Bender stand

Abstract

A conduit bending support device to facilitate conduit bending using a hand bender. The device includes a structural base and a support assembly. The support assembly includes a frame and a hand bender securing frame rotatably connected to the frame. The securing frame includes a clamping mechanism for releasably clamping the hand bender in a selectable position. The base includes a primary frame and an optional frame extension captured by the primary frame. The base also includes an adjustable conduit support to permit a user to support conduit thereon during the bending process.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority benefit in U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 180,705, filed Feb. 7, 2000, of the same title and by the same inventor. The content of that application is incorporated herein by reference.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention relates to bending devices for pipes, tubes, and conduits. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices to assist in using hand benders. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a stand for increasing the use capability and portability of hand benders.[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0005] Benders are used to form straight runs of conduit (or pipe or tube) at particular angles in order to conform to surface structures to which they are coupled. Conduit benders are particularly useful in the electrical trades for establishing runs through which wiring is passed without kinking, getting snagged, or generally having an unsightly appearance when the conduit is ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Conduit benders are particularly useful in the electrical trades for establishing runs through which wiring is passed without kinking, getting snagged, or generally having an unsightly appearance when the conduit is applied to exterior walls.

The hand bender is limited in that it can only produce one bend angle, the most common being a 90.degree. bend.

Unfortunately, the user may wish to bend the conduit at other angles and so is required to purchase benders having differing recess curves.

Further, hand benders are limited in that they can only be used to create, at least easily, a single bend in the conduit.

However, hand benders cannot be used to establish multiple bends in a single run without going through significant contortions.

This can be a time consuming and frustrating process that may require experimentation and unacceptable conduit shape.

All of this can lead to increased cost for a particular project, even when using a low-cost hand bender.

Further, it is likely to reduce the time required to form conduit with multiple bends.

Nevertheless, the cost of automated benders is seen to be cost prohibitive for many tradespeople.

In addition, for the individual tradesperson, an automated bender is generally not su

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