Laminated self-adjusting pliers
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Dec 11, 2001
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Mar 1, 1999
filing date -
Mar 2, 1998
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
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. In addition, a non-engaging feature is disclosed, which allows the user of the tool to squeeze the handles of the tool together to a comfortable gripping range when a large workpiece is held in the jaws.
First Claim
Other Claims data not available