WO2022147598A1

WO2022147598A1 - Pliers

Info

Publication number: WO2022147598A1
Application number: PCT/AU2022/050005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adrian Lockley
Original assignee: Ruby Industries Pty Limited
Priority date: 2021-01-08
Filing date: 2022-01-07
Publication date: 2022-07-14

Abstract

A set of pliers (10) includes a pair of levers (12) pivotally joined at a fulcrum (14), the fulcrum (14) located proximate one end of the levers (12) so as to define a first and second jaw (16, 18) on one side of the fulcrum and a first and second handle (20, 22) on the opposite side of the fulcrum (14). The first jaw (18) has a first jaw gripping surface (24) and the second jaw (18) has an opposing second jaw gripping surface (26). The first and second jaw gripping surfaces (24, 26) are adapted to co-operate to hold an object therebetween, the first jaw gripping surface (24) having a first jaw cover recess (28) and the second jaw gripping surface (26) having a second jaw cover recess (30). The set of pliers (10) further includes a first jaw cover (32) operatively associated with the first jaw (16) and a second jaw cover (34) operatively associated with the second jaw (18).

Description

PLIERS

FIELD

[0001] The invention concerns pliers. In one non-exclusive aspect the invention concerns pliers of the type referred to as slip-joint pliers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Pliers are hand tools used by tradespersons to hold objects firmly. A set of pliers typically comprises a pair of levers which are pivotally joined at a fulcrum. The fulcrum is located proximate one end of the levers to define a pair of jaws on one side of the fulcrum and a pair of handles located on the opposite side of the fulcrum. One type of known pliers is so-called slip joint pliers. Slip joint pliers are pliers having a pivot point or fulcrum which can be moved to increase the size range of the jaws. One example of slip-joint pliers are water pump pliers.

[0003] A drawback associated with gripping an object with a set of pliers is that soft / delicate surfaces can be scratched or marked. To address this problem hard plastic attachments have been developed which can be secured to plier jaws by way of screws. A problem with such plastic attachments is that a further tool is required to replace a broken or worn attachment. Due to the relative hardness of these attachments adequate grip between the jaws and the surface of an object to be gripped can at times proof to be difficult. However, as these attachments are secured in position with screws it is necessary that the attachments be produced from a relative hard plastic to provide purchase for the positioning screws.

[0004] Another type of cover employed with pliers is adapted to be slidably located on the jaws of the pliers. Such covers are loose-fitting and can be readily dislodged from the plier jaws. It also often is the case that these covers do not provide adequate grip and tend to slide from the surface of a product to be gripped

OBJECT

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative set of pliers that addresses the above drawbacks or which at least provides a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect there is disclosed herein a set of pliers including: a pair of levers pivotally joined at a fulcrum, the fulcrum located proximate one end of the levers so as to define a first and second jaw on one side of the fulcrum and a first and second handle on the opposite side of the fulcrum, the first jaw having a first jaw gripping surface and the second jaw having an opposing second jaw gripping surface wherein the first and second jaw gripping surfaces are adapted to co-operate to hold an object therebetween, the first jaw gripping surface having a first jaw cover recess and the second jaw gripping surface having a second jaw cover recess; and a first jaw cover operatively associated with the first jaw and a second jaw cover operatively associated with the second jaw, wherein the first jaw cover includes a first jaw holding formation operatively adapted to be held within the first jaw cover recess and the second jaw cover includes a second jaw cover holding formation operatively adapted to be held within the second jaw cover recess.

[0007] Preferably the first jaw gripping surface includes a plurality of first jaw cover recesses and the first jaw cover includes a plurality of corresponding first jaw holding formations operatively adapted to be held respectively within the first jaw cover recesses.

[0008] Preferably the second jaw gripping surface includes a plurality of second jaw cover recesses and the second jaw cover includes a plurality of corresponding second jaw holding formations operatively adapted to be held respectively within the second jaw cover recesses.

[0009] Preferably the first jaw cover includes a first cover body having a first object gripping surface and an opposing first jaw engaging surface.

[0010] Preferably the first jaw holding formation is provided on the first jaw engaging surface.

[0011] Preferably the first jaw holding formation includes at least one first jaw holding protrusion outwardly extending from the first jaw engaging surface adapted to be located within the first jaw cover recess.

[0012] Preferably the first jaw holding formation includes a plurality of first jaw holding protrusions outwardly extending from the first jaw engaging surface adapted to be located with the plurality of first jaw cover recesses.

[0013] Preferably the second jaw cover includes a second cover body having a second object gripping surface and an opposing second jaw engaging surface. [0014] Preferably the second jaw holding formation is provided on the second jaw engaging surface.

[0015] Preferably the second jaw holding formation includes at least one second jaw holding protrusion outwardly extending from the second jaw engaging surface and adapted to be located within the second jaw cover recess.

[0016] Preferably the second jaw holding formation includes a plurality of second jaw holding protrusions outwardly extending from the second jaw engaging surface adapted and to be located within the plurality of the second jaw cover recesses.

[0017] Preferably the first and second jaw covers are produced from a rubber.

[0018] According to a further aspect there is disclosed herein a jaw cover to cover a jaw of a set of pliers, the jaw cover including a jaw holding formation operatively adapted to be held within a jaw cover recess formed in the jaw.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment set of pliers;

[0021] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of jaws of the pliers of Figure 1 in an open condition;

[0022] Figure 3 is a front view of a second embodiment set of pliers;

[0023] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of jaws of the pliers of Figure 3 in an open condition;

[0024] Figure 5 is a front view of a third embodiment set of pliers; and

[0025] Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of jaws of the pliers of Figure 5 in an open condition.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment set of pliers, generally indicated with the reference numeral 10. The set of pliers 10 includes a pair of levers 12 pivotally joined at a fulcrum 14. The fulcrum 14 is located proximate one end of the levers 12 so as to define a first and second jaw 16, 18 on one side of the fulcrum 14 and a first and second handle 20, 22 on the opposite side of the fulcrum 14. The first jaw 16 has a first jaw gripping surface 24 and the second jaw 18 has an opposing second jaw gripping surface 26. The first and second jaw gripping surfaces 24, 26 are adapted to co-operate to hold an object therebetween. The embodiment set of pliers 10 is a set of slip-joint pliers wherein a slot 15 is provided in the first handle 20. A number of setting positions 17 are provided proximate the slot 15 whereby the fulcrum 14 can be adjusted in order to change the maximum opening span of the first and second jaws 16, 18 in a conventional manner.

[0027] The first jaw gripping surface 24 has a plurality of first jaw cover recesses 28 while the second jaw gripping surface 26 has a plurality of second jaw cover recesses 30. The pliers 10 includes a first jaw cover 32 operatively associated with the first jaw 16 and a second jaw cover 34 operatively associated with the second jaw 34. The first jaw cover 32 includes a plurality of first jaw holding formations 36 operatively adapted to be held within the first jaw cover recesses 28. The second jaw cover 34 includes a plurality of second jaw cover holding formations 38 operatively adapted to be held within the second jaw cover recesses 30.

[0028] The first jaw cover 32 includes a first cover body 40 having first object gripping surface 42 and an opposing first jaw engaging surface 44. As shown, the first jaw holding formations 36 are provided on the first jaw engaging surface 44. The first jaw holding formations 36 include first jaw holding protrusions 46 outwardly extending from the first jaw engaging surface 44 and adapted to be located within the first jaw cover recesses 28.

[0029] The second jaw cover 34 includes a second cover body 48 having a second object gripping surface 50 and an opposing second jaw engaging surface 52. The second jaw holding formations 38 are provided on the second jaw engaging surface 52. The second jaw holding formations 38 comprise second jaw holding protrusions 54 outwardly extending from the second jaw engaging surface 52 adapted to be located within the second jaw cover recesses 30.

[0030] In this embodiment the first and second jaw holding formations 36, 38 are of cylindrical shape and sized for slidable location within corresponding cylindrical shaped first and second jaw cover recesses 38, 30. It will be appreciated that the holding formations 36, 38 and jaw cover recesses 28,30 could have a variety of shapes. [0031] The embodiment first and second jaw covers 32, 34 are produced from a rubber. The rubber will assist in ensuring appropriate grip between the pliers 10 and an object to be gripped. The rubber further will deter damage to the outer surface of the object gripped.

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment set of pliers 60 which operate in a manner similar to the first embodiment set of pliers 10. However, the first and second jaws 16, 18 of the set of pliers 62 are of smaller dimensions than those of the first embodiment and as a result there are three first and second jaw cover recesses 28, 30 which hold three corresponding first and second jaw holding formations 36, 38 of the first and second jaw covers 32, 34.

[0033] Figures 5 and 6 show a third embodiment set of pliers 62 which operate in a manner similar to the second embodiment set of pliers 60. However, the first and second jaws 16, 18 of the set of pliers 62 are of smaller dimensions than those of the second embodiment set of pliers 60. As a result there are two, as opposed to three, first and second jaw cover recesses 28, 30 which hold two corresponding first and second jaw holding formations 36, 38 of the first and second jaw covers 32, 34.

[0034] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

KEY TO REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

10 First embodiment set of pliers 12 Levers

14 Fulcrum

15 Slot

16 First jaw

17 Settings

18 Second jaw

20 First handle

22 Second handle

24 First jaw gripping surface

26 Second jaw gripping surface First jaw cover recesses Second jaw cover recesses First jaw cover Second jaw cover First jaw holding formations Second jaw holding formations First cover body First object gripping surface First jaw engaging surface First jaw holding protrusions Second cover body Second object gripping surface Second jaw engaging surface Second jaw holding protrusions Second embodiment set of pliers Third embodiment set of pliers

Claims

1. A set of pliers including: a pair of levers pivotally joined at a fulcrum, the fulcrum located proximate one end of the levers so as to define a first and second jaw on one side of the fulcrum and a first and second handle on the opposite side of the fulcrum, the first jaw having a first jaw gripping surface and the second jaw having an opposing second jaw gripping surface wherein the first and second jaw gripping surfaces are adapted to co-operate to hold an object therebetween, the first jaw gripping surface having a first jaw cover recess and the second jaw gripping surface having a second jaw cover recess; and a first jaw cover operatively associated with the first jaw and a second jaw cover operatively associated with the second jaw, wherein the first jaw cover includes a first jaw holding formation operatively adapted to be held within the first jaw cover recess and the second jaw cover includes a second jaw cover holding formation operatively adapted to be held within the second jaw cover recess.

2. A set of pliers according to claim 1, wherein the first jaw gripping surface includes a plurality of first jaw cover recesses and the first jaw cover includes a plurality of corresponding first jaw holding formations operatively adapted to be held respectively within the first jaw cover recesses.

3. A set of pliers according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second jaw gripping surface includes a plurality of second jaw cover recesses and the second jaw cover includes a plurality of corresponding second jaw holding formations operatively adapted to be held respectively within the second jaw cover recesses.

4 A set of pliers according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first jaw cover includes a first cover body having a first object gripping surface and an opposing first jaw engaging surface.

5. A set of pliers according to claim 4, wherein the first jaw holding formation is provided on the first jaw engaging surface.

6. A set of pliers according to claim 5, wherein the first jaw holding formation includes at least one first jaw holding protrusion outwardly extending from the first jaw engaging surface adapted to be located within the first jaw cover recess.

7. A set of pliers according to claim 6, wherein the first jaw holding formation includes a plurality of first jaw holding protrusions outwardly extending from the first jaw engaging surface and adapted to be located within the plurality of first jaw cover recesses.

8. A set of pliers according to claim 7, wherein the second jaw cover includes a second cover body having a second object gripping surface and an opposing second jaw engaging surface.

9. A set of pliers according to claim 8, wherein the second jaw holding formation is provided on the second jaw engaging surface.

10. A set of pliers according to claim 9, wherein the second jaw holding formation includes at least one second jaw holding protrusion outwardly extending from the second jaw engaging surface and adapted to be located within the second jaw cover recess.

11. A set of pliers according to claim 10, wherein the second jaw holding formation includes a plurality of second jaw holding protrusions outwardly extending from the second jaw engaging surface adapted to be located within the plurality of the second jaw cover recesses.

12. A set of pliers according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second jaw covers are produced from a rubber.

13. A jaw cover to cover a jaw of set of pliers, the jaw cover including a jaw holding formation operatively adapted to be held within a jaw cover recess formed in the jaw.