By Manipulation Of Pivot-carrying Member Patents (Class 81/405)
  • Patent number: 10406655
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a pair of adjustable pliers, comprising a first handle and a second handle, both of which have a gripping part arranged at a front end thereof, the two gripping parts forming a jaw span, the first handle and the second handle being arranged in an intersectional manner and relatively fixed via a connecting mechanism, wherein the second handle has an elongated rack slot at a position of the connecting mechanism, and the rack slot is provided with a toothed rack on an inner side part thereof. The connecting mechanism comprises a positioning snap piece arranged inside the rack slot and a link mechanism connected with the positioning snap piece, the positioning snap piece has lateral teeth which are engaged with the toothed rack on the rack slot, the link mechanism is provided to drive the positioning snap piece to rotate and disengage the lateral teeth on the positioning snap piece from the toothed rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignees: HANGZHOU GREAT STAR TOOLS CO., LTD, HANGZHOU GREAT STAR INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Wang
  • Patent number: 10081092
    Abstract: An irrigation tool is described that may be used to unloosen a sprinkler head of an underground water irrigation system without the need to expose the entire sprinkler head assembly. The device allows for sufficient torque to be applied to the sprinkler head without the need for a wide unobstructed wrench turning radius about the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Ross Lazarov
  • Patent number: 9073185
    Abstract: An adjustable holding tool is provided for servicing a fan clutch assembly removably attached to a shaft of a water pump having a pulley associated therewith. A holding tool is comprised of a first plate holder including a first adjustment leg joined to a first attachment leg having a first longitudinal axis and a first attachment structure. A second plate holder includes a second adjustment leg joined to a second attachment leg having a second longitudinal axis and second attachment structure. The first and second plate holders are slidably connected together to provide a continuous variable spacing between the first and second adjustment legs while maintaining a parallel relationship between the first and second longitudinal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: A & E Incorporated
    Inventors: Joshua Oachs, Timothy J Alho, Jason Horner, Maximilian N Knoell
  • Patent number: 8661948
    Abstract: A pliers includes a first member having a first head, a first handle, and a first grip. The first grip is positioned on the first handle such that an end portion of the first handle opposite the first head is exposed. The pliers also includes a second member pivotally coupled to the first member. The second member has a second head, a second handle, and a second grip. The second grip is positioned on the second handle such that an end portion of the second handle opposite the second head is exposed. Each grip includes a slot that facilitates sliding the grips onto the first and second handles over the end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. DeBaker, Scott R. Fischer, Daniel H. Schneider, Todd W. Johnson, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Publication number: 20140047956
    Abstract: A pliers includes a first member having a first head and a first handle. The first handle has an enlarged end portion and a grip area adjacent the enlarged end portion. At least a portion of the grip area has a smaller cross-sectional area than the enlarged end portion to define a rear lip located at an interface between the grip area and the enlarged end portion. The pliers also includes a first grip having a first open end and a second open end. The first grip is positioned on the grip area of the first handle. The first handle extends through the first open end and the second open end such that the rear lip of the first handle retains the second grip on the grip area of the first handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph M. DeBaker, Scott R. Fischer, Daniel H. Schneider, Todd W. Johnson, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Patent number: 8266990
    Abstract: A push button locking pliers has a plurality of macro jaw width stations for grasping a wide variety of objects. A positioning mechanism is connected to a movable jaw member having a pivot that cooperates with a jaw adjustment slot in the main handle. The positioning mechanism is released by pushing on a push button on the pivot against a spring allowing the movable jaw member to move along the slot. The user places the positioning mechanism at the jaw positioning station that creates a macro spacing between the fixed and movable jaws that best fits the object to be grasped. The push button is then released allowing the pivot to engage the rounded hole of the new positioning station. The pivot is made self centering on the rounded hole of the new positioning station by having a frustoconical section that engages the side of the hole even if the pivot is not centered on the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Paul M. Janson
  • Publication number: 20120111156
    Abstract: A pliers includes a first member having a first head, a first handle, and a first grip. The first grip is positioned on the first handle such that an end portion of the first handle opposite the first head is exposed. The pliers also includes a second member pivotally coupled to the first member. The second member has a second head, a second handle, and a second grip. The second grip is positioned on the second handle such that an end portion of the second handle opposite the second head is exposed. Each grip includes a slot that facilitates sliding the grips onto the first and second handles over the end portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph M. DeBaker, Scott R. Fischer, Daniel H. Schneider, Todd W. Johnson, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Patent number: 8122792
    Abstract: The self-adjusting locking pliers include a fixed assembly having a fixed jaw supported at one end. A moveable jaw is pivotably supported on the fixed assembly at a slidable pivot connection. The slidable pivot connection includes a pawl provided with teeth. A rack of teeth includes first and second sets of teeth offset from one another by ½ of the pitch that may each be engaged by the teeth formed on pawl. A lever is attached to the fixed assembly and a linkage transmits a force applied to the lever to the jaws and locks the jaws in the clamping position. The linkage allows the angle between the links to be preset to thereby control the clamping force applied to the work piece. The movable jaw is selectively attached to the linkage in one of two positions such that the jaw span may be adjusted without affecting the geometry of the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Engvall, Thomas M. Chervenak
  • Patent number: 8056446
    Abstract: The invention is a ratcheting open ended wrench comprising a main body having an elongate primary handle portion and an upper stationary jaw element, a secondary handle opposed to the primary handle portion and having a binding surface at the top being pivotally attached to the main body, a tertiary handle pivotally attached to the main body having a gear element cooperating with a geared end of a connecting rod, the opposing end pivotally and slidably fixed to a lower movable jaw assembly, the lower movable jaw assembly being spring biased against the upper stationary jaw and positioned within a main body guide slot so that the secondary handle binding surface contacts the lower jaw assembly and activation of the secondary handle clamps the lower movable jaw assembly relative to the upper stationary jaw. Activation of the tertiary handle counteracts the lower movable jaw spring bias to open the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Dale K Wheeler, Thomas J Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7921752
    Abstract: A multi-function hand tool with a pivotally collapsible jaw-type tool that has a jaw lock which mechanically prevents the jaw-type tool from collapse. The jaw lock mechanism is contained within the jaw pivot joint of the jaw-type tool, and may be partially extended as a push button to prevent unwanted handle collapse. A plurality of blades are pivotally attached to the opposite end of the multi-function tool, which has a blade locking mechanism wherein the blade lock is pivoted about an axis located distal to the blade fastener/pivot axis. Each handle of the multi-function tool may be made of two individual handle halves that unite to form the handle, but that provide very precise tensioning, or the handles may be of a single channel shape using an infinitely adjustable threaded fastener and sleeve to provide precise adjustment of the multiple blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Poehlmann
  • Patent number: 7730810
    Abstract: A push-button locking pliers has a plurality of macro jaw width stations for grasping a wide variety of objects. A positioning mechanism is connected to a movable jaw member and cooperates with a jaw adjustment slot in the main handle. The positioning mechanism is released by pushing on a push button allowing, it to move along the slot. The user places the positioning mechanism at the jaw positioning station that creates a macro spacing between the fixed and movable jaws that best fits the object to be grasped. An adjustment screw adjusts the micro spacing between the jaws to cause the pliers to lock on the object using an over-center mechanism when the handles are squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Paul M. Janson
  • Patent number: 7726217
    Abstract: The self-adjusting locking pliers include a fixed assembly having a fixed jaw supported at one end. A moveable jaw is pivotably supported on the fixed assembly at a slidable pivot connection. The slidable pivot connection includes a pawl provided with teeth. A rack of teeth includes first and second sets of teeth offset from one another by 1/2 of the pitch that may each be engaged by the teeth formed on pawl. A lever is attached to the fixed assembly and a linkage transmits a force applied to the lever to the jaws and locks the jaws in the clamping position. The linkage allows the angle between the links to be preset to thereby control the clamping force applied to the work piece. The movable jaw is selectively attached to the linkage in one two positions such that the jaw span may be adjusted without affecting the geometry of the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: David P. Engvall, Thomas M. Chervenak
  • Patent number: 7509895
    Abstract: The self-adjusting locking pliers include a body having a fixed jaw supported at one end. A moveable jaw is pivotably supported on the body at a slidable pivot connection. A linkage transmits a force applied to the handles of the pliers to the jaws and locks the jaws in the clamping position. The linkage allows the angle between the links to be preset to thereby control the clamping force applied to the work piece. The movable jaw is selectively attached to the linkage in one of two positions such that the jaw span may be adjusted without affecting the geometry of the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: David P. Engvall, Thomas M. Chervenak
  • Patent number: 7444907
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved hand tool for using one hand to grasp a workpiece between a first and a second jaw of the hand tool and adjust the force applied to the workpiece. The hand tool includes a first arm and a second arm, the second arm operably linked to the first arm so as to cause relative motion of the first and second jaws upon motion of the arms. The hand tool further includes a control arm having a first end pivotably linked to the first arm and a second end pivotably linked to the second arm at a moveable pivot location. Movement of a force adjustor located on the second arm in a first direction moves the moveable pivot location so as to increase the level of force required on the second arm to move the control arm into an overcenter lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: I.D.L. Tech Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Eric B. Carmichael
  • Publication number: 20080256718
    Abstract: A hand tool having first and second plier units attached to one another where a jaw region is operatively configured to have a work piece to be placed therein and a handle region is configured to be used by the user of the tool to grasp the work piece. A tension member is provided to be positioned past a dead point axis so as to apply a clamping force upon the jaw member and the hand tool maintains a grip upon the work piece without continuous interaction with the user of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher Andrew Mattson, Brian G. Winder, Allen Boyd Mackay, Joseph O. Jacobsen, Peter A. Halverson, Spencer Frazer
  • Patent number: 7353736
    Abstract: A multi-function hand tool with a pivotally collapsible jaw-type tool that has a jaw lock which mechanically prevents the jaw-type tool from collapse is disclosed. The jaw lock mechanism is contained within the jaw pivot joint of the jaw-type tool, and may be partially extended as a push button to prevent unwanted handle collapse. A plurality of blades are pivotally attached to the opposite end of the multi-function tool and has a blade locking mechanism wherein the blade lock is pivoted about an axis located distal to the blade fastener/pivot axis. Each handle of the multi-function tool may be made of two individual handle halves that unite to form the handle, but that provide very precise tensioning, or the handles may be of a single channel shape using an infinitely adjustable threaded fastener and sleeve to provide precise adjustment of the multiple blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Poehlmann
  • Patent number: 6862962
    Abstract: A hand tool having a first hand tool member assembly having a jaw portion, a tension assembly, and a cam assembly and a second hand tool member assembly having a jaw portion. The hand tool further has a jaw portion first pivot point coupling the first hand tool member assembly to the second hand tool member assembly and a jaw portion second pivot point coupling the first hand tool member assembly to the second member assembly. The jaw portion second pivot point located closer to the first member and second member jaw portions than the jaw portion first pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Oberg Industries
    Inventors: Gerald Vincent Delbrugge, Jr., Eric Colburn
  • Patent number: 6658971
    Abstract: A pair of pliers having a first plier member assembly having a jaw portion, a tension assembly, and a cam assembly and a second plier member assembly having a jaw portion. The pliers further has a jaw portion first pivot point coupling the first plier member assembly to the second plier member assembly and a jaw portion second pivot point coupling the first plier member assembly to the second member assembly. The jaw portion second pivot point located closer to the first member and second member jaw portions than the jaw portion first pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Oberg Industries
    Inventors: Gerald Vincent Delbrugge, Jr., Eric Richard Colburn
  • Publication number: 20030145692
    Abstract: A pair of pliers having a first plier member assembly having a jaw portion, a tension assembly, and a cam assembly and a second plier member assembly having a jaw portion. The pliers further has a jaw portion first pivot point coupling the first plier member assembly to the second plier member assembly and a jaw portion second pivot point coupling the first plier member assembly to the second member assembly. The jaw portion second pivot point located closer to the first member and second member jaw portions than the jaw portion first pivot point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald Vincent Delbrugge, Eric Richard Colburn
  • Patent number: 6502482
    Abstract: The spring mechanism (12) of a one-hand actuated pliers consists of a spring (14) supported on both handles (2, 3), which is designed in such a way that the handles (2, 3) are separated at a distance from each other by rotating the handle (3) and wherein the movable handle (3) of the pliers can be moved by the spring to the widest open position of the jaws by rotating said handle (3), wherein a rotation support of the spring (14) is configured on one side of the handle (2) and the spring (14) rests on said side against a rotational stop (19) formed on the handle (2) when it is not actuated. When the movable handle (3) of the pliers is displaced to a closing position of the jaws in which a workpiece is gasped, the spring (14) is released from the rotational stop only if force is exerted when the cheeks of the jaws (5, 6) are grasping the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Ralf Putsch, Karl Putsch
  • Patent number: 6386076
    Abstract: A pliers having separate jaws secured to handles by interengagement of either a press-fitted boss and corresponding smooth bore or a threaded boss and threaded bore between the jaws and handles. In at least round nose and needle nose embodiments each jaw has a generally symmetric envelope about a central axis and the threaded member is located concentric to the central axis for ease and economy of manufacture. The long nose embodiment may also utilize the symmetric envelope with a portion of the generally conical jaw removed to form a flat, work engaging surface. Mating surfaces perpendicular to the central axis maintain alignment of the jaw to its respective handle. Round nose, long nose and needle nose pliers may be manufactured using the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Swanstrom Tools USA Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Swanstrom, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6327943
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a number of innovations in the design of self-adjusting pliers. A self-adjusting pliers tool formed of laminated sheet metal construction is provided with separately fabricated cast steel jaws that provide improved strength and durability relative to laminated jaws. Techniques are also disclosed for casting the steel jaws and for treating them to achieve improved surface hardness and corrosion resistance. In certain embodiments, the jaw and the jaw end of the laminated handle are designed to interlock to prevent the jaw from sliding out of position. In certain other embodiments, a “self-energizing” feature is provided in which the shape and tooth configuration of the jaw, and the angle of the jaw end of the pliers, cooperate to keep the tool secured to a workpiece even after the upward squeezing force on the lower handle is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Harold K. Wrigley, Frank Li, Jeffrey B. Hile
  • Patent number: 5904078
    Abstract: A slip-joint pliers has crossed pivoting levers joined at pivot portions thereof by a flat-sided bolt extending through openings in the levers and engaged with a nut, one of the openings being elongated and generally dumbbell-shaped to accommodate the slip-joint movement. The pivot portions of the levers have flat facing inner surfaces, in each of which is formed a single-level spring recess surrounding the associated opening, each recess having a peripheral side wall and a flat planar bottom wall extending from the side wall to the associated opening. A helical torsion spring is seated in the recesses and encircles the bolt and has tangent ends respectively engageable with straight bearing portions of the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric T. Gustafson, Christopher D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5385072
    Abstract: An adjustable gripping and locking tool having a body (28) to which is attached an elongated handle (22) and a pivoting handle (26). An adjustable jaw (34) is slidably mounted on the body and an adjusting lever (52) cooperates with the adjustable jaw to adjust it toward and away from a fixed jaw (24). The adjusting lever is attached to the pivoting handle and is operated with the hand holding the tool, as is the locking and unlocking operation. The construction of the tool permits the adjustment of the jaws directly against the work piece and eliminates the tedious and time-consuming operation of turning a threaded screw back and forth several times to effect an adjustment that will permit the jaws to be locked on an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Ted Neff
  • Patent number: 5249490
    Abstract: An adjustable wrench having a pair of spring-biased pivoted handles and a plurality of jaw members having fastener-contacting faces actuable by squeezing motion of the handles to close upon a range of sizes of hexagonal fastener members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: George W. Kennel
  • Patent number: 5140876
    Abstract: A pair of pliers has two opposingly curved halves to form jaws on one end and handles on the other end. One of the halves includes a primary, fised pivot blot, and a secondary, fixed pivot lug, adjacent to the pivot bolt. The other half has an opening in the pivot area with a recess on one side to hold the fixed pivot; the other side being arced about the recess and adjacent to, but just clearing the pivot lug. A spring on the other half holds the fixed pivot in the recess for basic opening and closing of the jaws of the pliers, but when the jaws engage a solid object, the fixed pivot comes out of its recess, and the pivot lug, which is toothed, engages the adjacent portion of the arced side of the opening, which is also toothed, to shift the fulcrum of the pliers from the fixed pivot on the one side of the opening to the pivot lug on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Walter G. Fields
  • Patent number: 5020399
    Abstract: Self-adjusting pliers for single-handed manual manipulation will automatically adjust to positions of positive gripping and holding of any size workpiece within the size range defined by the maximum opening between the jaw portions of the pliers, which jaw portions respectively extend parallel to jaw portion axes. Upon closure from the maximum opening, parts first undergo a sliding action along an axis until the workpiece is engaged and then a pivoting action. The plier handles have bearing surfaces inclined at angles in predetermined ranges to the sliding axis and to the jaw portion axes to facilitate shifting from the sliding action to the pivoting action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Snap-On Tools Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Annis, Daniel M. Eggert
  • Patent number: 4901609
    Abstract: A pair of adjustable pliers 10 is comprised of first and second plier halves 14, 16 pivotally and slideably joined together by a nut and bolt-type combination 18 fixed to the first plier half 14 and extending through a slot 23 in the second plier half 16. The second plier half 16 includes a series of arcuate grooves 24 cut into its interior surface, facing the first plier half 14. Correspondingly, the first plier half 14 includes an arcuate raised portion 28 that dimensionally matches and is pivotable within each of the arcuate slots 24. To adjust the jaw portions 21, 22 of the pliers 10, the arcuate raised portion 28 is selectively engaged with one of the series of arcuate grooves 24. In order to engage the arcuate raised portion 28 with a selected one of the arcuate grooves 24, the pliers 10 are manipulated to a fully open, adjusting position where the arcuate raised portion 28 disengages the arcuate grooves 24 and is positioned substantially parallel to the slot 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Crum
  • Patent number: 4802390
    Abstract: Utility pliers for single-handed manipulation, capable of automatically adjusting the distance between gripping jaws in relation to the size of the workpiece to be gripped, and utilizing one or more hidden springs to cause the automatic adjustment function. Alternative embodiments enable reduction of manufacturing costs, improved location of certain operative components, and the selective inclusion of additional features which enhance the use and operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: William A. Warheit
  • Patent number: 4651598
    Abstract: Utility pliers for single-handed manual manipulation which will automatically adjust to positions of positive gripping and holding of any size workpiece within the size range defined by the maximum opening between the jaws of the pliers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: William A. Warheit
  • Patent number: 4614001
    Abstract: A multipurpose plier which comprises two component parts which are pivoted together and each of which has a handle portion, an intermediate portion and a web portion. The intermediate portions can abut against one another tightly, and curved jaw components, means for stripping wire and cutting means are formed on the intermediate portions. Each web portion is provided with a nosed and toothed portion, and a toothed horn. The nosed and toothed portions cooperate to act as a nosed plier, and the toothed horns function as an open wrench. One of the web portion is further provided with a hammer head and a nail pulling claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Inventor: Mou T. Liou
  • Patent number: 4296655
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, slip joint pliers have a push-button which moves transversely through the adjacent bodies of the pivot portions of the pliers members, to release intermittently one of the plier members to permit a pivot element to slide from one pivot position to an alternate pivot position in the other remaining pliers member, by moving axially an enlarged portion of the pivot element to allow the movement to the alternate pivot position before returning the enlaged portion to the normal pivot location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: Joseph Tesoro
  • Patent number: 4232573
    Abstract: A device for retaining a set of slip-type pliers in functional adjustment is disclosed. The device comprises a shouldered dowel pin axially slidable between two positions, the first permitting freedom of adjustment between the two plier members, the second position retaining the plier members in functional adjustment while permitting freedom of use thereof. The dowel pin is retained in its second position by a spring mounted therewith and carried by one of the plier members. An alternative embodiment incorporates a modified pin pivotally connecting the two plier members in rotating relation with each other. This pin is spring mounted and includes a shoulder or cap which selectively engages each of a series of spaced counterbores within the adjusting slot of one of the plier members for retaining the plier members in functional adjustment with each other during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Inventor: Marvin H. Dace, Jr.