Abstract: A self-locking pliers provides automatic jaw adjustment for gripping objects of different sizes. First and second pinsers-defining members each have a body portion, a jaw-defining portion and a handle portion, being joined by a bolt extending through a slot in one of the members in pivotal, mutually moveable relationship. The slot permits pivoting as well as sliding movement of the first member relative to the second member, and has along a jaw-proximate side teeth to be engaged by corresponding teeth of a locking pawl carried rotatably within the slot by a shank of the bolt. A jaw-remote side of the slotted opening provides a smooth surface for sliding engagement of a smooth reaction surface of the locking pawl opposite from its teeth. The locking pawl has on its jaw-proximate side a camming surface proximate to the locking teeth. A control arm is pivotally engaged at one end to the body portion of the second member.

Abstract: An approach ramp for an automotive support platform includes first and second ramp members, the trailing end of the first ramp member being pivotally connected to the leading end of the platform. The second ramp member is both slidably and pivotally movable with respect to the first ramp member. Each ramp member carriers rollers at its leading end for engagement with the floor when the platform is lowered to an access position. In one configuration the ramp members are disposed in overlapping parallel relationship to define a single ramp incline. In a second configuration the second ramp member is extended from the first and is inclined with respect thereto to form a dual-slope ramp incline.