Disconnect tool for a spring-lock(R) connector

摘要

The present invention provides a disconnect tool with a pair of fixtures having a central tool aperture or bore. The fixtures of the tool are placed around a second fitting of a spring-lock(R) type connector of a tubular conduit or pipe to be disconnected along a tubular axis of the conduit. The fixtures also provide a cage aperture to receive a cage portion of a first fitting of the connector. A pair of annular projecting collars extend between the tool aperture and the cage apertures. A pair of handles each have a lever arm and a shaft that is rotationally retained in a cylindrical bore of a respective fixture. The shafts of the handles each have a cutout forming a prying surface exposed to the cage bore within the respective fixture. In a first operating mode the fixtures are displaced along the tubular axis so that the collars inter a chamber of the cage and contact a circular locking spring within the cage. In a second operating mode the lever arms are rotated in one direction so that prying surfaces of the shafts contact one outer side of the cage and the collars are pulled further into the cage and displace the locking spring within the cage. In a third operating mode the handles are forced together to grip the second fitting of the connector, the lever arms are rotated in an opposite direction so that prying surfaces of the shafts contact the other outer side of the cage and move the first and second fittings relative to one another along the tubular axis so the connector can be disconnected.