US3808869A

US3808869A - Flanging device

Info

Publication number: US3808869A
Application number: US00253899A
Authority: US
Inventors: E Raymond
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-05-16
Filing date: 1972-05-16
Publication date: 1974-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 1991-05-07

Abstract

A flanging device for selectively bending the edges of quarter panels and other sheet metal parts in the manufacture and repair of automobile bodies which includes pliers adapted to receive a pair of flanging dies, one of which is attached to the upper jaw of the pliers and the other of which is attached to the lower jaw. The flanging dies are adapted to register with each other to cause a piece of sheet metal being clamped between the dies to be flanged at a selectively desired angle and depth.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Raymond [5 FLANGING DEVICE [76] Inventor: ,Edwin Stanley Raymond, 111

Garfield St., Longview, Tex. 75601 [22] Filed: May 16, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 253,899

[52] US. Cl. 72/409, 113/56 [51] Int. Cl B2ld 37/12 [58] Field of Search 72/409; 113/57, 56

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,811,065 10/1957 Johnson 72/409 1,842,678 1/1932 Kreuzeder 72/409 1,887,732 11/1932 Pagel et a1. 72/509 2,664,772 1/1954 Arey 72/409 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 874,280 4/1953 Germany 72/409 [451 May 7,1974

32,204 3/1934 Netherlands 113/56 Primary Examiner-Richard J. Herbst Attorney, Agent, or Firm-John M.- Harrison 57] ABSTRACT A flanging device for selectively bending the edges of quarter panels and other sheet metal parts in the manufacture and repair of automobile bodies which includes pliers adapted to receive a pair of flanging dies, one of which is attached to the upper jaw of the pliers and the other of which is attached to the lower jaw. The flanging dies are adapted to register with each other to cause a piece of sheet metal being clamped between the dies to be flanged at a selectively desired angle and depth.

6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures FLANGING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a new and improved flanging device for sheet metal, and particularly, to a new and improved flanging device which can be utilized to shape metal parts in the repair of quarter panels, rocker panels, front and rear fenders, roof panels, rear body panels, and other sheet metal parts of automobiles. The

flanging device of this invention is'extremely versatile in that substantially any, number of flanging dies having a variety of configurations can be adapted to the tool and utilized to effect flanging of substantially any contour and shape. Furthermore, the flanging tool of this invention is lightweight and may be easily used by hand, or it may be adapted for use with power equipment using, for example, compressed air as the driving force.

2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore various tools and devices have been utilized in the art to shape sheet metal parts in achieving various industrial functions. Exemplary tools known in the art date back as far as 1861, as illustrated in the patent to R. R. Taylor disclosing a power hammer in US. Pat. No. 31,041. More sophisticated tools such as the portable shears illustrated in the US. Pat. to J. Artru, et al., No. 3,350,780, and the power pliers disclosed in Patent No. Re-25842 to P. J. Keane, et al., developed later, and are well known in the metal working art.

Conventional techniques and methods for repairing quarter panels and other metal sheeting parts of automobile and truck bodies have consisted chiefly of overlapping the parts to be joined, brazing them together, grinding the braze, and subsequently smoothing over the seam with fiberglass or other compound to form a uniform surface. Among the problems which arise by use of this technique of repair is the difficulty of achieving a smooth, strong bond which leaves no noticeable rise or other irregularity in the seam joining the metal parts after paint is applied. Since this conventional technique necessarily results in the placing of one thickness of metal over the other in order to join the two, the raised area must be masked by applying large amounts of fiberglass, body putty or similar compound in the area adjacent the seam in order to gradually build up to the thickness of the overlapped metal without noticeable irregularity. Such a procedure requires a large amount of compounding material and a high degree of experience by the workmen, as well as a lengthy period of time in order to achieve the desired result.

Another problem inherent in joining sheet metal by overlapping and brazing is the reduction of strength brought'about by grinding the braze in order to reduce the seam thickness and aid development of a smooth juncture. Furthermore, brazing on the outer edge of the panels to be lapped frequently results in warpage of the panels, thereby increasing the difficulty of forming a smooth surface over the repaired area.

An alternative method sometimes used to join two pieces of sheet metal in automobile and similar repair work is placing the metal pieces to be joined end-toend, and brazing the resulting seam along the edges of the respective pieces. However, this technique, like the overlap method, frequently results in warpage of the two pieces being joined, since heat must be applied along the joined ends. Furthermore, the presence of a brazingdeposit along the seam presents a higher surface area, even after grinding, than the'surfaces of the two members being joined.

In both the overlap and end-to-end method of joining sheet metal, the problem of warpage requires the expenditure of much time and frequently, a large amount of material, to provide a smooth, uniform surface repair area. Heat applied to the juncture frequently causes areas of the work pieces adjacent the seam as well as the seam itself, to warp, thereby increasing the difficulty of providing a uniform repair job.

Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provid an improved flanging tool for use in joining sheet metal pieces, and particularly, an improved flanging tool for use in flanging or selectively bending quarter panels, front and rear fenders, roof panels, rear body panels, and other automobile surface parts in the repair of such vehicles.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved flanging tool which is light, easy to use, and can be operated with the use of one hand. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a flanging tool which may be quickly and easily modified to fit the contour of substantially any piece of sheet metal being worked.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved flanging tool which is equipped with removable flanging dies, which dies may be selectively shaped to provide sheet metal flanging of substantially any configuration. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a flanging tool which utilizes flanging dies, which may be adapted for attachment to substantially any plier type device having the proper degree of leverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects of the invention are provided in a flanging tool for flanging sheet metal which includes the following elements:

1. A plier-type device having sufficient leverage; and

2. A pair of flanging dies, each mounted on a jaw of the pliers, and adapted to mate when the jaws are closed to cause selective flanging of 'a sheet metal workpiece disposed between the dies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood in view of the following description presented with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flanging tool of this invention showing a preferred positioning of one set of flanging dies on the plier jaws;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom flanging die illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the die interior configuration;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the top flanging die illusthe open configuration with a workpiece inserted for flanging;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the flanging tool illustrating the flanging dies illustrated in FIG. I in the closed position with a flanged workpiece inserted between the dies.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIG. 1 of the.drawings, the flanging tool of the instant invention is illustrated generally as reference numeral 1, with top flanging die, generally illustrated by reference numeral 6, and bottom flanging die, generally illustrated by reference numeral 5, shown affixed to jaws 2 and .3 of pliers 8, respectively. As illustrated, top flanging die 6 is fitted with a lip 6a, and bottom flanging die is similarly fitted with a lip 5a, which is tapered to form tooth Sb. When the dies are in flanging position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, tooth 5b is adapted to approach lip 6a. A sheet metal workpiece 7, illustrated more particularly in FIGS. 4 and 5, is designed to be placed between the dies, as shown in FIG. 4, and subsequently'flanged or selectively bent, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the plier jaws are closed.

It has surprisingly been found that an extremely uniform flange having a great tendency to resist warpage can be obtained by provision of slot 5c in bottom flanging die 5, which slot isadapted to register with a projection 6b, machined or otherwise provided in top flanging die 6. This mechanical feature causes work stock, such as workpiece 7, to be crimped andgrooved simultaneously, as illustrated by reference number 11 in FIG.

6, a feature which has surprisingly been found to greatly minimizethe effect of warpage of the workpiece when heat is applied in the brazing process after the flanging operation has been completed.

' As illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawing, workpieces 7 and 7a, flanged by the flanging tool of this invention, are overlapped, joined by'braze' 9, and subsequently smoothed at the brazed seam by application of filler 10, which may typically be fiberglass or body solder.

As further illustrated in the drawings, it will be appre-. ciated that top flanging die 6 and bottom flanging die 5 must be displaced horizontally with respect to each other in

jaws

2 and 3, in order to allow a workpiece to be bent or crimped in the proper configuration. Accordingly, it is preferred that wall 6g of top flanging die 6, illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawing, be displaced with respect to tooth 5b of bottom flanging die 5, approximately A; of an inch to effect execution of the proper flanging angle. It will further be recognized that this displacement may be greater if it is desired to effect a flanging angle which is less than that effected when the displacement is 56 of an inch. It will also be appreciated that

surfaces

5a and 6a located on top flanging die 6 and bottom flanging die 5 are designed to permit rolling the flange up or down without changing the contour of the unflanged area of work on the workpiece. It is also important that the top flanging die be constructed wider than the bottom flanging die in order to properly effect the crimping operation. In addition, while adjustment of the depth of the flanging operation may usually be easily effected by visual means, the plier jaws may be fitted with a stop near the rear of the dies toallow uniformity in crimping or flanging to a proper depth.

It has been estimated that the flanging technique of I this invention can easily save up to percent of fiberglassing or other compounds utilized in body work repair due to the necessity of using less material in smoothing over the seam created by placing two flanged pieces of metal adjacent each other and brazing them to form the necessary seam. It will be appreciated that while it is preferred to utilize the flanging device of this invention as a hand operated plier device, the tool may be adapted to power equipment driven by compressed air or similar means.

When utilizing the flanging device according to the disclosure of this invention, the two surfaces which are to be joined may be flanged by successively causing pressure to be exerted on the flanging .dies with the workstock inserted between the dies, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawing, and heat may be applied to braze the joint, as shown in FIG. 7. Where it is desired to do very precise work and join two flanged workpieces with a minimum of distortion between flanged seams, to effect workpieces having areas adjacent the flangedregion at essentially the same elevation as illustrated in FIG. 7, two sets of dies may be utilized, which sets have different flanged depths in order to achieve the necessary results. Essentially the same result may be achieved in the invention by rolling the flanged areas in opposite directions when creating the flange by using a common set of dies. Of course, it will be appreciated that substantially any shaped die may be utilized in the flanging tool of this invention, depending upon the contour of the workpiece or workpieces to be joined. I

Having described my invention above, what is claimed is: I

1. A tool for flangingthe edges ofsheet metal which comprises:

a. Pliers, having anupper and a lower jaw;

b. A top flanging die affixed to saidupper jaw, said top flanging die having a horizontally projectinglip across the front edge thereof and shaped with a first shoulder essentially perpendicular to and joining said lip at the rear extremity of said lip.

c. A bottom flangingdieaffixed to said lower jaw, said bottom flanging die having a vertically projecting toothacross the front edge thereof, said tooth being curved from the extreme front bottom edge of said die to the apex thereof, and adapted to contact said lip when said upper and said lower jaws of said pliers are closed said bottom flanging die further shaped with a second shoulder to the rear of and joining said tooth at the apex thereof; and

d. Said first and second shoulders are spaced apart and essentially parallel when said upper jaw and said lower jaw of said pliers are closed.

2. The tool of claim 1 wherein:

a. Said top flanging die is fitted with at least one projection on a bottom surface thereof, which projection is narrow with respect to the width of said top flanging die and is positioned essentially in the center of said bottom surface, traversing the length thereof to the rear of and perpendicular to said first shoulder; and

b. Said bottom flanging die is fitted with at least one slot on the top rear surface thereof, which slot is adapted to registerwith said at least one projection when said upper and said lower jaws of said pliers a. Said top flanging die is shaped with a first shoulder essentially perpendicular to and joining said lip at the rear extremity of said lip;

b. Said bottom flanging die is shaped with a second shoulder to the rear of and joining said tooth at the apex thereof;

c. Said first and second shoulders are spaced apart and essentially parallel when said upper jaw and said lower jaw of said pliers are closed;

d. Said top flanging die is fitted with at least one projection on a bottom surface thereof, which projection is narrow with respect to the width of said top flanging die and is positioned essentially in the center of said bottom surface and traversing the length thereof to the rear of and perpendicular to said first shoulder; and

e. Said bottom flanging die is fitted with at least one slot on the top rear surface thereof, which slot is adapted to register with said at least one projection when said upper and said lower jaws of said pliers are closed. a

4. The tool of claim 1 wherein the front and sides of said top flanging die and said bottom flanging die project beyond said upper jaw and said lower jaw, respectively.

S. The tool of claim 1 further including stop means affixed to the rear of said top flanging die to permit insertion of a workpiece between said top die and said bottom die to a uniform depth.

6. The tool of claim 3 wherein:

a. the front and sides of said top flanging die and said bottom flanging die project beyond said upper jaw and said lower jaw, respectively; and

b. Said top flanging die is fitted with a stop means to permit insertion of a workpiece between said top flanging die and said bottom flanging die at a uniform depth.

Claims

1. A tool for flanging the edges of sheet metal which comprises: a. Pliers, having an upper and a lower jaw; b. A top flanging die affixed to said upper jaw, said top flanging die having a horizontally projecting lip across the front edge thereof and shaped with a first shoulder essentially perpendicular to and joining said lip at the rear extremity of said lip. c. A bottom flanging die affixed to said lower jaw, said bottom flanging die having a vertically projecting tooth across the front edge thereof, said tooth being curved from the extreme front bottom edge of said die to the apex thereof, and adapted to contact said lip when said upper and said lower jaws of said pliers are closed said bottom flanging die further shaped with a second shoulder to the rear of and joining said tooth at the apex thereof; and d. Said first and second shoulders are spaced apart and essentially parallel when said upper jaw and said lower jaw of said pliers are closed.

2. The tool of claim 1 wherein: a. Said top flanging die is fitted with at least one projection on a bottom surface thereof, which projection is narrow with respect to the width of said top flanging die and is positioned essentially in the center of said bottom surface, traversing the length thereof to the rear of and perpendicular to said first shoulder; and b. Said bottom flanging die is fitted with at least one slot on the top rear surface thereof, which slot is adapted to register with said at least one projection when said upper and said lower jaws of said pliers are closed.

3. The tool of claim 1 wherein: a. Said top flanging die is shaped with a first shoulder essentially perpendicular to and joining said lip at the rear extremity of said lip; b. Said bottom flanging die is shaped with a second shoulder to the rear of and joining said tooth at the apex thereof; c. Said first and second shoulders are spaced apart and essentially parallel when said upper jaw and said lower jaw of said pliers are closed; d. Said top flanging die is fitted with at least one projection on a bottom surface thereof, which projection is narrow with respect to the width of said top flanging die and is positioned essentially in the center of said bottom surface and traversing the length thereof to the rear of and perpendicular to said first shoulder; and e. Said bottom flanging die is fitted with at least one slot on the top rear surface thereof, which slot is adapted to register with said at least one projection when said upper and said lower jaws of said pliers are closed.

5. The tool of claim 1 further including stop means affixed to the rear of said top flanging die to permit insertion of a workpiece between said top die and said bottom die to a uniform depth.

6. The tool of claim 3 wherein: a. the front and sides of said top flanging die and said bottom flanging die project beyond said upper jaw and said lower jaw, respectively; and b. Said top flanging die is fitted with a stop means to permit insertion of a workpiece between said top flanging die and said bottom flanging die at a uniform depth.