Patent ID: 6446344
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: A01G,B26B

Abstract:
A safety latch for a hand tool, the hand tool having first and second handles for moving the hand tool about a pivot point from an open position to a closed position, and the hand tool being biased in its open position, the safety latch comprising:a latching member connected to the first handle, the latching member moving from a disengaged position to an engaged position; a biasing member for biasing the latching member in its disengaged position; and a hook connected to the second handle for receiving the latching member in its engaged position, whereby the hand tool is maintained in its closed position when the latching member is engaged with the receiving member; wherein the latching member comprises: a pin about which the latching member pivots from its disengaged position to its engaged position; first and second opposite side walls, each of the first and second opposite side walls having a proximal end and a distal end, and each of the first and second opposite side walls having a pin through-opening at the proximal end for receiving the pin; and an end wall connected to the first and second opposite side walls at the respective distal ends, the end wall configured to be received by the hook when the latching member is in its engaged position; and wherein each of the first and second handles of the hand tool includes a gripping portion distal to the pivot point of the hand tool, and a shaft portion proximal to the pivot point of the hand tool, the latching member being connected to the first handle of the hand tool at the shaft portion of the first handle, and the hook being connected to the second handle of the hand tool at the shaft portion of the second handle.