Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
Apparatus for use in replacing an existing underground pipe, said apparatus comprising a conical or frusto-conical member adapted to engage a pipe which is to be replaced, the smaller end of -said member being arranged to have a smaller diameter than the internal diameter of the pipe and the larger end of said member being arranged to have a diameter at least as great as the external diameter of the pipe, a jacket secured to the larger end of said conical or frusto-conical member, means for driving the said member into the pipe to cause the latter to be forced radially outwards and compressed into ground surrounding the existing pipe by the forward movement of the conical or frusto-conical member and jacket, an impact locking ring adapted to engage the rear end of said driving means and means for securing a section of replacement pipe to the apparatus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
Apparatus for use in replacing an existing underground pipe, said apparatus comprising a conical or frusto-conical member adapted to engage a pipe which is to be replaced, the smaller end of -said member being arranged to have a smaller diameter than the internal diameter of the pipe and the larger end of said member being arranged to have a diameter at least as great as the external diameter of the pipe, a jacket secured to the larger end of said conical or frusto-conical member, means for driving the said member into the pipe to cause the latter to be forced radially outwards and compressed into ground surrounding the existing pipe by the forward movement of the conical or frusto-conical member and jacket, an impact locking ring adapted to engage the rear end of said driving means and means for securing a section of replacement pipe to the apparatus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving means comprises an impact mole having its front end arranged to engage with the inner surface of the conical or frusto-conical member and its rear end arranged to engage with the impact locking ring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inner surfaces of the conical or frusto-conical member and the locking ring are provided with conical surfaces with which the ends of the mole are engageable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the said member is frusto-conical and wherein the driving means is provided with a probe arranged to project through the smaller end of the frusto-conical member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the conical or frusto-conical member is provided with a probe adapted to fit into an existing pipe which is to be replaced for guiding the apparatus, said probe projecting from the conical surface of the member between its larger and smaller ends or from the smaller end when said member is frusto-conical.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for securing a section of replacement pipe to the apparatus comprise a ring secured to the rear face of said conical or frusto-conical member and adapted to be connected to a pipe section, said ring extending between the jacket and the driving means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus according to any preceding claim and including means for applying tension to the impact locking ring, said tensioning means comprising a flexible connection between the locking ring and a rod consisting of a plurality of sections and a ram arranged to act on the rod to apply tension to the locking ring.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the jacket takes the form of a cylinder secured at one end to the conical or frusto-conical member and at the other end to the impact locking ring or to a spacer or. collar which is in turn secured to the impact locking ring, said jacket surrounding the driving means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said means for securing a section of replacement pipe are provided on the impact locking ring.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.