Abstract:
A mechanical apparatus designed to separate and spread apart pipe flanges used in industrial type piping systems comprising a screw-driven wedge assembly is herein disclosed. The jacking apparatus provides two (2) jaw assemblies which fit between a pair of mated flanges. The jaw assembly is held in place during the prying process by a tethered metal pin which extends through one of the pipe flange bolt holes. A pair of safety restraint straps support the apparatus during use. Once the apparatus has spread apart the flanges, flange gasket material therebetween can be changed as well as other repair, maintenance or modification activities such as inserting an isolation blind. The apparatus is available in multiple sizes to fit various pipe diameters and flange sizes.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/065,872 filed Feb. 19, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a pipe flange spreader for separating and spreading apart adjoined pipe flanges. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As anyone who performs a lot of physical work will attest, nothing beats having the proper tool for a job. The proper tool can save time, save money, produce a higher quality job, reduce damage to equipment, and provide for the increased safety of the worker. One (1) field of work commonly found in the industry, particularly in the petrochemical market, is that of piping work. Flanged piping systems are often found in such environments due to their suitability in high pressure environments, hazardous area usage, and ease of design, installation and repair. In such systems, the flanged joints often have gasketing material which may require periodic replacement, repair or inspection during their life cycle. Currently, high cost hydraulic spreaders are used to separate such piping systems for such work. However, in addition to their high cost, such spreaders are dangerous to use due to possible slippage, take much time to put in place, and occupy a great deal of physical space which is often not readily available in tight piping installations. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which flanged joints on industrial piping systems can easily be separated without the disadvantages as mentioned above. The development of the apparatus herein described fulfills this need. 
     The apparatus is a mechanical apparatus intended to separate and spread apart flanges used in industrial type piping systems comprised of a screw-driven wedge spreader assembly. This assembly is similar in style and operation to that of a motor vehicle jack system found on later model cars. The jack system provides two jaw assemblies which fit through the flange face area. The jaw assembly is held in place during the prying process by a metal pin which extends through an adjacent pipe flange fastening hole. A restraint strap and a restraining chain are also provided for safety and for ease of use. Once the apparatus has spread apart a pipe flange joint, gasketing material can be changed, a blind flange can be inserted or other repair, maintenance or modification can take place. To remove the apparatus, the screw is simply loosened thus removing pressure from the jaws allowing for removal. It is envisioned that the apparatus would be made available in multiple sizes to fit all diameters of piping flanges. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to overcome these problems and provide a means of safely and effectively joining and separating pipe joints and repairing pipe system fittings particularly using a threaded crank shaft. U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,984, issued in the name of Ball et al., describes a tool for joining a separating plastic pie and fittings comprising a crank shaft and a pair of clamps which secure to the ends of the pipe sections and fittings utilizing a toggle-type linkage to axially move the pipe sections and fittings toward and away from one another. However, unlike the present apparatus, the Ball tool for joining and separating plastic pipe joints is intended to secure pipe sections and axially draw them together for fastening or away from each other depending on the direction the crank shaft is turned. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,365, issued in the name of Brandt et al., discloses an improved locking puller device comprising a three (3) pivotally mounted jaws and cam ring which moves the jaws together or apart as the cam ring traverses a threaded rod. However, unlike the present apparatus, the Brandt locking puller device lacks the means of applying a spreading force to an object. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,393, issued in the name of Marshall, discloses a pipe fitting assembly tool comprising a pair of clamps having a separate scissor-type handle assembly which draw pipe sections together or apart depending on the movement of the handle assembly. However, unlike the present apparatus, the Marshall pipe fitting assembly tool uses linkages and a lever action to linearly move two (2) clamped sections of pipe for joining. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,607, issued in the name of Southerland, Jr. et al., discloses a tool for installing a gasket and a snap ring comprising a shaft, two (2) plates having a spring therebetween, a loading groove for receiving the snap ring, and a shoulder for holding the gasket. However, unlike the present apparatus, the Sutherland gasket and snap ring installation tool is inserted into a pipe section and retains the snap ring and gasket in place while a second pipe section is connected. 
     Other known prior art for fastening pipe systems and installing fittings include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,101,904; 6,929,430; and 4,662,055. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and appear to disclose various attempts to secure, align, and fasten pipe section and install fittings; none of the prior art particularly discloses a pipe flange spreading apparatus which provides a means of safely and effectively separate and hold apart pipe flanges in industrial systems for gasket repair and replacement. Accordingly, there exists a need for a lever action pipe flange spreader that operates without the disadvantages as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing prior art, the present apparatus is contemplated to solve the aforementioned inherent disadvantages and thus it has been observed that there is need for a lever action pipe flange spreader which provides a means to install and repair connection portions of pipe systems. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an objective of the present apparatus to provide a lever action pipe flange spreader which provides a means to spread pipe sections and hold them apart at the pipe flanges in order to install and repair gaskets or other equipment. 
     A further object of the present apparatus is to provide a lever action pipe flange spreader comprising a an upper jaw assembly, a lower jaw assembly, a spindle assembly, a screw assembly, a first pivot assembly, and a second pivot assembly, a retaining pin, a first retaining strap, and a second retaining strap which provides a means of removably attaching to connected flange fittings of pipe systems and manually separating the flanges in a manner that enables a user to repair or replace mechanical seals or similar equipment. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide an upper jaw assembly and a lower jaw assembly each comprising three (3) parallel spreader jaws which provide a mechanical spreading force to the pipe flange via each jaw tip of the jaws fitting between opposing faces of the flange. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a spindle assembly comprising a spacer and a fulcrum bolt which provides a means of pivoting and spacing to the upper and lower jaw assemblies. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a screw assembly comprising a drive portion, a straight shaft portion, a threaded shaft portion, and a clamping collar which provides a means for a tensioning drive of the lever action of the two (2) jaw assemblies. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a threaded shaft portion to which the second pivot assembly mechanically engages and provides a means of pivotally driving the lower jaw assembly as the screw assembly is rotated by the user. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a straight shaft portion to which the first pivot assembly mechanically engages and provides a means of pivotally driving the upper jaw assembly as the screw assembly is rotated by the user. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a drive portion comprising a multi-sided member which provides a surface for a wrench or similar tool to engage in order to forcibly rotate the screw assembly. The rotation of the screw assembly provides a driving force to the first and second pivot assemblies and thus to the upper and lower jaw assemblies either driving the spreader jaws apart or bringing them together. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a retaining pin comprising an integral stop collar and a first and a second restraint strap which provides a means of tethering the apparatus to the pipe flange via inserting the retaining pin into an available bolt hole in the flange connector and engaging the retaining pin with the restraint straps. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a method for utilizing a lever action pipe flange spreader. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present apparatus will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a lever action pipe flange spreader  10  depicting an in-use state thereupon a piping assembly, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a frontal perspective view of the lever action pipe flange spreader  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a section view taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ) of the lever action pipe flange spreader  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3   b  is a partial section view of a spindle assembly portion  40  taken along section line B-B (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 lever action pipe flange spreader 
               
               
                 20 
                 first upper jaw 
               
               
                 22 
                 second upper jaw 
               
               
                 24 
                 third upper jaw 
               
               
                 26 
                 first lower jaw 
               
               
                 28 
                 second lower jaw 
               
               
                 30 
                 third lower jaw 
               
               
                 32 
                 jaw slot 
               
               
                 34 
                 jaw tip 
               
               
                 40 
                 spindle assembly 
               
               
                 41 
                 spacer 
               
               
                 42 
                 fulcrum bolt 
               
               
                 44 
                 washer 
               
               
                 60 
                 screw assembly 
               
               
                 62 
                 drive portion 
               
               
                 64 
                 straight shaft portion 
               
               
                 66 
                 threaded shaft portion 
               
               
                 68  
                 thrust washer 
               
               
                 70 
                 clamping collar 
               
               
                 72 
                 set screw 
               
               
                 80  
                 first pivot assembly 
               
               
                 81  
                 first pivot body 
               
               
                 82  
                 first pivot washer 
               
               
                 84 
                 first pivot short pin 
               
               
                 86 
                 first pivot long pin 
               
               
                 88 
                 first restraint strap 
               
               
                 90 
                 second pivot assembly 
               
               
                 91 
                 second pivot body 
               
               
                 92 
                 second pivot washer 
               
               
                 94 
                 second pivot short pin 
               
               
                 96 
                 second pivot long pin 
               
               
                 98 
                 second restraint strap 
               
               
                 110 
                 retaining pin 
               
               
                 112 
                 stop collar 
               
               
                 114 
                 chain 
               
               
                 116 
                 ring 
               
               
                 150 
                 pipe flange 
               
               
                 155 
                 pipe 
               
               
                 157 
                 flange fastener 
               
               
                 160 
                 gasket 
               
               
                 170 
                 wrench 
               
               
                 200 
                 user 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3   b . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a lever action pipe flange spreader (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , providing a means of safely separating and spreading apart pipe flanges  150  used in industrial type piping systems in order to install new or replacement gaskets  160  or other equipment such as isolation blinds mounted therebetween a pair of mating flanges  150 . The apparatus  10  provides spreader jaws which fit between the faces of the pipe flanges  150 . Application of a separating force thereto the jaws is accomplished via a mechanical screw device in a similar manner to that of a screw-type motor vehicle jacking unit. Once the invention  10  has separated the pipe flanges  150 , a gasket  160  may be installed, removed, or replaced. It is envisioned that the apparatus  10  is made using an assembly of high-tensile steel members being plated or painted and made using machining or forging processes common in the industry. It is also envisioned that the apparatus  10  would be introduced in multiple sizes which correspond thereto specific pipe diameters or ranges of pipe diameters. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting an in-use state thereupon a piping assembly, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is a mechanical device providing a separation means thereto a pair of mating piping flanges  150  held together using flange fasteners  157  such as common nuts and bolts. The apparatus  10  provides a removal and replacement means thereto a sealing gasket  160  therebetween said flanges  150 . The apparatus  10  comprises a first upper jaw  20 , a second upper jaw  22 , a third upper jaw  24 , a first lower jaw  26 , a second lower jaw  28 , and a third lower jaw  30 . The six (6) jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , are arranged in two (2) offset groupings of three (3), thereby forming parallel pliers-like mechanisms which function in concert therewith one (1) another via a shared fulcrum bolt  42 . Said jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  comprise forwardly extending integral pointed tip portions  34  which are inserted therebetween mating pipe flanges  150 . The jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  are capable of exerting a separating force thereto said flanges  150  in a similar manner as a pair of snap ring pliers. At a proximal side portion, the first upper jaw  20 , second upper jaw  22 , and first lower jaw  26  are arranged in a parallel manner with the first lower jaw  26  being sandwiched therebetween and extending therefrom said first  20  and second  22  upper jaw portions at an approximate ninety degree (90°) angle forming a sliding and rotating pliers-like device. Said jaws  20 ,  22 ,  26  comprise a shared horizontal fulcrum bolt  42  located thereat a forward portion, thereby providing a mechanical advantage via an elementary lever mechanism. A second grouping of three (3) jaws  28 ,  30 ,  24  is arranged in like manner therealong a distal side portion of the apparatus  10  being parallel thereto the previously described jaws  20 ,  22 ,  26 . The fulcrum bolt  42  provides a shared axle function by extending therebetween the two (2) jaw groupings in a perpendicular manner. The physical gap therebetween the groupings of jaws is maintained via a cylindrical spacer  41  (see  FIG. 3   a ). The two (2) offset groupings of jaws  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  provide sufficient force to separate the pipe flanges  150  as shown here. Finally, the jaws  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  each comprise an ovular-shaped jaw slot  32  providing mechanical engagement thereof a first pivot assembly  80  and a second pivot assembly  90  (see  FIG. 3   a ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a frontal perspective view of the lever action pipe flange spreader  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  further comprises a spacer  41 , a pair of rings  116 , a length of light-duty chain  114 , a first restraint strap  88 , a second restraint strap  98 , and a retaining pin  110 . Upon insertion of the flange spreader jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  therebetween the faces of adjacent pipe flanges  150 , the apparatus  10  is held in place during the prying process by the restraint straps  88 ,  98  and the retaining pin  110 . The retaining pin  110  comprises a metal rod approximately one-half (½) inch in diameter and twelve (12) inches long and further comprising an integral stop collar  112  positioned adjacent thereto a top portion and designed to support said retaining pin  110  when inserted thereinto a bolt hole portion of the pipe flange  150 . The retaining pin  110  further provides an attachment means thereto a length of chain  114  via a common ring fastener  116  and a corresponding through-hole, thereby providing tethering of said retaining pin  110  thereto the apparatus  10 . The restraint straps  88 ,  98  comprise “U”-shaped fixtures made of steel rod stock being affixed thereto the first pivot assembly  80  and second pivot assembly  90 , respectively (see  FIG. 3   b ). The restraint straps  88 ,  98  comprise a particular length so as to position a valley portion of the “U”-shaped restraint straps  88 ,  98  over a vacated bolt hole portion of the pipe flange  150 . In use, the retaining pin  110  is inserted downwardly therethrough said restraint straps  88 ,  98  and one (1) bolt hole portion of the pipe flange  150  until contacting the stop collar  112 , thereby stabilizing the apparatus  10  during the prying process. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , a section view taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ) of the lever action pipe flange spreader  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a manually-operated mechanical screw device which functions in a similar manner to that of a screw-type motor vehicle jacking unit. The apparatus  10  provides a tensioning means thereto the spreading jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  comprising a screw assembly  60 , a first pivot assembly  80 , and a second pivot assembly  90 . The screw assembly  60  comprises a one-piece linear shaft comprising machined or forged sections arranged in a series manner along a common axis including a drive portion  62 , a straight shaft portion  64 , and a threaded shaft portion  66 . The drive portion  62  comprises preferably four (4) or six (6) flat sides providing parallel surfaces so as to receive a standard open-end or adjustable wrench  170  to forcibly rotate the screw assembly  60  to spread the jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 . The straight shaft portion  64  provides a cylindrical length of shaft approximately three (3) inches long to slidingly receive the first pivot assembly  80  thereupon. Said first pivot assembly  80  is laterally secured thereto the straight shaft portion  64  via a thrust washer  68  along the drive portion  62  side and a common clamping collar  70  and set screw  72  thereat an opposing side surface of said first pivot assembly  80 , thereby allowing free rotation of the screw assembly  60  therewithin. The threaded shaft portion  66  comprises a threaded length of shaft approximately one-half (½) inch in diameter and approximately ten (10) inches long. The threaded shaft portion  66  provides a threaded attachment thereto the second pivot assembly  90 . 
     The first pivot assembly  80  further comprises a first pivot body  81 , a first pivot short pin  84 , and a first pivot long pin  86 . The first pivoting assembly  80  provides a rotating attachment means thereat an upper location thereto pivot slot portions  32  of the first upper jaw  20  and second upper jaw  22  via the integral cylindrical-shaped first pivot long pin  86  inserted therethrough. The first pivoting assembly  80  also provides a rotating attachment means along a lower surface thereto the third upper jaw  24  in like manner via the first pivot short pin  84  being inserted therethrough. The second pivot assembly  90  comprises a second pivot body  91 , a second pivot short pin  94 , and a second pivot long pin  96 . The second pivot short pin  94  and second pivot long pin  96  mechanically engage the first lower jaw  26 , the second lower jaw  28 , and the third lower jaw  30  in like manner as the previously described first pivot assembly  80 . 
     The first  80  and second  90  pivot assemblies also provide an attachment means thereto the aforementioned first  88  and second  98  restraint straps, respectively, Said first  88  and second  98  restraint straps comprise a welded or soldered attachment thereto a first pivot washer portions  82  and a second pivot washer  92 , respectively. Said first  82  and second  92  pivot washer portions comprise an inner diameter sized to rotatingly fit thereonto the previously described pivot pins  84 ,  86 ,  94 ,  96 . The first  82  and second  92  pivot washers are positioned and secured therebetween the first  81  and second  91  pivot bodies and the respective jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  as shown here. 
     In use, rotation of the drive portion  62  using a common wrench  170  causes the screw assembly  60  to rotate therewithin said first  80  and second  90  pivot assemblies. The mechanical action of the threaded shaft portion  66  of the screw assembly  60  thereupon the second pivot assembly  90  causes the pivot assemblies  80 ,  90  to be forced together; the jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  to be spread apart; and consequently the flanges  150  to be pried away therefrom each another (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   b , a partial section view of a spindle assembly portion  40  taken along section line B-B (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a spindle assembly  40  further comprising a spacer  41 , a pair of fulcrum bolts  42 , and a pair of washers  44 . The spindle assembly  40  provides a single combined axial function thereto the rotary motion of the jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 . The spacer  41  provides a particular length so as to define a gap therebetween the previously described groupings of spreading jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  (see  FIG. 1 ). The spacer  41  comprises a machined or cast cylindrical steel shape providing a threaded attachment thereto the fulcrum bolts  42  at each end portion. Each fulcrum bolt  42  comprises a shoulder bolt fastener having a particular straight length which when assembled therewith an included washer  44 , provides clearance thereto a respective jaw grouping to allow free pivotal motion thereof during the prying process. The spacer  41  further provides an attachment means thereto the aforementioned ring  116  and affixed chain  114  to tether the retaining pin  110  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: loosening the flange fasteners  157  enough to allow the flanges  150  to be separated; removing one (1) flange fastener  157 ; adjusting the drive portion  62  of the screw assembly  60  such that the jaw tip portions  34  of the jaws  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  are in alignment; positioning said jaw tip portions  34  therebetween the pair of pipe flanges  150  to be separated; positioning the apparatus  10  thereupon the pipe flanges  150  adjacent thereto the vacated bolt hole portion of the flange  150 ; positioning the restraint straps  88 ,  98  on opposing outside surfaces of each pipe flange  150 ; inserting the retaining pin  110  therethrough the first restraint strap  80 , the vacated bolt hole portion of the flange  150 , and the second retaining strap  98 ; adjusting the screw assembly  60  by applying a wrench  170  thereto the drive portion  62  to motion the six (6) jaw tip portions  34  against the pipe flanges  150  until said pipe flanges  150  are sufficiently far enough apart to allow installation or replacement of the gasket  160 ; removing a required number of remaining flange fasteners  157  so as to provide clearance for the gasket  160 ; removing and replacing said gasket  160 ; replacing the previously removed flange fasteners  157 ; adjusting the drive portion  62  of the screw assembly  60  such that the pipe flanges  150  return thereto a relaxed and contacting state; removing the retaining pin  110  therefrom the restraint straps  88 ,  98  and vacant hole portion of the flange  150 ; removing the apparatus  10 ; installing the remaining flange fastener  157  on the pipe flange  150 ; tightening all flange fasteners  157  to a specified torque; and, benefiting from safe and timely maintenance of flanged pipe joints  150  using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.