Abstract: A method of operating a clamp that includes a first clamping jaw, a support element to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle pivotably mounted to a clamp body. The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.

Abstract: The wrench comprises a body that includes a handle that supports a fixed jaw. The body further includes a passage for receiving a movable jaw. A movable jaw includes an engagement portion that is slidably received in the passage such that the movable jaw is able to slide in the passage relative to the fixed jaw. The movable jaw includes a series of ratchet teeth. The ratchet teeth are arranged such that the distal ends of the teeth are in a plane where the plane is at an oblique angle with respect to the direction of movement of the movable jaw. The engagement faces of the teeth are perpendicular to the plane. A ratcheting locking mechanism is provided that prevents movement of the jaws away from one another but allows movement of the jaws towards one another.

Abstract: The wrench comprises a handle that is pivotably connected to a body portion. The body portion supports a fixed jaw. A movable jaw is slidably supported on the body portion such that the movable jaw can move relative to the fixed jaw to vary the spacing between the jaws. When the handle is rotated in a first direction the spacing between the jaws increases to allow the jaws to slip over a work piece and provide a ratchet function. When the handle is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction the movable jaw is moved towards the fixed jaw to close on and grip the workpiece. In one embodiment a link moves the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw and forms part of an dead/over-center locking mechanism.

Abstract: A clamp that includes a first clamping jaw, a support element to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a clamp body having a first slot through which the support element passes along a first direction and an opening that faces in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A handle grip attached to the clamp body, a braking lever and a brake actuator that contacts the braking lever and includes an engagement element that extends through the opening.

Abstract: A method of operating a clamp (100) that includes a first clamping jaw (102), a support element (104) to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle (118) pivotably mounted to a clamp body (112). The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.