Tool for curving structural framing components
AssigneeSimpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
InventorCharles Mears
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for shaping a workpiece, which may be in the form of a structural framing component, includes a tool with first and second indenting blades for indenting the workpiece as driven by a blade control apparatus. The workpiece is supported at the tool by one or more workpiece support modules that are each selectively and removably securable to the tool. A base plate is provided at the tool for removably securing the workpiece support modules to the tool without having to detach the tool from a platform of substructure. The workpiece support modules may therefore be quickly replaced to coordinate with workpieces of various size and shape.
Claims16
A system for shaping a workpiece, comprising:
- a base having an upper side and a generally opposed lower side to separate an upper region coincident with the upper side from a lower region coincident with the lower side, and being securable to a substructure at the lower region;
- a blade control apparatus;
- a first indenting blade connected to the blade control apparatus for indenting a first portion of the workpiece when the workpiece is positioned in the upper region;
- a second indenting blade connected to an upstanding support post member and controllable by the blade control apparatus for indenting a second portion of the workpiece when the workpiece is positioned in the upper region;
- a handle connected to the blade control apparatus wherein the handle rotates about an axis to move the first indenting blade and the second indenting blade into indenting contact with the workpiece;
- a master base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface with a plurality of first mounting features on the upper surface and a plurality of securement apertures on a side surface, wherein the master base plate is secured to the base adjacent the upstanding support post member below the second indenting blade so that the first mounting features of the master base plate are open to the upper region;
- and
- one or more removable workpiece support modules having two support module sides and a width, positionable on the upper surface of the master base plate, an elongated support module channel on an upper surface of the support module for receiving a fastener and aligned with the second indenting blade, and a second mounting feature configured to secure the one or more removable workpiece support modules to the upper surface of the master base plate, and
- wherein the elongated support module channel receives an indented portion of the workpiece when at least one of the first indenting blade and second indenting blade are moved into indenting contact with the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.