Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
  • B25B7/00—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools
  • B25B7/12—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools involving special transmission means between the handles and the jaws, e.g. toggle levers, gears
  • B25B7/123—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools involving special transmission means between the handles and the jaws, e.g. toggle levers, gears with self-locking toggle levers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
  • B25B7/00—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
  • B25B7/00—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools
  • B25B7/06—Joints
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
  • B25B7/00—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools
  • B25B7/14—Locking means
  • B25B7/16—Locking means combined with means for tightening the operating arms of jaws
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
  • B25B7/00—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools
  • B25B7/18—Adjusting means for the operating arms

Definitions

• the present invention relates to locking pliers and, more particularly, to locking pliers having an improved clamping force.
• the invention provides, in one aspect, a hand tool including a first jaw, a first handle fixed to the first jaw, a second jaw, and a second handle pivotally coupled to the second jaw.
• the hand tool further includes a link member having a first end pivotally coupled to at least one selected from the group of the first jaw and the first handle, and a second end pivotally coupled to the second jaw.
• the invention provides, in another aspect, a hand tool including a first handle, a first jaw pivotally coupled to the first handle, a second jaw pivotally coupled to the first jaw, and a second handle pivotally coupled to the second jaw.
• FIG. 3 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 1, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and the jaws opened.
• FIG. 4 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 1, shown in a position with the lower handle opened and the jaws opened.
• FIG. 5 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 1, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and a workpiece positioned between the closed jaws.
• FIG. 6 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 1, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and a workpiece position between the closed jaws, with the lower jaw in an energized configuration increasing the clamping force on the workpiece.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a locking pliers according to another embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 8 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 7, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and the jaws closed.
• FIG. 9 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 7, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and the jaws opened.
• FIG. 14 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 12, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and the jaws opened.
• FIG. 15 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 12, shown in a position with the lower handle opened and the jaws opened.
• FIG. 17 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 12, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and a workpiece positioned between the closed jaws, with the lower jaw in an energized configuration increasing the clamping force on the workpiece.
• FIG. 20 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 18, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and the jaws opened.
• FIG. 22 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 18, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and a workpiece positioned between the closed jaws.
• FIG. 23 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 18, shown in a position with the lower handle closed and a workpiece positioned between the closed jaws, with the lower jaw in an energized configuration increasing the clamping force on the workpiece.
• the second handle 30 pivots with respect to the first handle 18 to increase or decrease a distance between the fixed first jaw 14 and the moveable second jaw 26.
• the illustrated jaws 14, 26 include curved plier jaw faces 38, 42; however, in other embodiments, the jaw faces may be C-shaped clamping arms or any type of jaw face.
• the jaws 14, 26 are made of chrome plated, forged alloy steel for high durability and corrosion resistance. In other embodiments, the jaws 14, 26 can be made of other materials.
• the locking pliers 10 further includes a locking mechanism 46 that is operable to retain the pliers 10 in the closed position.
• the locking mechanism 46 includes a lock link member 50, a compound toggle link 52 (FIG. 1), and an adjustment member 54 (a.k.a. a control key).
• a first end 58 of the lock link member 50 is slidably coupled to the first handle 18 and is axially moveable along the first handle 18.
• a second end 62 of the lock link member 50 is pivotally coupled to the toggle link 52, and the toggle link 52 is pivotally coupled to the second handle 30 at a third pivot pin 66.
• lock link member 50 is directly pivotally coupled to the second handle 30 and the toggle link 52 is replaced with a release lever provided to release the pliers from the locked closed position.
• moving engagement between the engagement surface 70 and the first end 58 of the lock link member 50 causes the lock link member 50 to move with respect to the third pivot pin 66, adjusting the force the jaws 14, 26 exert on a workpiece when the pliers 10 is in the closed position.
• changing the position of the adjustment member 54 relative to the first handle 18 changes the distance between the first jaw 14 and the second jaw 26 when the second handle 30 is in a closed position.
• the adjustment member 54 is in a first position, corresponding to the first jaw 14 and the second jaw 26 being closed together (i.e., jaw faces 38, 42 are touching). If the adjustment member 54 is rotated to extend from the first handle 18, as shown in FIG. 3, the second jaw 26 is now spaced from the first jaw 14.
• the locking pliers 10 further includes a spring 90 coupled between the second jaw 26 and the first handle 18. More specifically, the spring 90 is coupled to an aperture 94 formed on the second jaw 26 at one end of the spring 90 and coupled to an underside of the first handle 18 at an opposite end of the spring 90. The spring 90 biases the second jaw 26 toward the first handle 18, along the longitudinal axis of the spring 90.
• the locking pliers 10 further includes a jaw link member 98 with a first end 102 pivotally coupled to the first jaw 14 at the first pivot pin 22.
• the first end 102 of the jaw link member 98 is pivotally coupled to the first handle 18.
• the first end 102 of the jaw link member 98 is pivotally coupled to both the first jaw 14 and the first handle 18.
• the jaw link member 98 also includes a second end 106 pivotally coupled to the second jaw 26 at a fourth pivot pin 110. As explained in greater detail below, the jaw link member 98 allows the second jaw 26 to move with respect to the first jaw 14.
• the jaw link member 98, fourth pivot pin 110, and the second jaw 26 are configured to move with respect to the first jaw 14 even when a workpiece 114 is secured between the jaws 14, 26 (FIGS. 5 and 6).
• the jaw link member 98 pivots about the first pivot pin 22, which is fixed relative to the first jaw 14 and the first handle 18.
• the second end 106 of the jaw link member 98 pivots about the fourth pivot pin 110, which is positioned on a rear lobe 118 of the second jaw 26.
• the movement of the second jaw 26 is constrained by the jaw link member 98 and also by the engagement of a curved cam surface 122 formed on the second jaw 26 and a corresponding linear cam surface 126 formed on the first jaw 14.
• the cam surfaces 122, 126 may be any shape including having a linear cam surface formed on the second jaw 26 and a curved cam surface formed on the first jaw 14.
• the cam surfaces 122, 126 partially limit the travel of the second j aw 26 with respect to the first jaw 14. In other words, the cam surface 122 abuts the cam surface 126 to limit the range of motion of the second jaw 26 with respect to the first jaw 14.
• the user may then grasp the flange 78 and rotate the adjustment member 54 relative to the first handle 18 to decrease the distance between the jaws 14, 26 and thereby increase the clamping force when the jaws 14, 26 contact the workpiece 114.
• the user can insert an elongated member (e.g., a screwdriver) through the elongate opening 82 to assist in rotating the adjustment member 54 while the jaws 14, 26 remain clamped on the workpiece 1 14.
• an elongated member e.g., a screwdriver
• a hand tool in the form of a locking pliers 410 is illustrated according to another embodiment of the invention.
• the locking pliers 410 is similar to the locking pliers 10 of FIGS. 1-6, with only the differences described herein.
• Components of the locking pliers 410 that are similar to the locking pliers 10 are referenced with similar reference numerals, incremented by "400".
• the first jaw 414 includes an upper jaw face 438 and the second jaw 426 includes a lower jaw face 442.
• Both the upper and lower jaw faces 438, 442 are generally V-shaped.
• the upper jaw face 438 includes a first face 439 and a second face 440 angled with respect to each other
• the lower jaw face 442 includes a first face 443 and a second face 444 angled with respect to each other.
• the locking pliers 410 further includes a release lever 453 at least partially positioned between the second handle 430 and the lock member 450.
• a second end 462 of the lock member 450 is pivotally coupled to the second handle 430 at a third pivot pin 466.
• the release lever 453 is provided in place of a compound toggle link that acts as a quick-released (for example, the toggle link 52 of FIG. 1). As such, a user depresses the release lever 453 to manually release the locking pliers 410 from the locked position.
• the locking pliers 410 begins with the first jaw 414 and the second jaw 426 in a closed position, and with the second handle 430 in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 13.
• a user may adjust the distance between the first jaw 414 and the second jaw 426 while the handles 418, 430 are closed by rotation of the adjustment member 454, as shown in FIG. 14.
• the second handle 430 is then opened with respect to the first handle 418, as shown in FIG. 15, to further increase the distance between the first jaw 414 and the second jaw 426.
• the user With the jaws 414, 426 in an open position, the user positions the jaws 414, 426 around the workpiece 114 and then pivots the second handle 430 about the second pivot pin 434 towards the first handle 418 to move the second jaw 426 toward the closed position (FIG. 16).
• the normal force 134 and the tangential force 138 combine to form an overall resultant reaction force 142 acting on the second jaw 426, which causes rotation of the second jaw 426 in a direction 146 about the first pivot pin 422.
• the jaw faces 438, 442 are formed such that reaction force 142 from the workpiece 114 on the second jaw 426 causes rotation of the second jaw 426 and the corresponding jaw link member 498.
• Rotation of the second jaw 426 in the direction 146 shown in FIG. 17 results in the jaws 414, 426 (and more specifically the jaw faces 438, 442) moving closer together.
• the gap 503 decreases.
• the application of the external force 130 causes the second jaw 426 to become "energized" and to increase the amount of clamping force applied to the workpiece 1 14.
• the locking pliers 210 include a moveable first jaw 214 and a first handle 218 pivotally coupled to the moveable first jaw 214 at a first pivot pin 222.
• the first jaw 214 is movable with respect to the first handle 218.
• the locking pliers 210 also include a moveable second jaw 226 pivotally coupled to the first jaw 214 at the first pivot pin 222, and a second handle 230 pivotally coupled to the second jaw 226 at a second pivot pin 234.
• the second handle 230 pivots about the second pivot pin 234 to move the jaws 214, 226 between an open position (e.g., FIG. 10) and a closed position (e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9). In other words, the second handle 230 pivots with respect to the first handle 218 to increase or decrease a distance between the first jaw 214 and the second jaw 226.
• the illustrated jaws 214, 226 include curved plied jaw faces 238, 242; however, in other embodiments, the jaw faces may be C-shaped clamping arms or any type of jaw face.
• the jaws 214, 226 are made of chrome plated, forged alloy steel for high durability and corrosion resistance. In other embodiments, the jaws 214, 226 can be made of other materials.
• the locking pliers 210 further includes a locking mechanism 246 that is operable to retain the pliers 210 in the closed position.
• the locking mechanism 246 includes a lock link member 250, a compound toggle link 252, and an adjustment member 254 (a.k.a. a control key).
• a first end 258 of the lock link member 250 is slidably coupled to the first handle 218 and is axially moveable along the first handle 218.
• a second end 262 of the lock link member 250 is pivotally coupled to the toggle link 252, and the toggle link 252 is pivotally coupled to the second handle 230 at a third pivot pin 266.
• lock link member 250 is directly pivotally coupled to the second handle 230 and the toggle link 252 is replaced with a release lever provided to release the pliers from the locked closed position.
• the adjustment member 254 includes an engagement surface 270 at one end, a threaded shank 274, and a flange 278 extending from the shank 274 opposite the engagement surface 270. In the illustrated embodiment, an elongate opening 282 is formed on the flange 278.
• the adjustment member 254 is integrally formed as a single component from metal such as by casting, forging, and the like.
• the threaded shank 274 defines a longitudinal axis 286 (i.e., an adjustment axis) and is received by a threaded bore 284 in an end of the first handle 218 opposite the first j aw 214.
• the adjustment member 254 is rotatable relative to the first handle 218 to translate the adjustment member 254 in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis 286 (FIGS. 8 and 9).
• engagement between the engagement surface 270 and the first end 258 of the lock link member 250 causes the lock link member 250 to move with respect to the third pivot pin 266, adjusting the force the jaws 214, 226 exert on a workpiece when the pliers 210 is in the closed position.
• changing the position of the adjustment member 254 relative to the first handle 218 changes the distance between the first jaw 214 and the second jaw 226 when the second handle 230 is in a closed position.
• the adjustment member 254 is in a first position, corresponding to the first jaw 214 and the second jaw 226 being closed together (i.e., jaw faces 238, 242 are touching). If the adjustment member 254 is rotated to extend from the first handle 218, as shown in FIG. 9, the second j aw 226 is now spaced from the first jaw 214.
• the locking pliers 210 further include a moveable body member 290 pivotally coupled to the first handle 218 at a fourth pivot pin 294.
• the locking pliers 210 also includes a spring 298 coupled between the second jaw 226 and the moveable body member 290. More specifically, the spring 298 is coupled to an aperture 302 formed on the second jaw 226 at one end of the spring 298 and coupled to an aperture 306 formed on the moveable body member 290 at an opposite end of the spring 298. As explained in greater detail below, the spring 298 biases the second jaw 226 toward the first handle 218, along the longitudinal axis of the spring 298, and the spring 298 further biases the moveable body member 290 to rotate about the fourth pivot pin 294.
• the moveable body member 290 supports an end 310 of the first jaw 214. More specifically, a first protruding portion 314 of the moveable body member 290 raises the end 310 of the first jaw 214 as the moveable body member 290 is biased by the spring 298 to rotate clockwise about the fourth pivot pin 294 in the frame of reference of FIG. 8. Raising the end 310 of the first jaw 214 causes the first jaw 214 to rotate counter-clockwise about the first pivot pin 222 in the frame of reference of FIG. 8. Continued rotation of the first jaw 214 and the moveable body member 290 is limited by engagement between the jaw 214 and the first handle 218.
• a first engaging portion 318 of the first jaw 214 is abutted against the first handle 218 by the moveable body member 290, which is under the bias of the spring 298, to inhibit further rotation of the first jaw 214 and the moveable body member 290.
• the moveable body member 290 is biased by the first jaw 214 to rotate counter-clockwise about the fourth pivot pin 294 to increase the overall length of the spring 290, thereby increasing the overall biasing force applied to the second jaw 226 by the spring 290.
• the gripping force between the two jaws 214, 226 is increased.
• Continued rotation of the first jaw 214 and the moveable body 290 is limited by engagement with the first handle 218.
• the first engaging portion 318 is positioned behind (i.e., closer to the adjustment member 254) the first pivot pin 222, and the second engaging portion 322 is positioned ahead of (i.e., closer to the jaw face 238) the first pivot pin 222.
• the first engaging portion 318 of the first jaw 214 is shown abutted against the first handle 218, with no gap or clearance therebetween.
• a front gap 330 is defined between the second engaging portion 322 of the first jaw 214 and the first handle 218.
• the first engaging portion 318 of the first jaw 214 is shown spaced from the first handle 218, with a rear gap 334 defined between the first engaging portion 318 and the first handle 218.
• the front gap 330 of FIGS. 8-10 is now eliminated and the second engaging portion 322 of the first jaw 214 is now abutted against the first handle 218, with no gap or clearance therebetween.
• movement of the first jaw 214 is rotationally constrained by the first handle 218 in both of the clockwise direction and the counter-clockwise direction about the first pivot pin 222.
• the locking pliers 210 begin with the first jaw 214 and the second jaw 218 in the closed position, and with the second handle 230 in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 8.
• the moveable body member 290 forces the end 310 of the first jaw 214 into engagement with the first handle 218, creating a front gap 330 between the first jaw 214 and the first handle 218.
• a user may adjust the distance between the first jaw 214 and the second jaw 226 while the handles 218, 230 are closed by rotation of the adjustment member 254, as shown in FIG. 9.
• the second handle 230 is then opened with respect to the first handle 218, as shown in FIG.
• the user positions the jaws 214, 226 around the workpiece 320 and then pivots the second handle 230 about the second pivot pin 234 toward the first handle 218 to move the second jaw 226 toward the closed position (FIG. 11).
• the user may then grasp the flange 278 and rotate the adjustment member 253 relative to the first handle 218 to decrease the distance between the jaws 214, 226 and thereby increase the clamping force when the jaws 214, 226 contact the workpiece 320.
• the user can insert an elongated member (e.g., a screwdriver) through the elongate opening 282 to assist in rotating the adjustment member 254 while the jaws 214, 226 remain clamped on the workpiece 320.
• an elongated member e.g., a screwdriver
• the increased biasing force applied to the second jaw 226 results in an increase in the clamping force on the workpiece 320 between the j aw faces 238, 242.
• the distance between the apertures 302, 306 supporting the spring 298 increases when the moveable body member 290 is rotated counter-clockwise by the first jaw 214.
• the reaction force from the workpiece 320 causes the first jaw 214 to rotate and the second jaw 226 to become
• the locking pliers 610 include a moveable first jaw 614 and a first handle 618 pivotally coupled to the moveable first jaw 614 at a first pivot pin 622.
• the first jaw 614 is movable with respect to the first handle 618.
• the locking pliers 610 also includes a moveable second jaw 626 pivotally coupled to the first jaw 614 at a second pivot pin 624, and a second handle 630 pivotally coupled to the second jaw 626 at a third pivot pin 634.
• the second pivot pin 624 is positioned between the first pivot pin 622 and the third pivot pin 634. As explained in greater detail below, the second pivot pin 624 and the third pivot pin 634 are operable to move with respect to the first pivot pin 622.
• the second handle 630 pivots about the third pivot pin 634 to move the jaws 614, 626 between an open position (e.g., FIG. 21) and a closed position (e.g., FIGS. 19 and 20). In other words, the second handle 630 pivots with respect to the first handle 618 to increase or decrease a distance between the first jaw 614 and the second jaw 626.
• the illustrated jaws 614, 626 include V-shaped jaw faces 638, 642; however, in other embodiments, the jaw faces may be C-shaped clamping arms, curved jaw faces, or any type of jaw face.
• the jaws 614, 626 are made of chrome plated, forged alloy steel for high durability and corrosion resistance.
• a second end 662 of the lock link member 650 is pivotally coupled to the toggle link 652 at a pivot pin 665, and the toggle link 652 is pivotally coupled to the second handle 630 at a fourth pivot pin 666.
• lock link member 650 is directly pivotally coupled to the second handle 630 and the toggle link 652 is replaced with a release lever provided to release the pliers from the locked closed position.
• a release lever is at least partially positioned between the second handle and the lock member (e.g., release lever 453 of FIG. 12).
• engagement between the engagement surface 670 and the first end 658 of the lock link member 650 causes the lock link member 650 to move with respect to the fourth pivot pin 666, adjusting the force the jaws 614, 626 exert on a workpiece when the pliers 610 is in the closed position.
• changing the position of the adjustment member 654 relative to the first handle 618 changes the distance between the firstjaw 614 and the second jaw 626 when the second handle 630 is in a closed position.
• the adjustment member 654 is in a first position, corresponding to the firstjaw 614 and the second jaw 626 being closed together (i.e., jaw faces 638, 642 are touching).
• the locking pliers 610 further includes a spring 690 coupled between the second jaw 626 and the first handle 618. More specifically, the spring 690 is coupled to an aperture 694 formed on the second jaw 626 at one end of the spring 690 and coupled to a protrusion 695 formed on an underside of the first handle 618 at an opposite end of the spring 690. The spring 690 biases the second jaw 626 toward the first handle 618, along the longitudinal axis of the spring 690.
• the first jaw 614 includes a first engagement portion 698 and a second engagement portion 702, which are both engageable with the first handle 618.
• a rear gap 706 is defined between the first engagement portion 698 of the first jaw 614 and the first handle 618.
• a front gap 710 is defined between the second engagement portion 702 of the first jaw 614 and the first handle 618.
• the first jaw 614 is shown in a neutral pivotal state with both the front gap 710 and the rear gap 706.
• the first jaw 614 pivots with respect to the first handle 618 about the first pivot pin 622.
• the second engaging portion 702 of the first jaw 614 is abutted against a front portion 714 the first handle 618 to inhibit further rotation of the first jaw 214.
• the front gap 710 of FIG. 21 is now eliminated and the first engaging portion 698 of the first jaw 614 is now abutted against the first handle 618, with no gap or clearance therebetween.
• the first engaging portion 698 is positioned behind (i.e., closer to the adjustment member 654) the first pivot pin 622, and the second engaging portion 702 is positioned ahead of (i.e., closer to the jaw face 638) the first pivot pin 622.
• the locking pliers 610 begin with the first jaw 614 and the second jaw 626 in a closed position, and with the second handle 630 in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 19.
• a user may adjust the distance between the first jaw 614 and the second jaw 626 while the handles 618, 630 are closed by rotation of the adjustment member 654, as shown in FIG. 20.
• the second handle 630 is then opened with respect to the first handle 618, as shown in FIG. 21 , to further increase the distance between the first jaw 614 and the second j aw 626.
• the user With the jaws 614, 626 in an open position, the user positions the jaws 614, 626 around the workpiece 1 14 and then pivots the second handle 630 about the third pivot pin 634 towards the first handle 618 to move the second jaw 626 toward the closed position (FIG. 22).

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Gripping Jigs, Holding Jigs, And Positioning Jigs (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

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Related Child Applications (1)

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Cited By (6)

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Citations (5)

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• 2017
  • 2017-03-23 CN CN201780018787.6A patent/CN109153110B/zh active Active
  • 2017-03-23 TW TW106204098U patent/TWM547458U/zh unknown
  • 2017-03-23 WO PCT/US2017/023721 patent/WO2017165591A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2017-03-23 CN CN202111414259.7A patent/CN114102457A/zh active Pending

Patent Citations (5)

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