Multi-application crimping or pressing tool

Abstract

A manual or powered crimping tool, and corresponding jaw set, are described that include a combination of provisions for crimping tangential type crimping elements and one or more circumferential type crimping elements. Various versions of the tool and jaw set are provided including tools and jaw sets that include provisions for using a selectively replaceable insert that significantly increases the range of applications of the tool or jaw set. Tool versions are also provided having insert receiving surfaces, such as when used with inserts, that also serve as crimping surfaces.

1 . A jaw set adapted for crimping a deformable crimp element about a member, the jaw set comprising:
 a first jaw defining a front portion and an oppositely directed rear portion, and inner and outer edges extending between the front and rear portions;   a second jaw defining a front portion and an oppositely directed rear portion, and inner and outer edges extending between the front and rear portions of the second jaw;   wherein each of the first jaw and the second jaw include an outwardly extending pincer portion adjacent the front portion and along the inner edge of the respective jaw, each of the first jaw and the second jaw also defining a recessed arcuate surface accessible along the inner edge of the respective jaw, and the first and second jaws being positioned and operatively coupled to one another such that the pincer portions of the first and second jaws are opposite one another and define a tangential crimping configuration and the recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are also opposite one another and provide a circumferential crimping configuration.   
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . The jaw set of  claim 1  wherein the recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are configured as crimping surfaces. 
   
   
       4 . The jaw set of  claim 3  wherein the crimping surfaces are adapted to accommodate crimping at least one crimp element selected from the group consisting of (i) a ⅜inch circumferential crimp element, (ii) a ½inch circumferential crimp element, (iii) a ⅝inch circumferential crimp element, (iv) a ¾inch circumferential crimp element, and (v) a 1 inch circumferential crimp element. 
   
   
       5 . The jaw set of  claim 1  wherein the recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are configured as insert receiving surfaces. 
   
   
       6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . The jaw set of  claim 5  further comprising:
 an insert assembly including a first insert and a second insert, the insert assembly adapted for engagement with the first and second jaws, wherein upon such engagement, the first insert contacts the insert receiving surface of the first jaw and the second insert contacts the insert receiving surface of the second jaw.   
   
   
       8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . The jaw set of  claim 1  wherein the first and second jaws further define a second set of recessed arcuate surfaces. 
   
   
       10 . The jaw set of  claim 9  wherein at least one of the first set and the second set of recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are configured as crimping surfaces. 
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . The jaw set of  claim 9  wherein at least one of the first set and the second set of recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are configured as insert receiving surfaces. 
   
   
       13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . The jaw set of  claim 12  further comprising:
 an insert assembly including a first insert and a second insert, the insert assembly adapted for engagement with the first and second jaws, wherein upon such engagement, the first insert contacts the insert receiving surface of the first jaw and the second insert contacts the insert receiving surface of the second jaw.   
   
   
       15 . The jaw set of  claim 9  wherein the first and second jaws further define a third set of recessed arcuate surfaces. 
   
   
       16 . The jaw set of  claim 1  wherein the jaw set is in the form of a pressing ring assembly. 
   
   
       17 . The jaw set of  claim 1  wherein the jaw set is adapted for use in a manual pressing tool having handles extending from the jaws. 
   
   
       18 . The jaw set of  claim 1  wherein the jaw set is adapted for use in a powered pressing tool. 
   
   
       19 . A jaw set adapted for crimping a deformable crimp element about a member, the jaw set comprising:
 a first jaw defining a front portion and an oppositely directed rear portion, and inner and outer edges extending between the front and rear portions;   a second jaw defining a front portion and an oppositely directed rear portion, and inner and outer edges extending between the front and rear portions of the second jaw;   wherein each of the first jaw and the second jaw defines a recessed arcuate surface accessible along the inner edge of the respective jaw, each recessed surface extending between the front portion and an interior portion disposed between the front and rear portion of each jaw, and each of the first jaw and the second jaw also including an outwardly extending pincer portion proximate the interior portion of the respective jaw, the first and second jaws being positioned and operatively coupled to one another such that the pincer portions of the first and second jaws are opposite one another and define an interiorly disposed tangential crimping configuration and the recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are also opposite one another and provide a circumferential crimping configuration.   
   
   
       20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . The jaw set of  claim 19  wherein the recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are configured as crimping surfaces. 
   
   
       22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . The jaw set of  claim 19  wherein the recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are configured as insert receiving surfaces. 
   
   
       24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . The jaw set of  claim 23  further comprising:
 an insert assembly including a first insert and a second insert, the insert assembly adapted for engagement with the first and second jaws, wherein upon such engagement, the first insert contacts the insert receiving surface of the first jaw and the second insert contacts the insert receiving surface of the second jaw.   
   
   
       26 . (canceled) 
   
   
       27 . The jaw set of  claim 19  wherein the first and second jaws further define a second set of recessed arcuate surfaces. 
   
   
       28 . The jaw set of  claim 27  wherein at least one of the first set and the second set of recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are configured as crimping surfaces. 
   
   
       29 . (canceled) 
   
   
       30 . The jaw set of  claim 27  wherein at least one of the first set and the second set of recessed arcuate surfaces of the first and second jaws are configured as insert receiving surfaces. 
   
   
       31 . (canceled) 
   
   
       32 . The jaw set of  claim 30  further comprising:
 an insert assembly including a first insert and a second insert, the insert assembly adapted for engagement with the first and second jaws, wherein upon such engagement, the first insert contacts the insert receiving surface of the first jaw and the second insert contacts the insert receiving surface of the second jaw.   
   
   
       33 . The jaw set of  claim 27  wherein the first and second jaws further define a third set of recessed arcuate surfaces. 
   
   
       34 . The jaw set of  claim 19  wherein the jaw set is in the form of a pressing ring assembly. 
   
   
       35 . The jaw set of  claim 19  wherein the jaw set is adapted for use in a manual pressing tool having handles extending from the jaws. 
   
   
       36 . The jaw set of  claim 19  wherein the jaw set is adapted for use in a powered pressing tool. 
   
   
       37 . (canceled) 
   
   
       38 . (canceled) 
   
   
       39 . (canceled)