FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to tools and in particular to bevelling tools.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily as a hand-operated tool for bevelling pipe-ends and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Any discussion of prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0004] Pipes made from plastics such as PVC or from metal are commonly used in domestic and industrial plumbing to carry fluids such as water or sewage from one location to another. Pipes can be connected together to form longer pipes. Pipes can come with a socket end that has a rubber seal into which another pipe can be plugged to form a longer pipe. Various types of pipe joiners can be used to connect pipes together, to create a bend in between two pipes, to connect more than two intersecting pipes, or to terminate a pipe. Using a pipe joiner requires plugging a pipe end into the pipe joiner or vice versa.

[0005] Connecting pipe segments is made easier by bevelling the pipe end intended for insertion into a target opening such as a pipe end, pipe socket, pipe joiner, or other pipe connector. A bevelled pipe end has frustoconical shape with a narrower entry that can more easily engage an opening.

[0006] A known tool for bevelling pipe-ends is an angle grinder power tool. A grinder disk is first used to create a rough bevelled shape on the pipe end. A flapper disk is then used to smooth out the roughly ground surface. Bevelling pipe ends with an angle grinder or similar power tool can be dangerous because the operator is necessarily required to put their body into awkward positions to fully access the circumference of the pipe end. Alternatively, the operator can waste time by having to switch the angle grinder off and then rotate the pipe into the desired position. Rotating a pipe in this way may not be possible if the pipe is long or heavy.

[0007] A bevel with an inferior or coarse finish makes it difficult to push it into a pipe end, the rubber seal of a socket end of a pipe, pipe joiner, or other pipe connector or fitting such as a ductile iron fitting. Bevelling a pipe end is also often time consuming.

AN OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0009] It is an object of the invention in its preferred form to provide a bevelling tool which is safer, faster and easier to operate, and consistently creates well-finished bevels on pipe ends.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bevelling tool comprising: an arm having a distal and a proximal end, the distal end having a connector for a routing tool, a pair of parallel axles extending perpendicularly from one side of the arm, the first axle extending from the arm at a location in between the connector and the second axle; and each axle having a roller.

[0011] Preferably, at least one axle is fixedly positionable along the arm.

[0012] Preferably, there is a slot extending along the arm, at least one axle being in sliding engagement with the slot.

[0013] Preferably, the second axle further includes a handle extending from the axle end other than the free axle end.

[0014] Preferably, the roller is a wheel. [0015] Preferably, each axle includes at least two wheels at staggered locations along each axle.

[0016] Preferably, each wheel includes a bearing.

[0017] Preferably, the connector includes an array of openings.

[0018] Preferably, the array includes a central opening for receiving a routing bit extending from a power tool fixedly connectable to the connector.

[0019] Preferably, the array includes four fastener openings surrounding the central opening.

[0020] Preferably, there is included a shield partly surrounding the connector.

[0021] Preferably, there is further included a bolt and bolthole arrangement, each axle being fixedly positionable along the arm by means of a respective bolt and bolthole arrangement.

[0022] Preferably, the slot is a keyway, each axle further including a key in sliding engagement with the key way.

[0023] Preferably, each bolt and bolthole arrangement include a collar, each key extending axially from a side a respective collar and coextending with the bolthole of each respective collar.

[0024] Preferably, the first axle may be fixedly positionable on the arm by means of a bolt passable through the key way and into locking engagement with the bolthole of the first collar.

[0025] Preferably, the second axle may be fixedly positionable on the arm by means of a bolt extending from the handle, the bolt being passable through the key way and into locking engagement with the bolthole of the second collar.

[0026] Preferably, the bolthole of the first collar may be offset to one side of the collar. [0027] Preferably, there may be included a recess extending across the first collar, the recess extending across the key and adjacent to one side of the bolthole.

[0001] In the context of the present invention, the words “comprise”, “comprising” and the like are to be construed in their inclusive, as opposed to their exclusive, sense, that is in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0002] The invention is to be interpreted with reference to at least one of the technical problems described or affiliated with the background art. The present invention aims to solve or ameliorate at least one of the technical problems and this may result in one or more advantageous effects as defined by this specification and described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a plan view of a bevelling tool according to the invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is an elevation view of the bevelling tool shown with a power tool positioned proximally to the bevelling tool.

[0031] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the bevelling tool shown with a pipe end in position for bevelling.

[0032] Figure 4 is an elevation view of the bevelling tool shown with a power tool connected to the bevelling tool and engaged with a pipe cross-section.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and non-limiting examples.

[0034] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the invention described herein.

[0035] Referring to the drawings and a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bevelling tool 1 has an arm 2 with a proximal end 4 and an opposing distal end 6, as per Figure 1. Referring to Figure 2, the distal end 6 of the arm 2 further has a connector adapted for securing a routing tool 14 in the form of an array of openings including a central opening 10 for receiving a routing bit 12 extending from a power tool 14, and four fastener openings 16 surrounding the central opening 10. A shield 18 partly surrounds one side of the array of openings 10 and 16.

[0036] A pair of parallel axles 20 and 22 extend perpendicularly from the arm 2, the first axle 20 extending from the arm 2 at a location in between the second axle 22 and the array of openings 10 and 16. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that two or more axles may be used to achieve similar results. Each axle 20 and 22 has a roller in the form of two wheels 24A and 24B with bearings (not shown). The wheels 24A and 24B or race bearings are staggered at locations along the axles 20 and 22. A collar (not shown) can be used to separate the wheels 24A and 24B of each respective axle 20 and 22 to position them into the staggered locations.

[0037] A slot in the form of a keyway 30 extends along the length of the arm 2. The axles 20 and 22 are fixedly positionable along the arm 2 by means of a bolt and bolthole arrangement including at least one stud bolt 26 and nut 28. According to the bolt and bolthole arrangement, each axle 20 and 22 has a respective collar 32 and 34 with a respective key 36 and 38 extending from one side of each collar 32 and 34. The keys 36 and 38 are in sliding engagement with the keyway 30. Each key 36 and 38 coextends with the respective bolthole 40 and 42 of each collar 32 and 34. The bolthole 40 of the first axle’s collar 32 is offset (not shown) to one side of the collar 32. The first axle’s collar 32 also has a recess 44 extending across the key 30 and adjacent to the bolthole 40.

[0038] Further in reference to Figure 2, the first axle 20 may be fixedly positionable or secured on the arm 2 by means of a bolt 46 passable through the keyway 30 and into locking engagement with the collar bolthole 40 of the first axle’s collar 32 to fix the first axle 20 into a target location along the arm 2. The second axle 22 has a handle 48 extending from the end other than the free end 50 of the axle 22. The handle 48 is connected to the second axle 22 by means of a bolt 52 extending from the handle 48. The bolt 52 is passable through the key way 30 and into locking engagement with the bolthole 42 of the second axle’s collar 34 to fix the second axle 22 into a target location along the arm 2.

[0039] To bevel a pipe 54 with the bevelling tool 1, the routing bit 12 of the power tool 14 is firstly received by the opening 10, as best shown in Figure 4. Fasteners in the form of bolts 56 are passed through the four corresponding fastener openings 16 into locking engagement with corresponding boltholes (not shown) in the body of the power tool 14 to securely connect the power tool 14 to the bevelling tool 1.

[0040] Next, the bolt 46 of the first axle 20 is loosened to allow the key 36 of the first axle’s collar 32 to slide along the key way 30. The bolt 52 of the handle 48 is also loosened to allow the key 38 of the second axle’s collar 34 to slide along the key way 30. The axles 20 and 22 are positioned into the target pipe opening 58 and the arm 2 is positioned into contact with the pipe end 60. The routing bit 12 is positioned against the outer side 62 of the pipe end 60. The wheels 24A of the first axle 20 are positioned into contact against the inside 64 of the pipe 54 by means of the key 36 of the first axle’s collar 32 sliding along the key way 30. The bolt 46 for the first axle’s 20 collar 32 is rotated into locking engagement with the bolthole 40 of the first axle’s 20 collar 32 to fix the first axle 20 into position along the arm 2. Then, the second axle’s 22 wheels 24B are positioned into contact against the inside 64 of the pipe by means of the key 38 of the second axle’s 22 collar 34 sliding along the keyway 30. The handle 48 is turned to rotate the bolt 42 into locking engagement with bolthole 42 of the second axle’s 22 collar 34 to fix the second axle 22 to into position along the arm 2.

[0041] When in use, the power tool 14 is then switched on to cause the routing bit 12 to spin/rotate and remove/cut target material (not shown) from the outer side 62 of pipe end 60. Preferably the routing bit or router bit includes at least one cutting blade adapted to engage the cutting surface of the target material. The bevelling tool 1 is rotated in respect to the pipe 54, the wheels 24A and 24B rolling along the inside 64 of the pipe 54 until the routing bit 12 travels the whole circumference 68 of the pipe end 60 and produces a bevel (not shown) along the outer side 62 of the pipe proximal to the pipe end 60.

[0042] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanical objective of axles 20 and 22 and respective bolt and bolthole arrangements can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example (not shown), each collar 32 and 34 can be integrated into a respective axle 20 and 22. In another example (not shown), each collar 32 and 34 can be made in the form of a boss (not shown) having boltholes extending axially into each side of a collar. In yet another example (not shown), the nuts 28A and 28B could be integrated in the form of flanges into the respective axles 20 and 22.

[0043] It will be appreciated that the illustrated bevelling tool is safe to operate, fast and easy to use, and consistently creates an effective bevel on pipe ends.

[0044] In a second preferred embodiment, the disclosure provides a bevelling tool 1 having an elongate body 2. A top end 6 of the elongate body 2 includes a connector opening configured to receive a cutting element 12 of a power tool 14, when in use. It is to be appreciated that the connector opening may be referred to as an aperture. An opening 60 of a pipe 54 abuts or contacts a bottom side of the elongate body 2 at a position intermediate the connector opening at the top end 6 of the elongate body 2 and a bottom end 4 of the elongate body 2, when in use. The elongate body 2 may be configured by way of shape and size in a variety of suitable ways. Preferably, the elongate body 2 is configured such that the bottom side of the elongate body 2 provides a guide for the power tool 14 for bevelling the pipe end, when in use. In one embodiment, the elongate body 2 has a substantially planar configuration. The elongate body 2 may be configured to be any suitable length for bevelling the pipe. The pipe may have any predetermined length. Preferably, the pipe may have a length no more than 6 metres. In one embodiment, the pipe can be bevelled without rotating the pipe. In another embodiment, the pipe can be bevelled by rotating the pipe. The elongate body 2 may have a length of between about 250mm to about 800mm, between about 300mm to about 750mm, between about 350mm to about 700mm, between about 400mm to about 650mm, between about 450mm to about 600mm, between about 500mm to about 550mm. It is to be appreciated that the bevelling tool may be configured to be any suitable size and that the examples shown and described herein are by way of non-limiting only.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 1., the connector opening 10 is configured to receive a cutting element 12 of the power tool 14, when in use. The connector opening 10 extends from the top side of the elongate body 2 through to the bottom side of the elongate body 2 so as to provide an opening through the top end 6 of the elongate body 2. Preferably, the connector opening 10 is substantially centrally positioned with respect to the top end 6 of the elongate body 2. Alternately, the connector opening 10 may be positioned adjacent the centre position depending on the requirements of the individual pipe. The connector opening 10 may be shaped and sized to substantially complement the shape and size of the cutting element 12 of the power tool 14. The connector opening 10 may be substantially circular, rectangular, or triangular in shape. It is to be appreciated that the connector opening 10 can be configured and adapted in a variety of suitable ways (such as by way of shape, size, and position) so as to receive the cutting element 12 of the power tool 14, when in use, and that the embodiments shown and described herein are by way of non-limiting example only.

[0046] In one embodiment, the top end of the elongate body may further include a plurality of attachment openings 16 configured to receive a plurality of complementary attachment means 56 of the power tool 14 thereof, when in use. The plurality of attachment openings 16 may extend from the top side of the elongate body 2 through to the bottom side of the elongate body 2 so as to form a plurality of attachment openings through the top end 6 of the elongate body 2. Alternately, the plurality of attachment openings may partially extend from the top side of the elongate body 2 through the top end 6 of the elongate body 2 so as to provide a plurality of partial attachment openings that partially extend through the top end 6 of the elongate body 2. The plurality of attachment openings 16 may be positioned intermediate the connector opening 10 and an outer edge at the top end 6 of the elongate body 2. Preferably, the plurality of attachment openings 16 are positioned intermediate the connector opening 10 and the outer edge at the top end 6 of the elongate body 2. Preferably, the plurality of attachment openings 16, together, surround the connector opening 10 at the top end 6 of the elongate body 2. More preferably, the plurality of attachment openings 16 may, together, surround the connector opening 10 and may be approximately evenly spaced apart. The plurality of attachment openings 16 at the top end of the elongate body are configured to receive a plurality of complementary attachment means 56 of the power tool 14 so as to securely attach or connect the bevelling tool 1 to the power tool 14, when in use. It is to be appreciated that the plurality of attachment openings 16 may be positioned at the top end 6 of the elongate body 2 in a variety of suitable ways so as to secure attachment of the power tool 14 to the bevelling tool 1, and that the embodiments shown and described herein are by way of non-limiting example only.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 3, the bevelling tool 1 may further include a guard 18 that substantially or partially encloses the connector opening 10 at the bottom side of the elongate body 2. The guard 18 is advantageous because it may protect a user from the cutting element 12 of the power tool 14, when in use. The guard 18 may be mounted or coupled to the bottom side of the top end 6 of the elongate body 2 of the bevelling tool 1. Alternately, the guard 18 may be integrated to the bottom side of top end 6 of the elongate body 2 of the bevelling tool 1.

[0048] In an alternate embodiment, the guard 18 may be mounted or coupled to the outer edge of the top end 6 of the elongate body 2 such that the guard 18 substantially or partially encloses the top end 6 of the elongate body 2. Alternately, the guard 18 may be integrated to the outer edge of the top end 6 of the elongate body 2 such that the guard 18 substantially or partially encloses the top end 6 of the elongate body 2.

[0049] The guard 18 may be configured in a variety of suitable ways (such as by way of shape, size, and position) so as to substantially or partially enclose the connector opening 10 at the bottom side of the elongate body 2. In one embodiment, the guard 18 has a disc or partial-disc shape. Preferably, the guard 18 has a partial-disc shape that substantially complements the shape of the pipe to be bevelled. Alternately, the guard 18 may have an angular shape. It is to be appreciated that the guard 18 may be configured in a variety of suitable ways so as to prevent the user from injury in a situation whereby the power tool 14 is incidentally activated. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art should readily understand that references herein to the guard 18 substantially or partially enclosing the connector opening 10 at the bottom side of the elongate body 2 should be understood to mean that the guard 18 sufficiently restricts or limits the user’s exposure or access to the connector opening 10 at the bottom side of the elongate body 2 and therefore the cutting element 12 of the power tool 14, when the bevelling tool 1 is in use. [0050] Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, the elongate body 2 of the bevelling tool 1 includes a slot 30 that extends longitudinally along the axis of the elongate body 2. The slot 30 extends from the top side of the elongate body 2 through to the bottom side of the elongate body 2 so as to provide an opening through the elongate body 2 that extends longitudinally along the axis of the elongate body 2. The slot 30 may extend substantially the length of the elongate body 2. Alternately, the slot 30 may extend partially the length of the elongate body 2. In one embodiment, the slot has a width of between about 2mm to about 15mm, between about 4mm to about 12mm, between about 5mm to about 10mm, between about 7mm to about 10mm, between about 8mm to about 9mm, or about 8.5mm. It is to be appreciated that the slot can be configured to have a variety of suitable widths and that the embodiments shown and described herein are by way of non-limiting example only.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 2, the bevelling tool 1 includes a first extended member 20 and a second extended member 22. Each respective extended member 20, 22 extends substantially perpendicularly from the bottom side of the elongate body 2. The first extended member 20 extends from the bottom side of the elongate body 2 at a position intermediate the second extended member 22 and the connector opening of the elongate body 2. A first end of each respective extended member 20, 22 is slidably engageable with the slot 30 such that, in use, each respective extended member 20, 22 is slidable along the length of the slot 30. The sliding engagement of each respective extended member 20, 22 with the slot 30 is advantageous because it allows the position of each respective extended member 20, 22 along the length of the slot 30 to be adjusted and selected as desired, to suit a variety of different sized pipes to be bevelled.

[0052] A top end of the first extended member 20 includes a first threaded hole 40 , and a top end of the second extended member 22 includes a second threaded hole 42. Each respective threaded hole extends or partially extends longitudinally down the axis of each respective extended member 20, 22. At the top side of the elongate body 2, a first threaded male fastener 46 passes through the slot 30 and inserts into the respective first threaded hole 40 of the first extended member 20. At the top side of the elongate body 2, a second threaded male fastener 52 passes through the slot 30 and inserts into the respective second threaded hole 42 of the second extended member 22. [0053] Each respective first and second threaded hole may be shaped and sized in a variety of suitable ways so as to receive each respective first and second threaded male fastener.

Preferably, each respective threaded hole is configured in shape and size to substantially complement the shape and size of each respective threaded male fastener. In one embodiment, each respective threaded hole may be substantially circular. In an alternate embodiment, each respective threaded hole may be substantially rectangular. The top end of each respective threaded male fastener is configured by way of shape and size so as to prevent each respective threaded male fastener from slipping through the slot 30, when in use. Each respective threaded male fastener may be any suitable fastener. Non-limiting examples of suitable fasteners may include screws, nails, bolts, anchors or rivets.

[0054] A top end of each respective threaded male fastener is rotatable clockwise such that each respective threaded male fastener can be fastened or tightened into each respective threaded hole of each respective extended member 20, 22. In use, tightening of each respective threaded male fastener into each respective threaded hole locks or secures each respective extended member 20, 22 at a fixed position along the longitudinal axis of the slot 30.

[0055] The top end of each respective threaded male fastener is rotatable anticlockwise so as to loosen engagement of each respective threaded male fastener with each respective threaded hole of each respective extended member 20, 22. Loosening of each respective threaded male fastener causes each respective threaded male fastener to disengage or partially disengage with each respective threaded hole which, in use, enables each respective extended member 20, 22 to slide along the longitudinal axis of the slot 30.

[0056] It is to be appreciated that the bevelling tool 1 can be configured and adapted in a variety of suitable ways to facilitate sliding engagement of each extended member 20, 22 with the slot 30, when in use, and that the embodiments shown and described herein are by way of non-limiting example only.

[0057] Each extended member 20, 22 further includes a first roller mounted thereon. Each respective first roller is mounted to each respective extended member 20, 22 at a position intermediate the bottom side of the elongate body 2 and a second end of each respective extended member 20, 22. Preferably, each extended member 20, 22 further includes a second roller mounted thereon. Each respective second roller is mounted to each respective extended member 20, 22 at a position intermediate each respective first roller and the second end of each respective extended member 20, 22. It is to be appreciated that each extended member 20, 22 may include any suitable number of rollers mounted thereon, such as and without limitation, three or more, four or more, or five or more rollers. Preferably, each roller includes a bearing that, in use, facilitates rotation of each roller about the axis of each respective extended member 20, 22. Preferably, each roller is a wheel. It is to be appreciated that each roller may be constructed of any suitable material. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials may include:

[0058] Steel: steel is an alloy of iron and carbon known for its strength and durability. Steel can handle heavy loads and thus make it a suitable material for various applications, including for providing rollers as described in the present disclosure.

[0059] Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a variant of steel that contains chromium, thereby providing excellent corrosion resistance.

[0060] Aluminium: Aluminium rollers are sufficiently lightweight, which may be advantageous in applications wherein minimising the overall weight of the bevelling tool of the present disclosure is desirable.

[0061] Rubber: Rubber rollers are known for their excellent friction properties.

[0062] Polyurethane: Polyurethane rollers may be desirable because such rollers offer good wear resistance, flexibility and chemical resistance.

[0063] Nylon: Nylon rollers are lightweight, have low friction characteristics, and offer good resistance to wear and abrasion.

[0064] Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) Polyethylene: UHMW polyethylene rollers are known for their high impact strength, low friction, and excellent resistance to wear.

[0065] Ceramic: Ceramic rollers offer high-temperature resistance and excellent chemical inertness. [0066] Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber rollers are lightweight and have high strength-to-weight ratios.

[0067] Composites: Rollers of the present disclosure may be made from composite materials, which combine any two or more suitable materials so as to achieve specific properties.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, a first collar 32 surrounds or encompasses the first extended member 20 at a position above the respective first roller such that the first collar 32 contacts or abuts the bottom side of the elongate body 2. Preferably, a second collar 34 surrounds or encompasses the second extended member 22 at a position above the respective first roller such that the second collar 34 contacts the bottom side of the elongate body 2. Each respective collar may be mounted or coupled to each respective extended member 20, 22. Alternately, each collar may be integrated to each respective extended member 20, 22.

[0069] Each collar may provide support and alignment to the elongate body. Each collar may act as a support structure for the elongate body by surrounding or encompassing each respective extended member (20 and 22). By contacting or abutting the bottom side of the elongate body, each collar helps to distribute the load and stabilise the elongate body, preventing excessive wobbling, titling, or deformation during operation.

[0070] Secondly, each collar may serve as an alignment mechanism. Each collar may be positioned above each respective roller, ensuring that the elongate body remains properly aligned along its intended path. Each collar, along with each respective extended member, acts as a guide, maintaining the desired position and trajectory of the elongate body.

[0071] Each collar may be mounted or coupled to each respective extended member, or alternatively, integrated into each respective extended member. Such integration may enhance the structural integrity and ensures a more efficient transfer of forces between each respective collar, each respective extended member, and the elongate body.

[0072] The top end of the second extended member 22 may include a handle 48, the handle 48 protruding from the top side of the elongate body 2. The handle 48 may be configured in a variety of suitable ways so as to provide the user means for manipulating the bevelling tool 1 around the circumference of the pipe 54 to be bevelled, when in use. Preferably, the handle 48 is connected to second threaded male fastener 52 at the top end of the second extended member 22. In use, the handle 48 can be rotated clockwise to fasten or tighten the respective second threaded male fastener 52 into the respective second threaded hole 42 of the second extended member 22. Additionally, the handle 48 can be rotated anticlockwise to loosen engagement of the second threaded male fastener 52 with the respective second threaded hole 42 of the second threaded hole 42 which, in use, enables the second extended member 22 to slide along the length of the slot 30.

[0073] The handle 48 may have a substantially planar configuration such that the handle 48 forms a substantially vertical extension from the top end of the second extended member 22. The handle 48 may be constructed of a variety of different suitable materials, such as and without limitation, metals (including metal alloys), plastics, polymers, and composites. More specific examples of suitable materials may include rubber, plastics, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polypropylene, stainless steel, and titanium (titanium alloys). The handle 48 may include multiple different materials connected to or formed over different portions of the handle 48. The handle 48 may include a ring portion so as to provide a grip for a user, when in use. The ring portion of the handle 48 may form a substantially cylindrical shape. Alternately, the ring portion of the handle 48 may form a substantially square, rectangular or triangular shape. It is to be appreciated that the handle 48 may be configured and adapted in a variety of suitable ways (such as by way of shape and size), and may be constructed of a variety of different suitable materials, and that the embodiments shown and described herein are by way of non-limiting example only.

[0074] The bevelling tool 1, or any part of the bevelling tool 1 thereof, may be made of plastic, reinforced plastic, metal inserts (reinforced) plastic, carbon fibre or reinforced nylon. It may be advantageous to make the bevelling tool 1 from a material such as carbon steel, mild steel, or tool steel which is heat treatable and can go through the hardening process. This may be advantageous in providing a bevelling tool 1 which is durable and fit for use in a work environment where tools such as the bevelling tool 1 are used extensively and may not be stored or handled with delicacy or care.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 2., the power tool 14 includes a drive shaft extending perpendicularly from the bottom side of the power tool. The drive shaft has a cutting element 12 mounted at its distal end. The drive shaft is rotatable about its axis. In use, rotation of the drive shaft causes the cutting element to rotate in a similar manner about the axis of the driving shaft. Rotation of the drive shaft may be electronically controlled. Alternately, rotation of the drive shaft may be manually controlled. The cutting element 12 may be configured in a variety of suitable ways for bevelling or cutting the pipe end. The cutting element may be configured and adapted in a variety of suitable ways (such as by way of shape and size). For example, and without limitation, the cutting element may have a length of between about 10mm to about 50mm, between about 15mm to about 45mm, between about 20mm to about 40mm, between about 25mm to about 40mm, between about 30mm to about 40mm, or about 35mm. The cutting element 12 may include one or more cutting blades. Preferably, the cutting element 12 includes a plurality of cutting blades. Each cutting blade may be configured and adapted in a variety of suitable ways (such as by way of shape and size). For example, and without limitation, each cutting blade may have a length of between about 5mm to about 45mm, between about 10mm to about 40mm, between about 15mm to about 35mm, between about 20mm to about 30mm, or about 25mm. The one or more cutting blades may each be substantially straight or may each have a propellor angle. The one or more cutting blades may each have a cutting angle of between about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees, between about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees, between about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, between about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees, between about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees, or about 15 degrees. The cutting angle can be understood in the sense of a bevel angle. The cutting element 12 may be constructed of any suitable material that is sufficiently stronger than the pipe end to be bevelled. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials for the cutting element may include:

[0076] High-Speed Steel (HSS): HSS is a type of tool steel known for its excellent heat resistance and hardness. It is commonly used for cutting tools due to its ability to maintain sharpness and withstand high temperatures.

[0077] Carbide: Carbide cutting elements are often made from tungsten carbide or a combination of tungsten carbide and cobalt. Carbide is known for its exceptional hardness and wear resistance, making it suitable for cutting hard materials such as metals, alloys, and composites. [0078] Diamond: Diamond is one of the hardest materials known and offers exceptional cutting performance. Diamond cutting elements are typically used for applications involving extremely hard or abrasive materials like ceramics, glass, or certain composites.

[0079] Ceramic: Ceramic cutting elements are made from advanced ceramic materials such as alumina or zirconia. Ceramics offer high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and can be effective for cutting abrasive materials.

[0080] Stainless Steel: For certain applications where the cutting requirements are less demanding, stainless steel cutting elements can be used. Stainless steel offers good durability and corrosion resistance.

[0081] The power tool 14 may further include a plurality of complementary attachment means configured and positioned to attach to a plurality of attachment openings 16 at the top end of the bevelling tool 1.

[0082] To bevel the pipe 54 with the bevelling tool 1, the connector opening 10 at the top end 6 of the elongate body 2 first receives the cutting element 12 of the power tool 14. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of attachment openings 16 at the top end 6 of the elongate body 2, together, receive the plurality of complementary attachment means of the power tool 14 such that the power tool 14 is securely connected to the bevelling tool 1.

[0083] To facilitate sliding engagement of the first extended member 20 along the slot 30, the first threaded male fastener 46 is rotated anticlockwise to loosen the engagement of the first threaded male fastener 46 with the respective first threaded hole 40 of the first extended member 20. Anticlockwise rotation of the first threaded male fastener 46 causes the first threaded male fastener 46 to disengage or partially disengage with the respective first threaded hole 40 of the first extended member 20 so as to enable the first extended member 20 to slide along the length of the slot 30.

[0084] To facilitate sliding engagement of the second extended member 22 along the slot 30, the second threaded male fastener 52 is rotated anticlockwise to loosen the engagement of the second threaded male fastener 52 with the respective second threaded hole 42 of the second extended member 22. Anticlockwise rotation of the second threaded male fastener 52 causes the second male fastener to disengage or partially disengage with the respective second threaded hole 42 of the second extended member 22 so as to enable the second extended member 22 to slide along the length of the slot 30.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the second extended member 22 includes a handle 48, wherein the handle 48 is affixed to the second threaded male fastener 52 at the top end of the second extended member 22. In this embodiment, the handle 48 is rotated anticlockwise to loosen the engagement of the second threaded male fastener 52 with the respective second threaded hole 42 of the second extended member 22. Anticlockwise rotation of the handle 48 causes the second threaded male fastener 52 to disengage or partially disengage with the respective second threaded hole 42 of the second extended member 22 so as to enable the second extended member 22 to slide along the length of the slot 30.

[0086] By way of sliding engagement, each extended member 20, 22 is positioned along the slot 30 such that the position of each respective extended member 20, 22 aligns with the inside of the pipe 54 to be bevelled. The bevelling tool 1 is positioned such that the bottom side of the elongate body 2 contacts or abuts the pipe end 60, and each extended member 20, 22 is positioned on the inside of the pipe 54.

[0087] The bevelling tool 1 is positioned with respect to the pipe 54 such that the bottom side of the elongate body 2 contacts or abuts the pipe end 60 and each extended member 20, 22 is positioned on the inside of the pipe 54. The pipe 54 is positioned along the elongate body 2 of the bevelling tool 1 such that the cutting element 12 of the power tool 14 is positioned adjacent the outer circumferential side surface of the pipe 54 to be bevelled.

[0088] The first extended member 20 of the bevelling tool 1 is then positioned along the slot 30 by way of sliding engagement such that each face of each respective roller on the first extended member 20 is in surface contact with the adjacent inner face of the pipe 54. The top end of the first threaded male fastener 46 is then rotated clockwise to fasten or tighten the first threaded male fastener 46 into the respective first threaded hole 40 of the first extended member 20. The tightening or fastening of the first threaded male fastener 46 to the first threaded hole 40 locks or secures the first extended member 20 at the selected fixed position along the length of the slot 30. [0089] The second extended member 22 of the bevelling tool 1 is then positioned along the slot 30 by way of sliding engagement such that each face of each respective roller on the second extended member 22 is in surface contact with the adjacent inner face of the pipe 54. The top of the second threaded male fastener 52 is then rotated clockwise to fasten or tighten the second threaded male fastener 52 into the respective second threaded hole 42 of the second extended member 22. The tightening or fastening of the second threaded male fastener 52 to the second threaded hole 42 locks or secures the second extended member 22 at the selected fixed position along the length of the slot 30.

[0090] When each extended member 20, 22 is secured at a fixed position along the slot 30, each roller on each respective extended member 20, 22 contacts the inner face of the pipe 54 which, in use, facilitates rotation of the bevelling tool 1 around the circumferential edge of the pipe 54. Thus, when the power tool 14 is turned on the cause rotation of the drive shaft, the user can manipulate the bevelling tool 1 such that the cutting element 12 moves around the circumferential edge of the pipe 54 end to cut the bevelled surface.

[0091] In use, the bevelling tool of the present invention can rotate around the entire circumferential edge of the pipe in approximately 45 seconds. The bevelling tool of the present invention is thus advantageous because it provides users with an efficient tool for bevelling pipe ends. Further, the bevelling tool of the present invention preferably includes minimal moving parts which thereby provides the user with a safe and easy-to-use alternate tool for bevelling pipe ends.