Patent Application
20250001570
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
This disclosure generally relates to tools for installing and removing fasteners, and more particularly, temporary fasteners used to precisely and securely hold two or more parts, such as sheet materials, together. Such temporary fasteners may include, for example, temporary fasteners commonly referred to as cleco fasteners or simply “clecos”.
In sheet metal fabrication and assembly, particularly in the area of aircraft and other vehicle manufacturing, it is frequently necessary to temporarily hold two or more workpieces in the form of thin-walled material (e.g., sheet metal) together. Specialized pliers are used to install and remove temporary fasteners, such as clecos. The workpiece material is typically in the form of thin sheets of metal or other materials having aligned predrilled holes used to temporarily hold two or more of the workpieces together, so that riveting, drilling, cutting, fitting, sizing, filing, deburring, bending, and other metal fabrication tasks can be performed accurately. The temporary fasteners installed in the aligned holes of the workpieces are configured to expand on the far side of the workpiece material to draw and clamp them together while maintaining alignment between the respective workpieces.
An embodiment of a pair of cleco pliers for installing and removing temporary fasteners comprises a first handle, extending between a proximal end and a longitudinally opposed distal end, the first handle having a pair of lateral sides extending between the proximal end of the first handle and the distal end of the first handle, wherein the first handle defines a first receptacle at the distal end. In addition, the pair of cleco pliers comprises a second handle pivotably coupled to the first handle and extending between a proximal end and a longitudinally opposed distal end of the second handle, the second handle having a pair of lateral sides extending between the proximal end of the second handle and the distal end of the second handle, wherein the second handle defines a second receptacle at the distal end of the second handle, and wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are configured to jointly receive a temporary fastener. The pair of cleco pliers further comprises one or more magnets received in at least one of the first receptacle and the second receptacle configured to secure the temporary fastener within the first receptacle and the second receptacle via a magnetic biasing force applied by the one or more magnets to the temporary fastener. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets comprises a first magnet received in the first receptacle and a second magnet received in the second receptacle. In certain embodiments, the one or more magnets comprises a first magnet received in the first receptacle aligned with a central axis of the first receptacle, the first magnet configured to apply a magnetic biasing force to a terminal end of the temporary fastener when the temporary fastener is jointly received in the first receptacle and the second receptacle. In certain embodiments, the one or more magnets comprises a second magnet received in the second receptacle offset from a central axis of the second receptacle, the second magnet configured to apply an orienting force to the temporary fastener when the temporary fastener is jointly received in the first receptacle and the second receptacle, urging the temporary fastener to pivot about a terminal end thereof. In certain embodiments, the one or more magnets further comprises a third magnet also received in the second receptacle and circumferentially spaced about the central axis of the second receptacle. In certain embodiments, the one or more magnets comprises a pair of magnets received in the second receptacle, the pair of magnets circumferentially spaced about a central axis of the second receptacle. In certain embodiments, the pair of magnets are each offset from the central axis of the second receptacle. In some embodiments, the pair of cleco pliers further comprises, a bearing assembly is coupled between the first handle and the second handle for rotatably coupling the first handle with the second handle. In some embodiments, the pair of cleco pliers still further comprises, a catch assembly coupled to at least one of the first handle and the second handle for maintaining the cleco pliers in a locked configuration.
An embodiment of a pair of cleco pliers for installing and removing temporary fasteners comprises a first handle, extending between a proximal end and a longitudinally opposed distal end, the first handle having a pair of lateral sides extending between the proximal end of the first handle, and the distal end of the first handle, wherein the first handle defines a first receptacle at the distal end. In addition, the pair of cleco pliers comprises a second handle pivotably coupled to the first handle and extending between a proximal end and a longitudinally opposed distal end of the second handle, the second handle having a pair of lateral sides extending between the proximal end of the second handle and the distal of the second handle, wherein the second handle defines a second receptacle at the distal end of the second handle and having an opening formed along one of the pair of lateral sides of the second handle, wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are configured to jointly receive a temporary fastener. In some embodiments, the first receptacle is defined by a frustoconical inner surface that extends into the first handle along a central axis or longitudinal axis from an open end thereof to an opposing enclosed or terminal end positioned along a central axis of the first receptacle. In certain embodiments, the second receptacle is defined by a U-shaped shoulder extending partially about a central axis of the second receptacle. In certain embodiments, the second receptacle is defined by an inner inclined surface extending at a non-zero angle to a central axis of the second handle. In some embodiments, the pair of cleco pliers further comprises a magnet located along the inner inclined surface of the second receptacle and configured to apply a magnetic orienting force to the temporary fastener when the temporary fastener is jointly received in the first receptacle and the second receptacle urging the temporary fastener to pivot towards the inner inclined surface. In some embodiments, the pair of cleco pliers further comprises one or more magnets received in at least one of the first receptacle and the second receptacle configured to secure the temporary fastener within the first receptacle and the second receptacle via a magnetic biasing force applied by the one or more magnets to the temporary fastener.
An embodiment of a pair of cleco pliers for installing and removing temporary fasteners comprises a first handle, extending between a proximal end and a longitudinally opposed distal end, the first handle having a pair of lateral sides extending between the proximal end of the first handle, and the distal end of the first handle, wherein the first handle defines a first receptacle at the distal end. In addition, the pair of cleco pliers comprises a second handle pivotably coupled to the first handle and extending between a proximal end and a longitudinally opposed distal end of the second handle, the second handle having a pair of lateral sides extending between the proximal end of the second handle and the distal end of the second handle, wherein the second handle defines a second receptacle at the distal end, wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are configured to receive a temporary fastener. In some embodiment, the pair of cleco pliers comprises a coupling assembly comprising a fastener and locknut configured to apply tension to the fastener to secure the first handle and the second handle. In some embodiment, the pair of cleco pliers further comprises a bearing assembly coupled between the first handle and the second handle and comprising at least one thrust bearing configured to receive thrust loads from the first handle and the second handle as a result of the tension applied to the fastener by the locknut. In certain embodiments, the bearing assembly comprises a one or more ball bearings configured to permit relative rotation between the fastener and at least one of the first handle and the second handle. In certain embodiments, the bearing assembly further comprises a pair of the one or more ball bearings, the at least one thrust bearing being sandwiched between the pair of the one or more ball bearings. In certain embodiments, the thrust bearing comprises a pair of opposed annular bearing races extending around and aligned with a central axis of the fastener. In some embodiments, the pair of cleco pliers further comprises a catch assembly coupled to at least one of the first and the second handle for maintaining the cleco pliers in a locked configuration, the catch assembly comprising a catch pivotably coupled to the second handle, a proximal handle coupled to the catch and projecting towards the proximal end of the second handle, and an opposing distal handle coupled to the catch and projecting towards the distal end of the second handle.
For a detailed description of disclosed exemplary embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
The following discussion is directed to various embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein have broad application, and that the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.
In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection as accomplished via other devices, components, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a central axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the central axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the central axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis. Any reference to up or down in the description and the claims is made for purposes of clarity, with “up”, “upper”, “upwardly”, “uphole”, or “upstream” meaning toward the surface of the borehole and with “down”, “lower”, “downwardly”, “downhole”, or “downstream” meaning toward the terminal end of the borehole, regardless of the borehole orientation.
Referring initially to
Cleco pliers are often either hand operated, or pneumatically powered via compressed air for compressing the temporary fastener prior to installation. Attempts to use powered cleco pliers have typically been unsatisfactory due to the inconvenience presented by equipment attendant pneumatic pliers (e.g., an air compressor, regulator), compressor requirements, and other issues. Thus, traditional hand operated pliers are often used to install and remove clecos, especially among non-commercial users such as hobbyists and the like.
Traditional cleco pliers have opposing handles at one end of the user's hand and are attached by a pivot joint. On the opposite side of the pivot joint, there are jaws which engage the cleco when the jaws of the pliers are pivotably squeezed together. The plunger of the cleco rests against the jaws of the cleco plier, which depresses it when the user squeezes the pliers, thereby activating the cleco. Traditional cleco pliers requires the use of both hands-One to load the temporary fastener and one to collapse it while installing the fastener. The muscles of the user's hand must remain engaged exerting a compressive force on the handles of the cleco pliers to maintain the collapsed state of the temporary fastener until it is fully installed.
Traditional cleco pliers are durable, inexpensive and convenient to produce but they also put the user's hand, wrist, and arm at an awkward angle relative to the cleco and the work pieces to be fastened by the cleco. This awkward angle makes cleco installation uncomfortable, cumbersome, and inefficient. Over prolonged and repeated use, this awkward position can cause pain, fatigue, and ligament or joint damage such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Additionally, the inline or near horizontal orientation of the cleco relative to the work surface makes temporary fastener rotation and proper placement difficult during installation.
Accordingly, embodiments of manual cleco pliers are described herein which incorporate magnets configured to automatically capture the cleco into the correct location within the pliers. Additionally, embodiments of cleco pliers described herein include a catch assembly which holds the cleco in a locked configuration, making the cleco less cumbersome to install, with improved ergonomic considerations for the user.
Referring now to
Referring to
As described above, first handle 30 defines a first receptacle 40 which is located at the distal end 33 thereof and which contacts the cleco 1 during installation and removal. The first receptacle 40 may be formed as part of the first handle 30 or attached to it. Referring to
Referring to
As described above, second handle 50 defines a second receptacle 60 which is located at the distal end 53 thereof and which contacts the cleco 1 during installation and removal. The second receptacle 60 may be formed as part of the second handle 50 or attached to it. Referring to
Second receptacle 60 extends entirely through the second handle 50 along a central or longitudinal axis 62 thereof. Additionally, second receptacle 60 defines a pair of inner recesses in which a pair of circumferentially spaced magnets 68 and 69 are received. Particularly, in this exemplary embodiment, magnets 68 and 69 are circumferentially spaced approximately 90 degrees about the central axis 62 of the second receptacle 60; however, it may be understood that in other embodiments the circumferential spacing of magnets 68 and 69 may vary. In this exemplary embodiment, magnet 68 is positioned opposite the opening 64 of second receptacle 60 while magnet 69 is positioned circumferentially between magnet 68 and opening 64 towards the distal end 53 of second handle 50. Additionally, magnet 69 is positioned along an inner inclined surface 66 partially defining the second receptacle 60. Particularly, inclined surface 66 is located towards the distal end 53 of second handle 50 and extends at a non-zero angle (e.g., an acute angle) to the central axis 62 of second receptacle 60.
During installation of the cleco 1 into the second receptacle 60 of second handle 50, the U-shaped shoulder 63 catches on the cleco ridge 5, and the pair of magnets 68 and 69 each apply a magnetic biasing force against the cleco 1, causing the cleco 1 to pivot into a preferred orientation as the cleco pliers 10 is actuated. Particularly, as will be discussed further herein, magnet 69 biases the cleco 1 towards the inclined surface 66 of second receptacle 60 such that cleco 1 may maintain a desired orientation (e.g., in alignment with central or longitudinal axis 42 of first receptacle 40) during the actuation of cleco pliers 10.
Referring to
Bearing assembly 85 of cleco pliers 10 is positioned within the openings 36 and 56 of handles 30 and 50. Additionally, bearing assembly 85 is positioned about the fastener 81 and is located between the head 82 of fastener 81 and the locking nut 84. In this exemplary embodiment, bearing assembly 85 generally includes a pair of radial bearings 86 (e.g., radial ball bearings); and at least one thrust bearing 87 centered between the pair of radial bearings 86 and an annular thrust bearing 87 sandwiched between the outer pair of radial bearings 86.
Particularly, thrust bearing 87 includes an annular first bearing race 88, an opposing annular second bearing race 89, and a plurality of rolling elements (e.g., balls, rollers) positioned between the opposed bearing races 88 and 89. The rolling elements of thrust bearing 87 are retained in an annular central retainer sandwiched between the pair of bearing races 88 and 89; however, it may be understood that in other embodiments the thrust bearing 87 may not include a central retainer.
The thrust bearing 87, together with the pair of radial bearings 86 allow the first handle 30, and the second handle 50 to rotate relative to each other without needing to introduce a significant degree of play in the coupling assembly 80. In this exemplary embodiment, the first bearing race 88 contacts the first handle 30 while the second bearing race 89 contacts the second handle 50 where the first bearing race 88 is permitted to rotate relative to the second bearing race 89 about a pivot axis 95 (shown in
Referring to
As shown particularly in
Distal handle 75, and proximal handle 77 of catch assembly 70 are coupled to opposing lateral side of the catch 74 in this exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, handles 75 and/or 77 are formed monolithically with catch 74 while in other embodiments handles 75 and/or 77 are formed separately from catch 74 and are coupled thereto. Distal handle 75 is configured to release the catch 74 from the locking cylinder 54 (thereby releasing the cleco pliers 10 from the locked configuration) in response to the user's thumb (or other appendage) pressing against the distal handle 75. Additionally, proximal handle 77 is also configured to release catch 74 from locking cylinder 54 in response the user's pinkie finger (or other appendage) pressing against the proximal handle 77. In this manner, catch 74 may be conveniently released from locking cylinder 54 by the user pressing against either the distal handle 75 (projecting towards the distal end of cleco pliers 10) or the proximal handle 77 (projecting from the proximal end of cleco pliers 10) as desired by the user. For instance, depending on the arrangement of 6 and how the user is gripping the cleco pliers 10 it may be more convenient in some instances to press the distal handle 75 to unlock the cleco pliers 10 while in other instances it may be more convenient for the user to press the proximal handle 77 to unlock the cleco pliers 10. The provision of multiple handles 75 and 77 for unlocking the cleco pliers 10 thus adds to the convenience in operating the pliers 10.
Referring to
Referring now to
It may be noted that the position of opening 64 along an inner lateral side 55 of second handle 50 allows for the insertion of the cleco 1 into receptacle 60 along the lateral side 55 of second handle 50 which, in at least some instances, is less cumbersome to the user as compared to conventional cleco pliers which often position the opening at the distal end (rather than along the lateral side) of the given handle. Further, with cleco 1 receives in the receptacles 40 and 60 of handles 30 and 50, respectively, the pair of magnets 68 and 69 of second handle 50 and the magnet 48 of first handle 30 each apply a magnetic biasing force against the cleco 1, securing the cleco 1 to the pair of handles 30 and 50 of cleco pliers 10 in a preferred orientation with respect to the cleco pliers 10.
With the respective cleco 1 secured to distal end of cleco pliers 10 via the magnetic biasing forces applied by magnets 48, 68, and 69 applied to the cleco 1, the user may squeeze the pair of handles 30 and 50 of the cleco pliers 10, causing magnet 48 located in first receptacle 40 to depress the spring-loaded cleco plunger 3. Additionally, it may be noted that as the pair of handles 30 and 50 are manually squeezed together to depress the cleco plunger 3, the magnet 69 of second handle 50 applies a magnetic biasing force urging the cleco 1 towards (e.g., via pivoting the cleco 1 about the end of cleco plunger 3 contacting magnet 48) towards the magnet 69 as indicated by arrow 17 in
The depression of cleco plunger 3 resulting from contact with magnet 48 pushes the step-out locks 4 of cleco 1 outwards from the bottom of the cylindrical body 2 thereof, allowing the pair of locking jaws of the step-out locks 4 to come together beneath the spreader bar of step-out locks 4 thereby successfully securing cleco 1 to the workpieces 6. Additionally, as the pair of handles 30 and 50 are manually squeezed together, catch 74 of cleco pliers 10 latches onto the elongate locking member or cylinder 54 to maintain the cleco 1 compressed in the locked configuration without the need for the user's hand to remain engaged in exerting a compressive force on the pair of handles 30 and 50 of cleco pliers 10.
With cleco pliers 10 in the locked configuration, the pair of locking jaws of the step-out locks 4 of cleco 1 may be slipped through the aligned holes formed in the workpieces 6 with the cleco 1 positioned substantially perpendicular to the workpieces 6. Following the insertion of cleco 1 into the aligned holes of workpiece 6, the plunger 3 of cleco 1 maybe released by shifting one of the handles 75 and 77 of catch assembly 70 (e.g., proximal handle 75 with the user's thumb, distal handle 77 with the user's pinkie finger) to unlock the catch 74.
As the cleco plunger 3 is released, the spring located in the cylindrical body 2 pulls the pair of locking jaws of the step-out locks 4 towards the spreader bar of the step-out locks 4, forcing the pair of locking jaws of the step-out locks 4 outwards to engage interior surfaces of the workpieces 6. In this manner, workpieces 6 are squeezed together between the pair of locking jaws of the step-out locks 4 and the cylindrical body 2 while maintaining the alignment between the holes formed in the workpieces 6. The configuration of cleco pliers 10 thus described herein enables the convenient one-handed use of the cleco pliers 10.
Further, it may be understood that typically multiple clecos 1 are installed along the workpieces 6 to fasten the pair of workpieces 6 together, and the process described above (e.g., installing a cleco 1 in the workpieces 6 using cleco pliers 10) may be repeated many times to fully secure together the workpieces 6. The convenience provided by cleco pliers 10 (e.g., opening 64 permitting loading the cleco 1 into receptacle 60 via a lateral side 55 of the second handle 50 rather than from the distal end 53 thereof, maintaining a desired orientation of the cleco 1 via the biasing force applied by magnet 69, catch assembly 70 serving to automatically maintain cleco pliers 10 in the locked configuration) may be leveraged across a large number of clecos 1, saving the user substantial time and energy in fastening together the workpieces 6. After the workpieces 6 are secured together, other metal fabrication tasks such as riveting, drilling, cutting, fitting, sizing, filing, deburring, and bending can be performed accurately based on the precise positioning of the workpieces 6 provided by the installed clecos 1. The clecos 1 previously fastened to the may then be removed and replaced with permanent fasteners to complete the process of attaching the workpieces 6 permanently together.
Referring now to
While disclosed embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be performed in any order. The recitation of identifiers such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2), (3) before steps in a method claim are not intended to and do not specify a particular order to the steps, but rather are used to simplify subsequent reference to such steps.
