FIELD

[0001] The disclosure generally relates to dies for crimping hoses.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Hoses are commonly used to transport fluid and air from one location to another. Hoses utilize fittings which permit connection to tanks and the like. Various techniques are used to attach hose fittings to hoses.

[0003] One technique is to use a die that is configured to compress portions of the fitting to the hoses.

[0004] What is needed are techniques to facilitate fitting attachment and use of hose fitting dies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a crimp die assembly 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a crimp die assembly 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0007] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a crimp die assembly 300 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0008] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hose and hose fitting in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of die cage halves 500 in accordance with one or more embodiments. [0010] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a separate-able die cage half 600 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0011] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a separate-able die cage half 700 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0012] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a separate-able die cage half 800 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses. The description is presented herein solely for the purpose of illustrating the various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation to the scope and applicability of the disclosure. In the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, it should be understood that a value range listed or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that any and every value within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific data points within the range, or even no data points within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to only a few specific, it is to be understood that inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that inventors had possession of the entire range and all points within the range.

[0014] Unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0015] In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of concepts according to the disclosure. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise stated.

[0016] The terminology and phraseology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited.

[0017] Also, as used herein any references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

[0018] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be sufficiently thorough, and will convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the disclosure that individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0019] Also, in some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Further, it will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that in the design, manufacture, and operation of apparatus to achieve that described in the disclosure, variations in apparatus design, construction, condition, erosion of components, gaps between components may present, for example.

[0020] Examples can include subject matter such as a method, means for performing acts or blocks of the method, at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by a machine cause the machine to perform acts of the method or of an apparatus or system for concurrent communication using multiple communication technologies according to embodiments and examples described herein.

[0021] One technique for crimping hose fittings to hoses uses crimp die cages. These cages can be formed from elastomeric material and hold steel dies. The die cage has two half cages that together form a cone to hold a complete set of dies.

[0022] The die includes a plurality of segments or fingers. Substantial and/or excessive force is required to seat or insert the die fingers into the die cages. This approach is difficult to assemble, time consuming, frustrating and the like. Further, die fingers can easily be improperly seated, leading to improper crimping of hose fittings and/or damaging costly crimping machinery. Furthermore, removal of the die fingers also requires substantial force and is also time consuming, difficult to disassemble, frustrating and the like.

[0023] What is needed are techniques to facilitate crimp die fitting assembly and disassemble using molded cages. [0024] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a crimp die assembly 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the assembly 100 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0025] The assembly 100 includes cage halves 102a and 102b, which collective form a die cage 102. The assembly 100 also includes a die finger set 108, which is inserted in to the die cage 102. Further, the assembly has a bottom end and a top end, where the bottom end is wider than the top end.

[0026] In this example, the die finger set 108 includes 8 individual fingers, however it is appreciated that any suitable number of fingers can be utilized. The set 108 is comprised of a suitable material that can crimp hose fittings under force. In one example, the suitable material is steel.

[0027] The die cage 102 is comprised of an elastomeric material such as Polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Urethane, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and the like. The die cage 102 can be formed by a suitable technique, such as molding.

[0028] The die cage 102 includes cage halves 102a and 102b. Each half 102a and 102b has a bottom portion 104 and a top portion 106 that can be connected to each other by a releasable connection 110.

[0029] The releasable connection 110 allows the top portion 106 and the bottom portion 104 to attach and detach. In this example, the connection 110 is across a horizontal plane as shown. Flowever, it is appreciated that the connection 110 or connection plane can be from the top, bottom, or anywhere in between and normal to the truncated cone axis. In one example, the releasable connection 110 is a snap fit.

[0030] The finger set 108 can be installed in the cage 102 by separating the bottom and top portions 104 106 at the connection 110, inserting the finger set 108 into one of the portions 104 106, and attaching the bottom and top portions 104 106. Thus, this installation can be done without use of substantial force. [0031] Similarly, disassembly can be performed by separating the top portion 106 and the bottom portion 104 and then removing the fingers set 108.

[0032] In one example, an operator can place with ease all the needed dies/fingers into the one portion (104 or 106). Once all dies/fingers are in place, the operator can fit the other portion (104 or 106) of the cage to it making the one continuous half cage 102.

[0033] The assembly 100 having the assembled fingers in the half cage 102 can then be utilized by a crimper device to apply suitable force to crimp one or more hose fittings to a hose.

[0034] It is appreciated that there can be a number of die cages for various sizes. In one example, the connection 110 is particular to size. Thus, a top portion 106 of one sized die cage will not attach to a bottom portion 104 for a different sized die cage due to varied types of connections for the connection 110. Some examples of suitable connections are shown below.

[0035] It is appreciated that different dies sets are for different fitting outside diameters, an elastomeric die cage is one size. The inside diameter of the dies can be changed to accommodate different fittings OD. However, if the die sets height (or maybe the die set outside diameter) changed, then, a different cage size may be needed.

[0036] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a crimp die assembly 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the assembly 200 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0037] The assembly 200 is substantially similar to the assembly 100, but is shown with the cage half 102a and the cage half 102b adjacent as an assembled cage 102.

[0038] The assembly 200 includes the cage halves 102a and 102b, which collective form the die cage 102. The assembly 200 also includes the die finger set 108, which is inserted in to the die cage 102. Further, the assembly has a bottom end and a top end, where the bottom end is wider than the top end.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a crimp die assembly 300 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the assembly 300 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0040] The assembly 300 is substantially similar to the assembly 100, but is shown from a different perspective.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hose and hose fitting in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the diagram is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0042] An uncrimped hose fitting 408 and a hose 410 are shown in an upper portion of the diagram. The hose fitting 408 is made of a suitable, crimp-able material. The hose 410 is comprised of a flexible material, such as an elastomeric material. In one example, the hose 410 is comprised of rubber.

[0043] The hose 410 is inserted into the uncrimped fitting 408.

[0044] Then, a suitable die finger set, such as the set 108, is selected based on the dimensions of the hose 410 and the fitting 408. A compatible die cage having a first half and a second half, such as the die cage 102, is selected.

[0045] The portions of the die cage halves, such as 104 and 106, are separated using a releasable connection and the die finger set is installed without substantial force. Then, the portions of the die cage are attached using the releasable connection with the die finger set installed.

[0046] The die cage assembly is then used to crimp the fitting 108 to the hose 410 with use of a crimper device. As a result, a crimped fitting 412 is formed as shown. The fitting 412, in this example, shows crimped portions based on the die finger set.

The crimped fitting 412 is securely attached to the hose 408. [0047] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of die cage halves 500 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the plurality 500 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0048] The plurality of cage halves 500 are shown in a variety of shades/colors and sizes.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a separate-able die cage half 600 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the cage half 600 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0050] The cage half 600 has a bottom portion 104 and a top portion 106. The portions are connected by a releasable connection 110, 610.

[0051] The releasable connection 610 is shown as a snap fit connector where an arm of the top portion 106 snaps over and on a connecting surface of the bottom portion 104.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a separate-able die cage half 700 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the cage half 700 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0053] The cage half 700 has a bottom portion 104 and a top portion 106. The portions are connected by a releasable connection 110, 710.

[0054] The releasable connection 710 is shown where a protrusion of the bottom portion 104 is caught by angled portions or hooks of the top portion 106.

[0055] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a separate-able die cage half 800 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the cage half 800 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0056] The cage half 800 has a bottom portion 104 and a top portion 106. The portions are connected by a releasable connection 110, 810. [0057] The releasable connection 810 is shown as a snap fit connector where protrusion of the top portion 106 inserts and snaps into a cavity of the bottom portion 104.

[0058] Fig. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 900 of using a seperatable- cage half in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0059] At block 902, select a separate-able cage half based on dimensions of a hose and a hose fitting.

[0060] At block 904, select a die finger based on the dimensions of a hose and a hose fitting.

[0061] At block 906, separate a first portion of the cage half from a second portion of the cage half

[0062] At block 908, insert the selected die finger into the first portion and the second portion without use of substantial force

[0063] At block 910, attach the first portion to the second portion and securing the die finger within the cage half.

[0064] It is appreciated that suitable variations of the method 900 are contemplated, including additional blocks and/or omission of shown blocks.

[0065] It should be added that 'having' does not exclude other elements or steps and 'one' or 'one' does not exclude a multitude. It should also be noted that characteristics described with reference to one of the above examples of execution can also be used in combination with other characteristics of other examples of execution described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as a restriction.

[0066] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, circuitry may include logic, at least partially operable in hardware.

[0067] As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” can refer to substantially any computing processing unit or device including, but not limited to including, single-core processors; single-processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, a programmable logic controller, a complex programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions and/or processes described herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance of mobile devices. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

[0068] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. [0069] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner", “adjacent”, "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0070] One general aspect includes an assembly for a die cage half for crimping. The assembly also includes a first portion of the cage half; and a second portion of the cage half releasably attachable to the first portion.

[0071] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The assembly may include a releasable connection configured to releasably attach the first portion and the second portion. The releasable connection is a snap fit connection. The first portion is a bottom portion and the second portion is a top portion. The assembly of any one to 6, may include a second cage half configured to attach to the cage half as a full cage. The full cage is utilized by a crimper to crimp a fitting to a hose. The first portion and the second portion are configured to receive and secure a die finger set without substantial force. The die finger set is may include of steel. The first portion and the second portion are may include of an elastomeric material.

[0072] One general aspect includes a die cage assembly for crimping hoses. The die cage assembly also includes a die cage half having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion and the second portion are separate-able; and one or more die fingers positioned and secured between the first portion and the second portion. [0073] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The assembly may include a second die cage half and one or more additional die fingers positioned and secured within the second die cage half. The assembly of any one to 12, may include a releasable connection configured to releasably attach the first portion and the second portion. The releasable connection is a snap fit connection. The releasable connection is specific to a die cage size and does not attach to portions of die cages having other die cage sizes. The die finger set is may include of steel. The first portion and the second portion are may include of an elastomeric material. The first portion is a bottom portion and the second portion is a top portion.

[0074] One general aspect includes a method of securing a die finger to a cage half. The method of securing also includes selecting a separate-able cage half based on dimensions of a hose and a hose fitting; selecting a die finger based on the dimensions of a hose and a hose fitting, separating a first portion of the cage half from a second portion of the cage half, inserting the selected die finger into the first portion and the second portion without use of substantial force, and attaching the first portion to the second portion and securing the die finger within the cage half.

[0075] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include using the attached first portion and second portion with the secured die finger to crimp a hose fitting to a hose. The method may include separating the first portion from the second portion and removing the die finger without force.

[0076] One general aspect includes a die cage assembly for. The die cage assembly also includes a first cage half having an upper portion, a lower portion and a means for releasably attaching the upper portion to the lower portion; a second cage half having a second upper portion, a second lower portion and a means for releasably attaching the second upper portion and the second lower portion; a means for inserting a first die finger set into the first cage without substantial force; and a means for inserting a second die finger set into the second cage without substantial force.

[0077] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The die cage assembly may include a means to prevent attachment of the upper portion of the first cage to a different sized lower portion. The die cage assembly of any one to 22, may include a means to crimp a fitting to a hose using the die cage assembly.

[0078] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.