Hand-Held Conduit Bending Tool with Multiple Bending Channels

The present disclosure relates to a hand-held conduit bending tool having multiple channels for manually bending electrical conduit.

Hand-held conduit bending tools for bending electrical conduits are known, and usually include a one-piece body that has an elongated curved bender head at its bottom, a hook at its front end, and an upwardly projecting handle receptacle in which a shaft-like handle is removably receivable. A foot pedal is provided at the rear of the bender head, and the user can step onto the foot pedal. The bender head has a curved channel therein in which the conduit is seated and is bent during a bending operation. The hook is engaged under a length of conduit to be bent, which is held against a floor or other supporting surface, and a bending force is exerted upon the handle and the foot pedal, transmitted to the conduit by means of the hook, and curves the conduit around the bender head. Examples of such conduit bending tools are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,837 and in United States Publication Nos. 2003/0233859, 2004/0182129, and 2017/0274437.

A hand-held conduit bending tool in accordance with example embodiments includes an elongated handle having a free end and a connected end; and a bender head disposed on the connected end of the handle, the bender head comprising a body portion having a front end, an opposite rear end, upper and lower surfaces extending from the front end to the rear end, and opposite first and second side surfaces extending from the front end to the rear end, wherein the body portion has a curved channel formed therein extending upward from the lower surface, the channel including opposite first and second side walls which are separated by a base wall, wherein a longitudinal axis extends from a front end of the channel to a rear end of the channel, the first side wall terminating in a first lower wall surface, the second side wall terminating in a second lower wall surface, and wherein the channel is elliptical in cross-section along all cross-sections thereof taken transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein a distance taken from the base wall to each lower wall surface is less than a diameter of a conduit having a circular cross-section which is configured to be positioned within the channel.

A hand-held conduit bending tool in accordance with example embodiments includes a bender head comprising a body portion having a front end, an opposite rear end, a lower surface extending from the front end to the rear end, and an opposite upper surface extending from the front end to the rear end, and a hook portion extending from the front end of the body portion, the body portion having a curved channel formed therein extending from the lower surface and from the front end to the rear end, the curved channel being configured to receive a conduit, and a handle mount provided by the body portion at the front end of the body portion and rearward of the hook portion, wherein a portion of the upper surface rearward of the handle mount forms a foot pedal; and an elongated handle having a free end and a connected end, the connected end of the handle being in the handle mount.

A hand-held conduit bending tool in accordance with example embodiments includes a bender head comprising a body portion having a front end, an opposite rear end, upper and lower surfaces extending from the front end to the rear end, and opposite first and second side surfaces extending from the front end to the rear end, and a hook portion extending from the front end of the body portion, the body portion having a first curved channel formed therein extending from the lower surface and from the front end to the rear end, the first channel being proximate to the first side surface and configured to receive a first conduit, a second curved channel formed in the body portion and extending from the lower surface and from the front end to the rear end, the second channel being proximate to the second side surface and being differently sized than the first channel so as to accept a differently sized diameter conduit therein, wherein first markings are provided on the lower surface proximate to the first channel, second markings are provided on the first side surface, third markings are provided on the lower surface proximate to the second channel, and fourth markings are provided on the second side surface, wherein the first and second markings indicate bend angles for the first channel, and the third and fourth markings indicate bend angles for the second channel; and an elongated handle extending from the bender head.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other embodiments, aspects, and advantages of various disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments.

While the disclosure may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that as illustrated and described herein. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, features disclosed herein may be combined together to form additional combinations that were not otherwise shown for purposes of brevity. It will be further appreciated that in some embodiments, one or more elements illustrated by way of example in a drawing(s) may be eliminated and/or substituted with alternative elements within the scope of the disclosure.

A hand-held conduit bending toolincludes a bender headand an elongated handle. The conduit bending toolis used to bend a straight portion of the conduit,having a circular cross-section into a bent shape when pressure is applied to the by a user. The handlehas a free endand a connected endand the bender headis disposed on the connected endof the handle. The bender headmay be constructed from cast iron, aluminum, polymers with various fillers to promote strength, or other suitable material. The handlemay be constructed from plastic, or metal, such as tubular steel, or other suitable material. The handlemay have a grip, such as for example a rubber molding, or knurling provided on the free endto assist in the user grip on the handle. For convenience in explanation only, terms such as upper, lower are used, but do not indicate that these directions are required during use of the conduit bending tool.

The bender headincludes a body portionhaving a front end, an opposite rear end, upper and lower surfaces,extending between the front and rear ends,, first and second side surfaces,extending between the front and rear ends,and the upper and lower surfaces,, and a hook portionextending from the front endof the body portion. The upper surfacemay be formed of an upper curved bar, and the lower surfacemay be formed of a lower curved bar, which are connected together by a plurality of strutswhich define windows. Alternatively, the body portionmay be a solid part such that the windows are eliminated.

The body portionhas first and second downwardly facing channels,which extend upwardly from the lower surface. Each channel,extends from the front endto the rear endof the body portion, and each has an open lower end. In some embodiments and as shown, the channels,have different profiles which allow for bending of two different sizes of conduit,(one conduit has a first diameter, and the second conduit has a second diameter) which reduces the overall cost for the user, since the user can purchase a single conduit bending tool, instead of two separate conduit bending tools. In some embodiments, the channels,have the same profile which allow for bending of two conduits having the same diameter at the same time.

The first channelincludes opposite first and second side walls,which are connected by a base wall. A longitudinal centerline, see, extends from the front end of the first channelto the rear end of the first channelthrough the midpoint of the base wall. The first side wallterminates in a first lower wall surface, and the second side wallterminates in a second lower wall surface. When the wall surfaces,are viewed in side elevation, each wall surface,has a front portionwhich extends from the front endand at a constant radius, and a tail portionextending tangentially from the respective front portionto the rear end. The first channelis elliptical in cross-section, see, along all points thereof taken transverse to the longitudinal centerline, and the elliptical shape is constant. A distance, which may be equivalent to the semi-major axis of the ellipse, taken from the midpoint of the base wallto each wall surface,is less than a diameter of the conduitwhich is configured to be positioned within the first channel. When the first channelis viewed in cross-section along the longitudinal centerline, see, the first channelmirrors the shape of the portions,and has a front portionwhich extends from the front endand at a constant radius, and a tail portionextending tangentially from the front portionto the rear end.

The second channelincludes opposite first and second side walls,which are connected by a base wall. A longitudinal centerline, see, extends from the front end of the second channelto the rear end of the second channelthrough the midpoint of the base wall. The longitudinal centerlineis parallel to the longitudinal centerline, and the channels,are side-by-side. The first side wallterminates in a first lower wall surface, and the second side wallterminates in a second lower wall surface. When the wall surfaces,are viewed in side elevation, each wall surface,has a front portionwhich extends from the front endand at a constant radius, and a tail portionextending tangentially from the respective front portionto the rear end. The second channelis elliptical in cross-section, see, along all points thereof taken transverse to the longitudinal centerline, and the elliptical shape is constant. A distance, which may be equivalent to the semi-major axis, taken from the midpoint of the base wallto each wall surface,is less than a diameter of the conduitwhich is configured to be positioned within the second channel. As shown, distanceis greater than distance. When the second channelis viewed in cross-section along the longitudinal centerline, see, the second channelmirrors the shape of the portions,and has a front portionwhich extends from the front endand at a constant radius, and a tail portionextending tangentially from the front portionto the rear end. The minor diameter of the ellipse that forms the second channelis greater than the minor diameter of the ellipse that forms the first channel. In the embodiment shown, the first channelis sized to receive a first size of conduittherein, and the second channelis sized to receive a second size of conduittherein which is differently sized than the size of the first conduit. For example, the first channelis sized to receive a ½″ conduit, and the second channelis sized to receive a ¾″ conduit. As another example, the first channelis sized to receive a″ conduit, and the second channelis sized to receive a ¾″ conduit. These examples are not intended to be limiting.

End wall surfaces,have the same profile and align with each other in the direction transverse to the longitudinal centerlines,. When the bender headis placed against a surfacein a head down position, the bender headsits level, and such that when the bender headis rolled against the surface, the entire length of the wall surfaces,contact the surface. End wall surfaces,may also align with end wall surfaces,or may be shorter, as shown. Webbingis provided between the walls,and between the front endand the rear end. The webbingstrengthens the channels,. Alternatively, the walls may be continuous with each other.

When the conduitis positioned in the first channel, the center of the conduitis positioned such that a portion of the conduitis always exposed from the first channel, see, and a spaceis provided between the outer profile of the round conduitand the elliptical first channel. When the conduitis being bent, the elliptical shape allows the conduitto nest within the first channeland the side walls,provide points of contact with the conduit, instead of the conduitbearing against the baseof the first channel. Since the conduitextends partially out of the first channel, the conduitis always in contact with the surfaceagainst which is it bearing during a head down bending process. As a result, pressure is always applied to the conduitby the surfaceduring a head down bending process for the entire profile during bending. Likewise, when the conduitis positioned in the second channel, the center of the conduitis positioned such that a portion of the conduitis always exposed from the second channel, and a spaceis provided between the outer profile of the round conduitand the elliptical second channel. When the conduitis being bent, the elliptical shape allows the conduitto nest within the second channeland the side walls,provide points of contact with the conduit, instead of the conduitbearing against the baseof the second channel. Since the conduitextends partially out of the second channel, the conduitis always in contact with the surfaceagainst which is it bearing during a head down bending process. As a result, pressure is always applied to the conduitby the surfacefor the entire profile during a head down bending process. These features results in a round cross-sectional shape of the conduit,after bending. In addition, when the conduit,is being bent, the conduit,may move into the space. In the prior art channels which provide a circular cross-section, the conduit bears against the base of the channel which can cause the conduit to flatten during bending. In prior art bending tools, the outer profile of the conduit is within the profile of the channel and does not extend outward of the channel. As a result, the conduit sometimes flattens or wrinkles.

As a result of the structure, the bender headcombines two channels,with a single ground profile. Both channels,maintain their respective center die radius (4.18″ for ½″ EMT conduit for channeland 5.17″ for ¾″ EMT conduit for channel). The wall surfaces,provide a common ground profile for uniform pressure on the conduit during bending.

The body portionincludes markings,,,thereon which indicate bend angles. The markings,,,may be raised or recessed relative to the body portionand may be cast into the body portion. First markingsare provided on the second lower wall surfaceof the second side wallwhich partially forms the lower surface, second markingsare provided on the side surfaceproximate to the lower wall surface, third markingsare provided on the side surfaceproximate to the lower wall surface, and fourth markingsare provided on the second lower wall surfacewhich partially forms the lower surface. The first and second markings,indicate bend angles for the first channel, and the third and fourth markings,indicate bend angles for the second channel. The markings,,,provide for accurate head-down and head-up bending, as well as for producing stub-ups, offsets, saddles and back-to-back bends. When the conduit bending toolis being used in a head-down position (the conduitand/orbears against the floor during bending), the markings,are used by the user to determine the bend angle. When the conduit bending toolis being used in a head-up position (the free endis against the floor and the user's foot is against the grip), the markings,are used by the user to determine the bend angle (surfaceis described herein as the lower surface for ease in explanation only and is not a required orientation; when the conduit bending toolis being used in the head-up position, then the surfaces,,,form an upper surface of the conduit bending tool). In the embodiment as shown, since the bender headhas two different centerline bend radii, the markings,are positioned differently to show the appropriate bend angle, and the markings,are positioned differently to show the appropriate bend angle. The markings,,,provide easy visibility for the user to determine the appropriate bend angle in the head-down position or in the head-up position. In an embodiment which has channels,with the same profile, the markings,,,are not positioned differently.

The body portionincludes a handle mountwhich attaches the handleto the body portion. In some embodiments, the handle mountis formed by an open ended receptacle extending downward from the upper surfacein the body portion, and the handleseats within the receptacle. The handle mountmay be formed by one of the struts. The handlemay be detachable from the bender heador fixedly attached to the bender head. While the handleis described as being mounted to the body portion, in some embodiments, the handleis integrally formed with the bender headsuch that the handle mountis integrally formed with the body portionand the handle. The handle mountis positioned proximate to the front endof the body portionand rearward of the hook portion. The handle mountgenerally aligns with the front endof the body portion. In an embodiment, the handle mountis positioned within the first quarter of the front portions,that extends from the front endof the body portion. As shown, the handle mountis vertically above the front portions,and partially overlaps the channels,. As a result of this forward positioning of the handle mount, an elongated foot pedalis provided between the handle mountand the rear endof the body portion. The foot pedalprovides a long and wide rest for the user's foot which increases the comfort of the user. A plurality of deep serrations may be formed in the upper surface of the foot pedalfor improved gripping by the boot of the user during the application of force by the user onto the foot pedalduring the bending operation. Since the handle mountis positioned proximate to the front endof the body portion, additional room is provided for the user's boot on the upper surfaceof the body portionrearward of the handle mountversus prior art bending tools which provide the handle mountat approximately the center of the body portion. As a result of the positioning, the length of the body portionis the same as provided in this prior art, but since the handle mounthas been moved forward in the present disclosure, additional room is provided for the user's boot without adding material cost which would result from adding an extension for the foot rest. Because the foot pedalis enlarged, this provides for increased toe room to ensure greater control, stability and leverage during operation. The handle mountdefines a central axis, see, which extends from its open end to its closed lower end. The central axisis vertical when a 30 degree bend has been achieved. The location of the central axismay be located along the length L of the bender headat location a when measured from the rear endand in a plane perpendicular to the central axisas shown in. The central axismay be located along the length L of the bender head at a distance of 58%-75% (α) of the length L of the bender headaway from the rear end. More preferably, the central axismay be located along the length L of the bender head at a distance of 60%-65% (α) of the length L of the bender headaway from the rear end. When the handleis mounted within the handle mount, a user can comfortably grasp the gripof the handleduring the bending process to apply an appropriate amount of leverage by pulling backward on the handle, while comfortably stepping on the foot pedal. The lower wall surfaces,rest on the surfacewhich provides better stability in the stand alone head-down and handle-up resting position when on the ground.

The hook portionis generally T-shaped, and extends forwardly from the center of the handle mountat the front endof the body portion. The handle mountstrengthens the hook portion. The hook portionhas a central spinewhich extends longitudinally from the front endof the body portion, a first hookthat extends perpendicular to the central spineand from a first side of the central spine, and a second hookthat extends perpendicular to the central spineand from a second, opposite side of the central spine. The first hookhas an open topped, generally U-shaped channelextending downward from an upper surface thereof, and which extends from a front endof the first hookto a rear endof the first hook, and which longitudinally aligns with the first channelin the body portion. The rear endof the first hookis spaced from the front endof the body portion. The channelhas a base wall, and opposite side walls,extending from the base wallto an open upper end. A rear portion of the base walland the lower portions of the side walls,form a cylindrical shape extending from the rear end thereof. When the conduitis initially inserted into the conduit bending tool, the conduitis slid through a portion of the first channelin the body portion, through the rear endof the channel, and then into or through the channel. The conduitis parallel to the central spinewhen inserted into the channels,. The conduitrests on the base walland the cylinder formed by the base walland the lower portions of the side walls,provide a stable starting point for the conduit. Likewise, the second hookhas an open topped, generally U-shaped channelextending downward from an upper surface thereof, and which extends from a front endof the second hookto a rear endof the second hook, and which longitudinally aligns with the second channelin the body portion. The rear endof the second hookis spaced from the front endof the body portion. The channelhas a base wall, and opposite side walls,extending from the base wallto an open upper end. A rear portion of the base walland the lower portions of the side walls,form a cylindrical shape extending from the rear end. When the conduitis initially inserted into the conduit bending tool, the conduitis slid through a portion of the second channelin the body portion, through the rear endof the channel, and into the channel. The conduitis parallel to the central spinewhen inserted into the channels,. The conduitrests on the base walland the cylinder formed by the base walland the lower portions of the side walls,provide a stable starting point for the conduit. The channels,may have grooves (not shown) in their upper surfaces to assist in gripping the conduits,when placed therein. Since the hooks,extend outward from the central spine, a smaller moment is provided during bending than when both hooks extend from the same side of a single spine.

The first hookhas a bottom surfacewhich includes a front portionthat extends from the front endto a rear portionthat extends therefrom to the rear end. The rear portionis planar and extends tangentially from the front portions. The front portionextends at an angle relative to the rear portion. The second hookhas a bottom surfacewhich includes a front portionthat extends from the front endto a rear portionthat extends therefrom to the rear end. The rear portionis planar and extends tangentially from the front portions. The front portionextends at an angle relative to the rear portion. The planar rear portions,provide a stable surface upon which the bender headrests as shown in.

While two channels,and hooks,are shown, a single channel and hook may be provided, or more than two channels and hooks may be provided.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these disclosed embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the disclosure. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

While particular embodiments are illustrated in and described with respect to the drawings, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It will therefore be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated in and discussed with respect to the drawings and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure and appended drawings. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims.