Tools for tightening and loosening wall anchors

Abstract

A wall anchor fastening and release tool includes a tool body forming a sliding housing, a handle rigidly projecting from the sliding housing, a slider disposed within the sliding housing, and a first lever pivotally connected to the handle and arranged to move the slider within the sliding housing between a first position and a second position, wherein when the first lever is in the first position, a screw-clamping end of the slider is adjacent to a first housing end, and wherein when the first lever is in the second position, the screw-clamping end of the slider is retracted into the sliding housing, and a screw-pushing end of the slider is adjacent to a second housing end, the screw-clamping end of the slider being arranged to clamp below the head of a wall anchor center screw, and the second housing end being arranged to clamp below a wall anchor collar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A wall anchor fastening and release tool is disclosed, the tool comprising a tool body forming a sliding housing, a handle rigidly projecting from the sliding housing, a slider disposed inside the sliding housing, and a first lever pivotally connected to the handle and arranged to move the slider in the sliding housing between a first position and a second position. Background Technology

[0002] A wall anchor, also known as a plug, has a head with a collar and a threaded foot, as well as a deformable portion between the head and foot. By rotating the center screw, this deformable portion deforms under pressure at the outer end of the plug. When installing a wall anchor, there is a risk that the outer collar and inner body of the wall anchor will rotate relative to the hollow wall plate, potentially causing tearing of the outer and inner surfaces of the wall plate adjacent to the plug hole. Furthermore, using the wrong drill bit or applying excessive force when rotating the center screw with a screwdriver or drill bit can damage the screw.

[0003] EP1106306A1 discloses a setting clamp for an anchoring device of the type comprising two coaxial components, each having a head, and these heads being coaxially separated during setting. The setting clamp includes two jaws that engage between the two heads and are separated by a lever pivoting relative to the clamp body about an axis, the axis being further removed from a mating area between the lever and a slider defining one of the two jaws, while the other jaw is defined by the clamp body.

[0004] BE1017209A3 discloses a tool for fastening wall anchors. The tool comprises a body in which a rod is axially movable. A bolt extends from the body at the head of the rod and its extension, and this bolt engages with the threaded portion of a plug foot. Upon activation, the bolt and the foot of the plug are pulled backward toward the body by a specific force, thereby pressing the plug head against the body and generating pressure that deforms the plug. A manual operating button at the outer end of the rod rotates the rod and bolt relative to the body.

[0005] Wall anchors are also difficult to remove. Sometimes, discarded wall anchors remain in the wall after being pushed further in with screws or a hammer, posing a risk of damage.

[0006] US4941252A discloses a handheld tool capable of removing wall anchors, such as so-called molly bolts, from their attachment to a wall. The tool includes a pair of jaws that move to clamp the exposed flange of the anchor bolt. A lead screw on the tool then engages an attachment screw on the anchor bolt, forcing the attachment screw inward into the wall. This action straightens the legs of the wall anchor and narrows it sufficiently in the lateral dimension to allow the wall anchor to be manually pulled out of the wall through holes provided therein. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One drawback of existing tools for fastening and releasing wall anchors is the need to use two different types of tools. The object of this invention is to overcome or reduce at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0008] This objective is achieved by the features specified in the following description and the subsequent claims.

[0009] A tool for tightening and loosening a wall anchor is provided, the tool comprising a body having a tightening end and an opposing loosening end, the body forming a housing for receiving a slider movable by means of a first lever arranged along a handle rigidly projecting from the housing, and a second lever arranged at a housing opposite the handle. The first lever is pivotally connected to the handle adjacent to the housing and is arranged to move the slider within the housing of the body between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, a screw-clamping end of the slider is adjacent to a first end of the housing, and wherein in the second position, the screw-clamping end of the slider is retracted into the housing, and a screw-pushing end of the slider is adjacent to a second end of the housing. The screw-clamping end of the slider is configured to clamp below the head of a central screw of the wall anchor during a tightening operation, while the opposing screw-pushing end of the slider is configured to push the head of the central screw during a loosening operation. The screw-clamping end of the slider may have a first claw. The screw push end of the slider can be flat or countersunk to guide the center screw head to the center of the slider's end.

[0010] The first end of the housing is configured to abut against a wall anchor ring to allow the head of the center screw to engage with the screw clamping end of the slider.

[0011] The second end of the housing is arranged to clamp below the wall anchor ring and is preferably formed as a second claw, which is arranged to cooperate with the clamping end of the second lever, which is adjacent to the second end of the housing and is arranged to be inserted below the wall anchor ring, preferably formed as a third claw facing the second claw.

[0012] To facilitate the insertion of the second end of the housing and the free end of the second lever below the wall anchor collar, the end is preferably formed with a sloping front portion, which forms a relatively sharp front edge.

[0013] The slider and the second lever are preferably connected to a device arranged to return the slider and the lever to a defined idle position when not in operation, preferably in the form of a spring.

[0014] In one embodiment, a rack and pawl system is disposed between a first lever and a slider, arranged to move the slider between first and second positions. The pawl is releasable from engagement with the rack integrated into the slider.

[0015] By engaging the fastening end of the tool body with the center screw of the wall anchor, the wall anchor is positioned in the hole of the wall panel, etc., and the first lever is pressed. The sliding element pulls the center screw, while the first end of the housing rests against the wall anchor collar, causing the wall anchor to expand on the back of the wall panel.

[0016] By partially loosening the center screw of the installed wall anchor, and then inserting the protruding part of the center screw into the housing, the second end of the housing engages with the clamping end of the second lever below the wall anchor collar, and pressing the first lever, the slider pushes the center screw, while the wall anchor is held by the clamp below the collar, causing the expansion portion on the back of the wall panel to straighten and become narrow enough in the lateral dimension to allow the wall anchor to be pulled out of the hole in the wall.

[0017] This invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0018] More specifically, the present invention relates to a wall anchor fastening and releasing tool, comprising a tool body forming a sliding housing, a handle rigidly projecting from the sliding housing, a slider disposed within the sliding housing, and a first lever pivotally connected to the handle and arranged to move the slider within the sliding housing between a first position and a second position.

[0019] Wherein, when the first lever is in the first position, the screw clamping end of the slider is adjacent to the first housing end, and

[0020] When the first lever is in the second position, the screw clamping end of the slider retracts into the sliding housing, and the screw pushing end of the slider is adjacent to the second housing end.

[0021] The screw-holding end of the sliding member is arranged to hold below the head of the wall anchor center screw, and

[0022] The second housing end is arranged to be clamped below the wall anchor ring.

[0023] The second lever is pivotally connected to the sliding housing, wherein the lever clamping end is arranged near the end of the second housing to selectively clamp below the wall anchor collar. This has the effect that, during a release operation, the wall anchor can be securely clamped, with the lever clamping end and the second housing end forming a jaw.

[0024] The second housing end may be provided with an anchor ring clamping part in the form of a claw facing the centerline of the sliding housing. This makes it easier to insert the anchor ring clamping part under the collar.

[0025] The second lever is pivotally connected to the sliding housing and has a lever clamping end arranged adjacent to one end of the second housing. The lever clamping end is provided with claws facing claws located in the second housing end, forming jaws arranged to clamp below the wall anchor collar. This arrangement facilitates insertion of the clamping portion below the collar and ensures the wall anchor is securely held during release operations, with the lever clamping end and the second housing end forming the jaws.

[0026] The claws can be provided with an inclined front portion forming a relatively sharp front edge. The effect of this is that it makes insertion of the clamping part under the tightly fitting collar easier.

[0027] The screw-holding end of the sliding component can be equipped with claws, which are arranged to support the head of the wall anchor center screw. This simplifies the manufacture and maintenance of the tool.

[0028] A slider can be connected to a device arranged to return the slider to a defined idle position when not in use. This has the effect of preparing the resting tool for engagement with the wall anchor.

[0029] A second lever can be connected to a device arranged to return the second lever to a defined idle position when not in operation. The effect of this is that the second lever remains in its designed idle position unless operated.

[0030] The device can be one or more springs arranged on the corresponding lever. The effect of doing so is to provide a simple and inexpensive lever return mechanism.

[0031] The screw push end of the slider can be countersunk. This allows the center screw of the wall anchor to be easily brought to the correct position before releasing the wall anchor.

[0032] The center screw protrusion length marking can be set on the protruding end of the tool body. This allows the center screw protrusion length to be set precisely and correctly before tightening or loosening the wall anchor. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The following describes an example of the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 A side view of a wall anchor tool in an idle state is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 A more detailed side view of the fastening end of the tool housing is shown, which engages with the center screw of the wall anchor located in the hole in the wall panel;

[0036] Figure 3 A side view shows the tool housing fastening end engaged with a wall anchor, which is then fastened.

[0037] Figure 4 A side view of the release end of the tool housing is shown, which engages below the collar of a wall anchor attached to a hole in the wall panel;

[0038] Figure 5 A side view of the release end of the tool housing is shown, with the center screw pushed into the wall anchor, thereby straightening the expanded portion of the wall anchor;

[0039] Figure 6 A side view of the release end of the tool housing is shown, with the wall anchor pulled out from a hole in the wall panel, and

[0040] Figure 7 A side view of an alternative embodiment of a wall anchor tool in an idle state is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Any location indication refers to the location shown in the diagram.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. For clarity, some elements in some drawings may not have reference numerals.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic diagrams. The relative proportions of the various components may also be distorted.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the wall anchor fastening and releasing tool, marked with reference numeral 1, is provided with a tool body 11, which has a fastening portion 111 and a releasing portion 112, wherein a sliding housing 113 is rigidly connected to a handle 114 protruding from the sliding housing 113. A first housing end 1131 is provided with an anchoring contact surface 1131a, and a second housing end 1132 is provided with an anchor collar clamping portion in the form of a claw 1132a pointing towards the central axis of the sliding housing 113. The claw tip 1132b forms a sharp claw edge.

[0045] The slider 12 is housed within the sliding housing 113 and is provided with a claw-shaped screw clamping end 121 oriented transversely to the central axis of the slider 12. The opposing sliding end forms a screw pushing end 122, preferably having a countersunk end face. The slider 12 is movable along the entire length of the sliding housing 113 between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the screw clamping end 121 is adjacent to the first housing end 1131, and in the second position, the screw clamping end 121 retracts into the sliding housing 113, and the screw pushing end 122 is adjacent to the second housing end 1132.

[0046] A first lever 13 is pivotally attached to a handle 114 at a pivot 132 and connected to a slider 12 via a sliding link 131 and a connector 123 disposed in the slider 12, the connector 123 protruding through a slot 1134 in the sliding housing 113. The first lever 13 is arranged such that when the free end of the first lever 13 is pushed toward the handle 114, it moves the slider 12 toward its second position. A means for returning the slider 12 to the first position is provided, schematically shown here as a spring 133 at the first lever 13.

[0047] The second lever 14 is pivotally connected to the sliding housing 113 at pivot 142, wherein the lever clamping end 141 is arranged adjacent to the second housing end 1132, and the lever clamping end 141 is provided with a claw 141a facing a claw 1132a provided in the second housing end 1132. The claws 141a and 1132a form a jaw. A means for returning the second lever 14 to an idle position when not in operation is provided, schematically shown here as a second spring 143. Preferably, the idle position of the second lever 14 is the position where the lever clamping end 141 is withdrawn from the anchor ring clamping portion 1132a of the sliding housing 113.

[0048] The wall anchor tool 1 is provided with a scale 1133, which serves as an indicator of how far the center screw 32 should be set before tightening and loosening the wall anchor 3 using the tool 1. The scale 1133 is shown here at the protruding end of the handle; however, various positions can be used.

[0049] Now for reference Figure 2 When the wall anchor 3 is tightened into the hole in the wall panel 2, the center screw 32 is slightly unscrewed, allowing the claw of the screw clamping end 121 of the sliding member to engage supportively under the center screw head 321, and the anchoring contact surface 1131a of the sliding housing 113 simultaneously rests supportively on the facing collar 311 of the wall anchor body 31. By pushing the first lever 13 toward the handle 114, the sliding member 12 moves to its second position, as... Figure 3As shown, this causes the legs 312 of the wall anchor body 31 to expand, thereby securing the wall anchor 31. Thereafter, the first lever 13 is released, allowing the slider 12 to return to its first position for releasing the tool 1 from the wall anchor 3.

[0050] Now for reference Figure 4 When the wall anchor 3 is to be released from its position in the hole 21 of the wall panel 2, the center screw 32 is unscrewed, preferably to the protrusion suggested by the scale 1133 of the tool 1. The protrusion of the center screw 32 is guided into the second housing end 1132. The anchor collar clamping portion 1132a of the sliding housing is inserted below the collar 311 of the wall anchor body 31, and the second lever 14 is actuated such that the claw 141a of the lever clamping end 141 clamps below the collar 311. Thereafter, by pushing the first lever 13 toward the handle 114, the slider 12 moves to its second position, as... Figure 5 As shown, this straightens the legs 312 of the wall anchor body 31 and makes them sufficiently narrow in the lateral dimension, thereby releasing them from the wall panel 2. Then, as... Figure 6 As shown, pull out the wall anchor 3, clamp it firmly with tool 1, and release it by releasing the second lever 14.

[0051] Now for reference Figure 7 , Figure 7 It shows, as Figure 1 An alternative embodiment of the first lever / slider connector shown and previously disclosed is provided, wherein a rack and pawl system 15 is provided for converting the push of the first lever 13 toward the handle 114 into displacement of the slider 12. The rack 151 is integrated into the slider 12, facing the proximal portion 134 of the first lever 13. The pawl 153 is pivotally connected to the end 134 of the first lever 13 and is arranged to releasably engage with the rack 151. To facilitate operation of the rack and pawl system 15, a pawl release lever 154 is provided on the pawl 153, and a sliding handle 152 extends through a groove 1134 in the sliding housing 113.

[0052] By repeatedly pushing the first lever 13 against the handle 114, the slider 12 moves step by step. By releasing the engagement of the pawl 153 with the rack 151, the slider 12 returns to its first position by operating the sliding handle 152 or by a suspension device (not shown) connected to the slider.

[0053] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative and not limiting of the invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Any reference numerals placed between parentheses in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims. The use of the verb "comprising" and variations thereof does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those described in the claims. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0054] The fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A wall anchor tightening and releasing tool (1) comprising: a tool body (11) forming a sliding housing (113), a handle (114) rigidly protruding from the sliding housing (113), a slider (12) arranged inside the sliding housing (113), and a first lever (13) pivotally connected to the handle (114) and arranged to move the slider (12) in the sliding housing (113) between a first position and a second position, wherein a screw clamping end (121) of the slider (12) is adjacent to a first housing end (1131) when the first lever (13) is in the first position, characterized in that the screw clamping end (121) of the slider (12) is retracted into the sliding housing (113) and a screw pushing end (122) of the slider (12) is adjacent to a second housing end (1132) when the first lever (13) is in the second position, the screw clamping end (121) of the slider (12) is arranged to clamp under a head (321) of a wall anchor center screw (32), and the second housing end (1132) is arranged to clamp under a wall anchor collar (311).

2. Wall anchor fastening and release tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, a second lever (14) is pivotally connected to the sliding housing (113), a lever clamping end (141) is arranged adjacent to the second housing end (1132) to selectively clamp under the wall anchor collar (311).

3. Wall anchor tightening and release tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second housing end (1132) is provided with a collar clamping portion in the form of a claw (1132a) facing a center line of the sliding housing (113).

4. The wall anchor tightening and release tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, a second lever (14) is pivotally connected to the sliding housing (113), a lever clamping end (141) is arranged adjacent to the second housing end (1132), the lever clamping end (141) is provided with a claw (141a) facing a claw (1132a) provided in the second housing end (1132), the claw (141a) of the lever clamping end (141) and the claw (1132a) of the second housing end (1132) form a jaw arranged to clamp under the wall anchor collar (311).

5. Wall anchor fastening and release tool (1) according to claim 4, wherein, the claw (141a) of the lever clamping end (141) and the claw (1132a) of the second housing end (1132) are each provided with an inclined front portion forming opposite sharp front edges.

6. The wall anchor tightening and release tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, the screw clamping end (121) of the slider (12) is provided with a claw arranged to support under a head (321) of the wall anchor center screw (32).

7. The wall anchor tightening and release tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, the slider (12) is connected to a device (133) arranged to restore the slider to a defined idle position when not in operation.

8. Wall anchor tightening and release tool (1) according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the second lever (14) is connected to a device (143) arranged to restore the second lever (14) to a defined idle position when not in operation.

9. Wall anchor tightening and release tool (1) according to claim 7, wherein The device (133) is one or more springs arranged on the first lever (13).

10. Wall anchor fastening and release tool (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The device (143) is one or more springs arranged on the second lever (14).

11. Wall anchor fastening and release tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein The screw pushing end (122) of the sliding piece (12) is countersunk.

12. Wall anchor fastening and release tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, A central screw protruding length scale (1133) is arranged on the protruding end (111, 114) of the tool body (11).

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