GB2375726A

GB2375726A - Swaging block

Info

Publication number: GB2375726A
Application number: GB0112853A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Bailey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-05-26
Filing date: 2001-05-26
Publication date: 2002-11-27
Also published as: GB0112853D0

Abstract

A quick acting flare/swaging block comprising the two halves of a flareblock 5 and 6 as an integral part of and operated by a pair of locking or wratchet type pliers 1. The pliers when closed exert sufficient force on the block halves to be able to clamp metal pipes for flaring/swaging. The two halves of the flareblock 5 and 6 are profiled and rebated 7 and 8 respectively to ensure correct alignment when the quick block is in the closed position. The locking pliers offer good mechanical advantage when used with a flaring/ swaging tool during the flaring/swaging operation and also allow for quick release of the flared/swaged pipe on completion of the flaring/swaging operation.

Description

QUICK BLOCK This invention relates to a quick action pipe flaring/swaging block.

A flaring block is a commonly used service tool withm a number of engineering proffessions. It (flaring block) consists of two pieces of square section steel bar, clamped together at either end by a hinged threaded rod and wing nuts or similar arrangement.

It has a number of threaded holes of different diameters drilled along its mating surfaces which are used to clamp tubing of various sizes. It may also incorporate a means of "pinching"the tubing.

It is used along with a flaring tool in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning industry to make a flared end on copper tubing and for swaging copper tubing. It is also used in the Motor Industry for making flared ends on motor vehicle brake pipes.

Flareblocks can be quite awkward to use, requiring gradual tightening of the clamping nuts. They can be uncomfortable on the hand during the flaring/swaging operation.

According to the present invention there is provided a quick means for clamping and releasing the pipe into the flareblock. This is acheived by fabricating the two halves of the flare block onto the jaws of a pair of locking pliers or similar in order for the pliers to operate the flare block. The original method of clamping using threaded rods and nuts is no longer required. The locking pliers also offer good mechanical advantage during the flaring/swaging operation.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 shows the side elevation of the flareblock and pliers in a closed position (i. e. pipe clamped).

Figure 2 shows the side elevation illustating the jaws open position (i. e. pipe released).

Figure 3 shows the front elevation illustrating the profiled and rebated jaw ends.

Refering to the drawings the Quick Block comprises of a single pair of locking pliers 1 whose jaws 5 and 6 form the two halves of the flaring block. Figure 1.

In order to perform a flaring operation the pliers 1 are opened thus separating the jaws 5 and 6, figure 2. The pipe to be flared is positioned in its relevant hole 3 on the lower jaw.

The pliers 1 are closed and the jaws 5 and 6 clamp and secure the pipe ready for flaring.

The holes 3 are countersunk (or have a chamfered edge) at either end 4 to enable flaring of the pipe end from either side of the tool.

The jaws may also incorporate a facility for "pinching off'tubes to be sealed 2.

At the front of the tool Figure 3 the lower jaw is profiled 7 and the upper jaw rebated 8 in order to allow correct alignment of the jaws when the tool is closed.

The tube can be removed from the Quick Block by opening the pliers and releasing the jaws. Figure 2.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 A quick acting flaring block comprising of the two halves of a pipe flaring/swaging block operated by locking pliers or wratchet type pliers.
2 A quick acting flaring block as claimed in claim 1 whereby the two halves of the block are an integral part of the locking or wratchet pliers, i. e. fabricated to the jaws of the lockmg or wratchet pliers or made as an integral part of the locking pliers or wratchet pliers.
3 A quick acting flareblock as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 whereby the two halves of the block are held together with sufficient force to hold the pipe to be flared securely without the need to use clamping nuts and screws.
4 A quick acting flare block as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 whereby the two halves of the flareblock align by means of profiled and rebated surfaces respectively when in the closed position.
5 A quick acting flare block as claimed in any preceding claim that has one or more threaded holes formed along its mated surfaces of varying sizes that are chamfered at either end.
6 A quick acting flare block as claimed in claim 5 that incorporates a pinch off facility between its mating surfaces.
7 A quick acting flare block as claimed in all preceding claims to be used in conjunction with an existing flaring tool.
8 A quick acting flare block substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-3 of the accompanying drawings.