Patent Grant
8590876
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to apparatus that are used to fixedly secure an object thereto, in a nature of a vise. More particularly, the present invention relates to bottle jacks, to chain vises, and to pipe benders.
2. Description of Related Art
Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
A vise is generally a mechanical apparatus used for holding or clamping a workpiece or other objects to facilitate work to be performed on the workpiece or other object with tools such as pipe wrenches, saws, planes, drills, mills, screwdrivers, sandpaper, etc. The workpiece, while held in the vise, may be cut, threaded and so on. A vise (i.e., a workholding device) is an assembly with one fixed jaw and one moveable jaw, or a jaw and a latching member, and so on, and is often used to hold simple rectangular, cubic, or cylindrical workpieces on a mill or machining center. For a vise having one jaw and a latching member, the object or workpiece is typically encircled by the latching member and held tightly between the jaw and the latching member.
A conventional chain vise has a base, a V-shaped jaw projected upwardly at one end from the base, and a V-shaped support projecting upwardly at the other end of the base so that a segment a pipe or similar material resting in the jaw and in the support is in a condition of stable equilibrium. A chain is anchored to the base in the vicinity of the jaw and can be wrapped over the pipe. The chain is provided with a tightening mechanism for tightening the chain over the pipe and holding the pipe against the jaw. In this way, the pipe is held securely in the chain vise.
A screw jack is a device used to fully or partially lift an object off the ground. Depending on their size, these devices can be used to raise the corner of a vehicle, or to lift it several feet in the air so workers can access the bottom of the vehicle. Screw jacks are often found in machine shops, auto repair facilities and in the automotive racing industry. Many vehicles also have a screw jack included with the spare tire kit, so drivers can repair a flat tire more easily. Very large screw jack systems are even used to lift houses for foundation repair or replacement.
A bottle jack is a hydraulic jack that can be placed in a horizontal position. These jacks push against a lever, which lifts the main lift arm. Bottle jacks have a longer handle than most hydraulic jacks, however, and it is possible to get more lift per stroke with the increased leverage they provide when compared to regular models of jacks. Bottle jacks are versatile because their horizontal position makes it possible to place them in tight spots and to provide good leverage.
Various patents have issued relating to chain vises. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,476, issued on Aug. 26, 1975 to A. R. Giampaglia, shows a chain vise in which a first pair of jaws is rigidly attached to a support and a second pair of jaws is pivotably attached to the support. A threaded shaft rotatably attached to the first pair of jaws is engaged with a threaded block in a second pair of jaws. When the shaft is rotated by a crank, it draws the pivotable second pair of jaws toward or away from the first pair of jaws. The shaft and crank maintain a fixed relation to the first pair of jaws which are rigidly attached to the support.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,919, issued on Jun. 13, 2000 to Hammit et al., describes a stand for chain vise. This support structure for a chain vise has portions for engaging a support surface and includes a mechanism for tilting the chain vise relative to the support surface. The chain vise includes a jaw with a chain extending thereover. A mechanical wheel is utilized so as to draw the ends of the chain downwardly so as to be in compressive contact with the object.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that operates as a three-in-one tool that includes a chain vise, a bottle jack and a pipe bender.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that effectively distributes forces evenly over the secured object.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that avoids single contact forces.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for securing objects that has a lower failure rate than existing vises.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for securing objects that has a long life expectancy.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for securing objects that has a very small storage volume.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for securing objects that has reduced scaring, marring, damage or shape alteration.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for securing objects that is adapted to a wide variety of fields of use.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for securing objects that can be mountable on exterior surfaces, such as work benches or service vehicles.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for securing objects that can be used with a wide variety of shapes and sizes of objects.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims.
The present invention is an apparatus for securing an object that comprises an outer housing, a stand positioned within the outer housing, a jaw affixed to an upper end of the stand, a latching member coupled to the outer housing, and a means for selectively moving the jaw in relative to the latching member. The jaw has a surface on a top thereof suitable for receiving the object thereon. The latching member is extendable over the top of the jaw. The latching member suitable for securely retaining the object against the top of the jaw.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a base affixed to a bottom of the stand. The base will have a diameter greater than a diameter of the stand. The base has a plurality of fasteners secured thereto so as to allow the base to be affixed upon an underlying surface.
The stand is in the form of a cylindrical member extending vertically upwardly. The outer housing has an interior passageway receiving the stand therein. The stand also has a threaded portion. The means for selectively moving includes a coupler member threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the stand. The coupler member is connected to the outer housing so as to move the outer housing vertically relative to a rotational movement of the coupler member about the threaded portion. The coupler member has an arm extending outwardly therefrom.
The stand has a splined surface at an upper end thereof. The jaw has splines on a surface thereof opposite the top thereof. The splines of the jaw selectively engage the splined surface of the stand. The latching member has one end fixedly mounted to one side of the outer housing and an opposite end releaseably connected to an opposite side of the outer housing.
The latching member is in the form of a chain having a plurality of links. One of the plurality of links engaged by a pin within a mounting wing on the one side of the outer housing. The outer housing has a latch extending outwardly of the opposite side of the housing. Another of the plurality of links is secured to the latch.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the jaw has a V-shape. In particular, the size of this V-shape will have a textured surface, such as teeth.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the stand has a threaded portion extending therearound. The outer housing has a threaded area threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the stand. The means for selectively moving includes a pin engaged with the stand so as to rotate the stand in relation to the outer housing so as to raise and lower the jaw. The outer housing has an inner wall defining an inner passageway. The inner wall has splines extending inwardly therefrom. The jaw has an annular portion extending downwardly therefrom. The annular portion has a splined area selectively received by the splines of the outer housing. The stand extends into the annular portion so as to abut a bottom of the jaw. A base is formed at an bottom of the outer housing. This base has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the outer housing.
In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the stand has a thread formed around an outer surface thereof. The outer housing has an annular member extending around an upper portion of the stand. This annular member has a channel formed therein. The means for selectively moving includes a coupler having an internal thread engaged with the thread of the stand. The coupler has a pin engaged with the channel on the outer housing. The coupler is rotatable about the stand so as to cause the pin to raise or lower the outer housing. The coupler has an arm extending outwardly therefrom. In this embodiment of the present invention, the jaw is integrally formed at a top of the stand.
In still a further embodiment of the present invention, the means for selectively moving is a bottle jack. This bottle jack is hydraulically cooperative with the stand so as to move the stand vertically relative to the outer housing.
In the present invention, a bending plate can be received on the top surface of the jaw. This bending plate is suitable for receiving the object thereon. The latching member has a die extending inwardly therefrom. In one embodiment of the jaws of the present invention, the jaw will have a first V-shaped toothed portion, a second V-shaped toothed portion, and an untoothed portion positioned between the first and second V-shaped toothed portions.
The various embodiments of the present invention generally distribute the force substantially even across the latching member. As a result, there is typically no single contact point of the latching member that receives a greater percentage of exerted force. This reduces the chance of latching member failure (e.g. breakage) and extends the life of the latching member. In terms of movement, certain embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention pull down the latching member while others push up the jaw. It should be emphasized that the apparatus of the various embodiments of the present invention are beneficially relatively simple to those known latching vises. For example, one form of the present invention is very simplified and serves to push up the jaw in order to engage the latching member. Certain other embodiments of the present invention offer a 360° rotation of the jaw and latching member assembly. This can be beneficial, for example, while working in confined spaces or where the object secured is irregularly shaped or has several bends. Nevertheless, in operation, generally all of the embodiments of the present invention can be used to securely hold an object, such as pipe. In certain of the embodiments, a removable mounting base plate can be utilized. In all of the embodiments, the apparatus can be considered as a multipurpose tool having far more functions than that of a typical vise.
When the apparatus for the present invention is engaged with an object, the pressurized latching member force is substantially equalized between the latching member mount wing and the opposing latching member latch wing so as to eliminate or significantly reduce all engagement forces that are provided by a singular point pressurization, as with the prior art. This prolongs the service life, and reduces dangerous and costly breakages. It also creates consistent, compounded force leverage of the secured object over the entire contact surface area of the latching member, the jaw base and the outer circumference the object. This equalized hydraulic force creates a relatively strong grasping with the latching member.
The present invention avoids these problems of the prior art. The enlarged V-shaped jaw base performs a protective coverage feature to the upper jaw base seal and the external surface area of the jaw base cylinder, when in the retracted operational position. This keeps the debris and foreign corrosive fluids from entering between the seal surface area and the jaw base. In other words, the jaw of the present invention provides umbrella-type of corrosion and debris protection of the apparatus. As such, the present invention able to achieve significant benefits over that of the prior art.
Referring to
The jaw 12 has an upper surface 16 that is textured (e.g., having teeth) and is generally V-shaped to facilitate securing of the workpiece (not shown). Alternative jaw configurations can be also utilized in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In particular, the shape of the jaw 12 may be dependent on the shape of the member being held down thereagainst. The jaw 12 is mounted on a stand 18 and interfaces with an outer housing 20. As can be seen in
In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
In the embodiment shown in
In
As can be seen, the latching member 14 has a mounted end and a free end. The latching member 14 typically includes standard links. As can be seen, the mounting link 52 mates with a latching member mount wing 48 of the outer housing 20. The end opposite the mounting link 52 is the “free end”. At this end, a standard link 59 of the latching member 14 may be releasably (i.e. temporarily) mounted in a latching member latch wing 49 of the outer housing 20.
In operation, apparatus 10 distributes the force relatively evenly on the latching member 14. Thus, there is generally no single contact point of the latching member 14 that receives a large percentage of the exerted force. This reduces the chance of latching member failure and serves to extend the life of the latching member 14.
In operation, an object can be placed upon the upper surface 16 of the jaw 12. The latching member 14 is then latched at the latching member latch wing 49 and then secured around the object. Optionally, prior to engaging the coupler 24, the jaw 12 may be rotated via companion splines if desired. The coupler 24 is turned so as to lower the latching member 14 (via pulling down the outer housing 20) in order to secure the object between the latching member 14 and the jaw 12. If needed, the arm 32 may be tapped with a tool, such as a hammer, to further tighten the latching member over the object. As such, the object may then be processed by cutting, threading, and so forth. Upon completion of processing, it may be desired to remove the object. To release the object, the coupler 24 is turned in the opposite direction to push up the latching member 14. The latching member 14 may be unlatched, if needed.
The outer housing 20 is illustrated as extending upwardly from the coupler 24. The outer housing 20 has a first outer wing extension 40 on one side thereof and second outer wing extension 51 on an opposite side thereof. The pin 54 is illustrated as secured to a link 52 of the latching member 14. Similarly, another link, on the opposite side of the outer housing 20, has the link latched to the latch 49.
In
The base 84 of stand 80 can have bolt holes 108 for receiving a fastener, such as a bolt, for securing the apparatus 100 to an underlying surface. A lubrication injection point can be provided adjacent to the stand 80 under the latching member 114 and under the jaw 112. The injection point can be made accessible by lifting the latching member 114 and the jaw 112. Beneficially, lubricant (e.g. oil, grease, etc.) can be fed into the lubrication injection point to lubricate internal components of the apparatus 100. The internal distribution of the lubricant may be by gravity, applied pressure, and by similar means.
In the operation of the apparatus 100, an object, such as a pipe, is placed on the upper surface of the jaw 112. The latching member 114 is then latched at the latching member latch wing 88 so as to be secured around the object. Then, the tensioner pin 82 is engaged by turning radially or by being pushed or pulled, so as to raise the jaw 112 in order to tighten the latching member 114 over the object against the jaw 112. If need, the tensioner pin 82 may be tapped with a tool, such as a hammer, to further tighten the latching member 114 over the object. After this operation is completed, the object may be processed, such as cut, threaded and so forth. Upon completion of the process. It may be desired to remove the object. To release the object, the tensioner pin 88 is engaged in the opposite direction so as to pull down the jaw 112. As with the operation with the apparatus 10 of the previous embodiment, the latching member 114 may be unlatched, if required.
In
In
The stand 202 is coupled to the coupler 208. This coupling is achieved through a threaded connection wherein the stand 202 has threads 210 that mate with the threads 234 of the coupler 208. The coupler 208 is coupled to the outer housing 232 via a snap ring 238 which sits in a snap ring recess 240 on the coupler 208 and in a channel on the outer housing 232. The coupler 208 and the outer housing 232 are vertically coupled but rotationally independent. The stand 202 has external companion keyways 246 that engage internal companion keyways 244 of the outer housing 232. In other words, the internal companion keyway 244 may be formed to slidably receive external companion keyways 246 so as to allow for vertical movement of the outer housing 232.
In the operation of the apparatus 200, an object 230 is placed on the upper surface of the jaw 206. The latching member 214 is then latched at the latching member latch wing 228 and then secured around the object. Optionally, prior to engaging the coupler 208, the jaw 206 may be rotated (gradual or perpetual rotation), if desired. Then, the coupler 208 is turned to lower or pull the latching member 214 down (via the lowering of the outer housing 232) in order to secure the object 230 between the latching member 214 and jaw 206. If needed, the arm 212 may be tapped with a tool, such as a hammer, to further tighten the latching member 214 over the object 230. The jaw 206 generally does not move. Then, the object 230 may be processed, such as cut, threaded, and so forth. Upon completion of processing, it may be desired to remove the object 230. To release the object, the coupler is turned in the opposite direction to push up the outer housing 232 to loosen the latching member 214. The latching member 214 may be unlatched, if required.
In the operation of the apparatus 300, an object 308 is placed on the upper surface of the jaw 302. The latching member 304 is then latched at the latching member latch wing 318 and then secured around the object 308. The handle 310 of the hydraulic jack portion 306 is pushed down so as to compress the hydraulic fluid and push the jaw 302 upwardly so as to secure the object 308 between the latching member 304 and the jaw 302. The latching member 304 does not move significantly. In this position, the object 308 can be processed, such as cut, threaded, and so forth, or simply held in place. Upon completion of processing, it may be desired to remove the object. To release the object, the handle 310 is twisted counter clockwise. The apparatus 300 can be employed as a pipe bender and can also be employed as a bottle jack. For example, if it is desired to utilize the apparatus 300 as a bottle jack, it is only necessary to remove the latching member 304.
In some examples, the apparatus 300 may have a relatively large base plate (mounted horizontally) surface area provided for improved lifting capacity and stability when using the apparatus 300 as a hydraulic jack. The relatively larger base of the jaw 302, which provides the contact securement for the object 308, also produces a V-shaped platform for multi-point contact performance on hydraulic jack lifting surfaces, rather than the traditional smaller, horizontal, flat-grooved limitations of traditional hydraulic bottle jack lifting surface areas. The apparatus 300, with its baseplate 314, is portable and generally produces a weight-reducing improvement versus the use of single hydraulic jack, one hydraulic latching member and a separate hydraulic pipe bender. The apparatus 300 is a three-in-one product and provides a reduced storage volume.
The baseplate 314 provides securement to a stationary placement by means of a plurality of bolt holes in the outer circumference of the baseplate. There is an vertical interlocking cavity that receives the baseplate of the jack. As such, the apparatus 300 can be mounted and locked-in-place by the insertion of a single lock pin into self-aligning upper and lower ports. The apparatus 300 can also have a lock pin that is coupled with lock pin bearings, so as to prevent or reduce loss and removal of the apparatus 300 while in a stationary mounted position, such as on a vehicle bumper, a trailer ball hitch, a work table, and a portable stand.
The jack portion 306 is a cylindrical hydraulic fluid cavity reservoir. It has a cylindrical jaw base, a hydraulic fluid fill plug, applicable seals, vertical engagement drive guide pins, and hydraulic fluid flow lines for entry and exit from the cylindrical hydraulic fluid cavity to the cylindrical jaw base pressurized engagement cavity. Additionally, the jack portion 306 houses the main power piston assembly components to which the handle 300 is attached. There are uni-directional fluid flow check valves which provide corrective flow patterns to the respective hydraulic fluid reservoirs, through machined internal hydraulic fluid flow lines. The jaw base is configured in a generally V-shaped construction with a textured surface for releasably engaging and grasping the securable object while in operation. This textured surface can be in the form of a plurality of teeth. However, within the concept of the present invention, the jaw may be composed of different shapes. The jaw base provides an improved safety-based, enlarged lifting channel wherein omni-directional multiple contact lifting points are available.
The apparatus 300 can include a latching member 304 attachedly fixed at one end to the mount wing 318 without positional adjustment features while arriving substantially perpendicular over and through the jaw base tracks 360 into a length adjustable condition. This movement to a forcibly-engaged locked position when locked engagement is provided to the opposing stationary latching member latch wing. This occurs when hydraulically pressurized through an expansion of the hydraulic fluid volume mass content of the cylindrical jaw base fluid cavity reservoir. The apparatus 300 also provides vertical latching member engagement stress equalization when the latching member is actively grasping a workpiece by the prolonged active pressurized engagement of the cylindrical jaw base toward the pressure-tensioned latching member.
The apparatus 300 creates a substantially uniformly pressurized workpiece at respective contact points. This results in reduced scarring, marring, damage, and shape-altering force to the workpiece 308, as commonly occurs with traditional latching member vises and pipe benders. In addition, when lifting objects while the latching member 304 is attached securely around and enclosing the entire circumference of the lifted object, such as a circular vehicle axle, the apparatus 300 reduces the potentially dangerous practice of the jaw base surface contact area releasing from the lifted object and falling onto the operator and any surrounding material.
When the apparatus 300 is engaged, the pressurized latching member based-force is substantially equalized between the latching member mount wing and the opposing latching member latch wing. This eliminates, or significantly reduces, all of the engagement force that is provided by a singular point of pressurization with standard latching member vises. This prolongs the service life, and reduces dangerous and costly breakages of the latching member. It also creates a consistent, compounded force leverage of the secured object over the entire contact surface area of the latching member, the jaw base and the outer circumference of the secured object. This equalized hydraulic force creates a relatively strong grasping with the latching member. The apparatus 300 will typically reduce corroded and frozen parts commonly found on existing chain vises. This is because the present invention does not openly expose the interior construction. The hydraulic mechanism of the apparatus 300 is entirely closed and automatic and substantially constantly lubricated due to consistent external cylindrical coverage with non-corrosive hydraulic fluids. As such, this produces improvement in reliability and effective uses.
Typically, with prior chain vises, the vise roller guide bearings, the assembly pins, the worm gear latching member actuation and all motion induced components are of an open structure configuration. As such, they can be exposed harmfully to destructive environmental and usage elements. This results in rapid corrosion and results in premature failures. The chain vises of the prior art include a section of links that are encompassed within the constructed track housing in close proximity to the operation handle. It is thereby attached to the operation handle by the worm gear assembly. This worm gear assembly can contain foreign debris and corrosive material. As such, this can lead to the failure of chain vises of the prior art. When the latching members of the chain vises of the prior art corrode, smooth functioning of the vise is prevented. Since the latching member has to travel within the track, fore and aft, while in a restrictive, curved state, smooth functioning will be nearly impossible. The addition of lubrication fluids does not provide an adequate solution. Any additional lubrication fluid would only further attract and retain harmful foreign debris.
As can be seen in
The single-handled operation of the apparatus 300 provides a platform that is easier for upper extremity handicapped individuals to operate. The handle 300 is longer than existing handles used with bottle jacks. As such, the handle 310 produces increased leverage for operation of power piston assembly. As such, physically-handicapped users will find the apparatus 300 to be more easily accessible, and user friendly.
Emergency repair service times may be significantly reduced by the use of the apparatus 300. The financial procurement and worldwide commercial market of the consumer can be significantly improved due to a lower cost associated with manufacturing this three-in-one product. This is achieved while providing the consumer with additional value with added safety and usage features.
The latching member 304 extends over the top of the pipe 350. Importantly, there is a die 356 which is affixed to the inner surface of the latching member 304. The die 356 will bear upon the surface of the pipe 350 positioned between the bending plates 352 and 354. As an upper force is applied by the operation of the hydraulics of the hydraulic jack portion 306, the bending plates 352 and 354 will urge the ends of the pipe 350 upwardly while the die 356 will urge the center of the pipe downwardly. As such, a desired bend will occur.
The apparatus 300 typically includes a secondary baseplate for secondary mounting applications. As such, it provides a larger diameter platform to support the overall lift capacity of the apparatus 300. This facilitates the ability to use the apparatus 300 of the present invention on soft ground formations, high heat-retaining softened asphalts, brittle concrete flooring, and unstable gravel-based ground materials. As such, the present invention can adequately operate despite the lack of adequate support by the underlying surface.
The various embodiments of the present invention distribute the force evenly on the latching member. Thus, there typically no single contact point of the latching member that receives a large percentage of the exerted force. This reduces the chance of the failure of the latching member and extends the life of the latching member.
The object securing apparatus of the present invention allows a 360° rotation of the jaw at certain positions depending on the spacing of the splines and their arrangements. However, within the concept of the present invention, it may not be necessary to rotate the jaw. In those circumstances in which the jaw can be rotated, it is desirable to position the object on the jaw prior to rotation.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.
The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/286,956, filed on Dec. 16, 2009, and entitled “Tool for Securing Objects”.
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|---|---|---|---|
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61286956 | Dec 2009 | US |
