Self-Aligning Plug Removal Device And Method Therefor
AssigneeJPP Marine, LLC
InventorDarlene M. Heimmer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A plug removal device for removing a plug from an access port located below a deck includes retracting means and a framework supporting the retracting means at an elevated position with respect to the deck. The framework is rigid and has a central axis. The retracting means produces a retracting force along a retracting axis. In response to the retracting means producing the retracting force, the framework moves along the deck to align the retracting axis with the central axis.
Claims20
A plug removal device for removing a plug from a port located below a deck, the plug removal device comprising:
- retracting means;
- a framework supporting the retracting means at an elevated position with respect to the deck, the framework having a central axis;
- the retracting means produces a retracting force along a retracting axis;
- and
- in response to the retracting means producing the retracting force, the framework moves along the deck to align the retracting axis with the central axis.
A plug removal device comprising:
- a base having a contact face continuously encircling an opening, and a central axis extending through the base through the central opening;
- the contact face of the base is smooth and defines a low-friction surface for juxtaposition with a flat surface;
- retracting means supported at an elevated position above the base;
- the retracting means moves along a retracting axis from an extended position to a retracted position;
- and
- in response to the retracting means moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the base moves to align the central axis with the retracting axis.
A plug removal device for removing a plug from a port located below a deck, the plug removal device comprising:
- retracting means for producing a retracting force along a retracting axis;
- a framework supporting the retracting means at an elevated position with respect to the deck, the framework including a base, a central axis extending through the base, and a pair of flat edges transverse to the central axis;
- the retracting means produces the retracting force along the retracting axis;
- and
- in response to the retracting means producing the retracting force, the base of the framework moves laterally in sliding, continuous contact along the deck to align the retracting axis with the central axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.