Power Tool for Stainless Steel Metal Locking Ties

Abstract

A power tool for installing a metal locking tie is disclosed. The power tool includes a body and a power chassis. The body of the tool includes a gear carrier, a tensioning mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The gear carrier is positioned in the tool body and the tensioning mechanism is mounted in the gear carrier. The cutting mechanism engages the gear carrier. As the tie is tensioned, the gear carrier moves linearly in the tool body to cut the tensioned tie.

1 . A tool for installing a metal locking tie, the tool comprising:
 a tool body:   a gear carrier positioned in the tool body;   a tensioning mechanism mounted in the gear carrier; and   a cutting mechanism engaging the gear carrier,   whereby the gear carrier moves linearly in the tool body once the tie is tensioned to cut the tie.   
   
   
       2 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a toggle mechanism positioned in the tool body, wherein the toggle mechanism holds the gear carrier in place until a toggle holding force has been exceeded. 
   
   
       3 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the toggle holding force is spring loaded. 
   
   
       4 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a toggle mechanism including a toggle link and a lever arm, wherein the toggle link engages the lever arm. 
   
   
       5 . The tool of  claim 4 , wherein the lever arm includes a horizontally extending portion, a lever arm pivot and a vertically extending portion, the vertically extending portion includes a detent for housing the toggle link. 
   
   
       6 . The tool of  claim 4 , wherein the toggle link includes a torsion spring. 
   
   
       7 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting mechanism includes a cutting lever with a roller and a cutter, whereby the roller engages the gear carrier to actuate the cutter. 
   
   
       8 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioning mechanism includes a worm actuating a worm gear to rotate a mandrel. 
   
   
       9 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the body is attached to a power chassis by a swivel connector.