Patent ID: 8061239
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: A62C,B23D,B25B

Abstract:
1. A firefighter tool comprising: in combination with one of differently sized fire hose couplings; said tool comprising; a first member comprising a proximate end and a distal end, and a proximately disposed first handle and a distally disposed first jaw; a second member comprising a proximate end and a distal end, and a proximately disposed second handle and a distally disposed second jaw; means for pivotably connecting the members comprising a pivot axis, and being disposed between the handles and jaws so that the handles pivotably move the jaws from a first operable position to a second operable position; and said first operable position the jaws and handles are fully closed and in said second operable position the jaws and handles are fully opened said handles subtend an angle of at least about 100° in the second uncoupling position; said jaws comprise grip surfaces; said jaws and handles having respective force bearing surfaces disposed below the pivot axis and in contacting engagement in the second operable position; said first handle comprises a wedge having an elongate edge and said first handle further comprises a grip portion extending around the handle adjacent the wedge; said second handle comprises a hook disposed at the proximate end, said second handle further comprises a generally sinusoidal surface, said generally sinusoidal surface comprises a convex portion and a concave portion, said concave portion extending from the convex portion to the second handle distal end adjacent the hook, and wherein the concave portion extends about the same length as the convex portion wherein said generally sinusoidal surface in combination with the hook, wherein the generally sinusoidal surface and hook are in contacting engagement with one of the differently sized fire hose couplings in the second uncoupling position, wherein when a 250 lb. force is exerted on the second member grip portion there is provided a resultant 354 lb. force by the first member generally sinusoidal surface, said first operable position comprises a wedge operable position, and said second operable position comprises a fire hose uncoupling position; and in the fire hose uncoupling position the firefighter grips the second handle grip portion and exerts a leverage force through the contactingly engaged force bearing surfaces to the second handle generally sinusoidal surface and hook to exert a leverage force to uncouple a seized fire hose coupling; and in the wedge operable position, the firefighter grips the jaws grip surfaces and exerts a leverage force to the wedge edge; whereby the firefighter uncouples a seized fire hose coupling in the second operable position, and opens a seized window in the first operable position.