Patent ID: 6378404
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
Self-adjusting pliers for grasping a workpiece comprising:first and second plier members each including a handle portion, a jaw portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween; first pivot means on said intermediate portions permitting said jaw portions to converge on the workpiece and grasp the workpiece in response to initial movement of said handle portions toward each other; second pivot means on said intermediate portions permitting a further grasping force to be applied to the workpiece in response to continued movement of said handle portions toward each other; said second pivot means including a pawl member pivotally secured by a pawl pivot pin to said intermediate portion of said first plier member and a generally arcuate rack formed on said intermediate portion of said second plier member, said generally arcuate rack having a plurality of first teeth and said pawl member having a plurality of second teeth formed on a first side thereof adjacent said generally arcuate rack, said plurality of second teeth in engagement with said plurality of first teeth of said generally arcuate rack during the continued movement of said handle portions toward each other to apply the further grasping force to the workpiece; said second pivot means including spring means secured to said intermediate portion of said first plier member for urging said pawl member into a generally concentric relationship with said generally arcuate rack during the initial movement of said handle portions toward each other to grasp the workpiece and for urging said plurality of second teeth of said pawl member into engagement with said plurality of first teeth of said generally arcuate rack during the continued movement of said handle portions toward each other to apply the further grasping force to the workpiece; said second pivot means being closer to said jaw portions than are said first pivot means; and biasing means for biasing said handle portions away from each other and said jaw portions away from each other.