Tubing Shaping Tool and Method of Use
Patent Number: US 9440297 Grant Date: 2016-09-13 Filing Date: 2014-03-17
Overview
This patent describes a precision shaping tool engineered to trim and finish tubing ends using an assembled cap, blade portion, and cylindrical body. Filed on March 17, 2014 and granted on September 13, 2016, the disclosure—by inventors based in Amarillo, TX and assigned to applicants based in Amarillo, TX—details a vertical-slot blade carrier that slides into the body and exposes one or more pairs of blades within a cylindrical mouth sized to receive tubing. Thoughtful drafting captures practical features such as asymmetrical blade pairs (a sharpened cutter paired with a burnishing edge), a relief gap and venting apertures for debris control, knurled grips for secure manual handling, and an optional ratchet socket to apply torque. An alternative stepped configuration accommodates multiple external diameters, allowing a single tool to service different tubing sizes. The specification balances specific mechanical details with broad claims to protect variations in blade arrangement, stepped diameters, and assembly interlocks.
Key Features
- Vertical-slotted blade carrier with exposed cutting pairs
- Cutter + burnisher blade geometry for clean edges and deburring
- Stepped internal diameters to fit multiple tubing sizes
- Relief gap and vent apertures for debris management
- Optional ratchet socket and ergonomic grip
This well-drafted patent underlines the firm’s technical depth in mechanical tool design and pragmatic claim scope. The invention improves field efficiency and quality of tubing joins, with clear relevance to plumbing, HVAC, and manufacturing applications where reliable tube finishing matters.
Invention Details
Abstract: A shaping tool is having a cap, a blade portion and a body. The blade portion having a one or more pairs of blades. The body having a slot being substantially vertical which the blade portion freely slides vertically through. The cap having a first cylindrical portion with an open mouth at a lower portion and a cap at an upper portion. The body having a first cylindrical portion with an open mouth at a lower portion and a cap at an upper portion. The open mouth of the cap comprising an internal diameter being greater than an external diameter of the body. The shaping tool comprising an assembled configuration comprising the blade portion held between the cap and the body and partially within the slot, and the one or more pairs of blades exposed within the body.
Background: (1) This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/801,439, filed Mar. 15, 2013. The anniversary of that filing falls on a Saturday, thereby allowing for the filing of this application on Mar. 17, 2014. BACKGROUND (1) This disclosure relates generally to a shaping tool. One example of a shaping tool is referred to at http://www.sharkbiteplumbing.com/tools and http://www.sharkbiteplumbing.com/sharkbite-u702-safe-seal-tool. However, none of the known inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant disclosure as claimed. Accordingly, an improved shaping tool would be advantageous. SUMMARY (2) Two systems and a method are disclosed. (3) A shaping tool is disclosed comprising a cap, a blade portion and a body. Said blade portion comprises a one or more pairs of blades. Said body having a slot being substantially vertical which said blade portion freely slides vertically through. Said cap comprises a first cylindrical portion with an open mouth at a lower portion and a cap at an upper portion. Said body comprises a first cylindrical portion with an open mouth at a lower portion and a cap at an upper portion. Said open mouth of said cap comprising an internal diameter being greater than an external diameter of said body. Said shaping tool comprising an assembled configuration comprising said blade portion held between said cap and said body and partially within said slot, and said one or more pairs of blades exposed within said body. Said body having an internal diameter being substantially equal to an external diameter of a tubing. A first end of said tubing freely slides through said open mouth of said body and presses into a one said one or more pairs of blades. (4) A method of shaping a portion of a tubing using shaping tool is disclosed comprising: inserting a first end of a tubing into an open mouth of a shaping tool, sliding said first end into a one or more pairs of blades within said open mouth of said shaping tool, rotating said shaping tool relative to said tubing, shaving said first end between said one or more pairs of blades, and shaving an edge of said first end of said tubing. Wherein, said shaping tool comprises a cap, a blade portion and a body. Said blade portion comprises a one or more pairs of blades. Said body having a slot being substantially vertical which said blade portion freely slides vertically through. Said cap comprises a first cylindrical portion with an open mouth at a lower portion and a cap at an upper portion. Said body comprises a first cylindrical portion with an open mouth at a lower portion and a cap at an upper portion. Said open mouth of said cap comprising an internal diameter being greater than an external diameter of said body. Said shaping tool comprising an assembled configuration comprising said blade portion held between said cap and said body and partially within said slot, and said one or more pairs of blades exposed
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Fluid Systems | Amarillo, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney