Tool for installing, operating and removing pig nose ring

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool having a first half and a second half pivotally coupled together at a pivot and having a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion, respectively, having respective first and second front surfaces. The first and second jaw portions have respective first and second contact surfaces disposed proximate the front surface, and when the first and second contact surfaces are joined together, they cooperatively define a contact plane extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool. The jaw portions respectively include first and second release regions having a depth from the contact plane and respective first and second grooves arranged in the release regions, wherein the first and second grooves are offset by an offset distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to tools that can be used to install, operate, and remove fasteners (such as pig nose rings). Background Technology

[0002] Among other fasteners and latches, hog rings are commonly used with car seats to hold up upholstered seat covers to the inner seat foam via integrated rails in each seat. These rails are secured to each other by crimping hog rings around two rails. Traditional hog ring pliers are used to crimp the hog rings. However, when repairing car seats to replace upholstery or repair objects inside the seats, the original hog rings must be removed, and new hog rings must be installed after the repair is complete.

[0003] Traditionally, technicians use a first tool (such as cutting pliers) to cut and remove the previously installed pig nose ring before they can perform the repair. Then, after the repair is complete, a new pig nose ring is installed using pig nose ring pliers. Additionally, some pig nose rings are specifically designed for pliers that include an automatic feed mechanism (similar to staples in a stapler or nails in a nail gun). When using such a pig nose ring outside of an automatic feed mechanism, the ring must be manually removed before use.

[0004] However, existing pig nose ring clamps do not contain the geometry that allows them to grip and separate the pig nose rings that are connected together for the automatic feeding mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention broadly relates to a tool for installing, manipulating, and / or removing clasps (e.g., pig nose rings). The tool is a clamping tool comprising jaw portions having a corresponding external geometry that improves functionality during the installation, manipulation, and / or removal of pig nose rings, which typically requires multiple different types of tools. This allows the tool to grip and manipulate the pig nose ring while also providing a geometry to properly form and secure the pig nose ring around a workpiece to be secured or fastened together. The jaw portions include corresponding release areas to hold a portion of the pig nose ring, thereby separating pig nose rings attached to other pig nose rings or removing pressed-in pig nose rings. The jaw portions also include grooves, respectively, adapted to engage the pig nose ring before and during the installation process. The grooves are offset from each other by a distance, which allows the legs of the pig nose ring to be pressed together without colliding with each other.

[0006] In one embodiment, the invention includes a first jaw half and a second jaw half, pivotally connected together at a pivot and each having a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion, the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion having respective first front surfaces and second front surfaces. The first jaw portion and the second jaw portion have respective first contact surfaces and second contact surfaces arranged proximate to the front surfaces, and when the first contact surfaces engage with the second contact surfaces (e.g., when the pliers are closed), the first contact surfaces and the second contact surfaces cooperatively define a contact plane extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the tool. The jaw portion includes a first release region and a second release region having a depth from the contact plane, and respective first grooves and second grooves arranged in the release regions, wherein the first grooves and the second grooves are offset by an offset distance.

[0007] In another embodiment, the invention includes a pliers tool for removing, manipulating, and / or installing a pig nose ring. The tool includes a first and second half pivotally connected at a pivot, a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion corresponding to the first and second half, a first release region and a second release region at the respective first and second jaw portions, a first groove and a second groove within the respective first and second release portions (wherein the grooves are arranged such that they are offset from each other), and a first contact surface and a second contact surface disposed at the first and second jaw portions and positioned away from the pivot. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To facilitate understanding of the subject matter sought, embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. When considered in conjunction with the following description, the subject matter sought, its construction and operation, and its many advantages should be readily understood and recognized by examining these embodiments.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a top view of the first side of the pig nose ring tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The edge of the pig nose ring tool Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional side view of the jaws of a pig nose ring tool.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Side view of the first half of the pig nose ring tool.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A magnified view of a pig snout ring tool, where the first jaw is along... Figure 4 The line AA shown is cut off.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A side view of a pig snout ring tool, with the jaws in an open configuration and the pig snout ring arranged between the jaws.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial side-view stereoscopic view of the pig nose ring tool.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A side view of a pig nose ring tool, with the jaws in a closed configuration and the pig nose ring arranged between the jaws.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A partial side-view stereoscopic view of the pig nose ring tool.

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a pig nose ring tool, showing its engagement with an automated feed pig nose ring.

[0019] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 Another 3D view of the pig nose ring tool. Detailed Implementation

[0020] While the invention may have many different embodiments, embodiments of the invention, including preferred embodiments, are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood that this disclosure should be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to any one or more embodiments shown herein. As used herein, the term "invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is used only for illustrative purposes to discuss exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0021] This invention broadly relates to a tool for removing, manipulating, and / or detaching fasteners (such as pig nose rings). The invention includes a jaw configuration that incorporates a novel geometry that improves functionality during the installation, manipulation, and / or removal of pig nose rings, which typically require the use of multiple different tools. This geometry allows the tool to grip and manipulate the pig nose ring while also providing the ability to properly form and secure the pig nose ring around the workpiece to be fastened together.

[0022] refer to Figures 1 to 11The tool 100 (such as a pliers tool) includes a first half 102 and a second half 104. The first half 102 includes a first jaw portion 106, a first joint portion 108, and a first handle 110. The first half may include a first pivot hole 118. The first pivot hole 118 may be disposed in the first joint portion 108. The second half 104 includes a second jaw portion 112, a second joint portion 114, and a second handle 116. The second half 104 may include a second pivot hole 120 adapted to be axially aligned with the first pivot hole 118 and to receive a pivot 122 to pivotally connect the first half 102 and the second half 104 together. The pivot 122 may be a fastener, such as a screw, pin, or rivet, thereby allowing the first and second halves to pivot relative to each other. It should be understood that the first jaw portion 106 and the second jaw portion 112 may have substantially similar corresponding geometries, thus mirroring each other. It should also be understood that the jaw portions 106 and 112 may be asymmetrical. The first half 102 and the second half 104 may be pivotally connected, and the first jaw portion 106 and the second jaw portion 112 may move relative to each other in a pivot plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of pivot 122.

[0023] The first jaw portion 106 and the second jaw portion 112 may each include: a first release region 124 and a second release region 126; a first contact surface 128 and a second contact surface 130; a first groove 132 and a second groove 134; and a first front surface 136 and a second front surface 138. The respective geometries of the first jaw portion 106 and the second jaw portion 112 may be adapted to cooperatively clamp and manipulate a retaining ring (such as a pig nose ring) for attaching, manipulating, and / or removing the pig nose ring. Figure 1 As shown, the first half 102 and the second half 104 are arranged in the closed position.

[0024] The first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130 are arranged adjacent to the first front surface 136 and the second front surface 138, respectively, and each contact surface has a length 206 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool, and each contact surface has a width substantially perpendicular to the length 206. Although the first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130 are shown to have a substantially rectangular shape, it should be understood that other geometries may also be used. The first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130 may be adapted to be abutted against each other when the handles 110, 116 are closed and the jaws are in the closed position. When the first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130 are abutted (i.e., when the tool 100 is in the closed position), the first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130 may cooperatively define a contact plane 200 extending from the first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130 and passing through the pivot 122. Therefore, when the first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130 are joined together, they are adapted to be connected from the manufactured pig snout ring 302 (as shown in the image). Figure 10 Remove the pig nose ring 300 from the workpiece (as shown), or remove or manipulate the pig nose ring 300 that has been pressed around the workpiece. The jaw portions 106 and 112 may also include a first rear surface 140 and a second rear surface 142, respectively, arranged close to the pivot 122, and the first rear surface and the second rear surface are adapted to be adjacent to each other when the first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130 are adjacent.

[0025] The first release region 124 and the second release region 126 may each have an arcuate shape curved away from the contact plane 200. It should be understood that the first release region 124 and the second release region 126 may each include other geometric shapes. The first release region 124 and the second release region 126 may be adapted to grasp and manipulate the pig nose ring. For example... Figure 5 As shown, for example, each release region may have a bottom having a depth from the contact plane 200 to the bottom of the release region 124, denoted as depth 202. The first release region 124 and the second release region 126 may have a depth 202 at any distance from the contact plane, for example from about 0.005 inches to about 0.500 inches, more preferably from about 0.065 inches to about 0.095 inches, and most preferably about 0.080 inches. The first release portion 124 and the second release portion 126 are generally circular in shape, but other shapes may be used while maintaining the function of the first jaw portion 106 and the second jaw portion 112. The first release region 124 and the second release region 126 may extend from the first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130, respectively, to the corresponding first rear surface 140 and second rear surface 142.

[0026] The first release region 124 and the second release region 126 may also include corresponding first grooves 132 and second grooves 134, which are adapted to engage and cooperatively retain the pig nose ring 300 throughout the installation or operation of the pig nose ring 300. The first groove 132 and the second groove 134 have corresponding first groove widths 144 and second groove widths 146, as measured from the contact plane 200, and corresponding first groove depths 148 and second groove depths 150, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown. The first groove 132 and the second groove 134 can be offset from each other by an offset distance 204. The offset distance 204 can be from about 0.010 inches to about 0.188 inches, more preferably from about 0.060 inches to about 0.120 inches, and most preferably about 0.090 inches. This offset distance 204 allows the pig nose ring to be properly pressed together so that the legs of the pig nose ring do not collide with each other. As shown, the orientation of the first groove 132 and the second groove 134 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool; however, it should be understood that the first groove 132 and the second groove 134 can be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the tool. As shown, the depth of the first groove 132 and the second groove 134 is also substantially perpendicular to the contact plane 200; however, it should be understood that the first groove 132 and the second groove 134 can be angled towards each other such that the respective bottoms of the grooves are further away from each other than the portions of the grooves closer to the contact plane 200. In one embodiment, the first groove 132 and the second groove 134 may each have a substantially arcuate geometry, allowing for the retention of pig nose rings of various sizes while permitting angular deviations and shape engagement throughout the pressing process of the pig nose ring. The first groove 132 and the second groove 134 may each include a wall portion 135. The wall portion 135 may have a geometry that allows the pig nose ring 300 to tilt relative to the contact plane 200 when the pig nose ring 300 is engaged by the first groove 132 and the second groove 134.

[0027] Simultaneously, the first groove 132 and the second groove 124 have corresponding groove depths measured from the contact plane 200 to the bottom of the groove. As shown, the first groove 132 and the second groove 134 may have the same first groove depth 148, second groove depth 150, and external geometry. It will also be understood that the first groove 132 and the second groove 134 may have different first groove depths 148 and second groove depths 150 and different external geometries. Although the first groove 132 and the second groove 134 are typically arranged in the first release region 124 and the second release region 126, respectively, the first groove 132 and the second groove 134 may respectively extend adjacently or partially into the first contact surface 128 and the second contact surface 130, as shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown.

[0028] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the tool 100 is in the open position, the grooves 132 and 134 engage the pig nose ring 300, causing the first half 102 and the second half 104 to pivot relative to each other, thus partially closing the tool 100 to engage the pig nose ring. The first jaw portion 106 and the second jaw portion 112 can be adapted to engage pig nose rings 300 of various sizes and shapes. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the pig nose ring 300 is in the open position before being pressed. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, grooves 132 and 134 engage the pig snout ring 300, with tool 100 partially closed; that is, the first handle 110 and the second handle 116 have moved toward each other, causing the first jaw portion 106 and the second jaw portion 112 to also come closer together. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the pig nose ring 300 has been pressed together. Although not shown, the pig nose ring 300 can surround other workpieces or structures to be joined together. For example, the pig nose ring 300 can be used to secure integrated guide rails together in a car seat cover.

[0029] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, tool 100 is adapted to grasp and manipulate pig nose ring 300, whether it is a pre-manufactured pig nose ring string 302 (e.g. Figure 10 (As shown) the already installed pig nose ring 300 still needs to be removed or manipulated. Tool 100 can also be used to grip and / or manipulate other parts or structures.

[0030] As used herein, the term "connection" can mean any physical, electrical, magnetic, or other connection, direct or indirect, between two parties. The term "connection" is not limited to a fixed, direct connection between two entities.

[0031] The content set forth in the foregoing description and drawings is provided by way of illustration only and is not intended to be limiting. While specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventors' contributions. The actual scope of protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed from its proper perspective in light of the prior art.

Claims

1. A tool comprising: first and second halves pivotally coupled together at a pivot and having first and second jaw portions, respectively, the first and second jaw portions having respective first and second front surfaces; the first and second jaw portions including first and second contact surfaces, respectively, disposed proximate the first and second front surfaces, respectively, and first and second relief areas; and first and second recesses disposed in the relief areas and offset from one another by an offset distance; wherein, when the first and second contact surfaces are brought together, they cooperatively define a contact plane extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the tool.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein, Each relief area defines a substantially arcuate surface extending from the corresponding contact surface toward the pivot.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein, The recess offset distance is from about 0.010 inch to about 0.188 inch.

4. The tool of claim 3, wherein, The recess offset distance is from about 0.060 inch to about 0.120 inch.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein, The relief areas have a relief area depth defined from the corresponding contact plane of from about 0.005 inch to about 0.500 inch, respectively.

6. The tool of claim 5, wherein, Each relief area depth is from about 0.065 inch to about 0.095 inch.

7. The tool of claim 1, wherein, The contact surfaces extend along the contact plane a contact surface length of from about 0.005 inch to about 0.500 inch.

8. The tool of claim 1, wherein, Each recess includes a chamfered portion.

9. The tool of claim 1, wherein, The recesses are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

10. The tool of claim 1, further comprising first and second rear surfaces that abut one another when the first and second contact surfaces are brought together.

11. A tool for removing, manipulating, and installing a pig snout ring, the tool comprising: first and second halves pivotally coupled together at a pivot and having first and second jaw portions, respectively; first and second relief areas disposed in the first and second jaw portions, respectively; first and second recesses disposed in the first and second relief portions, respectively, wherein the recesses are disposed such that the recesses are offset from one another; and first and second contact surfaces disposed in the first and second jaw portions, respectively, and disposed distal from the pivot.

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