NZ547669A

NZ547669A - Deforming tool with pivoting jaws and ratchet mechanism

Info

Publication number: NZ547669A
Application number: NZ54766906A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: David Lockwood; Steve Martinuzzo; John Bines; Glenn Bines
Original assignee: Auspex Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-06-03
Filing date: 2006-06-01
Publication date: 2008-11-28

Abstract

A hand-operated deforming tool with a pair of jaws in pivotable or hinged connection with other is disclosed. A first jaw (1) is pivotably attached to a first handle assembly (21), while a second jaw (2) is pivotably connected to a ratchet mechanism that is attached to a second handle assembly. As the handles are moved together, the jaws contact and surround the outer surface of an object to be deformed, with an adjustment assembly provided to allow for variation in the load applied to the object. An adjusting member is releasably retained in a through-bore that extends into an aperture (17) in the lower section of the first jaw.

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> 547669 Patents Form 5 New Zealand Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS IN DEFORMING TOOLS We, AUSPEX PTY. LTD., an Australian Company, formerly of 106 - 107 Railway Parade, Seaford, Victoria 3198, Australia, but now of 9 Sahra Grove, Carrum Downs, Victoria 3201, Australia, hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: -1 - NTELL6CTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 01/06/06,swopl627 fp - 1 OCT 2®7 received -2- The present invention relates, in general terms, to an improved apparatus or tool of the type employed to deform an item, this regardless of whether or not the relevant item is in the form of tubing, sheet material or the like, and furthermore regardless of whether or not the deformation is intended to involve or include a procedure of cutting, shaping, 5 crimping, swaging or any other procedure. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an improved form of hand-operated tool of such general type, although even then it should be realised that the invention is not to be considered to be in any way limited to merely a hand-operated piece of equipment. Indeed, and in practical terms, the apparatus or tool in accordance with the present invention could equally well be 10 power-operated, as for example by being attached to or in some way connected to other power equipment, to a power source or the like, as for example a battery, and furthermore regardless of whether or not the process of operation involves the use of mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic or pneumatic means. Throughout the ensuing description reference will be made to a particular and 15 preferred embodiment of the present invention, namely an improved form of crimping tool. It should be realised, however, that such is illustrated and described for purposes of exemplification only, and that the invention is not to be considered to be in any way limited to such a preferred embodiment or usage. Hand-held (or indeed power-operated) crimping tools and the like pieces of 20 equipment in accordance with the known art have been found to suffer somewhat in terms of their flexibility in operation, in turn giving rise to limitations as the context of usage thereof. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement over known arrangements in the form of a tool, preferably a crimping tool, which lends itself to ready usage in a variety of different contexts, and also serves to provide a better end result. In practical 25 terms the arrangement in accordance with the present invention will be found to be responsible for/capable of the imposition of enhanced compressive loading, thereby in turn giving rise to an improved crimping, swaging, cutting or shaping effect, dependant upon the actual mode of usage. It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus or tool, including a ratchet 30 mechanism, for selectively applying load to an item, whether that load be in the form of a compressive force - for purposes of crimping, cutting etc., or for any other purpose. The apparatus includes opposed, mating jaws, handle assemblies (opposed and relatively selectively movable), and a ratchet mechanism. ntellectual property office of n.z. «/0B/oyKwll62; RECEIVED It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved ratchet mechanism or assembly. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, therefore, there is provided an apparatus for deforming an item, said apparatus including: first and second jaw means, said jaw means being in pivotable or hinged connection with one another and being selectively and progressively movable between respective open (and inoperative) and closed (and operative) configurations relative to one another, said first and second jaw means being connected to respective first and second handle assemblies, the arrangement being such that movement of said handle assemblies relative one to the other gives rise to said selective movement of said first and second jaw means, wherein said first jaw means is adjustably pivotably movable relative to said first handle assembly and includes, at a lower or bottom section thereof, an aperture extending therethrough, and said second jaw means is operably and pivotably connected to said second handle assembly with the interposition of a ratchet mechanism, one side of said ratchet mechanism being in pivotable connection with said second jaw means, with the other side of said ratchet mechanism being in connection with said second handle assembly, said first and second jaw means being operably connected whereby to allow for relative pivotal movement therebetween such that, upon operation of said handle assemblies, said first and second jaw means come into contact with and surround or close about an outer surface of said item whereby to deform said item, said apparatus further including an adjustment assembly, whereby to allow for variation in the load to be applied by said jaw means, to suit different operating requirements and environs, the arrangement being such that said first jaw means further includes a lateral through-bore which extends into said aperture in said lower or bottom section thereof, said through bore being adapted to receive and releasably retain an adjusting member, whereby adjustment of the disposition of said adjustment member within said through-bore of said first jaw means allows for variation of said load to be applied by said jaw means to said item. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a ratchet mechanism or assembly for incorporation in a crimping tool or the like piece of equipment. OFFICE Ol= N.Z. - 1 OCT 2007 -3a- In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a means, to be incorporated in an apparatus or tool of the aforementioned general type, which operates to allow for selective and controlled adjustment of the load applied via the jaws thereof, said adjustment means being constructed and operating as 5 shown in the attached drawings. In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred embodiments of an improved apparatus or tool in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to 10 the accompanying drawings, wherein: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. ,28/^8/<j^*)jrl 62^jQy,a RECEIVED -4- 10 15 20 25 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one preferred embodiment of an adjustable deforming tool in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the improved tool of FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention, with the opposed jaws in their closed, operative configuration; FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjuster bolt from the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4; FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are respective first edge view, front view and reverse edge view of a handle member of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, having the ratchet assembly in accordance with the present invention associated therewith/connected thereto; FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. With particular reference now to the drawings, a crimping tool or apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes, as principal components, a pair of substantially complementary shaped and mating jaws 1 and 2, interconnected by means of at least one tie bar 3, and preferably two opposed tie bars 3, with each tie bar 3 being adapted, in use, to be releasably affixed relative to each jaw 1, 2 in any suitable manner and using any suitable means. In actual fact, and whilst a preferred means for achieving such interconnection between jaws 1, 2 and the or each tie bar 3 will be described hereinafter, such does not constitute part of the invention. In the especially preferred embodiment illustrated opposed tie bars 3 are provided, extending laterally of the mating jaws 1, 2 on each flat side thereof. The or each tie bar 3 is connected to the associated jaw 1,2 by, for example, fixing means of any known type, as for example a plurality of bolts or the like 4 and mating nuts 5, said bolts 4 being adapted to extend through corresponding apertures and mating 6, 7 respectively provided in both the or each tie bar 3 and the jaws 1,2. Preferably the or each nut 5 will be in the form of a lock nut of any known type, with or without the interposition of one or more washers or the like means and/or a circlip (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, not shown, rivet means or the like may be employed to provide the required pivotable interconnection between jaws 1,2 and the or each tie bar 3. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the jaws 1,2 are adapted to be pivotably movable relative to one another, being therefore selectively and progressively or sequentially movable between respective closed (or operating) and open (or non-operating) positions. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 the jaws 1,2 are adapted to be pivotably connected to each other by means of a jaw centre pin 8, adapted in use to be releasably located within . intellectual property office of n.z. RECEIVED -5- 10 25 a substantially circular aperture formed by opposed substantially semi-circular grooves or apertures 9 formed in each jaw 1,2 which, when brought into alignment, receive and releasably retain the jaw centre pin 8 and allow for relative pivotal movement of said jaws 1,2. The tie bar(s) 3 act to maintain said jaws in mating configuration, whereby to allow for selective and substantially continuous pivotal movement therebetween. At or in the vicinity of the free end of each jaw 1,2 there is provided a substantially semi-circular aperture 10, as shown FIG. 1 of in the drawings. The arrangement is such that, when in the configuration or condition shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 for example, the opposed semi-circular apertures 10 on the respective jaws 1,2 are juxtaposed, thereby to give rise to a substantially circular aperture extending through the mating jaws 1,2 said aperture being adapted/suited to receive and retain (releasably) for treatment/deformation pieces of ducting, tubing or the like for purposes of crimping, cutting, swaging or other deformation procedure. The jaw 1 has, in the lower or bottom section thereof, a further aperture 11 extending therethrough. That lower or bottom section further includes a lateral through-bore 12, which extends substantially transversely of the jaw 1 and the aperture 9. The arrangement is such that an adjusting member, preferably in the form of a bolt 13, is adapted to be disposed transversely of jaw 1, extending through the aperture 11 and through bore 12 formed therein. The head of the adjusting bolt 13 will be disposed on the inside lateral surface of jaw 1. The opposed end of adjusting bolt 13 is adapted to protrude beyond the outer lateral surface of the jaw 1. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the adjusting bolt 13 will have, at its end remote from the head, a substantially cruciform cross-section 14, see FIG. 5 and at least a section of the length dimension of the adjusting bolt 13 is of a substantially square shape 15 when viewed in cross-section (again see FIG. 5). The jaw 1 further includes a shoulder 16 (see FIG. 2), such shoulder 16 having an aperture 17 therein extending relatively downwardly into the aperture 11 of the lower or bottom section of the jaw 1. A set-screw or the like 18 is adapted to disposed within that aperture 17, with a threaded lower end portion thereof being adapted, in use, to be disposed within the square-section 15 of the adjusting bolt 13. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the first jaw 1 is operably connected to a first handle assembly, generally designated 20. That handle assembly 20 is preferably made up from, as principal components, a handle grip or cover means 21 (which may preferably include a knurled section to enhance gripping), a linka disposed within said cover means 21 (the linkage being adjustable), and an assembly 23 adapted to receive, and preferably releasably retain, the first jaw 1. The assembly 23 includes two substantially complementary members 24 each adapted, in use, to be disposed substantially side-by-side and spaced apart by a distance sufficient to allow the lowermost bottom end of jaw 1 to be interposed therebetween. Each member 24 has apertures 25 and 26 disposed therein and extending therethrough. When assembled the lowermost bottom end of jaw 1 will be releasably retained relative to the first handle assembly 20 by means of sliding pin member 27 and further pin member 28 adapted to extend through apertures 26 and 25 respectively of each member 24, as well as through the aperture 11 provided in the first jaw 1 itself. The further pin member 28 preferably includes at least one circlip or the like means 29 associated with each free end thereof. To that purpose each free end of the further pin member 28 may have a threaded section formed therein. The other or second jaw means 2, in somewhat similar manner to jaw 1, will be adapted to be preferably releasably connected to a second handle assembly 30, with the interposition of a ratchet mechanism. As with handle assembly 20, handle assembly 30 will include a handle grip or cover means 31 which is preferably hollow in construction, adjustable linkage 32 and, associated with the free end thereof, means for receiving and releasably retaining said ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes, as its principal components, a hub 40 having a pawl or gear-engaging member 41 adapted to be in operative connection therewith, a ratchet arm or receiving member 42 within which the hub 40 is to be disposed (in any suitable manner), a switch 43 and a ratchet linkage 44, with the ratchet linkage 44 being adapted to receive and releasably retain the second jaw means 2. To that end, and in a somewhat similar manner to first jaw means 1, the second jaw means 2 includes an aperture 19 formed in and extending through the lower or bottom section thereof, whilst the ratchet linkage 44 has a complementary aperture 45 extending through opposed, spaced-apart arm members 46 thereof. A pin or the like member, of a similar nature to that referred to earlier, extends through apertures 19, 45 to retain second jaw 2 relative to the ratchet linkage 44. The ratchet linkage 44 and hub 40 each include a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart apertures 47,48 respectively, adapted to receive and releasably retain respective pawl lock and hub lock pins 49, 50. The ratchet switch 43 has, adapted to be associated therewith and to extend through both hub 40 and linkage 44, a switch pin 51, preferably with a circlip 52 located INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 01/06/06,swopI627 speci. > - 1 OCT 2007 received -7- on one end thereof, externally of the hub 40. In the preferred embodiment illustrated there will be included a ratchet spring 53 and associated spring cup 54, adapted in use to be disposed within a complementary aperture provided in said switch pin 51. Each arm member 46 of the ratchet linkage 44 will include a section having plurality 5 of cut-outs around the periphery thereof. A pivot pin 55 and associated circlip will be preferably adapted to be disposed within apertures 45 and extend through aperture 19 of second jaw 2. The arrangement is such that the switch member is selectively movable between at least two positions. In one of those positions the pawl is engaged such 10 that torque is applied to an item engaged by the jaw means, whilst rotation in the other direction, to the second position, causes the pawl to ride in a ratcheting manner. The switch 43 is accessible from an exterior of the tool. The switch 43 is selectively movable between a first switch position and a second switch position. The gear engaging member or pawl 41 has a set of engaging teeth provided in an 15 arcuate and concave configuration thereon. The ratchet linkage 44 mounts the gear engaging member 41 to the switch 43. The gear engaging member 41 is pivotally mounted to the ratchet linkage 44 such that selective movement of the switch 43 into the first position thereof moves the gear engaging member 41 into a first ratcheting position and selective movement 20 of the switch 43 into the second position thereof moves the gear engaging member 41 into a second ratcheting position, angularly spaced from the first ratcheting position. The pivotal mounting of the gear engaging member 41 enables the gear engaging member 41 to pivot relative to the ratchet linkage 44 as the gear engaging member 41 moves between the first and second ratcheting positions thereof. 25 In use, to allow for adjustment the following procedure needs to be followed. Firstly, set-screws 18 will need to be loosened, using any suitable means such as, for example, a screw-driver. The handles 20,30 may then be opened, and any suitable means (again as for example a screw-driver) can be employed to rotate the adjusting bolt 13 through or by a desired amount, as for example a quarter turn. 30 The bolt 13 may be turned in a clockwise direction to tension, and in an anticlockwise direction to relieve tension. The principle of operation of the adjusting means will be better understood by reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY oFFieew0^3 7'7 - 1 OCT 2007 RECEIVED -7a- Of course once the desired tension is achieved the set-screw 18 will be tightened, which then serves to lock the adjusting bolt 13 in position. intellect^?,Ri^E^y OFFICE OF N.Z. - i OCT 2007 •R-F n FIV F D -8- Preferably the first handle assembly 20 also includes a means for receiving, and releasably retaining relative thereto, a "GO - NO GO" gauge 60, of the type in common usage nowadays. When assembled the cover means 21,31 will be held in position by any suitable 5 means, as for example a pin 61 adapted to be located within/through apertures 62 formed in both the cover means 21, 31 and the respective linkages 22, 32. The apparatus in accordance with the present invention exhibits a number of important practical advantages when compared with the prior art arrangements. Insofar as the adjustment feature/aspect is concerned, such has been found to 10 allow for: (i) easy adjustment of the jaws; (ii) positive adjustments based on a reversible thread design for the adjusting bolt, which serves to make the overall tool at least partially self-adjusting; 15 (iii) fewer adjustment actually being required without in any way inhibiting the flexibility of use of the overall apparatus; (iv) ready replacement of damaged and/or worn components; and (v) the user to be able to visually discern the extent or degree of adjustment needed or made. 20 As to the inclusion of a ratchet mechanism, the advantages associated therewith include: (i) increased flexibility of usage, with the overall apparatus still being usable regardless of whether the ratchet is engaged or disengaged; (ii) the jaws can be opened whilst the handles remain closed; 25 (iii) use of the ratchet mechanism in practice allows for crimping, or any other type of deformation for that matter, in small increments, resulting in less effort being needed to produce a desired result; (iv) the ratchet mechanism allows the jaws to be located even in "tight" spots, and yet still allow crimping/deforming; 30 (v) the ratchet mechanism itself is easy to operate; (vi) the ratchet mechanism is readily replaceable if damaged/worn; and (vii) in an extremely practical vein, angling of the jaws is possible to suit any desired position. OFFICE OF N.Z. < - 1 0Qlfo6/2C^Q7p 1627 specls received. -9- The end result is an extremely flexible tool, in terms of ease of operation, ability to operate in different locales, etc. The principle of operation of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention is as follows. With the handle means 20,30 separated, the jaws 1,2 are open or 5 spaced apart, thereby allowing a piece of ducting or the like to be disposed therebetween. When the handle means 20,30 are initially moved towards one another, the jaws 1,2 come into juxtaposition, still with little or no compressive force generated thereby on any ducting or the like item interposed therein or therebetween. However, as the handle means 20,30 are moved to the position shown in FIGS 2 and 4, for example, the end result is that a 10 substantial compressive force or load will be generated, acting on the material or item disposed between the jaws 1,2 thereby to give rise to a crimping effect (for example). In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the jaws 1,2 can be provided with sharpened or cutting edges, thereby to allow for cutting or severing of material or any item located therebetween. 15 In accordance with yet another preferred aspect of the invention, not specifically illustrated in the drawings, the apparatus in accordance with the invention can be other than hand-operated. More particularly means may be provided, disposed on and/or between the handles, for bringing about the desired movement of those handles, and associated jaws. Any suitable power source, as for example hydraulically or pneumatically 20 operated, or even electrically or electronically operated, means may be employed. In yet a further alternative, spring loaded or biased means may be employed to achieve movement of the handles. The advantages of the apparatus being other than hand-operated, in terms of ease of operation, accuracy of operation, etc., should be readily apparent. In accordance with yet a further preferred feature, again not illustrated in the 25 drawings, what might be termed the head of the apparatus, made up of the opposed, mating, relatively pivotably movable jaws 1,2, may be readily removable from the handle means. With such a facility, a kit of parts will be possible, made up of a single pair of handles and a plurality of interchangeable heads. Preferably the heads will include jaws of different sizes and shapes, and perhaps even constructed from different materials. Such a 30 kit of parts will therefore provide a multi-purpose, multi-use facility. In one embodiment the head or assembly of mating jaws will be attachable to, and readily removable from, the respective handles. Spring-loaded means may be employed to allow for ready release of the head from the handles as and when desired. NTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. w/oVo<QGf6220fr79 received -10- Finally, it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. -0 l|06^^jp l£Q9^ci,10 d n n p l \/ F D </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> -11 - The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An apparatus for deforming an item, said apparatus including: first and second jaw means, said jaw means being in pivotable or hinged connection 5 with one another and being selectively and progressively movable between respective open (and inoperative) and closed (and operative) configurations relative to one another, said first and second jaw means being connected to respective first and second handle assemblies, the arrangement being such that movement of said handle assemblies relative one to the other gives rise to 10 said selective movement of said first and second jaw means, wherein said first jaw means is adjustably pivotably movable relative to said first handle assembly and includes, at a lower or bottom section thereof, an aperture extending therethrough, and said second jaw means is operably and pivotably connected to said second handle assembly with the interposition of a ratchet 15 mechanism, one side of said ratchet mechanism being in pivotable connection with said second jaw means, with the other side of said ratchet mechanism being in connection with said second handle assembly, said first and second jaw means being operably connected whereby to allow for relative pivotal movement therebetween such that, upon operation of said handle assemblies, 20 said first and second jaw means come into contact with and surround or close about an outer surface of said item whereby to deform said item, said apparatus further including an adjustment assembly, whereby to allow for variation in the load to be applied by said jaw means, to suit different operating requirements and environs, the arrangement being such that said 25 first jaw means further includes a lateral through-bore which extends into said aperture in said lower or bottom section thereof, said through bore being adapted to receive and releasably retain an adjusting member, whereby adjustment of the disposition of said adjustment member within said through-bore of said first jaw means allows for variation of said load to be applied by 30 said jaw means to said item. intellectual PROPEhTv office of N.Z 28/08/07,swopl627 claims,11 - ' OCT 2007 RECEIVED -12-

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, for the deforming as by crimping of a pipe or the like, wherein each of said first and second jaw means has associated therewith at least one deforming/crimping surface. 5

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first handle assembly includes a handle grip means, having knurling or the like extending over at least part of the length thereof, said apparatus further including a linkage adapted, in use, to be housed or located within said handle grip means, and a receiving means adapted to be associated with said linkage, said 10 receiving means including opposed, spaced-apart shaped extension members each having respective opposed apertures extending therethrough, a lower or bottom section thereof, the arrangement being such that said lower or bottom section of said first jaw means is adapted, in use, to be interposed between said spaced-apart extension members to be retained relative thereto, a pin or 15 the like retaining means being adapted to extend through said first apertures of said spaced-apart members and said aperture of said first jaw means to allow for releasable interconnection therebetween.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said 20 adjusting member is in the form of a bolt or the like, and wherein said bolt or the like includes a head at one end and a portion of a substantially cruciform cross-section at the other end thereof, and wherein said bolt or the like includes a further portion, substantially square in cross-section, interposed between said ends. 25

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first jaw means further includes, at said lower or bottom section thereof, a further bore extending substantially normal to said lateral through-bore, a pin or the like member being adapted to be located within said further bore to extend into said lateral 30 bore, the free end of said pin or the like member being adapted, in use, to be releasably disposed within said substantially square section of said bolt of the like- -1 OCT 2007 p F C ED/lJst -13-

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second handle assembly includes a handle grip member, preferably having knurling or the like extending over at least part of the length thereof; a 5 linkage adapted to be housed within said handle grip member, and a receiving means adapted to receive, and releasably retain, said ratchet mechanism.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said receiving means is in the form of a hollow, substantially cylindrical member adapted to be releasably 10 connectable to said linkage.

8. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said ratchet mechanism includes: a hub having a pawl or gear-engaging member adapted to be in operative connection therewith; a ratchet arm or receiving 15 member adapted to be associated with said second handle assembly and to receive and releasably retain said hub; a switch means, selectively movable between respective first and second switch positions; and a ratchet linkage, wherein said ratchet linkage is adapted, in use, to receive and releasably retain relative thereto said second jaw means. 20

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, when dependent on claim 7, wherein said hub is adapted, in use, to be removably and pivotably located with said substantially cylindrical member, said linkage of said ratchet mechanism is adapted to be located around/over said cylindrical member and associated 25 hub, and wherein said switch means is co-operable with said hub and said ratchet linkage.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second jaw means includes, at or in the vicinity of a lower or bottom section thereof, an aperture 30 extending therethrough, and wherein said ratchet linkage includes an aperture extending therethrough of a size complementary to said aperture of said second jaw means, said ratchet linkage including opposed, spaced-apart members each having at least one aperture extending tW&JPERTY | OFFICE OF " ~ -1 OCT 28/09/07.ct.QP1627J 3 . •— f—\ recfjved - 14- arrangement being such that said ratchet hub is adapted to be located between said spaced-apart members of said ratchet linkage, and wherein said innermost end portion of said second jaw means is also interposed therebetween, to be retained releasably relative thereto by means of at least one pin or the like retaining member adapted to extend through respective said apertures. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein said spaced-apart members of said receiving means each include an extension projecting laterally thereof, each said extension including an aperture in the free end portion thereof, the arrangement being such that, in use, said first and second handle assemblies are pivotally interconnected relative to one another. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second jaw means are releasably connected to said first and second handle assemblies respectively, thereby to allow for removal and/or replacement thereof. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including means for enhancing said relative pivotable movement of said handle assemblies, said enhancing means including power-assisted means operably connected to said handle assemblies, said power-assisted means being hydraulically pneumatically, electrically, electronically or mechanically driven thereby to provide a mechanical advantage in operation of said apparatus. A ratchet mechanism for incorporation with an apparatus for deforming an item, as claimed in claim 1. An apparatus for deforming an item, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. intellectual propehtv OFFICE Q|®W,£fopl627 d ims,14 " 1 OCT 290/ RECEIVED -15- A ratchet mechanism as claimed in claim 14, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. end of claims INTELLECTUAL,^, OFFICE $ ' 1 OCT 2007 received kirns, 15 </div>