Patent ID: 6178611
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B25B,H01L,H01R,H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
A tool for installing and removing a retaining clip, the retaining clip having first and second spaced apart and opposing securing members, each securing member being connected to and movable relative to an intermediate member and having a tab portion projecting away therefrom, the tool comprising:a first engaging member having a first engaging portion sized and shaped to releasably engage the first securing member, the first engaging portion having a first aperture therein facing away from the first engaging member and being sized and shaped to releasably engage the tab portion of the first securing member and a first handle portion having a first terminal end;a second engaging member having a second engaging portion spaced apart form the first engaging portion and being sized and shaped to releasably engage the second securing member, the second engaging portion having a second aperture therein facing away from the second engaging member and being sized and shaped to releasably engage the tab portion of the second securing member and a second handle portion having a second terminal end, wherein the first and second terminal ends of the said first and second handle portions are movable towards and away from each other; anda guide structure coupled to the first and second engaging members and spaced apart from the engaging portions such that the first and second apertures face away from the guide structure and at least a portion of the first securing member of the retaining clip projects away from the first engaging member when the first securing member is engaged by the first engaging member, the guide structure allowing the engaging portion of at least one of the first and second engaging members to move along a motion path toward and away from the engaging portion of the other of the first and second engaging members between a first position with the engaging portions engaging the securing members and being spaced apart to install the retaining clip and a second position with the engaging portions engaging the securing members and being spaced apart to remove the retaining clip.