Separating jaws for opening accident damaged vehicles - are pointed and toothed to access narrow gaps and are hydraulically operated to force metal apart

摘要

The metal opener is used to separate panels and release persons trapped in collision damaged vehicles. Three toothed jaws (14) are pivoted in the form of a cross, a central jaw (12) being bounded by two outer jaws (11,11a). The jaws are operated by an hydraulic actuator (15). The jaw tips are pointed to penetrate narrow gaps but the strength is assured by the triangular shape of the jaws (14). Saw tooth serrations (16) on the external jaw faces assure a good grip, and the mechanical advantage can be varied by repositioning the pivot pin (13) in alternative holes (20).