Pry bar

Abstract

The utility model provides a pinch bar. The utility model further discloses a tool, such as a pinch bar with a textured end. In one embodiment, the textured tip includes a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of grooves. Various textured tip embodiments are configured to increase friction / grip with the workpiece, thereby increasing the prying force applied to the workpiece before the pry bar slides and / or loses contact with the workpiece.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to 63 / 310,421, filed February 15, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] The utility model generally relates to the field of tools, and particularly relates to a hand tool, a pry bar, a pry bar, a crowbar, etc., comprising an end or a tip, wherein the end or the tip is configured to reduce slippage and / or improve engagement with a workpiece. Utility Model Content

[0004] One embodiment of the utility model relates to a pry bar, which includes a handle, a shaft and a joint end. The shaft is connected to the handle and extends from the handle along the longitudinal axis of the pry bar. The joint end extends from the shaft and includes a head surface and a textured surface section. The textured surface section is positioned on the head surface. The textured surface section includes a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of grooves. Each protrusion includes a plurality of edges, which together define the upper surface of the protrusion. Each groove extends along at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions. When the textured surface section is engaged with a workpiece, one or more of the plurality of grooves receive a portion of the workpiece so that the groove resists movement of the workpiece relative to the joint end during use of the pry bar.

[0005] Another embodiment of the utility model relates to a pry bar, which includes a handle, a shaft and a terminal. The shaft is connected to the handle and extends from the handle. The terminal extends from the shaft and includes a terminal surface, a front upper edge extending along the terminal surface, a front lower edge, and a textured surface section. The textured surface section is positioned on the terminal surface and includes a protrusion and a groove. The protrusion includes a plurality of edges that together define a raised surface of the protrusion. The groove includes a lowest point and extends along at least one of the plurality of edges of the protrusion. The height of the terminal is defined between the front upper edge and the front lower edge. The height of the protrusion is defined between the raised surface of the protrusion and the lowest point of the groove. The ratio of the height of the terminal to the height of the protrusion is greater than 6.

[0006] Another embodiment of the utility model relates to a pry bar, which includes a handle, a shaft and a tip. The shaft is connected to the handle and extends from the handle along the longitudinal axis of the pry bar. The tip extends from the shaft and includes a tip surface and a textured surface section. The textured surface section is positioned on the tip surface and extends along the longitudinal axis. The textured surface section includes a plurality of protrusions and a groove. Each protrusion includes a plurality of edges that together define a raised surface of the protrusion. The groove includes a lowest point and extends along at least one of the plurality of protrusions. The groove has a depth defined between the raised surface of the protrusion and the lowest point of the groove and a width defined between the opposite edges of adjacent protrusions.

[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles and operations of the various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a top view of a pry bar according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A top perspective view of an end portion of a pry bar having a textured surface.

[0011] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A three-dimensional side view of the end portion of the pry bar.

[0012] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A front perspective view of the end portion of a pry bar with the textured surface section removed.

[0013] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed stereoscopic view of the end portion of the pry bar.

[0014] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A front perspective view of the end portion of the pry bar.

[0015] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A top perspective view of the end portion of the pry bar.

[0016] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed perspective view of the protrusion on the end portion of the pry bar.

[0017] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed side perspective view of the end portion of the pry bar.

[0018] Fig.10 is a top view of various different pry bar tip portions having a textured surface according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various different embodiments of hand tools, particularly pry bars, are shown. Various different embodiments of the hand tools discussed herein include innovative textures located on the tip or end of the tool. In conventional pry bar designs, the tip or engaging end of the pry bar may move (i.e., slide) relative to the workpiece, thereby reducing the effectiveness and force applied by the pry bar. The textures discussed herein are designed to provide various properties, including enhancing workpiece engagement by reducing the likelihood of the tip of the tool / pry bar sliding against the workpiece (e.g., increasing the coefficient of friction). It is believed that the tip design discussed herein, particularly when implemented for a pry bar tool, allows the user to apply greater prying force to the workpiece before the pry bar slides and / or loses contact with the workpiece (e.g., disengages), while providing the appropriate strength, accessibility, and / or manufacturability of the pry bar.

[0020] As is generally understood, in a typical pry bar design, the shape of the engaging end (e.g., tip) of the pry bar depends on the desired function and / or specific application. Pry bars designed for automobiles typically include narrow shafts to allow positioning and alignment of components. Applicants have determined that various relevant parameters of the pry bar design (such as prying force, prying pressure, etc.) can be selected to ensure that the operation of the pry bar produces a satisfactory amount of leverage and workpiece engagement. In the various pry bar designs discussed herein, the workpiece engagement is a function of various parameters related to the force provided (such as pry bar length, tip shape, tip angle, cross-sectional shape of the shaft, material, etc.), and therefore, for a given set of pry bar mechanical parameters and a given desired leverage, the pry bar needs to be constructed to have a given amount of friction with the workpiece in order to apply a given amount of force on the workpiece.

[0021] Applicants believe that the pry bars and specifically the texture designs discussed herein are a function of various parameters related to workpiece engagement, including the depth of the grooves, the width of the grooves, the area size of the raised profile of the textured protrusions and / or protrusions, the width of the pry bar tip, the height of the pry bar tip, the length of the textured area, the length of the pry bar, the thinnest true cross-section of the pry bar, etc. Applicants have developed various innovative textures that provide desired levels of prying force and engagement while maintaining the strength, accessibility (e.g., the ability of the pry bar tip to reach and engage in small spaces), and / or manufacturability of the pry bar.

[0022] refer to Figure 1 , various aspects of a hand tool, shown as a pry bar 10, are shown. In general, the pry bar 10 includes a handle 12, a shaft 14, and an engaging end, shown as a tip 16. The shaft 14 is coupled to the handle 12 and extends from the handle along the longitudinal axis of the pry bar 10. As will be generally understood, the tip 16 extends from the shaft 14 and includes a generally flat or planar surface that acts as a lever so that an operator can apply force between objects. In a specific embodiment, the tip 16 extends from the shaft 14 at an angle. The tip 16 includes a textured surface section 18. The textured surface 18 is textured relative to the non-textured and / or smooth section 19 of the shaft 14. As will be discussed in more detail below, the applicant has designed a texture to improve the grip of the pry bar 10 on the workpiece (e.g., increase friction) while providing the pry bar with suitable strength and / or manufacturability. In other embodiments, the hand tool having the textured surface may be a different tool (eg, a claw hammer, a nail puller bar, a flat crowbar, a claw hook crowbar, etc.) having a different size and / or having a different shaped engaging end.

[0023] In a specific embodiment, the handle 12 includes a strike cap 20. The strike cap 20 is coupled to the end of the handle 12 away from the shaft 14. The strike cap 20 is designed (i.e., formed of a material, shaped, etc.) to receive force from an impact tool such as a hammer, thereby allowing an operator to use the pry bar 10 in a compact area without damaging the handle 12. In a variety of different specific embodiments, the handle 12 is formed of a first material and the strike cap 20 is formed of a second material different from the first material. In a specific embodiment, the hardness or durometer hardness of the second material is greater than the hardness or durometer hardness of the first material. In a specific embodiment, the handle 12 is formed of a polymer and the strike cap 20 is formed of a metal.

[0024] refer to Figure 1 to Figure 2, the pry bar 10 includes a length L1 defined between the outer surface 21 of the strike cap 20 and the front upper edge 30 of the tip 16. In other words, the length L1 is defined between the distal end of the handle 12 and the front upper edge 30 of the tip 16 (i.e., the length of the pry bar 10 along the longitudinal axis). In a specific embodiment, L1 is about 8 inches (e.g., 8 inches ± 0.8 inches). In other embodiments, L1 can be about 12 inches (e.g., 12 inches ± 1.2 inches), about 18 inches (e.g., 18 inches ± 1.8 inches), about 24 inches (e.g., 24 inches ± 2.4 inches), or greater (e.g., 36 inches, 42 inches, etc.).

[0025] The texture-free section 19 is positioned on the shaft 14 facing upward (at Figure 1 to Figure 2 The non-textured surface section 19 extends along the longitudinal axis of the pry bar 10. In particular embodiments, the non-textured surface section is included on the downward facing surface of the shaft 14 of the pry bar 10, or on both the upward facing surface and the downward facing surface of the shaft 14 of the pry bar.

[0026] refer to Figure 2 , the textured surface section 18 is positioned on the end head surface, which is shown facing upward (in Figure 1 to Figure 2 The textured surface section 18 extends along the longitudinal axis of the pry bar 10. In another embodiment, the textured surface section 18 extends along the longitudinal axis of the pry bar 10. Figure 4 The textured surface section 18 may include a textured surface section on a surface 34 of the tip 16, or on both the upwardly facing surface and the downwardly facing surface of the pry bar. The textured surface section 18 extends between a front upper edge 30 of the tip 16 and a rear edge 31 defined by the rearmost point of the texture.

[0027] The textured surface section 18 includes a plurality of protrusions or projections 24. Each protrusion 24 includes a plurality of edges 26 on the raised portion of each protrusion 24. The plurality of edges 26 together define a raised portion (e.g., Figure 5 The textured surface section 18 further includes a plurality of grooves 28. Each groove 28 is located adjacent to at least one protrusion 24 and is defined between adjacent edges 26 of adjacent protrusions 24. In other words, each groove 28 extends along at least one protrusion 24 or one of the plurality of edges 26 of the protrusion 24.

[0028] In various different embodiments, the upper surface 38 of at least one protrusion 24 includes four edges defining the upper surface 38. In a specific embodiment, each protrusion 24 includes four edges 26. In various different embodiments, the upper surface 38 of at least one protrusion 24 has a quadrilateral shape. In a specific embodiment, the protrusion or upper surface 38 of each protrusion has a quadrilateral shape. In a specific embodiment, the upper surface 38 of at least one protrusion 24 has a square shape. In another specific embodiment, the protrusion or upper surface 38 of each protrusion 24 has a square shape. In other embodiments, the protrusion surface 38 of each protrusion 24 can have a different number of edges (i.e., 3, 5, 6, etc.) and can be another shape (e.g., triangular, polygonal, etc.).

[0029] In various different embodiments, the raised upper surface 38 of each integral protrusion 24 has a first shape, and the raised upper surface 38 of each partial protrusion 24 located adjacent to the opposite side surface 36 of the end head 16 has a second shape different from the first shape. In other words, some of the protrusions 24 located along or adjacent to the opposite side surface 36 of the end head 16 are partial protrusions (i.e., do not include all of the edge 26 or the entire surface area of ​​the raised surface 38). Similarly, in various different embodiments, some of the protrusions 24 located along the front upper edge 30 are partial protrusions 24, such that the protrusions have a second shape different from the first shape of the integral protrusions 24. In various different embodiments, the end head 16 and / or the upper surface 22 are sized or dimensioned to include the integral protrusions 24.

[0030] When a user positions the pry bar 10 so that the textured surface section 18 engages the workpiece, one or more of the plurality of grooves 28 receive a portion of the workpiece and engage or abut a surface of the workpiece, providing mechanical resistance to reduce slippage or movement of the workpiece relative to the tip 16 and / or the textured surface section 18. In other words, at least a portion of the workpiece is captured or received within one or more of the plurality of grooves 28 to resist movement (i.e., slippage) of the workpiece relative to the pry bar 10, and specifically the tip 16.

[0031] In various embodiments discussed herein, surface structures (such as textured surface segments 18) are used to reduce slippage and / or disengagement between the pry bar 10 and the workpiece. In this design, the textured surface segment provides increased friction through an area having a length that is less than the total length of the tip 16. Applicants have found that this design provides sufficient friction increase to reduce potential slippage between the pry bar 10 and the workpiece surface while maintaining the manufacturability of the tool. In specific embodiments, Applicants have found that the coefficient of kinetic friction and the coefficient of static friction are increased. Further, Applicants have found that textures (e.g., grooves) reduce and / or prevent slippage due to mechanical resistance (e.g., a portion of the workpiece is stuck in the groove).

[0032] The textured surface section 18 includes a length L2 defined between the front upper edge 30 of the tip 16 and the rear edge 31 of the textured surface section 18. In a specific embodiment, the pry bar 10 is an 8-inch pry bar with an L1 / L2 ratio between 9 and 14 and specifically about 11.9 (e.g., 11.9±1.2). In a specific embodiment, L2 is between 10 mm and 20 mm, more specifically between 16 mm and 19 mm, and in such an embodiment, L2 is about 17.62 mm (e.g., 17.62 mm±1.76).

[0033] The non-textured surface section 19 includes a length L3 shown as being defined between the rear or distal end of the tip 16 and the handle 12. In various specific embodiments, L2 is less than 30% of L3 and more specifically less than 20% of L3.

[0034] refer to Figures 3 to 5 , shows a perspective view of the tip 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. The upward facing surface 22 is connected to the angled front surface 32 along the front upper edge 30. In other words, the front upper edge 30 extends along the upward facing surface 22 at the front portion of the tip 16. The downward facing surface 34 (at Figures 1 to 3 ) is connected to the angled front surface 32 along a front lower edge 33. The upward facing surface 22 and the downward facing surface 34 converge slightly as they approach the angled front surface 32. A pair of opposing side surfaces 36 further connect the upward facing surface 22 to the downward facing surface 34.

[0035] The tip 16 includes two generally planar surfaces, namely, an upwardly facing surface 22 and a downwardly facing surface 34. The width of the tip 16 (see, e.g. Figure 6 1) is greater than the width of the shaft 14 of the pry bar 10. As will be generally understood, the width and thickness of the tip 16 (see, e.g. Fig. 9The T in (T) is important because the mass at the joint end or contact area allows the desired load capacity. Similarly, the shaft 14 and specifically the tip 16 are formed of a material having a hardness selected to allow bending (i.e., a hardness lower than the hardness of the material used to form the tip of the tool (such as a fastening tool)) rather than a material that is merely wear-resistant.

[0036] In various embodiments, the improved grip of pry bar 10 may be evaluated by comparing the relative size of the texture (e.g., the height of protrusion 24 or the depth of groove 28) to the size of pry bar 10 (e.g., the height at tip 16). Figure 3 to Figure 4 ) H1 is defined between the front upper edge 30 and the front lower edge 33. The height of each protrusion 24 or the depth H2 of the groove 28 is defined between the lowest point 37 of the groove 28 and the upper surface 38 of the protrusion 24. In a specific embodiment, the groove 28 has a curved surface so that the lowest point 37 is at the center of the groove 28. In other words, the depth of the groove 28 is defined between the edge 26 or the upper surface 38 of the protrusion 24 and the lowest point 37 (i.e., positioned below the edge 26 or the protrusion 24).

[0037] In various different embodiments, the ratio H1 / H2 is greater than 6, specifically between 9 and 12, and more specifically between 9.5 and 11. In a specific embodiment, the ratio H1 / H2 is about 10.6. In a specific embodiment, the pry bar 10 is an 8-inch pry bar, wherein H1 is about 2.98 mm (e.g., 2.98 mm ± 0.3 mm). In a specific embodiment, the pry bar 10 is a 12-inch pry bar, wherein H1 is about 3.62 mm (e.g., 3.62 mm ± 0.36 mm). In a specific embodiment, the pry bar 10 is an 18-inch pry bar, wherein H1 is about 3.62 mm (e.g., 3.62 mm ± 0.36 mm). In another specific embodiment, the pry bar 10 is a 24-inch pry bar, wherein H1 is about 4.23 mm (e.g., 4.23 mm ± 0.42 mm). In a specific embodiment, pry bar 10 is a 36 inch pry bar, wherein H1 is approximately 4.4 mm (eg, 4.4 mm ± 0.44 mm). In a specific embodiment, pry bar 10 is a 42 inch pry bar, wherein H1 is approximately 4.4 mm (eg, 4.4 mm ± 0.44 mm).

[0038] In various embodiments, the improved grip and manufacturability of pry bar 10 can be evaluated by comparing the relative size of the texture (e.g., the height of protrusion 24 or the depth of groove 28), or H2, to the length L1 of the pry bar. In various embodiments, the ratio H2 / L1 is greater than 0.0005, specifically between 0.001 and 0.002, and more specifically between 0.001 and 0.0015. In a specific embodiment, pry bar 10 is an 8-inch pry bar, where H2 is about 0.28 mm (e.g., about 0.28 mm ± 0.056).

[0039] refer to Figure 6 , shows a perspective view of the end head 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. The angled front surface 32 extends between a first edge 40 connecting one of the opposing side surfaces 36 to the angled front surface 32 and a second edge 42 connecting the remaining side surface 36 to the angled front surface 32. The width W1 of the end head 16 of the pry bar 10 is defined between the first edge 40 and the second edge 42 of the angled front surface 32.

[0040] refer to Figure 7 , shows a perspective view of the tip 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. The width W2 of each groove 28 is defined between the opposite edges 26 of the raised surface 38 of adjacent or neighboring protrusions 24. In other words, for a groove 28 positioned between adjacent protrusions 24, the width is defined between the edges 26 of the protrusion 24 that face the edges 26 of the adjacent protrusions 24 that serve as boundaries for the opposite sides of the groove 28. Applicants have discovered that increasing the width of the groove 28 may reduce the strength of the textured surface section 18 of the pry bar, while reducing the width of the groove 28 may adversely affect the manufacturability of the tool.

[0041] In various embodiments, the improved grip of the pry bar 10 can be evaluated by comparing the relative size H2 of the texture (e.g., the height of the protrusion 24 or the depth of the groove 28) to the width W2 of the groove 28. In various embodiments, W2 / H2 (i.e., the ratio of the width of the groove 28 to the depth of the groove 28) is greater than 2. In a specific embodiment, W2 / H2 is specifically between 2 and 4 and more specifically between 2.5 and 3.5. In a specific embodiment, the ratio of W2 / H2 is about 3.24. In a specific embodiment, W2 or the width of the groove 28 is about 0.9165 mm (e.g., 0.9165±0.1).

[0042] refer to Figure 8 , shows a detailed perspective view of a portion of the textured surface section 18 of the tip 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. An area size A of the upper surface 38 of the protrusions 24 is defined between the plurality of edges 26 of each protrusion 24.

[0043] In various embodiments, the improved grip of the pry bar 10 can be evaluated by comparing the relative size of the width W1 of the pry bar tip to the area size A of the raised profile of the protrusion 24 (e.g., the area size of the upper surface 38 defined by the edge 26). Applicants have found that this design provides sufficient friction increase to reduce potential slip between the pry bar 10 and the workpiece surface while maintaining suitable accessibility and strength of the pry bar, and also maintaining the manufacturability of the tool. Applicants have found that reducing the area size has a negative impact on the performance of the texture, while increasing the area size has a negative impact on the manufacturability of the tool. Further, Applicants have noticed that increasing the width of the pry bar reduces the accessibility of the tool, while reducing the width has a negative impact on the strength of the tool.

[0044] In various embodiments, the ratio W1 / A is greater than 5, specifically between 5 and 12, and more specifically between 9 and 10. In a specific embodiment, the ratio W1 / A is about 9.34. In a specific embodiment, W1 is about 10.962 mm (e.g., 10.962 mm ± 1.1 mm). In a specific embodiment, A is about 1.174 mm (e.g., 1.174 mm ± 0.12 mm). In such an embodiment, the perimeter P of the upper surface 38 of the protrusion 24 is about 4.334 mm (e.g., 4.334 mm ± 0.43 mm).

[0045] In various embodiments, the improved grip of the pry bar 10 may be evaluated by comparing the relative length L1 of the pry bar to the area size A of the raised profile of the protrusion 24 (eg, the area size of the upper surface 38 defined by the edge 26). Figure 1 and Figure 8 , according to an exemplary embodiment, a relative comparison of the length L1 and the area size A may be performed.

[0046] In various embodiments, the ratio L1 / A is greater than 150, specifically between 150 and 200, and more specifically between 170 and 180. In a specific embodiment, the ratio L1 / A is about 178.7. In a specific embodiment, L1 is about 209.78 mm (e.g., 209.78 mm ± 21 mm).

[0047] In various embodiments, the improved grip of the pry bar 10 can be evaluated by comparing the relative size H2 of the texture (e.g., the height of the protrusion 24 or the depth of the groove 28) to the area size A of the raised profile of the protrusion 24 (e.g., the area size of the upper surface 38 defined by the edge 26). Figure 5 and Figure 8According to an exemplary embodiment, a relative comparison of the depth or height H2 and the area size A can be made. In various different embodiments, the ratio H2 / A is greater than 0.1, specifically between 0.1 and 1, and more specifically between 0.15 and 0.3. In a specific embodiment, the ratio H2 / A is about 0.241.

[0048] refer to Fig. 9 , shows a detailed side perspective view of the tip portion 16 of the pry bar 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The thinnest true cross-section T of the pry bar 10 is defined between the surface 38 of the protrusion 24 and the downwardly facing surface 34 .

[0049] In various embodiments, the improved grip of pry bar 10 may be evaluated by comparing the relative size of the texture (e.g., the height of protrusion 24 or the depth of groove 28) to the thinnest true cross-section (shown as T) of pry bar 10. Applicants have discovered that increasing the cross-section of the pry bar reduces accessibility and increases the weight of the tool, while decreasing the cross-section of the pry bar reduces the strength of the tool.

[0050] In various embodiments, the ratio H2 / T is greater than 0.1, specifically between 0.1 and 1, and more specifically between 0.1 and 0.2. In a specific embodiment, the ratio H2 / T is about 0.113. In a specific embodiment, T is about 2.502 mm (e.g., 2.502 mm ± 0.25 mm).

[0051] refer to Fig.10 , shows a top view of a variety of different pry bar textures according to exemplary embodiments. Pry bar 100 is substantially identical to pry bar 10, except for the size of the pry bar. Pry bars 200 and 300 are substantially identical to pry bars 10 and 100, except for textured surface sections 218 and 318. Textured surface sections 218 and 319 include grooves 228 and 328 that extend through upwardly facing surfaces 222 and 322 of pry bars 200 and 300, respectively, in a generally axial direction (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pry bar). In various different embodiments, the protrusions and grooves of the textured surface sections can have texture designs of other shapes and sizes (e.g., the grooves extend along the longitudinal axis of the pry bar, the grooves extend in both the axial and longitudinal directions, etc.). In a particular embodiment, groove 228 has a curve such that a middle portion of groove 228 is positioned behind first end 224 and second end 226 of groove 228 (e.g., at Fig.10 In another embodiment, the groove may be curved such that the middle portion is positioned forward of the first and second ends of the groove.

[0052] It should be understood that the drawings show 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 specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0053] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the utility model will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this specification should be interpreted as being illustrative only. The construction and arrangement shown in a variety of different exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (for example, the size, size, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, parameter values, installation arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teaching content and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as being integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of discrete elements can be changed or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm or method steps can be changed or reordered. Without departing from the scope of the utility model, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangements of various exemplary embodiments.

[0054] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is by no means intended that any method set forth herein be interpreted as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Accordingly, in the absence of an actual listing of the order in which the steps of a method claim should be followed or of a specific statement in the claim or specification that the steps should be limited to a particular order, it is by no means intended that any particular order can be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more parts or elements and is not intended to be interpreted as only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" means that two parts are coupled in such a way that the parts move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to force.

[0055] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such connection may be fixed in nature, or removable in nature. Such connection may be achieved by the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed with each other as a single unitary body, or by the two components or the two components and any additional components being attached to each other. Such connection may be permanent in nature, or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0056] Although the present application describes a specific combination of features in the appended claims, the various embodiments of the present invention are directed to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such combination is currently required), and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or in future applications. Any feature, element or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

[0057] In various different exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions (including angles, lengths, and radii) shown in the drawings are proportional. Actual measurements of the drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and ratios of the various exemplary embodiments. Various different exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and ratios that can be determined from the drawings. Various different exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the drawings. Further, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification can be determined by using ratios of dimensions measured in the drawings in combination with explicit dimensions stated in this specification.

Claims

1. A pry bar, characterized in that: The pry bar includes: handle; a shaft coupled to the handle and extending from the handle along a longitudinal axis of the pry bar; and An engagement end portion extending from the shaft, the engagement end portion comprising: The end surface; and a textured surface section positioned on the tip surface, the textured surface section comprising: a plurality of protrusions, wherein each protrusion includes a plurality of edges that together define an upper surface of the protrusion; and a plurality of grooves, wherein each groove extends along at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions; Wherein, when the textured surface section is engaged with a workpiece, one or more of the plurality of grooves receive a portion of the workpiece such that the grooves resist movement of the workpiece relative to the engagement end during use of the pry bar.

2. The pry bar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the pry bar is defined between the distal end of the handle and the front upper edge of the engagement end, and wherein the length of the textured surface section is defined between the front upper edge of the engagement end and the rear edge of the textured surface section.

3. The pry bar according to claim 2, characterized in that: A ratio of the length of the pry bar to the length of the textured surface section is between 9 and 14.

4. The pry bar according to claim 2, characterized in that: The length of the textured surface section is between 10 mm and 20 mm.

5. The pry bar according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions includes four edges defining an upper surface of the protrusion.

6. The pry bar according to claim 5, characterized in that: An upper surface of at least one of the plurality of protrusions has a quadrilateral shape.

7. The pry bar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle further includes a strike cap coupled to an end of the handle distal from the shaft.

8. A pry bar, characterized in that: The pry bar includes: handle; a shaft coupled to and extending from the handle; and A tip extends from the shaft, the tip comprising: End surface; a front upper edge extending along the tip surface; the front lower edge; and a textured surface section positioned on the tip surface, the textured surface section comprising: a protrusion, wherein the protrusion comprises a plurality of edges that together define a convex surface of the protrusion; and a groove including a lowest point, wherein the groove extends along at least one of the plurality of edges of the protrusion; wherein the height of the end is defined between the front upper edge and the front lower edge, and wherein the height of the protrusion is defined between the raised surface of the protrusion and the lowest point of the groove; and Wherein, the ratio of the height of the end head to the height of the protrusion is greater than 6.

9. The pry bar according to claim 8, characterized in that: The ratio of the height of the end to the height of the protrusion is between 9 and 12.

10. The pry bar according to claim 8, characterized in that: The height of the tip is about 2.98 mm.

11. The pry bar according to claim 8, characterized in that: The length of the pry bar is defined between the distal end of the handle and the upper front edge of the end head.

12. The pry bar according to claim 11, characterized in that: A ratio of the height of the protrusion to the length of the pry bar is greater than 0.0005.

13. The pry bar according to claim 11, characterized in that: A ratio of the height of the protrusion to the length of the pry bar is between 0.001 and 0.

002.

14. The pry bar according to claim 8, characterized in that: The height of the protrusion is about 0.28 mm.

15. A pry bar, characterized in that: The pry bar includes: handle; a shaft coupled to the handle and extending from the handle along a longitudinal axis of the pry bar; and A tip extends from the shaft, the tip comprising: The end surface; and a textured surface section positioned on the tip surface and extending along the longitudinal axis, the textured surface section comprising: a plurality of protrusions, wherein each of the protrusions includes a plurality of edges that together define a raised surface of the protrusion; and a groove including a lowest point, wherein the groove extends along at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions; wherein the groove has a depth defined between a raised surface of the protrusion and a lowest point of the groove, and wherein the groove has a width defined between opposing edges of adjacent protrusions.

16. The pry bar according to claim 15, characterized in that: A ratio of the width of the groove to the depth of the groove is greater than 2.

17. The pry bar according to claim 15, characterized in that: The ratio of the width of the groove to the depth of the groove is between 2 and 4.

18. The pry bar according to claim 15, characterized in that: The width of the groove is about 0.9165 mm.

19. The pry bar according to claim 15, characterized in that: At least one of the plurality of protrusions includes four edges defining the raised surface.

20. The pry bar according to claim 19, wherein: A convex surface of at least one of the plurality of protrusions has a square shape.

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