Band tensioning tool and calibration device therefor

Abstract

A method and apparatus for securing a cable tie about an object is described. Further, a relatively compact banding tool that facilitates cable tie tensioning is described.

Claims

1. A band cutting apparatus for a banding tool, comprising: a primary handle; a band cut off handle configured to move towards the primary handle; a cutter arm operatively interconnected to the cut off handle; a knife configured to move linearly between a first position and a second position, the knife having a recess, a cutting edge and a deformation surface, the recess configured to receive a protrusion of the cutter arm, wherein engagement of the protrusion within the recess operatively interconnects the cutter arm to the knife; a blade housing having a first channel for operative receipt of the knife, the knife positioned away from an open, distal end of the first channel when in the first position, and positioned adjacent to the distal end of the first channel when in the second position, and a second channel adapted to receive a band, the second channel oriented perpendicular to the first channel and having a first opening near the distal end of the first channel, and a second opening spaced from the first opening, the first opening further comprising a blade edge that cooperates with the cutting edge of the knife to sever the band positioned in the second channel between the distal end of the first channel and the blade edge, the second channel having a width to receive the band wherein the width defines a lateral direction; the knife cutting edge having a curved shape that extends in the lateral direction across the knife; the knife deformation surface spaced from the cutting edge and having a center planar surface and a first and a second planar side surface, the center planar surface having a first side edge and a second side edge spaced laterally from and not co-linear with the first side edge, the first planar side surface abutting the center planar surface along the first side edge and extending outwardly in the lateral direction from the first side edge of the center planar surface at an angle relative to the center planar surface and the second planar side surface abutting the center planar surface along the second side edge and extending in the lateral direction outwardly from the second side edge of the center planar surface at an angle relative to the center planar surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first channel has an internal profile, comprising a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a third planar surface, wherein said second and third planar surfaces are generally orthogonal to said first planar surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said knife has a first surface and a second surface that correspond with the second planar surface and the third planar surface of the first channel.

4. The band cutting apparatus of claim 2, wherein said second channel has an internal profile comprising a first planar surface and a second planar surface positioned parallel to and spaced from said first planar surface, and a third planar surface and a fourth planar surface positioned parallel to and spaced from said third planar surface, and wherein said first and second planar surfaces of said second channel are orthogonal to said third and fourth planar surfaces of said second channel.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade housing is a single homogenous piece of material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for interconnecting the knife to said cutter arm.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the knife is operatively interconnected to the cutter arm by way of a pin, wherein rotation of the cutter arm moves the knife from the first position to the second position.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein walls of the first channel substantially correspond with an outer profile of the knife.

9. A banding tool comprising: a cutter arm; a single piece blade member having a first channel defined by a first planar surface and a second planar surface, the first channel defining a first opening and configured to receive a band, and a blade edge spaced from the first opening, a knife having a first lateral surface that aligns with the first planar surface of the first channel and a second lateral surface that aligns with the second planar surface of the first channel, and having a recess configured to operatively receive a protrusion of the cutter arm, wherein rotation of the cutter arm moves the knife linearly between the first and second lateral surfaces from a first position to a second position, the linear motion defining a longitudinal axis of the knife, the knife having a curved band cutting edge that extends from the first lateral surface to the second lateral surface and is oriented in a plane parallel with the longitudinal axis of the knife, and a buckle deformation portion having a center planar surface and a first and a second planar side surface, the first planar side surface abutting the center planar surface and extending laterally between the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface at an angle relative to the center planar surface and the second planar side surface abutting the center planar surface and extending laterally between the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface at an angle relative to the center planar surface.

10. The banding tool of claim 9, wherein the blade member includes a second channel adapted to receive the band, the second channel positioned orthogonal to the first channel and having a second opening near the first opening of the first channel, and a third opening spaced from the second opening, the second opening comprising the blade edge.

11. A band cutting apparatus for a banding tool, comprising: a head; a cutoff handle operatively associated with said head; a tension handle associated with said head; a cutter arm rotatably interconnected to said head; a blade housing having a first channel and a second channel, said first channel having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, said first channel adapted to receive a knife, said second channel have a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, said second channel adapted to receive a band and the width of said second channel defining a lateral direction, said first opening of said first channel being proximate and spaced from said first opening of said second channel, and a blade edge proximate said first opening of said second channel and wherein said first channel, said second channel, and said blade edge are formed as a monolithic structure; a knife positioned within said first channel of said blade housing, said knife having a recess for receipt of a protrusion of said cutter arm, which operatively interconnects said cutter arm to said knife, wherein movement of the cutter arm initiated by movement of said cutoff handle moves said knife linearly within said first channel between a first position distal from said blade edge to a second position proximate said blade edge, and said knife having a curved cutting edge that extends in the lateral direction across said knife and a deformation surface spaced from said cutting edge and having a center planar surface and a first and a second planar side surface, said center planar surface having a first side edge and a second side edge laterally spaced from said first side edge, said first planar side surface abutting said center planar surface along said first side edge and extending in the lateral direction laterally outwardly from said first side edge of said center planar surface at an angle relative to said center planar surface and said second planar side surface abutting said center planar surface along said second side edge and extending laterally outwardly from said second side edge of said center planar surface at an angle relative to said center planar surface.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first channel has an internal profile, comprising a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a third planar surface, wherein said second and third planar surfaces are generally orthogonal to said first planar surface.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said knife has a first surface and a second surface that correspond with said second planar surface and said third planar surface of said first channel.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first channel and second channel are orthogonal.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein movement of said knife between said first position and said second position defines a longitudinal direction and said deformation surface is longitudinally spaced from said cutting edge.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein walls of said first channel substantially correspond with an outer profile of said knife.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

(2) FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view showing a band tensioning device of the prior art;

(3) FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view showing a knife and blade of the prior art;

(4) FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 is a side elevation view opposite to that of FIG. 3;

(7) FIG. 6 is another bottom perspective view;

(8) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a blade of one embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the blade and knife one embodiment of the present invention;

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the blade of one embodiment of the present invention;

(14) FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the blade of one embodiment of the present invention;

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the knife of one embodiment of the present invention;

(16) FIG. 15 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the banding tool is a pneumatic device;

(17) FIG. 16 is a partial top perspective view of a band tensioning device of another embodiment of the present invention;

(18) FIG. 17 is a partial front perspective view of the band tensioning device of FIG. 16, wherein the knife is in a first, retracted position of use;

(19) FIG. 18 is a partial front perspective view of the band tensioning device of FIG. 16, wherein the knife is in a second, cutting position of use;

(20) FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a calibration tool used with the band tensioning device of one embodiment of the present invention;

(21) FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a calibration tool used with the band tensioning device of one embodiment of the present invention;

(22) FIG. 21 is a detailed partial perspective view showing a band in the calibration tool;

(23) FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a calibration tool interconnected to a band tensioning tool; and

(24) FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 21.

(25) FIG. 24 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a band and buckle.

(26) To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:

(27) TABLE-US-00001 # Component 2 Band tensioning tool 6 Tension block 10 Front gripper 14 Band 18 Proximal end 22 Objects 26 Distal end 30 Platform 34 Lateral opening 38 Gripping pin 52 Proximal end 56 Lateral opening 60 Gripping pin 64 Proximal end 70 Blade 74 Tool head 78 Pin 82 Knife 100 Banding tensioning tool 104 Head 108 Handle 112 Tension handle 116 Cutoff handle 120 Hook 124 Blade 128 Knife 132 Front gripper 136 Spring 140 Rod 144 Transfer lever 148 Tension block 152 Gripper 156 Band 158 Buckle 160 Cutter arm 164 Housing 168 Knife channel 172 Channel 176 Blade edge 178 Arrow 180 Cutting Edge 184 Deformation Surface 200 Pneumatic tool 300 Band tensioning tool 304 Head 306 Handle 312 Tension handle 316 Cutoff handle 324 Blade 328 Knife 332 Front gripper 370 Blade housing 372 Channel 374 Protrusion 378 Recess 382 Cutter link 400 Calibration device 404 Gauge body 408 Hook 412 Slot 416 Magnet 420 Distal end 424 Plate 428 Screw 432 Aperture 436 Stop 440 Stationary arm 444 Movable arm 446 Band head 448 Proximal end 452 Adjustment screw 456 End 460 Opening 464 Band 468 Forward opening 472 Rear opening 478 Inner surface

(28) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(29) FIGS. 3-6 show a banding tool 100 of embodiments of the present invention that is designed to tension and secure a band clamp comprising a band and a band locking head. The banding tool 100 includes a head 104 interconnected to a handle 108. A tension handle 112 and a cutoff handle 116 are rotatably interconnected to the head 104 and move relative to the handle 108. A hook 120 is also rotatably interconnected to the head 104 and is adapted to fix the tension of a band inserted into the head 104. The head 104 also accommodates a blade 124 that is operatively associated with a knife 128. As in the existing banding tools, a front gripper 132 is used to tension the band by operation of the tension handle 112. The operation of this embodiment of the present invention is very similar to that shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,726 mentioned above.

(30) FIGS. 7 and 8 show the inner workings of one embodiment of the present invention. The handle 108 includes a spring 136 that is positioned about a rod 140. The rod 140 cooperates with a transfer lever 144 to dictate the amount of tension that can be applied to the band. In operation, the tension handle 112 is cycled toward and away from the handle 108 to move a tension block 148 and a gripper to tension the band 156. Again, the spring 136 position within the handle 108 will dictate the maximum tension that can be applied to the band as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,726. Once the desired tension is achieved, the hook 120 is moved toward the handle 108 to lock the band at the desired tension. The cutoff handle 116 then is rotated towards the handle 108 which rotates the cutter arm 160 and moves the knife 128 downwardly to sever the band 156. Again, the mechanism contemplated by this embodiment of the present invention is similar to the Applicant's patents mentioned above.

(31) FIGS. 9-13 show the improved blade 124 and knife 128 of some embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, the blade of the prior art is replaced by a housing 164, that is statically interconnected to the head 104. The housing 164 includes the blade 124 with an integrated knife channel 168. The knife channel 168 may have a square profile that prevents significant rotation of the knife 128 within the knife channel 168. The blade 124 also includes a channel 172 for receipt of the band. As shown in FIG. 10, the knife 128 includes a deformation surface 184 formed by a center surface 184a and first and second side surfaces 184b extending laterally from and oriented at an angle relative to the center surface 184a. As shown in FIG. 13, the band channel 168 is adapted to receive a band such that the blade edge is positioned beneath the band and a knife 128 is positioned above the band.

(32) Referring to FIG. 11, in operation, when the cutoff handle 116 is actuated, the cutter arm 160 rotates along arrow 178, which moves the knife 128 downwardly to sever the band. As described in detail below, this configuration maintains a tolerance between the blade edge and the knife 128 such that stainless steel bands can be severed.

(33) FIG. 14 shows the knife 128 of one embodiment of the present invention. The knife 128 has a longitudinal dimension L.sup.1 that is parallel to the length of a band position in the channel 172 and a lateral dimension L.sub.2 that extends between lateral surfaces 129 and 130. The knife 128 includes a cutting edge 180 and a deformation surface 184. That is, knife 128 may employ an arcuate cutting edge 180 and a cable tie head deformation surface 184. The cutting edge 180 initially contacts the band 156 and is used with the blade to sever the band. Thereafter, the deformation surface 184 contacts the cable tie's locking feature, e.g., the cable tie head 158, and deforms the same.

(34) As one of ordinary skill will appreciate, the tool described herein can be made to operate pneumatically as shown in FIG. 15. More specifically, the tensioning arm and cutoff handle can replace by a pneumatic system 200 such that pneumatic forces are used to operate the tension block and other associated components described herein. Such systems are described in the Applicant's patent described above.

(35) FIGS. 16-18 show a band tensioning tool 300 of another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the knife 328 and associated components are made thinner to accommodate bands or reduced width. As in the embodiments provided above, the knife 328 travels in a channel provided in a blade housing 370. Because the knife 328 is of a reduced profile, it is impossible to provide a pin/clevis interconnection between a cutter arm 360 and the knife 328.

(36) To address this issue, the cutter arm 360 is provided with a protrusion 374 operatively engaged within a recess 378 provided in the knife 328. The protrusion 374 is designed to travel within the recess when the cutter arm 360 is moved. Again, the knife is moved downwardly by rotation of the cutter arm 360 wherein an edge of the knife cooperates with the blade 324 to sever the band. The operation of one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 18. Here, when a cutoff handle (See 116 of FIG. 3) is moved, a cutter link 382 moves in the direction of arrow A. The cutter link 382 rotates the cutter arm 360 in the direction of arrow B which forces the protrusion 374 to move downwardly. The protrusion riding in the recess 378 moves the knife 328 downwardly wherein an edge thereof cooperates with an edge of the blade 324 to sever a band. Moving the cutter arm 360 in opposite direction moves the cutter links 382 back into the tool head 304, which rotates the cutter arm 360 and protrusion 374 to retract the knife back into the blade housing 370.

(37) As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, is often desirable to periodically check and adjust the tension output of the tools described above. That is, it is necessary to maintain a tool's tension accuracy to ensure bands are tensioned as expected. Accordingly, calibration devices are normally employed that selectively interconnect to a band tensioning tool to verify the functionality of the same. One drawback of traditional calibration devices is that they are usually complex, require precision parts, are difficult to calibrate themselves, and require considerable operator skill to ensure accurate readings. This last drawback is often due to a lack of visual feedback provided by the calibration tool.

(38) Accordingly, FIGS. 19-23 show a calibration device 400 of one embodiment of the present invention used to calibrate the band tensioning tools described herein. The calibration device 400 includes a gauge body 404 that terminates in a hook 408. The gauge body 404 also includes a slot 412. In operation, the hook 408 is engaged onto a portion of the tool head (see FIG. 21). The slot 412 accepts a portion of the tool's cutter arm which helps properly align the calibration device 400 in the proper location. The calibration device 400 may be further secured to the tool head with a magnet 416.

(39) The calibration device 400 further includes a distal end 420 that secures a plate 424 with slotted holes (not shown). The plate 424 is interconnected to the distal end by at least one screw 428. The plate 424 includes an aperture 432, which will be described in further detail below. Finally, the calibration tool may include a stop 436 located on a stationary arm 440 that spans from the gauge body 404 and the distal end 420. Finally, the calibration device 400 includes a movable arm 444 associated with the gauge body 404 at the calibration tool's proximal end 448. The stop 436 prevents the arm 440 from moving past a predetermined point.

(40) Some embodiments of the present invention include an adjustment screw 452 that selectively engages an end 456 of the arm 444, whereby the initial location of the movable arm end 456 is set such that the movable arm is pre-loaded towards the stop 436. The movable arm 444 includes an opening 460 that cooperates with the aperture 432 in the plate 424, which will be described in further detail below

(41) FIGS. 21-23 illustrate how the calibration device 400 of one embodiment of the present invention is used to calibrate a band tensioning tool 300. As one of ordinary skill the art will appreciate, to accurately calibrate the tension band tensioning tool, the calibration device 400 must first be calibrated. Referring to FIG. 21, calibration device is done by inserting a band 464 through a forward opening 468 in the movable arm 444, wherein the band head 446 is abutted against the movable arm 444. The band 464 is also inserted through a rear opening 472. A predetermined tension is added to the band in the direction of arrow C, which incrementally moves the movable arm end 456 and the movable arm 444 towards the stop 436. The tension applied to the band 464 will move the arm end 456 a predetermined amount. Thereafter, the screws in the plate (428 of FIG. 19) are loosened and the plate 424 is moved along arrow D or E (FIG. 19) to align the aperture 432 and the arm end opening 460. Subsequently, whenever a band positioned within the calibration tool and tensioned with the band tensioning tool to that degree, the aperture 423 and the arm end opening 460 will be aligned.

(42) In operation, the gauge body 404 is first hooked on to an upper portion of the blade housing 370. This aligns the rear opening 472 and the forward opening 468 of the calibration device 400 with the opening provided by the blade housing 470 that receives the free end of the band. Hooking the gauge body 404 onto the blade housing 370 also positions an inner surface 478 of the gauge body 404 in such a way to prevent movement of the cutter link 382, which prevents movement of the knife 328. The slot 412 receives the cutter arms 360 to position the calibration device laterally with respect to the primary axis of the band tensioning tool 300. Finally, the magnet 416 provided by the calibration device will firmly secure it to the blade housing 370.

(43) After the calibration device is secured to the band tensioning tool, a band 464 is placed through the forward opening 468, the rear opening 472, and through the channel 372 provided by the blade housing 370. After the band 464 passes through the channel 372 it engages the gripper members as described above. Cycling of a tension handle 312 towards the handle 308 tensions the band 464 and moves the movable arm 444 towards the stop 436. When a predetermined tension is achieved, (i.e., the tension the calibration device was tested to—the calibration tension), as indicated by the band tensioning tool, the operator assesses the aperture 432 positioned in the plate and the arm opening 460. If the aperture 432 and the opening 460 are aligned, the tension provided by the tool equals the calibration tension. If the aperture 432 and the opening 460 do not coincide, the applied tension is incorrect and the band tensioning tool must be repaired.

(44) Alternatively, tension may be applied until the aperture 432 and the opening 460 are aligned and a tension reading is obtained from the tool. If the tension reading does not correspond with the calibration tension, the band tensioning tool must be adjusted.

(45) This method of assessing band tension is ideal as light passing through the aligned openings will indicate a predetermined tension has been achieved. That is, when the apertures 432 and the opening 460 are in line, light will shine through the calibration tool. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the light coming through pin holes and solid bodies are very detectable by the human eye. Prior art tools rely on the ability of the operator to find markings, which is which may be fraught with errors.

(46) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, it is to be understood that the invention(s) described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.