Patent ID: 7241084
Filing Date: 2007-07-10
Classification: F16B,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tool assembly for working on underground pipes through a hole at the ground surface and optionally employing any one of a plurality of tools for different tooling operations, the tool assembly comprising: (a) an elongate handle member having an upper end and a lower end and adapted to extend to a location substantially proximate a said underground pipe with said lower end; (b) an openable and closeable coupling in engagement with the lower end of the handle member said coupling having a connector member and an extension member, said connector member being in removable attachment to the lower end of the handle member; (c) a plurality of different tools for performing different tooling operations with each said tool being carried by its own tool specific adapter wherein each adapter has means for removable engagement with said coupling extension member; and (d) wherein when said coupling is closed said extension member is engaged with said connector member and when said coupling is opened said extension member is disengaged from said connector member; (e) clamp means attached to said connector member and closable about said connector member and said extension members when they are engaged thereby securing them together; (f) wherein said elongate handle member can be connected and disconnected to any one of said plurality of different specific tools by releasing said clamping means and disengaging said extension member with said tool specific adapter and said tool; (g) including conduit means carried b each of said handle member and said coupling connector member and extension member, for driving said tools through said handle member and said coupling member from above ground; and (h) wherein said conduit means includes means for pneumatically driving said tools.