Crimper tool with adjustable crimp depth

Abstract

A hand crimper tool may include a jaw assembly which may be disposed at a first end of the hand crimper tool and may include a first jaw, a second jaw, a third jaw and a crimp depth adjustment assembly, a handle assembly which may be disposed at a second end of the hand crimper tool and may include a first handle pivotably operably coupled to a second handle, and a pivot assembly which may operably couple the handle assembly to the jaw assembly. The first jaw, the second jaw and the third jaw may all be disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other by spacer members. The crimp depth adjustment assembly may enable an amount of overlap between the first, second and third jaws to be changed to define a crimp depth of the jaw assembly.

Description

[0001] AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01

[0002] CRIMPER TOOL WITH ADIUSTABLE CRIMP DEPTH

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Example embodiments generally relate to hand tools, and more particularly, relate to a hand crimper tool with an adjustable crimp depth.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Hand crimper tools may be commonly used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) settings to crimp pipes and / or ducts to aid in fitting two ends together. For example, in cases where two pipes or ducts having the same size ends may need to be fit together, the hand crimper may be used to crimp, or in other words to reduce the size of, the perimeter of one of the ends so that it may become effectively smaller than, and fit inside, the uncrimped end. The act of crimping may involve applying force onto the pipe wall using jaws of the crimper tool. The jaws may slightly bend the pipe wall between consecutive jaws so that the pipe wall changes from a smooth surface into a jagged (i.e. crimped) surface. The hand crimper tool may then be repeatedly used around the perimeter of the pipe, repeatedly applying the force onto the pipe until the entire perimeter may be crimped.

[0007] In some cases, depending on the sizes of the pipe ends being operably coupled together and on the requirements of the specific scenario in which the hand crimper tool is used, operators of the hand crimper tool may desire to make the bends in the crimp to a specific depth. Typically, operators of hand crimper tools may be required to estimate the amount of force to apply to the hand crimper tool to achieve their desired crimp depth. However, this practice may be inaccurate and imprecise. Thus, it may be desirable to design a hand crimper tool that may have an adjustable crimp depth to increase the accuracy and precision of the hand crimper tool, and the efficiency of operating the hand crimper tool.

[0008] BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0009] Some example embodiments may provide for a hand crimper tool. The hand crimper tool may include a jaw assembly which may be disposed at a first end of the hand crimper tool and may include a first jaw, a second jaw, a third jaw and a crimp depth adjustment assembly, a handle assembly which may be disposed at a second end of the hand crimper tool and may include a first handle pivotably operably coupled to a second handle, and a pivot AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 assembly which may operably couple the handle assembly to the jaw assembly. The first jaw, the second jaw and the third jaw may all be disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other by spacer members. The crimp depth adjustment assembly may enable an amount of overlap between the first, second and third jaws to be changed to define a crimp depth of the jaw assembly.

[0010] Some example embodiments may provide for a crimp depth adjustment assembly for a hand crimper tool. The crimp depth adjustment assembly may include an eccentric fastener, and the eccentric fastener may include a fastener head via which the eccentric fastener may be rotatable, a shaft which may extend away from the fastener head, and a plurality of cam lobes disposed along the shaft. The crimp depth adjustment assembly may be operably coupled to a jaw assembly of the hand crimper tool and may enable an amount of overlap between first, second and third jaws of the jaw assembly to be changed to define a crimp depth of the jaw assembly.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0012] Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the hand crimper tool in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a right side view of the hand crimper tool in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the hand crimper tool in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a close up perspective view of the jaw assembly and the pivot assembly in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the hand crimper tool according to an example embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an isolated right side view of the jaw assembly according to an example embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the jaw assembly in the three-jaw arrangement in accordance with an example embodiment.;

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the eccentric fastener according to an example embodiment; AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the eccentric fastener according to an example embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a side section view of the eccentric fastener according to an example embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective section view of the eccentric fastener according to an example embodiment; and

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a section view of the jaw assembly and the crimp depth adjustment assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0027] Some example embodiments may therefore provide a hand crimper tool that may include a crimp depth adjustment assembly. In this regard, the hand crimper tool of an example embodiment may enable the operator of the hand crimper tool to select their desired crimp depth prior to actually applying a crimp force onto the object. In some cases, crimp depth adjustment assembly may include an eccentric fastener having a plurality of cam lobes disposed along a shaft of the eccentric fastener. The jaw assembly may include a plurality of jaws that may pivot about the shaft of the eccentric fastener. In some cases, individual ones of the plurality of cam lobes may align with individual jaws of the plurality of jaws of the jaw assembly. Since each jaw may be aligned with a respective cam lobe, each jaw may pivot about a shifted pivot axis. By shifting the pivot axes of the jaws, the crimp depth adjustment assembly may change the amount of overlap between the jaws of the jaw assembly, which therefore changes the crimp depth of the hand crimper tool. Rotation of the eccentric fastener may change how the cam lobes shift the pivot axes of the jaws which may enable the operator of the hand crimper tool to select a desired crimp depth by turning the eccentric fastener. AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01

[0028] Accordingly, the hand crimper tool may be used to apply varying levels of crimp depth, which may improve the accuracy and precision and efficiency of performing a specific crimping task.

[0029] FIGS. 1-3 depict perspective, right side, and bottom views of the hand crimper tool 100 in accordance with an example embodiment. Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the hand crimper tool 100 may include a jaw assembly 110 which may be disposed at a first end 102 of the hand crimper tool 100. The jaw assembly 110 of some example embodiments may include a plurality of jaws, which in some cases may include at least a first jaw 111, a second jaw 112, a third jaw 113. In an example embodiment, the jaw assembly 110 may also include a crimp depth adjustment assembly 120. In some other cases, the plurality of jaws of the jaw assembly 110 may further include a fourth jaw 114 and a fifth jaw 115. In this regard, the hand crimper tool 100 may be provided in a three-jaw arrangement or a five-jaw arrangement. A main difference between the three-jaw arrangement and the five-jaw arrangement may be the overall width of the jaw assembly 110. In this regard, the three-jaw arrangement may have a smaller overall width than the five-jaw arrangement simply due to having fewer jaws in the jaw assembly 110. In either case, the individual jaws of the jaw assembly 110 may be disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other by spacer members 118. As such, the first, second and third jaws (111, 112, 113), as well as the fourth and fifth jaws (114, 115) in the five-jaw arrangement, may not be aligned with each other and may not contact each other like the jaws of a pair of pliers, snips or scissors might. Instead, the spacing of the jaws of the jaw assembly 110 may enable the hand crimper tool 100 to perform a crimping action on an object. In some cases, the first jaw 111 may be disposed at a first outside edge of the jaw assembly 110. The second jaw 112 may be disposed next to the first jaw 111, but a spacer member 118 may be disposed between the first and second jaws (111, 112) to define a gap between the first and second jaws (111, 112). The third jaw 113 may be disposed on an opposite side of the second jaw 112 from the first jaw 111, and may also be separated from the second jaw 112 by a spacer member 118. In applicable example embodiments, the fourth jaw 114 may be disposed on an opposite side of the third jaw 113 from the second jaw 112, and may also be separated from the third jaw 113 by a spacer member 118. Finally, the fifth jaw 115 may be disposed on an opposite side of the fourth jaw 114 from the third jaw 113, and may also be separated from the fourth jaw 114 by a spacer member 118. The third jaw 113 may therefore be separated from the first jaw 111 by two spacer members 118 and the second jaw 112. Similarly, applicable cases, the fifth jaw 115 may be separated from the first jaw 111 by four spacer members 118, the second jaw AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01

[0030] 112, the third jaw 113 and the fourth jaw 114. In an example embodiment, each spacer member 118 may have the same size and thus the gap between each consecutive jaw of the jaw assembly 110 may be uniform.

[0031] The hand crimper tool 100 may further include a handle assembly 130 which may be disposed at a second end 104 of the hand crimper tool 100. The handle assembly 130 may include a first handle 132 pivotably operably coupled to a second handle 134. The handle assembly 130 may be operably coupled to the jaw assembly 110 via a pivot assembly 140. The pivot assembly 140 may translate motion of the handle assembly 130 into motion of the jaw assembly 110 so that the operator of the hand crimper tool 100 may perform the crimping action by applying force to the handle assembly 130. In this regard, the handle assembly 130 may be operable to transition the hand crimper tool 100 between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the jaw assembly 110 may be open, and the operator may be able to insert material or an object they wish to crimp into the jaw assembly 110. In an example embodiment, every other jaw may be operably coupled to the same handle of the handle assembly 130. For example, in the three-jaw arrangement, the first jaw 111 and the third jaw 113 may both be operably coupled to the second handle 134, whereas the second jaw 112 may be operably coupled to the first handle 132. Similarly, in the five-jaw arrangement, the first jaw 111, the third jaw 113 and the fifth jaw 115 may all be operably coupled to the second handle 134, whereas the second jaw 112 and the fourth jaw 114 may be operably coupled to the first handle 132. Therefore, the first and third jaws (111, 113) may pivot together. Thus, with the first and second handles (132, 134) spread apart from each other, the jaw assembly 110 may be in the open state. In the open state, the first and third jaws (111, 113) may be pivoted away from the second jaw 112 to define an angled opening between the first and third jaws (111, 113) and the second jaw 112. It is into this angled opening that the operator may insert the object / material to be crimped.

[0032] Responsive to the first and second handles (132, 134) being moved back towards each other, the jaw assembly 110 may close and the hand crimper tool 100 may transition to the closed state. In the closed state, the first and third jaws (111, 113) may overlap slightly with the second jaw 112 in the three-jaw arrangement, and in the five-jaw arrangement, the first, third and fifth jaws (111, 113, 115) may overlap slightly with the second and fourth jaws (112, 114). In other words, in the closed state, the edges of the jaws that define the angled opening while in the open state, may move past each other in the closed state. This may enable the hand crimper tool 100 to perform the crimping action to the object / material placed in the jaw assembly 110. The amount of overlap between the first and third jaws (111, 113) AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 and the second jaw 112 may define the crimp depth of the hand crimper tool 100. In some cases, the crimp depth adjustment assembly 120 may enable the amount of overlap between the first and third jaws (111, 113) and the second jaw 112 to be changed to define the crimp depth of the jaw assembly 110 as desired by the operator.

[0033] As described briefly above, the hand crimper tool 100 may be used on the perimeter of an end of an object, such as a pipe or duct fitting, to reduce the effective cross sectional area of the object. In this regard, the object may be constructed from sheet metal or a similar type of material. In order to crimp the end of the object, the hand crimper tool 100 may first be oriented so that a longitudinal axis 105 of the hand crimper tool 100 may be parallel with a longitudinal axis of the object. In the case of crimping a pipe or duct end, the hand crimper tool 100 should be oriented as if the hand crimper tool 100 were to be inserted inside the pipe or duct. With the hand crimper tool 100 facing the proper direction, the crimper tool 100 may be transitioned to the open state via the handle assembly 130. Responsive to entering the open state, an edge / wall of the object may be inserted into the angled opening of the jaw assembly 110, between the first and third jaws (111, 113) and the second jaw 112. Once the jaw assembly 110 has been placed around the object, the operator may apply force to the handle assembly 130 to move the first and second handles (132, 134) toward each other and transition the hand crimper tool 100 to the closed state. In transitioning to the closed state, the first and third jaws (111, 113) and the second jaw 112 may move towards each other. Due to the spacing between the first, second and third jaws (111, 112, 113), the jaws may not cut through the material, but may instead bend the material into a zig-zag pattern. For example, where the first jaw 111 pushes the material down past the second jaw 112, the material may be bent into a concave shape, and where the second jaw 112 pushes the material past the first and third jaws (111, 113), the material may be bent into a convex shape. The third jaw 113 may push the material into another concave shape, and the pattern may be repeated for the five-jaw arrangement. The hand crimper tool 100 may then be released from the material and moved laterally along the material to the next smooth portion. With the first jaw 111 aligned with the final concave shape from the previous crimp, the operator may repeat the process to perform the next crimp. Repeating this process around the entire perimeter of the object, the operator may crimp the object using the hand crimper tool 100. The depth of the concave and convex shapes in each crimp may be the crimp depth, which may be adjustable via the crimp depth adjustment assembly 120.

[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a close up perspective view of the jaw assembly 110 and the pivot assembly 140 in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 of the hand crimper tool 100 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 6 depicts an isolated right side view of the jaw assembly 110 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 7 depicts the jaw assembly 110 in the three-jaw arrangement in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the pivot assembly 140 may include a first pivot member 142, a second pivot member 144 and a third pivot member 146. The first pivot member 142 may define a handle pivot axis 148 about which the first and second handles (132, 134) may pivot relative to each other. The second pivot member 144 may pivotably operably couple the second jaw 112 to the first handle 132, and the third pivot member 146 may pivotably operably couple the first and third jaws (111, 113) to the second handle 134. Thus, when the first and second handles (132, 134) pivot apart from each other about the first pivot member 142, the second and third pivot members (144, 146) may also move apart from each other, which may push the jaw assembly 110 into the open state. In some cases, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the pivot assembly 140 may further include a stopper arm 150. The stopper arm 150 may be pivotably operably coupled to the third pivot member 146 at a first end of the stopper arm 150, and may include a hook 152 at a second end of the stopper arm 150. In this regard, the stopper arm 150 may be used to retain the hand crimper tool 100 in the closed state when the crimper tool 100 may not be in use. To do this, the stopper arm 150 may engage the second pivot member 144 with the hook 152 at the second end of the stopper arm 150 to prevent the second pivot member 144 from moving away from the third pivot member 146, which therefore also prevents the jaw assembly 110 from transitioning to the open state from the closed state. In an example embodiment, the hook 152 of the stopper arm 150 may only be able to engage the second pivot member 144 while the hand crimper tool 100 may be in the closed state.

[0036] Also shown in FIGS. 4-7, the jaw assembly 110 may include markings 160 to indicate the crimp length. In some cases, the jaw assembly 110 may be capable of making crimps up to a length of 1.25 inches, and the markings 160 may indicate the crimp length in increments of 0.25 inches. In an example embodiment, the markings 160 may be disposed on the first and second jaws (111, 112) on an outer surface where they would be visible to the operator of the hand crimper tool 100 looking on from the side. In some other cases, the jaw assembly 110 could be made longer or shorter to increase or reduce, respectively, the maximum crimp length of the hand crimper tool 100.

[0037] FIGS. 8-12 depict various views of the crimp depth adjustment assembly 120 in accordance with an example embodiment. Referring now to FIGS. 6-12, the crimp depth AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 adjustment assembly 120 may include an eccentric fastener 170 and a locking member 180. In some cases, the eccentric fastener 170 may include a fastener head 172 via which the eccentric fastener may be rotatable, a shaft 174 which may extend away from the fastener head 172, and a plurality of cam lobes 190 which may be disposed spaced out along the shaft 174. In an example embodiment, the fastener head 172 may be hexagonally shaped and may include a linear groove disposed across the top surface as well. In this regard, the fastener head 172 may be driven by a flat-head screwdriver via the linear groove, and also by a wrench, socket wrench, pliers, or by hand via the hexagonally shaped head 172. In any case, the eccentric fastener 170 may be rotated by the operator to select a desired crimp depth of the hand crimper tool 100. In an example embodiment, the eccentric fastener 170 may have a rotational range of motion of approximately 180° between a first orientation corresponding to a minimum / shallow position and a second orientation corresponding to a maximum / deep position. In other words, the crimp depth adjustment assembly 120 enables the crimp depth, and thus the amount of overlap between the first and third jaws (111, 113) and the second jaw 112 to be adjusted between shallow and deep positions, in addition to other positions disposed in between the shallow and deep positions.

[0038] In an example embodiment, the shaft 174 may extend substantially perpendicularly to, and entirely through, the jaw assembly 110. At a distal end of the shaft 174, the shaft 174 may include a threaded portion, whereas a majority of the shaft 174 may be unthreaded. In this regard, the shaft 174 may be operably coupleable to a nut or fastener of some kind which may help hold the jaw assembly 110 together on the eccentric fastener 170. Additionally, the jaw assembly 110 may pivot about the shaft 174 between the open state and the closed state. In this regard, responsive to the second pivot member 144 and the third pivot member 146 moving relative to each other, the first, second and third jaws (111, 112, 113) may be moved by their respective pivot member (144, 146) described above. This movement of the first, second and third jaws (111, 112, 113) may force the jaws to pivot about the shaft 174 of the eccentric fastener 170.

[0039] In an example embodiment, the plurality of cam lobes 190 may include a single cam lobe for each jaw of the jaw assembly 110. For instance, for the three-jaw arrangement, the plurality of cam lobes 190 may include a first cam lobe 192, a second cam lobe 194, and a third cam lobe 196. On the other hand, for the five-jaw arrangement, the plurality of cam lobes 190 may include a fourth cam lobe 197 and a fifth cam lobe 198 in addition to the first, second and third cam lobes (192, 194, 196). In some cases, the first cam lobe 192 may align with the first jaw 111, the second cam lobe 194 may align with the second jaw 112, and the AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 third cam lobe 196 may align with the third jaw 113. In cases having the five-jaw arrangement, the fourth cam lobe 197 may align with the fourth jaw 114 and the fifth cam lobe 198 may align with the fifth jaw 115.

[0040] The first and third cam lobes (192, 196) may be disposed on a first half 175 of a perimeter of the shaft 174 and the second cam lobe 194 may be disposed on a second half 176 of the perimeter of the shaft 174 on an opposite side from the first half 175. As such, every other cam lobe of the plurality of cam lobes 190 may be radially offset from the previous cam lobe. In other words, the plurality of cam lobes 190 may shift the effective diameter of the shaft 174. In this regard, a diameter of the shaft 174 measured at any of the cam lobes may be greater than a diameter of the shaft 174 measured in between any of the cam lobes. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 8-12, the diameter of the shaft 174 measured at any of the cam lobes may be radially shifted away from the diameter of the shaft 174 measured in between any of the cam lobes, with every other cam lobe shifting the diameter in an opposite direction from the consecutive cam lobes around it.

[0041] Accordingly, the shaft 174 may include a first pivot axis 200 defined by the first, third and fifth cam lobes (192, 196, 198), a second pivot axis 202 defined by the second cam lobe 194 and the fourth cam lobe 197, and an axis of rotation 204 of the shaft 174. In this regard, the shaft 174 may be rotatable about the axis of rotation 204, and the first and third jaws (111, 113) may pivot about the first pivot axis 200, and the second jaw 112 may pivot about the second pivot axis 202 in the three-jaw arrangement. In the five-jaw arrangement, the first, third and fifth jaws (111, 113, 115) may pivot about the first pivot axis 200, and the second and fourth jaws (112, 114) may pivot about the second pivot axis 202. In some cases, the first pivot axis 200, the second pivot axis 202 and the axis of rotation 204 may all be parallel and may all extend longitudinally through the shaft 174. In an example embodiment, the first pivot axis 200 may be radially offset from the axis of rotation 204 towards the first half 175 of the perimeter of the shaft 174 and the second pivot axis 202 may be radially offset from the axis of rotation 204 towards the second half 176 of the perimeter of the shaft 174.

[0042] Therefore, as described above, the shaft 174 may be rotatable about the axis of rotation 204 between the first orientation and the second orientation to define the desired crimp depth of the hand crimper tool 100. Responsive to the shaft 174 rotating about the axis of rotation 204 between the first orientation and the second orientation, the first, second and third cam lobes (192, 194, 196) may rotate as well, and responsive to the first, second and third cam lobes (192, 194, 196) rotating, the first and second pivot axes (200, 202) may move laterally relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis 105 as they rotate about the AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 axis of rotation 204. The lateral movement of the first and second pivot axes (200, 202) may necessarily change the amount of overlap between each of the jaws of the jaw assembly 110 in the closed state, and therefore may also change the crimp depth of the hand crimper tool 100. In the first orientation of the eccentric fastener 170 corresponding to the minimum amount of overlap and crimp depth (i.e. the shallow position), the first pivot axis 200 may be disposed proximate to the first and third jaws (111, 113) and the second pivot axis 202 may be disposed proximate to the second jaw 112. This may essentially push the first and third jaws (111, 113) further away from the second jaw 112 when in the closed state. On the other hand, in the second orientation of the eccentric fastener 170 corresponding to the maximum amount of overlap and crimp depth (i.e. the deep position), the first pivot axis 200 may be disposed proximate to the second jaw 112 and the second pivot axis 202 may be disposed proximate to the first and third jaws (111, 113). This may essentially pull the first and third jaws (111, 113) closer to the second jaw 112 when in the closed state, causing them to overlap more. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, the crimp depth adjustment assembly 120 may be configured in the second orientation, corresponding to a maximum crimp depth and a maximum amount of overlap between the first and third jaws (111, 113) and the second jaw 112. In some cases, the crimp depth adjustment assembly 120 may be configured in the first orientation, the second orientation, or to any orientation therebetween to achieve a desired crimp depth of the hand crimper tool 100.

[0043] Best seen back in FIGS. 2 and 4, the crimp depth adjustment assembly 120 may include the locking member 180. In some cases, the locking member 180 may be removably operably coupleable to the fastener head 172 of the eccentric fastener 170. While the locking member 180 may be operably coupled to the fastener head 172, the eccentric fastener 170 may be prevented from rotating. As such, operably coupling the locking member 180 to the fastener head 172 may prevent the crimp depth adjustment assembly 120 from changing the crimp depth. In some cases, the locking member 180 may include an arm having at least part of a hexagon cut into a distal end of the arm. The distal end of the arm may therefore fit around the hexagonally shaped fastener head 172 to prevent the fastener head 172 from rotating. In an example embodiment, the locking member 180 may pivot into and out of engagement with the fastener head 172. In another example embodiment, the locking member 180 may be removably operably coupled to the jaw assembly 110. In this regard, the locking member 180 may be removed from the jaw assembly 110 to enable the eccentric fastener 170 to be rotated and may be re-operably coupled to the jaw assembly 110 to inhibit the eccentric fastener 170 from rotating. The example embodiments shown and described herein mention a AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 hexagonal shape to the fastener head 172 and the distal end of the locking member 180, but it should be appreciated that any shape(s) may be possible in an example embodiment, including but not limited to rectangular, triangular, square, star, octagonal, pentagonal, torx, or any other suitable shape(s).

[0044] Some example embodiments may provide for a hand crimper tool. The hand crimper tool may include a jaw assembly which may be disposed at a first end of the hand crimper tool and may include a first jaw, a second jaw, a third jaw and a crimp depth adjustment assembly, a handle assembly which may be disposed at a second end of the hand crimper tool and may include a first handle pivotably operably coupled to a second handle, and a pivot assembly which may operably couple the handle assembly to the jaw assembly. The first jaw, the second jaw and the third jaw may all be disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other by spacer members. The crimp depth adjustment assembly may enable an amount of overlap between the first, second and third jaws to be changed to define a crimp depth of the jaw assembly.

[0045] The hand crimper tool of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of the hand crimper tool. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the crimp depth adjustment assembly may include an eccentric fastener. In some cases, the eccentric fastener may include a fastener head via which the eccentric fastener may be rotatable, a shaft that may extend away from the fastener head, and a plurality of cam lobes which may be disposed along the shaft. In an example embodiment, the shaft may extend substantially perpendicularly through the jaw assembly. In some cases, the first, second and third jaws may pivot about the shaft between an open state and a closed state. In an example embodiment, the plurality of cam lobes may include a first cam lobe, a second cam lobe, and a third cam lobe. In some cases, the first cam lobe may align with the first jaw, the second cam lobe may align with the second jaw, and the third cam lobe may align with the third jaw. In an example embodiment, the first and third cam lobes may be disposed on a first half of a perimeter of the shaft and the second cam lobe may be disposed on a second half of the perimeter of the shaft on an opposite side from the first half. In some cases, the shaft may include a first pivot axis, a second pivot axis, and an axis of rotation. In an example embodiment, the shaft may be rotatable about the axis of rotation. In some cases, the first and third jaws may pivot about the first pivot axis, and the AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 second jaw may pivot about the second pivot axis. In an example embodiment, the shaft may be rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation. In some cases, responsive to the shaft rotating about the axis of rotation between the first orientation and the second orientation, the first, second and third cam lobes may rotate. In an example embodiment, responsive to the first, second and third cam lobes rotating, the first and second pivot axes may move relative to each other and relative to the axis of rotation. In some cases, responsive to the first and second pivot axes moving, the amount of overlap between the first, second and third jaws, in the closed state, may change. In an example embodiment, the crimp depth adjustment assembly may further include a locking member. In some cases, the locking member may be removably operably coupleable to the fastener head to prevent the eccentric fastener from rotating. In an example embodiment, the jaw assembly may further include a fourth jaw and a fifth jaw. In some cases, the fourth and fifth jaws may be disposed parallel to each other and to the first, second and third jaws, and may be spaced apart from each other by additional spacer members. In an example embodiment, the fourth jaw may pivot about a second pivot axis of the crimp depth adjustment assembly with the second jaw. In some cases, the fifth jaw may pivot about a first pivot axis of the crimp depth adjustment assembly with the first and third jaws.

[0046] Some example embodiments may provide for a crimp depth adjustment assembly for a hand crimper tool. The crimp depth adjustment assembly may include an eccentric fastener, and the eccentric fastener may include a fastener head via which the eccentric fastener may be rotatable, a shaft which may extend away from the fastener head, and a plurality of cam lobes disposed along the shaft. The crimp depth adjustment assembly may be operably coupled to a jaw assembly of the hand crimper tool and may enable an amount of overlap between first, second and third jaws of the jaw assembly to be changed to define a crimp depth of the jaw assembly.

[0047] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and / or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A hand crimper tool, the hand crimper tool comprising: a jaw assembly disposed at a first end of the hand crimper tool, the jaw assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, a third jaw and a crimp depth adjustment assembly; a handle assembly disposed at a second end of the hand crimper tool and comprising a first handle pivotably operably coupled to a second handle; and a pivot assembly operably coupling the handle assembly to the jaw assembly, wherein the first jaw, the second jaw and the third jaw are disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other by spacer members, and wherein the crimp depth adjustment assembly enables an amount of overlap between the first, second and third jaws to be changed to define a crimp depth of the jaw assembly.

2. The hand crimper tool of claim 1, wherein the crimp depth adjustment assembly comprises an eccentric fastener, the eccentric fastener comprising: a fastener head via which the eccentric fastener is rotatable; a shaft extending away from the fastener head; and a plurality of cam lobes disposed along the shaft.

3. The hand crimper tool of claim 2, wherein the shaft extends substantially perpendicularly through the jaw assembly, and wherein the first, second and third jaws pivot about the shaft between an open state and a closed state.

4. The hand crimper tool of claim 3, wherein the plurality of cam lobes comprises a first cam lobe, a second cam lobe, and a third cam lobe, and wherein the first cam lobe aligns with the first jaw, the second cam lobe aligns with the second jaw, and the third cam lobe aligns with the third jaw.

5. The hand crimper tool of claim 4, wherein the first and third cam lobes are disposed on a first half of a perimeter of the shaft and the second cam lobe is disposed on a second half of the perimeter of the shaft on an opposite side from the first half.AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT016. The hand crimper tool of claim 5, wherein the shaft comprises a first pivot axis, a second pivot axis, and an axis of rotation, and wherein the shaft is rotatable about the axis of rotation.

7. The hand crimper tool of claim 6, wherein the first and third jaws pivot about the first pivot axis, and the second jaw pivots about the second pivot axis.

8. The hand crimper tool of claim 7, wherein the shaft is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein responsive to the shaft rotating about the axis of rotation between the first orientation and the second orientation, the first, second and third cam lobes rotate, and wherein responsive to the first, second and third cam lobes rotating, the first and second pivot axes move relative to each other and relative to the axis of rotation.

9. The hand crimper tool of claim 8, wherein responsive to the first and second pivot axes moving, the amount of overlap between the first, second and third jaws, in the closed state, changes.

10. The hand crimper tool of claim 2, wherein the crimp depth adjustment assembly further comprises a locking member, and wherein the locking member is removably operably coupleable to the fastener head to prevent the eccentric fastener from rotating.

11. The hand crimper tool of claim 1, wherein the jaw assembly further comprises a fourth jaw and a fifth jaw, and wherein the fourth and fifth jaws are disposed parallel to each other and to the first, second and third jaws, and spaced apart from each other by additional spacer members.

12. The hand crimper tool of claim 11, wherein the fourth jaw pivots about a second pivot axis of the crimp depth adjustment assembly with the second jaw, and wherein the fifth jaw pivots about a first pivot axis of the crimp depth adjustment assembly with the first and third jaws.AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT0113. A crimp depth adjustment assembly for a hand crimper tool, the crimp depth adjustment assembly comprising an eccentric fastener, the eccentric fastener comprising: a fastener head via which the eccentric fastener is rotatable; a shaft extending away from the fastener head; and a plurality of cam lobes disposed along the shaft, wherein the crimp depth adjustment assembly is operably coupled to a jaw assembly of the hand crimper tool and enables an amount of overlap between first, second and third jaws of the jaw assembly to be changed to define a crimp depth of the jaw assembly.

14. The crimp depth adjustment assembly of claim 13, wherein the shaft extends substantially perpendicularly through the jaw assembly, and wherein the first, second and third jaws pivot about the shaft between an open state and a closed state.

15. The crimp depth adjustment assembly of claim 14, wherein the plurality of cam lobes comprises a first cam lobe, a second cam lobe, and a third cam lobe, and wherein the first cam lobe aligns with the first jaw, the second cam lobe aligns with the second jaw, and the third cam lobe aligns with the third jaw.

16. The crimp depth adjustment assembly of claim 15, wherein the first and third cam lobes are disposed on a first half of a perimeter of the shaft and the second cam lobe is disposed on a second half of the perimeter of the shaft on an opposite side from the first half.

17. The crimp depth adjustment assembly of claim 16, wherein the shaft comprises a first pivot axis, a second pivot axis, and an axis of rotation, wherein the shaft is rotatable about the axis of rotation, wherein the first and third jaws pivot about the first pivot axis, and the second jaw pivots about the second pivot axis.

18. The crimp depth adjustment assembly of claim 17, wherein the shaft is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein responsive to the shaft rotating about the axis of rotation between the first orientation and the second orientation, the first, second and third cam lobes rotate,AttyDktNo: 717745-01020-P4256PCT01 wherein responsive to the first, second and third cam lobes rotating, the first and second pivot axes move relative to each other and relative to the axis of rotation, and wherein responsive to the first and second pivot axes moving, the amount of overlap between the first, second and third jaws, in the closed state, changes.

19. The crimp depth adjustment assembly of claim 13, wherein the crimp depth adjustment assembly further comprises a locking member, and wherein the locking member is removably operably coupleable to the fastener head to prevent the eccentric fastener from rotating.

20. The crimp depth adjustment assembly of claim 13, wherein the jaw assembly further comprises a fourth jaw and a fifth jaw, wherein the fourth and fifth jaws are disposed parallel to each other and to the first, second and third jaws, and spaced apart from each other by additional spacer members, wherein the fourth jaw pivots about a second pivot axis of the crimp depth adjustment assembly with the second jaw, and wherein the fifth jaw pivots about a first pivot axis of the crimp depth adjustment assembly with the first and third jaws.

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