Hydraulic crowbar assembly

Abstract

Provided is a man-portable and operable hydraulic crowbar assembly (10) comprising a hydraulic coupling (14) configured for demountably receiving a linear actuator (12), said hydraulic coupling (14) comprising a piston and cylinder arrangement (16) with said piston operatively actuatable by the linear actuator (12) when received by the hydraulic coupling (14). The cylinder further defines a first hydraulic port (36). The hydraulic crowbar assembly (10) also includes a hydraulic wedge (18) comprising at least two jaws (20) pivotably separatable via hydraulic pressure received via a second hydraulic port (22) defined by said hydraulic wedge (18). In this manner, the first and second hydraulic ports (36 and 22) are arrangeable in fluid communication and the piston actuatable via the linear actuator (12) to form a man-portable and operable crowbar assembly.

Description

HYDRAULIC CROWBAR ASSEMBLYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to man-portable hand-operable tools in general, and more specifically to a hydraulic crowbar assembly.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Crowbars and related hand tools are well-known in the art. Broadly, a crowbar, also called a wrecking bar, pry bar or jimmy, is generally a lever consisting of a metal bar with a curved end(s) and / or flattened point (s) , used to force two objects apart or gain mechanical advantage in lifting or prying .

[0004] Given the relative simplicity of a crowbar, they have been used for hundreds of years, with first use of the term dating back to circa 1400. In more modern times, refinements to the crowbar have included pneumatic wedges and hydraulic spreader bars, relying on fluid pressure to provide mechanical advantage for prying and lifting. However, such equipment generally requires some logistical support regarding fluid pumps and power supplies to operate, taking time and effort to set up and initialise prior to use.

[0005] In some situations , such as confined access situations , Applicant has identi fied a need for a handheld and portable tool that provides ergonomic use for a user to pry and wedge . For example , in mining and rail applications , there is often the need for a crowbar, but using a conventional crowbar or similar prybar presents risk to an operator thereof , where crushing and pinching of hands is possible , particularly where access is confined . Using pneumatic wedges and hydraulic spreader bars is also cumbersome , as it requires time to set up properly and use , which may not be desired or possible in certain instances .

[0006] In light of these shortcomings , Applicant has identi fied the need for an ergonomic and man-portable crowbar assembly hand tool that is safe and easy to deploy and use , and the current invention was conceived with this goal in mind .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to a ' crowbar' is made in a broad and nonexclusive sense and should be interpreted as any suitable mechanical means used to force two obj ects apart or gain mechanical advantage in li fting and / or prying obj ects apart , substantially as herein described and intended within the scope of the present disclosure .

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic crowbar assembly comprising : a hydraulic coupling configured for demountably receiving a linear actuator , said hydraulic coupling comprising a piston and cylinder arrangement with said pistonoperatively actuatable by the linear actuator when received by the hydraulic coupling, the cylinder further defining a first hydraulic port ; and a hydraulic wedge comprising at least two j aws pivotably separatable via hydraulic pressure received via a second hydraulic port defined by said hydraulic wedge ; wherein the first and second hydraulic ports are arrangeable in fluid communication and the piston actuatable via the linear actuator to form a man-portable and operable crowbar assembly .

[0009] In an embodiment , the linear actuator comprises a handheld battery-operated electromechanical actuator with a selectively displaceable ram, such as a crimping tool , a cable cutter tool , or the like .

[0010] In an embodiment , the hydraulic coupling comprises a mounting configured to demountably receive said linear actuator in order to arrange the piston in register with the selectively displaceable ram .

[0011] In an embodiment , the mounting comprises a brace configured to fit onto the linear actuator, said brace removably securable onto the linear actuator by means of a suitable detent .

[0012] In an embodiment , the piston and cylinder arrangement is arranged on the mounting so that the piston is substantially aligned with a direction of travel of the selectively displaceable ram of the linear actuator when the mounting is mounted on the linear actuator .

[0013] In an embodiment, the brace comprises a gland via which the selectively displaceable ram is aligned with the piston and the detent comprises opposing bolts arranged substantially transverse to the ram for engaging the linear actuator .

[0014] In an embodiment, the piston and cylinder arrangement is configured via suitable sizing of the piston and cylinder in order to amplify a lower pressure from the displaceable ram of the linear actuator into a higher pressure for the hydraulic wedge.

[0015] In an embodiment, the hydraulic crowbar assembly comprises an elongate extension rod attaching said hydraulic coupling to the wedge, the extension rod comprising a rigid tubular bar about a hydraulic line arranging the first and second hydraulic ports in fluid communication.

[0016] In an embodiment, the cylinder defines a threaded connector distal from the piston for receiving one end of the hydraulic line.

[0017] In an embodiment, the elongate extension rod comprises a predetermined length.

[0018] In an embodiment, the predetermined length of the extension rod is in the range of 300mm to 2000mmm.

[0019] In an embodiment, a length of the elongate extension rod is adjustable by the extension rod comprising at least two rod portions telescopingly arranged and securable by means of a suitable fastener.

[0020] In an embodiment, the hydraulic line is coiled or spiralled within the extension rod to facilitate telescopingly adjusting a length of said extension rod.

[0021] In an embodiment, the rigid tubular bar is of robust construction configured to facilitate transferring mechanical force via the extension rod, e.g. as a lever, or the like.

[0022] In an embodiment, the rigid tubular bar is securely and rigidly connected at either end to the linear actuator and the wedge to facilitate transferring mechanical force to the wedge, i.e. to pry with the wedge.

[0023] In an embodiment, the hydraulic wedge comprises single-acting spring-return aws.

[0024] In an embodiment, the second hydraulic port defines a second threaded connector distal from the jaws for receiving an end of the hydraulic line.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic crowbar attachment for a handheld electromechanical actuator with a selectively displaceable ram, said attachment comprising: a hydraulic coupling configured for demountably receiving the linear actuator, said hydraulic coupling comprising a piston and cylinder arrangement with said piston operatively actuatable by the linear actuator when received by the hydraulic coupling, the cylinder further defining a first hydraulic port; anda hydraulic wedge comprising at least two j aws pivotably separatable via hydraulic pressure received via a second hydraulic port defined by said hydraulic wedge ; wherein the first and second hydraulic ports are arranged in fluid communication and the piston actuatable via the linear actuator to form a man-portable and operable crowbar assembly .

[0026] In an embodiment , the linear actuator comprises a handheld battery-operated electromechanical actuator with a selectively displaceable ram, such as a crimping tool , a cable cutter tool , or the like .

[0027] In an embodiment , the hydraulic coupling comprises a mounting configured to demountably receive said linear actuator in order to arrange the piston in register with the selectively displaceable ram .

[0028] In an embodiment , the mounting comprises a brace configured to fit onto the linear actuator, said brace removably securable onto the linear actuator by means of a suitable detent .

[0029] In an embodiment , the piston and cylinder arrangement is arranged on the mounting so that the piston is substantially aligned with a direction of travel of the selectively displaceable ram of the linear actuator when the mounting is mounted on the linear actuator .

[0030] In an embodiment , the brace comprises a gland via which the selectively displaceable ram is aligned with the piston and the detent comprises opposing bolts arrangedsubstantially transverse to the ram for engaging the linear actuator .

[0031] In an embodiment, the piston and cylinder arrangement is configured via suitable sizing of the piston and cylinder in order to amplify a lower pressure from the displaceable ram of the linear actuator into a higher pressure for the hydraulic wedge.

[0032] In an embodiment, the hydraulic crowbar assembly comprises an elongate extension rod attaching said hydraulic coupling to the wedge, the extension rod comprising a rigid tubular bar about a hydraulic line arranging the first and second hydraulic ports in fluid communication.

[0033] In an embodiment, the cylinder defines a threaded connector distal from the piston for receiving one end of the hydraulic line.

[0034] In an embodiment, the elongate extension rod comprises a predetermined length.

[0035] In an embodiment, the predetermined length of the extension rod is in the range of 300mm to 2000mmm.

[0036] In an embodiment, a length of the elongate extension rod is adjustable by the extension rod comprising at least two rod portions telescopingly arranged and securable by means of a suitable fastener.

[0037] In an embodiment, the hydraulic line is coiled or spiralled within the extension rod to facilitate telescopingly adjusting a length of said extension rod.

[0038] In an embodiment, the rigid tubular bar is of robust construction configured to facilitate transferring mechanical force via the extension rod, e.g. as a lever, or the like.

[0039] In an embodiment, the rigid tubular bar is securely and rigidly connected at either end to the linear actuator and the wedge to facilitate transferring mechanical force to the wedge, i.e. to pry with the wedge.

[0040] In an embodiment, the hydraulic wedge comprises single-acting spring-return jaws.

[0041] In an embodiment, the second hydraulic port defines a second threaded connector distal from the aws for receiving an end of the hydraulic line.

[0042] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of prying objects apart, said method comprising the steps of: providing a hydraulic crowbar assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; inserting jaws of such crowbar assembly between objects; and activating a linear actuator of the crowbar assembly to extend or retract a displaceable ram of said actuator in order to separate or close, respectively, said jaws to facilitate prying of objects.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic crowbar assembly, a hydraulic crowbar attachment for a handheld electromechanical actuator,and a method of prying obj ects apart , substantially as herein described and / or illustrated .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of a hydraulic crowbar assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic exploded-view representation of the hydraulic crowbar assembly of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is diagrammatic side-sectional representation of the hydraulic crowbar assembly of Figure 1 , showing aws of the hydraulic wedge in a closed position;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side-sectional representation of the hydraulic crowbar assembly of Figure 3 , showing j aws of the hydraulic wedge in a separated position;Figure 5 is a rendered perspective-view representation of one example of a hydraulic coupling of the hydraulic crowbar assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figures 6A and 6B are rendered cross-sectional representations of the hydraulic coupling of Figure 5 ; andFigure 7 is a photographic perspective-view image of an example of the hydraulic crowbar assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0045] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0046] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide a functional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0047] Broadly, with reference to the accompanying figures , the present invention provides for a hydraulic crowbar assembly 10 which seeks to provide an ergonomic andman-portable tool that is safe and easy to deploy and use , especially in confined space situations . The hydraulic crowbar assembly 10 broadly comprises a linear actuator 12 , a hydraulic wedge 18 and an optional robust elongate extension rod 24 attaching the linear actuator 12 to the wedge 18 , as shown .

[0048] In a typical embodiment , the linear actuator 12 comprises a handheld battery-operated electromechanical actuator with a selectively displaceable ram 30 , such as a crimping tool , a cable cutter tool , or the like . Such hand tools as generally known in the art and will not be described in detail herein . In one example , a suitable linear actuator 12 may comprise a Milwaukee™ M18 Force Logic™ crimping tool , or the like . Of course , variations hereon are possible and expected .

[0049] The hydraulic crowbar assembly 10 typically comprises a hydraulic coupling 14 which is configured for demountably receiving the linear actuator 12 . The hydraulic coupling 14 generally comprises a piston and cylinder arrangement 16 with said piston operatively actuatable by the linear actuator 12 , as described in more detail below, when received by the hydraulic coupling 14 . The cylinder of said arrangement 16 further defines a first hydraulic port 36 , typically comprising a threaded connector for threadedly engaging other components of the assembly 10 , described in more detail below .

[0050] The hydraulic crowbar assembly 10 also includes a hydraulic wedge 18 comprising at least two j aws 20 pivotably separatable via hydraulic pressure received via a second hydraulic port 22 defined by said wedge 18 . In this manner,the first and second hydraulic ports 36 and 22 are arrangeable in fluid communication and the piston of the arrangement 16 actuatable via the linear actuator 12 to form a man-portable and operable crowbar assembly 10 .

[0051] In one embodiment , the hydraulic coupling 14 comprises a mounting 32 which is configured to be mounted on the linear actuator 12 in order to arrange the piston in register with the selectively displaceable ram 30 . In the exempli fied embodiment , the mounting 32 comprises a brace 34 which is configured to fit onto the linear actuator 12 , as shown, the brace 34 removably securable onto the linear actuator 12 by means of a suitable detent , e . g . a pass- through pin or bolt 40 , or the like . For example , in the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7 , the brace 34 comprises a gland 46 via which the selectively displaceable ram 30 is aligned with the piston and the detent comprises opposing bolts 40 arranged substantially transverse to the ram 30 for engaging the linear actuator 12 . Of course , variations hereon are apposite and anticipated . In such a manner, the hydraulic coupling 14 is securely fastenable onto the linear actuator 12 .

[0052] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the piston and cylinder arrangement 16 is generally configured via suitable si zing of the piston and cylinder in order to ampli fy a lower hydraulic pressure from the displaceable ram 30 of the linear actuator 12 into a higher pressure for the hydraulic wedge 18 . In a typical embodiment , the piston and cylinder arrangement 16 is arranged on the mounting 32 so that the piston of arrangement 16 is substantially aligned and / or in register with a direction of travel of theselectively displaceable ram 30 of the linear actuator 12 when the mounting 32 is mounted on the linear actuator 12 .

[0053] As described, a gland 46 typically facilitates force trans fer from the displaceable ram 30 to the piston, but variations hereon as possible and expected . In one embodiment , the cylinder of arrangement 16 defines a threaded connector as part of the first hydraulic port 36 , as shown, which is typically, but not necessarily, distal from the gland 46 for receiving one end of a hydraulic line 28 which is housed within the elongate extension rod 24 , described in more detail below . The piston and cylinder arrangement 16 may also include a guide bush 44 for the piston, as well as 0- ring ( s ) 42 for sealing hydraulic f luid within the arrangement 16 , as is generally known in the art .

[0054] In one embodiment, the hydraulic crowbar assembly 10 comprises an optional or removable elongate extension rod 24 attaching the hydraulic coupling 14 to the wedge 18 . The extension rod 24 typically comprises a rigid tubular bar about a hydraulic line 28 which arranges the first and second hydraulic ports 36 and 22 in fluid communication . The hydraulic line 28 is generally a conventional hydraulic line or hose , as known in the art , and will not be described in detail herein . Of course , as exempli fied in the embodiment of Figure 7 , the hydraulic coupling 14 may be directly coupled to the wedge 18 .

[0055] In one embodiment , the elongate extension rod 24 comprises a predetermined length . For example , in one embodiment , the predetermined length of the extension rod 24 may be in the range of 300mm to 2000mmm, but variations hereon are possible and anticipated . The predetermined lengthof the extension rod 14 is generally selected to suit the needs and requirements of a user of the crowbar assembly 10 , e . g . a user may wish to use the assembly 10 in an upright , standing position, so the predetermined length of the extension rod is selected accordingly, or the like .

[0056] In one embodiment , a length of the elongate extension rod 24 may be adj ustable by the extension rod 24 comprising at least two rod portions (not shown) telescopingly arranged and securable by means of a suitable fastener . In such an embodiment , the hydraulic line 28 is correspondingly coiled or spiralled within the extension rod 24 in order to facilitate such telescopingly ad ustability of a length of said extension rod 24 . Again, variations hereon are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure .

[0057] Typically, the rigid tubular bar 26 comprising the elongate extension rod 24 is of robust construction and configured to facilitate trans ferring mechanical force via the extension rod 24 , e . g . as a lever, or the like . For example , the rigid tubular bar 26 may comprise a thick metal pipe or similar member via which the hydraulic line 28 may be passed and which can be used to exert force on the wedge 18 , or the like . Accordingly, the rigid tubular bar 26 is typically securely and rigidly connected at either end thereof to the linear actuator 12 and the wedge 18 to facilitate trans ferring mechanical force to the wedge 18 , i . e . to pry with the wedge 18 . Such rigid connections between the bar 26 and the wedge 18 and linear actuator 12 may take various forms , as within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0058] The hydraulic crowbar assembly 10 further comprises the hydraulic wedge 18 which typically comprises at least two j aws 20 that are pivotably separatable via hydraulic pressure received into the hydraulic port 22 thereof . Such hydraulic wedges are generally known in the art and will not be described in detail herein . In one embodiment , the hydraulic wedge 18 comprises single-acting spring-return aws 20 , or the like . For example , the Larzep™ CY series hydraulic spread cylinders are apposite for this application, such as the CY0109G and CY0122 models , or the like . Of course , variations hereon are possible and expected . In a typical embodiment , as with the hydraulic coupling 14 , the hydraulic port 22 of the wedge 18 defines a second threaded connector 38 which is substantially distal from the j aws 20 of the wedge 18 for receiving the other end of the hydraulic line 28 , as shown .

[0059] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the present invention further includes a hydraulic crowbar attachment for a handheld electromechanical actuator 12 having a selectively displaceable ram 30 , i . e . the hydraulic crowbar assembly 10 described above sans the linear actuator 12 . For example , such a hydraulic crowbar attachment may be provided so that an end-user is able to attach it to a tool of choice .

[0060] In such an embodiment , the attachment would correspondingly comprise the hydraulic coupling 14 comprising the piston and cylinder arrangement 16 and the mounting 32 which is configured to be mounted on a suitable linear actuator 12 or tool in order to arrange the piston in register with the selectively displaceable ram 30 , as well as the hydraulic wedge 28 comprising at least two j aws 20 pivotably separatable via hydraulic pressure received intothe hydraulic port 22, and the elongate extension rod 24 with hydraulic line 28 attaching the mounting 32 to the wedge 18.

[0061] The skilled addressee is further to appreciate that the invention also provides for an associated method of prying objects apart. Such a method broadly comprises the steps of providing the hydraulic crowbar assembly 10, as described, inserting aws 20 thereof between objects, and activating the linear actuator 12 to extend or retract the displaceable ram of said actuator in order to separate or close, respectively, the jaws 20 of wedge 18 to facilitate prying of objects.

[0062] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for a man-portable and operable hydraulic crowbar assembly 10 which is ergonomic, safe and easy to deploy and use.

[0063] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well- known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0064] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing variousembodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0065] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0066] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specificallypractical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0067] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0068] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A hydraulic crowbar assembly comprising : a hydraulic coupling configured for demountably receiving a linear actuator , said hydraulic coupling comprising a piston and cylinder arrangement with said piston operatively actuatable by the linear actuator when received by the hydraulic coupling, the cylinder further defining a first hydraulic port ; and a hydraulic wedge comprising at least two j aws pivotably separatable via hydraulic pressure received via a second hydraulic port defined by said hydraulic wedge ; wherein the first and second hydraulic ports are arrangeable in fluid communication and the piston actuatable via the linear actuator to form a man-portable and operable crowbar assembly .2 . The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the linear actuator comprises a handheld battery-operated electromechanical actuator with a selectively displaceable ram, such as a crimping tool , a cable cutter tool , or the like .3 . The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 2 , wherein the hydraulic coupling comprises a mounting configured to demountably receive said linear actuator in order to arrange the piston in register with the selectively displaceable ram .4 . The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 3 , wherein the mounting comprises a brace configured to fit onto the linear actuator, said brace removably securable onto the linear actuator by means of a suitable detent .5 . The hydraulic crowbar assembly of either of claims 3 or 4 , wherein the pi ston and cylinder arrangement is arranged on the mounting so that the piston is substantially aligned with a direction of travel of the selectively displaceable ram of the linear actuator when the mounting is mounted on the linear actuator .6 . The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 4 , wherein the brace comprises a gland via which the selectively displaceable ram is aligned with the piston and the detent comprises opposing bolts arranged substantially transverse to the ram for engaging the linear actuator .7 . The hydraulic crowbar assembly of any of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the piston and cylinder arrangement is configured via suitable si zing of the piston and cylinder in order to ampli fy a lower pressure from the displaceable ram of the linear actuator into a higher pressure for the hydraulic wedge .8 . The hydraulic crowbar assembly of any of claims 1 to 7 , which comprises an elongate extension rod attaching said hydraulic coupling to the wedge , the extension rod comprising a rigid tubular bar about a hydraulic line arranging the first and second hydraulic ports in fluid communication .9 . The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 8 , wherein the cylinder defines a threaded connector distal from the piston for receiving one end of the hydraulic line .10 . The hydraulic crowbar assembly of either of claims 8 or 9 , wherein the elongate extension rod comprises a predetermined length .

11. The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 10, wherein the predetermined length of the extension rod is in the range of 300mm to 2000mmm.

12. The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 8, wherein a length of the elongate extension rod is adjustable by the extension rod comprising at least two rod portions telescopingly arranged and securable by means of a suitable fastener .

13. The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 12, wherein the hydraulic line is coiled or spiralled within the extension rod to facilitate telescopingly adjusting a length of said extension rod.

14. The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 8, wherein the rigid tubular bar is of robust construction configured to facilitate transferring mechanical force via the extension rod, e.g. as a lever, or the like.

15. The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 14, wherein the rigid tubular bar is securely and rigidly connected at either end to the linear actuator and the wedge to facilitate transferring mechanical force to the wedge, i.e. to pry with the wedge .

16. The hydraulic crowbar assembly of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the hydraulic wedge comprises single-acting springreturn jaws.

17. The hydraulic crowbar assembly of claim 8, wherein the second hydraulic port defines a second threaded connectordistal from the j ws for receiving an end of the hydraulic line .18 . A hydraulic crowbar attachment for a handheld electromechanical actuator with a selectively displaceable ram, said attachment comprising : a hydraulic coupling configured for demountably receiving the linear actuator , said hydraul ic coupling comprising a piston and cylinder arrangement with said piston operatively actuatable by the linear actuator when received by the hydraulic coupling, the cylinder further defining a first hydraulic port ; and a hydraulic wedge comprising at least two aws pivotably separatable via hydraulic pressure received via a second hydraulic port defined by said hydraulic wedge ; wherein the first and second hydraulic ports are arranged in fluid communication and the piston actuatable via the linear actuator to form a man-portable and operable crowbar assembly .19 . A method of prying obj ects apart , said method comprising the steps of : providing a hydraulic crowbar assembly in accordance with any of claims 1 to 17 ; inserting j aws of such crowbar assembly between obj ects ; and activating a linear actuator of the crowbar assembly to extend or retract a displaceable ram of said actuator in order to separate or close , respectively, said j aws to facilitate prying of obj ects .

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