Double flare gauge and forming tool for tubing

Details Double flare gauge and forming tool for tubing Double flare gauge and forming tool for tubing

1999-10-15

2001-03-13

Crane, Daniel C. (Department: 3725)

Metal deforming

By use of non-deforming work-gripping clamp and relatively...

Clamp structure constitutes sole initial metal-deforming...

C072S370030, C072S370100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06199421

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a principal aspect, the present invention relates to tool set for forming the end of metallic tubing, and more particularly, to a tool set for forming a double flare on the end of deformable tubing, particularly metal tubing.
Vehicle brace lines, transmission lines, fuel lines and the like, typically use metal tubing with one or both ends formed with a double flare bend and a formed seat. That is, such tubing is generally metal tubing, and the open end is typically deformed to flare outwardly and then inwardly with a seat defined at the outer end surface of the tubing on the inwardly deformed portion. The double flare and seat is desired in order to effect a seal between the tubing and a fitting and to enhance the retention of the tubing by the fitting.
Various tool sets are available for flaring thin wall tubing of steel, aluminum or copper. The tool set typically includes a bar or jig assembly which holds the tubing in a fixed position with the end of the tubing projecting a fixed distance outwardly from the jig or holding bar. An adapter or anvil is provided for each size of tubing to deform the end of the tubing into a double flare form. A yoke assembly is provided for driving the anvil or adapter against the end of tubing to effect desired deformation and for finishing the seating surface at the end of the tubing.
FIGS. 1
,
2
and
3
of the present application illustrate a prior art double flare tool set of the type referenced.
The adapters or anvils used in the prior art tool sets are generally comprised of a series of cylindrical sections having a common axis with a cylindrical stud projecting from one end and a detent surface at the opposite end. The adapter thus typically includes three cylindrical sections of increasing diameter beginning with the stud which has a diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of tubing to be formed. The opposite end cylindrical section has an axial extent corresponding to the distance the tubing to be formed must extend from the jig or holding bar. The middle cylindrical section has a surface or land adjacent and transverse to the stud for deforming the end of tubing.
A problem encountered with such a construction relates to the opposite end cylindrical section. That end section may not accurately provide a means to control the amount of tubing extending from the bar assembly or jig. Visual alignment is required with the prior art tool set and such alignment is not highly accurate. Thus, there has remained a need to provide an improved means for positioning tubing to be deformed within the jig or holder bar.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention comprises a tool kit or set which includes a jig or bar assembly for holding a length of tubing, a combination gauge and tube forming anvil or adapter and a yoke and cone assembly for driving the adapter and forming the end of a tube or tubing in a double flare configuration. The combination gauge and tube forming anvil includes a projecting stud extending axially from a cylindrical, center body section. Surrounding the base of the stud at the connection to the body section is an annular shaping surface. The opposite side of the center body section defines a datum plane or land. A third coaxial, cylindrical section of lesser diameter extends from the cylindrical center body section thus defining a radially projecting flange spaced from the datum plane to the distal end of the adapter thereby defining a distance correlated to the diameter of a tube to be deformed by the adapter or anvil. The outer end of the anvil opposite the stud includes an axial recess for receiving a driving member associated with the cone and yoke assembly.
In operation or use, the adapter or anvil is placed upon the bar assembly or jig with the outer surface or distal end resting on the bar assembly or jig and the center flange projecting over an opening through the jig wherein a tube is positioned. The flange of the adapter thus provides a limit or stop (datum plane) for the tube extending through the bar assembly or jig. The position of the flange relative to the distal end surface of the adapter is correlated with the size of the tubing to be formed. Upon positioning a tube in the jig or bar assembly, and adjusting its extent or projection from the surface of the assembly, the bar assembly is tightened about the tubing to hold it rigidly in place. Thereafter, the adapter or anvil, and more particularly, the stud is fitted into the tubing and driven against the end of the tubing by the cone and yoke assembly. This step deforms the end of the tubing in a double fold or double flare. The adapter or anvil is then removed and the cone assembly is directly impinged against the end of the tubing to deform and form the seat in the end of the tubing. The construction of the adapter or anvil with the center flange that limits or provides a stop against which the tubing is engaged enables close and exact positioning of the tubing in the jig or bar assembly so that during the flaring operation, bending of the end of the tubing will be effected in a correct manner in each instance.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved double flare tool kit or set.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a double flare tool kit which enables positioning of a tube, and more particularly, the end of a tube in an exact and fixed position in a jig or bar assembly for engagement by an adapter or anvil to effect the double flare bend in the end of the tube.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an economical, easy to use, rugged double flare tool kit wherein in the results associated with use of the kit are highly reproducible and exact.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3421354 (1969-01-01), Strybel
patent: 3826119 (1974-07-01), Marotto
patent: 4535616 (1985-08-01), Eason
patent: 6062060 (2000-05-01), Nguyen
Lisle Corporation Catalog T-57, Copyright 1997, p. 46, No. 31310, Double Flaring Tool Set.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Double flare gauge and forming tool for tubing does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Double flare gauge and forming tool for tubing, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Double flare gauge and forming tool for tubing will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2509325