Adjustable pliers

Abstract

Adjustable pliers are disclosed in which a pawl mechanism can engage or disengage to adjust the jaw gap of the pliers. The pawl mechanism may be disengaged by turning the handles to engage the tabs with the pocket, and / or by lifting up on the handles to disengage the pawl teeth from corresponding teeth in the slots of one of the handles. These pliers are therefore advantageous because they do not require a button or lever to adjust the jaw gap, they can be simply adjusted.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application with application number 201910579572.2, application date June 28, 2019, and invention name “Adjustable Pliers”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to pliers. More particularly, the present invention relates to pliers that are adjustable by the force applied to a detent mechanism of the pliers. Background Art

[0003] Pliers are a commonly used hand tool used to grasp the gripping portion of many different types of workpieces, such as bolts, nuts, pipes, etc. Pliers typically include two handles, each with jaws that can be rotated about a pin that connects the two handles together. The jaws grip the workpiece, and the handles are used for leverage and clamping to apply force to the workpiece. For example, the pliers can then be rotated to insert a threaded workpiece or remove a threaded workpiece, or pulled axially outward to remove a non-threaded workpiece, such as a nail.

[0004] Many pliers are adjustable at the connecting pin. For example, one of the handles may include a slot, and the pin may be inserted through the slot and may be moved in the slot. For example, when the pin is lower in the slot, the distance between the jaws is greater and the pliers can be used for larger workpieces, and when the pin is higher in the slot, the distance between the jaws is smaller and the pliers can be used for smaller workpieces. A pawl may engage a corresponding tooth in the pliers handle to maintain the position of the pawl within the slot, and a button or lever may be used to remove the pawl from the tooth and allow adjustment of the pliers. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention broadly includes pliers that can be adjusted by applying force to a detent mechanism of the pliers. For example, the pliers can be adjusted by turning the handles outward so that a tab in the detent mechanism engages a pocket in one of the handles, thereby disengaging the detent mechanism and allowing the handles to be adjusted. In some embodiments, the pliers can be disengaged by lifting upward on one handle and removing the detent from the corresponding tooth. In this manner, the pliers do not require a button or lever to adjust the jaw gap, and the pliers can therefore be adjusted.

[0006] For example, embodiments of the present invention broadly include pliers that include a first handle; a second handle having a slot defined therein, the slot including slot teeth; a coupling that connects the first handle and the second handle together and allows the first handle and the second handle to rotate about the coupling; and a pawl mechanism that is connected to the coupling and includes a pawl tooth that engages the slot teeth. The pawl mechanism also includes a roller and a tab that rotates about the roller. At least one of the first handle and the second handle includes a pocket that receives the tab to disengage the pawl tooth relative to the slot teeth.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention also broadly include pliers that include a first handle; a second handle having a slot defined therein, the slot including slot teeth; a coupling that connects the first handle and the second handle together and allows the first handle and the second handle to rotate relative to the coupling; and a pawl mechanism that is connected to the coupling and includes a pawl tooth that engages the slot teeth. The pawl mechanism also includes a roller and a tab that rotates about the roller. At least one of the first handle and the second handle includes a pocket that receives the tab to disengage the pawl tooth from the slot teeth. The pawl tooth can be removed from the slot teeth by a force applied to the pawl mechanism perpendicular to the direction in which the slot extends.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention also broadly include pliers including a first handle, a second handle having a slot defined therein, the slot including slot teeth, a coupling that connects the first handle and the second handle together and allows the first handle and the second handle to rotate relative to the coupling, and a pawl mechanism connected to the coupling and including pawl teeth that engage the slot teeth. The pawl teeth can be removed from the slot teeth by a force applied to the pawl mechanism perpendicular to the direction in which the slot extends. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] To facilitate understanding of the subject matter for which protection is sought, embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings, and by reviewing the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the following description, the construction and operation of the subject matter for which protection is sought, as well as its many advantages, should be readily understood and appreciated.

[0010] Figure 1 is a top perspective exploded disassembled view of pliers according to at least some presently disclosed embodiments.

[0011] Figure 2A is a front view of a pair of pliers showing a tab beginning to engage a pocket, according to at least some presently disclosed embodiments.

[0012] Figure 2B The pliers according to at least some of the currently disclosed embodiments are based on Figure 2A A magnified view of the part marked 2B.

[0013] Figure 3A is a front view of pliers according to at least some presently disclosed embodiments showing the tabs more fully engaging the pockets and disengaging the pawls from the groove teeth.

[0014] Figure 3B The pliers according to at least some of the currently disclosed embodiments are based on Figure 3A A magnified view of the part marked 3B.

[0015] Figure 4is a front view of pliers according to at least some presently disclosed embodiments.

[0016] Figure 5A is a front view of pliers according to at least some presently disclosed embodiments showing the pawl mechanism lifted from the groove teeth.

[0017] Figure 5B The pliers according to at least some of the currently disclosed embodiments are based on Figure 5A A magnified view of the part marked with 5B.

[0018] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of a pawl mechanism showing pawl teeth engaged with slot teeth, according to at least some presently disclosed embodiments.

[0019] Figure 7 is a side perspective view of a pawl mechanism showing the pawl teeth disengaged from the slot teeth, according to at least some presently disclosed embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Although the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings and described in detail herein should be understood as follows, that is, the present disclosure is considered to be a principle example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the present invention to the illustrated embodiments. As used herein, the term "the present invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention, but is only used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the present invention for the purpose of explanation.

[0021] The present invention broadly includes adjustable pliers in which a ratchet mechanism can be selectively engaged or disengaged to adjust the jaw gap of the pliers. For example, the ratchet mechanism can be disengaged from the handles using a tab and pocket mechanism. In this embodiment, at least one of the handles can be rotated outwardly to engage a tab in the ratchet mechanism with a pocket in one of the handles, thereby selectively disengaging the ratchet mechanism and allowing the handles to be adjusted. In addition to or as an alternative to the above, the ratchet mechanism can be disengaged by lifting upward on one of the handles to remove the ratchet from the corresponding tooth in the slot. These pliers are therefore advantageous because they do not require a button or lever to adjust the jaw gap, so they can be adjusted.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, the pliers 100 may include a first handle 105 and a second handle 110, which are connected together and can rotate around a joint 112. The first handle 105 and the second handle 110 may include: a first grip 115 and a second grip 120, which a user can hold while using the pliers 100; and a first transition point 125 and a second transition point 130, which extend from the grip 115 and the grip 120 and are connected to the first base 135 and the second base 140. The first jaw 145 and the second jaw 150 may extend from the first base 135 and the second base 140, respectively, and serve as the working end of the pliers to clamp a workpiece and apply torque or axial force to the workpiece.

[0023] The binding member 112 can be inserted through the hole 155 in the first handle 105 and through the slot 160 in the second handle 110. The slot 160 may include teeth 162 that engage corresponding teeth of the pawl mechanism 165, as discussed in more detail below. For example, the pin 170 and the resilient member 175 can bias the pawl mechanism 165 to engage with the teeth 162 and provide a tactile indication when the user adjusts the pawl mechanism 165 to different positions that increase or decrease the jaw gap (i.e., the maximum available distance between the jaws when opened). The binding member 112 can be connected to the pawl mechanism 165 by a fastener 180 and a washer 185.

[0024] Also refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the pliers 100 may include a ratchet mechanism 165 that engages the groove teeth 162 when in a desired position. The ratchet mechanism 165 may include: a roller 190 that serves as a rotation base for the ratchet mechanism 165; and a tab 195 that is connected to the roller 190. The ratchet mechanism 165 may also include a ratchet tooth 196 that is connected to the groove teeth 162 to maintain the desired position.

[0025] When the user wishes to adjust the jaw gap of pliers 100, the user may open handles 105 and 110 of pliers 100 to engage tabs 195 with pockets 197 of first handle 105 or second handle 110 to disengage pawl mechanism 165 from groove teeth 162. Figure 2B As shown, the rotation of the first handle 105 or the second handle 110 causes the tab 195 to abut against the pocket 197, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown; further rotation of the handle 105 and the handle 110 causes the tab 195 to further push against the pocket 197 to provide a force that overcomes the biasing force of the resilient member 175. In doing so, the rotation of the handle 105 and the handle 110 causes the tab 195 to engage the pocket 197 and push the pawl teeth 196 outward to disengage the pawl mechanism 165 from the groove teeth 162. The user can then adjust the position of the first handle 105 relative to the second handle 110 to increase or decrease the jaw gap (i.e., the gap between the two jaws 145 and 150 determined by the relative position of the first handle 105 and the second handle 105). In doing so, the user can adjust the jaw gap to fit workpieces of different sizes without having to press a button or lever on the pliers 100.

[0026] Also refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B In one embodiment, the forceps 100 can include a mixing pawl mechanism 202 that can disengage the pawl teeth 196 from the groove teeth 162 to allow adjustment of the jaw gap. The mixing pawl mechanism 202 can be disengaged by rotating the first handle 105 or the second handle 110 so that the tab 195 engages the pocket 197, as described above, or simply by pulling upward on the mixing pawl mechanism 202 so that the pawl teeth 196 are removed from the groove teeth 162.

[0027] For example, Figure 5B One manner is shown in which the mixing pawl mechanism 202 can be pulled upwardly to disengage the pawl teeth 196 from the slot teeth 162. As shown, the coupling 112 of the mixing pawl mechanism 202 can be moved in an upward direction within the slot, against the bias of the resilient member 175, to remove the mixing pawl mechanism 202 from the slot teeth 162 and allow adjustment of the mixing pawl mechanism 202. Alternatively or in addition to the above, the mixing pawl mechanism 202 can be disengaged by rotating one or both of the first handle 105 or the second handle 110 so that the tab 195 engages the pocket 197, as discussed in more detail above.

[0028] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of the lift-release pawl mechanism 207 showing the pawl teeth 196 engaged with the groove teeth 162; and Figure 7 is a side perspective view of a lift-to-release pawl mechanism 207 showing pawl teeth 196 disengaged from slot teeth 162, according to at least some presently disclosed embodiments. Figures 1 to 5B , the pin 170 can be resiliently biased by a resilient member 175 located within the lift release pawl mechanism 207. As shown in the figure, Figure 6 and Figure 7A lift-release pawl mechanism 207 is shown that allows the jaw gap to be adjusted by pulling upward on the first handle 105 or the second handle 110. For example, to adjust the jaw gap, the user can hold the second handle 110 and pull upward on the first handle 105 against the biasing force of the resilient member 175. The upward force can be applied to the first handle 105 perpendicular to the direction in which the slot 160 extends to disengage the pawl teeth 196 from the slot teeth 162, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 Thereafter, the user can adjust the position of the first handle 105 relative to the second handle 110 to adjust the jaw gap.

[0029] As used herein, the term "connected" and its functional equivalents are not intended to be necessarily limited to a direct mechanical connection of two or more components. Rather, the term "connected" and its functional equivalents are intended to represent any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, workpieces, and / or environmental elements. In some examples, "connected" also means that one object is integral with another object.

[0030] The matters set forth in the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting. Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventor's contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined by the claims when viewed in proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A pliers having a first handle and a second handle, wherein the second handle comprises a groove having groove teeth and extending in a longitudinal direction, the pliers comprising: a ratchet mechanism connected to the second handle via a coupling extending into the slot, wherein the coupling is movable within the slot in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the ratchet mechanism comprising a roller, a tab, and ratchet teeth adapted to engage with the slot teeth, wherein the ratchet mechanism is rotatably connected to the first handle outside the slot via the roller; Wherein, by moving either the first handle or the second handle, a force is applied to the pawl mechanism in the first direction, so that the coupling moves in the groove and the pawl teeth move away from the groove teeth, and the pawl teeth can selectively disengage from the groove teeth; and by rotating either the first handle or the second handle relative to the other, the protrusion moves the pawl teeth away from the groove teeth, and the pawl teeth can selectively disengage from the groove teeth.

2. The pliers according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member adapted to apply a biasing force to the pawl mechanism to engage the pawl teeth with the groove teeth.

3. The pliers according to claim 2, wherein: When the pawl mechanism is rotated relative to the second handle and the pawl mechanism overcomes the biasing force of the elastic member, the tab moves the pawl teeth away from the groove teeth, thereby disengaging the pawl teeth from the groove teeth.

4. The pliers according to claim 1, wherein: The pawl mechanism includes a hole that receives the coupling member to connect the pawl mechanism with the second handle.

5. The pliers according to claim 2, further comprising a pin connected to the elastic member and cooperating with the elastic member to apply the biasing force to the pawl mechanism to bias the pawl teeth and engage with the groove teeth.

6. The pliers according to claim 4, wherein: The combining piece includes a fastener and a washer.

7. A pliers tool, comprising: First handle; a second handle having a slot including groove teeth and extending in a longitudinal direction; a ratchet mechanism connected to the second handle via a coupling extending into the slot, wherein the coupling is movable within the slot in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the ratchet mechanism comprising a roller, a tab, and ratchet teeth adapted to engage with the slot teeth, wherein the ratchet mechanism is rotatably connected to the first handle outside the slot via the roller; and Wherein, by moving either the first handle or the second handle, a force is applied to the pawl mechanism in the first direction, so that the coupling moves in the groove and the pawl teeth move away from the groove teeth, and the pawl teeth can disengage from the groove teeth; and by rotating either the first handle or the second handle relative to the other, the protrusion moves the pawl teeth away from the groove teeth, and the pawl teeth can disengage from the groove teeth.

8. The pliers according to claim 7, further comprising an elastic member that applies a biasing force to the pawl mechanism to engage the pawl teeth with the groove teeth.

9. The pliers according to claim 8, wherein: When the pawl mechanism is rotated relative to the second handle and the pawl mechanism overcomes the biasing force of the elastic member, the tab moves the pawl teeth away from the groove teeth, thereby disengaging the pawl teeth from the groove teeth.

10. The pliers according to claim 7, wherein: The pawl mechanism includes a hole, and the hole receives the coupling member to connect the pawl mechanism with the second handle.

11. The pliers according to claim 8, further comprising a pin connected to the elastic member and, together with the elastic member, applying the biasing force to the pawl mechanism to bias the pawl teeth into engagement with the groove teeth.

12. The pliers according to claim 10, wherein: The combining piece includes a fastener and a washer.

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