Fastening tool for joining ducts

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fastening tool for joining ducts comprising two end parts (1) containing respective sets of projections (2) that are parallel and have the same orientation. The end parts (1) are joined by a sliding mechanism (3) that allows the gap between the two end parts (1) to be adapted.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Clamping tool for joining ducts

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is a clamping tool for joining pipes. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques.

[0005] The present invention falls within the sector of mechanics, lighting, heating, armament and blasting, in the classification of elements or sets of technology, general measures to ensure the proper functioning of machines or installations, thermal insulation in general, especially in pipes or tubes, joints or other pipe accessories, pipe supports, cables or protective conduits and means of thermal insulation in general and even in accessories for it.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] The present invention arises primarily from the need to simplify and improve the installation and maintenance process of air conditioning systems. These systems comprise a series of ducts, with an insulating coating of fiber or similar material, which are joined to form the circuit that carries air to, or extracts it from, the different floors or rooms.

[0008] This is because, traditionally, joining air conditioning ducts can be a laborious process that requires specific tools and a certain level of technical skill.

[0009] Consequently, this invention provides a clamping tool for joining ducts that allows users to significantly reduce the time and effort required for installing ducts coated with a soft material, such as air conditioning ducts, resulting in faster installations. Currently, no other clamping tool for joining ducts is known to exist that possesses structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal to or similar to those described in this specification, as claimed.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the present invention is the creation of a clamping tool for joining ducts that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0012] The present invention relates to a clamping tool for joining conduits, which comprises two end pieces containing protrusions and are connected to each other by means of a sliding mechanism that allows the length of the two end pieces to be adapted so that the protrusions are temporarily anchored to the conduits to be joined.

[0013] This innovation addresses the specific problem of the complexity and time required for pipe installation, especially in air conditioning systems.

[0014] This tool is highly beneficial, as it allows installers to significantly reduce the time and effort required for ductwork installations, such as air conditioning ductwork, resulting in installations completed in less time.

[0015] The duct joining tool consists of two robust end pieces with barbed protrusions arranged transversely near the ends of each piece. These protrusions are designed to anchor themselves in the ducts without fully penetrating their walls or leaving obvious marks. To achieve this, they are sufficiently thin and spaced according to the material and size of the ducts for which they are designed.

[0016] Each end piece includes a sliding mechanism with two channels on its upper surface, allowing for length adjustment to effectively secure the pipes. This mechanism also features a release and locking system for precise adjustment and secure attachment. Additionally, the protrusions have integrated retractable mechanisms, allowing them to be retracted to prevent accidental injury when the tool is not in use or to store the tool in a sheath.

[0017] Finally, one of the end pieces is equipped with a ring that accepts a means of attachment, such as an eye hook, to improve the tool's portability.

[0018] To use the tool, the protrusions must be attached to each of the ducts to be joined, ensuring they are aligned with the ducts. If they are initially separated, they can be brought closer together using the sliding mechanism.

[0019] After this step, the user only needs to apply the necessary sealant to permanently join the pipes and then proceed to remove and store the tool.

[0020] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example of the clamping tool for joining ducts.

[0023] Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the example of the clamping tool for joining ducts.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first example of the cover.

[0025] Figure 4 shows a front view of the cover in Figure 3.

[0026] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the tool.

[0027] Figure 6 shows how to use the tool.

[0028] Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the sleeve. Figure 8 shows an example of a coupling accessory for attaching the protrusions to the end pieces.

[0029] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0030] This invention relates to a clamping tool for joining ducts, characterized by comprising two end pieces (1) that each contain a set of parallel protrusions (2) oriented in the same direction. These protrusions are connected by a sliding mechanism (3), transverse to the protrusions (2), which allows the distance between the two end pieces (1) to be adjusted while the protrusions (2) are temporarily anchored to the ducts to be joined. Supports (A, B) are used on each end piece (1) for this purpose.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the two end pieces (1) have robust shapes, at the lower ends of which the projections (2) are arranged and on the upper face of at least one of them there are two passage channels (4), separated from each other, for the progressive insertion of the sliding mechanism (3).

[0032] Preferably, the protrusions (2) are spikes that are arranged transversely close to the ends of the two terminal pieces (1) and have a length suitable for anchoring without fully penetrating the conduit wall or leaving obvious traces.

[0033] Preferably, the prongs have retractable mechanisms, or any other means that prevents them from protruding from the tool, housed in the two end pieces (1). These mechanisms allow the prongs (2) to be stored away, preventing accidental injury to the user when not in use. Alternatively, they can be concealed by folding down the prongs (2) or by using a cover or sheath. Figure 8 shows one solution where the prongs (2) are housed in a detachable accessory (8), allowing them to be removed when the tool is stored or replaced if damaged.

[0034] Typically, the sliding mechanism (3) comprises a rail with a series of notches or spaces, two adjacent tubular elements, and a release and locking mechanism (5) located between the two through channels (4) of one of the two end pieces (1). The release and locking mechanism (5) engages in the notches or spaces, preferably by means of a spring. The release and locking mechanism (5) has a handle that allows the user to remove it from the notch or space with one hand.

[0035] Preferably, one of the two terminal pieces (1) is linked to a ring (6) that allows a means of attachment such as an eye hook to be accommodated for carrying the tool.

[0036] The tool can be stored in a case (7), forming a kit, so that when it is put in it, the protrusions are hidden to avoid any possible accident.

[0037] The cover (7) may have a means of attachment (7.1) so that the operator can hang it from his work belt.

[0038] The sheath (7) will have a recess (7.2) into which one of the end pieces (1) can be inserted, usually by sliding it on. At the end of the recess, there will be a locking mechanism (7.3) where the end piece (1) is secured to prevent the tool from accidentally coming out of the sheath.

[0039] The housing (7.2) will have an elongated, sheet-like piece (7.4) on its underside that forces the protrusions to retract when the tool is inserted into the sheath. When the tool is removed from the sheath, the protrusions unfold.

[0040] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the tool, where the handle of the release and locking mechanism (5) is more ergonomic, so that it is easier for the user to release the sliding mechanism (3) while bringing the supports (A, B) closer together.

[0041] Figure 6 shows one way to apply the tool, in this case to the free ends of two straight ducts.

[0042] Figure 7 shows another example of a sheath (7), in this case formed by two hollow bodies (7.5, 7.6) into which the end pieces (1) can be inserted without disassembly. One of the bodies (7.5, 7.6) is partially inserted into the other by means of a slot (7.7).

[0043] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Clamping tool for joining conduits, characterized by comprising two end pieces (1) that contain respective sets of parallel projections (2) with the same orientation, the end pieces (1) being joined by a sliding mechanism (3) perpendicular to the projections (2), which allows adapting the separation of the two end pieces (1).

2. Clamping tool for joining conduits, according to claim 1, characterized in that the two terminal pieces (1) have two passage channels (4), separated from each other, for the sliding mechanism (3).

3. Clamping tool for joining conduits, according to claim 1, characterized in that the projections (2) are prongs that are arranged transversely close to the ends of the terminal pieces (1).

4. Clamping tool for joining ducts, according to claim 1, characterized in that the protrusions (2) are retractable, foldable or detachable.

5. Clamping tool for joining conduits, according to claim 2, characterized in that the sliding mechanism (3) comprises a rail with two adjacent tubular elements coinciding with the passage channels (4).

6. Clamping tool for joining conduits, according to claim 2, characterized in that the sliding mechanism (3) has a release and locking mechanism (5) located between the two passage channels (4) of one of the two terminal pieces (1).

7. Clamping tool for joining conduits, according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the two terminal pieces (1) is linked to a ring (6).

8. Clamping tool for joining conduits, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding mechanism (3) comprises one or more tension springs between the end pieces (1).

9. Conduit joining clamping kit, characterized in that it comprises a tool according to claim 1 and a sleeve (7).

10. Conduit joining kit according to claim 9, characterized in that the sleeve (7) is formed by two hollow bodies (7.5, 7.6) for insertion of the terminal pieces (1), and where one of the bodies (7.5, 7.6) is partially inserted into a groove (7.7) of the other.

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