Hand tool for expanding pipe ends and pressing sleeves onto fittings

• US 20030204943A1
• Filed: 04/16/2002
• Published: 11/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Malco Products, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Malco Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Geurts, Dennis G.
• Granted Patent: US 6,862,766 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/237
• CPC Class Codes: B21D 41/026 by means of mandrels
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 27/10 inserting fittings into hoses
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5367 Coupling to conduit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/539 Plier type means

Abstract

A hand tool for expanding an end of a pipe to insert a fitting therein and for pressing a retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting. The tool includes: (a) a replaceable, expandable head for insertion within an end of the pipe; and (b) a gripping and pressing member to grip the fitting and the retaining sleeve and to press the retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting.

Claims

1. A hand tool for expanding an end of a pipe to insert a fitting therein and for pressing a retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting, the tool comprising:

(a) a replaceable, expandable head adapted for insertion within an end of the pipe; and

(b) a gripping and pressing member adapted to grip the fitting and the retaining sleeve and to press the retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting.

2. The hand tool of claim 1, further comprising an operating handle driving the head and the gripping and pressing member.

3. The hand tool of claim 2, wherein the operating handle simultaneously drives the head and the gripping and pressing member.

4. The hand tool of claim 2, further comprising a ratchet cooperating with the operating handle to permit incremental expansion of the expandable head and incremental operation of the gripping and pressing member, and a spring opposing the motion of the ratchet.

5. The hand tool of claim 4, wherein the ratchet further comprises a toothed gear, a hinged pawl driven by the operating handle, and a dog permitting rotation of the toothed gear in one direction only.

6. The hand tool of claim 1, further comprising a tapered pin slidingly engaging the head and causing expansion of the head as the tapered pin is slid axially into the head.

7. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the expandable head can be screwed onto the hand tool.

8. A hand tool for expanding an end of a pipe to insert a fitting therein and for pressing a retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting, the tool comprising

(a) a replaceable, expandable head adapted for insertion within an end of the pipe;

(b) a gripping and pressing member adapted to grip the fitting and the retaining sleeve and to press the retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting;

(c) an operating handle simultaneously driving the head and the gripping and pressing member; and

(d) a ratchet cooperating with the operating handle to permit incremental expansion of the expandable head and incremental operation of the gripping and pressing member, and a spring opposing the motion of the ratchet.

9. The hand tool of claim 8, wherein the ratchet further comprises a toothed gear, a hinged pawl driven by the operating handle, and a dog permitting rotation of the toothed gear in one direction only.

10. The hand tool of claim 8, further comprising a tapered pin slidingly engaging the head and causing expansion of the head as the tapered pin is slid axially into the head.

11. The hand tool of claim 8, wherein the expandable head can be screwed onto the hand tool.

12. A hand tool for expanding an end of a pipe to insert a fitting therein and for pressing a retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting, the tool comprising:

(a) a replaceable, expandable head adapted for insertion within an end of the pipe;

(b) a gripping and pressing member adapted to grip the fitting and the retaining sleeve and to press the retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting;

(c) an operating handle simultaneously driving the head and the gripping and pressing member;

(d) a ratchet cooperating with the operating handle to permit incremental expansion of the expandable head and incremental operation of the gripping and pressing member, and a spring opposing the motion of the ratchet; and

(e) a tapered pin slidingly engaging the head and causing expansion of the head as the tapered pin is slid axially into the head.

13. The hand tool of claim 12, wherein the expandable head can be screwed onto the hand tool.

14. The hand tool of claim 12, wherein the ratchet further comprises a toothed gear, a hinged pawl driven by the operating handle, and a dog permitting rotation of the toothed gear in one direction only.