Abstract: A hand tool such as a fillet knife or limb saw with a blade that is longer than the handle has a blade guard arm that shields the blade when in the closed position. The blade guard arm is longitudinally slidable in the tool handle and engages the blade tang when the blade is in the open position, thereby locking the blade open.

Abstract: A multi-tool attachment having a configuration that is well-suited for incising material and performing various operations where two incising members are positioned on a main portion of the tool and the cutting-edge surfaces are in close engagement with one another at an interface point where the two blades meet in forceful engagement with one another.

Abstract: Pliers comprising a composite material comprising: individual regions of a ductile metal phase distributed in a substantially continuous amorphous metal alloy matrix are disclosed. Pliers comprising a first lever arm and a second lever arm that is complementary to the first lever arm, wherein the two arms are pivotally attached, and at least a portion of at least one of the two arms comprises the composite material are disclosed. A method of forming pliers is disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable and retractable positioning device for use in tubular members comprises a first tubular member including a receiving mount received at the rear end thereof and having a control knob fitted at the rear end thereof, for receiving an elongated rack at the front end thereof, and for further inserting the rack into the first tubular member, and a second tubular member fitted in the first tubular member and including a support seat mounted at the rear end thereof and having a through hole formed thereon for the insertion of the rack, and having compartments for communicating with the through hole mounted at the peripheral side thereof and each having a toothed block placed therein. Besides, the toothed block includes engaging teeth arranged on the inner side thereof, such that the adjustable positioning purpose of the tubular members may be obtained.

Abstract: For signalling the force exerted with a manually operated pair of pliers, one arm of the pliers comprises an inner lever and an outer lever, the inner lever carrying a jaw of the pliers and being biased by means of compression springs, with respect to the outer lever which is gripped by the user's hand. The two levers, have opposed contact elements, which contact one another when the actuation force that acts counter the bias of the compression springs, reaches a predetermined value, to actuate a vibrator housed in the arm of the pliers.

Abstract: A device having an adjustable handle and head is provided, and the device comprises: a pair of handles having opposing top and bottom ends, the top end of each of the handles having a U-shaped component; a head comprising a first and second component, each of the components having opposing top and bottom ends, the top end of each of the components having at least one contact surface, the bottom end of each of the components comprising a protrusion, and the protrusion has a plurality of external slots; the U-shaped component of the handles are designed to interact with the protrusion of the bottom end of each of the first and second components of the head, and the first and second components are connected at a pivot point; and a device for engaging the slots of the protrusion to thereby allow movement of the head and lock the head to a desired position, and the handles are designed to be squeezed together to thereby allow the contact surfaces of the first and the second top ends of the first and second compone

Abstract: Pliers for removing paint from a jig-eye hole, including a first plier having a first handle and first jaw. The first jaw includes a tooth extending from the end. A second plier is connected to the first plier and has a second handle and a second jaw including an invagination at the end. When the jig-eye hole is registered with the invagination, and the first handle and second handle are rotated closer together, the tooth is inserted into the jig-eye hole for paint removal. Preferably, the first handle section has a hollow handle and a retractable threader in the handle. The pliers may include a tool module. The tool module forms structure for removable connection with the invagination on the handle end. The tool module includes a retractable tool, such as a fishing line threader or hone so that the tool may be extended and used by the fisherman.

Abstract: A frame member for the handle of a folding knife or multipurpose tool includes an integral flange with an integral leaf spring. An internal frame member has an upper flange and an oppositely facing lower flange. Each flange includes an integral leaf spring. The leaf springs bear upon the base portions of folding tool blades that are pivotably pinned to the frame. Attaching side scales to the frame creates upwardly and downwardly facing tool pockets. Other frames are shown in the form of a channel with an integral external flange extending outwardly from the top of a channel wall in a direction away from the channel. Pivot pins extending through the channel and out the channel wall carry pivoting tool blades. An integral leaf spring on the external flange bears against the base of a blade pivotably connected to the frame outside of the channel. Other tool blades are carried inside the channel and pivot about the pivot pin.

Abstract: An aid for the connecting of a piece of jewelry together that has a pliers type construction. The aid includes a first handle and a first jaw connected by a pivotal joint with a second handle and a second jaw. The first jaw has a distal end portion with an inwardly facing surface that defines a notch. The second jaw has an elongate arcuate distal end portion that fixes the position of a biased clasp of a piece of jewelry. The notch of the first jaw engages a lever of the clasp and opens the clasp while it is fixed in position by the second jaw. The aid includes a bias that urges the jaws to a closed position and retains the clasp in an open position.

Abstract: Pliers for pressing work pieces such as mountings, electric contacts, cable lugs and fittings include a first hand lever and a second hand lever. The hand levers are movable with respect to one another. The pliers also include a head and at least two pressing jaws being located in the region of the pliers head and approaching one another during a working stroke of the pressing pliers to press a work piece. The working stroke includes a first partial stroke and a second partial stroke. The pliers also include a first transfer mechanism and second transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool including adjustable locking pliers with an over-center locking mechanism to retain the jaws in a gripping condition. The jaws of the locking pliers can be folded into the handles of the tool to produce a compact folded configuration. A latch mechanism in the tool handle retains a selected one of several folding tool bits or blades in an extended position for use and includes an abutment arrangement to prevent such a selected tool bit from being extended too far. A spring associated with a tool bit driving socket retains separate tool bits and resists inadvertent removal of an adjustment screw element of the locking pliers. Upon removal of the adjustment screw element, special bits, such as a corkscrew, can be screwed into the tool bit driving socket.

Abstract: A multi-function hand tool with a pivotally collapsible jaw-type tool that has a jaw lock which mechanically prevents the jaw-type tool from collapse is disclosed. The jaw lock mechanism is contained within the jaw pivot joint of the jaw-type tool, and may be partially extended as a push button to prevent unwanted handle collapse. A plurality of blades are pivotally attached to the opposite end of the multi-function tool and has a blade locking mechanism wherein the blade lock is pivoted about an axis located distal to the blade fastener/pivot axis. Each handle of the multi-function tool may be made of two individual handle halves that unite to form the handle, but that provide very precise tensioning, or the handles may be of a single channel shape using an infinitely adjustable threaded fastener and sleeve to provide precise adjustment of the multiple blades.

Abstract: A crimp tool and a method of assembling the crimp tool. The crimp tool is formed by a pair of handle plates forming a moveable handle and a pair of frame plates forming a fixed jaw and a fixed handle. The tool also includes a moveable jaw, and a transmission by which the moveable jaw is driven towards and away from the fixed jaw. The handle and frame plates respectively are mutually held in juxtaposition by having edge portions snugly received in handle and frame shells. The tool is assembled by stacking the plates of the moveable handle and the components of the moveable jaw and the link, as well as the frame plates, and then inserting the stack into the frame shell, which preferably has a tubular portion into which the jaw portion of the stack is inserted.

Abstract: An angle retaining assembly of a hand tool comprises a handle; a head having at least one screw hole for receiving at least one resisting element; when the resisting element screws into the screw hole; a front end of the resisting element protrudes out to be in contact with the pivotal portion of the handle to have a resisting effect so as to fix the bending angle between the head and the handle. The at least one screw hole is formed at a lateral side or a front side of the connecting portion. Or the at least one screw hole is formed at a lower side of pivotal portion of the handle.

Abstract: A frame member for the handle of a folding knife or multipurpose tool includes an integral flange with an integral leaf spring. Frames are shown in the form of a channel with an integral external flange extending outwardly from the top of a channel wall in a direction away from the channel. Pivot pins extending through the channel and out the channel wall carry pivoting tool blades. An integral leaf spring on the external flange bears against the base of a blade pivotably connected to the frame outside of the channel. Other tool blades are carried inside the channel and pivot about the pivot pin.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a work section and a handle section connected to the work section. The handle section has one recess defined in an outer surface thereof so as to receive a spring and a bead. An extendable portion is movably mounted to the handle section and has two dents. The extendable portion is moved relative to the hand portion by receiving the bead in one of the dents so as to have a longer arm of force when using the hand tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking the head of a hand tool to the handle of the tool. The apparatus generally includes a tapered handle with one or more groove cut into the handle at the tool end of the handle. The grooves are then filled with a compressible material. The head of the tool (such as a pick axe, a hammer, an axe, etc.) is then placed over handle and moved over the grooves to the end. The compressible material will lock the head into place, fixing a longstanding problem with hand tools of the heads coming loose.

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool including a pair of folding scissors, in which a scissors blade is movable about a pivot shaft, between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rocker is moved by a spring in the tool handle and urges a movable scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment two handles are folded about respective scissors blades to house the blades, and four springs hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. Protruding ears overlap and are located along side each other to hold the handles in place with respect to each other during use of screwdriver blades. When the tool is folded it has a smooth outside configuration allowing it to be carried in a pocket without causing undue wear.

Abstract: A folding multipurpose hand tool including folding pliers or scissors and other tool blades and bits. A pair of handles each has a pivot axle at each end. A base of each pliers jaw or scissors blade is mounted on the pivot axle at one end of a handle, allowing the handles to fold around the jaws to blades to a compact folded configuration of the tool. Each handle has frame side members with attached flanges. Elongate springs lie between the handle frame side members and fit around the flanges, rather than being riveted to the handle frame side members. The springs press against the base of each pliers jaw or other tool blade, to keep each in a folded position or support it in a deployed position. One end of a spring may be hooked around a spring retainer at one end of the handle. The pivot axles interconnect the handle frame side members and the jaws, blades, or tool bits.

Abstract: A pair of manual tongs comprising two limbs which are rotatably connected in a common first rotational axis. The first limb is separated into two levers in its lever section, the two levers being rotatably connected in a first articulation, in a second rotational axis parallel to the common first rotational axis. A means of traction connects the second limb to the lever of the first limb, which is situated at a distance from the handle. The means of traction can be shortened by means of a pivotal movement of the lever of the first limb, which is situated close to the handle, above the second rotational axis. The areas of use of the manual tongs are often difficult to access. According to the invention, the second limb of the inventive manual tongs is thus separated into a lever situated at a distance from the handle and a lever situated close to the handle and the two levers are rotatably connected in a second articulation, in a third rotational axis which is parallel to the common first rotational axis.

Abstract: Pliers having, for example, needle-nose and blunt-nose heads are manipulated using handles connected to pivot and move between a needle-nose head, grip-ready, position and a blunt-nose head, grip-ready, position. Each handle has a stop member having two faces. One face of each stop member is adapted to abut a needle-nose head and the other face is adapted to abut a blunt-nose head.

Abstract: A multipurpose combination pliers includes a first and second insulated handles alternately and movably joined together by a rivet, a toothed jaw at the fore end of each of the handles, a rectangular connector at the rear end of the first insulated handle for engaging a cylindrical box wrench thereon and a U-shaped connector on the rear end of the second insulated handle for rotatably engaged with a rectangular adapter which is able to engage a smaller box wrench and can be laterally rotated for about 180 degrees relative to the U-shaped connector, an arcuate electric cords stripper communicated with a internally threaded through hole at front portion of the pliers. The feature is that this disclosure not only performs clamping and stripping functions but also conducts as a box wrench to drive addition object.

Abstract: A wire stripper has a pair of elongated frames pivotably joined together by a pivot pin and defining handles and jaws. The handles are covered by sleeves which include thumb wells which cover the ends of the pivot pin. A mechanical interlock is provided between the handles and the sleeves. The sleeves have slots for receiving the handles. The slots are offset so the front and rear surfaces of opposite sleeves are coplanar. The sleeves have a core and cushion grip overmolded on the core. A molding projection on the core allows precise placement of the core in a mold during formation of the cushion grip. A spring biases the frames to an open position. A locking member can be set by a sliding motion toward the handle end to hold the handles in a closed position. A curved shoulder on the edge of a handle wipes across a screw hole opening in the opposite jaw to provide a screw cutting function with a slicing action.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening containers with screw-off lids, consisting essentially of a device to clamp the lid by self-clamping by rotation including the rotation device causing the self-wedging by a belt drive tightened around the container below the lid, preferably at the level of the necking under the screw threads.

Abstract: A wire stripper has a pair of elongated frames pivotably joined together by a pivot pin and defining handles and jaws. The handles are covered by sleeves which include thumb wells which cover the ends of the pivot pin. A mechanical interlock is provided between the handles and the sleeves. The sleeves have slots for receiving the handles. The slots are offset so the front and rear surfaces of opposite sleeves are coplanar. The sleeves have a core and cushion grip overmolded on the core. A molding projection on the core allows precise placement of the core in a mold during formation of the cushion grip. A spring biases the frames to an open position. Legs of the spring are fastened to the sleeves.

Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool incorporating a latch release mechanism including a lever, a cam, and a rocker-shaped grip body to easily effect release of a catch for holding knife or screwdriver blades extended. spring and cams are arranged to hold a pair of handles either extended or folded with respect to the tangs of a pair of pliers jaws or the like. The handles include inwardly directed comfortable rounded rims. Portions of folding blades interlock with other folding blades on an opposite handle when the tool is folded, to stabilize the handles while using a knife or screwdriver. Blades of folding scissors include edges that are serrated only near their tips. A container opener includes a hook defining a recessed throat.

Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool including adjustable locking pliers with an over-center locking mechanism to retain the jaws in a gripping condition. The jaws of the locking pliers can be folded into the handles of the tool to produce a compact folded configuration. A latch mechanism in the tool handle retains a selected one of several folding tool bits or blades in an extended position for use and includes an abutment arrangement to prevent such a selected tool bit from being extended too far. A spring associated with a tool bit driving socket retains separate tool bits and resists inadvertent removal of an adjustment screw element of the locking pliers. Upon removal of the adjustment screw element, special bits, such as a corkscrew, can be screwed into the tool bit driving socket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand tool comprising a first leg (1) and a second leg (2) whereby a front part of the respective leg creates a tool part (3 and 4 respectively) and a rear part of the respective leg creates a gripping part (5 and 6 respectively). The gripping part (5) of at least one of the legs comprises an outer part in the form of a sleeve (10) which is fitted over an inner part (9) connected with the tool part (3). Further the hand tool comprises at least one spring part (12) with a first freely moveable end part (13) and a second end part firmly held at the mentioned sleeve (10). This spring part (12) is intended to again move the legs (1, 2) apart after they have been squeezed together in using the tool.

Abstract: A universal, interchangeable attachment system, comprising various tool operator heads, removable/interchangeable handles, removable/replaceable tools and tool bits, hex drive, and clamp for securing tools. An electronic subsystem provides an alternating current detector, an indicator, such as an LED or light bulb, and continuity circuit indicator. A reversible double helical drive enables a user to drive a screw or bolt.

Abstract: A pair of pliers include two pivot members pivotally connected with each other. Each of the two pivot members has an end formed with a handle including an upper auxiliary body and a lower auxiliary body to enhance a hand-held area of the handle, thereby facilitating a user' hand holding the handle. In addition, the handle of each of the two pivot members has an upper auxiliary body and a lower auxiliary body to provide a better holding effect to the user, so that the user has a comfortable sensation when holding the handle.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a head portion having two jaw portions, a handle portion pivotally mounted on the head portion and having two holding grips each having a first end pivotally mounted on an end of a respective one of the two jaw portions of the head portion, and a connecting rod mounted between the two holding grips of the handle portion, so that the two holding grips of the handle portion can be moved and bent relative to the two jaw portions of the head portion synchronously. Thus, the included angle between the handle portion and the head portion can be adjusted easily and rapidly.

Abstract: A non-conductive substantially buoyant-in-water hand tool comprising an elongated handle portion formed of non-corrosive, non-conductive material having a density greater than water and an elongated working tool connected to and extending axially from a proximal end of said handle portion. The handle portion has one or more outwardly opening cavities formed into a side surface of the handle portion. An elongated tubular sheath formed of material buoyant in water covers and sealingly encloses and forms one or more airtight cavities whereby the effective density of the hand tool is less than that of water.

Abstract: A nipper is disclosed, having handles outwardly-biased by a spring and a removable, flexible lever member can be a second spring. The biasing force can thereby be adjusted by employment or removal of flexible lever member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device combining a handled tool, such as wire strippers, with one or more testing components useful for testing electrical circuits, such as continuity testers and voltage detectors, with the testing components integrated into a like number of handle grips.

Abstract: A pliers which has a pair of heads with these heads being reversible so that one head is in a usage position the other head is in a stowage position located between a pair of handles. Each handle of the pair of handles is pivotable about one hundred sixty degrees with the handles to be located in juxtaposition in both the usage position and the stowage position. Each handle including a convex surface and a concave surface and also each handle including a pommel. Each of the convex surfaces and each of the concave surfaces and each of the pommels function to ergonomically assist in grasping of the handles.

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool including a pair of folding scissors, in which a scissors blade is movable about a pivot shaft, between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rocker is moved by a spring in the tool handle and urges a movable scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment two handles are folded about respective scissors blades to house the blades, and four springs hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. A pair of tweezers of sheet metal includes a pair of parallel arms each perpendicular to a base portion of the tweezers. When the scissors and other tools are folded into their stowed positions in the handle of the multi-purpose tool of the invention the tool has a smooth outside configuration allowing the tool to be carried in a pocket without causing undue wear.

Abstract: A handle structure for a hand tool includes a handle portion having a top face integrally formed with an upper auxiliary body and a bottom face integrally formed with a lower auxiliary body. Thus, the upper auxiliary body and the lower auxiliary body forming a larger force bearing region to increase the force bearing area of the handle portion, thereby facilitating a user's hand holding the handle portion.

Abstract: A pair of pliers include two pivot members pivotally connected with each other. Each of the two pivot members has an end formed with a handle including an upper auxiliary body and a lower auxiliary body to enhance a hand-held area of the handle, thereby facilitating a user hand holding the handle. In addition, the handle of each of the two pivot members has an upper auxiliary body and a lower auxiliary body to provide a better holding effect to the user, so that the user has a comfortable sensation when holding the handle.

Abstract: The device has affair of handles each coupled to a tong, which are movable to clamp or release the target. A ratchet mechanism couples to a handle to re-vector the handle in order to reduce the operational footprint of the device to accommodate obstacles and operate successfully in confined and limited access spaces. Operation of the apparatus allows the action to be accomplished over a variable number of strokes, with the distance of each stroke, and thus the arc of the handles traversed, varying with each stroke, while still accomplishing the desired action.

Abstract: A tool comprising first and second elongated members which are pivotably connected at a joint. On one side of the joint there are first and second jaw portions and on the other side of the joint there are first and second handles. There is at least one retaining element disposed near a free end of each of the first and second handles. First and second cushioned sleeves respectively receive the first and second handles. At least one engaging element is formed within each of the first and second sleeves so as to engage the retaining element and retain the sleeve on the handle. The retaining element may be in the form of a notch and the engaging element may be in the form of a projection. The notch is defined by an interior surface which is curved about a center which is located within the handle. At least one barb is disposed at the periphery of the notch.

Abstract: A pair of non-conductive substantially buoyant-in-water hand pliers comprising a pair of non-conductive lever members each having a handle portion and a jaw portion and formed of material having a density greater than water. The lever members are pivotally connected together at common central portions between the jaw and handle portions. Each handle portion has one or more outwardly opening cavities formed into a side surface of the handle portions. An elongated tubular sheath formed of material buoyant in water covers and sealingly encloses the cavity whereby the effective density of the pliers to less than that of water. A restraining detent providing felt indicia and limiting opening pivotal movement between the jaw portions to reduce the likelihood of damage is also provided.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a target that is located in a confined space is provided for the purpose of gripping, forming (with our without dies), deforming/cutting, or turning the target. The device has a pair of handles each coupled to a tong, which are movable to clamp or release the target. A ratchet mechanism couples to a handle to re-vector the handle in order to reduce the operational footprint of the device to accommodate obstacles and operate successfully in confined and limited access spaces. Operation of the apparatus allows the action to be accomplished over a variable number of strokes, with the distance of each stroke, and thus the arc of the handles traversed, varying with each stroke, while still accomplishing the desired action.

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool including a pair of folding scissors, in which a scissors blade is movable about a pivot shaft, between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rocker is moved by a spring in the tool handle and urges a movable scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment two handles are folded about respective scissors blades to house the blades, and four springs hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. A pair of tweezers of sheet metal includes a pair of parallel arms each perpendicular to a base portion of the tweezers. When the scissors and other tools are folded into their stowed positions in the handle of the multi-purpose tool of the invention the tool has a smooth outside configuration allowing the tool to be carried in a pocket without causing undue wear.

Abstract: A detachable combination tool includes a first body, a second body, two locking blocks, and an elastic member. Thus, the second body can be detached from the first body easily and conveniently, so that the second body and the first body can be used independently, thereby facilitating the user operating the combination tool. In addition, the detachable combination tool can withstand a larger torque or force during operation.

Abstract: A wire stripper has a pair of elongated frames pivotably joined together by a pivot pin and defining handles and jaws. The handles are covered by sleeves which include thumb wells which cover the ends of the pivot pin. A mechanical interlock is provided between the handles and the sleeves. The sleeves have slots for receiving the handles. The slots are offset so the front and rear surfaces of opposite sleeves are coplanar. The sleeves have a core and cushion grip overmolded on the core. A molding projection on the core allows precise placement of the core in a mold during formation of the cushion grip. A spring biases the frames to an open position. A locking member can be set by a sliding motion toward the handle end to hold the handles in a closed position. A curved shoulder on the edge of a handle wipes across a screw hole opening in the opposite jaw to provide a screw cutting function with a slicing action.

Abstract: A multi-function tool includes two channel-shaped handles having a first side wall and a second side wall forming a channel therebetween. An interlocking mechanism includes a first plate extending from the first side wall, and a second plate extending from the second side wall. The handles can be releasably engageable by alignment of at least one post of one of the handles with at least one notch of the other handle. The multi-function tool also includes an interchangeable implement and a pair of handles with implement engaging means. An axle assembly can extend transversely through openings formed in the first and second plates and includes a first end member, a second end member, a pair of buttons and a spring. The interchangeable implement can be pivotally attached to the axle. Alternatively, the implement can be releasably coupled to the handles by a latch. The latch can include a rocker with a locking tab that is biased into locking engagement with the implement by a spring plate.

Abstract: A foldable tool having a pair of jaws pivoted to each other on a pivot pin, each jaw having a head and a shank, a spring mounted between the shanks of the jaws, a hollow handle pivotally mounted at one end to each of the shanks and foldable relative to the jaws. The hollow handle having a plurality of auxiliary tools pivotally mounted therewithin, the spring adapted to keep the jaws in a partially open position.

Abstract: A hand tool for expanding hollow bodies contains a casing (2) having a laterally extending first hand lever (3). A second hand lever, (7) which consists of steel and is joined to the casing so as to pivot on a shaft (5), bears a pinion sector (6) surrounding the shaft (5). The two hand levers (3, 7) form a pliers In the casing (2) a bore is disposed for guiding a rack consisting of steel, one end of which cooperates within the bore with the pinion sector (6) such that an expansion wedge can be displaced outwardly by a closing movement of the two hand levers (3, 7). The casing has means by which an expansion head with radially moving expander jaws can be placed coaxially onto the outwardly tapered end of the spreading wedge. To reduce both the weight and the force required for operation, the casing (2) and its hand lever (3) consist of a light material from the plastic and light metal group. The casing (2) thus forms together with the rack a low-friction combination of light material and steel.

Abstract: A tool comprising first and second elongated members which are pivotably connected at a joint. On one side of the joint there are first and second jaw portions and on the other side of the joint there are first and second handles. There is at least one retaining element disposed near a free end of each of the first and second handles. First and second cushioned sleeves respectively receive the first and second handles. At least one engaging element is formed within each of the first and second sleeves so as to engage the retaining element and retain the sleeve on the handle. The retaining element may be in the form of a notch and the engaging element may be in the form of a projection. The notch is defined by an interior surface which is curved about a center which is located within the handle. At least one barb is disposed at the periphery of the notch.

Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a head, a pair of handles, and a plurality of ancillary tools. The head and tools are stored within the handles in a folded configuration. The ancillary tools are coupled to an interchangeable cartridge that resides within one or both of the handles. A wedge lock prevents a fully opened ancillary tool from closing unless the wedge lock is manually disengaged.