GB2499122A

GB2499122A - Cast iron pipe breaker

Info

Publication number: GB2499122A
Application number: GB201301720A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Kevin Cook
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-31
Filing date: 2013-01-31
Publication date: 2013-08-07
Also published as: GB201201613D0; GB201301720D0

Abstract

The breaker or buster 1 is for an operator to obtain safe, precise and contained blows to the cast iron (or spun cast iron) pipe to be broken in situ. Interchangeable heads (Figures 2-4) may be used to enable the device to be used on various sizes of pipe. The device may be operated by a cam lock system. A slide hammer (Figure 5) may be inserted into the main body 1 of the device so that it protrudes and can be struck with a hammer until the pipe is broken.

Description

1

Description

The Cast Buster 1

The background of the invention stems from health and safety and time and motion. At the present time when properties need new gas supplies the common practice is that once the gas board or grid caps the main they then start to introduce yellow plastic pipe inside the cast iron or spun cast iron pipes. Before they can do this excavations are made to break the cast iron pipes to enable a T joint to be made to go to the property from the mains.

Today's practice to break the cast iron or spun cast iron is primitive. A block of steel (resembling a large marvel tin) with a fibreglass pole approx 1.5 metres long moulded into it is launched at the selected target. The end result depends on how accurate the aim of the workman is and whether or not he looses some teeth. On other occasions the selected target may not be the one he hits i.e. the water main.

The Cast Buster 1 safely breaks cast iron pipes in situe (in the ground) with the aid of only a 141b hammer. The Cast Buster 1 is capable of breaking cast iron or spun cast iron pipes from 3" internal bore to 6" internal bore by the use of interchangeable heads and by bolting extension bars to the main head. The cast iron or spun cast iron pipes can be broken using the Cast Buster 1 without the necessity of the workman actually going into the excavated hole.

The Cast Buster 1 incorporates 4 main parts Figure 1 the main body, Figures 2, 3 & 4 the head, Figure 5 the slide hammer, the top of which is the area to be struck by the operator with the hammer and can be made of varying sizes to accommodate ease of striking. Figure 1 items 2,3.4,5.6,7,8,9 & 10 the clamping mechanism. Fig 2,3 & 4 item 10 when placed on a cast iron or spun cast iron pipe moves compressing item 5 by means of hinge pins located in item 15, where clamping tension is applied by items 4 Figure 1 (2 off 16mm nuts) which travel up or down item 3. The heads Figures 2, 3 & 4 are connected to item 1 by 4 off 10mm bolts connecting item 12 & 13.

Different head sizes means a reduction or extension of mechanism coupling item 7 to item 9. The reduction or extension can be facilitated by item 8 (10mm threaded bar plus 2 off 10mm lock nuts). Once the required clamping tension around the cast iron or spun cast iron pipe to be broken has been acquired by adjusting item 4 Figure 1, Figure 8 Safety Guard should be attached by means of 2 off 6mm bolts plus spring washers to item 2 now Figure 5 can be introduced into item 1. Figure 5 which is longer than item 1, is struck with a hammer and depending on the thickness of the cast iron or spun cast iron pipe and the strength of the operator will determine how many blows will be required to break the cast iron or spun cast iron pipe. When figure 5 has been struck and is level with the top of item 1, figure 5 can go no further and the cast iron or spun cast iron pipe will be broken. Once the cast iron or spun cast iron pipe has been broken this will allow access into the cast iron or spun cast iron pipe and the Cast Buster 1 can easily be removed.

2

Due to the environment that the Cast Buster 1 works in, mud and sludge will gather between item 1, 12, 13 & 14, 2 off 10mm tapped holes in item 13 figures 7 are there for 10mm bolts to be threaded in to eject heads figure 2, 3 & 4.for cleaning.

By using a shorter slide hammer figure 5, the cast iron or spun cast iron pipe can be safely broken without damaging any plastic pipe that is inserted in the cast or spun cast iron pipe.

Handles can be fitted if desired to the Cast Buster 1 by a simple clamping mechanism around the outside of the main body itemland can be positioned to where the operator requires them. The Cast Buster 1 can be operated in an upright position or used at an angle for example clamped to the cast iron or spun cast iron pipe and resting on the edge of the excavated hole, this will be the operators' preference of use.

The Cast Buster 1 is made from steel but could be made from other materials and it could be made larger or smaller depending on the application it is to be used for.

3

Claims

Claims The Cast Buster 1

1) The Cast Buster 1 has been designed for the operator to obtain controlled, contained precise and specific blows to the cast iron or spun cast iron pipes to be broken.

2) Interchangeable heads and extensions enable the Cast Buster 1 to operate on various sizes of cast iron or spun cast iron pipes.

3) There are facilities for the Cast Buster 1 to be operated via a cam lock system instead of a spring.

4) The Cast Buster 1 can be used to break a cast iron or spun cast iron pipe without damaging an inserted plastic pipe inside the cast iron pipe.