Abuse indicator for excessive handle loading
US5611229A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53226
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A crimping tool comprises a pair of handles, cooperating metal jaws, dies, and/or die nests positioned at one end of the handles, and in alignment with each other, to receive a connector therebetween. Strengthening metal links and bolts secure the cooperating dies to the handles, so that the operation of the handles forces the jaws toward each other to impart radially directed crimping force to the connector. The handles are molded of an impact resistant plastic, and a unique, hourglass-shaped indicator link, formed of aluminum, a composite plastic, or other another material, may be incorporated into each handle near its upper end. A larger hole may be defined near the upper, exposed end of each link, while a smaller hole is defined near the lower end of each link, which is encased in plastic. When the crimping tool is subjected to abusive treatment, such as when the tool handle is used as a pry-bar, the encased end of each link elongates and/or collapses, providing an accurate visual indication through apertures provided in handles and of improper, abusive handling of the crimping tool. Furthermore, the indicator links are operatively associated with the mechanical linkage joining…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.