GB2544969A

GB2544969A - Multi-layered tool

Info

Publication number: GB2544969A
Application number: GB1520908.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Johnson Mike
Original assignee: Htl Worldwide Ltd
Current assignee: Htl Worldwide Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-26
Filing date: 2015-11-26
Publication date: 2017-06-07
Also published as: GB201520908D0

Abstract

The tool includes separate tool layers 3a, 3b that are configured for assembly and disassembly of the separate tool layers on a fastener 2. The separate tool layers are adapted for assembly by stacking one on top of the other. The tool layers each have a fastener engaging portion 3c. The fastener engaging portions of separate tool layers are substantially identical in shape. A method of applying torque to a fastener with a tool includes the step of engaging a fastener engaging portion of a first of separate tool layers on the fastener by advancing the first layer toward the fastener along an axis radial to the fastener in a plane above the fastener. The step is repeated with second and subsequent separate tool layers to engage fastener engaging portions of second and subsequent layers on the fastener in a stacked configuration. Torque is then applied to the tool.

Description

Multi-Layered Tool

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-layered tool and in particular to a spanner formed of multiple layers.

Background of the Invention

Spanners are used to tighten and release nut and bolt fasteners. Spanners may be simple manually operated tools, or may be used with other power devices such as hydraulic torque wrenches.

Nut and bolt fasteners requiring tightening or releasing may be located in areas where access is difficult. In fact, some nut and bolt fasteners may be inaccessible to conventional spanners of the type that must be attached by moving the spanner in the axial direction of the fastener to attach thereto.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a spanner that is capable of being used in inaccessible places.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a tool comprising a plurality of separate tool layers that are configured for assembly and disassembly of the separate tool layers on a fastener, the separate tool layers adapted for assembly by stacking one on top of the other, the separate tool layers each comprising a fastener engaging portion, and wherein the fastener engaging portions of separate tool layers are substantially identical in shape.

Preferably, at least a major part of each separate tool layer is of the same thickness.

Each separate tool layer may include an opening located such that when the separate tool layers are stacked one on top of the other with the fastener engaging portions thereof aligned with one another, the openings are also aligned with one another.

One or more of the plurality of separate tool layers may have a different length to other separate tool layers of said plurality of separate tool layers.

One or more of the plurality of separate tool layers may be shaped and dimensioned to fit another tool, for example a hydraulic torque wrench or a lever. For example, end portions of at least one of the plurality of separate tool layers may be shaped and dimensioned to fit another tool. In one embodiment end portions of two of the separate tool layers are reduced in thickness compared to the remainder of the tool layer of which they form a part.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of applying torque to a fastener with a tool according to the first aspect of the invention comprising the steps of: i. engaging the fastener engaging portion of a first of the plurality of separate tool layers on the fastener by advancing the first separate tool layer towards the fastener along an axis radial to the fastener in a plane above the fastener so that the tool engaging portion is aligned with the fastener and advancing said first separate tool layer towards and on to the fastener; ii. repeating step 1 with second and subsequent separate tool layers to engage the fastener engaging portions of second and subsequent separate tool layers of the plurality thereof on the fastener in a stacked configuration; and applying torque to the tool.

Preferably, the method includes the step of attaching the tool in engagement with the fastener to a power tool. The power tool may be a hydraulic torque wrench.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of a tool comprising a plurality of layers according to the first aspect of the invention and a method of assembling the same according to the second aspect of the invention:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of separate tool layers of the tool and a component having fasteners presenting limited access;

Figure 2 is schematic representation of the tool being assembled on a fastener of the component;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a next stage of assembly of the tool on the fastener;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the tool assembled on the fastener;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the tool fitted to a hydraulic drive at the beginning of a fastener rotating stroke; and

Figure 6 is a plan view of the tool shown in Figure 5 at the end of the fastener rotating stroke.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to Figure 1, a component 1 has a plurality of fasteners 2 all with restricted space above for access. The tool 3 of the invention comprises multiple separate tool layers 3a, 3b, there being five separate tool layers in the illustrated embodiment. Each tool layer 3a, 3b has a tool engaging portion 3c identical in shape and dimension.

The tool engaging portion 3c of each of the tool layers 3a, 3b is open ended. However, the tool engaging portion 3c comprises a multiplicity of points 3d. In order to attach this type of tool to a fastener it must be attached to the fastener by moving the tool when aligned with the fastener in the axial direction of the fastener. The tool engaging portion 3c could also be a complete ring. A complete ring must be attached to the fastener in the same way as described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tool layers 3a are entirely identical, that is they are of the same shape in plan view, of the same thickness and formed of the same material. However, it is not essential that whole of each of the tool layers 3a are identical. For example, the tool layers 3a need not have the same thickness.

The tool layers 3a’ differ from the tool layers 3a in the shape of their end portions 3f’ which are reduced in thickness when compared to the end portions 3f of tool layers 3a.

The tool layer 3b is not the same shape in plan view as the tool layers 3a. The tool layer 3b is shorter that the tool layers 3b. The purpose of this difference in shape is described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 4 to 6 in particular.

Figure 2 illustrates the tool 3 in a state of partial assembly on the fastener 2. The two lower most tool layers 3a, 3a’, the central tool layer 3b and the first upper layer 3a’ have all been assembled on the fastener 2. The second upper tool layer 3a is positioned radially distant from the fastener 2.

Figure 3 illustrates the manner by which the tool layers 3a, 3a’, and 3b are attached to the fastener 2. The second upper tool layer 3a is presented up to the fastener by moving the said tool layer radially towards the fastener 2 in a plane immediately above the fastener 2. When the tool engaging portion 3c is aligned with the fastener 2 the tool layer 3a may be moved in the axial direction of the fastener 2 into the engaged configuration shown in Figure 4.

By forming the tool 3 in a plurality of relatively thin tool layers 3a, 3a’, 3b, a multi-pointed tool may be attached to a fastener 2 where the space thereabove is limited.

The tool layer 3b is shorter than the tool layers 3a, 3a’. This is so that the assembled tool may be connected to a drive 4. The ends 3f, 3f’ of the separate layers 3a, 3a’ are shaped to fit the drive 4. The ends 3f’ of tool layers 3a’ are of reduced thickness. In this embodiment, the space provided by the regions of reduced thickness and the shorter tool layer 3b provide for the attachment of the drive 4 to the tool 3. Hence, for different drives the ends 3f, 3f’ may be of different shape. Further it may not be a requirement that one or more of the separate tool layers is shorter than the others.

It can also be seen from the drawings and in particular Figures 2 to 4, that each separate tool layer 3a, 3a’, 3b includes a hole 3e and when the tool 3 is assembled on the fastener the holes 3e are aligned with one another. The function of the holes 3e is to provide for attachment of the tool 3 to a drive 4 as shown in Figures 5 and 6, where the tool 3 is attached to the drive 4, with a pin 5 engaging with the drive and the aligned holes 3e.

The multi-layered tool 3 of the invention allow open ended multi-pointed spanners to be utilised in confined spaces where otherwise such spanners cannot be used.

Claims

1. A tool comprising a plurality of separate tool layers that are configured for assembly and disassembly of the separate tool layers on a fastener, the separate tool layers adapted for assembly by stacking one on top of the other, the separate tool layers each comprising a fastener engaging portion, and wherein the fastener engaging portions of separate tool layers are substantially identical in shape.

2. A tool according to Claim 1, wherein at least a major portion of each separate tool layer is of the same thickness.

3. A tool according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein each separate tool layer includes an opening located such that when the separate tool layers are stacked one on top of the other with the fastener engaging portions thereof aligned with one another, the openings are aligned with one another.

4. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the plurality of separate tool layers may have a different length to other separate tool layers of said plurality of separate tool layers.

5. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the plurality of separate tool layers is shaped and dimensioned to fit another tool.

6. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein an end portion of at least one of the separate tool layers is reduced in thickness compared to the remainder of the tool layer of which it forms a part.

7. A tool according to Claim 4 or Claim 5 or 6 when dependent of Claim 4, wherein the tool comprises five separate tool layers, when assembled a central one of which is shorter that the other four separate tool layers, and wherein the two tool layers adjacent the central layer each have a region of reduced thickness, the regions of reduced thickness facing each other so as to form a space with the central layer.

8. A method of applying torque to a fastener with a tool according to the first aspect of the invention comprising the steps of: i. engaging the fastener engaging portion of a first of the plurality of separate tool layers on the fastener by advancing the first separate tool layer towards the fastener along an axis radial to the fastener in a plane above the fastener so that the tool engaging portion is aligned with the fastener and advancing said first separate tool layer towards and on to the fastener; ii. repeating step 1 with second and subsequent separate tool layers to engage the fastener engaging portions of second and subsequent separate tool layers of the plurality thereof on the fastener in a stacked configuration; and applying torque to the tool.

9. A method according to Claim 6, wherein the method includes the step of attaching the tool in engagement with the fastener to a power tool. The power tool may be a hydraulic torque wrench.

10. A tool substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to, the drawings.