Flexible welding torch having restraining member to avoid overextension and method of assembling same

A welding torch for a welding system, comprising:

• a torch head;
• a handle;
• and
• a flexible portion coupled to the torch head and the handle, the flexible portion being adapted to enable the torch head to be positioned relative to the handle, the flexible portion comprising:
• a first end member and a second end member;
• and
• a restraining member adapted to cooperate with the first and second end members to limit relative displacement of the first and second end members, the restraining member comprising:
• a restraining portion disposed at each end of the restraining member, wherein the restraining portions are adapted to capture the first and second end members therebetween;
• and
• a coiled portion disposed adjacent to each restraining portion, wherein each coiled portion is adapted to bias an adjacent restraining portion outward into engagement with one of the first and second end members.

A welding torch for a welding system, comprising:

• a torch head operable to hold a welding electrode;
• a handle;
• and
• a flexible portion coupled to the torch head and the handle, the flexible portion being adapted to enable the torch head to be positioned relative to the handle, the flexible portion comprising:
• a first end member and a second end member;
• and
• a restraining member adapted to cooperate with the first and second end members to limit relative displacement of the first and second end members, wherein the restraining member comprises a compressible portion operable to compress as the compressible portion is disposed through at least one end member and to expand outward to engage the at least one end member when the compressible portion is disposed through the at least one end member.

A welding torch for a welding system, comprising:

• a torch head operable to hold a welding electrode;
• a handle;
• and
• a flexible portion coupled to the torch head and the handle, the flexible portion being adapted to enable the torch head to be positioned relative to the handle, the flexible portion comprising:
• a first end member;
• a second end member;
• a coil disposed intermediate the first and second end members;
• and
• a plastically deformable restraining member adapted to extend through the first end member, the coil, and the second end member to limit expansion of the coil by limiting relative displacement of the first and second end members, wherein the plastically deformable restraining member engages the first and second end members by abutment.

A torch for a welding system, comprising:

• a torch head;
• a handle;
• and
• a coil assembly enabling the torch head to be positioned relative to the handle, comprising:
• a coil having a first and a second end;
• a first pin coupled to the first end of the coil;
• and
• a restraining member adapted to prevent overstretching of the coil, the restraining member having a first curved end portion adapted to engage the first pin at a defined displacement of the first end and second end of the coil.

A welding torch, comprising:

• a bendable portion adapted to enable a torch head to be positioned relative to a torch handle, comprising:
• a coil;
• a first member disposed at a first end of the coil;
• a second member disposed at a second end of the coil;
• and
• a restraining member adapted to limit extension of the coil by capturing the first and second end members therebetween, the retraining member comprising a wire having a coil wound adjacent to each end of the wire to bias each end of the wire outward.

A welding torch, comprising:

• a coil spring;
• a first end portion and a second end portion adapted to capture the coil spring therebetween;
• and
• a retaining member adapted to limit extension of the coil spring, wherein a first end of the retaining member is adapted to be disposed through the first end portion and to expand outward to prevent the retaining member from being withdrawn through the first end portion.