The present subject matter relates to handheld tools having dispensers for oil or liquid cutting agents and provisions for applying force to a threading die head.
Liquid cutting agents and/or oils are typically applied during thread forming operations such as may be performed upon tubular workpieces such as pipes. The cutting agents or oils are applied to a thread forming die head and/or directly to the workpiece. Often, a handheld liquid dispenser is used.
During thread forming operations using a die head, one or both of a die head and tubular work piece are rotated. The die head contains one or more thread forming members that “cut” or otherwise form desired thread(s) in the workpiece. During such thread formation, a user applies axial force to the die head to promote thread formation from a distal end of the workpiece and inward from that end. Application of such force may be only periodic or intermittent, or can in certain applications be continual throughout the entirety of thread formation.
Tools are known for applying axial force to a die head. However, it is difficult for a single user to apply the noted axial force, dispense cutting agents or oils, adjust cutting thread depth, and/or monitor other aspects of the thread forming operation.
Accordingly, a need exists for a manner by which a user can more easily perform the various tasks associated with thread forming.
The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previous approaches are addressed in the present subject matter as follows.
In one aspect, the present subject matter provides a tool for applying force to a die head. The tool comprises a tool housing including a handle. The tool also comprises a die head member affixed to the housing and adapted for contacting and transferring force to a thread forming die head. The tool additionally comprises a spout extending from at least one of the tool housing and the die head member. The spout defines a distal end through which liquid can flow and exit the spout.
In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a tool for applying axial force to a die head. The tool comprises a tool housing including a handle. The tool also comprises a rotatable die head member engaged with the housing and adapted for contacting and transferring force to a die head. The tool additionally comprises a spout extending from one of the tool housing and the die head member. The spout defines a distal end through which liquid can flow and exit the spout. The tool also comprises a liquid dispensing assembly including a trigger.
In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides a method for applying force to a die head during a threading operation and applying a liquid to the die head or region of interest. The method comprises providing a tool including a tool housing having a handle, a die head member affixed to the housing and adapted for contacting and transferring force to the die head, a spout defining a distal end through which liquid can flow and exit the spout, and a liquid dispensing assembly. Actuation of the liquid dispensing assembly displaces liquid to the distal end of the spout. The method also comprises contacting the die head member of the tool with a die head and applying force to the die head. The method additionally comprises actuating the liquid dispensing assembly of the tool to thereby displace liquid to the distal end of the spout and dispense liquid from the tool to the die head or region of interest.
As will be realized, the subject matter described herein is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.
The present subject matter relates to handheld threading tools having provisions to apply force, and particularly axial force, to a workpiece or die head during a threading operation. In many embodiments, the tools also include liquid dispensing assemblies. Using the threading tool, a user can selectively dispense oil or other agents such as cutting agents and also apply an axial force to a thread forming die head by pushing the tool against the die head. The tools can be used such that oil or other agents are applied concurrently with the application of force to a die head, or vice versa. The tools can also be used such that oil or other agents are applied prior to and/or after application of force to a die head.
The provisions of the tool which contact the die head can have a variety of different shapes and configurations such as for example cone shaped, a “stepped” extended shape of concentric cylinders, a rounded arcuate face, and a “stepped” recess of concentric circular ledges in the form of a cover plate or other member that is positioned over the die head. These various provisions are referred to herein as die head members and are typically located along a front face or other region of the tool.
Generally, the tools of the present subject matter comprise a housing that typically includes a handle or gripping region. The tools also comprise a die head member affixed to or otherwise formed with the housing and adapted for contacting and transferring force to a die head. In many embodiments, the die head member is rotatable. The tools additionally comprise a spout or liquid transfer member. In certain embodiments, the spout extends from the housing. In other embodiments, the spout extends from the die head member. The spout defines a distal end through which liquid can flow and exit from the spout. In many embodiments, the tools additionally comprise a liquid dispensing assembly. Typically, such assembly includes a pump and a trigger or other actuator. Upon actuation of the trigger, the pump is operated to thereby displace liquid from a reservoir to the distal end of the spout. These and other aspects are as follows.
The tools include a housing or enclosure which typically includes a handle or gripping region. The handle is sized and shaped to accommodate a user's hand or hands. The handle or gripping region may be textured or otherwise include friction promoting provisions to assist a user in securely holding or grasping the tool.
Generally, the housing and/or handle is formed from strong and durable materials typically used for industrial grade tools and particularly power tools. Nonlimiting examples of suitable materials may include various polymeric materials and metals and/or combinations of such.
As noted, the tools of the present subject matter include one or more die head members that are adapted to contact an end face of die head(s) typically used to form threads in tubular workpieces such as pipes. In many embodiments, the die head members are tailored, i.e., sized and shaped, to intimately contact an end face of one or more die heads.
The die head members are configured to contact and engage an end face of a thread forming die head. Nonlimiting examples of thread forming die heads include RIDGID Model Nos, 00-R, 12-R, and 11-R available from Ridge Tool Company. The present subject matter can be used in conjunction with nearly any type of thread forming or thread cutting die. The present subject matter also relates to thread freshening tools and thread cleaning operations. Typically, a thread forming die for forming external threads on a workpiece includes a housing or body having one or more thread cutting blades, tools, or chasers as known in the art. Nonlimiting examples of patents describing thread forming dies include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,743,146; 2,014,312; and 2,054,745.
In many embodiments, the die head members are rotatable about their center axis. Thus, upon contacting a die head, if the die head undergoes rotation, the die head member can rotate with the die head. This is particularly advantageous if a user is applying axial force to the die head. However, it will be appreciated that the present subject matter includes embodiments in which the die head member is generally non-rotatable and thus is “fixed” or stationary with respect to the tool and/or its housing. For such versions of the tools, it may be desirable to include one or more low friction coatings on the die head member to reduce friction between the die head member and a rotating die head. Enabling rotation of the die head member relative to the tool and/or its housing is typically provided by use of one or more bearings or other assemblies as known in the art.
The die head members used in the tools of the present subject matter can exhibit a variety of different shapes and/or configurations depending upon the desired die head to which force is to be applied. For example, the die head members may be cone shaped and more particularly frustoconical, may utilize a stepped extended shape of concentric cylinders, may employ a rounded arcuate face and more particularly hemispherical, or may exhibit a stepped recess of concentric circular ledges. It will be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any of these particular configurations.
Generally, the die head members are formed from durable and strong materials such as metals. However, the present subject matter includes the use of polymeric materials and/or composite materials.
In certain embodiments, the die head is oriented to be parallel or collinear with a longitudinal axis of the tool housing or handle. And, in other embodiments, the die head is oriented to be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool housing or handle. In certain embodiments, the die head member defines a centrally located liquid passageway. In other embodiments, the die head member is devoid or free of such passageways. The present subject matter includes a wide array of orientations of the die head member relative to the tool housing and/or handle.
The present subject matter also includes tools that can utilize one of a collection of differently sized, shaped, and/or configured die head members. Thus, in these embodiments a collection of interchangeable die head members can be used which enable a user to utilize a single tool and select a desired die head member from the collection for use with a specific die head.
The tools of the present subject matter include one or more spouts that transfer dispensed liquid to a location at or near a die head or region of thread formation. In certain embodiments, the spouts can extend generally from a center of the die head member. And, in other embodiments, the spouts can extend outward from the tool housing and spaced from the die head member. The present subject matter includes a wide array of orientations and positions for the spout relative to the tool and/or die head member.
The spout(s) are typically in the form of a fluid transfer component and include an interior flow line or path through which dispensed liquid flows. As noted, in many embodiments the spouts include a centrally located liquid passageway extending between opposite ends of the spout. The spouts can be rigid, or can be in the form of a flexible member.
The liquid dispensing assembly used in tools of the present subject matter typically include a pump and a trigger. The pump is in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir and upon actuation of the trigger, the pump displaces liquid from the reservoir and into and through the spout. In certain embodiments, one or more of the pump, trigger, and/or liquid reservoir are remote from the tool and thus not enclosed or disposed within the tool housing. For example, in one embodiment, the pump is remote from and not contained within the tool housing. In another embodiment, the liquid reservoir is remote from and not contained within the tool housing. For example, a remote liquid reservoir could be in the form of an “oiler bucket” as known in the art which is typically placed under a thread forming operation. In still another embodiment, both the pump and the liquid reservoir are remote from and not contained within the tool housing. In particular embodiments, all of the pump, trigger, and liquid reservoir are disposed within the tool housing. For example, it is contemplated that a liquid reservoir could be incorporated within the tool housing along with a pump that is manually operated or powered by an electric motor.
Generally, the trigger is sized and shaped to accommodate and receive a user's finger. In many embodiments, the trigger is supported on the tool housing and proximate the handle.
Details of pumps, triggers, liquid reservoirs, and associated components are known in the field of manual liquid dispensers and so are not repeated herein.
In many embodiments of the present subject matter, the liquid dispensing assembly is a manually operated assembly in which a user manually actuates a trigger or other member to displace liquid. However, the present subject matter includes powered liquid dispensing assemblies in which a motor is actuated which displaces liquid such as by operating a liquid pump. In such embodiments, an electrically powered motor can be used to drive a liquid pump. The motor can be powered by one or more batteries, which can for example be in the form of a removable and rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack could utilize one or more lithium ion battery cells for example.
A variety of techniques are known for forming helical screw threads on workpieces such as pipes or mechanical components. Subtractive methods involve thread cutting using taps or dies. Taps are typically used to form internal threads along the interior surface of an opening or blind hole. Dies are typically used to form external threads along outer surfaces of workpieces such as pipes or other cylindrical components. Single point tools are also known which can be used to form threads.
When forming threads and particularly in relatively hard materials and/or on workpieces such as pipes, large floor-standing threading machines are frequently used.
Threads can also be formed without using such large floor-standing machines. For example, handheld powered drives are known which can be used with one or more die heads to form threads on a pipe end. Manual ratchet drives are also known. Such handheld drives are used with thread forming die heads as previously described. A user aligns the die head with an end of a pipe or other workpiece and then rotates the die head about a center axis of the pipe using the drive. As noted, axial force is applied to the die head during or at least periodically during die head rotation. The rotating die head forms one or more threads in the pipe.
The present subject matter provides various methods related to thread forming operations. For example, the methods include a method for applying force to a die head during a threading operation and applying a liquid to the die head or region of interest. The liquid is typically oil, one or more lubricants, and/or one or more cutting agents as known in the art. Generally, such methods comprise providing a tool including a tool housing having a handle, a die head member affixed to the housing and adapted for contacting and transferring force to a die head, a spout defining a distal end through which liquid can flow and exit the spout, and a liquid dispensing assembly. The liquid dispensing assembly typically includes a pump and a trigger wherein actuation of the trigger operates the pump to displace liquid from a liquid reservoir to the distal end of the spout. However, it will be appreciated that a wide array of alternate versions of tools of the present subject matter could be used. The methods also comprise contacting the die head member of the tool with a die head and applying force thereto. And, the methods additionally comprise actuating the trigger of the liquid dispensing assembly of the tool to thereby operate the pump and displace liquid in the liquid reservoir to the distal end of the spout and dispense liquid from the tool to the die head or region of interest. In many applications, prior to displacing liquid, the die head member of the tool is not in contact with the die head. Instead, a user directs the distal end of the spout toward a location or region to receive the liquid upon trigger actuation.
In the embodiment of tool 110, it will be appreciated that the die head member 140 is affixed directly to the housing 120, and that the spout 150 extends from the housing 120 in a direction different than that of the die head member 140. In addition, in this embodiment, the die head member 140 is oriented relative to the tool housing 120 such that a center axis B of the die head member 140 is parallel or collinear, or at least within about 20° of parallel, with a longitudinal axis C of the handle 130.
The present subject matter includes a variety of other configurations of die head member orientation and handle orientation. For example, as shown in
Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology.
All patents, applications, standards, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The present subject matter includes all operable combinations of features and aspects described herein. Thus, for example if one feature is described in association with an embodiment and another feature is described in association with another embodiment, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes embodiments having a combination of these features.
As described hereinabove, the present subject matter solves many problems associated with previous strategies, systems and/or devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of components, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present subject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the claimed subject matter, as expressed in the appended claims.
The present application claims priority upon U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/238,792 filed Oct. 8, 2015.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62238792 | Oct 2015 | US |