Valve lapping tool

Details Valve lapping tool Valve lapping tool

2000-01-19

2001-06-19

Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)

Abrading

Attachment

Valve or valve seat abrader

C451S388000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06248008

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a valve lapping tool of the type which is used to help seat the valve of an internal combustion engine.
When replacing and/or repairing the valves of an internal combustion automobile engine, typically, each seat of the engine block, upon which the head of a valve will be seated, must be ground in a precision manner so that the underside of the valve head will properly engage the valve seat. That is, a typical internal combustion engine valve includes a head with an axially projecting stem. The head may have a flat or shaped top surface and an outer edge which is ground or shaped to fit tightly against a seat honed in the valve passage or chamber of an engine block. Machine honing of the mating valve head and engine block seating surfaces does not necessarily provide a totally congruent fit of the valve head against the engine block valve seat. Consequently, the practice has been to insert a lapping compound on the engine block valve seat and to subsequently rotate the head of the valve against the valve seat to thereby shape the opposed parts in a manner which will provide an extremely tight seal when the valve is closed on the engine block valve seat.
Tools utilized to effect the movement of the valve against the valve seat include valve lapper tools.
FIGS. 1 and 2
of the application depict versions of valve lapper tools. Typically, as shown in
FIG. 1
, the tool includes a handle with rubber suction cups at the opposite ends of the handle. The handle is made from wood turned on a lathe to an appropriate shape. Alternatively, as depicted in
FIG. 2
, the handle may be made from extruded plastic material and will have a uniform cross-section along its entire length with rubber suction cups affixed to each end of the extruded handle.
In practice, the lapper tool is positioned so that a suction cup will fit over and adhere to the top surface of a valve. The tool handle is then rotated between the hands of the mechanic to thereby rotate the valve about the axis of the valve stem causing the underside of the valve to lap against the valve seat and thereby provide a seal of extremely high quality.
The particular tools described are quite useful. However, wooden handled tools often lack necessary durability. Moreover, the wood turning operation to form the handle may, if not properly performed, cause the development of splinters or fissures in the wood. Finally, a wooden handle is susceptible to damage from certain fluids and moisture.
The extruded plastic handle has the disadvantage a very uncomfortable shape for a manual operation. Because it does not have a variable cross-section along its length, it is not as easily controlled or manipulated as a valve lapping tool using a handle made by a wood turning operation. Thus, there has developed the need for an improved valve lapping tool or valve lapper of the type generally described, but one which provides enhanced durability and utility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention comprises a valve lapper tool including a handle made from a molded plastic and wood fiber composition in combination with suction cups attached to the opposite ends of the handle. The handle, because it is molded, may be molded in a shape very similar to that of the prior art handles made by wooden turning. Additionally, however, the surface of the molded handle may include a an engraved pattern which greatly facilitates the tactile comfort and utility of the tool while also providing an aesthetic appearance. Moreover, the handle materials chosen have a tactile characteristic which facilitates proper usage and are also highly resistant to moisture damage and other types of damage that may result due to the environment in which the tool is used.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved valve lapping tool made from a molded plastic composite or composition in combination with rubber suction cups at the end of the longitudinally shaped handle for the tool.
A further object of the invention is to provide a valve lapper tool which has a comfortable feel or tactile sensation.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved valve lapper tool which is resistant to environmental conditions, such as dampness and degradation by other liquids or materials.
A further object of the invention is to provide a valve lapper tool which is easy to manipulate, rugged and economical.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in a detailed description which follows.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3110137 (1963-11-01), Gross
patent: 5109564 (1992-05-01), Horvath
patent: 6042456 (2000-03-01), Foster

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