TW202012110A - Locking pliers with movable torque-increasing jaw section - Google Patents

Abstract

Pliers are provided. Pliers include an upper handle, a lower handle, an upper jaw coupled to the upper handle, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower handle. In general, the upper jaw includes workpiece engagement surface, such a first set of teeth configured to engage a workpiece, and the lower jaw includes a workpiece engagement surface, such as a second set of teeth and a third set of teeth. The lower jaw opposes the upper jaw such that the first set of teeth faces the second set of teeth and the third set of teeth. At least a section of the workpiece engagement surface of the lower jaw is movably coupled to the lower jaw such that it moves relative to the lower as torque is applied to a workpiece, thereby increasing torque applied to the workpiece.

Description

Locking pliers with movable torsion force increasing jaw section

Field of invention The system of the present invention relates to the field of pliers. The present invention specifically relates to a pliers with a torque-increasing jaw design. The pliers generally include two pliers components connected via a pivot that allows the upper handle to move the lower jaw around the pivot and the lower handle to move the upper jaw around the pivot. The locking jaws generally have a similar pivot to hold the workpiece, but include another locking mechanism to keep the jaws at a fixed distance from each other.

In order to increase the torque significantly, the conventional locking pliers need to be improved.

Summary of the invention An embodiment of the invention relates to a pair of locking pliers. The locking pliers include an upper handle, a lower handle, an upper jaw, and a lower jaw. The upper jaw is coupled to the upper handle and includes a first set of teeth configured to engage a workpiece. The lower jaw is coupled to the lower handle and includes a second set of teeth and a third set of teeth. The lower jaw is opposed to the upper jaw so that the first set of teeth faces the second set of teeth and the third set of teeth. A first pivot joint couples the lower handle to the upper handle so that the upper handle is movable relative to the lower handle to move the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A second pivot joint couples the third set of teeth to the lower jaw. The second set of teeth on the lower jaw can pivot around the first pivot, and the third set of teeth on the lower jaw can pivot around the first pivot joint and around the second pivot joint . The locking pliers further include a locking mechanism configured to lock a position of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to pliers. The pliers include a first assembly including a first handle, a first jaw, and a first workpiece engaging surface. The pliers include a second assembly including a second handle, a second jaw, a second workpiece engaging surface, and a third workpiece engaging surface. A pivot joint pivotally couples the first assembly to the second assembly so that the second handle is movable relative to the first handle to move the second jaw relative to the first jaw. The third workpiece engaging surface is movably coupled to the second jaw so that the third workpiece engaging surface moves relative to the second workpiece engaging surface as a torsional force is applied to a workpiece.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a tool for gripping a workpiece. The tool includes a first handle with a first clamping jaw and a first workpiece engagement surface coupled to the first clamping jaw, a second handle with a second clamping jaw and a coupling to the second clamp A second workpiece of the claw engages the surface. A first joint couples the first jaw to the second jaw. The first handle and the second handle are movable relative to each other to move the second jaw relative to the first jaw. A second joint couples the second workpiece engagement surface to the second jaw and allows the second workpiece engagement surface to move relative to the second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw define a working area between the first jaw and the second jaw, as a force is applied to the first handle and the second handle and a torsional force is applied to The workpiece, and thus as the second workpiece engaging surface moves relative to the second jaw, the working area decreases.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the scope of the patent application.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of pliers, and in particular locking pliers, are shown. The pliers includes a first handle and a first jaw pivotally coupled to a second handle and a second jaw via a first pivot. The jaws include opposing workpiece engaging surfaces on the first and second jaws. Generally speaking, in the embodiments described herein, at least one of the workpiece engaging surfaces is movably coupled to the associated jaw element, thereby allowing relative movement between the workpiece engaging surface and the jaws. Applicants have discovered that the relative motion between the workpiece engagement surface and the jaws significantly increases the torsional force (e.g., an increase of 10%-70% or more) as torque is applied to the workpiece compared to pliers with a fixed workpiece engagement surface ). In some embodiments, the applicant believes that the design discussed herein will increase the torque applied to the workpiece before sliding by at least 10%-70%, such as 50%, 60%, compared to pliers with fixed workpiece engaging surfaces 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, or more.

In the specific embodiment described herein, the workpiece engagement surface is a collection of teeth positioned on the upper and lower jaws, and the second pivot attached to the lower jaws allows the area of the teeth positioned on the lower jaws The segment rotates relative to the lower jaw. This rotation of the lower teeth increases the gripping force applied as the jaws rotate around the workpiece, thus increasing the torque applied to the workpiece without sliding.

In some embodiments, the forceps are locked via a third pivot. The locking mechanism allows the jaws to be placed on the work piece, and locks the jaws in a fixed position to maintain the holding force without holding the handle. Although the description below applies to locking pliers, in various embodiments, a movable workpiece engagement surface as discussed herein (eg, a second pivot that enables movable teeth) can be used to enhance torque for a wide variety of gripping tools, etc. Tools such as non-locking pliers, wrenches, etc.

In detail, the conventional locking pliers allow more torsional force on the workpiece than the non-locking pliers by increasing the applied holding force and locking the holding force through the rotation of the workpiece. Pliers serve many functions on the job site, but are often used to hold the workpiece and rotate the workpiece in a given direction. Conventional pliers allow the operator to "hold" the handle of the pliers and rotate the handle around the workpiece to tighten or loosen the workpiece. Some pliers lock to remove the need to continuously apply a holding force as the pliers rotate around the workpiece. The locking jaws allow the operator to set and apply a gripping force, and the upper and lower jaws then maintain the set fixed position as the jaws rotate around the workpiece.

In one embodiment, the lower jaw, or the movable surface of the lower jaw, is separately pinned to the pivot. Therefore, when the operator applies a torsional force to the workpiece, the lower jaw, or the movable surface of the lower jaw, pivots to increase the locking or gripping force. The lower jaw, or the movable surface of the lower jaw, can be rotated independently, so that the part of the lower jaw can pivot around different pivot points. Therefore, when the force applied to the jaws produces a torsional force on the workpiece, the lower jaw, or the movable surface of the lower jaw, is allowed to pivot to increase the locking force or holding force. The force on the handle generates a torsional force on the workpiece by the rotatable movable surface of the lower jaw, which is at least 10-70% greater than the torsional force generated by the same force on the same jaw without a second pivot joint . In some embodiments, the torque applied to the workpiece is increased by 70% or more.

1 illustrates a forceps 10 having a first or upper handle 12 coupled to a first or upper jaw 14 and a second or lower handle 16 coupled to a second or lower jaw 18. The upper handle 12 and the upper jaw 14 are coupled to the lower handle 16 and the lower jaw 18 via a first pivot 15 that is assembled to open and close the jaw. The upper jaw 14 and the lower jaw 18 are assembled to open and insert the workpiece in the space between the jaws, and close to hold the workpiece, for example, clamp the workpiece. The upper jaw 14 may include a first set of teeth 20 configured to engage the workpiece. The lower jaw 18 opposes the upper jaw 14 and may include a second set of teeth 22 and a third set of teeth 24 opposite the first set of teeth 20 on the upper jaw 14. The second set of teeth is disposed on the first portion 26 of the lower jaw 18, and the third set of teeth 24 is disposed on the second portion 28 that rotates about the second pivot 30. In this configuration, the third set of teeth 24 provides a lever arm that increases the torque applied to the workpiece as force is applied to the upper handle 12 and the lower handle 16.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a hand tool in the form of a locking pliers 10 is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The locking jaw 10 includes an upper jaw 14 and an upper handle 12 coupled to the upper jaw 14. The locking jaw 10 also includes a movable lower jaw 18 and a lower handle 16 that pivotally couples the upper jaw 14 to the lower jaw 18 at the first pivot 15. The lower handle 16 is pivotable about the first pivot 15 to move the lower jaw 18 relative to the upper jaw 14 between the open position and the closed position (FIG. 1 ). The upper jaw 14 includes a distal end 32 opposite the upper handle 12 and the lower jaw 18 includes a distal end 34 opposite the lower handle 16.

Clamping or pressing the upper handle 12 and the lower handle 16 provides the clamping force on the upper jaw 14 and the lower jaw 18. When the rotational force applied to the handles 12, 16 becomes a torsional force on the workpiece, it forces the workpiece to rotate and creates friction on the jaws 14 and 18. For example, when the handles 12, 16 are clamped and rotated in the clockwise direction, a clockwise torsional force is applied to the workpiece. The torsional force causes the second portion 28 of the lower jaw 18, including the third set of teeth 24, to pivot in a clockwise direction about the second pivot 30 due to friction in the counterclockwise direction. The rotation of the second part 28 or the lower jaw 18 increases the clamping force applied to the workpiece. With this increased clamping force, the operator can apply an increased amount of torque to the workpiece in a clockwise direction without slipping or without loss of clamping force. In some embodiments, the amount of torque is increased by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% or more many.

As described above, the first pivot 15 allows the rotatably coupling of the upper handle 12 and upper jaw 14 to the lower handle 16 and lower jaw 18. As the handles 12, 16 are squeezed or tightened, the lower jaw 18 moves relative to the upper jaw 14 to reduce the working area defined as the area between the upper jaw 14 and the lower jaw 18. The first pivot 15 is a joint that couples the lower handle 16 to the upper handle 12 so that the upper handle 12 is movable relative to the lower handle 16 to move the lower jaw 18 relative to the upper jaw 14. In other words, the lower handle 16 pivots about the upper handle 12 to increase or decrease the distance D between the distal end 32 of the fixed upper jaw 14 and the distal end 34 of the movable lower jaw 18 (eg, FIG. 3 ).

In some embodiments, the second pivot joint or second pivot 30 couples the third set of teeth 24 to the lower jaw 18. The second pivot 30 joint allows the third set of teeth 24 to rotate about the second pivot 30 independently of the first pivot joint 15. In this configuration, the second set of teeth 22 on the lower jaw 18 can pivot about the first pivot 15. The third set of teeth 24 on the lower jaw 18 can pivot about both the first pivot axis 15 and the second pivot axis 30. When the third set of teeth 24 rotates about the second pivot 30, the working area decreases, thereby enhancing the clamping force. The third set of teeth reduces the diameter of the working area. This reduced area increases the clamping or holding force on the workpiece, and thereby increases the torque applied to the workpiece.

In some embodiments, various parameters determine the relative positions of the first pivot 15 and the second pivot 30. For example, the locking forceps 10 includes a longitudinal axis 74 and a height axis 76. The second pivot 30 may be spaced relative to the first pivot 15 along the height axis so that the second pivot 30 is positioned between the first pivot 15 and the lower handle 16. In addition, the third set of teeth 24 may be positioned behind the second set of teeth 22. In this configuration, the third set of teeth 24 is positioned between the second set of teeth 22 and the first pivot 15 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 74.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the upper jaw 14 includes a workpiece engagement surface 36 defined by a plane that connects the distal end 32 of the first set of teeth 20 positioned on the front of the upper jaw 14. As illustrated, the additional workpiece engagement surface 38 may include an additional plane defined by the distal end of the tooth 20 positioned at the rear of the jaw 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the bevel angle connects the workpiece engagement surface 36 to an additional workpiece engagement surface 38 on the upper jaw 14. In some embodiments, the workpiece engagement surface 36 and the second jaw face 102 may be parallel, at an acute angle, or perpendicular. For the purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise mentioned, the workpiece engagement surface 36 includes all workpiece engagement surfaces on the upper jaw 14.

The lower jaw 18 includes a first portion 26 having a plurality of teeth 22 positioned at the front of the lower jaw 18, and a second portion 28 pivotally coupled to the first portion 26 by a second pivot 30. As described herein, this second pivot 30 enables the second portion 28, including the third set of teeth 24, to rotate and move relative to the first portion 26. The second portion 28 pivots relative to the first portion 26 from an initial position (illustrated in FIG. 4) toward a second position adjacent to the upper handle 12 (generally in the direction of arrow A as illustrated in FIG. 5). This rotation can be free or biased. The yaw rotation applies a spring constant around the axis of the second pivot 30 to return the second portion 28 to the initial position. For example, the spring can rotate the second portion 28 of the lower jaw 18 to a resting position against the lower jaw 18 without applied torque. When the torsional force is applied, the clamping force can rotate the spring away from the rest or initial position and toward the rear of the work area.

In the initial position, the second portion 28 abuts the shoulder 44 on the lower jaw 18. The second portion 28 includes a plurality of teeth positioned at the rear end of the lower jaw 18 (eg, a third set of teeth 24). The plane connecting the distal ends of the third set of teeth 24 defines the second workpiece engaging surface 40. As described in more detail below, the second portion 28 can pivot relative to the first portion 26 of the lower jaw 18 so that the second workpiece engagement surface 40 is relative to the workpiece engagement surface 38 on the upper jaw 14 and the lower jaw 18 , 40 and 42 position and orientation changes. Workpiece engagement surfaces 36, 38, 40, and/or 42 may be curved, planar, parabolic, angled, hexagonal, or include another shape.

The lower jaw 18 includes a second workpiece engagement surface 40 defined by a plane connecting the third set of teeth 120 on the second portion 28 of the lower jaw 18. As explained above, the lower jaw 18 may include an additional workpiece engaging surface 42 or the second workpiece engaging surface 40 may contain the entire lower jaw 18. For example, the first portion 26 of the lower jaw defines the plane by the additional workpiece engaging surface 42. The additional workpiece engagement surface connects the distal end 34 of the lower jaw 18 to the bevel where the second portion 28 of the lower jaw 18 begins. In the illustrated embodiment, the oblique angle directs the second workpiece engagement surface 40 to an additional workpiece engagement surface 42 on the lower jaw 18. In some embodiments, the second workpiece engagement surface 40 and the additional workpiece engagement surface 42 may be parallel, at an acute angle, or perpendicular. For the purposes of this disclosure, the second workpiece engagement surface 40 only includes a second portion 28 that is pivotally coupled (eg, via the second pivot 30) to the lower jaw 18. Any additional workpiece engagement surfaces 42 will be individually identified and distinguished.

For example, the second pivot 30 allows the second workpiece engaging surface 40 to move relative to the second or lower jaw 18. The first or upper jaw 14 and the lower jaw 18 define a working area (for example, the area between the first jaw and the second jaw), the working area follows the second torque when the force is applied to the workpiece. The workpiece engaging surface 40 moves relative to the lower jaw 18 and decreases. In some embodiments, the second workpiece engaging surface 40 may include the entire lower jaw 18 so that there is no additional workpiece engaging surface 42 on the lower jaw 18.

In other embodiments, a third workpiece engaging surface (eg, additional workpiece engaging surface 42) may be coupled to the lower jaw 18. Similarly, a fourth workpiece engaging surface (eg, additional workpiece engaging surface 38) may be coupled to the first jaw. In this configuration, there are two workpiece engagement surfaces 36, 38 on the upper jaw 14 and two workpiece engagement surfaces 40, 42 on the lower jaw 18. In some embodiments, the second workpiece engagement surface 40 on the second portion 28 of the lower jaw 18 pivots relative to the first workpiece engagement surface 36, the third workpiece engagement surface 38, and the fourth workpiece engagement surface 42.

The second workpiece engaging surface 40 on the lower jaw 18 may include a plurality of alignment teeth (eg, a third set of teeth 24) that can pivot about the second pivot 30. The length of the third set of teeth 24 is measured between the front and last teeth on the second portion 28 of the lower jaw 18. For example, the lower jaw 18 has a longitudinal length along the longitudinal axis 74 and a height along the height axis 76. The length of the third set of teeth 24 aligned along the second portion 28 of the lower jaw 18 may be at least 25% of the longitudinal length of the second jaw. As mentioned above, this length may be 100% of the lower jaw 18. In some embodiments, the length of the third set of teeth 24 along the lower jaw may be 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65 of the length of the lower jaw 18 %, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the locking mechanism 46 may be configured to lock the position of the upper jaw 14 relative to the lower jaw 18. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the locking jaw 10 includes a locking mechanism 46 operable to hold the jaw 10 in a closed or fixed position. The lock mechanism 46 includes a lock link member 48 and an adjustment member 50 (for example, a control key). The first end 52 of the locking link member 48 is slidably coupled to the upper/upper handle 12 and is axially movable along the upper/upper handle 12. The first end includes an engagement surface 58 with the control key or adjustment member 50. As the adjustment member 50 tightens, the locking link member 48 coupled to the upper handle 12 moves to increase the clamping force at the upper jaw 14 and the lower jaw 18. The second end 54 of the lock link member 48 may be pivotally coupled to the lower handle 16 at the pivot pin 56. In other embodiments, the lock link member 48 may be pivotally coupled to the lower handle 16 via one or more pivot link members, or may pivot directly along the lower jaw 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third pivot 60 connects the locked lower handle 16 to the locked lower jaw 18. The force generated by the locking mechanism is transmitted to the third pivot 60, and the third pivot 60 transmits the force to the lower jaw 18, thereby generating a locking clamping force on the workpiece. The release lever 62 is pivotally coupled to the lower handle 16 at the pin 64. The release lever 62 engages the lobe 66 on the locking link member 48 to release the forceps 10 from the locked or closed position. The locking link member 48 can extend from the upper handle 12 to the lower handle 16 and engage a locking mechanism 46 that locks the lower handle 16 in position relative to the upper handle 12 so that the lower jaw 18 is locked relative to the upper jaw 14 .

The adjustment member 50 includes an engagement surface 58 at one end, a threaded shank 68, and a flange 70 extending from the shank 68 opposite the engagement surface 58. The adjustment member 50 is integrally formed as a single component from metal, such as by casting, forging, and the like. The threaded shank 68 is received by a threaded hole 69 in the end of the upper handle 12 opposite the upper jaw 14. Due to the threaded engagement of the handle 68 and the hole 69, the adjustment member 50 can rotate relative to the upper handle 12 to translate the adjustment member 50 in the axial direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 70 includes an elongated opening 72. The elongated opening 72 may allow the use of a tool (eg, a screwdriver) to penetrate the hole and increase the force applied to the locking mechanism 46. The increased clamping force applied by the locking mechanism can increase the available torque applied to the workpiece. Therefore, the combination of the elongated opening 72 and the second portion 28 of the lower jaw 18 can be combined to increase the torque applied to the workpiece. In some embodiments, the torque can be increased by 10% or more. With the elongated opening 72 in the flange 70 and the rotatable second portion 28 of the lower jaw 18, the torque applied to the workpiece before sliding can be increased by more than 20%, 25%, 30% compared to standard locking pliers , 40%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% or more. Compared to standard locking pliers, the flange 70 with elongated opening 72 and the rotatable second portion 28 can increase the torque applied to the workpiece before sliding by 80%, 90%, 100%, 125%, 150%, 175% Or more.

The engagement between the moving engagement surface 58 and the first end 52 of the lock link member 48 causes the lock link member 48 to move about the second pivot pin 56 and adjusts the clamps that the jaws 14, 18 apply to the workpiece when closed Hold on. When the lower handle 16 is in the closed position, changing the position of the adjustment member 50 relative to the upper handle 12 changes the distance between the upper jaw 14 and the lower jaw 18. In some embodiments, the locking forceps 10 further includes a spring 74 coupled between the lower jaw 18 and the upper handle 12. The spring 74 biases the lower jaw 18 toward the open position, thus allowing the release of the clamping force on the workpiece. When the release lever 62 is pushed and the spring 74 is engaged, the clamping force on the workpiece is released, and the jaws 10 can be removed or reset relative to the workpiece.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, for any particular distance D between the distal ends 32, 34 of the jaws 14, 18, when the second portion 28 of the movable jaw 18 is in its initial position (FIG. 4), the first A clamping jaw surface 94, a second clamping jaw surface 102 and a third clamping jaw surface 134 define a working area or a first clamping diameter Φ1. When the lower jaw 18 and the upper jaw 14 engage the workpiece by the clamping force and apply a torsional force, the third set of teeth 24 pivots around the second pivot 30 joint, so that the radius from the second pivot 30 joint to the workpiece The torque applied to the handle increases.

The first clamping diameter Φ1 is the diameter of a circle that is tangent to each of the first clamping jaw face 94, the second clamping jaw face 102, and the third clamping jaw face 134 (eg, workpiece engagement surface). When the second portion 28 of the movable jaw 18 pivots from the initial position illustrated in FIG. 4 to the pivot position illustrated in FIG. 5, the first jaw surface 94, the second jaw surface 102, and the third jaw The claw surface 134 defines a second clamping diameter Φ2 that is smaller than the first clamping diameter Φ1 without changing the distance D between the distal ends 32, 34 of the clamping jaws 14, 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the difference between the first clamping diameter Φ1 and the second clamping diameter Φ2 is greater than 1.58 mm. In some embodiments, the difference between the first clamping diameter Φ1 and the second clamping diameter Φ2 may be greater than 1.75 mm.

In operation, the locking jaw 10 begins with the upper jaw 14 and lower jaw 18 in the closed position and the lower handle 16 in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. As discussed above, the user can adjust the distal end 32 of the jaws 14, 18 while the handles 12, 16 are closed by rotating the adjustment member 50 (to pivot the movable lower jaw 18 about the fifth pin 142) , The distance D between 34. The lower handle 16 is then opened with respect to the upper handle 12, thereby further increasing the distance D. With the jaws 14, 18 in the open position (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4), the user positions the jaws 14, 18 around the workpiece and then pivots the lower handle 16 toward the upper handle 12 to move toward the closed position The lower gripper 18.

When the jaws 14, 18 are closed and locked on the workpiece, the user can apply force to the handles 12, 16 to test and rotate the workpiece. This force causes the second portion 28 of the movable jaw 18 to pivot from the initial position (Figure 4) to the second rotational position (Figure 5) in the direction of arrow A, thereby reducing the clamping diameter of the jaws 14, 18 (For example, to the clamping diameter Φ2). This reduction in clamping diameter advantageously increases the clamping force applied to the workpiece and enhances the gripping force of the jaws 14,18. Therefore, the locking pliers 10 resist sliding on the workpiece at a higher applied torque.

For example, according to ASME Standard B107.24, section 5.2.4 ("the jaw grip test ("the jaw grip test")), the gripping force test of the gripper is performed on the locking pliers embodying the aspect of the present invention. During the gripping force test of the clamping jaws, the locking jaws were clamped onto a round steel mandrel with an initial clamping preload between 30 and 35 pounds. With the locking jaws fixed in place, the mandrel rotates at a rate of one degree per second. The maximum torque is measured just before the mandrel slides and begins to rotate relative to the jaws. In some embodiments, the pliers achieve maximum torque under a gripper grip test of greater than 212 foot pounds, specifically 213-480 foot pounds, and more specifically 233 to 380 foot pounds. In some embodiments, the jaws achieve maximum torque under a gripping force test of at least 300 foot pounds of jaws. In some embodiments, the jaws achieve maximum torque under a gripping force test of at least 380 foot pounds of jaws. In some embodiments, the pliers achieve a maximum torque under a gripping force test of at least 400 foot pounds. In some embodiments, the pliers achieve maximum torque under a gripping force test of at least 480 foot pounds.

6-7 illustrate an embodiment of a locking jaw 100 having an upper jaw 102 and a lower jaw 104. The second jaw 104 includes all teeth 120 on the lower jaw 104 and the entire lower workpiece engaging surface 108. The lower jaw 104 can thus rotate about the first jaw 110 and the second pivot 130 about the upper jaw 102. In this embodiment, the entire lower jaw 104 can pivot about both the first pivot 110 and the second pivot 130.

When force is applied to close the handles 112, 114, the jaws 100 close around the workpiece 118. Due to the mechanical advantages of the pliers 100, there is a large resulting clamping force on the workpiece 118, such as the compressive force between the clamping jaws 102, 104. In addition, when the user applies a force to the handles 112, 114 of the closed or locked jaws 100, the moving jaw 104 further doubles the resulting compressed clamping force on the workpiece 118. When the upper jaw 102 and the lower jaw 104 of the jaw 100 are closed or engaged on the workpiece 118, the working area 122 defines a maximum first diameter 124 that the workpiece 118 can fit between the active workpiece engagement surfaces 106, 108. As the torque is applied to the handle by the user, the first diameter 124 decreases to the second diameter 126 (shown in FIG. 7).

The upper jaw 102 includes an upper workpiece surface 106, including two planes offset by beveled teeth. The lower jaw 104 includes a lower workpiece engaging surface 108 having a similar configuration (eg, two planes offset by beveled teeth). In this configuration, the lower workpiece engagement surface 108 rotates about the pivot 130 on the lower jaw 104 as a single unit. As illustrated, the lower workpiece engagement surface 108 rotates relative to the upper jaw 102 on the lower jaw 104 about the first pivot 110. When the upper handle 112 and the lower handle 114 move toward each other (eg, a clamping force is applied), the upper jaw 102 moves relative to the lower jaw 104, thereby generating a clamping force 116 on the workpiece 118. The upper workpiece surface 106 contains a first set of teeth 119. As described above, the lower workpiece engagement surface 108 includes the entire length of a single rotatable second set of teeth 120. The lower workpiece engaging surface 108 is measured along the lower jaw 104 from the front to the end of the teeth. As illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and described above, the length of the rotatable lower workpiece engagement surface 108 may include the entire lower jaw 102. Although illustrated as being on the lower jaw 104, the rotatable workpiece engagement surface can be similarly placed on the upper jaw 102.

When the clamping force 116 is spread on the workpiece 118, the working area 122 surrounded by the upper jaw 102 and the lower jaw 104 is reduced and deformed by the applied clamping force to produce the first diameter 124 of the workpiece. As illustrated in FIG. 7, as the workpiece rotates, the working area 122 decreases as the lower jaw 104 rotates in the direction of A and applies a larger clamping force 116 to the workpiece 118. This increased clamping force 116 can produce a second diameter 126 in the workpiece 118. As the workpiece 118 experiences torsional force, friction reduces the distance 128 until the second jaw contacts the upper handle 112 and maximizes the clamping force. For example, compare the distance 128 in FIG. 6 with the rotation distance in FIG. 7.

8 to 9 illustrate another embodiment of a jaw 200 having a rotatable surface. The embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 9 are substantially the same as the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5 except for the differences described. In contrast to the design of the jaw 10, the second jaw portion 216 of the jaw 200 has a thickened second jaw surface 218 to enhance the area where the clamping force is applied to the workpiece 220.

The jaw 200 includes an upper jaw 202 and a lower jaw 204 coupled via a first pivot 212. The lower jaw 204 includes a jaw face 206 and a second portion 208 integrally formed with the jaw face 206, and can pivot about the second jaw 204 around the lower jaw 204. The lower jaw 204 is pivotally pinned to the upper handle 210 at the first pivot 212 and pivotally pinned to the lower handle 214 at the third pivot.

The jaw 200 includes a second jaw portion 216 having a thickened second jaw face 218. The second jaw portion 216 is rotatably coupled (eg, via the second pivot 209) to the lower jaw 204.

When the clamp 200 is closed around the workpiece 220, the clamping force 222 is generated based on the lever action of the handle. Due to the thickened second jaw surface 218, this force is spread to a larger area of the workpiece 220 to prevent slippage and spread the grip more evenly. As a torsional force is applied to the workpiece 220 (eg, rotational force at the upper handle 210 and the lower handle 214), the second jaw portion 216 pivots in the direction 224. The movement of the second jaw portion 216 in the direction 224 rotates toward the upper jaw 202 and the upper handle 210. This rotation reduces the working area 226 between the second jaw portion 216 and the upper jaw 202. The reduced working area 226 produces an increased clamping force on the workpiece 220 to increase the amount of torque applied before the workpiece 220 slides.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the forceps 300. The forceps 300 are substantially the same or similar to the forceps 10, 100, and 200 as described above, except for the differences described. In contrast to the designs of the pliers 10, 100, and 200, the upper handle 306 and the lower handle 314 clamp around the central shaft 440. In addition, the upper jaw 302 is coupled to the upper handle via an oblong joint 344. The oblong joint 344 allows the upper jaw 302 to release the clamping force on the workpiece when the jaw is not locked, but when the jaw is locked The same or substantially the same clamping force is applied to the workpiece.

The upper jaw 302 has a first set of teeth (eg, teeth 302a and 302b). The lower jaw 304 has two sections, a rotatable section 306 and a clamping section 308. The rotatable section 306 clamps and rotates about the pivot 330, and the clamping section 308 causes a clamping force. The two sections rotate about the pivot 315. The teeth 304a are attached to the rotatable section 306. The teeth 304b are attached to the clamping section 308. The teeth 302a and 302b (eg, the first set of teeth) on the upper jaw 302 may be combined into an upper workpiece engaging surface. The teeth 304b that can rotate about the pivot 315 define a second workpiece engaging surface. The lower jaw includes teeth 304a that can pivot about two points (pivot 315 and pivot 330) to define a third workpiece engaging surface. The rotation of the teeth 304a reduces the working diameter and increases the clamping force as the torque is applied to the workpiece.

FIG. 11 illustrates one pair of pliers 400 according to another embodiment. The pliers 400 illustrated in FIG. 11 are the same as or similar to the pliers 10, 100, 200, and 300 as described above, with the differences described below. In contrast to the design of the forceps 10, the second jaw face 406 is curved to enhance the rotation arc. The configuration of the curved shape enables the shoulder of the second jaw surface 406 to rotate from a different first position by reducing the rotation arc of the workpiece area and into a different second position adjacent to the upper handle 406.

The forceps 400 includes an upper jaw 402 and a lower jaw 404, each having two separate sets of teeth. The upper set of teeth or upper workpiece engaging surface of upper jaw 402 includes teeth 402a and 402b. The lower jaw includes two different sets of teeth 404a and 404b. The teeth 404a rotate around the first pivot 15 and the second pivot 30. The tooth 404b only rotates around the first pivot 15. As illustrated, the teeth 402a, 402b, 404a, 404b are coupled at an obtuse angle, but can be acute, parallel, or curved. The overall shape of the combined teeth 402a, 402b, 404a, 404b and rotatable teeth 404a increases the clamping force applied.

FIG. 12 illustrates a locking forceps 500 according to another embodiment. The locking forceps 500 are substantially the same or similar to the forceps 10 as described above, except for the differences described. In contrast to the design of pliers 10, the teeth of pliers 500 do not rotate. In fact, the teeth of the pliers 500 are translated along the inclined plane to reduce the working area on the workpiece.

The forceps 500 includes an upper jaw 502 and a lower jaw 504, each having two separate sets of teeth. The upper jaw 502 includes translatable teeth 502a and 502b. The lower jaw includes translatable teeth 504a and 504b. As illustrated, the teeth 502a, 502b, 504a, 504b are coupled at an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, the teeth may be spring-loaded or biased, such that when the user provides rotational force 506 at the handle and the teeth provide torque to the workpiece 508, the teeth translate or slide. For example, the teeth can be translated upward along the slope, as indicated by arrow 510. This translation enables the teeth to reduce the diameter on the workpiece 508 and increase the clamping force. Arrow 510 illustrates the direction in which the teeth can translate when the torque is reduced in the work area (illustrated by arrow 512) and the teeth are translated. When a rotational load 506 is applied, this translation increases the clamping force on the workpiece 508 and reduces the slippage experienced by the locking jaw 500.

It should be understood that the drawings illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

In view of this description, other modifications and alternative embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description is interpreted as illustrative only. The configurations and configurations shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., the size and dimensions of various elements without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein) , Structure, shape and ratio, parameter values, installation configuration, use of materials, changes in color, orientation, etc.). Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be changed or changed. The order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm, or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and configurations of various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are directly or indirectly joined to each other. This engagement may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. This joining may be achieved by two parts integrally formed with each other as a single unit body and any additional intermediate parts, or by two parts or two parts and any additional parts attached to each other. This engagement may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

Although the current application describes a specific combination of features attached to its patent application, various embodiments of the present invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein, regardless of whether this combination is the current claim , And any such combination of features can be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above Any combination of them.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions as shown in the figures will be drawn to scale, including angle, length, and radius. The actual measurements of the figures will reveal the relative sizes, angles, and scales of various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around absolute and relative sizes, angles, and ratios that can be determined from the figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative sizes or angles that can be determined from the figures. In addition, the actual dimensions not explained in this description can be determined by using the ratio of the dimensions measured in the figures in conjunction with the expression dimensions explained in this description. Additionally, in various embodiments, the present disclosure extends to various ranges around any of the absolute or relative sizes disclosed herein or that can be determined from the figures (eg, plus or minus 30%, 20%, or 10% ).

10, 200, 300, 400: clamp 12: First or upper handle 14: First or upper jaw 15: First pivot/first pivot joint 16: Second or lower handle 18: Second or lower jaw 20, 119: the first group of teeth 22, 120: second group of teeth 24: third group of teeth 26: Part One 28, 208: Part Two 30, 130, 209: second pivot 32, 34: distal end 36: the first workpiece engagement surface 38: Third workpiece engagement surface 40: Second workpiece engagement surface 42: fourth workpiece engagement surface 44: shoulder 46: Locking mechanism 48: Lock the link parts 50: Adjust parts 52: first end 54: second end 56: pivot pin 58: Engagement surface 60: Third pivot 62: release lever 64: pin 66: Lobe 68: threaded shank 69: Threaded hole 70: flange 72: Slim opening 74: longitudinal axis/spring 76: height axis 94: the first jaw face 100, 500: locking pliers 102: Second jaw face/upper jaw 104, 204, 304, 404, 504: lower jaw 106: upper workpiece surface 108: Lower workpiece engagement surface 110, 212: The first pivot 112, 114: handle 116, 222: clamping force 118, 220, 508: workpiece 120, 302a, 302b, 304a, 304b, 402a, 402b, 404a, 404b, 502a, 502b, 504a, 504b: teeth 122, 226: Work area 124: maximum first diameter 126: second diameter 128, D: distance 134: third jaw face 142: Fifth pin 202, 302, 402, 502: upper gripper 206: jaw face 210: upper handle 214, 314: lower handle 216: Second jaw part 218, 406: second jaw surface 224: direction 306: upper handle/rotatable section 308: clamping section 315, 330: pivot 344: long oval joint 440: Central shaft 506: Rotating force/rotating load 510, 512, A: arrow Φ1: the first clamping diameter Φ2: second clamping diameter

Considering the accompanying drawings, this application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, where similar reference numbers refer to similar elements, where:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a pair of locking pliers according to an exemplary embodiment.

2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the locking pliers of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 is a side view of a portion of the locking jaw of FIG. 1 with movable jaws that can be opened to accommodate a workpiece according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the second pivot shaft positions a portion of the movable jaw in the first position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the second pivot shaft positions a portion of the movable jaw in the second position.

6 is a side view of a locking pliers according to another embodiment, with the jaws of the pliers in the first position.

7 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 6 with the jaws in the second position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

8 is a side view of a locking pliers according to another embodiment, with the jaws in the first position.

9 is a side view of the locking pliers of FIG. 8 with the teeth on the second jaw in the second position according to an exemplary embodiment.

10 is a side view of a locking pliers with movable and rotatable teeth surrounding first and second jaws according to another embodiment.

11 is a side view of a locking pliers with movable and rotatable teeth surrounding first and second jaws according to another embodiment.

12 is a side view of a locking pliers with movable translating teeth surrounding first and second jaws according to another embodiment.

10: Clamp

12: First or upper handle

14: First or upper jaw

15: First pivot/first pivot joint

16: Second or lower handle

18: Second or lower jaw

20: first group of teeth

22: second set of teeth

24: third group of teeth

26: Part One

28: Part Two

30: Second pivot

32, 34: distal end

46: Locking mechanism

48: Lock the link parts

50: Adjust parts

56: pivot pin

60: Third pivot

62: release lever

64: pin

70: flange

72: Slim opening

74: longitudinal axis

76: height axis

Claims (20)

A locking pliers, including: An upper handle; A lower handle; An upper jaw coupled to one of the upper handles, the upper jaw includes a first set of teeth that are configured to engage a workpiece; A lower jaw coupled to the lower handle, the lower jaw includes a second set of teeth and a third set of teeth, wherein the lower jaw is opposed to the upper jaw so that the first set of teeth faces the The second group of teeth and the third group of teeth; A first pivot joint that couples the lower handle to the upper handle so that the upper handle is movable relative to the lower handle to move the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw; A second pivot joint that couples the third set of teeth to the lower jaw, wherein the second set of teeth on the lower jaw can pivot about the first pivot, and the lower jaw The third set of teeth can pivot around the first pivot joint and around the second pivot joint; and A locking mechanism is configured to lock a position of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. The locking pliers of claim 1, wherein when the lower jaw and the upper jaw engage a workpiece and when a force is applied to the upper handle and the lower handle to apply a torque to the workpiece, the third set of teeth Pivot around the second pivot joint so that a radius from the second pivot joint to the workpiece increases as the torsional force applied to the handles increases. The locking pliers of claim 1, wherein when a force is applied to the upper handle and the lower handle in a first direction of rotation, the third set of teeth surrounds the second pivot joint in the first direction of rotation Pivot to apply a torque to the workpiece in the first direction of rotation. As in the locking pliers of claim 1, wherein the third set of teeth provides a lever arm, as the force is applied to the upper handle and the lower handle, the lever arm increases the amount of torque applied to the workpiece without Slide along the third set of teeth. The locking pliers of claim 1, further comprising a locking link extending between the upper handle and the lower handle, wherein the locking mechanism engages the locking link to lock the lower handle to the upper handle to Positioned so that the lower jaw is locked relative to the upper jaw. The locking jaw of claim 1, wherein the upper jaw and the lower jaw define a working area between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, wherein the working area surrounds the second with the third set of teeth The pivot joint rotates and decreases. The locking pliers of claim 6, wherein the second pivot joint allows the third set of teeth to rotate about the second pivot joint independently of the first pivot joint. The locking pliers of claim 1 includes a height axis, wherein the second pivot joint is spaced from the first pivot joint in one direction of the height axis so that the second pivot joint is at the height axis It is positioned between the first pivot joint and the lower handle in the direction. The locking pliers of claim 8 further includes a longitudinal axis, wherein the third set of teeth is positioned behind the second set of teeth, such that the third set of teeth is positioned on the second set of teeth in one direction of the longitudinal axis With the first pivot joint. A pliers, comprising: A first assembly, which includes a first handle, a first clamping jaw, and a first workpiece engaging surface; A second assembly comprising a second handle, a second clamping jaw, a second workpiece engaging surface and a third workpiece engaging surface; and A pivot joint that pivotally couples the first assembly to the second assembly so that the second handle is movable relative to the first handle to move the second clamp relative to the first jaw claw; The third workpiece engaging surface is movably coupled to the second jaw, so that the third workpiece engaging surface moves relative to the second workpiece engaging surface as a torsional force is applied to a workpiece. The pliers of claim 10, wherein the first workpiece engaging surface is rigidly coupled to the first jaw, wherein the second workpiece engaging surface is rigidly coupled to the second jaw and the third workpiece engages The surface moves relative to the second jaw. The pliers of claim 10, further including a second pivot joint that pivotally couples the third workpiece engagement surface to the second jaw to cause the third workpiece to engage The movement of the surface relative to the engagement surface of the second workpiece is a pivotal movement. The pliers of claim 10, further comprising a sliding joint that slidingly couples the third workpiece engaging surface to the second jaw so that the third workpiece engaging surface is relative to the second workpiece engaging surface The movement is a translation movement. The pliers of claim 10, further comprising one defined by an area enclosed between the first jaw and the second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw engage a workpiece Work area, the shape of the work area is set to fit a hexagonal workpiece in the work area. The pliers of claim 10, wherein when a force is applied to the first handle and the second handle to apply a torsional force to a workpiece, the movement of the third workpiece engaging surface relative to the second workpiece engaging surface increases The radius from the third workpiece engagement surface to a workpiece is increased, and the maximum amount of torsion force that can be applied is increased by more than 10%. A tool for gripping a workpiece, which includes: A first handle; A first jaw; A first workpiece engaging surface, which is coupled to the first jaw; A second handle; A second jaw; A second workpiece engaging surface, which is coupled to the second jaw; Coupling the first jaw to a first joint of the second jaw, the first handle and the second handle are movable relative to each other, wherein movement of the first handle and the second handle relative to each other causes The second jaw moves relative to the first jaw; and Coupling the second workpiece engaging surface to a second joint of the second jaw, wherein the second joint allows the second workpiece engaging surface to move relative to the second jaw; Wherein the first jaw and the second jaw define a working area between the first jaw and the second jaw, wherein a torque is applied to the first handle and the second handle with a force Applied to the workpiece, and as the second workpiece engagement surface moves relative to the second jaw, the working area decreases. The tool of claim 16, further comprising a third workpiece engagement surface coupled to the second jaw, and a fourth workpiece engagement surface coupled to the first jaw, wherein the second workpiece engagement surface Pivot with respect to the first workpiece engagement surface, the third workpiece engagement surface, and the fourth workpiece engagement surface. The tool of claim 16, wherein the second workpiece engagement surface includes a plurality of alignment teeth, and a length measured between a frontmost tooth and a last tooth of the plurality of alignment teeth, wherein the second clamp The claw has a longitudinal length, wherein the length of the alignment teeth is at least 25% of the longitudinal length of the second jaw. The tool of claim 16, further comprising a locking link member coupled to the first handle and extending to a third pivot, the locking link member locking the second handle relative to the first handle and opposite The first clamping jaw is locked by the second clamping jaw. The tool of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a flange having an elongated opening at an outer end of the locking mechanism.

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