US1086078A

US1086078A - Plier-wrench.

Info

Publication number: US1086078A
Application number: US62619911A
Authority: US
Inventors: Herbert R Palmer
Original assignee: MEYER S HYMAN
Current assignee: MEYER S HYMAN
Priority date: 1911-05-10
Filing date: 1911-05-10
Publication date: 1914-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 1931-02-03

Description

H. R. PALMER.

PLIEB. WRENCH.

APPLIOATION FILED Mu 1o, 1911.

1 ,086,078. Patented Feb. 3, 1914.

Winx/5555 HERBERT E. ramas., or

CLEVELAND, OH'IO, ASSIGNOB OF ONE-HALF TO MEYER S. HYIAN, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

.Puna-WRENCH.

` speeiaeation of Letters Patent.

Patented Fei). 3,1914.

Application Sled Hay 10, 1911. Serial No. 826,199.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, HERBERT R. PALMER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Plier-Wrenches, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

The subject matter .of this invention is a combination tool partaking of the characteristics of a wrench, a pair of pliers, and a pair of pipe tongs, and the object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which shall be adapted to fulfil the functions of any one of said instruments while avoiding the disadvantages commonly inherent in a combination tool.

It is commonly observed that when a pair vof pliers are employed in connection with a nut, the sides of the nut exert a wedging or prying action upon the jaws of the pliers tending to open the same and permit the same to slip upon the nut and the prevention of such prying action requires an extremely firm and tiresome grip upon the handles of the tool.

One of the objects of this invention is the provision, in connection with a device of this character, of means for bracing the jaws of j the tool against such wedging or prying action and thus rendering less tiresome the operation thereof.

Itis also observable that, when the jaws of a pair of pliers are opened suiiiciently far to permit the insertion of a large objectv therebetween, the handles are so far separated as to render it extremely ditlicult to stretch the hand thereacross and this feature usually serves to limit the use of a tool of this kind to objects of a size much less than the actual spread of the jaws.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a device of this type in which one of the handles shall be adjustable so that the two handles may be brought comparatively close together, even though thev jaws be spread to their widest extent and this without materially weakening the tool or decreasing its leverage.

Other objects of the .invention are the production of parallel jaw pliers of a new and improved type and the cheapening of the cost of production of a tool of this class,

while further objects and advantages will become apparent in the course of the follow'- mg description and claims.

One embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this application in which:

Figure 1 is a side View of a tool constructed in accordance with my invention, certain portions thereof being broken away so as to disclose the interiorconstruction; Fig. 2 an edge view of the same viewed from above; and Fig. 3 a side view of the complete tool.

Describing tlre^parts by reference characters, 1 represents the fixed handle of the tool and 2 the movable handle. The fixed handle is preferably formed upon a reverse curve, as shown, and one side thereof at one end is attened as at' 3 to form a jaw, this portion being preferably scored o r roughened as illustrated. y Pivoted to this handle upon a pin or rivet 4 slightly in the rear of this jaw is the movable handle 2 which is made in the form of a channel having a pair of parallel side plates or members 5 connected by an integral back 6 which forms the outside edge of the handle. At their ends these side plates or members arespread sidewise as shown at 7 for a purpose to be hereinafter explained while the back 6 is terminated at a distance from the end of the handle 1 to form a recess 8.

Pivoted upon the pin4 at each side of the handle 1 and inside of the member 7 is a side plate or'link 10 and pivoted upon a pin 11 in the rear of the pin 4 is a Second pair of links 12. Pivoted between the forward endsl of the

links

10 and 12,- by the pins or rivets 13 and 14 respectively, is a movable jaw member 15 having its inner side curved complementarily to the adjacent side of the fixed handle 1 and'formed atits end with a fiat face or jaw 16 opposite the jaw 3. The

pivots

4, 11, 13 and 14 are arrangedat the i corners of a parallelogram sothat the jaws 3 and 16 may always remain parallel with each other. Obviously the jaw 16 will possess a certain degree of longitudinal movement relative to the jaw 3 but this feature is not objectionable in case the tool -be correctly designed. The length of the links and the. position of the pivots are so chosen that the tips of the jaws will be substantially Hush when closed. Upon opening the same the jaw 16 first moves forwardlyY beyond the l fixed jaw for. the first one-third of the opening movement, then back until at the completion of the second thirdl of the opening movement it is again flush with the end of the fixed jaw. ADuring the last third of the opening movement the .movable jaw then recedes behind the fixed jaw by an amount equal to its advance during the rst onethird, but the amount of this movement is so small in comparison with the length of the jaw surfaces as not to be objectionable. Preferably the curve of the fixed handle is such that the faces of the jaws will be substantially parallel with the line bisecting the angle between the handles when the latter are fully opened. The inclination of the jaws as regards the mean position of the handles will be found very convenient-in a pair of pliers but it is desirable that this inclination be kept at one side of the median line instead of shifting thereacross at different -adjustments of the tool. Y

The links 10 are movable independently of the handle 2 and their rear ends are enlarged as shown at 2O and formed upon an arc having the pivot 4 at its center, this arc being formed with notches 21, 21b and 21.

Pivoted upon a pin 22 secured in the side plates 5 is a latch 23 having its forward end bent to extend outwardly through the recess 8 as at 23a and split to form a pair of parallel branches 24 each of which is provided at its forward extremity with an inturned hook 25 adapted to engage in one of the notches 2l, 2lb or 21. The width of this hook is greater than the thickness of the link 10 and overlaps the side member 7 of the handle which is provided with a notch 21i1 for its reception. lThe rear end of this latch is provided with an enlargement or buttonl 26 which projects outwardly through an aperture 27 formed in the back 6 of the handle 2, and a leaf spring 28 is secured to the inside of this handle so as to press outwardly upon the end of the latch. If the hook 25 be engaged with the notch 21a of the link 10 the effect will be to secure the lhandle 2 to these links as though they were made in one piece therewith and the tool may be operated in the usual manner. The strength of this engagement is very great because of the engagement of the hooks 25 lwith the notches 25a in the members 7, while the danger that the hooks will be wedged out of these projections is very small owing to the fact that the sides thereof and of the notches are formed' upon arcs having the pivot 22 ,as a center.

In case the size of bolt `or other object grasped between the jaws 3 and 16 is so great as to cause an undue diversion of the handles l and 2, the hook 25 is transferred to one of the notches 21v or 2lc as illustrated in Fig. 3 thus bringing the

handles

1 and 2 nearer together and permitting the same to Loaders be grasped with less diiiiculty without diminishing either the strength of the tool or the leverage exerted upon the jaws. The front face of the notch 21a is preferably extended as shown at 29 so 'as to prevent the hook 25 from being advanced too great a distance in a forward direction.

In order to lock the jaws in contact with the nut or other object with which they are engaged, the following construction is provided: The rear edges of the links 12I are connected by means of a plate 35 preferably integral therewith, the rear edge. of this plate being spaced from the edge of the handle 1 as shown at 36. Inasmuch as the plate 35 is also spaced laterally away from the pivot 11 it is obvious that, as the links 12 are swung about this pivot, the edge 36 of this plate will be caused to approach and recede from the adjacent edge ofthe handle. Slidably carried by the handle 1 is a wedge member 37 having its forward end reduced so as to be inserted beneath the plate 35 and having its rearward end` spaced from the handle as shown at 38. The inner surface of the forward edge of this wedge member is formed with corrugations '39 adapted to coperate with similar corrugations formed upon the edge of the handle 1. At its rear end this wedge member is formed with a pair of parallel inwardly turned side plates 40 overlying the sides of the handle and connected at the opposite side to a leaf spring 42 having its free end formed to engage the inner edge of the handle opposite the corrugated portion of the wedge member 37. In order to prevent the disconnection of this member a pin 43 is secured in the handle and projects into slots 44 formed in the plates 40, the outer 'edge of these slots being cut substantially parallel with the inner face of the wedge member as shown' at 45. The outer surface of this wedge member is p|referably formed at its rear end with a curved corrugated portion 46 adapted to be engaged by the thumb ofthe operator. It will be obvious that the tendency of the spring 42 will be to hold the corrugated port-ion of this wedge member in engagement with the similarly corrugated portion of the handle and so prevent the accidental displacement thereof, but that if the rear end of this member be depressed by placing the thumb upon the portion 46, the member will be rocked against the tension of this spring so as to disengage the corrugations and permit its adjustment as may be desired. It will also be obvious that when the jaws of the tool have .been engaged upon a nut, pipe, or other article the wedge member 37 may be interposed beneath the plate 35 so as to prevent the jaws from being opened and released from such object until the wedge member is again removed. As a consequence of this construction this tool may be employed as a `wrench without the occurrence ofthe disa eable rymg action observable in'other illiaevices olf) this type.' The jaws are preferably formed with serrations 50 adapting the tool for use with a pipe wrench and with wire' cutting edges A51, though these features, broadly considered, are not a part of my invention and have no bearing upon the novelty of this device.

It is obvious that many changes may be made in the details of this device without departing from the scope of my invention. The locking mechanism may be formed as a cam, screw, or any other kind of stop as well as a wedge without departing from the scope of my invention, and may be used either with or without the adjustable handle as may be desired. Likewise the adjustable handle may be employed without the jaw locking device without detracting from its utility in any way, although by employing both these features in this one tool I have produced an article of the. very highest convenience and utility. Furthermore this handle may be applied to either the links 10 or thelinks 12 without aiiecting the operation of the tool while the relative ositions of theV links 10 Vand side members can be interchanged without trouble. In fact the handle 1 may be slotted to receive either or both of the links 10 or members 7. It will therefore be understood that while I have necessarily described my invention in detail, I do not propose to be limited to such details except as the same may be positively included in the claims hereto annexed or may be rendered necessary by the prior state of the art.

Having thus described my invention, what I' claim is `1. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pivot adjacent to said jaw, a link journaled on said pivot and having secured to its outer end a jaw complementary to said first jaw, a second handle journaled upon said pivot and having inwardly turned side plates embracing the sides of said rst handle, a latch member pivoted between said side plates and having a'hook at its forward end, said link being formed with lateral notches ladapted to receive said hook whereby said linkand said second handle may be locked together in rigid relation.

2. In a device of the character described, f'

in combination, al rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pair of pivots in the rear of said jaw, a pair of links vjournaled about each of said pivots, a complementary jaw member pivoted between the ends of corresponding links so as 'to be maintained parallel with said irst jaw in all positions of adjustment, a movable handle having` forwardly projecting side .plates journaled upon oneof said pivots'outside of said links,

and a latch member adapted to connect said yside plates to said links in any one of a plu-K rality of positions.

3. In a device of the character described, i

in combination, a rigid handle havinv a4 jaw at one end and a pivot adjacent to saidv jaw, 1

a link journaled on said pivot at each side of said rigid handle and having secured toladjacent to said links, said links being formed with lateral notches and said side plates being formed with notches adapted to register with the notches in said links, and a latch member pivoted to said second handle and having a hook or dog adapted to engage the notches in said links and side plates whereby said links and said second handle may be locked together in rigid relation.

4. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pair of pivots adjacent to said jaw, a pair of links journaled about each of said pivots, a complementary jaw member pivoted' between the ends of corresponding links 'so as to be maintained parallel with said first jaw in all positions of adjustment, a movable handle having forwardly projecting side plates journaled upon one of said pivots at the side of said links, and a latch member carried by said movable handle and having a forked end receiving said rigid handle, said links having lateral notches and said forked ends having hooks adapted to enter said notches so as to connect said movable handle to said links.

5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pivot adjacent to said jaw, a link or side plate journaled on said pivot at each side of said rigid handle, said links having secured between their outer ends a jaw complementary to said irst jaw, the sides of said links being formed on an arc abo-ut said pivot and provided with radial notches, a second handle journaled upon I said pivot, and a latch member carried by sa-id 'second handle and adapted to engage any one of said notches so as to secure said handle in rigid engagement with said links or side plates.

6. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pivot adjacent to said jaw, a link or side plate journaled ou said pivot and having secured to its outer end a jaw complementary to said first jaw, the side of said link being formed on an arc about said pivot and provided with radial notches, a secondl handle journaled upon said pivot, and a latch member carried by said second handle and adapted toengage any one of said notchesl so as to secure said handle in rigid engagement with said link or side plate.

7 In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pair of spaced pivots at the rear of said jaw, a link journaled upon each of said pivots, a complementary jaw member pivoted to the free ends of said links so as to remain parallel with said first jaw in all adjusted positions, a second handle pivoted to one of said first pivots, and means for operatively connecting said secondl remain parallel with said first jaw in all adj usted positions, a second handle pivoted to said first handle, and means for operatively connecting said second handle with said second jaw in any one of several adjusted positions.

9. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pivot adjacent to said jaw, a pair of links or side plates journaled upon said pivot and having carried by their .free ends a jaw complementary to said first jaw, a second handle journaled to said rigid handle and means for rigidly securing said second handle to said links or side plates in a plurality of angular positions.

10. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pivot adjacent to said jaw, a pair of side plates journaled about said pivot and having carried by their free ends a jaw complementary to saidfirst jaw, said side plates being connected by a web or plate spaced laterally from'said pivot, a handle adapted to move said plates about said pivot to open and close said jaws, and a member adapted to be interposed between said web or plate and the adjacent edge of said rigid vhandle for limiting-the opening movement of said jaws.

11. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pivotin the rear of said jaw, a pair of side plates journaled about said pivot and having carried by their free ends a jaw complementary to said irst jaw, said side plates being connected by a web or plate spaced laterally from said pivot and having its edge spaced from the edge of said rigid handle when said jaws are closed, a handle adapted to move said plates about said pivot to open and close said jaws, and a wedge member carried by said rigid handle and adapted to be interposed between the edge thereof and the edge of said web or plate for limiting the opening movement of .said jaws.

12. In a device of the character described,

in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pivot in the rear of said jaw, a link journaled on said pivot and having carried by its free end a jaw complementary to said rst jaw, said link having anabutment or stop spaced laterally from said pivot and having its face spaced from the edge of said rigid vhandle when said jaws are closed, a handle adapted to move said link about said pivot to openand close said jaws, and a member carried by said rigid handle and adapted to be interposed between the 4edge thereof and the face of said abutment or stop for limiting the opening movement of said jaws.

13. In 'a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pivot in the rear of said jaw, said handle having its edge corrugated, a second jawcomplementary to said first jaw, a pair of-side plates secured to said second jaw and journaled about said pivot, said side plates being connected by a web or plate spaced at one side of said pivot, a handle operatively connected to said second jaw, and a wedge member slidably mounted upon said rigid handle and adapted to be inserted beneath said web or plate, said wedge member having corrugations adapted to cooperate with said iirst corrugations to prevent casual displacement thereof.

14. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pivot in the rear of said jaw, said handle having its edge corrugated, a second jaw complementary to said first jaw, a link secured to said second jaw and journaled about said pivot, said link having an abutment shoulder spaced at .one side of said pivot, a handle operatively connetted to said second j aw, and a wedge member adapted to be inserted between ysaid shoulderand said rigid handle, said wedge member having corrugations adapted to enter said lirst corrugations.

l5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pair of spaced pivots at the rear of said jaw, a movable jaw member having at one end a jaw complementary to said first aw and having a pair of similarly spaced pivots, links connecting similar pivots and maintaining the same at the corners of a parallelogram whereby said jaws will be given a parallel motion, and a second handle operatively connected to one of said inks for operating said movable jaw mem- 16. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pair of spaced pivots at the rear of said jaw, a movable jaw member having at one end a jaw complementary to said first jaw and having a pair of'similarly spaced pivots, links connecting similar pivots and maintaining the same at the Corners of a parallelogram whereby said jaws will be given a parallel motion, and a second handle adjustably connected to one of said links for operating said movable jaw member.

17. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pair of spaced pivots at the rear of said aw, a movable jaw member having at one end a jaw complementary to said first jaw and having a pair of similarly spaced pivots, links connecting similar pivots and maintaining the same at the corners of a parallelogram whereby said jaws will be given a parallel motion, a second handle operatively connected to said movable jaw member and a stop member adapted to be interposed in the path of movement of certain of said links for limiting the opening movement of said jaws.

18. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pair of spaced pivots in the rear of said jaw, a movable jaw member having at one end a jaw complementary to said rst jaw and having a pair of similarly spaced pivots, links connecting the pivots of said movable jaw member with the corresponding pivots of said fixed handle, said links being of substantially equal length whereby said jaws will be given a substantially parallel motion and said pivots being so arranged that the tip of said movable jaw member will be substantially iush when closed with the tip of said fixed jaw member and that upon being opened will rst advance beyond the end of said fixed jaw and afterward retracted behind the end of said vfixed jaw, and a movable handle operatively connected to said movable jaw member.

19. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle made in the form of a reverse curve and having at one end, a jaw formed at the inside of one of the curves, a movable jaw member having a jaw complementary to said first jaw, said rigid handle having a pair of spaced pivots and said movable jaw member having a pair of similarly spacedv pivots, links of substantially equal length connecting the pivots of each pair 'with the corresponding pivots of the other pair, and a movable handle journaled to one of said pivots and secured to the corresponding link, `the faces of said jaws being substantially parallel to the line bisecting the angle between the handles when the latter are opened to their widest extent.

20. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigid handle having a jaw at one end and a pair of spaced pivots at the rear of said jaw, a movable jaw member having at one end a. jaw complementary to said first jaw and having a pair of similarly spaced pivots, links of substantially equal length connecting similar pivots whereby said jaws will be maintained substantially parallel at all times, and a second handle pivoted to said first handle and operatively connected to said movable jaw member.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

HERBERT R. PALMER. .Witnessesz HAROLD E. SMITH, J. B. HULL.