Apparatus and method for frame crimping
AssigneeFlextronics AP, LLC
InventorsDave Messick, Dennis Willie
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims21
A portable device for creating indentations in first and second rails, the portable device 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;
- a first stud connected to the head, wherein when the first end of the rod is moved to the second position, the first stud contacts the first rail deforming at least a portion of the first rail and a key seated therein;
- and
- a second stud connected to the head, wherein when the first end of the rod is moved to the second position, the second stud contacts the second rail deforming at least a portion of the second rail and the key seated therein.
A portable handheld device for connecting first and second rails together, the portable handheld device comprising:
- a hydraulic cylinder including 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;
- a first stud connected to the head;
- and
- a second stud connected to the head, wherein when the hydraulic cylinder is activated, the first end of the rod is moved to the second position, first stud contacts the first rail deforming at least a portion of the first rail and a key seated therein, and the second stud contacts the second rail deforming at least a portion of the second rail and the key seated therein.
15-20. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.