Tool having automated continuous feeding method for applying hog rings

摘要

A tool for securing items together closes C-rings to create hog rings. A drive mechanism allows the tool be used continuously for a greater length of time than heretofore possible without inserting a new string of C-rings. The drive mechanism utilizes one-way clutch bearings to provide a ratchet-like mechanism. Each time a trigger on the tool is pulled, a C-ring is closed and another C-ring is advanced to a position in which it may be closed by the same jaws. A pneumatic system moves a piston inside a cylinder to move the C-rings along a magazine towards the jaws.

主权项

1. A clamping tool for closing C-rings to create hog rings, the tool comprising:
a body comprising a handle and a pneumatic cylinder; a piston movable inside the cylinder, the piston being attached to a piston rod extending from the piston towards a front end of the tool; a movable trigger for activating the piston inside the pneumatic cylinder; a pair of side plates secured to the body, the piston rod being movable between the side plates; a pusher attached to the piston rod for engaging and moving a clamp, the clamp being fixedly secured to a shaft, said shaft being secured in position by a mounting bracket secured to one of the side plates; two movable jaws pivotally mounted to the side plates; at least one feed roller and at least one one-way clutch bearing, the shaft extending through each of the feed rollers and each of the one-way clutch bearings; a compression spring surrounding a spring support for biasing the clamp rearwardly towards the body of the device; a magazine attached to one of the side plates, the magazine being adapted to receive a plurality of C-rings; a stationary holder secured to a front portion of the magazine and having an opening supporting one end of the spring support, the other end of the spring support being supported by said clamp; wherein upon the trigger being pulled, the pusher moves rearwardly with the piston rod, the compression spring contacting the clamp and moving the clamp, shaft, one-way clutch bearings and feed rollers in a counter-clockwise direction, when viewed from the top of the tool, the feed rollers contacting the C-rings to advance the C-rings one at a time into a clamping position from the magazine and upon release of the trigger, the pusher contacts the clamp and rotates the clamp in a clockwise direction, when viewed from the top of the tool, to load the compression spring for the next pull of the trigger.