U.S. patent number 3,733,627 [Application Number 05/145,345] was granted by the patent office on 1973-05-22 for electrician's combination tool.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Kastar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Harry Epstein.
United States Patent |
3,733,627 |
Epstein |
May 22, 1973 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
ELECTRICIAN'S COMBINATION TOOL
Abstract
Combination tool of particular utility to electricians or other
craftsmen, handymen, mechanics or the like, for performing any of a
plurality of operations involved in terminating electrical wires
including cutting of wires, stripping of insulation therefrom,
crimping solderless terminals, forming screw connection loops and
turning screws.
Inventors: |
Epstein; Harry (Seaford,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Kastar, Inc. (Bellport,
NY)
|
Family
ID: |
22512677 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/145,345 |
Filed: |
May 20, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
7/108; D8/52;
7/129; 140/102.5; 30/90.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
43/042 (20130101); H02G 1/1214 (20130101); B25F
1/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B25F
1/00 (20060101); H01R 43/04 (20060101); H01R
43/042 (20060101); H02G 1/12 (20060101); H02g
001/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;7/5.4,3,4,5.1,14.1,5.6
;81/9.5R ;30/90.1 ;140/102.5,104,106,121 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
406,915 |
|
Mar 1934 |
|
GB |
|
749,793 |
|
May 1956 |
|
GB |
|
973,973 |
|
Sep 1950 |
|
FR |
|
Primary Examiner: Custer, Jr.; Granville Y.
Assistant Examiner: Parker; Roscoe V.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Combination tool for enabling performance of a number of
different operations involved in terminating electrical wiring
comprising a pair of crossed essentially flat levers stacked one
above the other, means securing said levers at the location of
crossing for pivotal movement thereabout and adjustable stop means
for limiting the closure of said levers towards each other, each of
said levers comprising an elongated handle portion entending
generally outwardly of said securing means in a first direction and
a jaw portion extending generally outwardly of said securing means
generally oppositely thereof, said jaw portions defining
therebetween a wire stripper comprising a pair of oppositely facing
generally V-shaped cutting edges formed on opposed adjacent edges
of said jaws for cutting insulation and enabling a stripping of
such cut insulation from wire end portions when said handle
portions are squeezed together and said handle portions defining a
terminal crimper therebetween comprising a generally V-shaped
groove extending inwardly of an edge of one of said handle portions
adjacent the other of said handle portions and a cooperating
crimping point extending outwardly of said other handle portion
offset above the plane thereof substantially in the plane of the
other handle portion for projecting into said V-shaped groove and
crimping solderless terminals disposed therein upon squeezing of
said handle portions, said wire stripper and said crimping means
being proportioned and positioned relative said securing means so
that a single setting of said adjustable stop properly sets both
said stripper and said crimper for a selected wire size.
2. Tool for enabling performance of operations involved in
terminating electrical wiring comprising, in combination, a pair of
crossed essentially flat levers stacked one above the other and
provided with a plurality of cooperating working portions for
preparing and terminating electrical wires upon pivotal movement
therebetween and means securing said levers at the location of
crossing for pivotal movement thereabout, said securing means
comprises a post extending through said crossed levers having a
generally cylindrical head portion extending generally
perpendicularly upwardly of said levers, the upper one of said
levers comprising a tang extending generally upwardly generally
parallel said post and spaced apart a short distance therefrom to
define therewith a wire former so that a wire having the end
portions inserted therebetween may be wrapped about said post to
form a loop.
3. Tool defined in claim 1 wherein said adjustable stop comprises a
generally circular cam rotatably and eccentrically mounted on one
of said handle portions for engagement by the adjacent edge of the
other of said handle portions.
4. Tool defined in claim 1 wherein said jaws further comprise wire
cutting edges for shearing wire disposed therebetween during
squeezing of said handle portions.
5. Tool defined in claim 4 wherein at least one of said jaws is
extended generally forwardly and shaped to define a screwdriver
blade tip.
6. Tool defined in claim 5 wherein said securing means comprises a
generally cylindrical head portion extending generally
perpendicularly upwardly of said levers, the upper one of said
levers comprising a tang extending generally upwardly generally
parallel said post and spaced apart a short distance therefrom to
define therewith a wire former so that a wire having the end
portions inserted therebetween may be rapidly and easily wrapped
around said post to form a screw connection loop.
7. Tool defined in claim 6 wherein said securing means comprises a
neck portion extending through said crossed levers and peened over
on the other side so as to rivet said levers together.
8. Tool defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said jaws is
extended generally forwardly and shaped to define a screwdriver
blade tip.
9. Tool defined in claim 2 wherein said securing means further
comprises a neck portion extending through said crossed levers and
peened over on the other side so as to rivet said levers
together.
10. Tool defined in claim 4 further comprising means for urging
said jaws laterally together to increase the shearing action
thereof, said means for urging comprising, in turn, a tensioning
spur extending outwardly of one of said handles generally parallel
the other and subjacent thereto provided with a dimple raised
toward said other handle to bend said handles apart and thereby
tension said jaws.
Description
This invention relates generally to multiple purpose tools and,
more particularly, to a multiple purpose tool of particular utility
for terminating electrical wires.
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a single
multiple utility tool particularly for the use of electricians,
handymen, mechanics, craftsmen and the like, capable of performing
substantially any desired function relative to the termination of
wiring.
Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to the
foregoing object, is the provision of such a tool adapted to enable
the user to prepare the wire for termination and to terminate it
without requiring any other tools.
Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to
each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such tools
adapted for terminating wires both by screw connection and
solderless terminals.
Yet still another primary object of the present invention, in
addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such
a tool which is capable of cutting wire, stripping insulation
therefrom, crimping solderless terminals thereon, forming screw
connection loops and loosening or tightening screws.
Another and still further primary object of the present invention,
in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of
such tools wherein the wire stripping means and the crimping means
are calibrated and may be set to properly strip or crimp any given
size of wire.
Yet still another primary object of the present invention, in
addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such
a tool in a generally plier-like configuration having one jaw
thereof extended to form a screwdriver blade.
Yet another and still further primary object of the present
invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the
provision of such a tool which is economic to manufacture and
durable, efficient and convenient in use.
The invention resides in the combination, construction, arrangement
and disposition of the various component parts and elements
incorporated in an improved electrician's tool constructed in
accordance with the principles of this invention. The present
invention will be better understood and objects and important
features other than those specifically enumerated above will become
apparent when consideration is given to the following details and
description, which when taken in conjunction with the annexed
drawing describes, discloses, illustrates and shows a preferred
embodiment or modification of the present invention and what is
presently considered and believed to be the best mode of practicing
the principles thereof. Other embodiments or modifications may be
suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and
such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved
especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the
subjoined claims.
IN THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration showing how the tool may be
used for stripping insulation from electrical wire;
FIG. 2 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken along line 2--2
of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken alone line 4--4
of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a partial view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating how the
tool may be utilized as a wire cutter;
FIG. 6 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6
of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective illustration similar to FIG. 5
illustrating how the tool may be used as a wire crimper or a
terminal crimper;
FIG. 8 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken along line 8--8
of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration similar to FIG. 7 showing how
the tool may be used to form screw connection loops;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plane view taken along line 10--10 of
FIG. 9; and
FIG. 11 is a perspective illustration similar to FIG. 9 showing how
the tool may be used as a screwdriver.
With reference now to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated a
combination electrician's tool constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention and designated generally by the
reference character 20 which may comprise a pair of lever-like
members. The tool 20 comprises a pair of lever members 22 and 24
which may be of generally flat configuration and crossed at an
intermediate region. Securing means, such as a rivet 26 may be
provided at the location of crossing to enable the two levers 22
and 24 to pivot relative one another so that the tool 20 presents a
generally plier-like configuration.
Each of the levers 22 and 24 may comprise a handle portion 28 and
30, respectively; a jaw portion 32 and 34, respectively; and an
intermediate portion 36 and 38, respectively. Each of the handle
portions 28 and 30 may extend generally obliquely from the
corresponding intermediate portion 36 and 38 and be offset
therefrom in opposite directions. Similarly, the jaw portions 32
and 34 may extend generally obliquely from the respective
intermediate portion 36 and 38 and be offset therefrom in opposite
directions and opposite their respective handle portions. Each of
the handle portions 28 and 30 may be provided with an insulating
covering 40 and 42, respectively, enabling the tool 20 to be more
safely utilized in connection with live wires and, additionally,
providing cushioning for the user's hands. Such insulating
coverings 40 and 42 may, for example, comprise a vinyl or other
plastic of appropriate density and rigidity.
Accordingly, when the handle portions 28 and 30 are squeezed
together, the jaw portions 32 and 34 will similarly be moved
towards each other. Because of the difference in the length of the
lever arms of the handles and jaws, a substantially increased force
will be developed at the jaws. The angular orientation of the
handles and jaws may be selected so that when the handles are fully
closed, the jaws 32 and 34 partially overlap.
Each of the jaws 32 and 34 may be provided with opposed generally
V-shaped stripping notches 44 and 46, respectively, on the adjacent
inner edges of the jaws. Hence, as the handles 28 and 30 are moved
towards each other so that the jaws 32 and 34 commence overlapping,
the cooperating notches 44 and 46 create a generally square or
quadrilateral aperture whose size is dependent upon the degree of
overlap of the jaws 32 and 34 and, indirectly, from the distance
separating the distance or angle separating the handle portions 28
and 30. Each of the notches 44 and 46 may have the sides thereof
bevelled so as to define cutting edges 48 and 50, respectively.
Hence, to strip insulation 52 from an electric wire 54 having a
metallic core 56 and a covering of insulation 58, the handles 28
and 30 may be opened sufficiently to enable the wire 54 to be
inserted between the jaws 32 and 34 in alignment between the
stripping notches 44 and 46 and the handles 40 and 42 squeezed
sufficiently for the cutting edges 48 and 50 to pass through the
insulative covering 58 of the wire 54 but stop short of severing
the core 56. Then, a slight rotation of the tool 20 about the wire
54 will sever the length of insulation 52 to be removed and then,
sliding movement of the tool 20 along the core 56 may be effective
to strip the length of insulation 52 therefrom leaving a short
length of exposed metallic core or conductor 56 for termination and
attachment into an electric circuit.
In order to limit the degree of closure of the handles 40 and 42
and, accordingly, of the jaws 32 and 34 so that an appropriate
sized aperture will be formed by the stripping notches 44 and 46
without regard to the "feel" or strength of grip of the mechanic
utilizing the tool, adjustable stop means such as an edge cam 60 of
generally circular configuration eccentrically mounted, as by means
of a river 62 may be provided carried by one of the handles, such
as the handle portion 30 for engagement with the adjacent edge 64
of the other handle portion 28. The edge of the cam 60 may be
knurled, as shown, so as to decrease the likelihood of the cam
moving during the engagement thereof with the edge 64. Appropriate
indicia such as wire size gauge numbers 66 may be provided on the
face of the cam disk 60 for disposition in alignment with a guide
mark or line 68 to indicate the size of the aperture that will be
formed by the stripping grooves or notches 44 and 46 and, hence,
the size of the wire to be stripped. Hence, if as shown, the
indicia indicating 12 gauge wire is disposed in general alignment
with the line 68, then the electrician or mechanic utilizing the
tool knows that if he merely closes the handles 28 and 30 as far as
possible, he will be able to readily strip the insulation from a 12
gauge wire without cutting or nicking the wire core 56.
The disk 60 may be of substantially the same thickness as the
levers 22 and 24 so that, when disposed on the handle portion 30
the disk will be in alignment with the opposite handle portion 28.
A tensioning spur 70 extends outwardly of the handle portion 30 and
may be provided with a dimple raised towards the handle portion 28
to bend and tension the handle portions laterally away from each
other so that the jaws 32 and 34 will be tensioned towards each
other to increase the shearing action at the cutting edges 74 and
76.
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1-6 the portions of the
adjacent edges of the jaws 32 and 34 between the stripping notches
44 and 46 and the intermediate portions of the levers 36 and 38 may
be bevelled in opposite directions so as to define cooperating
shear cutting edges 74 and 76 so that the electric wire 54 disposed
therebetween may be cut as desired by squeezing the handle portions
28 and 30 together.
Once an electrical wire has been cut to the desired length and
stripped so as to be prepared for termination, several terminating
devices are conventionally used. In commercial, industrial and
residential wiring, however, the vast majority of terminations are
made either by methods that require no tools, such as by the use of
wire nuts or automatic spring terminals or by the use of
terminating devices which require essentially simple tools and,
more particularly, by solderless or crimp-type connectors or
terminals or by the use of a screw-type terminal. The screw-type
terminals are again of two major types, those wherein the wire is
inserted into a channel beneath a screw and the screw tightened so
that the front of the screw bears against the wire or by means of
terminals wherein the prepared wire end is formed into a loop which
is disposed beneath the head of the screw surrounding the threaded
shank. The present tool is particularly constructed, adapted and
arranged to enable either or any of the types of termination to be
readily and easily made with equal facility.
With particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, one of the handle
portions, such as the handle portion 28 may be provided with a
generally V-shaped crimping groove extending inwardly of the edge
64 for receiving and automatically centering therewith the sleeve
portion of a solderless or crimp-type connector or terminal of
substantially any size or diameter such as a ring terminal 82. The
other handle, such as the handle portion 30, may be provided with a
crimping prong 84 bent so as to extend into the crimping groove 78
to engage the sleeve portion 80 of the terminal 82 and, upon
squeezing together of the handle portions 28 and 30 crimp the
sleeve portion 80 of the terminal 82 onto the exposed conductor 56
of the wire 54.
The crimping groove 78 and crimping point 84 should be disposed a
radial distance from the pivot rivet 26 relative the radial length
of the handle portions 28 and 30 such that the tool may be opened
sufficiently to enable the terminal sleeve portion 80 to be easily
inserted therein without requiring that the handle portions 28 and
30 be separated so far as to be not easily grasped by a workman's
hand and, at the same time, spaced so that sufficient force may be
applied to the crimping point 84 to provide a proper crimp without
necessitating that the workman apply an uncomfortable amount of
squeeze to the handle portions 28 and 30.
While a proper crimp may sometimes be accomplished by a skilled
workman who knows from long experience just how hard to squeeze a
crimping tool, for maximum reliability it is preferable that a
mechanical stop be provided so that even an unskilled workman need
merely squeeze the tool sufficiently to engage the mechanical stop
and he will then be assured that a proper crimp has been made.
Since the extent of closure or movement of the crimping point 84
into the crimping groove 78 for a proper crimp varies dependent
upon the wire size being crimped, said stop is preferably
adjustable. In the present tool, the adjustable eccentric cam stop
60 may, if the dimensions of the crimping groove 78 and crimping
point 84 and radial distance thereof from the pivot 26 are
appropriately selected relative the stripping grooves 44 and 46, be
utilized so that a single setting of the adjustable stop 60 will
provide a proper separation of the crimping groove 78 and crimping
point 84 simultaneously to provide an appropriate size aperture
between the stripping grooves 44 and 46. In other words, if the
relationships between the stop disk 60, crimping groove 78,
crimping point 84 and wire stripping grooves 44 and 46 are
appropriately selected then an electrician who is working with a
specific size of wire, such as, for example, size 12 wire, by
setting the stop disk 60 so that the numeral 12 is opposite and
aligned with the index line 68, then he may strip 12 gauge wire and
crimp terminals thereon without requiring any adjustment.
Similarly, if working with any other gauge of wire, a similar
single adjustment suffices. For example, it has been found that if
the center of the stripping grooves 44 and 46 is located
approximately 0.72 inches from the pivot point, then the center of
the crimping groove 78 should be located approximately 0.47 inches
from the pivot point to maintain this relationship.
As heretofore pointed out, many electrical wires in commercial,
residential and industrial lighting and power installations are
terminated by forming a loop in the stripped end of the wire and
inserting the formed loop under the head of a machine screw and
subsequently tightening the screw to form the electrical
connection. With particular reference now to FIGS. 9-11, the
electrician's tool of the present invention is also particularly
adapted to aid and assist in forming such terminations. The pivot
rivet 26 of the termination tool 20 may be extended to provide an
enlarged, elongated generally cylindrical post portion 86 around
which the stripped wire end 56 may be bent or formed to define a
loop. To cooperate with the loop-forming post 86, one of the
levers, such as the lever 24 may be provided with a loop-forming
tang 88 bent upwardly in spaced apart relationship to the post 86
so that if the end portion of the stripped wire end 56 is inserted
therebetween, as shown in phantom in FIG. 9 and the wire 54 bent
downwardly around the post 86 to the position shown in solid lines
in FIG. 9, an appropriate loop will be automatically formed in the
stripped wire end portion 56. Then, the loop so formed may be
inserted behind the head of the connection screw, such as the screw
90 forming the terminal of an electrical device 92, as shown in
FIG. 11 and the screw 90 tightened. To enable the tool 20 to be
utilized to tighten the screw 90, as well as any other electrical
screw or mounting screw as may be required by an electrician
utilizing the tool, one of the jaws, such as the jaw 32 may be
extended and formed to define a screwdriver blade portion 94
extending forwardly of the tool 20 generally opposite the handle
portions 28 and 30.
Hence, the combination tool of the present invention enables an
electrician or other craftsman to form all of the various
operations ordinarily required to terminate electrical wiring,
including cutting, stripping of insulation, crimping of solderless
terminals or connectors, forming a screw connection loop and
tightening and loosening screw terminals and/or component mounting
screws all with facility and convenience.
While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and
shown in terms of embodiments or modifications which it has assumed
in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be
limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein described,
disclosed, illustrated or shown, such other embodiments or
modifications as may be suggested to those having the benefit of
the teachings herein being intended to be reserved especially as
they fall within the scope and breadth of the claims here
appended.
* * * * *