Field of the invention

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a tool for use in assembling and

disassembling of pipe segments. In a second aspect the present invention relates to a system comprising a tool according to the first aspect in combination with a pipe holder. In a third aspect the present invention relates to a pipe holder as defined in respect of the second aspect of the invention. In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to the use of tool according to the first aspect of the invention, or of a system according to the second aspect of the invention, or of a pipe holder according to the third aspect of the invention in the operation of assembling and disassembling of pipes or pipe segments.

Background of the invention

In most civilized parts of the world in areas where a relative high population is present municipal authorities have for around a century provided for sewage systems allowing disposing any sewage from households and industry from the premises thereof into a pipeline system so that the sewage is carried away from its origin, preferably to a sewage cleaning facility. In a sewage cleaning facility, the sewage is subjected to various mechanical, biological and/or chemical treatments. Hereby organic matter in the sewage will be digested by bacteria and furthermore, the treatments provide for removal of sediments so that a relatively clean and non-hazardous effluent can be disposed off, by leading it into lakes, rivers, streams or into the sea.

The sewage system comprises an array of pipelines. Following the direction of flow of sewage, the pipeline starts at a household or an industry at the premises thereof. The pipeline is typically dug into the ground at a depth of up to 6 meters, typically at a depth of approximately 1 - 2 meters. From the premises the pipeline extends to an area outside the premise where it is connected to a major pipeline leading to the sewage cleaning facility. The major pipeline is also dug into the ground, typically along the direction of streets, roads or pavements,

As many households are being connected to the major pipeline along the extension thereof, obviously the major pipeline must be able to cope with a considerably larger flow capacity of sewage, compared to the pipes connecting individual households or industries to that major pipeline.

Accordingly, whereas under the construction of sewage systems, the major pipelines are handled using machinery, such as tractors, trenchers and the like, the pipelines originating from individual households and small industries, and leading to the major pipeline, are typically handled manually by workers in the operation of the assembling and disassembling thereof. Such pipelines being handled manually typically have an outer diameter of 0: 110 or above, such as 0: 110 - 160 mm.

These smaller pipelines are usually assembled by bringing together separate pipe segments, where each segment comprises a first cylindrical end and a second, opposite end comprising a collar or a sleeve having, in a radial direction, a larger diameter, compared to the diameter of the first end of the pipe segment so that the inner diameter of the collar or sleeve corresponds to the outer diameter of first end of the pipe. In this way a number of pipe segments can be assembled by joining together a first end (having a cylindric end) of a first pipe segment with the second end (comprising a collar or sleeve) of another pipe segment.

As already mentioned, the pipelines are typically being dug into the ground. Therefore, before any sewage pipeline can be established, a trench must be dug on the premises, along the trajectory of the intended pipeline.

Traditionally, workers are constructing pipelines by manually assembling the above- mentioned pipe segments using manual labor, such as by pressing and hammering the pipes together in order to secure that no leaks or at least a minimum of leaks in the joints will result.

Moreover, in the operation of disassembling such pipe segments, for example for the purpose of renovating an existing sewage system the workers often encounter problems in disassembly the individual segments due to seizure after many years of presence in the soil.

Accordingly, the labor involved in assembling and disassembling pipe segments for use in sewage systems is highly physical demanding, ergonomically unhealthy and therefor poses problems.

FR 2 168 734 discloses a tool for aiding in assembly of the pipe segments disclosed above. The tool comprises a ladder structure having an upper end acting as a handle and a lower end to be inserted into the soil, the ladder structure comprises two vertical bars which are to be placed on either side of a first pipe segment. Between the two vertical bars is arranged a protrusion to which a rope can be fastened. In the other end of the rope is formed a loop. The loop is arranged around a second pipe segment. When the rope has been tightened by arranging the loop at a proper distance to the ladder structure, the second pipe segment can be pulled towards the first pipe segment by levering the ladder structure in a direction away from the second pipe segment. The tool disclosed in FR 2 168 734 also provides for adjustment of the mutual distance between the two vertical bars, thereby allowing adaptation of the tool to different diameters of pipe segments.

Although the tool disclosed in FR 2 168 734 provides some advantages in the handling of pipe segments, the tool nevertheless presents some disadvantages. These disadvantages relate to the fact that with the tool disclosed in FR 2 168 734 it is only possible to move the pipe segment being surrounded by the loop of the rope. And only movement towards the tool itself is possible. Accordingly, the tool disclosed in FR 2 168 734 does not allow movement of the pipe segment around which the ladder structure is arranged. Nor does this tool allow movement by pushing away the pipe segment around which the rope loop is arranged. These limitations of the tool disclosed in FR 2 168 734 may be relevant in situation where limited access is provided in the vicinity of the pipe segments, such as at near the foundation of a house, where the interconnected pipe segments transit from being arranged below the house to being arranged in soil outside the house.

US 5,640,748 discloses another type of pipe assembling apparatus. The apparatus disclosed herein comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a handle splitting into two vertically downward extending side members intended for being dug into the ground. Adjustment means allows for adjustment of the mutual distance between these side members. The second portion is connected to the first portion and comprises two horizontally extending members configured to be arranged above and below a pipe, respectively. Adjustment means are provided to enable adjustment of the mutual distance between these horizontally extending members. Although adjustment means are provided for adjustment of the mutual distance between two vertically downward extending side members on the one hand and between the horizontally extending members on the other hand, these adjustment means do not provide for squeezing the pipe and thereby to obtain a tight grip of the pipe during handling thereof.

Hence, there is a need for an improved pipe handling tool which overcomes these

disadvantages.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool for assembling and disassembling pipe segments which overcomes the above-identified disadvantages.

Brief description of the invention

This object is fulfilled by the present in its various aspects.

Accordingly, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a tool for assembling and disassembling pipe segments, wherein said tool in the orientation intended during use comprising:

an elongate shaft having an upper end and a lower end;

wherein said lower end of said shaft is being connected to a fork portion;

wherein said fork portion comprises a fork base;

wherein a first fork element extends in a downward direction from said fork base, at a first side thereof; said first fork element comprises an upper end and a lower end; wherein a second fork element extends in a downward direction from said fork base, at a second side thereof; said second fork element comprises an upper end and a lower end;

wherein said fork portion comprising adjustment means for adjusting the mutual distance between said first fork element and said second fork element;

characterized in that said adjustment means comprises:

a slit;

a first toothed rack,

a second toothed rack, and

a sprocket;

wherein said fork base comprises said slit at a lower portion thereof and extending in a longitudinal direction thereof; and wherein said first fork element being connected to said first toothed rack, said first toothed rack being configured to be able to slide in said slit; wherein said second fork element being connected to said second toothed rack, said second toothed rack being configured to be able to slide in said slit; wherein said shaft being pivotally connected to said fork base and being rigidly connected to said sprocket; said sprocket being arranged in said slit; wherein said sprocket is configured for engaging with said first toothed rack and said second toothed rack;

thereby allowing translating a rotation of said shaft, in a first or second rotational direction, into an increase or a decrease of the mutual distance between said first fork element and said second fork element.

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a system for assembling and disassembling pipe segments, said system comprises a tool according to any of the preceding claims in combination with a pipe holder, said pipe holder in the orientation intended during use comprises: a first jaw; a second jaw; an elongate pipe holder shaft; wherein said first jaw and said second jaw are having a concave inner surface; wherein said first jaw and said second jaw are being pivotally suspended in relation to each other around a pivot axis; wherein said first jaw and said second jaw comprises a protrusion, at an upper end thereof, protruding in an upward direction; wherein said pipe holder shaft comprising an upper end and a lower end; wherein said pipe holder shaft, at a lower end thereof is being pivotally suspended relative to said first jaw and said second jaw; wherein said pipe holder shaft, at a lower end thereof comprises a jaw engagement element; wherein said jaw engagement element is configured to engage with said protrusion of said first jaw and said second jaw, respectively, at an engagement surface thereof; thereby enabling, by rotation of said pipe holder shaft, to shift the configuration of said pipe holder between a clamping configuration in which the first jaw and second jaw are relatively close to each other, and an open configuration, wherein the first jaw and second jaw are relatively distant to each other.

In a third aspect the present invention relates to a pipe holder wherein said pipe holder is comprising the combination of features as defined in respect of the second aspect of the present invention.

In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a use of a tool according to the first aspect of the present invention; or of a system according to the second aspect of the present invention; or of a pipe holder according to the third aspect of the present invention in the operation of assembling or disassembling pipes, such as pipe segments.

The present invention in its various aspects provide for aiding the operation of assembling and disassembling pipe segments, such as sewer pipe segments being located in a trench in soil.

The tool, the system and the pipe holder according to the first, the second and the third aspect of the present invention, respectively, allows better handling of pipe or pipe segments in the operation of assembling or disassembling of these. Moreover, during such operations, the present invention in its various aspects allows an ergonomically healthier position of the body of a worker handling these pipes or pipe segments.

Accordingly, the pipes located in a trench may be handled with the tool and the pipe holder of the present invention by a worker while standing on the ground at a level corresponding to the brim of the trench. The tool and the pipe holder of the invention allows for twisting, moving and picking up and lifting pipes and pipe segments.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. l is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the tool of the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating in close-up details of one embodiment of the tool of the first aspect of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view illustrating the principle of the adjustment means of the tool of the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view illustrating the principle of the adjustment means of the tool of the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 5a is a front view illustrating an embodiment of the pipe holder according to the third aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 5b is an exploded view illustrating the pipe holder of fig. 5a

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the pipe holder of fig. 5a and 5b in a working operation.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the pipe holder of fig. 5a in a working operation in combination with the tool of fig. 1.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a tool for assembling and disassembling pipe segments, wherein said tool in the orientation intended during use comprising:

an elongate shaft having an upper end and a lower end;

wherein said lower end of said shaft is being connected to a fork portion;

wherein said fork portion comprises a fork base;

wherein a first fork element extends in a downward direction from said fork base, at a first side thereof; said first fork element comprises an upper end and a lower end;

wherein a second fork element extends in a downward direction from said fork base, at a second side thereof; said second fork element comprises an upper end and a lower end; wherein said fork portion comprising adjustment means for adjusting the mutual distance between said first fork element and said second fork element;

characterized in that said adjustment means comprises:

a slit;

a first toothed rack,

a second toothed rack, and

a sprocket; wherein said fork base comprises said slit at a lower portion thereof and extending in a longitudinal direction thereof; and wherein said first fork element being connected to said first toothed rack, said first toothed rack being configured to be able to slide in said slit; wherein said second fork element being connected to said second toothed rack, said second toothed rack being configured to be able to slide in said slit; wherein said shaft being pivotally connected to said fork base and being rigidly connected to said sprocket; said sprocket being arranged in said slit; wherein said sprocket is configured for engaging with said first toothed rack and said second toothed rack;

thereby allowing translating a rotation of said shaft, in a first or second rotational direction, into an increase or a decrease of the mutual distance between said first fork element and said second fork element.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention a lower end of one or both of said fork elements comprising a wing portion, said wing portion extending in a plane defined by said first fork element and said second fork element.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention one or both of the fork elements is/are being hollow and wherein each hollow fork element accommodates an auxiliary fork element, wherein each an auxiliary fork element is configured for being able to slide and lock into one of two or more predetermined positions in relation to its

corresponding fork element, and wherein said wing portion is being arranged at a lower end of said an auxiliary fork element.

Each fork element may be provided with locking means for locking said auxiliary fork element to its corresponding fork element.

Such locking means may comprise a through-going treaded hole in said fork element in combination with a screw, such as a wing screw for being screwed into said treaded hole and thereby lock said auxiliary fork element to its corresponding fork element.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention the area of the wing portion of the one or two fork elements, in that plane, amounts to 5 - 200 cm ² , such as 10 - 175 cm ² , for example 15 - 150 cm ² , such as 20 - 125 cm ² , e.g. 25 - 100 cm ² , such as 50 - 75 cm ² .

Providing the lower part of one or each of the fork elements with wing portions improves resistance against soil when relatively strong forces are applied to the tool.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention the first fork element and/or the second fork element, at an inner surface thereof, facing the other fork element, comprises one or more pads for providing increased friction against the outer surface of a pipe segment.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention the pad(s) is/are being made of metal or a polymer, such as rubber. As mentioned, such pads provides improved grip against the surface of a pipe segment.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention the shaft comprises extension means, such as a telescopic extension means being able to shift the length of said shaft between a relative short length and a relative long length and vice versa.

Such feature improves flexibility of the tool during use and hence also improves ergonomics of the tool.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention the tool is configured for assembly and disassembly of sewer pipes, such as sewer pipes made of steel, concrete, ceramics, such as clay; or of a polymeric material, such as PVC.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention the tool is configured for allowing adjusting, via said adjustment means, the mutual distance between the inner surface of the first fork element and the inner surface of the second fork element so as to correspond to the outer diameter of a pipe segment; when the pipe segment is having an outer diameter selected from the ranges: 40 - 400 mm, such as 60 - 350 cm, such as 80 - 300 mm, e.g. 100 - 250 mm, such as 150 - 200 mm.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention the elongate shaft at its upper end comprises a handle.

A handle obviously improves handling of the tool.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention each of the two fork elements at one of the sides or at both of the sides not facing the other fork element, nor facing away from the other fork element, comprises an array of indents arranged above one another.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention the array of indents being arranged above one another, in respect of each fork element, comprises 5 - 30 indents, such as 10 - 25 indents, for example 15 - 20 indents.

In an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention each indent independently is having an extension in a vertical direction of 4 - 60 mm, such as 10 - 50 mm, for example 15 - 40 mm, such as 20 - 35 mm, for example 25 - 30 mm and/or each indent independently is having an extension in a horizontal direction of 4 - 60 mm, such as 10 - 50 mm, for example 15 - 40 mm, such as 20 - 35 mm, for example 25 - 30 mm

Such indents serve the purpose of allowing engagement with a pipe holder of the invention as described below.

The second aspect of the present invention In a second aspect the present invention relates to a system for assembling and disassembling pipe segments, said system comprises a tool according to any of the preceding claims in combination with a pipe holder, said pipe holder in the orientation intended during use comprises: a first jaw; a second jaw; an elongate pipe holder shaft; wherein said first jaw and said second jaw are having a concave inner surface; wherein said first jaw and said second jaw are being pivotally suspended in relation to each other around a pivot axis; wherein said first jaw and said second jaw comprises a protrusion, at an upper end thereof, protruding in an upward direction; wherein said pipe holder shaft comprising an upper end and a lower end; wherein said pipe holder shaft, at a lower end thereof is being pivotally suspended relative to said first jaw and said second jaw; wherein said pipe holder shaft, at a lower end thereof comprises a jaw engagement element; wherein said jaw engagement element is configured to engage with said protrusion of said first jaw and said second jaw, respectively, at an engagement surface thereof; thereby enabling, by rotation of said pipe holder shaft, to shift the configuration of said pipe holder between a clamping configuration in which the first jaw and second jaw are relatively close to each other, and an open configuration, wherein the first jaw and second jaw are relatively distant to each other.

In an embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the present invention the inner surface of said first jaw and said second jaw, respectively are being essentially cylindrical.

Such geometry improves the gripping ability of the jaws.

In an embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the present invention the jaw engagement element is having a non-circular cross-section.

In an embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the present invention the inner surface of the first jaw and/or the second jaw, respectively is provided with one or more friction pads for providing friction against the outer surface of a pipe. In an embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the present invention the friction pad(s) is/are being made of metal or a polymer, such as rubber.

In an embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the present invention the pipe holder shaft comprises extension means, such as a telescopic extension means being able to shift the length of said pipe holder shaft between a relative short length and a relative long length and vice versa.

Such feature improves flexibility of the pipe holder during use and hence also improves ergonomics of the pipe holder.

In an embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the present invention an outer surface of said first jaw and said second jaw is/are provided with a knob.

Such knob(s) serve(s) the purpose of allowing engagement with a tool of the invention as further described below.

In an embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the present invention the pipe holder shaft at an upper end thereof comprises a handle.

A handle improves handling of the pipe holder.

The third aspect of the present invention

The third aspect of the present invention relates to a pipe holder wherein said pipe holder is comprising a combination of features as defined in respect of the second aspect of the present invention.

The fourth aspect of the present invention

In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a use of a tool according to the first aspect of the present invention; or of a system according to the second aspect of the present invention; or of a pipe holder according to the third aspect of the present invention in the operation of assembling or disassembling pipes, such as pipe segments.

The present invention in its various aspects provide for aiding the operation of assembling and disassembling pipe segments, such as sewer pipe segments being located in a trench in soil.

The tool, the system and the pipe holder according to the first, the second and the third aspect, respectively, of the present invention allows better handling of pipe or pipe segments in the operation of assembling or disassembling of these. Moreover, during such operations, the present invention in its various aspects allows an ergonomically healthier position of the body of a worker handling these pipes or pipe segments. Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, Fig. l is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the tool according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows the tool 100. The tool comprises an elongate shaft 4 having an upper end 6 and a lower end 8. The lower end 8 of the shaft 4 is being connected to a fork portion 10.

From the fork base 12 a first fork element 14 extends in a downward direction, at a first side 16 thereof. The first fork element 14 comprises an upper end 18 and a lower end 20.

Likewise, at a second side 24 of the fork base 12, a second fork element 22 extends in a downward direction. The second fork element 22 comprises an upper end 26 and a lower end 28.

The tool 100, as will be explained in more detail in Fig. 2 and 3, moreover comprises adjustment means 30. The adjustment means 30 are provided for enabling adjusting the mutual distance between said first fork element 14 and said second fork element 22.

Fig. 1 also shows that each of the fork elements 14,22 comprises a wing portion 40 at a lower end thereof. The wing portion extends in a plane defined by the first fork element 14 and the second fork element 22.

The wing portions provides for establishing resistance against soil, when the fork elements 14,22 are dug into soil.

The lower portion 29 of the fork base comprises a slit defining part of the adjustment means 30.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating in close-up details of one embodiment of the tool of the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows that the first fork element 14 as well as the second fork element 22, at both of the sides not facing the other fork element, nor facing away from the other fork element, comprises an array of indents 46 arranged above one another.

The indents 46 are provided for entering into engagement of a knob of the pipe holder tool 200 as explained below.

The array of indents 46 being arranged above one another, in respect of each fork element 14,22 may comprise 5 - 30 indents, such as 10 - 25 indents, for example 15 - 20 indents.

Fig. 2 moreover shows that each fork element 14,22 is/are being hollow and accommodates an auxiliary fork element 14a, 22a, wherein each auxiliary fork element 14a, 22a is configured for being able to slide and lock into one of two or more predetermined positions in relation to its corresponding fork element 14,22. The locking may be accomplished by providing a through-going treaded hole in the fork element. By screwing a screw, such as a wing screw into the treaded hole it is possible to lock the auxiliary fork element to its corresponding fork element.

Fig. 2 also shows that wing portions 40 are being arranged at a lower end of said an auxiliary fork element 14a, 22a.

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view illustrating the principle of the adjustment means 30 of the tool of the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows the sprocket 38 being engaged into engagement with the first tooted rack 34 and the second toothed rack 36. It is also seen in Fig. 3 that the first fork element 14 is connected to the outer end of the first toothed rack 34. Likewise, the second fork element 22 is connected to the outer end of the second toothed rack 36.

In this arrangement, a turning of the sprocket 38 (as being effected by turning the shaft 4 of the tool) in a clockwise direction will imply a movement of the first toothed rack 34 and the second toothed rack 36, and thereby also of the first fork element 14 and the second fork element 22 towards each other.

On the contrary, a turning of the sprocket 38 in an anticlockwise direction will imply a movement of the first toothed rack 34 and the second toothed rack 36, and thereby also of the first fork element 14 and the second fork element 22 away from each other.

Accordingly, the arrangement of the adjustment means 30 shown in Fig. 3 allows for adjusting the mutual distance between the first fork element 14 and the second fork element 22

The adjustment means 30 moreover comprises a slit 32 into which the first toothed rack 34, the second toothed rack 36, and the sprocket 38 are arranged.

The slit 32 is arranged in the fork base 12 at a lower part thereof. The slit 32 extends in a longitudinal direction thereof.

The shaft 4 is being pivotally connected to the fork base 12 in the sense that the shaft is able to rotate around its longitudinal axis. Moreover, the shaft 4 is being rigidly connected to the sprocket 38 which, as already mentioned, is being arranged in the slit 32.

The sprocket 38 is configured for engaging with the first toothed rack 34 and said second toothed rack 36 on either side of the sprocket.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view illustrating elements and the principle of the adjustment means 30 of the tool of the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 5a is a perspective view illustrating a pipe holder 200 according to the third aspect of the present invention. Fig. 5a shows the pipe holder 200 comprising a first jaw 202, a second jaw 204 and an elongate pipe holder shaft 206.

The first jaw 202 and the second jaw 204 are each having a concave inner surface 208,208’.

It can be seen in Fig. 5a that the first jaw 202 and the second jaw 204 are being pivotally suspended in relation to each other around a pivot axis 210.

Also seen is that the first jaw 202 and the second jaw 204 comprises a protrusion 212, arranged at an upper part thereof and protruding in an upward direction.

The pipe holder shaft 206 comprises an upper end 214 (not seen in Fig. 4a) and a lower end 216. The pipe holder shaft 206, at a lower end 216 thereof, is being pivotally suspended relative to the first jaw 202 and the second jaw 204.

Moreover, the pipe holder shaft 206 at a lower end 216 thereof comprises a jaw engagement element 218.

The jaw engagement element 218 is configured to engage with the protrusion 212 of said first jaw 202 and said second jaw 204, respectively, at an engagement surface 220 thereof; thereby enabling, by rotation of the pipe holder shaft, to shift the configuration of the pipe holder 200 between a clamping configuration in which the first jaw 202 and second jaw 204 are relatively close to each other, and an open configuration, wherein the first jaw 202 and second jaw 204 are relatively distant to each other.

Accordingly, the pipe holder 200 according to the third aspect of the present invention allows, simply by turning the shaft 206 thereof, to make the first jaw 202 and the second jaw 204 clamp around a pipe or a pipe segment 2,2’ with the purpose of handling such pipe or pipe segment.

It is seen in Fig. 5a that the outer surface of the first jaw 202 and the second jaw 204 are provided with a knob 224.

The knobs 224 are provided for entering into engagement with indents 46 of the fork elements 14,22 of the tool 100 of the first aspect.

Fig. 5b is an explosive view of the pipe holder 200 illustrated in Fig. 5a. It is seen that the pipe holder shaft 206 rotates in a connecting element 226 acting as a bearing.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the pipe holder 200 of Fig. 5a clamping around a pipe segment 2,2’.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the pipe holder of fig. 5a in a working operation in combination with the tool of fig. 1. The combination of the tool 100 and the pipe holder 200 makes up the system according to the second aspect of the present invention. Fig. 7 showing the tool 100 and the piper holder 200 working together in such a way that the tool 100 engages with the ground in that the two fork elements 14,22 at least touches the ground. The two fork elements 14,22 may more efficiently be dug into the soil of the ground.

The piper holder 200 on the other hand rests on the tool 100 in the sense that the knobs 224 of the pipe holder 200 are being suspended in associated indents 46 of the forks 14,22 of the tool 100

In this way the tool 100 and the pipe holder 200 can be used in corporation in an operation where it is desired to press one pipe segment onto another pipe segment in order to construct a pipe line of a multiple of pipe segments. Alternatively, the tool 100 and the pipe holder 200 may also be used in the same way when disassembling a pipeline comprising a number of pipe segments.

It appears from the description above that the tool 100, the pipe holder 200 and the system 300 comprising the tool 100 and the pipe holder 200 are useful in handling pipe segments in the construction or disassembly of pipelines for sewer.

It should be understood that all features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims in relation to one aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof apply equally well to the other aspects of the present invention and embodiments thereof.

List of reference numerals

2,2’ Pipe segment

4 Elongate shaft

6 Upper end of shaft

7 Handle

8 Lower end of shaft

10 Fork portion

12 Fork base

14 First fork element

14a First auxiliary fork element

16 First side of fork base

18 Upper end of first fork element

20 Lower end of first fork element

22 Second fork element

22a Second auxiliary fork element

24 Second side of fork base

26 Upper end of second fork element

28 Lower end of second fork element

29 Lower portion of fork base

30 Adjustment means

32 Slit in fork base

34 First toothed rack

36 Second toothed rack

38 Sprocket

40 Wing portion

42,42’ Inner surface of fork element

44,44’ Pad arranged on inner surface of fork element 46 Indent

100 Tool

200 Pipe holder

202 First jaw

204 Second jaw

206 Pipe holder shaft

208,208’ Inner surface of jaw

210 Pivot axis jaws

212 Protrusion of jaw

214 Upper end of pipe holder shaft

216 Lower end of pipe holder shaft 218 Jaw engagement element 220 Engagement surface of jaw 222 Friction pad of jaw

224 Knob of outer surface of jaw

226 Connecting element

300 System