Patent · US Active

Automatic sizing one-handed locking pliers

US7721630B2 · kind B2 · utility

15Cited by
18References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 13, 2006
Grant dateMay 25, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 3, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB25B7/123
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An automatically adjustable locking pliers or tool includes a jaw fixed to a first handle and a jaw that pivots about the first handle. The pivoting jaw is connected to a lower tightening handle. A lever connects the tightening handle and first handle. A self-adjusting sizing and locking mechanism includes a thumb jaw sizing piece located near the jaws and movable to open the jaws so that they can be sized around a workpiece. When the thumb jaw sizing piece is released, the jaws automatically size and clamp lightly around the workpiece. The locking mechanism uses balls between a locking rod and a tapered surface. Locking occurs when the balls wedge between the rod and the tapered surface. A release cylinder is connected to a release paddle movable to unlock the mechanism. The sizing piece and locking mechanism are operable to automatically size and lock the pliers or tool.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.