Shock absorbing tool connection

A radial shock absorber for use in a tool connection, the radial shock absorber having at least one shock absorbing assembly radially distributed between two inelastic layers, the shock absorbing assembly including:

• at least two elastic layers;
• at least one inelastic layer interleaved between said elastic layers,
• wherein the layers of the shock absorbing assembly are radially distributed with respect to a connection axis passing through the tool connection, the shock absorbing assembly elastic layers including an inner elastic layer and an outer elastic layer radially proximal and distal respectively to the connection axis;
• wherein the inelastic and elastic layers are un-bonded, permitting relative movement therebetween.

An impact hammer including:

• a movable mass capable of linear reciprocating movement for impact along an impact axis,
• an elongated striker pin received within the hammer having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel or coaxial with said impact axis, said striker pin having two opposed ends with one end projecting from the hammer to form an operative tool head;
• a tool connection, hereinafter “primary tool connection” adapted for attaching the hammer to a distal end of an operating arm attached to the carrier;
• wherein the impact hammer includes at least one shock absorber at the primary tool connection, for at least partially absorbing shock imparted by the hammer via the tool connection, the radial shock absorber having at least one shock absorbing assembly including:
• at least two elastic layers;
• at least one inelastic layer interleaved between said elastic layers,
• wherein the layers of the shock absorbing assembly are radially distributed with respect to a connection axis passing through the tool connection, the shock absorbing assembly elastic layers including an inner elastic layer and an outer elastic layer radially proximal and distal respectively to the connection axis.