GB2516889A

GB2516889A - A tap reseating tool

Info

Publication number: GB2516889A
Application number: GB1313941.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Glenn Sumner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-03
Filing date: 2013-08-03
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: GB201313941D0

Abstract

The tap reseating tool 1 includes an externally threaded tap connection body 2 that may connect with the inside of a partly disassembled tap. A substantially cylindrical cutting body 4 fits within a circular central axial aperture 3 in the connection body and extends from either end. A seat cutting tool 9 is connected to the lower end 5 of the cutting body 4b. The upper end 6 is formed as a tool connection end for connecting a turning tool to the cutting body. The tool connection end has a drive recess 12 aligned axially with the cutting body. A lever ratchet tool or a circular ratchet tool (11, Figure 7a) may be used to turn the cutting body 4 via a drive head mutually sized with the drive recess 12. The cutting tool 9 may be internally threaded for attachment to the cutting body or the cutting body may be formed as a cutter. The tool may be used in confined spaces or to carry out a reseating operation more quickly than normal for example in the plumbing industry.

Description

A tap reseating tool

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a tap reseating tool. More particularly, the invention relates to a tap reseating tool that can be used in areas of restricted space. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a tap reseating tool that has a ratchet system to allow a user to reset a lever or wheel used to turn the reseatiñg tool without removing the lever or wheel from the reseating tool.

Background

One frequent issue that plumber encounter is tap in need of repair. There are two main reasons why a tap is usually in need of repair: Firstly, because the tap washer has perished. Secondly, because the tap has a brass interior, and the water flow through the tap in everyday use has cut into the brass material so that the washer can no longer seal against the seat.

To effect a repair, the plumber will use a tap reseating tool to cut into the seat area of the tap to form a new surface onto which a washer (either the old.washer or a replaced, new washer) can seal when the tap is screwed shut/turned off.

In order to effect this repair, a plumber must be able to screw the reseating tool into the top of the tap body. Once the reseating tool is positioned within the body of the tap, the cutting tool can be used. This process can be made difficult if the tap has been positioned close to a wall. The cutting tool is usually rotated by way of a wheel or a lever. In use, both of these are aligned perpendicular to the tap axis (i.e. usually horizontally) and can interfere with the wall or be blocked by the wall. Each of these needs to be a certain size or length for a user to exert rotational force. Using a smaller wheel or a shorter lever is at best fiddly and awkward for a user, and at worst makes the tool unusable. It is not unusual for plumbers to purchase and use multiple tools of different sizes in order to overcome this issue. This places an additional cost burden on the tradesman. Also, if a plumber still cannot effect a repair, then the tap must be replaced or removed for repair, each of these options putting an additional cost on the customer.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a typical domestic tap. If the seat becomes * worn, this needs to be re-cut using a reseating tool to provide a suitable surface for the washer to seal against when the tap is turned off/screwed closed (the washer is screwed down against the seat).

A typical reseating tool for small taps is shown in Figure 2. The tool has a main body which is screwed into the body of the tap with the appropriate cutter attached. The cutter is then screwed against the seat to re-cut the seat, by cutting a flat plane for the washer to seat against. Rotation of the cutter is achieved by a user turning the * 5 handle at the opposite end to the cutter in order to rotate the cutter. The arms of the handle extend outwards perpendicularly to the main axial body of the toot. The further these extend, the easier it is for a user to exert the necessary leverage to * achieve cutting. However, longer arms increases the chances of interference with a wall behind or to the side of the tap.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: U520070298892 describes An adaptive drive shank for adapting a thread cutting tap tool to be driven by a conventional standard size hexagonal socket and ratchet drive.

The tap tool comprises an elongated body having a thread cutting portion proximate a first end, a square drive head formed on the body at an opposing second end, and a shank portion interposed between and joining the thread cutting portion and the square drive head. The adaptive drive shank comprises an elongated shank body provided with a tap shank receiving hole through a tap tool side of the body, the receiving hole is sized to receive the square drive head and shank portion of a tap tool. The tap tool is lockably engaged in the adaptive drive shank by two opposing setscrews.

GB2327632 discloses a quickly adjustable tap reseater that comprises an externally threaded tapering outer member adapted to be engaged with a tap body, a guide sleeve extendirrg axially through an axial bore through the outer member and adjustable axially therein. An operating spindle extends rotatably through the bore in the guide sleeve and carries a tap cutter bit at its lower end and a knob at its upper end.

GB2184673 describes a tap reseating tool that has a main body portion adapted to be engaged with a tap body, a cutter shaft supported for rotational movement in the body portion, the shaft a cutter head and being adapted to be engaged at its opposite end with a driving means, the cutter head having teeth.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tap reseating tool which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention consists in a tap reseating tool, corn p rising: an externally threaded tap connection body having a circular central axial aperture passing through the body, a substantially cylindrical cutting body adapted to fit within the central axial aperture and extend from either end of the connection body, the lower end of the cutting body formed as a cutter end and adapted for attachment of a seat cutting tool, the upper end formed as a tool connection end adapted for connecting a turning tool to the cutting body, the tool connection end having a drive recess aligned axially with the cutting body. The use of a drive recess allows a ratchet tool to be used to rotate the cuffing body without disconnecting, repositioning and reattaching a lever tool used to apply leverage rotation. This is particularly useful in confined spaces.

In a second aspect the present invention consists in a tap reseating tool, comprising: an externally threaded tap connection body having a circular central axial aperture passing through the body, a substantially cylindrical cutting body adapted to fit within the central axial aperture and extend from either end of the connection body, one end of the cuffing body externally threaded, the other end formed as a tool connection end adapted for connecting a turning tool to the culling body, at least one substantially cylindrical cutter having an internally threaded aperture for attachment to the externally threaded end of the cutting body, one end formed as a cutting face, the tool connection end having a drive recess aligned axially with the cutting body. Having the connection end adapted for connecting a turning tool to the cutting body allows a variety of tools to be used, the individual tool selected and attached as required.

in a third aspect the present invention consists in a tap reseating tool, comprising: an externally threaded tap connection body having a circular central axial aperture passing through the body, a substantially cylindrical cuffing body adapted to fit within the central axial aperture and extend from either end of the connection body, one end of the cutting body formed as a cutter, the other end formed as a tool connection end adapted for connecting a turning tool to the cutting body, the tool connection end having a drive recess aligned axially with the cutting body. An integral cutter allows the tool to be quickly and easily used where required.

Preferably the cutting body comprises a cylindrical sleeve and a central ratchet attachment, the central ratchet attachment having a sliding fit within the cylindrical sleeve and extending from each end of the central sleeve, the central sleeve externally threaded and the tap connection body internally threaded for mutual connection, the upper end of the central sleeve further having a cylindrical flange portion with a plurality of radially aligned pin tool holes formed around the periphery of the flange portion. This structure allows a user to keep the connection body stationary and move the cutting body to perform the reseating operation, while also turning the central cylindrical sleeve as required to keep the cutter in contact with the seat at a substantially constant pressure as the cutting operation goes on.

Preferably the circumferential surface of the cylindrical flange portion is grooved or knurled. This a [lows a user to grip the surface more eaily.

Preferably the tap connection body comprises a single body having the form of a plurality of cylindrical portions of varying radius, the largest portion at the centre and the body generally tapering outwards to the smallest portions at each end, each cylindrical portion externally threaded, the radius of each portion corresponding to a standard internal tap radius. This allows one single tap body to be used for a variety of standard sizes of tap.

Preferably the cutter end is threaded to allow the attachment of a cutting tool, and the tap reseating tool further has a plurality of cutters, each having a cutting surface, each adapted for attachment to the cutter end so that the cutting surface is aligned facing downwards. This allows different sizes of cutter to be attached, and an appropriate size for a particular use can be chosen.

C

Preferably the tap reseating tool further has a pin tool formed as an elongate lever, one end adapted to slot into a pin tool hole so that the tool extends outwards radially and allows a user to exert circumferential leverage on the central sleeve. This ajlows a user to exert greater rotational leverage, on the central èleeve if required.

Preferably the pin tool has a flattened portion along the length of the body, to prevent the pin tool hole sliding through the pin hole further than the flattened portion.

Alternatively the pin tool has a main body with a substantially uniform cross-section, a smaller pin extending from bne end of the main body, shaped and sized to fit within' the pin tool hole.

Preferably the substantially uniform cross section of the main body is circular.

Preferably the tap connection body and the cylindrical cutting body are mutually sized so that the tap connection body can be connected to a tap in such a manner that there is no axial slack'between the tap connection body and the cylindrical culling body. This assists in achieving a clean and quick cutting job during the reseating process.

Preferably the tap reseating tool further has a lever ratchet having a drive head mutually sized with the drive recess.

Preferably the tap reseating tool further has a circular ratchet having a drive head mutually sized with the drive recess. This allows use of the tool in even more confined spaces than a ratchet lever would allow.

Alternatively the cutter end ha a lower surface formed as a cutter.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts' of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, ills not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and 5. equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view from the side of a typical domestic tap; Figure 2 shows a tap reseating tool such as is known in the prior art.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the tap reseating tool of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a ratchet lever tool in position so the tool is ready to be used.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of the tap reseating tool and ratchet lever of figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view from below and to one side of the tap reseating tool and ratchet lever of figures 3 and 4 Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view from above and to one side of the tap reseating tool and ratchet lever of figures 3, 4 and 5.

Figure 7a shows a perspective view from above and to one side of the tap reseating tool of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a circular ratchet tool attached and ready for use with the tool.

Figure 7b shows further detail of the device of figure 7a; with a pin tool positioned for insertion into the tap reseating tool for use as a lever to exert circumferential leverage.

Detailed Description

The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to -the figures. It should be noted that when reference is made to a directional element (e.g. upper, lower, etc), this is intended to indicate the direction or alignment of the..

tool in use with a tap connected axially vertically to a horizontal surface. The invention can be used in any orientation and directional references should not be taken as limiting..

A tap reseating tool 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 3 to 7. The tool 1 has an externally threaded tap connection body 2. The body 2 has a circular central aperture 3 that passes through the centre of the body along and aligned with the longitudinal axis.

The tool 1 further has a substantially cylindrical cutting body 4 whichfits into the central axial aperture 3. The cutting body 4 and the connection body 2 are sized so that the cutting body 4 extends from either end of the connection body 2. The cutting body 4 can mbve axially in relation to the connection body. The lower end 5 of the culling body 4 is adapted for the attachment of a seat cutting tool. The upper end 6 of the cutting body 4 is formed as a tool connection end and is adapted for connecting a turning tool to the cutting body. In the preferred embodiment, the tool connection end has a drive recess 12 aligned axially with the cuffing body and adapted to receive a ratchet drive head. These drive heads come in a range of standard sizes.

The size of the drive recess 12 is chosen as appropriate for the overall size of the reseating tool 1, and for the size of the ratchet which is most likely to be best for Use with the tool 1.

In the preferred embodiment, the cutting body 4 comprises a cylindrical sleeve 4a and a central ratchet attachment 4b. The central ratchet attachment 4b has a sliding fit within the cylindrical sleeve 4a. That is, the central ratchet attachment 4b can slide axially and rotate within the sleeve 4a relatively freely while still being a close or snug fit. It is not an interference fit. The central ratchet attachmnt 4b and sleeve 4a are sized so that the ends of the ratchet attachment 4b extend from each end of the central sleeve 4a. In the preferred embodiment, the central sleeve 4a is externally threaded and the tap connection body is 2 internally threaded so that the sleeve 4a and the tap connection body 2 can be screwed together and thus connected. In the preferred embodiment, the upper end of the central sleeve is formed to have a cylindrical flange portion 7. The flange portion 7 has a plurality of radially aligned pin tool holes 8 formed around the periphery. It is most preferred that the circumferential surface of the cIindrical flange portion is also grooved or knurled. . As can be seen in the figures, the tap connection body 2 comprises a body having the form of a plurality of cylindrical portions of varying radius. The portion with the largest radius is at the centre between the two ends, and the remaining sections are arranged sizewise so that the body generally appears to taper outwards from the centre to the ends. Each cylindrical portion is at least partly threaded on its external öircumferential surface. The radius of each portion is chosen so as to correspond to a standard internal tap radius. This allows the connection body to be screwed into a tap, and the same body 2 (and therefore the same tool) to be used for a number of different taps of differing sizes; The cutter end 5 is threaded to lIow the attachment of a cuffing tool. The preferred form of tool 2 issupplied with or otherwise has a number of cutters 9, of different sizes and/or, if required, of different cuffing types or surfaces. Each cutter 9 has a cutting surface, which faces downwards when the cutter 9 is screwed onto or otherwise attached to the cutting body 2. It is most preferred that the tool 1 also has a pin tool 10. This is effectively an elongate lever, one end of which slots into a pin tool hole 8 so that the pin tool 10 extends outwards radially and allows a user to exert circumferential leverage on the central sleeve 4a. The pin tool 10 can either have a flattened midsection portion, to prevent the pin tool hole sliding through the pin hole further than the flattened portion, or alternatively the pin tool can héve a main body with a substantially uniform cross-section, a smaller pin extending from one end of the main body, shaped and sized to fit within the pin tool hole. In the second form, it is preferred that the substantially uniform cross section of the main body is circular.

In the most preferred form the tap reseating tool will be provided along with an included a lever ratchet having a drive head mutually sized with the drive recess 12, and also a circular ratchet 11 having a drive head mutually sized with the drive recess 12. This allows the user to get into tighter spaces than even the rever ratchet allows.

In use, a plumber or other user will dismantle the head of the tap to be mended. the top section (e.g. handle and shroud) will be removed, but the base and spout will remain in place. The main body 2 of the reseating tool is screwed into the body of the tap. Slack is taken up in the assembly by rotating the cylindrical sleeve 4a clockwise using flange portion 7 either by hand or using pin 10, adjustment made so that the lower surface of the cutter 9 rests on the seat, and the upper portion of the cutter is pressed against the first one of the cylindrical portions of the connection body so that it cannot move upwards Further rotation of the cylindrical sleeve 4a causes the cutting surface of the cutter 9 to cut against the seat. A user can utilise the ratchet mechanism if the tap is located in an area of confined space -e.g. close up against a wall or similar. A user also uses either their fingers on the knurled portion 7, or the pin tool 10 to turn the central cylindrical sleeve 4a to keep the cutter 9 in contact with the seat. This can be at a substantially constant pressure, or can be used to apply greater or lesser pressure as the cutting operation goes on. Less pressure at the end of the operation is desirable as when removing the tool, less pressure eases the removal of the main body 2 and assists in giving the seat a smooth finish.

In alternative embodiments, rather than a set of detachable cutters 9, the cutter end has a lower surface formed as an integral cutter.

Also, as described above, the tool body 2 is a unitary body. Generally this will be formed by either by machining on e.g. a lathe to turn the various different cylindrical sections down to the required radius, or by casting in a suitable material e.g. brass, and then finishing the body with various tooling operations. Various different sizes could be cast/machined as required. An alternative, but not preferred embodiment would be to assemble the body 2 from a number of different sections e.g. screwed together. This would allow some flexibility in the configuration of the tool body as different sections could be chosen or used depending on the size of tap encountered.

The phrase cylindrical portions' as used In thsi specification should be taken as indicating that either option can be used.

Claims

Claims 1. A tap reseating tool, comprising: an externally threaded tap connection body having a circular central axial aperture passing through the body, a substantially cylindrical cutting body adapted to fit within the central axial aperture and extend from either end of the connection body, the lower end of the cuffing body formed as a cutter end and adapted for attachment of a seat culling tool, the upper end formed as a tool connection end adapted for connecting a turning tool to the cutting body, the tool connection end having a drive recess aligned axially with the cutting body.
2. A tap reseating tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cutting body comprises a cylindrical sleeve and a central ratchet attachment, the central ratchet attachment having a sliding fit within the cylindrical sleeve and extending from each end of the central sleeve, the central sleeve externally threaded and the tap connection body internally threaded for mutual connection, the upper end of the central sleeve further having a cylindrical flange portion with a plurality of radially aligned pin tool holes formed around the periphery of the flange portion.
3. A tap reseating tool as claimed in claim 2 wherein the circumferential surface of the cylindrical flange portion is grooved or knurled.
4. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the tap connection body comprises a single body having the form of a plurality of cylindrical portions of varying radius, the largest portion at the centre and the body generally tapering outwards to the smallest portions at each end, each cylindrical portion externally threaded, the radius of each portion corresponding to a standard internal tap radius.
5. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the cutter end is threaded to allow the attachment of a cutting tool.
6. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the tap reseating tool further has a plurality of cutters, each having a cutting surface, each adapted for attachment to the cutter end so that the cutting surface is aligned facing downwards.
7. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 further having a pin tool formed as an elongate lever, one end adapted to slot into a pin tool hole so that the tool extends outwards radially and allows a user to exert circumferential leverage on the central sleeve.
8. A tap reseating tool as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pin tool hole has a flattened portion along the length of the body, to prevent the pin tool hole sliding through the pin hole further than the flattened portion.
9. A tap reseating tool as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pin tool has a main body with a substantially uniform cross-section, a smaller pin extending from one end of the main body, shaped and sized to fit within the pin tool hole.
10. A tap reseating tool as claimed in claim 9 wherein the substantially uniform cross section of the main body is circular.
11. A tap reseating tool as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 10 wherein the tap connection body and the cylindrical cutting body are mutually sized so that the tap connection body can be connected to a tap in such a manner that there is no axial slack between the tap connection body and the cylindrical cutting body.
12. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims ito 11 further having a lever ratchet having a drive head mutually sized with the drive recess.
13. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 further having a circular ratchet having a drive head mutually sized with the drive recess.
14: A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the cutter end has a lower surface formed as a cutter.
15. A tap reseating tool, comprising: an externally threaded tap connection body having a circular central axial aperture. passing through the body, a substantially cylindrical cutting body adapted to fit within the central axial aperture and extend from either end of the connection body, one end of the cutting body externally threaded, the other end formed as a tool connection end adapted for connecting a turning tool to the cutting body, at least one substantially cylindrical cutter having an internally threaded aperture for attachment to the externally threaded end of the cutting body, one end formed as a cutting face, the tool connection end having a drive recess aligned axially with the cutting body.
16. Atap reseating tool as claimed in claim 15 wherein the cutting body comprises a cylindrical sleeveand a central ratchet attachment, the central ratchet attachment having a sliding fit within the cylindrical sleeve and extending from each end of the central sleeve, the central sleeve externally threaded and the tap connection body internally threaded for mutual connection, the upper end of the central sleeve further having a cylindrical flange portion with a plurality of radially aligned pin tool holes formed around the periphery of the flange portion.
1.7. A tap reseating tool as claimed in claim 16 wherein the circumferential surface of the cylindrical flange portion is grooved or knurled.
18. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the tap connection body comprises a single body having the form of a plurality of cylindrical portions of varying radius, the largest portion at the centre and the body generally tapering outwards to the smaflest portions at each end, each cylindrical portion externally threaded, the radius of each portion corresponding to a standard internal tap radius.
19. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 16 wherein the tap reseating tool further has a plurality of cutters, each having a cutting surface, each adapted for attachment to the cutter end so that the cutting surface is aligned facing downwards.
20. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19 further having a pin tool formed as an elongate lever, one end adapted to slot into a pin tool hole so that the tool extends outwards radially and allows a user to exert circumferential leverage on the central sleeve.
21. A tap reseating tool as claimed in claim 20 wherein the pin tool has a main body with a substantially uniform cross-section, a smaller pin extending from one end of the main body, shaped and sized to fit within the pin tool hole.
22. A tap reseating tool as claimed in claim 21 wherein the substantially uniform cross section of the main body is circular.
23. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22 wherein the tap connection body and the cylindrical cutting body are mutually sized so that the tap connection body can be connected to a tap in such a manner that there is no axial slack between the tap connection body and the cylindrical cutting body.
24. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 23 further having a lever ratchet having a drive head mutually sized with the drive recess.
25. A tap reseating tool as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 24 further having a circular ratchet having a drive head mutually sized with the drive recess.
26. A tap reseating tool, comprising: an externally threaded tap connection body having a circular central axial aperture passing through the body, a substantially cylindrical cutting body adapted to fit within the central axial aperture and extend from either end of the connection body, one end of the cutting body formed as a cutter, the other end formed as a tool connection end adapted for connecting a turning tool to the cutting body, * 14 the tool connection end having a drive recess aligned axially with the cuffing body.