GB2493573A - Compression fitting olive extractor - Google Patents

Abstract

An extractor 1 for removing a compression fitting olive 20 from an end of a pipe 19 comprises a pair of opposed rigid elongate members 2, 3 which may be pivotably connected. Each member has a handle 4, 5 at a proximal end and an engaging part at a distal end. The engaging part of first elongate member 2 may comprise an appendage 7 engaging a shaft 10 that is adapted to engage an open end of pipe 19. The engaging part of second elongate member 3 engages a compression fitting nut 18 and may comprise a chamber (9, Figure 2) housing shaft 10 and an end of pipe 19. In use, applying force to handles 4, 5 causes olive 20 to be urged off pipe 19. Extractor 1 may be used during repairs for removing olives when separating pipes connected with a compression fitting.

Description

improvements to Seal extractors The present invention relates to a device and method of extracting a seal surrounding an end portion of a tube. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a seal extractor assembly for extracting a compression ring from the outer end portion of a pipe.

It is known heretofore in plumbing and conduit systems to use a compression fitting known as an "olive" "sealing ring" or "compression ring". Such a fitting is intended to be engaged in-between a connection, generally over an end portion of a tube or pipe fitting, so as to create a leak-tight seal.

In one embodiment, the sealing ring comprises a rigid ring commonly made from metal such as brass or copper that is fitted at an end of a pipe, over the pipes external surface so as to be positioned between a compression nut and a corresponding threaded "receiver", the receiver having an internal diameter larger than that of the internal diameters of the pipe and ring, but less than that of the compression nut to allow fixation of the compression nut to the receiver by screwing.

Thus, one end is an unthreaded pipe that passes through a threaded compression nut, which will be tightened onto the threads of the receiver, with the compression ring sandwiched in- * between. Upon tightening of the compression nut onto the receiver, the oUve constricts immovably onto the metal pipe, and acts as a washer between the receiver and the * compression nut along the direction of compression. The result is a firm watertight and gas-* * tight seal about the end of the pipe. One advantage of compression fittings is that in confined ** S * * * * ** a * 0' ** 0 * 0 spaces where soldering adjacent copper pipe could pose a fire hazard, compression seals are a safe alternative. A further advantage is that they h&p maintain a water/ gas tight seal when it is desirable to bend a pipe, or where it is desirable to divide flow into two directions! branches, for example as is the case with a "tee joint'.

However, when repairs are made to pipes or tubes, it may sometimes be necessary to separate the two components between which a compression sea) is fitted. This means that the compression ring has to be removed and replaced, because once the compression nut is unfastened, re-fastening the compression nut With the same compression ring in place may not create the desired leak-tight seal.

Since the compression ring has a certain axial length, it is awkward to extract using the tools commonly employed in the industry, such as universal pliers or a screwdriver. Furthermore, removal of the compression ring by conventional tools may cause the surface geometry of the pipe itseff to suffer irreversible damage, calling for the whole piping to be replaced, which will increase the cost of repair. Finally, since the compression ring is commonly metallic and rigid, it can be difficult to cut without damaging the pipe.

Moreover, while it is a common practice by some plumbers to cut through the compression ring, for example by using a hacksaw once the compression nut has been unfastened, to try and remove it off a pipe, such unconventional methods are awkward and may lead to irreversible damage to the pipe by the hacksaw, which in the end, may result in failure to create a watertight and I gas-tight seal, even with a new compression ring, necessitating costly replacement of the whole pipe.

It is known from G82384456 to present a seal extraction tool comprising an extractor body 4, a coupling nut 2 for attaching the extractor body to the pipes, a plunger S for fitment in the end of the pipe and means for effecting movement of the plunger relative to the extractor body so * as to effect displacement of the compression ring from the pipe. * S

However, devices made according to the teaching of this prior art document are not ideally * suited for the task of extracting compression seals for a number of reasons. Firstly, it appears * * like this device would be difficult to use in tight spaces, for example when the pipe is in a S. * .5 * *5 * * cover or under floor boards, as is usually the case for central heating piping, in which compression seals are widely used. Additionally, since this device has loose parts, there is increased risk of losing some of the components, which would make it incapable in certain circumstances. Moreover, this device heavily relies on its threading being in good working condition, yet as the threading begins to wear due to mechanical wear, the efficiency of the tool will inevitably be reduced. Furthermore, because it is reliant on specific threads, it is limited in that, it may only work with certain types of threads, for example, DSP (British Standard Pipe) threads and not non-BSP threads. This is undesirable and limiting to the tool, calling for additional fittings or adapters to enable it to work on non-DSP threads. In addition, in order for this device to work optimally, it is often required that a pipe be "cut square" with a pipe cutter, so that the plunger fits the open pipe squarel/, arid not at an angle. However, as is usually common in the industry, plumbers will sometimes cut pipes without a cutter. This means that the ends of the pipe onto which a compression ring features is not always cut square, and may be at an angle, which would mean the plunger fits to the mouth of the pipe at an angle, making it difficult to extract a compression ring. Further, the presence of a rigid metallic plunger or pin regularly in contact with the ends of pipes during use may over time, especially as a result of misadventure while engaging the pipe, may cause the plunger to slightly penetrate the commonly deformable pipes, resulting in the ends of some pipes being flared such that the plunger no longer engages the opening of the pipe, but instead actually penetrates into it a short length. This flaring of the pipe is undesirable because since the hollow compression ring is of particular diameter, it ll remain trapped in between the compression nut, and the flared ends of the pipe -inside which, will be the plunger -making it extremely difficult to push or pull the compression ring from the now flared end of the pipe, while the plunger has penetrated part of the pipe.

Additionally, when a compression ring is being installed onto a pipe, and a seal created, the fastening of the compression nut causes the compression ring to dig' into the pipe. If the * pressure is not properly distributed, the end of the pipe will still distort in this process, which : would make it difficult to extract the compression ring using the prior art device.

Furthermore, when using a device such as that of the prior art, it is generally not possible to * observe the end of the pipe when effecting movement of the extractor body and thus not * possible to determine whether the plunger is engaging the end of a pipe or whether, it is in S. S * St * S. *5**qt * * fact forcing itself into the inside of the pipe. This is undesirable since a user ought to be aware while using the tool, if the plunger is damaging the pipe by forcing itself into the pipe, so that at that instant any movement can be immediately suspended and the plunger withdrawn from the pipe, preventing further damage to the pipe.

In addition, when using the device as that described in the prior art, it appears that there is axial rotation of the plunger as it engages the open end of the pipe. This inevitably will create friction and heat that is likely to wear the end of the pipe, making it more likely to deform.

In addition, the prior art device is a two handed tool, which means to stop it spinning round during use, as you rotate the handle, a user must either use both hands, while operating it, or hold it together with another tool, for example a spanner. This may be difficult to do in certain circumstances, especially if a user is necessitated to hold with one of his hands, a different part of the fitting, or another object, for example a part of a ladder -if working off a ladder. In contrast, the present invention can be used single handedly.

Finally, referring to application G61113734.6 in the name of Graham Anthony Downey, while the extractor according to that prior teaching is ideally suited for extracting compression seals from the outer end portion of a tube or pipe, it appears certain improvements to the arrangement and detail of the integers thereof can realise significant improvements in performance and longevity of the extractor.

It is the object of the present invention to obviate the problems that beset seal extractors of the prior art, and present an improved seal extractor which is efficient to use, user friendly, has less risk of damaging the geometry of a seal and / or a pipe, is cost effective to manufacture, can be used in tight spaces, is not reliant on specEtc type of threadings and more. *. .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seal extractor * assembly comprising a pair of opposed rigid elongate members, adapted to move relative to : each another, each member having at a proximal end, a handle means and at a distal end, an * engaging means, whereby effecting movement of atleast one of the handle means causes movement of an engaging means of at least one elongate member *. . * 0 * ** Preferably, the pair of opposed rigid and elongate members comprises a first lever means and second lever means.

The first lever means and second lever means are connectable by pivot means, and each comprises a handle means at a proximal end, and form into an engaging means at a distal end, the engaging means being so disposable generally towards the extremities of each elongate member.

Preferably, the handle means and the engaging means are disposable on opposite sides of the pivot means.

Alternatively, the handle means and the engaging means may be disposable on the same side of the pivot means, for example wherein the pivot means comprise spring means.

Preferably, the engaging means of the first lever means comprise an appendage means, generally globular in shape and defining a protrusion about the distal end of the first lever means.

The appendage means is disposable at the extremities of the first lever means.

The appendage means may be adjustable relative the first lever means Preferably, the engaging means of the second lever means comprises a dimensional housing means so adapted to house a plunger means that is positionable laterally therein.

Advantageously, the housing means comprises a cuboidal housing having two opposing longitudinal wails, a top wail and a bottom wall, and being open ended atleast at one end.

In use, the appendage means is adapted to engage or impact the plunger means, so as to effect movement of the plunger means.

". : Preferably, the housing means is adapted to support or encase the plunger means.

* " Advantageously, the housing means is provided with atleast one roller means, in use adapted S.....

* to allow motion of the plunger means therein.

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* : Preferably, each roller means comprises a substantially cylindrical member disposable S.....

* adjacent the internal surface of the housing means. 5 * * S * *5

S * S

Each roller means is pivotably disposable adjacent the walls of the housing means by pin means so as to be rotatable about such pin means.

The roller means may be disposed adjacent atleast one inner surface of the housing means, generally along the internal walls of the top of the housing means.

The roller means are adapted to slidably engage the plunger means so as to allow longitudinal motion of the plunger means, within the housing means.

Preferably, the housing means is provided with a plate means, connectable generally transversely at one end of the housing means.

Advantageously, the plate means may be adapted to incorporate substantially semi-circular cut-out slots, in use, each slot adapted to engage a correspondingly fitting pipe or tube thereabout.

The plate means may comprise an extension of the housing means, or a transverse wall of the housing means disposable on the end opposite to the open end of the housing means.

Alternatively, instead of the plate means, the seal extractor may be provided with a split jaw means adjacent a groove or crevice, in use the groove adapted to accommodate a compression ring and compression nut, Preferably, each of the slots within the plate means may be adapted to cortespond with a range of different pipe sizes Advantageously, the width or diameter of each slot may be adapted to be narrower than the externat diameters of certain sizes of compression nuts.

Preferably, the plunger means comprises a discrete substantially cylindrical shaft means having at one end, an engaging part, in use adapted to engage an open ended portion of a * pipe.

Advantageously, the engaging part aflows the shaft means to firmly and immovably engage "fl..

* an open ended pipe or tube.

*. Alternatively or additionally, the plunger means may comprise a multi-headed or stepped- * head shaft means, in use, adapted to engage an open ended pipe. a....

* The engaging part may comprise a contoured, flanged or stepped head assembly, a. * * * * * a. * a

substantially cy'indrical in shape, defined atleast at one extremity of the shaft means.

The shaft means, in use, is adapted to fittingly engage an open ended portion of a pipe, using the engaging part.

Alternatively, the plunger means may comprise a shaft means adapted to penetrate the open end of a pipe and expand therein, so as to wedge within the internal walls adjacent the end of the pipe, for example by using an assembly operating using the principle of a raw/bolt Alternatively or additionally, the shaft means may include a circumferential groove about a portion of its external surface, generally radially adjacent one end of the shaft means, in use the groove being adapted to engage a link member means.

Preferably, the pivot means is adapted to hold the elongate members fixed relative each other so as to allow pivotal motion of each elongate member relative the other.

The pivot means may be adapted to hold the elongate members pivotably fixed relative each other using a pin means.

Alternatively, the pivot means may be adapted to hold the elongate members together using spring means.

The pivot means may be adapted to hold the elongate members pivotably fixed relative to each other using a push-fit fixing means.

The pivot means may beadjustable or moveabte using slot means.

Preferably, the handle means comprise handles manually operable to effect movement of the engaging means.

Advantageously, in use, operating the handles effects movement of the appendage means thereby causing movement of the shaft means.

The handles may be automatically operable to effect movement of the shaft means.

* Any of the handle means may be bifurcated, for ease of operation and to realise maximum leverage. *

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using * *! a seal extractor including the steps of providing a seal extractor assembly in accordance with the first aspect above; placing the sea! extractor adjacent a compression ring and a * * * *

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*54StS 7 * compression nut at an open end of a pipe, with the shaft means engaging fittingly the open end of the pipe, and the compression nut positioned adjacent the plate means, the compression ring being so positioned as to be between the compression nut and the shaft means with the pipe engaged fittingly within a corresponding slot of the plate means; the compression nut being so disposed to be between the plate means and the compression ring; and operating the handle means to cause movement of the shaft means, pushing the shaft means towards the compression nut, thereby pushing a compression nut against the plate means and thereby causing the compression nut to push against the compression ring, to slide the compression ring off the end of the pipe.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example, and with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of a seal extractor assembly embodying the present invention Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation of a seal extractor assembly shown in figure 1 illustrating the position of the plunger means relative an end of a pipe onto which is a compression ring.

Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation of the seal extractor assembly shown in figure 1, illustrating the position of the plunger means relative a pipe, with the compression ring removed off the open end of the pipe.

Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation of the seal extractor assembly shown in figure 1, illustrating in particular the position of rollers relative an end of a pipe onto which is a compression ring. * *

Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation of the seal extractor assembly shown in figure 1 * * with the compression ring removed off the end of the pipe.

a..... * *

Figure 6 is a cross section taken along line I-I of figure 1, of the seal extractor * . * . . * S. g * . assembly shown in figure 1.

Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the seal extractor assembly shown in figure 1, showing an alternative body arrangement Figure 8 is a schematic top elevation of the seal extractor assembly shown in figure 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a plate means of a preferred embodiment of the seal extractor assembly.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the plate means of figure 9, engaging a shaft of the seal extractor assembly.

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the seal extractor assembly incorporating the plate means of figures 9 and 10.

Figures 12 is a schematic side view of an adapter suitable for use with the seal extractor assembly of figure?.

Figure 13 is a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the seal extractor showing the connection of the appendage to the shaft.

Figure 14 is a schematic side view of the adapter of figure 12 connected to a seal extractor assembly of figure 13.

Referring now to figure 1, a seal extractor assembly I has a pair of opposed rigid elongate members (2, 3), preferably made from metal or other rigid material, that are adapted to move relative to one another about a pivot 6. Each member forms towards its proximal end, handles (4, 5) and has at a distal end engaging parts. The pair of opposed rigid and elongate : members (2, 3) comprise a first lever 2 and second lever 3.

S

S.....

* The pivot 6 is positionable to allow relative motion of the handles (4, 5). The pivot 6 is located T generally between the engaging part and the handles(4, 5). Alternatively, the handles (4, 5) * . .. and the engaging parts may be disposable on the same side of the pivot (not shown), for example by using a spring pivot.

The first lever 2 has at its distal end an appendage 7, generally globular in shape and defining a protrusion about the distal end of the first lever 2. The appendage 7 is disposed substantially towards the extremities of the first fever 2, so as to ensure that in use, there is maximum leverage translated from the handles (4, 5)to the appendage 7 Alternatively, the appendage 7 may be disposed along the length of the first lever 2, generally close to the pivot, and may be adjustable, although such could compromise the efficiency of the extractor, depending on where the pivot & is positioned.

The engagng means of the second lever 3 comprises a dimensiona) housing defining a chamber (9, figure 2) that is adapted to house a shaft 10, that is generally positionable laterally within the chamber 9.

In a preferred embodiment, the chamber 9 comprises a cuboidal housing having two opposing longitudinal walls (not shown) co-joined with an upper wall B or "roof" and a bottom wall (not shown for clarity). The bottom wall is so disposed as to support the plunger means from beneath, and being open ended at one transverse end 12 as shown in figures 1 and 2.

While the seal extractor assembly of the preferred embodiment shown in the figures show a housing with a roof, it will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the chamber 9 could be amended by excluding the "roof" covering, so as to "convert" the chamber 9 into a trough, without departing from the fundamental principles of the invention.

Thus, one end of the housing is open ended 12, whereas the other end comprises a plate 13 that is cut through to define a u shaped substantially semicircular slot.

Additionally, or alternatively, the plate 13 may include a plurality of slots (14, 14a, figure 1) carved on a rigid plate, with each slot adapted to correspond to a specific size or range of external diameters of different pipe sizes. Note that generally it is important that the diameter of each slot (14, 14a) be adapted to be narrower than the external diameter of varying sized compression nuts 18. This is to prevent a compression nut 18 "falling through" the plate 13, * *. * .* * while in use.

In use, the appendage 7 is adapted to engage or impact against the shaft 10, upon effecting, * movement of the handles (4, 5) towards each other, transferring the compression force * . ** ** * applied to the handles (4, 5), such force acting generally in the direction illustrated by arrows #. * * * _* * S 21 (figure 1), into horizontal force onto shaft 10, causing the shalt to move towards the plate ia The chamber 9 is adapted to encase the shaft 10, and may be provided with atleast one roller (figure 4), preferably a plurality of rollers. In use, the rollers 15 are adapted to allow motion of the shaft 10 thereabout, generally laterally along the length of the chamber 9 in the direction of arrows 16 (figure 1). Each roller 15 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is pivotably disposed adjacent the internal upper and bottom walls of the chamber 9 by pins (not shown) which, in use, enable the rollers 15 to rotate about the pin by the action of the shaft "rubbing" against them. This is possible because the rollers are adapted to s)idab)y engage the shaft 10 so as to allow longitudinal motion of the shaft 10, relative the chamber 9 in the direction indicated by arrows 16. The rollers 15 may be adapted to restrict sideways or vertical motion of the shaft 10, relative the housing means. This also means that in use, a compression ring can be pushed off the end of a tube in a straight line, since the shaft 10 is positioned parafleily to the walls of the chamber 9 and any "push" forces from the appendage 7 are distributed evenly towards the end of the shaft 10.

The plate 13 of the chamber 9 is connectable generally transversely at one end of the chamber 9, so as to be opposite the open end 12 of the chamber 9. The plate 13, may be removable, or replaceable so as to allow the extractor to be used on a varied sized pipes, and so that should the plate 13 get damaged it may be replaced.

In a preferred embodiment, the shaft 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical discrete bar having at one end, an engaging part 22 (figure 4), in use adapted to engage an open ended portion of a pipe 19. This is important because the engaging part 22 allows the shaft 10 to firmly engage an open ended pipe 19 or tube.

* Alternatively or additionally, the shaft 10 may comprise a multkheaded or stepped-head bar, in * use, adapted to engage an open ended pipe 19.

*.fl *4 * . * Referring to figure 4, the engaging part 22 comprises a stepped head protrusion defined * atleast at one extremity of the shaft 10, that is substantially cylindrical in shape so as to fit an a. S * r' * *5 *.. . * * S open pipe 19. Alternatively, the engaging part may comprise a multi-headed protrusion (not shown), for example having two concentric cylindrical "heads" or circumferential "steps", one being of less diameter than the other, and disposed on top of the other, each step or head being adapted to engage a different size pipe.

Alternatively or additionally, the shaft 10 may comprise a rawlbolt type mechanism (not shown for clarity) adapted to penetrate the open end of a pipe to wedge and grip the inside walls of the pipe 19, creating an anchorage point and suspending longitudinal motion of the shaft 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the pivot 6 is adapted to hold the elongate members (2, 3) pivotably connected to each other, using a pin. Alternatively, the pivot 6 may be adapted to hold the e!ongate members (2, 3) together using a spring pivot (not shown) or other suitable mechanism, for example a push-fit fixing. In order to achieve maximum leverage when using the tool, the pivot 6 may be adjustable or moveable, for example by using a slot 6a. Thus, once the appendage has "arced" towards the shaft 10, and pushed it along the chamber 9, as a result of an application of force on the handles (4, 5), such that the leverage of the pivot is fully realised at the end of each stroke, the pivot 6 may be moved to the next slot 6a to gain further leverage, thereby enabling a further push on the shaft 10.

The handle (4, 5) are manually operable to effect movement of the engaging means. Thus, in use, operating the handles (4, 5) effects movement of the appendage 7 generally in the radial direction illustrated by arrows 23, which consequently causes the appendage 7 to impact the shaft 10. As more force is applied, this is transferred from the handles, through the appendage 7, to the shaft 10, causing movement of the shaft 1C within the chamber 9.

Alternatively, the handles may be automatically operable to effect movement of the shaft 10.

". : Note that instead of having handles (4 5), it will be apparent to the skilled addressee that a * different mechanism may be employed to transfer force from the handle means to the shaft 10, for example by using hydraulic or pneumatic means or other suitable means.

* : In a preferred embodiment, the shaft 10 of the seal extractor includes a ratchet operated rack fl * and pinion arrangement (not shown) whereby the shaft 10 is moveable by means of the *%) * r' * * ** * 0 ratchet mechanism (for example, instead of being driven by the appendage 7) in the same manner as a ratchet gun-lii this embodiment, the ratchet mechanism may be provided with a lockable pinioned gear assembly, whereby operating the handles (4 5) drives the ratchet mechanism so as to push the shaft 10 towards the plate 13, such that each subsequent operation or stroke pushes the shaft 10 further and further towards to the compression ring.

Thus, when the handles are not being operated,. the gear assembly engages, locking the shaft 10 immovably intact, and preventing it from moving in the opposite direction. A release button may then be incorporated to release the gears or locking mechanism once the compression ring has been removed from the end of a pipe.

This embodiment is important because it enables "aggregate force" to be realised from the extractor as the tool is not limited by pivotal leverage, since the handles can be operated (back and forth) numerous times! each stroke pushing the shaft further towards plate 13, and consequently pushing the compression ring towards the end of the pipe, until it comes off the end of the ring, at which point the release button can be pressed and the shaft retracted.

In order to use the seal extractor to remove a compression ring off a compression fitting, a user must place the seal extractor adjacent a compression ring 20 at an open end of a pipe 19, with the engaging part 22 of the shaft 10 engaging fittingly onto the open end of the pipe 19. In this position, the compression nut 18 is positioned adjacent the internal wall of the plate 13 and the compression ring 20 is in-between the compression nut 18 and the shaft 10, with the pipe 19 engaged by a corresponding slot (not shown). Upon operating the handles (4, 5) thereby causing the appendage 7 to push against the shaft 10, pushing it towardà the compression nut 18, the compression nut 18 will wedge against the internal face (25, figures 3 and 5) of the plate 13, which inversely transfers the force from the shaft 10 to the compression nut 18, and from the compression nut 18 to the compression ring 20. As this force is gradually increased, then since the compression ring 20 is firmly attached to the pipe *. * 19, it follows that as the push forces approach and exceed the frictional forces holding the *:.** compression ring 20 fittingly onto the pipe 19, the compression ring 20 will begin to slide off the pipe 19, generally in the direction of the shaft 10, and will subsequently completely slide : off the end of the pipe 19, to be disposed onto the shaft 10. Note that the shaft 10 must have r an external diameter which is marginally less than the internal diameter of the compression S. * * * . * 13 a ring 20 for this to be possible, so as to allow the compression ring 20 to loosely and effortlessly slide over the shaft 10, encircling it (as shown in figures 3 and 5).

Alternatively, or additionally, instead of using the compression nut to transfer the force of the shaft 10 against the compression ring, the seal extractor may be provided with a thin rigid plate titting(not shown), generally circular in shape, for example a metal plate that can be clamped" around the pipe, between the compression nut and the compression ring, such that in use the fitting will act against the ring in the same way as the compression nut would have done, as outlined above, and had the plate flthng not been present. One advantage of this is that the length of the housing would be shorter as there would be little need of a gap at the front of the shaft 10 to accommodate the compression nut 18-Further, in such an alternative embodiment, the fitting would need to be clamped tightly around the pipe at a preferred position, so as to use it to transfer force from the shaft onto the compression ring 20 This may be achieved by having the filling to comprise two semi-circular halves, which may be clamped immoveably around a pipe, preferably as near as possible to the compression ring 20, such That the fitting is between the compression ring 20 and the compression nut 18.

In a preferred embodiment (figure 7), the seal extractor assembly 1 has a pair of opposed rigid elongate members that comprise a first moveable lever means 33 and second stem means 34. The lever means 33 is moveable relative the stem means 34, about the pivot & The stem means 34 may form aft of the pivot 6, and generally towards its proximal end, bifurcated handles (not shown), which allow motion of the lever means 33 therebetween The stem means 34 forms at its distal end a housing assembly 35, into which a shaft 10 may be received. The shaft 10 is adapted to be moveable by the force of the appendage means 7, generally in a manner like that of a piston. In order for this to be possible, a link member 30 is provided which connects a hook means 29 of the appendage means 7 to the shaft 10. Thus, .: the shaft 10 has a groove 26 on its outer diameter, which cooperates with the link member 30 *:** (as can be seen in figure 7 and figure 8), to enable the link member 30 to locate within the shaft's groove 26. This important because it enables the shaft 10 to be retracted once the * * . compression ring 20 has been removed off the end of a pipe. Further the housing assembly :": extends into a split jaw having two jaw members 28 (figure 8) so as to have a gap or t. . -* * * crevice 36 in-between. In use, the jaw members 28 act against the compression nut 18, in the same manner as the plate 13 (figure 1) in use will act against a compression nut 18. For this to be possible it is desirable that the internal width Wi (figure 8), between the jaw members 28, be narrower than the external diameter of the compression nut 18. If this is not so, the compression nut 18 may be pushed in-between the jaws members 28 during use, by the force of the shaft 10 and the seal extractor Will not function as intended.

This means that, in use, and to extract the compression ring 20 tram the end of the pipe 19, then a force must be applied to the handles. As this force is gradually increased, the handle of the lever means 33, moves towards the stem 34, causing the appendage 7 to begin to transfer the force to the shaft 10, using roller means 31, thereby pushing the shaft 10 generally in the direction of arrow iSa (figures 7 and 8). Since the compression nut 18 has an external diameter larger than the distance between the jaw members 28 (Wi, figure 6),it will be "wedged" thereupon (as shown in figure 6), and the force from the shaft 10 will transferred onto the compression nut 19, which in turn pushes the compression ring 20 off the pipe I 9-The lever means 33 can then be moved away from the stem 34, thereby using the motion of the retracting appendage 7 to withdraw the shaft 10 away from the jaw members 28 using the ink member 30, leaving the extracted compression nut and compression ring in the crevice 36. Note that internal width WI must also be narrower than the external diameter of the compression ring 20, so as to prevent the shaft 10 fully withdrawing in to the housing assembly 35 with the compression ring 20 still attached into it. Additionally, while the shaft 10 of this embodiment is adapted to engage a specific size pipe 19 (generally one with a diameter of approximately 15 mm), it will be apparent to the skilled addressee that an adapter or attachment (42, figure 12), for example one attachable about the front of the tool, generally adjacent the crevice 36 (as shown in figure 14) may be incorporated to enable use with a shaft having an engaging part that is adapted to engage a larger size pipe (a larger pipe with a larger diameter, for example one with 22 mm internal diameter). For this to be *: .E possible, the extractor assembly may be provided with means to extend the shaft 10 and the *.... housing, for example by having a shaft extension that is attachable to end of the shaft 10 that has the engaging part Thus, in this embodiment, the new shaft extension may be an elongate bar iDa that is fixed by means of a screw or other fixing to an ordinary shaft 10 by means of a screw threaded recess 44 (generally drilled centrally of the engaging part), such screw * * * *.: * * threadings being adapted to cooperate with a screw (not shown) attached to one end of the elongate bar IDa. However, since the split jaw members 28 have less than 22mm between them (the distance Wi which is equal to or less than 15mm), it follows that in order to have a shaftlo that can work on 22mm pipes, the the elongate bar should extend beyond the split jaw members 28, and another broader split jaw should be disposed on the adapter 42.

In a preferred embodiment, instead of having a link member 30 that locates within a groove of the shaft 10, to enable retraction of the shaft 10, the seal extractor assembly may be provided with a plate means 32 (figure 9) that is connectable to the link member 30 (figure 10), and directly connected to the appendage means 7 (as shown in figure 11). This way the plate means 32 slots onto the groove 26 of the shaft 10, and can be used to push or retract the shaft 10. -Alternatively, instead of having a link member 30 that acts to retract the shaft 10, the seal extractor assembly may be provided with a link means (41, figure 13) that pivotably connects the shaft 10 directly to the appendage 7, allowing translation of force from the appendage 7 onto the shaft 10.

Having described and illustrated the pnnciples of the invention with reference to preferred embodiments, it wilt be apparent to a skilled man in the art that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. Accordingly, in view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles may be put, it should be noted that the detailed embodiments are illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. S. * * S S * S.

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Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims Application number 68.1413734.6) 1. A seth extractor con prisihg a' pair of opposed: rigid ek'ngate members, each member haSg a a dist1' erd: engaging means adapted to engage a compression' fitting. nut beatS at an er'd portiar' of: a pipe, and, at: a proximal' end handle means,. wherein In use applying force to' the' handle means caLses movement of the' engaging: means relative to one' another urging: the compressibit ring off the' end of the piØe.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A sear extractor awarding to cFaim: t1. wherein the pair Of opposS rigid and elongate' m'emters comprise a first elongate m'ember and' second: elongate member' connectable' by pivot means..</claim-text> <claim-text>. A seal! extractor according: to' any one' o the preceding claims,, wherein each member ha at. a proxilnar end! graspabiC handle means and! form': into an' engaging: mears ata distal? end.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A seal: extractor according to' any one of the preceding: claims,, wherein * engaging means' of the' first el&'gate' member: comprise a plunger means,. * Spivotably disposable atthe extremities' otthe first, elongate means, * S *:* 6. A. seth extractor according: to' any one' of the' preceding: dáims*1 wherein a * engaging: means of' the' second elongate member comprise a plunger iteans gere'rafl' cylindrical in shape' and having: at least disposed on: one end:,. an engaging: part..E A seal extractor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle means and the engaging means are disposable an oppnsiie sides of the pivot means.7. A seat extractor according to any one of the. preceding claims, wherein the handle neant and the engaging means may be disposable on the same side of the pivot mean& 8. A sea! extractor according. to any one of the preceding clams, therein' the engaging part of the plunger means i in use, adapted to fittingly engage an open: end portion of a. pipe.a A seal extractor accordiiig to any one of: the preceding claims, wherein the engagihg part of the plunger means is in use, adapted to penetrate the open mouth ofa pipe so as to wedge within the inside walls of the pipe.ia A seal: extractor according to any one of the preceding claims, whereitv the engaging. means of the second elongate member comprises: a u-shaped plate means provided with at least one slot. aPd adapted, r' use, to slidäbly push against a compression. nut onan end portion of a pipe..1 t. A seal extractor according to claim 10, wherein the plate means comprises 2 planar plates pivotablé relative one another, the second plate being * disposable laterally parallCfly relative the first plate.. A seal extractor substantialty as described hereinv with: reference to the S..... . * * ñgures of the accompanying drawings</claim-text>