Patent ID: 6601479
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A hand tool for gripping an article in locking relation comprising:a pair of elongated members connected together for pivotal movement about a first axis, each having an opposing jaw portion at an end thereof and a handle portion, said handle portions adapted to be grasped by a hand of the user thereof and said jaw portions cooperable to engage an article therebetween; one of said handle portions including a segment having an arcuate surface disposed concentric with said first axis; and a lever member connected to the other of said elongated members for pivotal movement about a second axis having a first end thereof engageable by at least one finger of the user's hand grasping said handle portions when said jaws engage said article therebetween, for angularly displacing said lever member about said second axis and a second end engageable with said arcuate surface, wherein upon angular displacement of said lever member by said at least one finger of the user's hand following engagement of said article between said jaw portions, said second end is thrust into said arcuate surface preventing movement therebetween and a combination of said angular displacement and said thrust contact increases a gripping pressure between said jaw portions.