AU3132501A - A flanging apparatus - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: "A FLANGING APPARATUS" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 2

TITLE

"A FLANGING APPARATUS" FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS INVENTION relates to a flanging apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to a flanging apparatus for expanding an open-end of a conduit, for example a tube, pipe or hose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Tools for flanging or expanding ends of tubes and pipes are known. Many flanging tools functionally operate using a cam shaped mechanism to forcefully drive a movable mandrel though an :000.opening of an interchangeable expansion head, thereby spreading flanging segments of the expansion head. Flanging tools using such a cam apparatus as described further below, often have a long pivotal handle requiring use of two hands to provide a mechanical advantage.

In use, the long pivotal handle may be cumbersome and a user may be required to first remove a pipe from a working area, such as from under a sink, to gain proper access for flanging. Removing a pipe from under a sink requires effort and time which may add to costs for repairs and installation. Pipe flanging tools are commonly used to flange a pipe end when, for example, two pipes are to be joined.

US Patent No. 5,046,349 relates to a flanging apparatus for pipes which comprises two handles, a mandrel and a body having a channel through which the mandrel may be located. One handle operates the mandrel with a free rotating cylinder through a cam shaped control mechanism. The mandrel forces against a set of radially moving expanding wedges, or expansion head. The handles extend away from the body at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the channel and mandrel.

US Patent No. 4,890,472 relates to a flanging apparatus which functions using a cam mechanism on a hand lever to drive a mandrel with a tapered-end. In use, the mandrel is displaced from an end of the flaring tool and the mandrel radially forces against a set of flaring dies of an expansion head. The mandrel is coupled to the hand

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10 lever by an extractor to provide a means for retracting the mandrel gigolo from the expansion head. The handles extend away from the body at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the *•*channel and mandrel.

The flanging apparatus disclosed in US Patent Nos.

15 5,046,349 and 4,890,472 are not compact and do not provide a convenient single hand operation.

S-Also known are interchangeable expansion heads which attach to flanging tools to directly contact an internal wall of an openend of a conduit, for example a tube or pipe. In use annularly arranged flange segments are moved away from each other, thereby providing a radial force perpendicular to the wall of the conduit for the intended purpose of enlarging the conduit diameter. Interchangeable expanding heads accommodate different diameter pipes.

US Patent No. 4,154,083 relates to an expansion head for pipe-end enlarging tools. The expanding head comprises several exchangeable segmental expanding elements each having a flange segment which together from a radially outwardly extending annular flange. The segments are connected by a spring which clamps the segments against each other and against a mandrel which moves between them. Different expansion heads may need to be used depending on a pipe diameter. Accordingly it may be cumbersome to carry and expensive to purchase several expanding heads for use with different pipe diameters.

:10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION oo••• It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus to provide a commercial alternative to the prior art as discussed above.

.ooo•i The invention provides an apparatus for flanging a conduit comprising: a body comprising a bore; ~a first and second arm respectively attached to the body; and a mandrel locatable within the bore and between the first and second arms; wherein at least the first arm is movable in relation to the body and the first arm being operatively connected to the mandrel.

Preferably, the mandrel comprises a rack and the first arm comprises at least one tooth.

The mandrel preferably comprises a conical-end and an opposite end having a square transverse cross section.

In one embodiment, the tooth of the first arm engages a cog wheel located on the body which is operatively connected to the rack located on the mandrel.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a pawl located on the body which engages the mandrel to prevent the mandrel from being retracted into the body.

The pawl preferably engages the rack of the mandrel.

beThe mandrel may comprise an additional rack which may i be engaged by the pawl.

•lille another embodiment of the invention, the tooth of the first arm engages the rack located on the mandrel.

The apparatus may comprise a second arm which may engage the mandrel to retract the mandrel into the body.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first arm ~has at one end, a plurality of arcuate arranged teeth which engage the *o rack of the mandrel.

More preferably, the first arm and the second arm each comprise at one end a plurality of arcuate arranged teeth for engaging the rack of the mandrel.

In use, preferably, the first arm and the second arm control movement of the mandrel within a bore of a body.

Preferably, in use the conical-end of the mandrel protrudes from the axially positioned bore of the body towards a pipe 6 and radially displaces flange segments against the pipe internal wall, resulting in the wall expanding or flanging.

In one embodiment, an expansion head is removably attachable to the body.

Preferably, the expansion head is removably attachable to the body by a screw-thread.

It will be appreciated that the present invention has the advantages of a convenient, compact, single-handed operated ~apparatus for expanding the ends of conduits, for example tubes, 10 pipes or other open-ended work pieces. The compact size of the 000000 el l0 I. apparatus allows for use of the apparatus in confined spaces, for example under a sink or under an automobile hood. In use, the 0 S. invention does not require the work piece to be detached from a fixture such as a sink, thus reducing time and effort in preparing flanges.

0 000. 15 These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the light of the detailed o S-description of exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

Throughout this specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integers or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 7 In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1A is a plan view of one embodiment of the invention comprising arms with respective pinion ends which engage a rack located on a mandrel.

FIG. 1B is an end view of the expansion head of FIG. 1A without the pipe shown for clarity.

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10 FIG. 2A is a plan view of the flanging apparatus shown e..o•i S. in FIG. 1A with the expansion head in an open position with a mandrel extending in the direction of a pipe-end with the reciprocating arms 0 brought together.

o wtoFIG. 2B is an end view of the expansion head of FIG. 2A without the pipe shown for clarity.

~FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the flanging apparatus S°without an expansion head attached.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a side view of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of the body of the embodiment of invention shown in FIGS. 1-4 in isolation from the remaining components of the flanging apparatus.

FIG. 5B is a side view of FIG. FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the mandrel of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4 in isolation from the remaining components of the flanging apparatus.

FIG. 6B is a side view of FIG 6A.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of one of the arms of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4 in isolation from the remaining components of the flanging apparatus.

FIG. 7B is a side view of FIG 7A.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention comprising an arm having a pawl end which engages a rack 10 located on a mandrel. The invention is shown with an expansion head attached and inserted into a pipe. The expansion head is shown in a closed position with the mandrel retracted away from a pipe-end and arms spread apart.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the flanging apparatus shown in FIG. 8. The apparatus is shown with the expansion head in an open position with a mandrel extending in the direction of a pipe-end with the arms brought together.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the flanging apparatus shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 showing arms together and apart.

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of another embodiment of the invention which comprises a cog wheel and pawl means for engaging a mandrel.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show respective side and plan views of an expansion head enlarging apparatus for adapting a standard 9 threaded expansion head for use with a large diameter pipe.

FIG. 13A shows a flanging apparatus as shown in FIG.

11 inserted into a pipe ready for use to flange the pipe end.

FIG. 138 shows a plan view of FIG. 13A without the pipe.

FIG. 14A shows a flanging apparatus inserted into a pipe with pipe end partially flanged.

FIG. 14B shows a plan view of FIG. 13A without the pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals 10 designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

SFIGS. 1 to 7 relate to one embodiment of the invention whereby the flanging apparatus comprises a pair of reciprocating arms which control the longitudinal movement of the mandrel such that in o use, the mandrel moves towards or away from a pipe.

In FIG. 1A, flanging apparatus 10 is shown with expansion head 14 attached at threaded-end 21 of body 20. Pipe o• is fitted to annularly arranged flange segments 13 of expansion head 14. Reciprocating arms 30 and 40 each have at one end, a plurality of arcuate arranged teeth which function as a pinion of respective arm ends 80 and 90. Arm ends 80 and 90 engage rack (or teeth) 60 of mandrel 50 thereby forming a rack-and-pinion engagement. Arm ends and 90 fittingly contact body 20 at slot 12 and are pivotably secured thereto.

Mandrel 50 is cylindrical and comprises tapered-end and rack 60. Mandrel 50 is locateable within bore 11 (seen in FIG.

which is axially located within body 20. In use, mandrel 50 moves longitudinally in response to movement by the pair of pinion arm ends and 90 which engage rack 60. In use, tapered-end 70 of the mandrel 50 may protrude from axial bore 11 of body 20; and when extended into pipe 15, tapered-end 70 forces annularly arranged flange segments 13 of interchangeable expansion head 14 radially outwards to expand or flange pipe 15. Arms 30 and 40 move such that S when they are spread apart, tapered-end 70 is retracted in bore 11 of 10 body 0 0: o Referring to FIG. 1B, a plan view of expansion head 14 is 0 i shown with annularly arranged flange segments 13 in a closed 0 position with tapered-end 70 of mandrel 50 retracted away from the pipe (pipe not shown).

*l 0 0 FIG. 2A is similar to FIG. 1A except that arms 30 and °go have been brought together such that-arm ends 80 and 90 engage rack 60 of mandrel 50 controlling tapered-end 70 to protrude outward into pipe 15 from bore 11 of body 20. Annularly arranged flange segments 13 of expansion head 14 are displaced and thereby moved towards interior wall of pipe 15. A force is generated perpendicular to the pipe wall thereby expanding or flanging the pipe.

In FIG. 2B expansion head 14, with annularly arranged flange segments 13, is in an open position such that tapered-end 70 of mandrel 50 is extended into pipe 11 In FIG. 3, flanging apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A is shown with expansion head 14 and pipe 15 omitted for clarity.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, body 20 is shown with screwthreads 21 at one end which may facilitate attachment of a removable expansion head. Bore 11 is an axial opening through which a mandrel may be located. Slot 12 cuts through at a midline of body 20 and bore 11 to accommodate the pinion arm ends 30 and In FIGS. 6A and 6B, mandrel 50 is shown with rack which engages respective arm ends 80 and 90 of arms 30 and 10 Tapered-end 70 of mandrel 50 contacts a removable expansion head as described herein.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B, arm 40 is shown with arm end containing centrally located aperture 32 for accommodating a fastener oproviding pivotable attachment to body 20 as described herein.

FIGS. 8 to 10 relate to another embodiment of the °""invention. Shown in FIG. 8 is flanging apparatus 100 with expansion head 114 attached at threaded-end 121 of body 120 and pipe 115 is fitted to annularly arranged flange segments 113. Flanging apparatus 100 is in a position with expansion head 114 in a closed position with mandrel 150 retracted away from pipe 115.

Flanging apparatus 100 comprises body 120, pawl arm 130 and release arm 140. Pawl arm 130 comprises pawl-end 180 which has a tooth structure or pawl 181 which engages rack (or teeth) 160 of mandrel 150 thereby forming a ratchet engagement.

12 Release arm 140 comprises a blunt-end 190 which has a protruding surface 191 which interacts with rack 160 to release mandrel 150 from pipe 115. Pawl-end 180 and blunt-end 190 are fittingly attached to body 120. Pawl-end 180 is secured with pin 131 through an oval aperture 132, and blunt-end 190 is secured with pin 141 through aperture 142.

Mandrel 150 comprises a cylindrical-end 170 and a square rack 160. In use, mandrel 150 moves longitudinally within bore :111 in response to lateral movement of pawl arm 130 which results in 10 pawl-end 180 engaging and dis-engaging rack 160 of mandrel 150.

When pawl arm 130 is moved towards body 120 (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), pawl 181 engages rack 160 and moves mandrel 150 longitudinally away from body 120 through bore 111. When pawl arm 130 is moved away from body 120 (as shown in FIG. pawl 181 disengages rack 160 and slides within oval aperture 132 retained by pin ~131 such that when pawl arm 130 is moved towards body 120 pawl 181 is in a suitable location to engage a tooth of rack 160 located one row further away from tapered-end 170. Such engagement of pawl 181 and tooth of rack 160 moves mandrel 150 away from body 120. A spring 123 provides a force to position pawl-end 180 and pawl 181 in a suitable location when pawl arm 130 is moved away and back towards body 120 to engage rack 160.

Tapered-end 170 of the mandrel 150 may protrude from axial bore 111 of body 120; and when extended into pipe 115, tapered- 13 end 170 of mandrel 150 forces annularly arranged flange segments 113 of interchangeable expansion head 114 radially outwards to expand or flange pipe 115.

In use, expansion head 114 may become wedged within pipe 115 when expansion head 114 is expanded within pipe 115.

Such a situation may require a means for retracting mandrel 170 within bore 111 of body 120. Spring 171 provides a force to retract mandrel 170 within bore 111. Release arm 140 comprises blunt-end 190 with a protruding surface 191 which is adapted to interact with mandrel 150 10 when release arm 140 is laterally moved away from the body 120. In l use, interaction of release arm 140 with mandrel 150 provides a means for retracting mandrel 150 to a location more internal to body 120 when both reciprocating arms 130 and 140 are laterally moved away from body 120. Pawl arm 130 must also be moved laterally away from body 120 to dis-engage pawl 181 from toothed-end 160.

~Retention spring 122 provides a force to retain release arm 140 in an appropriate position.

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8 except that flanging apparatus 100 is shown with expansion head 114 in an open position with mandrel 150 extending in the direction of pipe 115. Expansion head 114 is attached at threaded-end 121 of body 120 and pipe 115 is fitted to annularly arranged flange segments 113. Pawl arm 130 has been laterally moved towards body 120 such that pawl 181 has engaged rack 160 of mandrel 150. Engagement of pawl 181 and rack 160 has 14 moved tapered-end 170 to protrude outward into pipe 115 from bore 111 of body 120, thus radially displacing annularly arranged flange segments 113 of expansion head 114. When flange segments 113 are moved towards the wall of pipe 115, a force generated perpendicular to the wall of pipe 115 expands or flanges pipe 115.

Release arm 140 is secured by pin 143 to body 120 when protruding surface 191 is not in contact with mandrel 150.

FIG. 10 illustrates an interaction between pawl-end 180 :and blunt-end 190 of arms 130 and 140 respectively with rack 160 of mandrel 150 within body 120. Pawl arm 130 and release arm 140 are shown in positions away from and towards body 120, similar to positions shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIGS. 11 to 14 relate to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 shows flanging apparatus 200 without an expansion head attached to threaded-end of body 210. Flanging i apparatus 200 is shown with conical end 265 of mandrel 260 retracted.

Flanging apparatus 200 comprises two arms attached to body 210, pivotable arm 230 pivots relative to body 210 and non-pivoting arm 231 is fixed to body 210. Pivotable arm 230 has tooth member 240 which rotates cog wheel 202 relative to body 210. Spring 242 provides pressure for tooth member 240 to engage cog wheel 202.

Cog wheel 202 engages rack (or teeth) 261 of mandrel 260. Cog wheel 202 is attached to body 210 by pin 201 allowing rotation thereabout. Tooth member 240 may be moved away from and thereby disengaging cog wheel 202 by applying pressure on release pin 250.

Mandrel 260 is held in place by pawl 280 which engages rack (or teeth) 263 and thereby prevents mandrel 260 from being retracted into body 210. Spring 282 provides pressure against pawl 280, pawl 280 thereby engaging rack 263. Pawl 280 is pivotably attached to body 210 by pin 281.

In use, conical end of mandrel 260 is outwardly advanced away from body 210 by moving pivotable arm 230 towards non-pivotable arm 231. When pivotable arm 230 is moved towards non-pivotable arm 231, tooth member 240 engages cog wheel 202 which engages rack 261 thereby outwardly advancing mandrel 260 away from body 210. Pawl 280 secures mandrel 260 in the advanced location by engaging rack 263. Mandrel 260 may be outwardly advanced until cog wheel 202 encounters flat surface 262.

An embodiment comprising a single rack which engages both the cog wheel and the pawl is also envisioned. In yet another embodiment, two racks may be located on the mandrel adjacent each other whereby one rack engages a cog wheel and a second rack engages a pawl to prevent the mandrel from being retracted into the body.

Spring 232 provides a force to oppose movement of arms 230 and 231. Other means for providing an opposing force are contemplated, for example a coiled wire or other resilient means. A latch or other means may secure arms 230 and 231 adjacent each 16 other, for example when apparatus 200 is stored.

To retract mandrel 260 into body 210, pawl 280 and release pin 250 are pressed towards body 210 thereby respectively disengaging pawl 280 from rack 263 and disengaging tooth member 240 from cog wheel 202. Spring 270 provides a force to retract mandrel 260 within body 210. Spring 270 is shown attached to nonpivotable handle 231 at location 271 and attached to mandrel 260 at location 272. Spring 270 is located within a channel located on mandrel 260.

9 9 Mandrel 260 may comprise two parts as shown. A *99999 i: portion of a first part is insertable into a second part and secured by pin 264. The first part is a conical-end 265 and the second part is a square rack bearing end. It is appreciated that the square tooth bearing end may provide additional strength compared to a cylindrical shape. Nevertheless, it will also be appreciated that the shape of the mandrel may be other shapes, for example entirely cylindrical or the conical-end may be for example pyramid shaped. Shapes of the mandrel may be determined by one skilled in the art to be useful for the purposes described herein. A mandrel comprising both conical and tooth bearing ends as a single integral piece is contemplated by the inventors.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show an apparatus 211 for enlarging an expansion head outer diameter for use with a wide pipe. Apparatus 211 is shown comprising six individual wedge shaped members 17 annular arranged and a spring 216 located around an outer circumference of the six wedged shaped members. Each wedge shaped member has a substantially identical cross-section shown in FIG. 12A. Each wedge shaped member is shown comprising a tapered end 213 and two respective pipe contact surfaces, 214 and 215. Although FIG.12A shows two pipe contact surfaces, it will be appreciated that there may be one, three or more pipe contact surfaces as could be determined by one skilled in the art.

.i :Apparatus 211 fits on top of expansion head 218 as 10 shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A and 14B. A bottom end 217 of .ooooi i* o apparatus 211 attaches to a top portion of expansion head 218 which is directly attached to flanging apparatus 200. Tapered end 213 of o* each wedge has an angled surface 213A as shown located at an upper end. The upper end of respective wedges are spaced apart from each other as shown. To attach apparatus 211 to expansion head 218, upper end of tapered end 213 is squeezed thereby enlarging an outer circumference of lower end 217. Enlarged lower end 217 may the be fitted on top portion of expansion head 218. A spring located on top of expansion head 218 fits into groove 217A of apparatus 211 thereby securing apparatus 211 to expansion head 218.

Tapered end 213 may assist inserting apparatus 211 into a pipe. It is contemplated that each wedge may have a cross sectional shape other than that shown which may allow for an upper end, shown 18 as tapered end 213, to be squeezed thereby expanding a lower end.

Such a cross sectional shape could be determined by one skilled in the art and may include for example a stepwise recess rather than angled surface 213A.

FIG. 13A shows flanging apparatus 200 with apparatus 211 attached to expansion head 218. Apparatus 211 is shown inserted into pipe end 219. Tapered end of mandrel 265 is retracted within body 210. FIG. 13B shows a plan view of apparatus 211 with annularly arranged flanging segments together.

10 FIG. 14A shows flanging apparatus 200 with tapered end •ooo• of mandrel 265 advanced outwardly away from body 210. Expansion head 218 and expansion head enlarging apparatus 211 are shown glee applying a perpendicular force against pipe 219. FIG. 14B is a plan view of expansion head enlarging apparatus 211 with annularly °*oo arranged flanging segments spread apart.

i o It would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that o• different sized expansion heads and expansion head enlarging apparatus to suit different pipe diameters could be removably attached to the body each embodiment of the flanging apparatus as required.

Preferably, the expansion head is removably attachable to the body, such as by a screw-thread. A pipe diameter may be of any size, for example 3/8 to 9 inches in diameter.

It is understood that the invention described in detail herein is susceptible to modification and variation, such that 19 embodiments other than those described herein are contemplated which nevertheless falls within the broad spirt and scope of the invention.

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Claims (19)

1. An apparatus for flanging a conduit comprising: a body comprising a bore; a first and second arm respectively attached to said body;and a mandrel locatable within said bore and between said first and second arms; wherein at least the first arm is movable in relation to said body and the first arm being operatively connected to said °P *0 10 mandrel. oo0000

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mandrel comprises a rack and the first arm comprises at least one tooth. l

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the tooth engages said Oi00

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the tooth engages a cog wheel located on said body that is operatively connected to a rack located on the mandrel.

The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a pawl located on the body which engages the mandrel to prevent the mandrel from being retracted into said body.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the pawl engages the rack of the mandrel.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the mandrel comprises an additional rack that is engaged by the pawl. 21

8. The apparatus of one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the first arm comprises at one end, a plurality of arcuate arranged teeth which engage the rack of the mandrel.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein respective first and second arms each comprise at one end a plurality of arcuate arranged teeth for engaging the rack of the mandrel.

The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one arm causes said mandrel to be retracted within 0°° said body. *0 10

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the second arm *0*00* 0 engages the mandrel to retract the mandrel into said body.

12. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims oo,°oo wherein the mandrel comprises a conical end.

13. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims 0 wherein an end of the mandrel is square in transverse cross section.

14. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims further comprising an expansion head attached to said body.

The apparatu§ of claim 14 whereby the expansion head is removably attachable to said body.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15 wherein an expansion head enlarging apparatus is located over the expansion head.

17. An apparatus for enlarging a diameter of an expansion head comprising: 22 a plurality of wedge shaped members annular arranged; and a spring located around an outer circumference of the plurality of wedged shaped members; said wedge shaped members have an upper end and a lower end; wherein the upper end of respective wedge shaped members are spaced apart from each other; and whereby in use, squeezing the upper end enlarges an outer circumference of the lower 00 end. 00 0 10

18. An apparatus for flanging a conduit substantially as 0:900 herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. An apparatus for enlarging a diameter of an expansion 0 boo.* head substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 27th day of March 2001 "IZAYA FRANCES GREENE by his Patent Attorneys FISHER ADAMS KELLY