Abstract: A locking mechanism for scissors-type shear allows closing and locking of the shear even when the locking element is placed in a locked position before the shears are closed. The shear includes first and second blade assemblies pivotably connected to one another. Each blade assembly includes a blade and a handle. A locking mechanism is slidably mounted on a first handle. The locking element is moveable between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the sliding lock mechanism engages a catch element on the second handle to lock the shear in the closed position. The locking mechanism includes resilient arms and the catch element includes inclined cam surfaces. When the locking mechanism is placed in a locked position before the shear is closed, the ends of the resilient arms engage the inclined surfaces of the catch element, allowing the resilient arms to flew outwardly and pass over the catch elements.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for scissors-type shear allows closing and locking of the shear even when the locking element is placed in a locked position before the shears are closed. The shear includes first and second blade assemblies pivotably connected to one another. Each blade assembly includes a blade and a handle. A locking mechanism is slidably mounted on a first handle. The locking element is moveable between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the sliding lock mechanism engages a catch element on the second handle to lock the shear in the closed position. The locking mechanism includes resilient arms and the catch element includes inclined cam surfaces. When the locking mechanism is placed in a locked position before the shear is closed, the ends of the resilient arms engage the inclined surfaces of the catch element, allowing the resilient arms to flew outwardly and pass over the catch elements.

Abstract: A compound action snips includes a pair of handles mutually connected at a handle pivot and a pair of cutting blades connected to the handles. The blades each having a proximal end attached to a distal portion of one of the handles, and the blades are mutually connected at a blade pivot, so that converging movement of the handles causes converging movement of the blades. The blades have a cutting length in a range of 2.5 to 3.5 inches and a functional handle length of about 5.8 inches. The snips have a ratio of cutting length to overall snips length in a range of about 0.24 to 0.33, and a ratio of cutting length to handle length in a range of about 0.4 to 0.6. In addition, the ratio of the cutting length to the angular range of motion of the handles is in the range of about 0.05 to 0.09 inches/degree for a handle range of movement of 40° to 50°.

Abstract: An adjustable and releasable fastener for a pivoting hand tool includes a first bushing and a second bushing which are press fit in respective tool elements, the second bushing extending into a hole in the first bushing to form a pivot bearing. The first bushing includes a cap with a recess having a slotted opening connecting to the hole in the first bushing. A bolt is extends through the first and second bushings, with a bolt head disposed in the recess. A nut is fastened to a threaded end on the second bushing side. The nut can be tightened or loosened to adjust the tension on the bolt. The bolt head is shaped to allow it to pass through the slotted opening in the first bushing when the tool elements are pivoted beyond an operating range, permitting quick release of the tool elements.

Abstract: A compound action snips includes a pair of handles mutually connected at a handle pivot and a pair of cutting blades connected to the handles. The blades each having a proximal end attached to a distal portion of one of the handles, and the blades are mutually connected at a blade pivot, so that converging movement of the handles causes converging movement of the blades. The blades have a cutting length in a range of 2.5 to 3.5 inches and a functional handle length of about 5.8 inches. The snips have a ratio of cutting length to overall snips length in a range of about 0.24 to 0.33, and a ratio of cutting length to handle length in a range of about 0.4 to 0.6. In addition, the ratio of the cutting length to the angular range of motion of the handles is in the range of about 0.05 to 0.09 inches/degree for a handle range of movement of 40.degree. to 50.degree..