POWER DRIVEN ACCESSORY DRIVE FOR A CLAMPABLE PIPE BENDER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the benefit of request GB2500427.6 filed Jan. 13, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 11,679,432 to Savard, issued Jun. 20, 2023, entitled “Clampable Pipe Bender for Restricted Area,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The The present invention relates generally to pipe bending equipment and more particularly to a power driven accessory drive for a clampable pipe bender designed for use in restricted areas such as lifting platforms and nacelles, or on a tripod as known in the art.

2. Description of Related Art

[0003]The use of pipe benders has been known for years, but as work practices change, so is the need for adapted tools which can operate in the manner that people work currently. Modern construction sites frequently employ scissor lifts, nacelles, and other elevated work platforms that allow workers to perform tasks at various heights without the need for ladders. While these platforms provide convenience and safety, they also present unique challenges for pipe bending operations due to limited workspace.

[0004]The present inventor previously addressed some of these challenges in U.S. Pat. No. 11,679,432, which discloses a clampable pipe bender designed specifically for restricted areas. That invention provides a pipe bender that can be clamped to guardrails or other structural elements of a lifting platform, with a pivotable base plate that allows the pipe to be bent within the confined space without the long end of the pipe sweeping across a wide area.

[0005]However, it has been found in practice that while the manual pipe bender of the prior patent works well for smaller diameter pipes, bending larger diameter pipes requires substantial physical effort. The manual operation, which involves repeatedly pulling on the pipe then rotating the tool repeatably, step by step until the pipe is bent to the desired angle. This repeated operation cannot be done on large diameter pipes because it requires too much force. Also, it requires a skilled operator to do that effectively. This is especially problematic when working on elevated platforms where worker fatigue can lead to safety concerns.

[0006]There is therefore a need for an accessory that can provide powered assistance to the clampable pipe bender, to facilitate work and expand the usefulness of the pipe bender tool. Combined with a tool that is either built-in or a tool such as a drill that workers already have available on the job site.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008]In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a power driven accessory drive for a clampable pipe bender. The accessory drive comprises a transmission part having an output. The transmission part comprises a gear reduction mechanism configured to convert rotational input into high-torque rotation at the output. A power drive is operatively coupled to the transmission part to provide said rotational input. The accessory drive further comprises a pipe bending arm coupled to the output of the transmission part and configured to pivot when the transmission part is driven. The pipe bending arm has at least one pipe pusher configured to engage and bend a pipe. A mounting assembly is configured to releasably attach the accessory drive to a clampable pipe bender.

[0009]In one embodiment, the power drive comprises an external power tool, and the transmission part further comprises an input shaft configured to receive rotational input from the external power tool. The external power tool may be an electric drill selected from a cordless battery-operated drill and a corded drill. The input shaft may be configured with a hex drive geometry or a square drive geometry for coupling to a chuck of the external power tool.

[0010]In one configuration for use with an external power tool, the accessory drive further comprises a restraint assembly having a vertical stick and a belt configured to secure the external power tool to the vertical stick to prevent the external power tool from counter-rotating during operation.

[0011]In another embodiment, the power drive comprises an integrated motor forming part of the transmission part. The integrated motor may be selected from the group consisting of an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, and a gasoline motor.

[0012]In one configuration, the pipe bending arm comprises a rod extending from the transmission part and terminating in a single pipe pusher. In another configuration, the pipe bending arm comprises an extension member having a pair of support plates supporting dual pipe pushers. The dual pipe pushers are configured to distribute bending force over a greater arc of the pipe for bending larger diameter pipes.

[0013]The accessory drive may further include a clampable pipe bender having a pipe bending assembly with a plurality of channels configured to receive pipes of varying diameters.

[0014]In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for bending pipes. The system comprises a clampable pipe bender comprising a pipe bending assembly having at least one channel configured to receive a pipe. A power driven accessory drive is releasably attached to the clampable pipe bender, the accessory drive comprising a transmission part having an output and a gear reduction mechanism, and a pipe bending arm coupled to the output of the transmission part. A power drive is operatively coupled to the transmission part, the power drive selected from the group consisting of an external electric drill coupled to an input shaft of the transmission part, and an integrated motor forming part of the transmission part. Actuation of the power drive causes the pipe bending arm to pivot and bend a pipe received in the channel.

[0015]In the system, where an integrated motor is used, the integrated motor may be selected from the group consisting of an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, and a gasoline motor. The pipe bending arm may comprise an extension member having a pair of support plates supporting dual pipe pushers. The system may further comprise a plurality of interchangeable pipe bending assemblies, each having channels configured for different pipe diameter ranges. Additionally, the system may include a support selected from a tripod and a guardrail clamp for supporting the clampable pipe bender.

[0016]In accordance with a method aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of bending a pipe using a power driven accessory. The method comprises attaching a power driven accessory drive to a clampable pipe bender, the accessory drive comprising a transmission part having a gear reduction mechanism and a pipe bending arm. A pipe is inserted into a channel of a pipe bending assembly of the pipe bender. The pipe is secured with a holding clamp. A power drive operatively coupled to the transmission part is actuated to drive the pipe bending arm to bend the pipe, wherein the power drive is selected from an external power tool coupled to an input shaft of the transmission part and an integrated motor forming part of the transmission part. The power drive is stopped when a desired bend is achieved.

[0017]The method may further comprise operating the power drive in reverse to return the pipe bending arm to a starting position. Where the power drive is an external electric drill, the method may further comprise securing the electric drill to a vertical stick using a belt to prevent the electric drill from counter-rotating during bending. Prior to inserting the pipe, the pipe bender may be mounted on a support selected from a tripod and a guardrail of a lifting platform. The method may also comprise selecting an appropriate pipe bending assembly from a plurality of interchangeable assemblies based on a diameter of the pipe to be bent.

[0018]The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the drill driven accessory drive in context of use on a clampable pipe bender, shown with a drill attached;

[0021]FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the drill driven accessory drive, a drill, and a clampable pipe bender as separate components;

[0022]FIG. 3A is a top view of the drill driven accessory drive;

[0023]FIG. 3B is a cutaway side view of the drill driven accessory drive showing the internal transmission components;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a detailed exploded view of all the components of the drill driven accessory drive, including the transmission components;

[0025]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the drill driven accessory drive shown alone;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a top view showing a bent pipe in the clampable pipe bender with the accessory drive attached; and

[0027]FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the drill driven accessory drive having an extended bending arm with dual pipe pushing rollers supported by support plates, configured for bending larger diameter pipes; and

[0028]FIG. 8 is a front view of the invention installed on a tripod and showing a vertical stick onto which a belt is attached as well as attached to the drill such that the drill is prevented from spinning when in the process of bending a pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029]The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein.

[0030]It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as to mean “at least one”. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, not necessarily mechanically, and not permanent. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. As used herein, the terms “about”, “generally”, or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein. In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0031]Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, there is provided a power driven accessory drive 10 for a clampable pipe bender 12. The accessory drive 10 is comprised of a transmission part 14 and a pipe bending arm 16. A protruding input shaft 18 serves as the interface between a conventional drill 20 (corded or cordless) and the transmission part 14. The input shaft 18 is configured with a standard geometry, such as a hex or square drive, that allows coupling to the chuck of any standard drill.

[0032]The accessory drive 10 is mechanically fastened to the pipe bender 12 by way of a mounting assembly comprising a combination plate and bolts 26. The mounting assembly is configured to allow the accessory drive 10 to be releasably attached to and removed from the pipe bender 12, enabling the pipe bender to be used either manually as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,679,432, or with powered assistance using the present accessory drive 10.

[0033]The transmission part 14 is comprised of a housing containing a gear reduction mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4, the transmission part 14 includes multiple gears, bearings, washers, O-rings, and various components as is conventional in transmission assemblies. The gear reduction mechanism is configured to convert the high rotational speed of the drill 20 into a slower but more powerful torque output suitable for bending pipes. The specific gear ratios and internal components may be selected based on the intended application and the typical output characteristics of commercially available drills, or adapted to the motor type being used.

[0034]The pipe bending arm 16 is coupled to the output of the transmission part 14 and is configured to pivot about an axis when the transmission is driven. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the pipe bending arm 16 comprises a rod 22 extending from the transmission part 14 and terminating in a pipe pusher 28. The pipe pusher 28 is configured to engage the outer surface of a pipe 24 and apply the bending force as the arm 16 pivots.

[0035]The clampable pipe bender 12, as more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,679,432, includes a pipe bending assembly 17 having a plurality of channels 34 configured to receive pipes of different diameters. As shown in FIG. 1, the pipe bending assembly 17 may include three channels for accommodating three different pipe sizes. The user selects the appropriate channel based on the diameter of the pipe to be bent. It should be understood that the pipe bending assembly 17 may be provided with more or fewer channels depending on the application requirements.

[0036]In one embodiment, a plurality of interchangeable pipe bending assemblies are provided. Similar to how drill bits or ratchet sockets are provided in sets of different sizes, three or more pipe bending assemblies may be provided, each having channels configured for different pipe diameter ranges. This allows users to select and swap the appropriate pipe bending assembly according to their needs, providing versatility and the ability to work with a wide range of pipe sizes.

[0037]The accessory drive 10 and pipe bender 12 may be used to bend metallic pipes as used for various trades besides plumbing, as such pipes are used for carrying wires for communications and electricity for various applications.

[0038]Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the power driven accessory drive configured for bending larger diameter pipes. In this embodiment, the pipe bending arm 16 has an extension member 19 installed on it to act as an extension comprised of a pair of triangular support plates 29 carrying a pipe pushing roller assembly 31 comprised of pipe pushers 28 and 28′. The dual pusher configuration provides two spaced-apart contact points with the pipe being bent.

[0039]The advantage of the dual pusher 28, 28′ configuration is that the bending force is distributed over a greater arc of the pipe. When bending larger diameter pipes, which require significantly more force than smaller pipes, a single pusher contact point may concentrate stress in a small area. The dual pushers 28, 28′ distribute this force, enabling the system to bend larger diameter pipes more effectively while reducing the risk of pipe deformation or damage at the contact point. The plates 29 provide structural rigidity to support the increased forces involved in bending larger pipes.

[0040]Also shown in FIG. 7, the pipe bending assembly in this embodiment includes two channels 34, sized for larger diameter pipes. It should be understood that the number of channels 34 may vary based on the specific application and the range of pipe sizes intended to be accommodated.

[0041]A variation of the invention can have the extension member 19 can have only one pipe pusher 28. As discussed earlier, integrated powered drive such as electric, pneumatic or hydraulic drives (even gas powered) can replace the drill-all within the scope of the invention.

[0042]Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a front view of the invention installed on a tripod 36. Such tripods are well known in the art of pipe bending and need not be further discussed herein. A vertical stick 38 onto which a belt 40 is attached, which is also attached to the drill 20 such that the drill 20 is prevented from spinning when in the process of bending a pipe.

[0043]In operation, the user first attaches the accessory drive 10 to the pipe bender 12 using the mounting assembly 26. If the pipe bender 12 is configured for use in restricted areas, it may be clamped to a guardrail or other structure of a lifting platform as described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,679,432. It can also be used on a tripod or any other types of support used in trades using this tool. The user then selects the appropriate channel 34 based on the diameter of the pipe 24 to be bent and inserts the pipe into the selected channel 34. The pipe 24 is secured using a pivotable holding clamp (not shown, but described in the parent patent). The user then couples the drill 20 to the input shaft 18 of the transmission part 14 and secures it to the stick 38 using the belt 40. If an integrated drive is used, these last steps are not necessary.

[0044]When the powered drive is actuated, the rotational motion is transmitted through the transmission part 14, which reduces the speed and increases the torque, causing the pipe bending arm 16 to pivot. As the arm 16 pivots, the pipe pusher 28—or dual pushers 28, 28′ in the FIG. 7 embodiment—engages the pipe 24 and bends it around the forming surface of the channel 34. The user stops the powered drive when the desired bend angle is achieved. The user may monitor the bend angle using markings provided on the pipe bending assembly, as described in the parent patent.

[0045]To return the bending arm 16 to the starting position, the user operates the powered drive in reverse. Once the arm 16 has returned to its starting position, the user releases the holding clamp and removes the bent pipe 24 from the bender 12. The process may then be repeated for additional bends or additional pipes.

[0046]Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0047]It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

[0048]In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.