Apparatus and method for frame crimping
OwnerDavid Messick, Dennis Willieinventors
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Abstract
Described are embodiments of a portable crimping device for creating frame assemblies. The device includes in embodiments a rod that is movable from a first position to a second position. A head is connected to the rod, and a stud is connected to the head. When the rod is moved from the first position to the second position the stud engages a rail of a frame and deforms a portion of the rail, which secures a bracket in a channel of the rail. A second rail can then be secured to a second side of the bracket in a similar way to create a corner of a frame. The process can be repeated to generate an enclosed frame assembly for holding items such as photovoltaic panels.
Claims20
A portable device for creating indentations in at least one rail, the portable device comprising:
- a rod, wherein a first end of the rod is movable from a first position to a second position;
- and
- a head connected to the first end of the rod;
- at least one stud connected to the head, wherein when the first end of the rod is moved to the second position, the at least one stud engages the at least one rail creating indentations on the at least one rail.
A portable handheld device for connecting two metal rails together, the portable handheld device comprising:
- a hydraulic cylinder comprising a rod, wherein a first end of the rod is movable from a first position to a second position;
- a head connected to the first end of the rod;
- at least one stud connected to the head, wherein when the hydraulic cylinder is activated, the first end of the rod is moved to the second position and the at least one stud engages a first rail.
The portable handheld device of claim 13, wherein the angle is a 90 degree angle.
A method for connecting two rails together, the method comprising:
- positioning a first rail and a second rail using an angle;
- positioning a first end of an L-shaped key into a first channel of the first rail;
- positioning a second end of an L-shaped key into a second channel of the second rail;
- securing the L-shaped key in the first channel and in the second channel using a portable crimping device, the portable crimping device comprising:
- a hydraulic cylinder comprising a rod, wherein a first end of the rod is movable from a first position to a second position;
- a head connected to the first end of the rod;
- at least one stud connected to the head, wherein when the hydraulic cylinder is activated, the first end of the rod is moved to the second position and the at least one stud engages and deforms a portion of the first rail.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.