US2645005A - Split valve spring keeper inserter - Google Patents

Description

July 14, 1953 J. VOLD 2,645,005

spur VALVE SPRING KEEPER msm'rsa Filed Oct 11. 1949 IN V EN TOR.

J04); Va/d BY zafmwaam "Mm Jim/V! key: segments, leavingjsaid segments in position upon the valve, stem.

A further object of the invention is to pro I drawings, wherein:

' valve stem;

Patented July 14, 1953 SPLIT VALVE SPRING KEEPER IVNSE'RTER .Joim Vold, Wiggins, 0010, r -'Applicatlon October 11, 1949, Serial No. 120,595

7 2-Claims. (01. 29-249) This invention relates to improvements in atuomobile engine repair tools, and more particularly to an implement for use in inserting valve s'pringkeys of the split type.

A main object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved valve spring key- -inserting tool which is simple in design, rugged in construction, which'is very easy to manipulate, and

which securely holds and positively controls the placement of thetwo' parts'of the key in' position for insertion, enables the two part' to be rotated apart for positioning upon the valve stem, and which isreadily removed from themounted locking vide an improved valve key-inserting tool which readily locates the "valve stemwithoutdiSturbing the key segments, locates the valve key,

grooves on the stem, positions and seats the keys Figure is'an enlarged"cross-sectional view taken on line 5--'5 of Figure 1'.

Referring to the drawings, H designates the main body portion of the tool, said'main' body portion being made of fiat bar stock; The rear end portion of body II is reduced in width and is bentunder to define a handle loop 12. The

' forward end portion'of body H is bent upwardly in the grooves, and 'which'is'jeffective to position and seat the valve keys in the smallcircular type of grooves as Well as in the larger types of grooves.

A still further object of the invention is'to provide an improved valve spring key inserter which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which provides a great saving in time and labor in replacingthe split conical'keys on the'valve stems of internal combustion engines, which may be employed in very restricted locations, which 1 is sturdy in construction, which may be employed under unfavorable conditions, and which may be employed to mount 'diife'rent kinds, sizes and shapes of split keys on valve stems.

Further objectsand advantages of theflinven tion will become apparent from the following description and claim'sQand from'the' accompanying Figure 1 is a top plan'view of a'valve spring key-inserting tool constructed with the present invention; Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken through the tool of Figure 1, showing the position of the tool immediately subsequent to the placement stem; r a

Figure 3 is a fragmentary'plan view similar to Figure 1, showing the positionofthemovable jaw elements of the tool as said toolfjis being "removed from engagement with thesplitfkeys" subsequent" to the mounting of the keys on the Figure 4 is a perspective view of the retractible separator member employed in th e'tool"of Fi "'ure 1; I H

in accordance of the split keys upon a valve at I3 andis again bent at 14, to define a for- Q;

wardly-extending body portion l5, which also provides a base for mounting additional elements of the mechanism. The main portion of body I l is inclined downwardly and rearwardly with respect to forward portion 15, as shown in Fi ure 2. r

The forwardbody portion 15 is formed with a longitudinal centered notch l6 defining spaced fingers [1,11, the forward 'ends'of the fingers being smoothly rounded, as shown at 'l8.' Secured to portion I5 and spaced symmetrically on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line -of body H are the upstanding pins l9, l9. Secured to said portion-are additional-upstanding pins 20, said pins 20, 20being'also symmetrically spaced on opposite sides of said centerline and being located rearwardly of pins l9, l9. Engaged on the pins l9,-l9 are the flat block members 2|,

2|, said block members being formed withthe respective rearwardly-convergent, inclined edge surfaces 22, 22*located rearwardly adjacent the -end of the notch I6, defining-a ledge Z.

j Located on the longitudinalcenter line of the I main portion of body ll arethe spaced'upstanding' pins '23 and 24; Desig ated at 25'is a slide member formed with an upstanding rear-lug 26 I and-with an upstanding forward portion 21 carrying a horizontal forwardly-extending blade 28.

The main body of slide member-25 is slidably positioned on the main portion of body-1| and is formed with a first longitudinal slot 29 slidably receiving the pin 23; The rear portion of 'member 25 is formed with another'longitudinal'slot 30 slidably receiving pin' 24. Forwardly adjacent slot 30 the member 25 is formed with a spring housing 3| containing a coil spring" 32 bearing at its rear endon pin-24 and bearing against I 'theend wallof' housing 3| at its forward end,

,thereby biasing slide member 25 forwardly to bring upstanding portion 21* in abutment with the upwardly bent'portion I3 of body '11 and bringing the tip of blade 28 across the ledge Z,

whereby it projects over the end of notch l6. A

- cotter pin 33 is provided on pin "24 toretain the slide member 25 in position'onbody l I; The

blade 28 extends slidably between uprights'Y,

Y, continuing onwardly between the flat block members 2|, 2| and normally projects across ledge Z and over the end of the notch l6.

Designated at 34, 34 are respective arms formed with longitudinal slots 35, 35' slidably and pivotally receiving the pins 28, 20. Secured to the rear ends of arms 34, 34 are respective coil springs 35, 35 whose rear ends are secured to the rear portion of body II at 36, 36, biasing the arms 34, 34 rearwardly. The arms 34,34 have respective inwardly-curved forward extensions 31, 31, with inclined inner surfaces W, W, terminating in rearwardly-directed lugs 38, 38. Arms 34, 34 are also formed with opposing lugs X, X, shown in Figure 3. The side edges of'bodyportion l5are formed with upstanding lugs 39, 39 in'whichare secured the rear ends of forwardly-extending leaf springs 40, 40 bearing onrespective extensions 31, 31 and biasing said extensions inwardly. Secured on the pins l9, l9 and 28, 28 is a top cover plate 4| which overlies the springs 40, the arms 34, the blade 28, and theblocks 2|, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5.

The rear ends of the arms 34, 34 are formed with respective outwardly-extending'lugs 42, 42. Pivotally connected to each lug is a rearwardlyextending link bar 43 formed with a widened rear end portion 44. Each end portion 44 has a rear upstanding lug 46. Each end portion 44 is also formed with a, longitudinal slot 45 which slidably and pivotally receives the shank of a headed bolt 41 secured to body The valve stem is shown at 48 in Figure 2. The valve spring is shown at 49 and the spring retainer is shown at 50. The split conical key segments are shown at 5|, 5|. In inserting the key segments, the retainer 50 is' first lifted by means of a suitable slotted lifter 52.

To load the tool preparatory for use, arms 34, 34 are pushed forward and extensions 31, 31 are rotated outwardly to positions over fingers |1, |1 by pressing members 43 together intermediate pivots 42 and 41. The key segments are then in the valve stem groove, whereupon retainer 88 may then be lowered over the key segments 5 I, 5|, thus engaging the segments and locking them onthe stem. Retainer 58 may contact the tool and push the tool downwardly over the key segments, since the tool has previously been freed from the recess in the stem. This completes the insertion of the key segments. The tool is removed by pressing inwardly on arms 43, 43, and sincethe segments 5|, 5| are now firmly engaged and lugs 38 and blade 28 cannot engage therebetween, extensions 31, 31 swing outwardly clear of the valve stem, permitting removal of the tool. The same operation may be repeated for the remaining valves.

Fingers |1, |1 function as guides in locating the valve stem and in advancing the tool upon it. They further function as a base or floor to receive the key segments in loading the tool. In addition, said fingers respectively constitute one element of a triple-element abutment and anchorage system for holding each key segment.

The other two elements are provided respectively by the inclined surfaces W, W of extensions 31, 31, and by the inclined convergent surfaces 22, 22 of blocks 2|, 2| in conjunction with lugs 38, 38 and blade 28. A further function of surfaces 22, 22 of block 2 2| is to drive the key segments into seating positions in the valve stem groove upon withdrawal of blade 28 and lugs 38, 38. Ledge Z functions as a supporting base in controlling the key segments as they are rotated by the action of extensions 31, 31,and are caused to present their curved inner contours in favorable positions for locating and entering the valve stem groove. A further function of ledge Z is to define, with inclined surfaces 22, 22, one of the anchorage elements of the above-mentioned three-element system.

Spring tension holds the movable parts in their normal closed positions, which also are the positions assumed by the parts in closing the key segdeposited in upright position, with their large ends down, on the fingers |1, |1,'thus being cradled in the curved portions of extensions 31,

31. Spring tension is then allowed to bring arms; 34, 34 back, to securely anchor the key segments between inclined surfaces W, W and terminal lugs 38, 38 of extensions 31, 31 on the one side, and between the inclined surfaces 22, 22 of blocks 2|, 2| on the other side. Guide fingers |1, H in addition to ledge Z provide base support for the key segments at right angles to the aforementioned holding means. Blade 28 is permitted to remain in its normal forward position projecting over the end of notch l6 for the loading operation.

The loaded tool is firmly held by handle loop l2, and the key segments are rotated apart by the action of arms 34, 34 through the application of pressure applied between thumb and forefinger on arms 43, 43. The tool is then advanced toward valve stem 48, which is located by fingers l1, l1, With further advancement of the tool, the projecting end of blade 28 locates the valve stem groove and is pushed back, permitting the key segments to be closed into the groove. Blade 28 and lugs 38 are then retracted from between the key segments. This retraction may be effected by engaging a crooked forefinger behind lugs 46 and engaging the thumb in front of lug 26 and applying pressure, thus simultaneously retracting lugs 38 and blade'28. The symmetrical convergent surfaces 22, 22 of blocks 2|; 2| then move the key segments into fully seated positions ments into the valve stem groove. The operating linkage provides for either independent or simultaneous movement of arms 34, 34 by pressing arms 43, 43 between thumb and forefinger of the hand holding the tool in its grasp.

The key segments themselves serve as parts of the mechanism for their own insertion by functioning as jaws which open to receive the valve stem and'close upon said stem when the segments are properly located in their grooves. The segments further function as radius arms defining the rotary movement imparted by arms 34, 34. Said key segments also function as groove finders and as position locators by the presentation of their curved inner contours as they pivot on their rearward corners in the tool.

The above-mentioned triple-element 'anchorage system permits determination of proper groove positioning of the key segments by means of the sense of touch, whereby the key segments are not seated until their positioning is correct, thereby insuring'a successful operation.

In the case of very small circular valve stem grooves into which blade 28 cannot enter, the key segments function as the groove finders and position locators.

Retractible separator blade 28 functions as one point in the anchorage system of the key segments and also as a point of control in loading the tool. Furthermore, it functions as a pivot on which the key segments rotate as jaws in opening for insertion and in closing upon the valve stem. Inaddition, blade 28 also functions as a I ype of grooves.

groove finder in the case of the larger or body A further function of blade 28 is to provide secure seating of the key segments after they are closed into the groove, through withdrawal of said blade 28 which permits convergent surfaces 22, 22 of blocks 2i, 2! to force the keys home to a seat in the groove.

The downward and rearward inclination of the main portion of body H with respect to the forward portion l5 thereof permits clear vision of the valve stem and the 'key segments at all times during the insertion of the segments.

Although a specific embodiment of a valve spring key-inserting tool has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that no limitations be placed upon the invention except as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A split valve key-inserting tool comprising a flat body member having an offset flat end, said end being formed with an axially extending notch defining a, pair of parallel positioningfingers engageable transversely on the outer surfaces of a valve stem, a pair of block members mounted in spaced side by side relation on said end at the inner end of the notch and spaced symmetrically from the axis of said notch, said block members having complementary faces forming an obtuse angle therebetween, a blade member slidably disposed on the end between the block members for axial movement to a forward position overlying said notch and between the fingers, an actuating member slidably mounted for axial movement on the body member and connected to the blade member, spring means operatively connected to the actuating member for urging said blade member to said forward position on the end, a pair of complementary hook members slid ably and pivotally secured to said end symmetrically around said block members, said hook members being mounted for individual rectilinear movement on the fingers and outward curvilinear movement therefrom, inwardly directed lugs formed on the forward ends of said hook members, spring means carried by the outer edges of the end of the body member and engageable with said hook members for urging said lugs together to a position over said notch and substantially aligned with the blade, a pair of link bars slidably and pivotally mounted on the body member for axial and curvilinear movement and pivotally connected to the hook member, and

spring means connected between the body memher and each of the hook members for urging the lugs inwardly of said notch.

2. A split valve key-inserting tool comprising a fiat body member having an offset flat end, said end being formed with an axially extending notch defining a pair of parallel positioning fingers engageable transversely on the outer surfaces of a valve stem, apair of block members mounted in spaced side by side relation on said end at the inner end of the notch and spaced symmetrically from the axis of said notch, said block members having their outer adjoining edges disposed at an angle so as to define a notch therebetween, a blade member slidably disposed on said end between the block members for axial movement to a forward position overlying said notch and between the fingers, an actuating member slidably mounted for axial movement on the body member and connected to the blade member, spring means operatively connected to the actuating member for urging said blade member to said forward position on the end, apair of complementary hook members slidably and pivotally secured to said first named end symmetrically around said block members, said hook members being mounted for individual rectilinear movement on the fingers and outward curvilinear movement therefrom, inwardly directed lugs formed on the forward ends of said hook members, cantilever spring means carried by the outer edges of the end of the body member and engageable with said hook members for urging said lugs into abutment one with the other in a position over said notch and substantially aligned with the blade, said forward ends of the hook members being cooperatively disposed with respect to the notches on the blocks, a pair of link bars each having one end pivotally and slidably mounted on the body member for axial movement and having the other end thereof pivotally connected to the hook member at the end remote from said lugs, spring means connected between the body member and each of the hook members at said remote ends, and means formed on the ends of said link bars, whereby said bars may be urged forwardly to disengage the lugs, whereupon said hook members may be swung outwardly,

thereby freeing said tool for removal from the valve stem.

JOHN VOLD.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,456,007 Hartson May 22, 1923 1,623,786 Girard Apr. 5, 1927 1,861,973 Mindermann June 7, 1932 1,951,970 Elliott Mar. 20, 1934 2,001,707 Clemens May 21, 1935 2,002,016 Kyser May 21, 1935 2,091,500 Clark Aug. 31, 1937 2,163,716 Turner June 27, 1939 2,198,966 Herman Apr. 30, 1940 2,271,077 Judisch .Jan. 27, 1942 2,334,626 Herman Nov. 16, 1943 2,517,583 Lunda Aug. 8, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 437,748 Great Britain Nov. 5, 1935

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