Patent Description:
Blind rivet setting tools have a jaw assembly for gripping and pulling the mandrel of a blind rivet as described in <CIT> and <CIT>. The jaw assembly of a blind rivet setting tool may be replaced during routine maintenance due to wearing of the jaws. Alternatively, since blind rivets come in different shapes and sizes, the jaw assembly of a blind rivet setting tool may be replaced to accommodate different varieties of blind rivets. During reassembly of a blind rivet setting tool it is important that the jaws are aligned correctly in order to effectively set blind rivets.

<CIT> relates to a riveter for blind rivets. The jaws of this riveter define holes and a spring extends between opposite holes of adjacent jaws.

According to an aspect of the invention there is a jaw assembly for a blind rivet setting tool the jaw assembly comprising a plurality of jaws each jaw defining part of an interlocking mechanism and an oppositely located part of another interlocking mechanism wherein adjacent jaws interlock via engagement of the parts of the interlocking mechanisms of the respective jaws for enabling radial movement of the jaws relative to each other while restricting axial movement of the jaws relative to each other, wherein each of the jaws comprises gripping teeth for gripping a mandrel of a blind rivet in use.

Each said jaw may define at least one male part of a said interlocking mechanism and an oppositely located at least one female part of another said interlocking mechanism.

Each said jaw may define at least one male part and at least one female part of a said interlocking mechanism and an oppositely located at least one female part and at least one male part of another said interlocking mechanism.

The at least one male part of a said interlocking mechanism may be a projection and the at least one female part of a said interlocking mechanism may be a recess.

Each of the jaws may have a single projection and a single recess.

The projection and the recess of each said jaw may be positioned mid-way between first and second ends of the jaws.

A width of the gripping teeth may be narrower between the projections and recesses.

The jaw assembly may comprise a first jaw, a second jaw and a third jaw which are identically shaped.

The jaw assembly may have a first jaw and a second jaw and wherein the first jaw may be provided with a first male part of a first interlocking mechanism and an oppositely located male part of a second interlocking mechanism whereas the second jaw may be provided with a female part of the first interlocking mechanism and an oppositely located female part of the second interlocking mechanism.

The male parts of the interlocking mechanisms may be projections and the female parts of the interlocking mechanisms may be recesses.

The jaw assembly may comprise a retainer for biasing the jaws radially towards each other, wherein the retainer may be an o-ring, a c-clip, an elastic ring or a spring fastener. Each said jaw may comprise a groove configured to receive the retainer.

According to another aspect of the invention there is a blind rivet setting tool comprising a jaw assembly according to any variation heretofore described.

Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows a side cross-sectional view of a blind rivet setting tool <NUM>. The tool <NUM> has a housing <NUM> of a clam shell type construction having two halves which are fastened together.

A battery <NUM> is releasably connected to the base <NUM> of the handle <NUM> via a battery attachment feature. To use the tool <NUM> a user inserts the mandrel of a blind rivet into a nose <NUM> of the tool <NUM> and pulls a trigger <NUM>. In response to a controller <NUM> of the tool determining that the trigger <NUM> has been pulled the controller <NUM> generates a signal to activate a motor <NUM>, which is a brushless motor. The motor <NUM> is located in the handle <NUM> and has a motor output shaft <NUM>. Torque from the motor output shaft <NUM> is transferred via a transmission <NUM> to a first bevel gear <NUM>. The transmission <NUM> comprises a series of planetary gear arrangements for reducing output speed while increasing torque. The first bevel gear <NUM> rotates at a lower speed than the motor output shaft <NUM> however with an increased torque relative to the motor output shaft <NUM>. The motor output shaft <NUM>, transmission <NUM> and first bevel gear <NUM> are aligned along a first axis A-A which extends along a longitudinal length of the handle <NUM>. By also locating the battery <NUM> on the first longitudinal axis A-A weight distribution of the tool <NUM> is improved.

A second bevel gear <NUM> is provided on the end face of a driving sleeve <NUM>. The driving sleeve <NUM> is rotationally fixed relative to an input sleeve <NUM> of a ball screw arrangement <NUM>. The driving sleeve <NUM> and input sleeve <NUM> are fixed relative to each other due to a friction fit arrangement. An internal surface of the input sleeve <NUM> comprises a threaded surface. The outer surface of the driving sleeve <NUM> is supported by bearings <NUM> which enable rotation of the driving sleeve <NUM>, and thereby the input sleeve <NUM>, with respect to the housing <NUM>. A threaded rod <NUM> is mounted within the input sleeve <NUM> and extends through the input sleeve <NUM>. A plurality of balls, such as metal ball bearings, ride in the opposing threaded surfaces of the input sleeve <NUM> and threaded rod <NUM>, thereby defining a ball screw arrangement <NUM>.

When the input sleeve <NUM> is rotatably driven by the driving sleeve <NUM> this causes axial movement of the threaded rod <NUM>. In other words, torque from the motor <NUM> is transferred through the transmission <NUM>, first and second bevel gears <NUM>, <NUM> and driving sleeve <NUM> to the input sleeve <NUM>, whereby rotation thereof causes axial movement of the threaded rod <NUM>. The threaded rod <NUM> is restricted from rotating and is configured to move along a second longitudinal axis B-B of the tool <NUM> upon rotation of the input sleeve <NUM>. The threaded rod <NUM> can move forwards or backwards along the axis B-B depending on the motor driving direction.

Referring to <FIG> a connecting sleeve <NUM> is attached to a first end <NUM> of the threaded rod <NUM>, which is mounted to the threaded rod <NUM> via a screw thread. A pull-back hull <NUM> is threadably attached to the connecting sleeve <NUM>. Axial movement of the threaded rod <NUM> along the second longitudinal axis B-B therefore also causes axial movement of the pull-back hull <NUM>.

A jaw assembly <NUM> is located within the pull-back hull <NUM>. The jaw assembly (shown in <FIG>) has a plurality of circumferentially arranged jaws <NUM> each of which has a ramped outer surface <NUM> for cooperating with a conical inner surface <NUM> of the pull-back hull <NUM>. A separator sleeve <NUM> is forced by a spring <NUM> against the jaws <NUM>; more specifically a ramped front surface <NUM> of the separator sleeve <NUM> is forced against ramped rear surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM>. A nosepiece <NUM> is releasably attached at the opening to the nose <NUM> of the tool <NUM> which has an annular ramped surface <NUM>. Each of the jaws <NUM> have a front ramped surface <NUM> for cooperating with the annular ramped surface <NUM> of the nose piece <NUM>. Cooperation between the ramped outer surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM> and the conical inner surface <NUM> of the pull-back hull <NUM>, between the ramped rear surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM> and the ramped front surface <NUM> of the separator sleeve <NUM> and between the front ramped surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM> and the annular ramped surface <NUM> of the nose piece <NUM> enables the tool <NUM> to set blind rivets in use.

In a home position the heretofore described tool features occupy a position in which cooperation between the ramped rear surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM> and the ramped front surface <NUM> of the separator sleeve <NUM> and between the front ramped surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM> and the annular ramped surface <NUM> of the nose piece <NUM> provides that the jaws <NUM> are held radially apart from each other (see <FIG>), which enables the mandrel of a rivet to be inserted through the nosepiece <NUM> and through the space between the jaws <NUM>. To set a blind rivet a mandrel thereof is inserted through the nose piece <NUM> such that the mandrel extends between the jaws <NUM>. Upon pulling the trigger <NUM> of the tool <NUM> the controller <NUM> causes the threaded rod <NUM>, and thus the pull-back hull <NUM>, to move along the second longitudinal axis B-B to the right in <FIG> and <FIG>. As the pull-back hull <NUM> is retracted its conical inner surface <NUM> is forced against the outer surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM>, whereby a component of force draws the jaws <NUM> backwards with the pull-back hull <NUM> whereas another component of force urges the jaws <NUM> radially inwards thereby clamping the mandrel of the blind rivet being set between the jaws <NUM>.

In other words pulling the pull-back hull <NUM> to the right in <FIG> and <FIG> causes the jaws <NUM> to grip and pull the mandrel of a rivet being set. The blind rivet thus is pulled against the nose piece <NUM> for deforming the blind rivet and when the mandrel of the blind rivet is pulled far enough for setting the blind rivet the mandrel snaps.

Subsequently the tool <NUM> is required to perform a reset operation to dispose of the broken mandrel and to accept a fresh blind rivet for setting. During a reset operation of the tool <NUM> the controller <NUM> causes the motor <NUM> to reverse its direction for moving the threaded rod <NUM>, and thus the pull-back hull <NUM>, in the other direction along the second longitudinal axis B-B to the left in <FIG> and <FIG>. When the pull-back hull <NUM> has been moved sufficiently far to the left the spring <NUM> via the separator sleeve <NUM> will urge the front ramped surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM> against the annular ramped surface <NUM> of the nose piece <NUM>. Further movement of the threaded rod <NUM> to the left in <FIG> and <FIG> will increase the pressure of the spring <NUM> against the separator sleeve <NUM> and thus cause the front ramped surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM> to ride along the annular ramped surface <NUM> of the nose piece <NUM> while the ramped rear surfaces <NUM> of the jaws <NUM> ride along the ramped front surface <NUM> of the separator sleeve <NUM>. This causes the jaws <NUM> to move radially outwards and release the grip on the snapped mandrel, whereby with reference to <FIG> the released snapped mandrel can be caused to fall under gravity along an internal path in the direction of a collection chamber <NUM>. For example, after a rivet setting operation, the user tilts the tool <NUM> such that the snapped mandrel moves into the collection chamber <NUM>. The internal path is defined by aligned openings extending through components between the jaws <NUM> and the collection chamber <NUM>, including a first channel <NUM> extending through the threaded rod <NUM> along the second longitudinal axis B-B and a second channel <NUM> through a guidance sleeve <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> the jaw assembly <NUM> will now be discussed in more detail. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the jaw assembly <NUM> in a first configuration in which the jaws <NUM> are located radially as close to each other as possible. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the jaw assembly <NUM> in a second configuration in which the jaws <NUM> are urged radially apart from each other such as by the jaws <NUM> being forced against the annular ramped surface <NUM> of the nose piece <NUM>. The jaw assembly <NUM> comprises three identical jaws <NUM> circumferentially arranged about a jaw assembly axis G-G. When the jaw assembly <NUM> is mounted in the tool <NUM>, the jaw assembly axis G-G is coaxial with the second longitudinal axis B-B of the tool <NUM>. The three jaws <NUM> can move radially with respect to the jaw assembly axis G-G.

There are situations during which the jaw assembly <NUM> is removed from the tool, in particular during routine maintenance of the tool <NUM> during which it is disassembled and then reassembled after being cleaned. Alternatively the jaw assembly <NUM> may be swapped with a new jaw assembly because the jaws <NUM> of the original jaw assembly have worn. Further alternatively the jaw assembly <NUM> may be swapped with a new jaw assembly because the different jaw assemblies are configured for use with different sized mandrels. Furthermore some rivets have a profile on the mandrel such as ribs and the jaws intended for use with such rivets have a profile which is configured to mate with the profile on a mandrel for increasing grip. Referring again to <FIG> the jaw assembly <NUM> has a flexible o-ring <NUM> for holding the jaws <NUM> of the jaw assembly <NUM> together when it is not located within the tool <NUM>. Each of the jaws <NUM> defines part of an annual groove <NUM> when the jaws <NUM> are in the configuration shown in <FIG> wherein the o-ring <NUM> is located in the annual groove <NUM> and biases the jaws <NUM> together. The o-ring <NUM> can be made from an elastic material such as rubber.

If the jaws <NUM> of a jaw assembly <NUM> are axially moveable with respect to each other in use then this causes wear of the o-ring <NUM>, which means that the o-ring can prematurely fail and the jaws can become misaligned so the tool <NUM> is more likely to jam or not set a blind rivet correctly.

In order to address this problem axial movement of the jaws <NUM> of the jaw assembly <NUM> in <FIG> is prevented by configuring the jaws such that adjacent jaws can interlock with one another whereby the interlocking features of adjacent jaws guide radial movement of the jaws and restrict axial movement of adjacent jaws relative to each other. A first side of each jaw <NUM> defines a male part of a two-part interlocking mechanism and the second side of each jaw <NUM> defines a female part of the two-part interlocking mechanism. As can be seen from <FIG> said male and female parts of adjacent jaws <NUM> interlock with each other in the jaw assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> the first jaw 306a comprises a recess <NUM> which receives a projection <NUM> of the second jaw 306b. The projection <NUM> on the other side of the first jaw 306a and the recess <NUM> on the other side of the second jaw 306b, and corresponding features of the third jaw 306c, are obscured from view in <FIG>.

Each recess <NUM> defines a channel in a jaw body which compliments the shape of the adjacent projection <NUM>. The projections <NUM> each comprise a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape at their outer edge as shown in <FIG>. The recesses <NUM> thus comprise a similar rectangular cross-sectional shape at their respective edges. Since the outer surface of the jaw assembly <NUM> in the configuration in <FIG> defines the shape of a truncated cone it will be appreciated the projections <NUM> and the recesses <NUM> of the jaw assembly <NUM> do not comprise a uniform cross sectional shape.

The interaction between opposing jaws <NUM> of the jaw assembly <NUM> will now be discussed in more detail. Cooperation between interlocking projections <NUM> and recesses <NUM> prevents relative movement between the jaws <NUM> along the jaw assembly axis G-G while permitting radial movement of the jaws <NUM> relative to each other. Referring again to <FIG> the projections <NUM> each comprise a first engagement surface <NUM> and a second engagement surface <NUM> which are configured to engage reciprocal first and second engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on an opposing recess <NUM>.

If a jaw such as the second jaw 306b experiences a force urging the jaw to move towards the retracted position with respect to the adjacent jaw such as the first jaw 306a then the second engagement surface <NUM> will engage the second reciprocal engagement surface <NUM>, which will prevent relative axial movement between such jaws. Similarly if a jaw such as the second jaw 306b experiences a force urging the jaw to move in the opposite direction with respect to an adjacent jaw such as the first jaw 306a then the first engagement surface <NUM> will engage the first reciprocal engagement surface <NUM>, which will prevent relative axial movement between such jaws.

When the jaw assembly <NUM> is in the first configuration shown in <FIG> the projections <NUM> of the jaws 306a, 306b, 306c are fully inserted into the recesses <NUM> of adjacent jaws. In this configuration an end surface <NUM> of each projection <NUM> abuts a bottom surface <NUM> of the recesses <NUM> in which the projections <NUM> are received. This means that the projections <NUM> and recesses <NUM> can be used to limit the extent to which the jaws <NUM> can be moved radially towards each other by changing the length of the projections <NUM> or the depth of the recesses <NUM>.

In use when a mandrel has been inserted between the jaws <NUM> of the jaw assembly <NUM> the projections <NUM> are partially inserted in the corresponding recesses <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. This means that the projections <NUM> and the recesses <NUM> still prevent the relative axial movement of the jaws 306a, 306b, 306c with respect to each other even when a mandrel of a blind rivet extends through the jaw assembly <NUM>.

The height, width, length and cross-sectional profile of the projections <NUM> and recesses <NUM> of the jaw assembly <NUM> can be varied, provided that the jaws <NUM> each still define a ramped outer surface <NUM> for cooperating with a conical inner surface <NUM> of the pull-back hull <NUM>. Such variations can affect the extent to which the projections <NUM> extend into the recesses <NUM> for example as already mentioned, thereby enabling a manufacturer to selectively choose the extent to which the jaws <NUM> of the jaw assembly <NUM> can be radially moved towards each other. Furthermore variations in the shape, size and orientation of the projections <NUM> and the recesses <NUM> can affect the strength of the respective jaws <NUM>, wherein jaws <NUM> made of strong metal can have thinner parts than jaws <NUM> made of less strong metal however presumably stronger metal is more expensive than less strong metal and so a manufacturer can make jaws having a jaw profile based on a balance between material costs and the minimum size and thickness of jaw features permitted by the available material.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> the first jaw assembly <NUM> has a frustoconical shape when in the first configuration in which the jaws <NUM> are radially as close to each other as they can be and in which the projections <NUM> of the jaws interlock with corresponding recesses <NUM> of the jaws <NUM>. The outer surface of a jaw such as the first jaw 306a is thus part of the overall frustoconical shape of the jaw assembly <NUM>, meaning that the first jaw 306a narrows towards its first end <NUM> and widens towards its second end <NUM>.

The jaw <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is similar to the jaw <NUM> in <FIG> however their internal profiles are different for accommodating different sizes of mandrels as will be described below. The radius of curvature of the outer surface of the jaw <NUM> is the same as the jaw <NUM> in <FIG>. A second jaw assembly can thus be formed by interlocking three jaws <NUM> in a similar manner to that shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> show a plan and side view of the jaw <NUM> of the first jaw assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> show a plan and side view of the jaw <NUM> of the second jaw assembly.

As will be described in more detail later on the first jaw assembly <NUM> formed of jaws <NUM> of the kind shown in <FIG> is configured to grip thinner blind rivet mandrels compared to a jaw assembly formed of jaws <NUM> of the kind shown in <FIG>. A user can swap the first jaw assembly <NUM> for the second jaw assembly as required because the outer profiles of the first and second jaw assemblies are the same, however, their inner profiles are configured to grip mandrels of different sizes. It will thus be appreciated that the different jaw assemblies can have different internal profiles configured for a specific purpose, such as to grip a particular type or size of rivet, however the outer profile of each jaw assembly for use with the tool <NUM> must be of a size and shape capable of cooperating with the conical inner surface <NUM> of the pull-back hull <NUM>, the ramped front surface <NUM> of the separator sleeve <NUM> and the annular ramped surface <NUM> of the nose piece <NUM> as heretofore described.

Referring to <FIG> variations of the projections <NUM> and recesses <NUM> will be discussed further. Providing the recess <NUM> with a width that is too large can weaken the jaws <NUM> compared to a version of such jaws where the recess <NUM> is narrower. An optional example of a jaw <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>, has a width W1 between the bottom surface <NUM> of the recess <NUM> and the front-side of the outer edge of projection <NUM> which is approximately the same as the width W2 between opposite sides of the jaw <NUM> across the first end <NUM>. If W1 was much narrower relative to W2 this would provide a weak point between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> meaning the jaw <NUM> would be more likely to crack in use. Manufacturers are free to select a ratio of W1/W2 which achieves a workable set of jaws based on the strength of the material available to form the jaws and the minimum failure rate which is considered acceptable to them.

The location of the projection <NUM> and recess <NUM> on a jaw <NUM> can also be varied though positioning the recess <NUM> too close to the first end <NUM> can weaken the jaw <NUM> and thereby the entire jaw assembly <NUM>. To address this the recess <NUM> is positioned midway between the first jaw end <NUM> and the second jaw end <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In other words a centre point <NUM> of the projection <NUM> and the recess <NUM> of a jaw <NUM> are located at a distance L2 from the first jaw end <NUM>, wherein L2 is half of the distance L1 between the first jaw end <NUM> and the second jaw end <NUM>. Both the interlocking portion <NUM> and the reciprocal recess <NUM> are located at the same distance from the first jaw end <NUM> and the second jaw end <NUM> so that identical jaws 306a, 306b, 306c can cooperate to form the jaw assembly <NUM> in <FIG>.

Looking at <FIG> the projection <NUM> of the jaws <NUM> of the first jaw assembly <NUM> projects above an internal surface <NUM> of the jaw <NUM> by a height H1. The height H1 is greater than the maximum separation X1 of the jaws <NUM> (see <FIG>) when a mandrel of the type intended to be used in connection with the jaw assembly <NUM> is received between the jaws <NUM>. This means that the projections <NUM> of the jaw assembly <NUM> can always be in contact with the walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the recesses <NUM> for limiting axial movement of the jaws <NUM> relative to each other in use.

With reference to <FIG> the jaws <NUM> comprise a plurality of gripping teeth <NUM> for improving the grip on a mandrel of a blind rivet in use. The gripping teeth <NUM> extend at least along a portion of the jaw <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The height of the teeth <NUM> and the spacing between the teeth <NUM> can be adapted. For example the spacing, height and width of the teeth <NUM> on the jaws <NUM> of the first jaw assembly <NUM> are smaller than the spacing, height and width of the teeth <NUM> on the jaw <NUM> of the other jaw assembly (compare <FIG> and <FIG>).

<FIG> and <FIG> show some dimensions of the jaw <NUM> and the jaw <NUM>. In the jaw <NUM> a first jaw height H2 is shown between the inner surface and the outer surface of the jaw <NUM> at the first end <NUM> and a second jaw height H3 is shown between the upper edge of the teeth <NUM> and the outer surface of the thickest part of the jaw <NUM>. In some examples the jaw <NUM> comprises a first jaw height H2 = <NUM> and a second jaw height H3 = <NUM>. Alternatively in the jaw <NUM> the first jaw height H2 = <NUM> and the second jaw height H3 = <NUM>. This means that the first jaw assembly <NUM> comprising three jaws <NUM> can receive blind rivets having a maximum diameter of <NUM>. Alternatively a jaw assembly comprising three jaws <NUM> can receive blind rivets having a maximum diameter of <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments have heretofore been described the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The tool <NUM> in the drawings comprises a battery <NUM>. In some examples the battery <NUM> is removable or alternatively the battery <NUM> is integral to the tool <NUM>. In some embodiments the tool <NUM> comprises other power sources e.g. a mains power supply.

The heretofore described jaw assembly <NUM> and variants thereof need not necessarily be used in an electrically powered blind rivet setting tool but could be used in blind rivet setting tools of other varieties such as pneumatic blind rivet setting tools, hydraulic blind rivet setting tools or manually powered tools for example.

The heretofore described jaw assembly <NUM> and variants thereof need not necessarily be used exclusively in blind rivet setting tools but may be used in other rivet setting tools in which a set of jaws is caused by a pull-back hull to pull on the rivet to be set.

As shown in <FIG> the driving sleeve <NUM> and input sleeve <NUM> are fixed to each other due to a friction fit arrangement. Alternatively the driving sleeve <NUM> and input sleeve <NUM> can be fixed via an interlocking arrangement such as a spline fit arrangement or other male and female interlocking-type arrangement.

The o-ring <NUM> can be replaced with any other retainer suitable for urging the jaws of a jaw assembly radially towards each other such as a c-clip, a circlip, an e clip, a snap ring or spring fastener.

It will be appreciated that a retainer such as an o-ring <NUM> is not essential and that a jaw assembly can be used which does not have a retainer, however, it will be affected by the disadvantage that when the jaw assembly is removed from the tool <NUM> the jaws fall apart from each other, meaning that it is more difficult for a user to insert a jaw assembly which does not have a retainer such as an o-ring <NUM> into the blind rivet setting tool <NUM>.

The o-ring <NUM> is made from an elastic material such as rubber but this is not exclusive and the o-ring <NUM> can alternatively be made of other flexible materials such as polyurethane, PTFE, ethylene propylene rubber, neoprene, nitrile, or silicone.

The shape of the heretofore described projections <NUM> and recesses <NUM> are not limited to those shown in the drawings. More generally a first side of each jaw in a jaw assembly defines a male part of a two-part interlocking mechanism and the opposite side of each such jaw defines a female part of the two-part interlocking mechanism; whereby said male and female parts of adjacent jaws interlock with each other to enable radial movement of the jaws relative to each other while restricting axial movement of the jaws relative to each other.

In some embodiments each jaw may have multiple features on either side of the jaw which interlock with corresponding features of an adjacent jaw. For example a first side of each jaw in a jaw assembly may define at least one male part of a two-part interlocking mechanism and the opposite side of each such jaw defines at least one female part of the two-part interlocking mechanism; whereby said male and female parts of adjacent jaws interlock with each other to enable radial movement of the jaws relative to each other while restricting axial movement of the jaws relative to each other.

In some embodiments each jaw may have at least one male and at least one female feature on either side of the jaw which interlock with corresponding features of an adjacent jaw. For example a first side of each jaw in a jaw assembly may define at least one male part and a least one female part of a two-part interlocking mechanism and the opposite side of each such jaw defines at least one female part and at least one male part of the two-part interlocking mechanism; whereby said male and female parts of adjacent jaws interlock with each other to enable radial movement of the jaws relative to each other while restricting axial movement of the jaws relative to each other.

As shown in <FIG> the projection <NUM> and the recess <NUM> of a jaw <NUM> are located midway between the first jaw end <NUM> and a second jaw end <NUM> along a jaw axis H-H. However, in other examples, the projection <NUM> and the recess <NUM> can be located at any position along the jaw <NUM> provided that the projection <NUM> and the recess <NUM> are aligned with each other. For example the projection <NUM> and the recess <NUM> can be located closer to the first jaw end <NUM> or the second jaw end <NUM> compared to the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

Although the illustrated jaw assembly embodiments have three jaws it will be appreciated that this is not limiting and that a jaw assembly may have fewer or more than three jaws, wherein a person skilled in the art will understand how to modify the shape and dimensions of the illustrated jaws in order to form a jaw assembly from fewer or more than three jaws. In some embodiments a jaw assembly may have two jaws and in other embodiments a jaw assembly may have four or more jaws.

Claim 1:
A jaw assembly (<NUM>) for a blind rivet setting tool (<NUM>) the jaw assembly (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) each jaw (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining part of an interlocking mechanism (<NUM>) and an oppositely located part of another interlocking mechanism (<NUM>) wherein adjacent jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) interlock via engagement of the parts of the interlocking mechanisms (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the respective jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) for enabling radial movement of the jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) relative to each other while restricting axial movement of the jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) relative to each other, wherein each of the jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises gripping teeth (<NUM>) for gripping a mandrel of a blind rivet in use.