GB2352662A

GB2352662A - Pipe cutting tool

Info

Publication number: GB2352662A
Application number: GB9918794A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Ian Cantrell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-08-05
Filing date: 1999-08-05
Publication date: 2001-02-07
Also published as: GB9918794D0

Abstract

A pipe cutting tool has a cutting disc 3 with a spring loaded guard 11 for use particularly on pipes fixed in locations of restricted access. The cutting disc has a radius slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe to be cut, and the guard has a slot sized to fit closely over the pipe to be cut, providing a means of locating the disc in position, keeping the disc square to the pipe being cut, and preventing the disc from cutting far beyond the pipe and hence causing damage. The guard has also a safety catch to prevent the cutting disc being accidentally contacted.

Description

2352662 I PIPE CUTTING TOOL This invention relates to a tool to cut pipes.

it is often necessary to cut pipes fixed in positions where access is limited. An example is cutting into existing copper water pipe feeding a tap to enable an isolation valve to be installed. In such cases it may be difficult to use any existing tool to easily cut the pipe.

This invention is for a pipe cutting tool which will enable such pipes in restricted locations to be cut easily. It can also be used in other situations where pipes or bars need to be cut.

Accordingly this invention provides a cutting disc of radius slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe to be cut, with a spring loaded guard to cover the disc. The guard has a slot sized to fit closely over the pipe to be cut, providing a means of locating the disc in position, keeping the disc square to the pipe being cut, and preventing the disc from cutting far beyond the pipe and hence causing damage. The guard has also a safety function in preventing the disc being accidentally contacted.

It is intended that the invention have the following features, but these are not essential to the invention and alternative features could be used:

The invention be powered electrically, either by mains electricity or by rechargeable battery, or alternatively by compressed air.

A section of the pipe cutting tool be easily removable (using a tool) to allow the cutting disc to be changed.

The guard have a safety catch which must be released before the cutting disc can be moved forwards through the guard.

The design of the invention to be such that different sizes of cutting disc and associated guard can be fitted.

The guard to extend either side of the cutting disc by an exact distance so that it can be used to accurately position the cutting disc on the pipe.

The invention have a handle with finger operated trigger to operate the cutting disc.

The invention be of double insulated construction to reduce the danger if a water-filled pipe should accidentally be cut.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is for it to be bench mounted for use in production etc.

A specific embodiment of the invention for cutting a single size of pipe (15mm) will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE I shows a top view of the whole embodiment FIGURE 2 shows a side view of the whole embodiment FIGURE 3 shows sections through the embodiment FIGURE 4 is a key to the sections As shown in FIGURE 3 the embodiment consists of a main body (1) made from a suitable high density plastic containing an electric motor (2), the cutting disc (3)), connection from the motor to the disc (4) (in this embodiment a belt), a lower bearing (10) for the cutting disc, and a trigger with electrical switch (6).

The upper body (7) is a separate item to enable the cutting disc to be changed, and is secured by 4 screws (9). The upper body contains the upper bearing (5) for the cutting disc.

I. 3 The guard (11) is mounted onto protrusions on the main and lower bodies. Four springs (13) hold the guard in a forwards position normally but allow the cutting disc to slide into the guard when pressure is applied. A safety catch (14) is provided so that the guard can be prevented from moving when not in use.

I The guard is designed to fit as closely as possible around the circumference of the disc at the front to improve access into restricted locations. It is designed to extend exactly 2 cm. each side of the cutting disc to enable the cutting disc to be accurately located on the pipe by reference to a mark made 2 cm from the desired cut. The slot in the guard is slightly deeper than the diameter of the pipe to be cut to ensure that the pipe is completely cut through.

The cutting disc is made of a suitable abrasive, rigid material and is of a radius slightly larger than the pipe to be cut to allow for wear in the disc. The cutting disc is mounted on a shaft with a belt pulley also affixed to the shaft, it being envisaged that this assembly be supplied as one part.

All electrical parts are provided with a second layer of insulation to ensure safety.

( -- - 4

Claims

I A tool to cut pipes comprising a cutting disc with a guard to cover the disc, the guard having a slot sized to fit closely over the pipe to be cut.
2 A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I wherein the cutting disc is of radius slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe to be cut, A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I wherein the guard is spring loaded so that the cutting disc is covered unless pressure is applied.
A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 wherein the cutting disc is powered electrically, by compressed air, or by other means.
4 A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I wherein a section of the body is easily removable (using a tool) to allow the cutting disc to be changed.
A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I wherein the guard extends an exact distance either side of the cutting disc enabling the cutting disc to be accurately positioned on the pipe.
6 A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I wherein the guard has a safety catch preventing the guard from being moved unless the safety catch is released.
7 A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I wherein the depth of the slot in the guard and the radius of the cutting disc are so sized that the disc can only protrude slightly beyond the pipe being cut.
8 A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I wherein the facility is provided for different sizes of cutting disc and guard to be fitted.
9 A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I whereof the design is. suitable for hand held use.

A tool to cut pipes as claimed in Claim I whereof the design is suitable for bench mounted use.