US3926028A

US3926028A - Tube bender

Info

Publication number: US3926028A
Application number: US500156A
Authority: US
Inventors: Leonard J Kowal
Original assignee: IMP Eastman Corp
Current assignee: IMP Eastman Corp; Pullman Co
Priority date: 1974-08-23
Filing date: 1974-08-23
Publication date: 1975-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 1992-12-16
Also published as: DE2525577A1; JPS5126673A

Abstract

A manually operable tube bender having a male clamp portion adapted to be clamped fixedly in a female clamping device for supporting the tube bender during a tube bending operation. The clamp element is interconnected with the mandrel of the tube bender by a connector portion. In one form, a hook is formed integrally with the male clamp portion and in a second form, the hook is pivotally associated therewith.

Description

United j State s Patent n91 Kowai 5 5] Dec. 16, 1975 m mm. i

[75] "inventor: Leonard .IQK Wok Prospect [731 As signec: lmperial -Ea striion Corborntion,

t Qagorlll; [2 Filed- L: :APP; Non soonsg f 1 g s21 utstcla. suj rmtcmt 5a Field ts rchu (56] tReIerences Clted Q a U NITED STAIES PATENTS 263.050 -'iiliaazafsie hcm "7172i?" 1654.279 7-, 10/1951 Tomurin 2.7o2.o65-- 2/i955. Hanan-. 7211s,"! 5 1757.562 f" 8/l956'; Zules;.. 72/388' 2.796.785 60951 P hiippe .1}, 71 383:

5 {s71 5 A manually operable tube bender having a mule clump 5/1959 Km v al 72/. t-'.-

' 2.956.608 iii/I960 Vinkcniuldcr 72/3 3.555.990 lll97i Suding; 72/31 3.685.335 8/1972 Kuwul H 72/217 3.750.447 8/!973 'Ko\\'nl....; 7Z/3hH Franck 72/158 RZ-Jgh l0/l959 Primary Examiner-C. W. Lunhnm Assistant Examiner-Gene vP. Crosby Attorney. Agent. or Firm-Wegncr. Stellmnn. McCortL 721459. 458; 149.- sss. t

: r ABS'fRACT:

portion adapted to be clamped fixedly in u fem-tile clamping device for supporting the tube bender during atube bending operation. The clu'mp element is inter;

connected with the mandrel of r the tube bender by n connector portion. In one'jfortma hook is formed intogrally with the male clamp portion and in at second form. the hook is pivotaliy associated therewith.

' reclaims. l2 b awrn 'n ures U.S. Patent Dec. 16,1975 Sheetlof2 3,926,028

US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet2of2 3,926,028

TUBE BENDER BACKGROND OF THE INVENTION held against longitudinal movement during the bending operation by a hook which is disposed against a starting position of the bend and against which the tube is urged by the forces generated by the sliding movement of the shoe against the tube surface. Excellent examples of such tube benders are shown in the U.S. Patent owned by the assignee hereof, including Robert D. McIntosh U.S. Pat. No. 2,428,237; Joseph H. Zales et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,757,562; Leonard J. Kowal et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,796,784; Howard L. Philippe U.S. Pat. No. 2,796,785 and U.S. Pat. No. Re. 24,449; Leonard J. Kowal U.S. Pat. No. 2,887,917; Julius Gryniewicz U.S.

. Pat. No. 2,908,193; George E. Franck U.S. Pat. No.

2,979,976; Alfred R. Landis U.S. Pat. No. 2,986,195; George E. Franck U.S. Pat. No. 3,051,218; George E. Franck et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,077,221; Leonard J. Kowal U.S. Pat.-No. 3,685,335; and Leonard J. Kowal et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,447.

lllustratively, in the Franck et al.. U.S. Pat. No. 3,077,221, the hook is swingably mounted to the mandrel, and in Kowal U.S. Pat. No. 3,685,335 and Kowal et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,447,the hook is fixedly associated with the mandrel.

In Franck U.S. Pat. No. 2,702,065, a tube bending apparatus is shown having a base which may be clamped in a vise. A somewhat similar base adapted to be clamped in a vise is shown in Franck U.S. Pat. No. 2,762,415 (Re.27,426).

, SUMMARY or THE INVENTION The present invention comprehends an improved manually operable tube bender including a one-piece combination mandrel support and tube holder providing a facilitated tube bending operation and permitting facilitated use of the tube bender with the combination structure fixedly secured in a female clamping device. The tube bender is arranged for-facilitated swinging of the shoe in the tube bending operation with the structure so held. I

Adjustable stop means may be provided for positioning the end of the tube to be bentin a preselected relationship to the mandrel groove. In one form, the adjustable stop means is carried on the means securing the mandrel support and tube holder to the mandrel, and in another form, the stop means is carried on a post mounted to the mandrel support and tube holder structure.

In one form, the hook portion is formed integrally with the clamp element adapted to be clamped in-the female clamping device. In'another form. the hook element is swingably mounted thereto.

in one form, a mounting wall is provided adjacent the l'irilaildld and the hook portion is swingably mounted t ereto.

The securing means may comprise an elongated post having a threaded end secured to the mandrel and adapted to carry the adjustable stop. Alternatively, the mandrel supportand tube holder may be secured to the mandrel by a threaded means and the post may be secured to the mandrel support independently thereof.

In one illustrated embodiment, the mandrel sup ort and tube holder structure comprises an L-shaped block with the tube holder fonned integrally therewith as a recess in one end edge portion of the block.

The tube bender of the present invention is extremely simple and economical of construction while yet providing an improved facilitated tube bending Operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. I is a side elevation of a tube bender embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of a modified form of tube bender embodying the invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation of still another modified form of tube bender embodying the Invcn tion;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation of yet another modified form of tube bender embodying the invention;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation of a still further modified form of tube bender embodying the invention;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevation of yet a f urther modified form of tube bender embodying the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a manually operable tube bender generally designated 10 is shown to comprise a mandrel 11 having an arcuate tube bending groove 12. A shoe I3 is swingably connected to the mandrel by a link 14 and is manipulated by means of an elongated handle 15. Link 14 is pivotally connected to shoe. 13 by a pivot 16 and to the mandrel by a pivot 17. The tube T to be bent is urged into the mandrel groove 12 by movement of the shoe l3 thereagainst as the shoeis swung from a bend-start position 18.

Tube T is held against a longitudinal movement during the tube bending operation by a hook 19. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, hook 19 comprises an integral portion of a one-piece combination mandrel support and tube holder structure generally designated 20.

Structure 20 comprises an L-shaped block having a first portion21 defining a male clamp element adapted to be clamped fixedly in a female clamping device, such as a vise. Block 20 further includes a second portion 22 having an end edge portion 23 defining a recess 24 forrnlng hook 19 integrally with structure 20. End edge portion 23 further defines a connector 25 which is fixedly secured to mandrel 11 by means of suitable threaded means, such as screw 26, so as to dispose 3 hook 19 in alignment with the bend-start point 18, as best seen in FIG. 1.

The threaded securingmeans 26 is thuslydisposed remotely from the male clamp portion 21, as best seen in FIG.

tool.

Thus. as shown in FlG. '1, with the clampportion 21 disposed lowermost. such as between the female clamping elements of asupporting'vise or the like. the hook 19 is disposed substantially forwardly thereof for facilitated bending of the tube T."

Referring now to the embodiment of F108. 3 and 4.

2, for facilitated tube bending operation of the,

4 the mandrel 411. The adjustable stop post 427 is secured to the block 420.

in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12. a further modified form of tube bender generally designated 510 is shown to include a fixed hook 519 and an adjustable stop 530 carried on a post 527 secured to the mounting structure block 520. The connector portion 525 of the 3 block is secured to the mandrel 511 by a suitable screw "Each of the embodiments of FIGS. 3-12 is thusly a tube bender generally designated 110 is shown to comprise a tubebender. generally similar totube" bender but having a modified securing means 126 for fixedly securing thej'connector .portion ;125 to the mandrel 111. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. the securing means may comprise a post 12'I, havinga threaded end i 128 secured to the mandrel. The post includes an inner shoulder portion 129 clamping connector portion 125 to the mandrel when the threadedportion 128 is fully threaded thereto.-

A bended by the invention.-

The post is elongate and carries anadjustable stop 130 defining a shoulder 131 against which the end of tube T may abut. .The stop is slidablyc'arriedbn post 126 and is fixed in the desired position by means of a; suitble set screw 132.'Th'e position of stop=130 on the" post is preselected for heeeetteattthe bend andfacil tates production of a series of such tube bends by accurately positioningeach: tube by "the simple expedient'of a tube into said groove in a tubeben abutting the end thereof 'fwithfl the stop when the tub is I A further. modified fonn inserted into. the hoolo93nd tubibbrlqitigfgrobved vention g shbw i FIGS. 5 and v6 to comprisea manual tube bender-"gener ally designated 210 havinga-combination mandrel support and tube holder structure- 220. Structure 220.

differs from structure 20 of tube bender 10 in having a mounting wall 233 which defines connector 225 and a hook mounting portion 234; Connector 225 .is secured to the mandrel 211 byscrew 226 to dispose wall 233 in spaced relationshipito. theimandrel. A screw 235is extended through the hoolc' 'mounting portion 234 and threaded to the maridrel 21 1. Screw, 235 includes a cylindrical shank portion 236'pivotally carrying a hook member 237 for engagement with the tube adjacent the bend-start position 2 18 of the mandrel as shown in FlGS. 5 and 6. Thehook is swung into engagement with; the tube for facilitated disposition {of f the tube' to tbe' bent in the toolduring the bendingopera tion.

Referring now to the crribo'difmentof FIGSJ 8, a tube bender; generallyde'sig't'ta'te'd Q3111isifgenerally similar to tube bender i210 but having an adjustable stop 330 mountedon alpost327-tand isshown to iii-t clude a pivotal hook.337]ca'rried on ascrew"335.simi-' larly to hook237 andscrew 235 01 tube bender 210.

Post 327 i threaded t'ojthemandrel in a manner similar to the threading'of post' 127 to mandrel ;1 1 1,of bender 110. Thus, tube benderf310 is similar 'totubelbender 110 in having an "adjustable stopfmounted on apost defining the means" for securing the mounting structure to the mandrel. andsimilar to tube'b'ender 210 in having a pivotable hook. a i

Referring now to'FIGS. and l0, anothervmodified or form of tube bender embodying the invention generally designated 410 is shown? to comprise. a tube bgndcrjai generally similar to tube bender'310 buthavin'g'a'sepa-I.

rate screw 426 for securing the mountingwali'433to shy-defining said book. 45 i 1 claim:

.1 1. ma manually operable tube bender having a man- "drel provided with a peripheral tube receiving groove. a shoe swin'gablymo unted to said mandrel, and a handle for swinging said shoe about said mandrel for urging ing operation, the

improvement comprising:".- m t acne-piece combination mandrel support and tube holder' having a firstinteg'ral Q portion defining a vmale clamp element adapted to beclamped fixedly in a-female clamping device for supporting the tube bender duringa tubebending operation, a second I integral portion defining a hook. adapted to be engaged by the" tube for preventing longitudinal movement thereof during the tube bending opera- .tion. and a third integral portion defining a connector; and 1 securing means for fixedly securing said connector to said mandrel. 2. The tube bender of claim 1 wherein said combination mandrel support and tube -holder comprises a block having an edge portion-provided with a recess {3. The tube bender of claim 1 wherein said combina- -tion mandrelfsupporfand tube holder comprises an -L shaped block having an end edge 'portion provided the combination mandrel support and tube holder.

" 5.The "tubebenderof claim 1 further including ad- 1: ustable-istop means "carried'by said combination man- "dreiisupport andtube holder in alignment with said hook for; positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.

6. The tube benderof claim 1 furtherincluding ad- ,ju'stable stopme'ans carried by saidsecuring-means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselectedrelationship to said mandrel groove. w y p '7. The tube bender of claim 1 further including adjustable stop means carried by said securing means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said ,rna'ndrelj groove. said securing means comprising an elongate post having a threaded end secured to said mandreL- t I 8. The tube bender of claim 1 further including adjustable stop means carried by said securing means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent ina preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.'-said securing ,meansfcomprising an elongatepost" and said adjustable stop includes shoulder means slidably'fmounted thereon.

9. The tube benderjof claim 1 furtherincludinga adjustable stop means including a' post secured to said combination rnandrel' support. and 3 tube holder and adjustable shoulder means onsaid post in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.

10. In amanually operabletube bender having a mandrel provided with a peripheral tube receiving groove. a shoe swingably mounted to said mandrel, and r a handle for swinging said shoe about said mandrel for urging a tube into said groove in a tube bending opera tion, the improvement comprising: a

a one-piece support having'a first integral portion g l l. The tube benderof claimill) wherein saidsupport defines a mountingwall spaced adjacent said mandrel defining said connector and a hook mounting portion adjacent said connector," said hook,ibeing mounted 'to said hook"mounting'portio'n.i W

said second securing means comprises a pivot clement extending between said mounting wall and said tnandrel, and said hook is pivotally mounted on saitl pivot element.

13. The tube bender of claim 10 wherein said su port definesa mounting wall spaced adjacent said mandrel. said connector portion comprising an extension oi said mounting wall.

14. The tube bender of claim 10 further including adjustable stop means carried by said support in ulignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tuhc to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.

15. The tube bender of claim 10 further including adjustable stop means carried by said first securing means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.

16'. The tube bender of claim 10 further includin adjustable stop means carried by said first securing means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove, said first securing means comprising an elongate post having a threaded end secured to said mandrel.

17, The tube bender of claim 10 further including adjustable stop means carried by said first securing means-in alignment with said hook for positioning the endof the tube to be bent in a preselected relationshi to said mandrel groove. said first securing means comprising an elongate postand said adjustable stop means includesshoulder means slidably mounted thereon. l8.f= 'The tube bender of claim 10 further including adjustable stop'rneans including a post secured to said support and adjustableshoulder means on said post in alignment vwith said hook for positioning the end of the 12. The tube bender of claim 10 wherein defines a mounting wall spaced adjacent said mandrel,

tube to be bent-in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.

# l l l

Claims

1. In a manually operable tube bender having a mandrel provided with a peripheral tube receiving groove, a shoe swingably mounted to said mandrel, and a handle for swinging said shoe about said mandrel for urging a tube into said groove in a tube bending operation, the improvement comprising: a one-piece combination mandrel support and tube holder having a first integral portion defining a male clamp element adapted to be clamped fixedly in a female clamping device for supporting the tube bender during a tube bending operation, a second integral portion defining a hook adapted to be engaged by the tube for preventing longitudinal movement thereof during the tube bending operation, and a third integral portion defining a connector; and securing means for fixedly securing said connector to said mandrel.

2. The tube bender of claim 1 wherein said combination mandrel support and tube holder comprises a block having an edge portion provided with a recess defining said hook.

3. The tube bender of claim 1 wherein said combination mandrel support and tube holder comprises an L-shaped block having an end edge portion provided with a recess defining said hook.

4. The tube bender of claim 1 wherein said securing means is spaced substantially from said first portion of the combination mandrel support and tube holder.

5. The tube bender of claim 1 further including adjustable stop means carried by said combination mandrel support and tube holder in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.

6. The tube bender of claim 1 further including adjustable stop means carried by said securing means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.

7. The tube bender of claim 1 further including adjustable stop means carried by said securing means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove, said securing means comprising an elongate post having a threaded end secured to said mandrel.

8. The tube bender of claim 1 further including adjustable stop means carried by said securing means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove, said securing means comprising an elongate post and said adjustable stop includes shoulder means slidably mounted thereon.

9. The tube bender of claim 1 further including a adjustable stop means including a post secured to said combination mandrel support and tube holder and adjustable shoulder means on said post in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.

10. In a manually operable tube bender having a mandrel provided with a peripheral tube receiving groove, a shoe swingably mounted to said mandrel, and a handle for swinging said shoe about said mandrel for urging a tube into said groove in a tube bending operation, the improvement comprising: a one-piece support having a first integral portion defining a male clamp element adapted to be clamped fixedly in a female clamping device for supporting the tube bender during a tube bending operation, and a second integral portion defining a connector; first securing means for fixedly securing said connector to said mandrel; a hook adapted to be engaged by the tube for preventing longitudinal movement thereof during the tube bending operation; and second securing means for movably securing the hook to said support adjacent said connector.

11. The tube bender of claim 10 wherein said support defines a mounting wall spaced adjacent said mandrel defining said connector and a hook mounting portion adjacent said connector, said hook being mounted to said hook mounting portion.

12. The tube bender of claim 10 wherein said support defines a mounting wall spaced adjacent said mandrel, said second securing means comprises a pivot element extending between said mounting wall and said mandrel, and said hook is pivotally mounted on said pivot element.

13. The tube bender of claim 10 wherein said support defines a mounting wall spaced adjacent said mandrel, said connector portion comprising an extension of said mounting wall.

14. The tube bender of claim 10 further including adjustable stop means carried by said support in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.

16. The tube bender of claim 10 further including adjustable stop means carried by said first securing means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove, said first securing means comprising an elongate post having a threaded end secured to said mandrel.

17. The tube bender of claim 10 further including adjustable stop means carried by said first securing means in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove, said first securing means comprising an elongate post and said adjustable stop means includes shoulder means slidably mounted thereon.

18. The tube bender of claim 10 further including adjustable stop means including a post secured to said support and adjustable shoulder means on said post in alignment with said hook for positioning the end of the tube to be bent in a preselected relationship to said mandrel groove.