguished from
the arched and curved surfaces of the C-shaped crimping bands known
in similar existing devices. Evident also is the manner in which
cylindrical protrusion 62 of second jaw 20 fits within cylindrical
cavity 61 of first jaw 10, providing a much more robust pivot 60
than is afforded by the much smaller pins and bolts used in prior
devices. Frictional wear is thus distributed over a wider area and
is thereby greatly reduced.
[0047] Lands 140 provided at the far ends of each crimping jaw 10
and 20 can be seen as ideally adapted for gripping and closure by
pliers, as compared to the elegant and complex ends customary in
the prior devices. By extending crimping jaws 10 and 20 far beyond
crimping die 110, a substantial mechanical advantage is gained over
prior devices. In the preferred embodiment shown, this advantage is
approximately 3.6-to-1, whereas prior devices provide little more
than a 2-to-1 advantage. A standard set of 10-inch
Vise-Grip.RTM.-type pliers, coupled with this advantage, provides
more than adequate force to complete a properly-dimensioned crimp
connection.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a variation of the crimping tool showing
an alternate construction of pivot 60. In this variation,
cylindrical protrusion 62 of second jaw 20 fits within cylindrical
cavity 61 of first jaw 10, providing a more robust pivot 60 than is
afforded by the much smaller pins and bolts used in prior devices.
In this construction, protrusion 62 may be a separable pin or an
integral part of jaw 20.
[0049] In all these views, it can well be understood that crimping
jaws 10 and 20 are rigid beams acting as levers, with a fulcrum at
pivot 60, a force toward opening exerted by the crimped ring 40 and
a force toward closing exerted on ends 70 by plier jaws 150. This
beam action is structurally and functionally different from, and
much simpler to use than, the prior techniques of crimping the ring
by drawing a noose around it involving assembly pins, bolts,
springs, elaborate actuators, position sensors and the like.
[0050] Unlike existing equipment and methods for crimping
non-metallic tubing with tubing connectors, the tool assembly 100
may be purchased as a simple hand tool like a screwdriver or a pair
of pliers. Where prior devices dictated expensive and cumbersome
lever arms or the need to use hydraulic equipment, tool assembly
100 simply slips over a joint and is closed using ubiquitous
Vise-Grip.RTM. pliers or the like. Crimping tool assembly 100 is a
two-piece tool formed of high-strength steel or comparable
material, the two pieces of which are assembled in place around a
joint to be crimped and then closed together with pliers applied at
any convenient angle to the tool assembly 100 at ends 70. The tool
assembly 100 is simple in design, adaptable to several sizes of
tubing, of inherently rugged and low-cost construction, and compact
enough to easily be carried in a pocket or a small toolbox.
[0051] From the foregoing description, it can be appreciated that
this invention affords a low cost, convenient crimping tool that
can be used to make effective crimp connections in non-metallic
tubing such as PEX tubing. It can also be appreciated that numerous
modifications to the examples disclosed can be made within the
claims of the invention which follow.
* * * * *