GB2313802A

GB2313802A - Nail removing device

Info

Publication number: GB2313802A
Application number: GB9518936A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Theodore Droog; Eifion Roberts
Original assignee: C D R Ltd
Current assignee: C D R Ltd
Priority date: 1995-09-15
Filing date: 1995-09-15
Publication date: 1997-12-10
Also published as: GB9518936D0

Abstract

A device for removing nails 18 embedded in a surface 16 comprises two jaws 4 rotatable about a pivot 8. One of the jaws is integral with a lever 2 extending away from the jaws. The other jaw is integral with a curved handle 6 which includes a fulcrum point 22 which can be placed against the surface 16. As the fulcrum 22 is pushed against the surface 16 the jaws are forced together to grip the shank 20 of the nail 18. A levering motion of lever 2 creates pressure between the jaws and draws them and the nail away from the surface. The inner surfaces 10 of the jaws 4 have a serrated form to increase their grip.

Description

TITLE: Device for removing nails.

DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a device for removing nails.

A device is known for removing nails from wood and the like consisting of a pair of pincers, a lever and a fulcrum. Removal of the nail is achieved by forcing the pincers into the wood to grasp the head of the nail and extracting the shank of the nail by movement of the lever about the fulcrum. Typically the fulcrum is part of a handle which can be held such that it abuts the surface of the wood to enable the lever to pivot thereabout. This -device is satisfactory for removing a nail from a structure by its head end, but cannot remove a nail by the shank end thereof. In certain circumstances, for example when the shank of the nail has been bent over, it is preferable to remove the nail by its shank end.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can remove a nail from wood or the like by the shank end thereof.

According to the present invention there is provided a device for removing nails from wood or the like, the device comprising: a lever; a fulcrum; and a pair of jaws, relatively moveable to each other to grip the shank of the nail therebetween over a length of the shank, whereby when gripped by the jaws, the nail may be removed by a pivoting movement of the lever against the fulcrum.

The lever may be in the form of a bar extending from the jaws of the device. Preferably, the lever is provided with gripping means shaped to accommodate the hand of a person. The lever is preferably integral with one of the jaws of the device.

The fulcrum is preferably provided by a handle.

The handle may be in the form of a straight bar in which case the fulcrum is at an end of the handle. Preferably the fulcrum is provided at a bend of a curved handle.

The curve of the handle can accommodate the hand of a person therearound. In use the fulcrum abuts the surface of the wood and the lever pivots thereabout during removal of a nail. The handle is preferably integral with one jaw and rotatably mounted with respect to the other such that movement thereof results in the opening or closing of the jaws.

The jaws may be provided with an uneven inner surface, for example a serrated or roughened surface, to enhance their grip of the shank of the nail.

The device may be made of any suitable material but preferably is made of a strengthened metal alloy.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to showmore clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a nail remover according to the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a nail remover of the type shown in Figure 1 in the "open" position; and Figure 3 illustrates a nail remover of the type shown in Figure 1 in the "closed position.

Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a nail remover has a lever 2 with a pair of jaws 4 and a curved handle 6, providing a fulcrum 22, attached to one end thereof. One member of the jaws is rotatably mounted with respect to the handle by a pivot 8. The inner surfaces 10 of the jaws 4 are serrated and the lever has gripping means 12, shaped to accomodate the hand of a person, at one end thereof.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings, the working of the device is illustrated.

Before operation to remove a nail commences the device is in the "open" position (see Figure 2) with the handle 6 being held away from the jaws 4. In such a position the inner surfaces 10 of the jaws 4 are spaced apart.

The removal of a nail i8 from a piece of wood 16 is achieved by positioning the jaws 4, whilst in the "open" position, such that the shank 20 of the nail 18 lies between the inner surfaces 10 thereof. The handle 6, being continuous with one member of the pair of jaws 4 furthest therefrom (shown by broken marked lines in Figures 2 and 3) and pivotably mounted with respect to the other is moved towards the jaws causing the closing thereof, thereby exerting pressure on either side of the shank 20 of the nail 18; the nail remover is now in the "closed" position (see Figure 3). The nearer the handle is moved towards the jaws, the tighter the grip of the nail.

Movement of the handle 6 toward the jaws also enables an area thereof to abut with the surface of the wood 16 at a point 22. This provides a fulcrum for leverage of the device. The handle is held in this position and pressure is exerted downwards on the lever 2 of the nail remover. The lever 2 pivots about the fulcrum 22 and the jaws 4 pull the nail 18 through and out of the wood 16 by the shank portion 20 thereof. The movement of the handle 6 away from the jaws results in the opening thereof (i.e., back to the "open" position shown in Figure 2) and the nail is released from the device.

It is clear that the device could be made of any suitable material however, it is preferably of a strengthened metal alloy to prevent deformation thereof when pressure is exerted thereon during removal of a nail.

This invention not only provides a device to enable nails to be removed from wood or the like by the shank portion thereof, but also removes the need for a hammering mechanism within the device as required by the known device for removing nails by theirs heads.

Claims

1. A device for removing nails from wood or the like, the device comprising: a lever; a fulcrum; and a pair of jaws, relatively moveable to each other to grip the shank of the nail therebetween over a length of the shank, whereby when gripped by the jaws, the nail may be removed by a pivoting movement of the lever against the fulcrum.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever is in the form of a bar extending from the jaws of the device.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the lever is provided with gripping means shaped to accommodate the hand of a person.

4. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lever is integral with the jaws of the device.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fulcrum is provided by a handle.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the handle in the form of a straight bar having the fulcrum at the end of the handle.

7. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fulcrum is provided at a bend of a curved handle.

8. A device as claimed in claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the handle is integral with one jaw and rotatably mounted with respect to the other such that movement of the handle results in the opening or closing of the jaws.

9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the jaws is provided with an uneven inner surface.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the uneven inner surface is serrated or roughened.

11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is made of a strengthened metal alloy.

12. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.