Handle Manipulation For Jaw Actuation Patents (Class 269/6)
  • Patent number: 7093828
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are high quality, strong, and lightweight. For example, various tools such as clamps may be made using parts containing a compound or alloy including magnesium. Magnesium may be for cast or extruded parts. In one embodiment, an “F” style clamp may be made with one or both of the two cooperating jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In one variation, the “F” style clamp may include a shaft made from extruded magnesium. In another embodiment, a “C” style clamp may be made with the “C” shaped frame being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a further embodiment, a bar clamp having trigger indexing may me made with one or both of two jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a variation, the bar may be an extruded magnesium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Scott A. Murray, Sun Xiao Wei
  • Patent number: 7090209
    Abstract: A jaw for a bar clamp having a trigger pivoted to a handle at a position on the handle that is spaced from the bar. The trigger directly contacting a drive lever at a contact point, such that the contact point between the trigger and the drive lever changes along the length of the drive lever as the trigger pivots with respect to the handle such that when the contact point is remote from the bar the trigger provides high mechanical advantage to the drive lever, and when the contact point is closer to the bar the trigger provides low mechanical advantage to the drive lever. Also, a method of using a bar clamp, including positioning first and second moving jaws on opposite sides of a member to be clamped and activating a mechanical motor to move the bar and force the first moving jaw toward the second moving jaw until both the first and second moving jaws securely clamp the first member to be clamped between the first and second moving jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Stanley Tools and Hardware
    Inventor: Stephen Rowlay
  • Patent number: 7076910
    Abstract: A device for landing, handling and controlling a fish which includes a pair of clamps pivotally attached to a main housing. A handle is provided at one end of the housing. The clamps can be moved from a closed position to a fully opened position by a trigger assembly. The clamps can be retained in their fully opened position without manual assistance. The device can be provided with a built in scale. A locking assembly can also be provided for preventing the main housing from spinning or rotating with respect to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Jorge Xifra
  • Patent number: 7066457
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, and a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted and are operable for being shifted between work engaging and work releasing positions. In one form, the apparatus may be configured with clamp members capable of being fully removed from the elongate member and placed back thereon while maintaining the operability of the clamp members. At least one of the clamp members may be capable of being mounted on the elongate member in a plurality of directions, or may include jaw assemblies which are removable from and/or rotatable with respect to the elongate member. In addition, the apparatus may include a base for securing the base to a work surface and a catch for securing the elongate member to the base. In another form, the base may be configured to receive and secure the elongate member in a plurality of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: WMH Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Gerritsen, William J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7040609
    Abstract: A clamping fixture includes a gauge rod having a fixed and a movable jaw mounted thereon, a lever-like handle, and a shift plate having a lower slot, via which the gauge rod is extended. The shift plate is connected to a rear side of the movable jaw via two shafts having compression springs mounted thereon. When the handle is downward pulled, a roller on the handle pushes the shift plate to turn clockwise, bringing the slot into an inclined position to firmly press against the gauge rod and thereby becomes immovable to stop the movable jaw from moving. The handle has a nut engaged with a screw rod mounted on the movable jaw. When the screw rod is turned, the nut and accordingly the handle are axially finely adjusted until a workpiece is firmly clamped between the two jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Ferng-Jong Liou
  • Patent number: 7036806
    Abstract: An electrically driven press tool that is compact, reliable and cost-effective. There is a press tool in which a crimping tool is retained in a recess by a bolt. An electromotor drives a spindle, which interacts with the crimping tool, by a reducing gear. The spindle is connected to a shaft by a pressure flange. The bearing pressure, which acts on the spindle, is brought to bear on a pressure ring by a pressure flange and a pressure bearing, the ring acting directly or indirectly on a force or pressure sensor. When a predetermine set value of the crimping is reached, the sensor forwards a switching signal to the controller of the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Von Arx AG
    Inventors: Rene Amherd, Paul Dummermuth
  • Patent number: 7017894
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vise clamp for a stable and precise operation. The vise clamp includes movable and stationary jaws including corresponding contact portions. The movable jaw is secured to an end of a rod. The rod is inserted through the stationary jaw in a sliding manner. A first trigger is connected to the bottom of the stationary jaw. A second trigger is connected to a handle extended from the bottom of the stationary jaw. The first trigger is operable to drive a moving device in the stationary jaw. The second trigger is operable to drive a retaining device in the stationary jaw. The retaining device consists of grip collars around the rod. The moving device includes grip collars around the rod and two linings between the grip collars and the rod. Thus, the area of the contact of the moving device with the rod is large. Hence, the operation of the vise clamp is stable and precise, and the clamping force of the vise clamp is large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Chian Ling Lin
  • Patent number: 7013770
    Abstract: An engine tilting tool used to tilt transversely mounted General Motors engines includes a tubular bracket member which receives a telescoping tubular member that is driven telescopically by means of a drive rod mounted on the bracket member. The bracket member is attached to the vehicle engine compartment in place of one end of the “dog bone” strut engine support and the telescoping tubular member is attached to the engine in place of the opposite end of the strut engine support. A nut is used to adjust the position of the telescoping tube relative to the tubular bracket member to thereby effect tilting of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventor: Danny Williams
  • Patent number: 7007936
    Abstract: A spring clamp has an elastically operable locating mechanism provided between two handles of the spring clamp, so that the two handles may instantaneously enter into a firmly braked position when the spring clamp clamps work pieces thereto, and immediately released from the braked position when a push button of the locating mechanism is pushed. The spring clamp with the elastically operable locating mechanism is more convenient for use without the risk of unexpectedly loosening from work pieces clamped thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Ching-Tsung Chang
  • Patent number: 7007937
    Abstract: In order to improve a clamp-type hand tool, comprising a first arm incorporating a corresponding jaw portion and a second arm incorporating a corresponding jaw portion wherein the two arms are pivotable relative to one another and the jaw portions form a jaw device having an adjustable aperture, in such a manner that it is employable in as universal a way as possible, it is proposed that the jaw portion of the first arm and/or the law portion of the second arm be displaceable on the corresponding arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Bessey & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Siegfried Foshag, Gerhard Kloepfer, Hans Roesch
  • Patent number: 7007935
    Abstract: An article for clamping a plurality of objects together, wherein the article includes a body portion formed in a generally c-shape. The body portion comprises a pair of side portions, an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the pair of side portions, and a pair of opposed free end portions extending from the pair of side portions and opposite the intermediate portion and forming a gap therebetween. The pair of opposed free end portions are resiliently biased toward a position proximate each other and spaced apart to the extent of the gap therebetween. They are expandable away from each other upon the exertion of expansion pressure, to extend about the plurality of objects to be clamped therebetween, and to return to the resiliently biased position to exert pressure on the plurality of objects therebetween upon the release of the expansion pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Ramon Navarro
  • Patent number: 6983522
    Abstract: An exchange device for grip heads comprising a plurality of clamping jaws, consisting of a carrier plate having a borehole. Pivoting arms are axially staggered in relation to the carrier plate and are concentrically arranged in relation to the borehole. The pivoting arms are articulated by a joint in such a way that they can be pivoted in a plane containing the axis of the borehole. The pivoting movement is thus carried out radially in relation to the axis of the borehole. Coupling elements are arranged on the pivoting arms, by which the exchange device can be coupled to the clamping jaws of the grip head and detached from the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Hainbuch GmbH Spannende Technik
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Weller, Wilhelm Hetschel
  • Patent number: 6983930
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a clamping device with an attached arm in which the act of opening the clamp makes the arm flexible and the act of closing the clamp makes the arm rigid. By operating in this manner, the present invention may allow a worker to position the arm (while flexible) in any number of different and easily attainable positions while also allowing the worker to secure a workpiece and immobilize the arm in a single step. In another embodiment of the present invention the arm can be made flexible independently of opening the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Christopher Louis La Mendola
    Inventors: Christopher Louis La Mendola, Paul Hatch, Kristian Buschmann, Kevin R. Lovell, Joseph R. Peters
  • Patent number: 6978989
    Abstract: A workpiece holding system (10) is configured for holding a workpiece (R) for crafting thereof by a craftsman (C). The system (10) broadly includes a mounting assembly (12) removably coupled to a support surface (B), an articulating frame assembly (14) coupled to the mounting assembly (12), a workpiece-supporting tool assembly (16) removably coupled to the frame assembly (14), and a mirrored ambidextrous handrest assembly (18) removably coupled to the mounting assembly (12). A fixture (36) spaced from a work zone (W) adjustably receives the tool assembly (16) so that the workpiece (R) held therein can be positioned substantially in the work zone (W) so that when the tool assembly (16) is maneuvered, thereby articulating the frame assembly (14), the workpiece (R) substantially remains in the work zone (W). The tool assembly (16) includes a connection assembly (80) configured to quickly and removably couple tools (78, 140, 152, 154, 172) into a clamp (76).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Glendo Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Glaser, Lon C. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 6978986
    Abstract: A clamping device has a transmission mechanism that includes upper and lower oblique cavities respectively provided above and below a scaled rod of the clamping device; a steel ball and a compression spring are sequentially positioned in each of the two oblique cavities, so that the steel balls are normally pushed forward by the compression springs to firmly contact with an inner front surface of the cavities, as well as upper and lower sides of the scaled rod, allowing the scaled rod to move rearward only when an operating handle of the clamping device is pivotally pulled. The steel ball in the lower cavity may be pushed backward to separate from the lower side of the scaled rod when a push button located in front of the lower cavity is pushed, so that the scaled rod is allowed to move forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Ching-Tsung Chang
  • Patent number: 6966550
    Abstract: A compact clamp design includes an upper and a lower arm fitted with gripping pads at respective front ends and hinged together at respective back ends. The rearward positioned hinge enables the clamp to open very wide since the hinge and the gripping pads are relatively very far apart. An operating handle integrated as part of an upper arm. When the clamp is closed there are no protruding members. The clamp is very compact and minimally obtrusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Worktools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Marks
  • Patent number: 6957808
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted for being shifted between clamped and unclamped positions to allow a clamped workpiece to be transported, and a base having a base securing mechanism for securing the base to a work surface and an elongate member securing mechanism which allows the transportable elongate member to be connected in a fixed position relative to the base to keep the secured workpiece fixed relative to the work surface. With this configuration, the elongate member and clamp members may be used in conjunction with the base and/or removed from the base and used remotely thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: WMH Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Varzino, Mark R. Lytell
  • Patent number: 6957478
    Abstract: A tool for disconnecting the air and electrical connections between a motor vehicle and a trailer or a utility hookup station includes a handle and a forked portion. A spring-mounted push bar extends away from the handle and abuts the electrical connection socket of the trailer. A lifting lug on one of the prongs of the forked portion of the tool lifts the hinged plate away from the trailer's electrical connection. The tool is placed around the electrical connection adjacent the trailer and is pushed upward until it engages the trailer plug. The handle is then pushed towards the trailer, forcing the plug on the motor vehicle away from the socket. Projections extending from the forked portion of the tool can be used to engage the air line connectors between a motor vehicle and a trailer or a utility hookup station to separate the air lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Steve Ontiveros
  • Patent number: 6955344
    Abstract: A system of tools and connector assemblies can be erected in numerous arrangements and configurations, in positive, selected interrelationships, for the mounting and support of a workpiece or the like. Engagement portions on the tools are clamped by the clamping blocks comprising a connector assembly; the tools may be C-clamps, bar-clamps, pipe-clamps, coupling devices, brackets, standoffs, and like implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventors: Robert L. Brass, Steven W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6929253
    Abstract: A bar clamp operates by squeezing a handle to close a jaw. The improvements of the present invention include: A rigid locking wedge geometry wherein the wedges are parallel to each other, a simplified wire form release element, a structure for retaining a jaw locking knob upon the jaw, and a snap fitted gripping pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Marks
  • Patent number: 6896248
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a clamping device, system, and method for clamping a workpiece. The clamping device comprises a slide bar having a fixed jaw and a selectively movable member slidingly coupled to the slide bar. The movable member comprises a housing having a cylinder coupled thereto, wherein an inlet port associated with the with a first end cap of the cylinder is in selective fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source. The pressurized fluid source is operable to linearly translate a piston within the cylinder, therein selectively translating a rod and movable jaw to selectively clamp the workpiece between the fixed jaw and the movable jaw based upon an application of fluid pressure to the inlet port. A locking mechanism operable to selectively engage the slide bar is further coupled to the housing, therein selectively preventing a movement of the housing away from the fixed jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Beckett Air Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph H. Andulics
  • Patent number: 6889966
    Abstract: A clamp pad is provided for being selectively mounted to each jaw of a bar clamp assembly. The clamp pad can be easily mounted to the clamp jaw and radially locked in place with respect to the bar clamp assembly. In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp pad is configured to selectively be fit on either of the clamp jaws of the bar clamp assembly to facilitate assembly. The clamp pad defines a substantially increased clamping area to evenly distribute force and prevent damage to the associated workpiece. The increased dimensions of the clamp pad also stabilizes the bar clamp assembly, which eliminates tipping and thus eliminates the need for associated assemblies such as clamp saddles and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Woodworker's Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wirth, Jr., Paul Brutsman, Dan Stoops, Jay L. Sanger, Mark K. McCool
  • Patent number: 6877400
    Abstract: A tool for placement of a wildlife protection guard on an insulated bushing on a transformer is provided. The tool includes a body, a hook, a connector, a first and second tension member and a tensioning mechanism. The body has a first end, a second end operable to receive the wildlife protection guard, an upper side and lower side. The hook is adjacent the first end of the body. The connector extends from the lower side of the body and is pivotably attachable to an end of an extendable pole. The first and second tension members define a portion of the second end of the body and further define a slot for receiving a portion of the wildlife protection guard. The tensioning mechanism communicates with the first and second tension members and is operable to adjust the tension on the wildlife protection guard receivable in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Weaver, Ronald B. Stidham
  • Publication number: 20040195746
    Abstract: A bar clamp operates by squeezing a handle to close a jaw. The improvements of the present invention include: A rigid locking wedge geometry wherein the wedges are parallel to each other, a simplified wire form release element, a structure for retaining a jaw locking knob upon the jaw, and a snap fitted gripping pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Joel Marks
  • Patent number: 6799756
    Abstract: A suction-cup device has a cup-shaped support body having a cup opening and a hole. A suction diaphragm is positioned in the cup opening of the cup-shaped support body. A rod extends through the hole and is connected to the suction diaphragm. A clamp has first and second arms pivotally connected together at an articulation pin, the first and second arms each having a clamping jaw at one end and an actuating section at another end. The clamping jaws are biased toward each other. The clamp has a clamping member pivotally connected to the rod by a pivot pin which extends in a direction transverse to a direction of the articulation pin. The clamping member operatively contacts the cup-shaped support body and moves the rod and actuates the suction diaphragm when the clamping member is pivoted to a suction position. The clamping member moves the rod and releases the suction diaphragm when the clamping member is pivoted to a release suction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventor: Klemens Degen
  • Patent number: 6793208
    Abstract: A tool system for inserting temple screws in eyeglass frames includes first and second scissor arms, with each scissor arm having proximal and distal ends, the arms pivotally connected so that the ends can be moved towards and away from one another when the arms are pivotally moved using finger-receiving devices at the distal ends of the scissor arms. A clamp locking mechanism is an extended ratchet device for providing stepwise engagement of the first and second scissor arms in a position where the finger receiving devices are moved closer together and prevented from moving further apart. Clamping and gripping surfaces at the proximal ends of the arms grip the spring hinge eyeglass frames, with an elongated projection extending away from the clamping surface on one arm to engage the eyeglass temples to temporarily secure the spring hinge in a state of extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Charles W. Riddle, Jr., Robert A. Riddle
  • Patent number: 6789791
    Abstract: An interior c-clamp's holding-device (10), for repairing cracks in violins without removing the soundboard (18) (top of the violin), comprising a housing (15) located at the bottom-end of a c-clamp (21). The housing (15) has both a horizontal and a vertical passage bored through the housing (15) creating an intersection inside the housing (15) where the two bores meet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Genduso
  • Patent number: 6776403
    Abstract: A hand tool for portably holding a workpiece during drilling or grinding operations is disclosed. The tool comprises first and second locking pliers and a bracing arrangement therebetween. By reason of the bracing arrangement, the tool is able to securely hold the workpiece without loss of grip while torques in excess of that which could be sustained by a single pliers or by two pliers acting independently are applied to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: George Neufeld
  • Publication number: 20040140602
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, and a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted and are operable for being shifted between work engaging and work releasing positions. In one form, the apparatus may be configured with clamp members capable of being fully removed from the elongate member and placed back thereon while maintaining the operability of the clamp members. At least one of the clamp members may be capable of being mounted on the elongate member in a plurality of directions, or may include jaw assemblies which are removable from and/or rotatable with respect to the elongate member. In addition, the apparatus may include a base for securing the base to a work surface and a catch for securing the elongate member to the base. In another form, the base may be configured to receive and secure the elongate member in a plurality of directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: John T. Gerritsen, William J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6752390
    Abstract: A tool for stabilizing slack fiber cable that has been withdrawn from a cable duct includes an inner sleeve portion for stabilizing the end portion of the cable remaining in the duct and a collar that is coupled to the sleeve and attaches to the exterior periphery of the duct. A set of cable-locking rollers is coupled to the collar and used to engage the slack portion of the cable and hold it in place as various fibers within the cable are repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Walter F. Boles, Jr., Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman
  • Patent number: 6746006
    Abstract: A tool for selectively compressing and expanding work, the tool comprising a handle including bar holders and at least two slidable bars having work engaging surfaces at ends thereof both of which are slidably received in a separate one of the bar holders and both being adapted to be selectively fixed therein whereby at least one of the slidable bars is adapted to be reversibly received in one of the bar holders of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Lowell Thomas
  • Patent number: 6742415
    Abstract: A remotely operable opening mechanism for potentially booby-trapped latched panels has a clamp member for clampable engagement with a fixed structure on the panel. A displaceable actuator is mounted on the clamp member. The displaceable actuator has a protruding element engageable with a latch on the latched panel and a coupling element for connection to a line to permit remote activation of the actuator to release the latch member and thereby permit the latched panel to be opened from a safe distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by the Solicitor General acting through the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
    Inventor: Gordon D. Scott
  • Patent number: 6736386
    Abstract: A covered photomask holder and a method of using the covered photomask holder are disclosed. A photomask holder includes a gripping mechanism to engage and retain a component with the photomask holder. A handle is coupled to the gripping mechanism that manipulates the gripping mechanism. A protective cover is associated with the gripping mechanism that encloses the component while engaged within the photomask holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: DuPont Photomasks, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040075205
    Abstract: A compact clamp design includes an upper and a lower arm fitted with gripping pads at respective front ends and hinged together at respective back ends. The rearward positioned hinge enables the clamp to open very wide since the hinge and the gripping pads are relatively very far apart. An operating handle integrated as part of an upper arm. When the clamp is closed there are no protruding members. The clamp is very compact and minimally obtrusive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Joel Marks
  • Patent number: 6722643
    Abstract: A multi-clamp is illustrated which operates in the manner of a traditional “c”-clamp, but which also operates cooperatively with a support such as a pipe or bar clamp to apply forces normal to otherwise difficult or impossible to reach large sheet materials. A pair of nested u-shaped members are coupled together with a threaded rod. A knob is used to actuate the threaded rod and provide motive force or actuation between the nested u-shaped members. Two alternative embodiments are also illustrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: William C. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6708966
    Abstract: A C-clamp including a two-member back with a first member telescoping from a second member to a selective position where it is releasably secured. A securing mechanism, such as a cross pin or a ratchet a pawl in a rack on the first member, releasably secures the members together at a preferred position. In the preferred embodiment, the second member comprises a channel with the first member passing into the channel. Thus, the cross pin at the channel entry end engages one of a plurality of grooves in the top of the first member. To adjust the extent of the inner member from the outer member, it rotates out of the channel to separate the pin from the selective groove, allowing the inner and out members to adjust their relative position. Equivalently, the cross pin may remove from a groove of a nonrotating inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Troudt
  • Patent number: 6698734
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a clamp assembly having a pair of clamp handles and a clipping member or a poking member, and the clamp handles use an extendible clamp wire set to control the clipping member or the poking member, so that the tool can be extended into a small narrow operating space for its application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Wang
  • Patent number: 6691992
    Abstract: A tool for positioning and installing paneling sections, such as drywall sections, on underlying walls. The tool is initially secured to a wall, and comprises a vertical surface parallel to the wall and a downwardly angled surface. These surfaces, together with the wall, form a gap, which accommodates and temporarily holds a paneling section in place and therefore allows for easy installation and/or repositioning of the paneling. The downwardly angled surface forces the paneling section against the wall. The tool also may include a mounting surface with screw slots, these screw slots being capable of engaging and disengaging the screw to permit easy removal of the tool following use. A second angled surface may be positioned so as to guide the paneling into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy Mungo
  • Patent number: 6685176
    Abstract: A clamp pad is provided for being selectively mounted to each jaw of a bar clamp assembly. The clamp pad can be easily mounted to the clamp jaw and radially locked in place with respect to the bar clamp assembly. In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp pad is configured to selectively be fit on either of the clamp jaws of the bar clamp assembly to facilitate assembly. The clamp pad defines a substantially increased clamping area to evenly distribute force and prevent damage to the associated workpiece. The increased dimensions of the clamp pad also stabilizes the bar clamp assembly, which eliminates tipping and thus eliminates the need for associated assemblies such as clamp saddles and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Woodworker's Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wirth, Jr., Paul Brutsman, Dan Stoops, Jay L. Sanger, Mark K. McCool
  • Patent number: 6676120
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a handle assembly for a hand operable bar clamp having a fixed jaw, a movable jaw and a drive for translating the movable jaw towards the fixed jaw. The assembly includes a handgrip and a trigger handle. The handgrip having an elongated rear portion has a generally rounded surface and being contoured to complement the natural transverse curve of a human palm. The trigger handle is pivotal with respect to the handgrip. The trigger handle includes an elongated front portion having a rounded front surface and being contoured to complement the natural palmar curve of a set of fingers flexed toward the palm. The shape and contour of the handle assembly cause pressure to be safely distributed across the user's hand when the handgrip and the trigger handle are grasped and the trigger handle is depressed toward said handgrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: M. Susan Hallbeck, Myung-Chul Jung
  • Patent number: 6665919
    Abstract: An apparatus for removal of a windshield wiper arm or bracket and blade assembly from a threaded stud or shaft includes gripping jaws which are held in position by a cam that engages and pivots the arms into a desired gripping position. The apparatus further includes a central or axial shaft which may be rotated to drive a specially formed cup against the exposed wiper blade mounting shaft to thereby cause the jaws to move in a manner which will effect axial movement of the jaws and pulling of the wiper arm assembly from the mounting shaft or stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Scotty R. Kurtz, Marvin C. Negley
  • Patent number: 6658711
    Abstract: Apparatus for rapid insertion of hose fittings into the ends of hoses, having a hand-controlled fitting installation mechanism movable along a travel bar, the mechanism having a vertical paid used to push the hose fitting into the end of the hose; a separate attached hose mounting platform for holding the hose end above and parallel to the bar holding the hand-controlled mechanism; and a hose locking lever attached to the top of the hose mounting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Joel Kent Benson
  • Patent number: 6655670
    Abstract: A clamping device has a transmission mechanism that includes two operating handles connected to a scaled rod extended through and connected to a movable jaw of the clamping device. Each of the operating handles has one set of front and rear push members mounted on the scaled rod to closely locate behind the handle. A cushion made of a plastic steel material with a predetermined elasticity is disposed between each set of the front and rear push members, so as to prevent the push members from loosening from the scaled rod due to an overly large force applied on the push members via the operating handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Ferng-Jong Liou
  • Patent number: 6648313
    Abstract: In an article and method for clamping a plurality of objects together, the article includes a body portion, comprised of spring wire, formed in a generally C-shape. The body portion comprises a pair of side portions, an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the pair of side portions, and a pair of opposed free end portions extending from the pair of side portions and opposite the intermediate portion and forming a gap therebetween. The pair of opposed free end portions are resiliently biased toward a position proximate each other and spaced apart to the extent of the gap therebetween. They are adapted to be expanded away from each other upon the exertion of expansion pressure, to extend about the plurality of objects to be clamped therebetween, and to return to the resiliently biased position to exert pressure on the plurality of objects therebetween upon the release of the expansion pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ramon Navarro
  • Patent number: 6648315
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a rod slidably received in a channel of a housing, a catch plate and a release panel slidably engaged onto the rod and biased to be released and engaged onto the rod. A hand grip is pivotally secured to the housing, a pawl is rotatably secured in the housing and has one end engageable with the hand grip and the other end engageable with the catch plate to tilt the catch plate relative to the rod and for allowing the rod to be moved relative to the housing by the hand grip and the pawl. A knob may move and release the release panel relative to the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Yung Jen Lee
  • Patent number: 6648314
    Abstract: A clamp has a first clamping jaw support (2) which can be displaced along a slide bar (1) and fixed thereon by applying a tilting moment. The clamping jaw support has a first clamping jaw (3), certain areas of which lie at a distance from the slide bar (1) and a second clamping jaw support (4) which is located and substantially fixed in the area of one end of the slide bar. The second clamping jaw support has a second clamping jaw (5) which is located opposite the first clamping jaw (3) and which is displaced towards the first clamping jaw (3) when the clamping jaw support is impinged upon by an eccentric pressure element (6), located at the end of the slide bar. The second clamping jaw support (4) can be pivoted about a shaft (13) which fixes it to the slide bar (1). The eccentric pressure element (6) acts upon a pressure shoulder (7) of the second clamping jaw support (4) which obliquely crosses the slide bar (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventors: Klemens Degen, Zbigniew Noniewicz, Theo Gasper
  • Patent number: 6644636
    Abstract: An adapter for modifying a spring clamp for use as an edge clamp. The adapter is essentially a flexible intermediate section with pockets attached at each end. Each pocket slips over one of the jaws of the spring clamp. When the clamp is forced open, the intermediate section extends from jaw to jaw across the jaw cavity of the clamp. When the clamp is placed over a workpiece, the intermediate section of the adapter deforms elastically around the contour of the workpiece that extends into the jaw cavity. The edge clamp exerts an edge-clamping force against the workpiece in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the clamping forces exerted by the jaws and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spring clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: M. Terry Ryan
  • Patent number: 6641122
    Abstract: In order to provide a lever clamp which is straightforward and cost-effective to produce and comprises a slide rail, a fixed arm, which is arranged on the slide arm, and a slide arm, which can be displaced on the slide rail and on which a lever element is mounted in a pivotable manner and a pressure plate is mounted such that it can be displaced transversely to the slide arm, it being possible for the closing movement of the pressure plate in relation to the fixed jaw to be actuated by a pivoting movement of the lever element, so that a workpiece can be clamped between the fixed jaw and pressure plate, it is provided that, in order to form a pivot bearing for the pivotability between the lever element and slide arm, a pivoting-shaft element is arranged on the lever element or the slide arm and the slide arm or the lever element has a pivoting-shaft mount, in which the pivoting-shaft element can be inserted and by means of which the pivoting-shaft element and the pivoting-shaft mount can be rotated relative to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Bessey & Sohn GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Roesch
  • Patent number: 6601837
    Abstract: In order to provide a clamping device with a clamping rail which is guided for displacement in its longitudinal direction and an actuating device which comprises a gripping element, by means of which the clamping rail can be displaced, which has a great ease of operation it is suggested that a first contact element and second contact element be held on the clamping rail, that the clamping rail be displaceable in relation to the first contact element and that the first contact element be rotatable relative to the actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Bessey & Sohn GmbH & Co
    Inventors: Horst Klimach, Siegfried Foshag, Karl Philipp, Hans Roesch
  • Patent number: 6601838
    Abstract: A clamp or locking pliers of this invention are intended for positioning aligning a first wooden framing member transversely relative to a second wooden framing member prior to attachment of the first wooden framing member to the second wooden framing member. The clamp includes a first gripping jaw and a second gripping jaw. The first and second jaws are shiftable toward each other to grip the first wooden member. A crossbar extends transversely, preferably at right angles, relative to the first and second gripping jaws for supporting the first wooden framing member on the second wooden framing member and for mutually aligning the two members so that they can be nailed together. A safety guard on the locking pliers includes a bail that can be rotated to prevent release of a locking pliers release clip so that the pliers can be used to hoist a wooden framing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Reece Gilley