GB2594961A - Tool for a cage nut - Google Patents

Tool for a cage nut Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2594961A
GB2594961A GB2007026.4A GB202007026A GB2594961A GB 2594961 A GB2594961 A GB 2594961A GB 202007026 A GB202007026 A GB 202007026A GB 2594961 A GB2594961 A GB 2594961A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
jaws
tool
cage
cage nut
nut
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB2007026.4A
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GB2594961B (en
GB202007026D0 (en
Inventor
James Helm Michael
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to GB2007026.4A priority Critical patent/GB2594961B/en
Publication of GB202007026D0 publication Critical patent/GB202007026D0/en
Publication of GB2594961A publication Critical patent/GB2594961A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2594961B publication Critical patent/GB2594961B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25BTOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B27/00Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
    • B25B27/14Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same
    • B25B27/146Clip clamping hand tools
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25BTOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B27/00Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
    • B25B27/14Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25BTOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B31/00Hand tools for applying fasteners

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Hand Tools For Fitting Together And Separating, Or Other Hand Tools (AREA)

Abstract

The tool 10 for removing a cage nut (100, Figure 5) from a structure includes a body 12 for manually holding the tool. Jaws 14 on or connectable to the body are for engagement of the cage nut, the jaws being spaced apart for fitting the cage nut. A pair of bearing areas 16b, 18b on an exterior region of the jaws are for bearing against and compressing either side of a cage of the cage nut when the jaws are substantially aligned with the cage. One or more additional bearing areas 16c, 18c on the jaws are configured or shaped to provide a retainer (20, Figure 4) for the tool to continue to grip the cage nut after receipt by the jaws. The tool may include a release mechanism 28 for releasing the cage nut held by the retainer. The jaws may be resilient or sufficiently flexible for receiving and retaining the cage nut. A guide or alignment tab 22 may be provided for aligning the jaws with the cage. U-shaped finger grips 24, 26 may also be provided on the body. A kit includes the tool and different size jaws for fitting different sizes of cage nuts.

Description

TOOL FOR A CAGE NUT
The present invention relates to a tool for removing a cage nut from a structure. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Electronic equipment such as a server (or other telecommunications equipment) is often conveniently mounted in a rack or similar support structure. A rack typically includes a number of mounting rails and the equipment can be secured to the rack by using mounting screws or threaded bolts, for example. This provides an effective way to arrange the equipment, whilst maintaining easy access and making best use of the available space.
It is sometimes necessary to remove or replace a piece of equipment or to change the arrangement of the equipment. Where this needs to be done often, then there is a significant risk that threaded mounting holes in the rack may be damaged, or that the fixings may be broken. This can make it impossible to use a particular mounting hole without replacing the corresponding part of the rack, which may be expensive and/or labour-intensive.
To address this issue, cage nuts are often used to securely connect equipment to such racks. A cage nut may also be referred to as a caged nut, a captive nut or a clip nut. A cage nut usually includes a nut (or threaded nut) and a sprung cage around the nut with wings on either side. The nut is often square in shape, and the cage is typically made of spring steel. A cage nut can be connected to a corresponding (typically square) hole in one of the brackets or mounting rails by compressing the wings towards each other, inserting the cage nut into the hole, and allowing the wings to spring back and clip into the hole. If the cage nut is damaged during installation or removal, for example, then it is simple and cheap to replace it.
However, because cage nuts are designed to securely connect in position on the rack, it can be difficult to safely remove a cage nut after installation in a mounting rail. It is possible to use a flathead screwdriver to dislodge a cage nut, but it is difficult to accurately control the force being applied. The screwdriver may slip without warning, leading to a cut finger or another injury. In any case, using a screwdriver risks damaging the nut and/or equipment in the vicinity, as well as losing the cage nut if successfully dislodged, which can in turn cause damage to the equipment. These issues can all lead to delays during maintenance work.
A tool such as a flat metal bit or spring steel strip may be used to remove a cage nut from a rack, if available and easily to hand. However, the tool needs to be the right size to fit the cage nuts used for a particular rack. The tool is also sharp and can cause injury as well, if it slips when levering it against a cage nut. It is again easy to lose the cage nut once it has been detached from the rack.
Another type of tool for a cage nut is constructed similarly to a pair of nail clippers. Applying force to a lever allows the tool to clamp onto a cage nut. This is typically easier than using a screwdriver or flat metal bit. However, it is still easy to drop or lose the cage nut unless the user keeps the lever fully depressed, and the tool still needs to be the right size to fit the cage nuts used for a particular rack.
It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool for manually removing a cage nut from a structure, the tool comprising a body for manually holding the tool, jaws on or connectable to the body for engagement of the cage nut, the jaws being spaced apart for fitting the cage nut, a pair of bearing areas on an exterior region of the jaws for bearing against and compressing either side of a cage of the cage nut when the jaws are substantially aligned with the cage, and one or more additional bearing areas in or on the jaws which are configured or shaped to provide a retainer for the tool to independently continue to grip the cage nut after receipt by the jaws.
The invention provides a user-friendly, ergonomic tool to quickly and safely remove cage nuts from a structure such as equipment racking. The tool is simple to use, and a user or technician can quickly remove a series of cage nuts during maintenance work on the equipment. The risk of personal injury and/or accidental damage to the equipment when removing a cage nut is substantially mitigated because force is applied to the tool in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cage nut, which means there is a negligible risk of the tool slipping when the force is applied.
To use the hand tool, the exterior bearing areas on the jaws are first aligned with the cage (or wings) of a cage nut in the structure. That is, the central longitudinal axis of the tool passing between the jaws may be lined up with a corresponding axis through the middle of the nut, and the tool should be in an orientation where the bearing areas can bear against the cage. The tool is then pushed or urged the tool in the direction of the cage nut, which compresses or biases the cage towards the nut. Once sufficiently compressed, the cage nut is freed from the rack and more or less immediately captured in the retainer. Because the retainer automatically keeps hold of a cage nut once removed from the racking, without continued input or applied force by the person using the tool, the cage nut is not inadvertently lost from the tool once removed from the rack.
The exterior region of the jaws is considered to include outer or outward-facing surfaces of the jaws. The pair of bearing areas on the exterior region of the jaws may be considered to be frontal surfaces of the jaws, when considering motion of the tool towards a structure for removing a cage nut. The pair of bearing areas may be disposed opposite each other.
The interior region of the jaws is considered to include inner faces of the jaws which define a space into which a cage nut (or a substantial part thereof) can be received.
The retainer is provided by the jaws and may be disposed adjacent to the external region, viz, next to the pair of bearing areas. The retainer may be considered to be at the 'bite point' or cusp of the jaws. Depending on the construction of the jaws and the position in which a cage nut can be retained, the retainer may be considered to be part of the interior of the jaws, or may be considered to bridge between interior and exterior regions of the jaws (that is, parts of the interior and the exterior may together provide the retaining surface(s) for the cage nut).
The retainer may be substantially the narrowest part of the jaws. In other words, the distance between the jaws may be at a minimum from the retainer on one jaw across to the other jaw.
The tool may include a release mechanism (or ejector) for releasing a cage nut held by the retainer. The release mechanism may be operable whilst the jaws remain spaced apart by substantially the same distance.
The release mechanism makes it easy to dislodge a cage nut held by the retainer. This may just be used to free up the jaws and retainer so that another cage nut may be removed from a rack. The jaw spacing remains the same, so the tool can be used for cage nut extraction again straightaway without needing to move the jaws again.
However, the release mechanism also enables insertion of a cage nut into a structure in addition to cage nut extraction. Together with the retainer, the release mechanism allows rapid extraction and installation of cage nuts in a rack in a single operation, i.e. without the need to re-acquire a particular cage nut in the tool after extraction and before installation.
An aperture or bore may be provided through the body. The aperture may extend longitudinally through the body. The central longitudinal axis of the aperture may pass substantially between the jaws. The aperture may lead to the retainer.
The release mechanism may include a rod moveable through the aperture for displacing a cage nut held by the retainer in a direction out between the jaws. A distal end of the rod may include a sloped or angled surface for bearing against the cage nut. The release mechanism may instead include a lever arm for bearing against a rear side of the cage nut, that is a side of the cage nut facing away from the jaws towards the tool body.
The tool or release mechanism may therefore be configured or primed to allow a cage nut to be (re-)inserted into a structure. That is, the release mechanism can be configured to urge the cage nut against the interior of the jaws such that it is released by the retainer, exiting the tool between the jaws in a substantially reverse direction to the manner it was originally retrieved from the structure. This simplifies installation or re-installation of the cage nut.
The jaws may be resilient or sufficiently flexible for receiving and retaining the cage nut. This allows the jaws to flex outwards when accepting or releasing a cage nut. This can aid retention of a cage nut in the retaining portion of the jaws because a biasing force is applied to the cage nut when held in the tool, where the cage nut displaces the jaws from their default positions. The outward spring action of the cage, against the retainer, may also contribute to the friction fit of the cage nut in the tool.
A guide or alignment means or locating means may be provided for aligning the jaws with the cage of the cage nut. The guide or alignment means may include a locating tab projecting from an end of the body adjacent to the jaws. The tab may be disposed to one side of the jaws. That is, to one side of a plane bisecting both of the jaws and the body. The tab may include a sloped underside.
The tab can be used to align the tool with a side of a cage nut before removing it from a rack. Typically, the tab will be seated on a top side of the cage nut, and the tool then pushed forwards to remove the cage nut from a rack. However, this does assume that the cage or wings are laterally disposed to the left and right sides of the nut. Where the cage nut is installed with the cage wings at the top and bottom, then the tab or alignment means can be located against a left-or right-hand side of the cage nut so that the jaws are lined up to bear against the cage and subsequently detach the cage nut.
Either or both of the pair of bearing areas may include an inwardly angled surface.
Preferably, if angled, the angles are substantially equal and opposite. If both bearing areas are angled inwards, this may provide an interrupted V-shaped region leading into the retainer. The inward angle of the bearing areas makes it easier to bias the cage of the cage nut inwards, towards the nut, for removal from a rack. The interrupted V-shape provides a gap for accepting the cage nut into the tool.
The jaws may include first and second interior walls or regions. The walls may extend generally towards the body from respective sides of the retainer. The interior walls or regions may diverge from each other with increasing distance from the retainer. This provide a space for receiving the cage nut, where the cage can expand slightly on entry into the space. That is to say, the divergent walls allow provide relief for the cage to flex outwards again as the cage nut slips past the jaws.
The additional bearing area(s) may include one or more ridges or detents. The ridge(s) or detent(s) may be adjacent to the exterior bearing areas. The ridge(s) or detent(s) may be suitable for maintaining compression of the cage of the cage nut.
The ridge(s) or detent(s) may be shaped for engaging a corresponding recess or recesses on the cage of the cage nut. That is, the cage nut may be retained in the tool in substantially the same manner as it can be retained in a structure, by having the retainer engage the clips of the cage nut rather than, or in addition to, the cage. The cage nut may be retained with the clips facing outwards from the tool, for allowing subsequent reinsertion into the structure.
Each ridge may extend substantially along an axis which is substantially parallel to a corresponding hinge axis of one of the cage wings of the cage nut. Axes of each ridge may be substantially parallel to each other. Axes of each ridge may be substantially perpendicular to a plane which bisects each of the jaws and the body.
The spacing of the jaws may be substantially fixed. That is, the jaw spacing may be set at a distance which corresponds to a specific cage nut size. The size of the retainer may be substantially fixed, and/or set to correspond to a specific cage nut size. The jaw / retainer size or spacing may be slightly smaller than the width of the cage nut, if the jaws can flex outwards to make up the difference. A tool for a particular nut size may be suitable where maintenance work only involves extracting and/or installing cage nuts of a single size, for example.
In some cases, a jaw adjustment mechanism may be provided to move one or both of the jaws for changing a distance between the jaws to accommodate different sizes of cage nut. The adjustment mechanism may be constructed to move one or both jaws by an increment or increments corresponding to the spacing required for a particular cage nut size. This may provide the jaws at a plurality of set distances (i.e. a distance which cannot change substantially without using the adjustment mechanism).
This allows the jaws to be spread or brought closer together to fit a plurality of different sizes of cage nut, such as M4, M5, M6, M8, M10 and so on. This can reduce or avoid the need for multiple cage tools.
A rotatable wheel or other suitable means may be provided for operating the adjustment mechanism and moving the jaws together or apart. A marker or indicia may be provided for showing the current jaw spacing.
A lock may be provided for securing the jaws at a particular spacing prior to using the tool to extract or insert a cage nut. This reduces the risk of a cage nut being accidentally released by inadvertent widening of the jaws.
The jaws may be releasably attachable to the body, either individually or as a unit, for interchangeably mounting different sizes of jaws to accommodate different sizes of cage nut. A button or similar jaw release mechanism may be provided for detaching the jaw(s). The jaws and/or tool may have a suitable connector or adapter for securely connecting the jaws to the tool body.
This is particularly useful where the jaws are provided at a fixed spacing, because either or both of the jaws can be swapped for another jaw or jaws in order to customise the tool so it can extract or install a particular size of cage nut. This is primarily seen as an alternative to being able to adjust the spacing of a single set of jaws, but can also be useful to replace a damaged or worn out jaw and/or tool body whilst retaining the other serviceable components, for example.
A distal end of either or both of the jaws may extend forward beyond the retainer. The distal end(s) of the jaw(s) may provide a pivot or pivots for pivoting the tool against the structure when the tool is engaged with the cage nut, for removing the cage nut from the structure.
This provides a simple and effective way to seat or unseat the cage nut. The user does not need to use their fingers to manually compress the cage of the cage nut, which risks pinching the user's finger(s) or losing track of the cage nut when it pops into or out of the rack.
Using the end of one of the jaws as a pivot, the tool can be manipulated, e.g. rolled or pivoted to one side, in order to extract a cage nut from a structure, assuming the cage has already been partially compressed by the tool. The motion required is typically to the left or right as viewed by the user during tool use. A similar manipulation, e.g. again involving a rolling or pivoting operation, can be used for the initial stage of installing the cage nut into a structure, when one of the clips or legs of the cage nut has been seated in the structure but the other clip or leg still needs to be inserted.
One or more grips or grip regions may be provided on a side or sides of the body. The grip(s) may be considered to be fingerhold(s). Each grip may be U-shaped for receiving a finger. If two grips are provided, then they may be disposed substantially opposite each other on opposite sides of the body. That is, the U-shaped grips may be arranged such the body is substantially l-shaped. Padding may be provided on the grip(s) for comfort.
The grips may therefore be adapted to protect the user's fingers from sharp edges and/or pinch points when installing or removing a cage nut. For example, a leading flange of the or each grip (such as one leg of the U-shape) may extend outwards from the body, next to or inwards of the jaws, for providing a finger guard. A trailing flange of the or each grip (or the other leg of the U-shape) may extend outwards from the body at a far end of the body relative to the jaws, for aiding one-handed operation of the release mechanism.
A connection point may be provided on the body for connecting a lanyard to the tool. For example, the connection point may include an aperture through the body or through one or the grips, for example. Connecting a lanyard to the tool allows it to be kept in an easily accessible location on the user, which saves time on looking for the tool when servicing a series of racks, for example.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pair of jaws for attachment to a tool according the first aspect of the invention, the jaws comprising a body having first and second jaws spaced apart by a set distance for fitting the cage nut, a side of the body being configured for connection to the tool, a pair of bearing areas on an exterior region of the jaws for bearing against and compressing either side of a cage of the cage nut when the jaws are substantially aligned with the cage, and one or more additional bearing areas on the jaws which are configured or shaped to provide a retainer for continuing to grip the cage nut after receipt by the jaws.
The advantages are substantially similar to the first aspect of the invention, with particular reference to the advantages discussed for interchangeably mountable jaws.
The jaws may include any feature or features presented with respect to the jaws of the tool in the first aspect of the invention.
For example, an aperture may be provided through the body. An end of the aperture may lead to the retainer for co-operating with a release mechanism of the tool. The aperture in the jaws may be aligned for this when the jaws are connected to the tool.
In another example, alignment means may be provided for aligning the jaws with the cage of the cage nut. This may include a tab projecting from the body adjacent to the first and second jaws.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising a tool according to the first aspect of the invention, and/or a plurality of jaws according to the second aspect of the invention.
Each of the plurality of jaws can be of a different size for fitting different sizes of cage nuts. The jaws may be interchangeably mounted on the tool, if the tool is adapted for receiving different jaws.
Optionally, one or more cage nuts may be included in the kit. The cage nuts may be sized to fit the tool and/or one of the plurality of jaws, where the tool and/or attachable jaws are not adjustable to fit the cage nuts.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of removing one or more cage nuts from a structure, using a tool according to the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises the steps of: a) aligning the tool with a cage nut connected to the structure; b) pushing the tool forwards onto the cage nut to compress a cage of the cage nut via the exterior bearing areas of the jaws; and c) manipulating the tool, such as by pivoting or rolling the tool to one side, to free the cage nut from the structure and capture the cage nut in the tool.
This provides a simple and effective way to extract the cage nut. The user does not need to use their fingers or another tool to manually compress the cage of the cage nut, which risks losing track of the cage nut when it pops out of the rack. Instead, urging the tool onto the cage nut squeezes the wings of the cage nut inwards. Then, using the end of one of the jaws as a pivot, the tool can be manipulated (typically rolled or pivoted to one side) in order free the distal ends of the cage nut from the rack. The motion required is typically to the left or right as viewed by the user during tool use.
The overall process results in the cage nut being accepted into the retainer.
The method optionally incudes repeating steps (a) to (c) for a number of other cage nuts connected to the structure. This allows for disassembly or reconfiguration of the structure, for example to remove or re-position equipment within the rack To use the same tool for the repeated steps, the cage nut should be released from the tool before the steps are repeated. The cage nut may in some cases be released by re-installing the cage nut in the structure, or installing it in another structure, although it may simply be ejected or stripped / prised out (using a tool or by hand).
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing one or more cage nuts on a structure, using a tool with a release mechanism according to the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a cage nut in the tool; b) positioning the tool to engage a clip or distal end of the cage of the cage nut with the structure; c) manipulating the tool, such as by pivoting or rolling the tool to one side, to engage another clip or other distal end of the cage of the cage nut with the structure; and d) disengaging the cage nut from the tool via the release mechanism, moving the cage nut into secure engagement with the structure.
This provides a simple and effective way to install the cage nut. The user does not need to use their fingers to manually compress the cage of the cage nut, which injury or at the very least a painful pinch when the cage nut pops into the rack. Instead, with one of the clips of the cage nut seated in a cage nut aperture in the structure, the other clip can be inserted by suitably manipulating the tool, e.g. rolling or pivoting the tool in the direction of that clip. As for cage nut extraction, the motion required is typically to the left or right as viewed by the user during tool use, although if the wings are at the top and bottom then the motion can be adjusted accordingly.
The method optionally includes repeating steps (b) to (d) for a number of other cage nuts. This allows for assembly or reconfiguration of the structure, for example to install or re-position equipment within the rack.
To use the same tool for the repeated steps, a new cage nut must be inserted or accepted into the tool before the steps are repeated. For example, a cage nut may in some cases be loaded into the tool by forcing the tool onto a cage nut suitably positioned on a flat surface such as a table. In other cases, the new cage nut may be acquired by removing it from the structure being dealt with, or from another structure.
Any aspect of the invention may include any feature or features presented with respect to any other aspect of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cage nut tool; Figure 2 shows a side view of the cage nut tool of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of the cage nut tool of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the cage nut tool of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the cage nut tool of Figure 1 and a cage nut in proximity to the tool; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the cage nut tool and cage nut of Figure 5 and part of a structure; Figure 7 shows a top view of the cage nut tool, cage nut and structure of Figure 6, during the process of removing the cage nut from the structure; Figure 8 shows a side view of the cage nut tool and cage nut of Figure 5, during the process of the cage nut being ejected from the cage nut tool; Figure 9 shows a top view of the cage nut tool, cage nut and structure of Figure 6, after clipping the cage nut onto the structure; and Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the cage nut tool, cage nut and structure of Figure 9, where the cage nut tool has been disengaged from the cage nut.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figures 1 to 4 show a handheld tool, indicated generally at 10, for use with a cage nut. The tool 10 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal.
The tool 10 includes a body 12 and a pair of jaws, indicated generally at 14. The jaws 14 are disposed at an end of the body 12. The jaws 14 are integrally formed with the body 12 in this embodiment and so have a fixed or predetermined spacing for sufficiently compressing the outer cage of a particular size of cage nut, such that the cage nut can be detached from or connected to a structure. However, it will be appreciated that the jaws may be detachable or adjustable to set another spacing or jaw-to-jaw distance in other embodiments. Similarly, the tool may be made of two halves which can be secured or snap-fitted together, for example.
The jaws 14 include a first jaw 16 and a second jaw 18, disposed opposite the first jaw 16. The jaws 16, 18 are able to flex outwards when accepting a cage nut. The jaws are resilient and return to their original shape once the cage nut has been released or extracted from the tool.
The jaws 16, 18 are connected to either end of a unit or jaw body 14a, which is connected to the tool body 12. The jaws 16, 18 are substantially similar in size and shape, but are mirror images of each other. Features described with respect to one jaw 16, 18 are therefore generally present for the other jaw 18, 16, unless otherwise specified.
The shape of the jaws 14 is best seen in Figure 4. Each jaw 16, 18 includes a distal end 16a, 18a, outermost on the jaws 14 with respect to the tool body 12. Each distal end 16a, 18a curves round into the side of the respective jaw 16, 18, as shown in Figure 4.
Inwards of the distal ends 16a, 18a, each jaw 16, 18 includes an exterior bearing area 16b, 18b for bearing against a cage of a cage nut. The exterior bearing areas 16b, 18b each include an inward angled slope extending away from the distal end 16a, 18a.
Each exterior bearing area 16b, 18b is substantially planar in this embodiment. Each bearing area 16b, 18b extends in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a plane bisecting each of the jaws 16, 18. However, it will be appreciated that the bearing areas 16b, 18b may be at another angle, relative to that plane and/or each other, if still suitable for squeezing the cage of a cage nut.
Each exterior bearing area 16b, 18b is long enough to bear against substantially the full side of the cage of a cage nut. Together, the exterior bearing areas 16b, 18b are arranged in an interrupted 'V shape, where the interruption is a gap between the inner ends of the areas 16b, 18b. This provides a gap through which a cage nut of corresponding size can pass. The V shape is symmetrical in this embodiment.
Two further bearing areas 16c, 18c of the respective jaws are provided inwards of the of the exterior bearing areas 16b, 18b. These further bearing areas 16c, 18c co-operate or act in opposition to provide a cage nut retainer, indicated generally at 20. The further bearing areas 16c, 18c may be considered to be ridge-shaped.
It should be noted that the further bearing areas 16c, 18c are the main section of the jaws 14 used to provide compression and retain the cage nut in the tool 10 through frictional engagement. The exterior bearing areas 16b, 18b provide a lead-in for the further bearing areas 16c, 18c.
A pair of sloped walls 16d, 18d are disposed inwards of the retainer 20. The walls 16d, 18d diverge from each other with increasing distance from the retainer 20. Each wall 16d, 18d is substantially planar in this embodiment. Each wall 16d, 18d is provided in a plane which is approximately orthogonal to the plane of the corresponding exterior bearing area 16b, 18b, best seen in Figure 4. The divergent walls are connected together by a wall of the jaw body 14a. This provides a substantially continuous wall, defining a space within the jaws 14 for receiving a cage nut.
A locating tab 22 is provided on one side of the jaws 14. The tab 22 is integrally formed with the jaw body 14a in this embodiment. The tab 22 projects outwards from the end of the body 12 in the same general direction as the jaws 14. The tab 22 is provided substantially in the middle of the jaw body 14a. The tab 22 is effectively rotationally offset from each jaw by 90 degrees.
The locating tab 22 includes a sloped underside 22a, facing towards the jaws 14 (see Figures 2 and 3). The sloped underside 22a guides initial location of the tab 22 on a cage nut, and the tool can then be pivoted to using an internal corner 24 where the tab 22 meets the jaw body 14a, when pressing the tool onto a cage nut.
First and second grips or finger receiving areas 24, 26 are provided on either side of the body 12. The first grip 24 extends upwards from the body 12 and the second grip extends downwards from the body as viewed in the Figure 2, for example. The grips 24, 26 are substantially similar in size and shape in this embodiment and so the tool 10 can be comfortably used either way up. Features described with respect to one grip 24, 26 are generally present for the other grip 26, 24, unless otherwise specified.
Each grip 24, 26 is substantially U-shaped, when viewed from the side (such as in Figure 2). A forward section or arm 24a, 26a of each U-shape provides a finger guard, next to the jaws 14. This allows the tool 10 to be gripped by a user with their fingers extending laterally across the body 12 and curled away from the jaws 14 for safety. A rearward section or arm 24b, 26b of each U-shape provides a handle for exerting a pulling force on the tool 10, as discussed later. A curved section 24c, 26c, connects the respective forward and rearward sections together. A lateral aperture 30 is provided through the rear arm 26b for connection to a lanyard.
A cage nut release mechanism is also provided in the tool 10. This not only makes it simple to disgorge the cage nut from the tool, but in this embodiment allows the cage nut to be installed on a structure.
The release mechanism includes an aperture 12a extending through the jaw body 14a and through the tool body 12 to the other end of the tool 10. An ejector or rod 28 is disposed through the aperture 12a, and extends out of the tool 10. The aperture 12a and ejector 28 each have a rectangular cross-section of uniform width in this embodiment to prevent unwanted rotation of the ejector relative to the tool. However, it will be appreciated that the cross-sections may be different in other embodiments, including a circular cross-section if the release mechanism does not require the ejector to be in a particular orientation with respect to the body 12.
The end of the ejector 28 is shaped as a button 28a, and depressing the button 28a to move the ejector forwards through the aperture 12a functions to displace a cage nut, when one is held in the jaws 14.
The front or distal end 28b of the ejector 28 is angled off-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the ejector 28 in this embodiment. The front 28b extends furthest away from the button 28a at the side closest to the tab 22, and progressively slopes such that the opposite side of the front 28b extends least far from the button 28a. The slope angle is small though, so the difference in distance overall distance from the button (taken on a line parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the aperture 12a) is only around 1-2mm in this embodiment.
The body 12 also includes a stop or bar 12b. The ejector 28 includes a corresponding slot or recess 28c, and the stop 12b is engaged in the slot 28c. The slot 28c is substantially longer than the stop 12b. The purpose of the stop 12b is to delimit movement of the ejector 28 relative to the body 12. In this embodiment, the stop 12b limits displacement of the ejector 28 in both forward and rearwards directions. Thus, the extent to which the ejector 28 may move towards the jaws 14 or out of the rear of the tool 10 is restricted.
Referring also to Figures 5 to 7, the process of using the cage nut tool 10 to extract a cage nut 100 from a structure 200 such as a mounting rail will now be described.
The cage nut 100 includes a nut 102 with a threaded aperture 102a, and a cage 104 around the nut 102. The cage 104 includes two wings 106, disposed on either side of the nut 102. The cage 104 is resilient such that the wings 106 can be compressed against the sides of the nut 102, but spring back to shape quickly when the compressive force is released. The cage is usually made of steel, although other metals or materials may be used for other cage nuts. Each wing 106 includes a clip 108, and the clips 108 can together engage the structure.
The structure 200 includes a body 202 which has a series of square or rectangular apertures or slots 204 along its body 202. Each aperture 204 is the same size and shape and can receive the cage nut 100.
In Figure 6, the cage nut 100 is shown engaged with one of the apertures 204. The tool 10 is aligned with the cage nut 100, using the tab 22 on top of the cage nut 100. Manually applying force to the tool substantially in the direction of arrows A via the grips 24, 26 urges the bearing areas 16b, 18b against the cage 104 of the cage nut 100. The jaws 14 will spread apart slightly to accommodate the cage nut 100, but the force of the tool 10 against the wings 106 biases them inwards to until they are held next to the nut 102 as compressed wings 106' (see Figure 7). The tool 10 can then be rolled to one side, e.g. in the direction of arrow B, to disengage the clips 108 from the structure 200, whilst at the same time capturing the cage nut 100 in the retainer 20. The wings 106 are normally maintained in at least a partially compressed state, to aid retention.
Figure 8 shows the cage nut 100 being ejected from the tool 10, following acquisition from the structure 200. The user presses ejector 28 in the direction of the arrow C, and at the same time pulls the tool 10 in the direction of arrows D using the rear parts of the grips 24, 26. This forces the cage nut 100 to exit the jaws 14, freeing the tool for use with another cage nut.
Figures 9 and 10 show an alternative scenario in which the cage nut 100 acquired from the structure 200 is re-installed in another aperture 204 within the structure 200. This may be done immediately after the cage nut 100 has been captured in the tool 10. One of the clips 108 on the cage nut 100 is first hooked on the new aperture 204, and the tool 10 is then pivoted or rolled in the direction of arrow E to guide the other clip 108 so that it hooks into the other side of the same aperture 204. These actions provide the cage nut 100 in the position shown in Figure 9. After this, the user can press the ejector 28 in the direction of the arrow F, and at the same time pull the tool 10 in the direction of arrows G using the rear parts of the grips 24, 26. This forces the cage nut 100 to exit the jaws 14, freeing the tool for use with another cage nut. Note that as the ejector 28 is pressed to displace the cage nut 100, the tool 10 will want to move away from the rack rail, this is expected. Once the cage nut has been inserted, check it is seated properly in the rack rail.
In some cases, it may be necessary to insert a cage nut 100 into the tool 10 without first removing the cage nut 100 from a structure, for example when first constructing the structure. This can be done by positioning the cage nut 100 on a flat surface like a table, aligning the tool over the cage nut with the jaws 14 next to each wing 106, and bearing down on the tool 10 and cage nut 100 in a similar manner to that described above. This compresses the wings 106 and causes the cage nut 100 to be gripped by the retainer 20.
The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only. For example, in other embodiments, the retainer may be provided on one jaw only, if suitable for holding the nut against or in combination with the other jaw. In other embodiments, the jaws on the tool may be adjustable or interchangeable with other jaws, to accommodate different sizes of cage nut. A suitable connector or adapter can be used to releasably attach the jaws on the tool body. An actuator may be used to detach the jaws, or unlock a lock holding the jaws on the body for subsequent removal. Similarly, an actuator may allow locking and/or unlocking of the jaws where a set of adjustable jaws is provided. The ejector may be spring-loaded in some embodiments.
Various other changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (25)

  1. CLAIMS1 A tool for removing a cage nut from a structure, the tool comprising a body for manually holding the tool, jaws on or connectable to the body for engagement of the cage nut, the jaws being spaced apart for fitting the cage nut, a pair of bearing areas on an exterior region of the jaws for bearing against and compressing either side of a cage of the cage nut when the jaws are substantially aligned with the cage, and one or more additional bearing areas on the jaws which are configured or shaped to provide a retainer for the tool to continue to grip the cage nut after receipt by the jaws.
  2. 2. A tool as claimed in claim 1, in which the tool includes a release mechanism for releasing a cage nut held by the retainer, the release mechanism being operable whilst the jaws remain spaced at substantially the same distance.
  3. 3. A tool as claimed in claim 2, in which an aperture is provided through the body, leading to the retainer, and the release mechanism includes a rod moveable through the aperture for displacing a cage nut held by the retainer in a direction out between the jaws.
  4. 4. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the jaws are resilient or sufficiently flexible for receiving and retaining the cage nut.
  5. 5. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a guide or alignment means is provided for aligning the jaws with the cage of the cage nut.
  6. 6. A tool as claimed in claim 5, in which the guide or alignment means includes a tab projecting from an end of the body adjacent to the jaws.
  7. 7. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each of the pair of bearing areas includes an inwardly angled surface, providing an interrupted V-shaped region leading into the retainer.
  8. 8. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the jaws include first and second interior walls or regions which extend from either side of the retainer and diverge from each other with increasing distance from the retainer, providing a space for receiving the cage nut.
  9. 9. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the one or more additional bearing areas include one or more ridges or detents adjacent to the exterior bearing areas for maintaining compression of the cage of the cage nut.
  10. 10. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a jaw adjustment mechanism is provided to move one or both of the jaws for varying the set distance between the jaws to accommodate different sizes of cage nut.
  11. 11. A tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, in which one or both of the spacing of the jaws and the size of the retainer are substantially fixed or set and correspond to a specific cage nut size.
  12. 12. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the jaws are releasably attachable to the body either individually or as a unit, for interchangeably mounting different sizes of jaws to accommodate different sizes of cage nut.
  13. 13. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a distal end of either or both of the jaws extends forward of the retainer to provide a pivot for pivoting the tool against the structure when the tool is engaged with the cage nut.
  14. 14. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a U-shaped grip is provided on a first side of the body and/or a U-shaped grip is provided on a second side of the body, and where both grips are provided then they are disposed substantially opposite each other.
  15. 15. Jaws for a tool for removing a cage nut from a structure, the jaws comprising a body having first and second jaws spaced apart by a set distance for fitting the cage nut, a side of the body being configured for connection to the tool, a pair of bearing areas on an exterior region of the jaws for bearing against and compressing either side of a cage of the cage nut when the jaws are substantially aligned with the cage, and one or more additional bearing areas on the jaws which are configured or shaped to provide a retainer for the jaws to continue to grip the cage nut after receipt by the jaws.
  16. 16. Jaws as claimed in claim 15, in which the jaws are resilient or sufficiently flexible for receiving and retaining the cage nut.
  17. 17. Jaws as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, in which an aperture is provided through the body, an end of the aperture leading to the retainer, for cooperating with a release mechanism of the tool.
  18. 18. Jaws as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17, in which alignment means is provided for aligning the jaws with the cage of the cage nut, including a tab projecting from the body adjacent to the first and second jaws.
  19. 19. Jaws as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18, in which each of the pair of bearing areas includes an inwardly angled surface, providing an interrupted V-shaped region leading into the retainer.
  20. 20. Jaws as claimed in any of claims 15 to 19, in which the first and second jaws respectively include first and second interior walls or regions which extend from either side of the retainer and diverge from each other with increasing distance from the retainer, providing a space between the first and second jaws and the body for receiving the cage nut.
  21. 21. Jaws as claimed in any of claims 15 to 20, in which the one or more additional bearing areas include one or more ridges or detents adjacent to the exterior bearing areas for engaging corresponding recesses on the cage nut.
  22. 22. Jaws as claimed in any of claims 15 to 21, in which a distal end of either or both of the first and second jaws extends forward of the retainer to provide a pivot for pivoting the jaws against the structure when the jaws are engaged with the cage nut.
  23. 23. A kit comprising a tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, and/or a plurality of jaws as claimed in any of claims 15 to 22, in which each of the plurality of jaws are of different sizes for fitting different sizes of cage nuts, optionally including one or more cage nuts sized to fit the tool and/or one of the plurality of jaws.
  24. 24. A method of removing one or more cage nuts from a structure, using a tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising the steps of: a) aligning the tool with a cage nut connected to the structure; b) pushing the tool forwards onto the cage nut to compress a cage of the cage nut via the exterior bearing areas of the jaws; c) manipulating the tool, such as by pivoting or rolling the tool to one side, to free the cage nut from the structure and capture the cage nut in the tool; d) optionally repeating steps (a) to (c) for a number of other cage nuts connected to the structure for allowing disassembly or reconfiguration of the structure, including the step of releasing the cage nut from the tool before the steps are repeated, such as by installing the cage nut in the structure or another structure via the method claimed in claim 25.
  25. 25. A method of installing one or more cage nuts on a structure, using a tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, when dependent on claim 2, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a cage nut in the tool; b) positioning the tool to engage a clip or leg of the cage nut with the structure; 0) manipulating the tool, such as by pivoting or rolling the tool to one side, to engage another clip or leg of the cage nut with the structure; d) disengaging the cage nut from the tool via the release mechanism, to move the cage nut into secure engagement with the structure; e) optionally repeating steps (b) to (d) for a number of other cage nuts for allowing assembly or reconfiguration of the structure, including the step of providing another cage nut in the tool before the steps are repeated, such as by removing another cage nut from the structure or another structure via the method claimed in claim 24.
GB2007026.4A 2020-05-13 2020-05-13 Tool for a cage nut Active GB2594961B (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2007026.4A GB2594961B (en) 2020-05-13 2020-05-13 Tool for a cage nut

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GB2007026.4A GB2594961B (en) 2020-05-13 2020-05-13 Tool for a cage nut

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003181770A (en) * 2001-12-19 2003-07-02 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd Handheld tool for cage nut
US7650677B1 (en) * 2005-06-01 2010-01-26 Storage Technology Corporation Tool apparatus and method for efficient attachment of hardware components
US20170227038A1 (en) * 2014-05-09 2017-08-10 A. Raymond Et Cie Connecting device, assembly having a connecting device and having a substratum, method for producing an assembly having a connecting device and having a substratum, and setting tool for performing a method for producing an assembly having a connecting device and having a substratum
CN207432128U (en) * 2017-11-28 2018-06-01 任晓强 A kind of cabinet nut loads and unloads external member

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003181770A (en) * 2001-12-19 2003-07-02 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd Handheld tool for cage nut
US7650677B1 (en) * 2005-06-01 2010-01-26 Storage Technology Corporation Tool apparatus and method for efficient attachment of hardware components
US20170227038A1 (en) * 2014-05-09 2017-08-10 A. Raymond Et Cie Connecting device, assembly having a connecting device and having a substratum, method for producing an assembly having a connecting device and having a substratum, and setting tool for performing a method for producing an assembly having a connecting device and having a substratum
CN207432128U (en) * 2017-11-28 2018-06-01 任晓强 A kind of cabinet nut loads and unloads external member

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2594961B (en) 2022-10-19
GB202007026D0 (en) 2020-06-24

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