Including Toggle Means Patents (Class 81/367)
  • Patent number: 7252023
    Abstract: An improved chain locking pliers being of the type having a fixed handle, a movable handle, a fixed jaw affixed to the fixed handle for movement therewith, a movable jaw pivotally mounted to both the movable handle and the fixed handle, and apparatus for holding a chain and being associated with detents in both the fixed jaw and the movable jaw, respectively. The improvement includes the apparatus detachably lockingly capturing the chain to the fixed jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Christopher Bruce Perry, James Christopher Rogerson
  • Patent number: 7249542
    Abstract: A self-adjusting variable grip locking plier for gripping a workpiece. The plier includes a body, a handle, and a wedge. The plier is designed for extremely fast set up and for easily gripping and holding the workpiece with one hand with absolutely no adjustments ever to make, and provides a larger than ordinary jaw capacity in a very compact design. The plier grips and holds the workpiece with a light or tremendous gripping force with no adjustments ever to make, and with an extremely fast unlocking system, while at the same time fitting into the palm of one hand. When the workpiece is grasped, one simply ratchets the handle until the desired grip is obtained. The more times one squeezes the handle the tighter the grip. This automatically locks the plier at the desired grip. To release the plier one simply pushes the wedge back into the body with the palm of one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Stanley L. McNatt
  • Patent number: 7146887
    Abstract: An automatically adjustable locking pliers includes an upper jaw fixed to a handle and lower jaws that pivot about the handle. The lower jaws are connected to a lower tightening handle. A lever connects the tightening handle and upper body. This is the standard structure of locking pliers well known in the industry. The improvement includes a self-adjusting sizing and locking mechanism A thumb jaw sizing lever is located near the jaws and may be moved to open the jaws so that they can be sized around a workpiece. When the thumb jaw lever is released, the jaws automatically size and clamp lightly around the workpiece. The sizing lever and locking mechanism operate together to automatically size and lock the pliers. An adjusting screw in the lower handle near a pivot point sets the clamping force. Turning the screw adjusts the tension of the pliers for gripping the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Evan Hunter
  • Patent number: 7086312
    Abstract: “Parallel Jaw Locking Toggle Wrench/Pliers with Economic/Ergonomic Handles” comprising: a fixed jaw member being in parallel relationship to a slidable jaw member; the fixed jaw member constructed (by riveting or welding means) to support member - the support members being formed integral to a lower handle; the slidable jaw member slidably contiguous to said support member; the slidable jaw member pivotably attachable (by riveting) to a rotatable upper handle opposing said lower handle; a spring tensioned to said slidable jaw member - with the spring attachable to said lower handle; the spring allowing for the operation of said slidable jaw member, a toggle, said upper handle, and an adjustment screw; the toggle pivotably attachable (by riveting) to said upper handle; the toggle pivotably contacting said adjustment screw; the adjustment screw rotatably mounted in said lower handle; a release lever levered off of said toggle; the release lever pivotably attachable (housed) in said upper handle; and a compound
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth Guy Tortolani
  • Patent number: 7044032
    Abstract: Locking pliers for grasping an object include a body and a sliding jaw member having a first jaw, the sliding jaw member slidably connected to a body wherein the sliding jaw member may be selectively positioned with respect to the body. A rotating jaw member has an integral second jaw and is rotatably connected to the body. A locking handle is also rotatably connected to the body, the locking handle combining with the rotating jaw member to form an over center mechanism. The sliding jaw member is slidably positioned so that the first and second jaws contact the object. Then the rotating jaw member and the locking handle are urged together activating the over center mechanism to firmly grasp the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Paul M. Janson
  • Patent number: 7024911
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a pair of crimping pliers that comprises two arms (10) and (12), a fixed jaw and a movable jaw (34), which is articulated in regard to the two arms, and a hinge link interposed between the two arms. This pair of pliers displays an angular point for forming an arch perpendicular to which is positioned the axis A3. The present pair of pliers also has angular values and ratios of given lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Frédéric Delhumeau, Laurent Merle
  • Patent number: 6993999
    Abstract: A clamping device utilizes the mechanism of conventional vise-grip locking pliers to clamp internally or to expand workpieces with adjustable force. The invention comprises a fixed arm, a movable arm with quick release mechanism, a pair of special design, crossed clamping arms with jaws. Also included with the invention is the rear adjustment screw attached to one end of the fixed arm for setting the clamping gap and the clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Harry Wong
  • Patent number: 6966243
    Abstract: A universal plier structure is disclosed. The plier includes a plier body having an adjustable handle and a fixed handle, a suspension seat, an opening-adjusting knob, and a pad. The fixed handle has a bottom end having a first screw hole. The suspension seat has an end provided with a through hole. The opening-adjusting knob includes a screw rod and a knob head, the knob head being fitted in the suspension seat and having a center provided with a second screw hole, the screw rod having a first end engaged with the first screw hole of the fixed handle and a second end passing through the through hole of the suspension seat to engage the second screw hole of the opening-adjusting knob. The screw rod is welded to the knob head. The pad mounted between the knob head and the suspension seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Wan-Yi Liao
  • Patent number: 6862961
    Abstract: A locking pliers tool which combines a self-locking, frictional brake, gap setting means to set jaw gap size automatically when clamping onto a workpiece, and an over-center linkage clamping means to securely clamp the workpiece in between the opposing tool jaws, and an adjustment means for setting the clamping force to be exerted onto the gripped workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: John Andrew Winkler
  • Patent number: 6857342
    Abstract: A pair of locking pliers includes a first jaw, a first handle, a second jaw, a second handle, a toggle, an adjusting screw, a release lever, a spring, and a soft jacket. The first handle extends from the first jaw and includes a space defined therein. The second jaw is pivotally connected with the first jaw. The second handle is pivotally connected with the second jaw. The toggle includes a first end pivotally connected with the second handle and a second end inserted into the space of the first handle. The adjusting screw includes an end driven into the space of the first handle for abutment against the second end of the toggle. The release lever is pivotally connected with the second handle. The release lever includes a first end for abutment against the toggle and a second end to be pressed by a user. The spring includes an end secured to the first handle and an opposite end secured to the second jaw. The soft jacket wraps up the second handle and the release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Chao-Chi Wang
  • Publication number: 20040055430
    Abstract: A clamping device utilizes the mechanism of conventional vise-grip locking pliers to clamp internally or to expand workpieces with adjustable force. The invention comprises a fixed arm, a movable arm with quick release mechanism, a pair of special design, crossed clamping arms with jaws. Also included with the invention is the rear adjustment screw attached to one end of the fixed arm for setting the clamping gap and the clamping force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Harry Wong
  • Publication number: 20040055429
    Abstract: A locking pliers tool which combines a self-locking, frictional brake, gap setting means to set jaw gap size automatically when clamping onto a workpiece, and an over-center linkage clamping means to securely clamp the workpiece in between the opposing tool jaws, and an adjustment means for setting the clamping force to be exerted onto the gripped workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: John Andrew Winkler
  • Publication number: 20040000221
    Abstract: A self adjusting closure mechanism for a locking plier or similar device. Central to the invention is a set of one or more friction pawls which slide along a support rod, moved by a push link working against a spring. The push link is free to rotate between two positions relative to the rod as it slides. In the first position, and in between the positions, the push link bears against the center of the friction pawls and they remain free to slide along the rod. When the push link rotates to the second position, it presses on the edge of the pawls, causing them to tilt, coupling to the rod and preventing movement along the rod. In a typical locking plier, the support rod is mounted to the frame and the opposite end of the push link connects to the handle. As the handle closes, the push link rotates towards its second position and optionally slides along the support rod. When the friction paws lock, the plier begins to grip and lock on to the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Donald A. Kesinger, Eric S. Kesinger
  • Publication number: 20030196526
    Abstract: A pair of pliers including a first handle, a bolt movably mounted on the first handle, a first jaw secured to the first handle, a second jaw linked to the first handle, a spring connected between the first handle and the second jaw, a second handle linked to the second jaw, a strut linked to the second handle at an end and abutting the bolt at another end, and a lever linked to the second handle for control over the strut. The first jaw includes a tooth formed thereon and a flat edge formed next to the tooth. The second jaw includes a tooth and a concave edge formed next to the tooth thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Pang-Chung Wang
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6578452
    Abstract: A vise grip locking tool which contains jaws that are capable of opening with a flick of the user's wrist. The tool comprises a first handle member, a second handle member, a lower jaw, and an upper jaw. The first handle member is pivotally attached to the lower jaw. The first end of the lower jaw is made up of four mutually interconnected sides having a guided slot extending through it. The upper jaw has an elongated shank that may slide along the guided slot of the lower jaw. A stop is present on the bottom of the shank preventing the upper jaw from escaping the guided slot. The second handle member is pivotally mounted to the lower jaw and includes a releasable lock which is made up of a spring-operated detent which engages teeth on the elongated shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas F. Duffy
  • Patent number: 6487942
    Abstract: A fire head sprinkler tool comprising a pair of jaw extensions which may be either integral with or removably connected to a large capacity clamping or locking pliers. The locking pliers have a movable and a fixed jaw, and the jaws define a large cylindrical inner opening. The jaw extensions include upper working portions which further include concave gripping portions. The jaw extensions extend substantially laterally from one side of the jaw portion of the pliers, and the vertical axes of the jaw extensions are offset from the plane of the jaw side at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventors: Tom Carter, Michael P. Burkell
  • Publication number: 20020157507
    Abstract: A self adjusting grasping pliers. Upper and lower grasping jaws are pivotally connected together. A first handle extends rearward from the upper grasping jaw, and a second handle pivotally connected to the lower grasping jaw extends rearward thereof. A toggle member connects to one end of the second handle extending upwards into the longitudinal slot of the first handle. A pressure adjustment control is connected to one end of the handle, and extends into the handle a distance which is adjustable. A grasping size control rod extends through the pressure adjustment control engaging one end of the toggle member. A spring is located between a stop fixed threaded to the control rod and the pressure adjustment control. The pressure control is adjusted to establish a nominal grasping force. During grasping of an object, the control rod can move against the force of the spring limiting the force exerted on an object between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne W. Chou
  • Patent number: 6450070
    Abstract: A locking plier tool of the threaded shaft design which has an adjustment dial located in the midbody of the fixed handle. This dial location affords the operator the ability to adjust the jaw gap of the tool with the thumb digit while simultaneously handling the plier body with the finger digits of the same hand, making the jaw gap adjustment a one hand operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: John Andrew Winkler, William Edward Ringer
  • Patent number: 6408724
    Abstract: An adjustable locking pliers-type tool has a first handle provided with a fixed jaw, a movable jaw pivotally connected to the first handle, a second handle pivotally connected to the movable jaw, and a toggle linkage system cooperatively connected between the two handles. The linkage system includes a toggle link connected to one of a pair of wedges disposed in the first handle and coacts through a shoulder thereon with the second wedge. The two wedges are magnetically attracted into close contact with a floater plate separating the wedges with a force sufficient to prevent formation of oil films between their mating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Adjustable Clamp Company
    Inventor: Carlton L. Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20010054335
    Abstract: A modified self-adjusting vise-grip wrench implemented by replacing the conventional set screw element with two embodiments of a spring-loaded replacement set screw and slide pin or push rod element device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Wes F. Harman
  • Patent number: 6332274
    Abstract: A toggle-link type hand tool is provided that includes pivotally interconnected elements having workpiece engaging members and a pair of handles each operatively connected to a respective one of the pivotally interconnected elements, and a toggle-link operatively connected between the handles. Furthermore, the workpiece engaging members may be configured to have a cutting surface, configured as straight blades or as curved cutting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Alberto G. Domenge
  • Patent number: 6286358
    Abstract: Pliers for crimping work pieces include a first stationary handle (1) and a second movable handle (2). The first and second handle (1, 2) are designed and arranged to be movable with respect to one another and to be operable by one hand. A first pivot jaw (3) is connected to the first stationary handle (1) to form a stationary pliers portion. A second pivot jaw (4) is connected to the second movable handle (2). A common joint (5) pivotally connects the stationary pliers portion and the second pivot jaw (4). A first die (35) is arranged at the first pivot jaw (3). A second die (36) is arranged at the second pivot jaw (4). The first and second die (35, 36) together form a crimping die (8), and they are designed and arranged to contact one another in a closed position of the pliers in a separation plane (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: WEZAG GmbH Werkzeugfabrik
    Inventors: Horst Beetz, Kurt Battenfeld
  • Patent number: 6279433
    Abstract: A locking pliers includes a body that supports a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. A lever is pivotably connected to the movable jaw, and a locking mechanism including a stub arm is coupled between the body and the lever to lock the jaws in a closed position. This locking mechanism includes an adjustment screw that is exposed at an end of the body remote from the fixed jaw. The body forms a resilient gripping surface that extends away from the exposed portion of the adjustment screw. This gripping surface extends beyond the end of the lever by at least about 4 inches such that the lever does not obstruct access to the grip. The user can place both hands on the grip to apply large torques to a clamped workpiece once the locking pliers has been locked in place on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: American Tool Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Chervenak
  • Patent number: 6279432
    Abstract: A hand tool comprising a first handle member with integral jaw, a second handle member, and a third jaw member, all three members pivotally connected by a single common pivot pin. All three members are also cooperatively connected by a force multiplying mechanism, wherein an operative force applied to the handles is multiplied and applied to a work piece by the jaws. One embodiment of the invention features a “U”-shaped handle with two common pivot pin connection points, providing structural strength and handling stability. Other embodiments also comprise power assist devices to provide electrical and pneumatic work piece manipulation forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Merritt Armstrong Osborn
    Inventors: Merritt Armstrong Osborn, Russell James Logan
  • Patent number: 6279431
    Abstract: A self-adjusting pliers is operable to grasp a workpiece between an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The pliers includes an upper arm having the upper jaw and a lower arm, with the lower jaw linked to the lower arm but not integral with the lower arm. A control arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the control arm has a first pivotable connection to the upper arm adjacent to an end of the upper arm remote from the upper jaw, and the second end of the control arm has a second pivotable connection to the lower arm at an intermediate location along the length of the lower arm. An upper control arm pivot pin provides the pivotable connection between the first end of the control arm and the upper arm, and a spring biases the control arm so as to resist rotation of the control arm about the upper control arm pivot pin. A support extends downwardly from the upper arm toward the lower arm and has a guide thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Eric B. Carmichael
  • Patent number: 6256923
    Abstract: Fish handling pliers are stabilized against lateral movements of the pliers jaws. More specifically, the fish handling pliers of the present invention include an upper member having an upper handle section at a rearward end thereof, and an upper jaw at a forward end thereof. A lower member has a lower jaw at a forward end thereof which is opposed to the upper jaw of the upper member. The lower member also has a rearward end pivotally connected to the upper member to allow for pivotal movements of the lower member towards and away from the upper member to thereby close and open the opposed upper and lower jaws, respectively. Importantly, one of the upper and lower members defines a lengthwise-extending groove. The other of the upper and lower members includes a lengthwise extending tongue in opposition to the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: United Plastic Molders, Inc.
    Inventor: Don S. Norton
  • Patent number: 6176116
    Abstract: A crimping tool for crimping lead end sleeves, contact sockets, or plugs on the electrical conductors, two crimping jaws arranged in a tool head section for performing crimping, pivotably mounted and axially fixed in the tool head section, and forming a crimping aperature of adjustable cross-section, the crimping jaws on their outer peripheral surfaces receiving a pivot lever and are bringable into and out of a crimping position by a pivoting drive movement of the pivot lever, a toggle lever mechanism driven by the handles and effecting the pivoting drive movement of the pivot lever, for a force-stroke compensation between parts of a force transmission system, the crimping jaws in a region of their crimping profile being formed by a die surface and a sliding surface, the die surfaces of the crimping jaws forming a die profile of closed shape in all crimping position within an adjustable crimping range, the sliding surface of each of the crimping jaws being in planar contact with the die surface of an adjacent
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Rennsteig Werkzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Edgar Wilhelm, Horst Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6164107
    Abstract: A crimping tool capable of forming a uniform series of deformations or crimps on a workpiece, such that at least a portion of the workpiece can be modified to acquire an arcuate shape with a predetermined radius. The crimping tool includes a pair of arms and an associated pair of jaws. The tool further includes an adjustment feature associated with one of the arms for adjusting and gaging the distance between the jaws when in a crimping position. As such, the degree of deformation or crimping that can be applied by the jaws is positively limited by the adjustment feature, which physically establishes the minimum gap width between the jaws during a crimping operation. The jaws include die members specially configured to promote accurately placed and uniform crimps in a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: William Korba, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6161416
    Abstract: A tool for crimping contact elements of electrical conductors and formed as pliers has main levers, pressing or mouth jaws which are formed on the main levers and closed in an effective region parallel, handles operative for bringing the pressing or mouth jaws to an opening position and also to a closing or pressing position, the both main levers which carry the pressing and mouth jaws being formed each as a one-arm lever which has an end opposite to the pressing and mouth jaws, a hinge pin turnably connecting the one-arm levers with one another at the ends, and an actuating lever associated with a movable main lever, formed as an angular lever and supported in an arm part of the immovable main lever, the actuating lever being drivingly connected with the movable main lever in a region of its pressing end mouth jaw via a lever element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Rennsteig Werkzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Edgar Wilhelm, Horst Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6082231
    Abstract: A pair of pliers includes a body, a movable handle, a movable jaw, a push block, and a pull element. The movable handle and the movable jaw are both connected pivotally to the body so that they can displace about an angle. When the movable handle turns in the direction of the body, it can bring the push block to displace therewith so that a U-shaped end push portion of the push block press against a curved rack portion at the bottom face of the lower portion of the movable jaw, causing the curved jaw teeth of the movable jaw to close in the direction of a fixed jaw. And when the movable handle and the end push portion disengage from the front acting teeth of the curved rack portion, they can press against the rear acting teeth of the curved rack portion to clamp pipes of a larger contact surface. When the movable handle is turned outwardly away from the fixed handle, the pull element is utilized to cause the movable jaw to pull and turn quickly to a desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kun-Tien Tsai
  • Patent number: 6012361
    Abstract: A locking pliers wrench adjustable to grip between two jaws and lock onto objects in a range of sizes. An elongated handle forms the body of the wrench. The rear portion of the handle is channel-shaped in cross section and houses a gripping size adjusting screw and a jaw actuating slider actuated thereby. One jaw is rigidly mounted on the fore end of the handle while the second jaw is pivotally mounted on the handle at a first point adjacent the rear end of the first jaw. A second handle extends generally parallel to the body forming first handle and is pivotally connected to the second jaw at a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point. A link connects the second handle with the fore end of the jaw actuating slider. The adjusting screw is free to rotate but is restrained from axial movement. A nut is locked in the rear end of the slider so as to receive the threaded shank of the screw. The rear portion of the screw rotatably engages the rear end of the body forming handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Adjustable Clamp Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Wooster, Jr., Charles Martinka
  • Patent number: 5813297
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool having first and second cooperating jaws connected by a pivot. Each jaw includes a gripping surface and two side surfaces, and each jaw has a nose end that is remote from the pivot. Handle means causes the jaws to close about the pivot. There is a groove in the gripping surface of each of the jaws extending to the nose end of the jaw. The grooves lie along the longitudinal axis that lies in a plane extending between the gripping surfaces of the closed jaws. A cavity that is deeper than the grooves is formed in both of the jaws at the ends of the grooves opposite the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: John Zepkowski
  • Patent number: 5758729
    Abstract: Pliers (1) have a pliers housing (2), a handle (6) which is articulated on the pliers housing (2), a pliers mouth (3) which accommodates processing elements, and a drive device, which can be operated by pivoting the handle (6), in order to drive the processing elements. An electric motor (18) is arranged in the pliers housing (2) in order to exert a further drive force on the processing elements during pivoting of the handle (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Undin
  • Patent number: 5735353
    Abstract: Pliers (1) have a pliers housing (2), a handle (6) which is articulated on the pliers housing (2), a pliers mouth (3) which accommodates processing elements, and a drive device, which can be operated by pivoting the handle (6), in order to drive the processing elements. An electric motor (18) is arranged in the pliers housing (2) in order to exert a further drive force on the processing elements during pivoting of the handle (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Undin
  • Patent number: 5644960
    Abstract: A parallel, slidable and lockable jaw wrench is disclosed with an over-center locking handle mechanism. The parallel, slidable and lockable jaw wrench has different interchangeable head assemblies adaptable for locking different types of objects depending on the particular head assembly used. Each respective interchangeable head assembly has a horizontally slidable first jaw with a working surface that is adjacent to a working surface of a fixed second jaw that extends from the handle. The slidable first jaw utilizes a plurality of ball bearings disposed within a channel to slide toward and away from the fixed second jaw smoothly. Also, the slidable jaw locks in any spaced apart distance from the first fixed jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: William P. O'Brien
    Inventor: William P. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5595100
    Abstract: A hand guard is provided for use in combination with locking pliers having mutually hinged main and operating handles which are movable between opened and closed positions. It comprises a protective sleeve for conformable reception enveloping the mid-sectors of the locking pliers. The protective sleeve includes first and second opposed spaced apart panels and upper and lower opposed spaced apart panels for receiving the main and operating handles therebetween. The protective sleeve is of resiliently stretchable material such that when the locking pliers are in the closed position, the upper panel conformingly engages the main handle and the lower panel conformingly engages the operating handle and the first and second panels are substantially planar, extending, respectively, between the upper and lower panels, and when the locking pliers are in the opened position, the first and second panels are drawn into a reformed configuration while biasing the operating handle toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Robert E. Sollo
  • Patent number: 5503049
    Abstract: A locking pliers includes first and second handles. The first handle includes two spaced, parallel plates and a jaw received therebetween. The plates and at least a portion of the jaw are surrounded by a molded plastic element that defines the hand engaging surface of a handle. A similar construction can be used for the second handle. The plates provide rigidity to the handle, while the molded plastic element provides an ergonomically shaped hand engaging surface. The disclosed handles can be adapted for use in other hand tools, including pliers, wire cutters, snips, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Petersen Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Chervenak, Joseph A. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5469766
    Abstract: An adjustable spanner wrench comprising of a pair of handle halves, the handle halves including a first handle half and a second handle half, the first handle half being provided with an interior channel along its length. Jaws in the form of two C-shaped arms, the C-shaped arms each having an outboard extent with an aperture therethrough, each C-shaped arm having an inboard extent with an aperture and an associated rivet coupling the outboard ends of the handle halves to the inboard extents of the arms. A pivotable clip having a free end and a pivot end pivotally secured to each outboard end of each C-shaped arm and a semicircular recess at its free end, the semicircular recess adapted to be moved in position concentric with its associated aperture for contacting the groove of the pin received in an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph M. Hodges
  • Patent number: 5469765
    Abstract: An adjustable wrench has jaws (1, 2) which automatically lock up when a predetermined force is applied to the handgrips (2, 3). The jaws (1 and 2) are closed by forcing together hand grips (3 and 6) which holds pivot F against rubber stop (8) mounted in the housing (9), which in turn is mounted on brace arm (7); pivot D is moved towards brace (7), thus straightening line CDE and rotating jaw (2) and pivot C anti-clockwise about pivot B. When the jaws close on to a workpiece W, resistance is met and further movement of D towards arm (7) is arrested in favor of the over-center linkage arms (4 and 5) whereupon eccentric cam (11) locks rod (10) against anvil (12) thus holding jaw (2). The over-center lock on the hand grip (6) locks and is prevented from going further than just over-center by a stop G which bears on to the inside of the hand grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Michael J. Franklin
  • Patent number: 5377567
    Abstract: A locking plier hand tool contains first and second jaw elements, wherein each jaw element has a forward end and a rear end. The first jaw element has a main recess formed by first and second contacting portions positioned at an angle to each other and a third contacting portion interconnecting the first and second contacting portions. Each first and second contacting portions has one end connected to the third contacting portion and a free end. The second jaw element is provided with an arc shaped protuberant extending outwardly in the direction of the main recess. A substantially flat member contains at least a rear part and extends between the free end of the second contacting portion of the main recess and the rear part. A substantially flat surface extends rearwardly from the protuberant. A wall is situated remotely to the protuberant. The wall has a free end substantially in engagement with the rear part of the substantially flat member when the hand tool is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Petersen Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5287716
    Abstract: A method and hand powered tool for forming openings in metal wall-studs thereby to receive electrical cables, which can be easily pulled through these openings. The tool comprises pyramidally shaped piercer attached to a jaw which is pivotally connected to a handle having affixed hollow die. The piercer, pushed into stud's wall by lever, forms in the stud an opening having guiding tabs shaped from material displaced from the area of said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Andrzej J. Szulc
  • Patent number: 5267464
    Abstract: A pipe ring crimping tool providing significant mechanical advantage for applying force with a sufficient jaw opening and minimal external dimensions, minimal handle span and minimal handle length throughout the operational cycle. The tool is compact and lightweight to allow reach and access of the jaws into confined spaces. The tool utilizes a link and pin mechanism to translate the operator hand force exerted on the handles into a crimping force in a manner which allows for smooth application of operator hand force while increasing the crimping force as the pipe ring is compressed. The tool configuration by minimizing the handle spread, allows for single-handed operation of the tool or closely held two-handed operation. The tool includes a link mechanism designed to provide smooth crimping force and to preclude tool locking up and excess friction. The handles move laterally in opening the jaws to their maximum spread and are closed rotationally when crimping the pipe ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: John G. Cleland
  • Patent number: 5203797
    Abstract: A hand tool which comprises a fixed handle with a fixed jaw on the front portion and a movable jaw pivotally connected to the front portion of the fixed handle. A movable handle is connected to the movable jaw. An adjusting mechanism is provided for adjusting the position of the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw and consists of a threaded opening in the rear of the fixed handle and a screw member received within the opening. The screw member has a plurality of multiple first individual threads with the same diameter and pitch that mate with the threaded opening in the fixed handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Petersen Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Petersen
  • Patent number: 5056385
    Abstract: A quick release for a conventional plier-type, toggle-locking hand tool comprises a compound toggle link. The new link is pivotably mounted between the movable handle and the conventional toggle member. Four pivot points rather than the usual three form the "power line" of the tool. Locking the tool involves pushing the two internal pivot points inwardly across the power line. Release involves opening the handles which moves the internal pivot points back across the power line. Depending on the dimensions of the actual hand tool, the mechanical advantage of the novel compound link is between 4 to 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Petersen Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Petersen
  • Patent number: 5052251
    Abstract: Improved locking wrenches are provided with adjustment screws having a head portion which defines at least one opening registerable with an aperture defined in an extension member rearwardly extending from the lower handle of the wrench. In this manner, a restraining element may be placed through the registered opening/aperture to positionally restrain (immobilize) the upper and lower wrench handles relative to one another. The head of the adjustment screw and/or the extension member according to the present invention may be embodied in a number of alternative arrangements to provide the necessary cooperative relationship as between the opening and aperture respectively defined thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Blue Water Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventor: J. David Mills
  • Patent number: 5022290
    Abstract: A locking plier-wrench includes a first handle member having a first jaw member lockable at a plurality of positions relative to the handle member and removable from the handle member so that a different jaw member having a different length shank may be substituted, and a second jaw member pivotally mounted on the handle member and straddling the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas F. Duffy
  • Patent number: 5014578
    Abstract: A pipe clamping device, viz., pipe tongs, is shown which is particularly adapted to securing pipe as it is lowered into a pipe casing in the earth. The pipe tongs consist of a fixed handle with a removable pipe clamp at one end thereof and an adjustment screw at the other end, and a movable jaw member with a removable pipe clamp at one end thereof, a movable handle connected to the movable jaw member at one end and having a latch with an operating lever at the other end. A linkage is connected between the movable handle and the adjustment screw to provide an adjustable toggle or locking mechanism for the handles and movable jaw member of the tongs. A catch on the fixed handle is engaged by the latch to secure the movable handle in a locked, closed position. The removable pipe clamps are provided in a variety of sizes and shaped for accommodating different pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: Melvin L. Flentge
  • Patent number: 5007312
    Abstract: A double jawed locking hand vice is provided which comprises a gripping means for securely holding a tubular member and a securing means for securing a nut of preselected size and shape against rotation with respect to the tubular piece when the tubular piece and the nut are held concentrically disposed with respect to one another within the vice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Carey G. Bailey
  • Patent number: 4941262
    Abstract: The can opener has two support members (10 and 11), a rotatable drive wheel (17) on one of the support members (10) for advancing the opener around a can, a cutting blade (18) on the other member (11), and two handles (13 and 14) for pivoting the support members (10 and 11) between closed and open configurations. The can opener also comprises an over center toggle linkage (15 and 16) so that when the support members are in a closed configuration the support members cannot be moved to an open configuration by a force applied between the drive wheel (17) and the cutting blade (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Emmarco Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony Y. M. Law