In a plier-type tool having the capability to automatically slidably adjust, in response to manual closing of its handle ends, to the size of any workpiece or other item to be gripped which is within the size range defined by the maximum opening between the tool jaws, certain structural and functional improvements are provided which are intended to simplify and reduce the costs of manufacturing of the tool and to enhance its appearance and performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention pertains generally to a plier-type tool somewhat similar in 
purpose and appearance to those in the prior art known as water pump 
pliers or slip-joint pliers. The invention more particularly pertains to 
an automatic slip-joint plier-type tool which will slidably adjust to, and 
then pivotally grip against, any workpiece the size of which is within the 
range of the tool's jaws. 
Heretofore, two U.S. patents which disclose an automatically self-adjusting 
plier-type tool. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,598, the basic structure and 
function is disclosed for self-adjusting utility pliers which, by one-hand 
manipulation, automatically slide the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw 
to contact the workpiece whereupon the sliding action of the lower jaw 
converts to a pivoting action to exert positive gripping force against the 
workpiece as continued manual pressure is exerted against the tool's 
handle ends. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,252, improved alternative embodiments 
are disclosed for the construction of such a tool at significantly reduced 
cost. 
While the tools and the features thereof which are described and 
illustrated in the aforementioned patents constitute a significant 
contribution to the art of tools and instruments, further experimentation 
and development relating to the basic operational concept in a 
self-adjusting plier-type tool have led to the conception of significant 
cost saving and operational improvements as herein disclosed. 
The basic operating principle of the automatic self-adjusting plier tool is 
first disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,598, wherein the 
basic tool structure includes two rigid body members movably joined at 
their neck portions in a scissors-like arrangement to be, during the use 
of the tool, both slidable and pivotable relative to each other. These 
body members have angled jaw ends in opposed relation which constitute the 
working end of the tool and handle ends constituting the gripping end of 
the tool. The structure of the tool which enables the self-adjusting 
function by one-hand manipulation includes an elongated slot in the neck 
portion of the major body member, and a fastener or pivot post projecting 
from a fixed position on the neck portion of the minor body member and 
extending through the elongated slot of the major body member. 
For general reference and an understanding of this disclosure, the major 
body member of the self-adjusting tool can be referred to as member A, and 
the minor body member, from which the pivot post projects, can be referred 
to as member B. Accordingly, in the aforementioned basic U.S. Pat. No. 
4,651,598, one means of attaining the necessary biasing function that 
normally causes the jaws to slide open is the provision of a wire 
compression spring disposed longitudinally on member A to exert a pushing 
force against an end of the control arm and thereby cause member B to 
slide relative to member A. Although the use of the aforementioned 
arrangement sufficiently demonstrates the self-adjusting principle, it was 
found in the early development of the tool that a more positive action 
could be obtained by enhancing the biasing means through the addition of a 
spring carried on member B which is adapted to exert a secondary force on 
the control arm to normally cause the control arm to pivot on member B 
toward the jaw end of the tool whereby the sliding opening action becomes 
a motion of member A relative to member B. Then, the primary purpose of 
the longitudinal compression spring on member A is to effect a translation 
of force through the control arm, when the jaw ends contact a workpiece, 
to shift the pivot post on member B laterally in the longitudinal throat 
portion slot of member A whereby the pawl or camming member carried on the 
pivot post engages along a long edge of the slot. Hence, the longitudinal 
spring functions to convert the jaw-closing sliding action, upon workpiece 
contact, to a continuing jaw-rotating or pivot action between the joined 
body members. 
Subsequent to the development of the operating principle for the 
self-adjusting plier-type tool, various arrangements for the biasing means 
were devised, utilizing springs of different configurations and location 
to provide the necessary forces between the members A and B through the 
interconnecting control arm. One purpose in altering the biasing means 
arrangement was to place the spring components fully inboard in a 
concealed and protected disposition while increasing the operating 
efficiency of the tool. Different problems were encountered in spring 
selection and securement in obtaining the desired biasing function, 
depending on whether the members A and B were to be solid, drop-forged 
members or stamped and shaped from relatively thin sheet metal. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention comprehends, in a plier-type tool of the type 
heretofore generally described, the provision of certain novel structural 
features and improvements, some of which contribute to simplification or 
reduction in the cost of manufacturing, some of which improve the 
operation of the tool, some of which improve the appearance and 
marketability of the tool, and some of which effect all of the foregoing. 
Such features and improvements can be broadly categorized as follows: 
(i) an improved means for obtaining the automatic opening action of the 
tool's jaws, including specific components of a biasing means which 
participates in accomplishing such function; 
(ii) resilient injection molded plastic grips of novel design which not 
only enhance the appearance of the tool but contribute to simplification 
and reduced costs in manufacturing; 
(iii) a means positively assuring that a pawl component of the tool will 
not be prone to "hang up" regardless of orientation of the tool during 
use; 
(iv) to hold the tool's jaws and handles in a fully closed position for 
storage of the tool, a locking means which rapidly responds to inertia in 
achieving its locking and releasing actions and which may be further 
selectively adapted for manual manipulation without defeating the 
inertia-responsive feature; 
(v) for adaptation of the tool for a special purpose use, such as a medical 
instrument incorporating the tool's basic function, a normally locked but 
manually releasable means holds the tool's jaws in a predetermined 
position; 
(vi) the tool's automatic adjustment function is improved by provision of 
certain structural characteristics in a series or pattern of teeth which 
coact between the tool's pawl and one of the major body members of the 
tool; and 
(vii) in an improved version of a self-adjusting plier-type tool, a 
simplified and comparatively more efficient means for biasing the jaw ends 
to their fully opened disposition. 
Other features and characteristics of the invention herein disclosed will 
be understood and appreciated from the ensuing detailed description when 
read with reference to the various figures of the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Although the tools illustrated in the various figures of the accompanying 
drawings relate primarily to self-adjusting utility pliers which would 
find use for the same purposes as slip-joint pliers of the prior art which 
require two-handed adjustment to achieve repositioning of the jaws, it 
should be observed that the functional concepts of the disclosed tool can 
be incorporated into special purpose tools without departing from the 
scope of the invention. Other jaw configurations designed for specific 
applications can b utilized in a tool incorporating the unique functional 
characteristics of the tool herein disclosed. Handle size and shape may be 
varied as may the basic materials from which the tool is constructed. It 
has, for example, been determined that a plier-type medical instrument, 
utilizing the self-adjusting and locking features of the disclosed tool, 
would be of great advantage to a surgeon in grasping bone or implant 
hardware. The value of a medical instrument capable of grasping and 
automatically adjusting to "workpiece" size by one-hand manipulation is 
obvious. It is a further distinct advantage to have such an instrument 
remain gripped or locked onto the grasped object and stay in position when 
the surgeon's hand is temporarily removed from the instrument. Such an 
instrument would necessarily have to be constructed from non-corrosive 
materials able to withstand repeated autoclave sterilization. An engineer 
skilled in the art would have little difficulty in designing a highly 
versatile instrument incorporating the major structural and functional 
features of the tool herein disclosed whereby it would meet the necessary 
criteria for medical use. The present invention can be further adapted for 
other special uses and purposes and it is intended that such adaptations 
or equivalent variations be included in the scope of the appended claims 
defining the invention. 
With respect to the embodiments of the plier-type tool illustrated in the 
accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 shows a tool 10 having first and second 
rigid elongated body members A and B. The body member A has a jaw end 16, 
a handle end 18, and an intermediate neck portion 20. The body member B, 
similarly, has a jaw end 22, a handle end 24, and an intermediate neck 
portion 26. The two body portions A and B are joined at their neck 
portions by fastening means enabling the body portion A to successively 
slide and pivot, as hereafter described, relative to the body member B. 
The fastening means includes a pivot post 28 and a pair of oppositely 
disposed nuts 30 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) which are 
threadably secured onto the post 28. Pivot post 28, between the pair of 
nuts 30 affixed to its opposite ends, projects through an accomodating 
hole 32 (see FIG. 9) provided in the neck portion 26 of the body member B 
and thence through a pawl 34 by means of an aperture or hole 36. 
An elongated opening or slot 40 is provided in the neck portion 20 of body 
member A, and pawl 36 is operatively retained in the slot 40. The slot 40 
is defined by oppositely disposed long edges 42 and 44 terminating at the 
outer end in an arcuate edge portion 46 and at the opposite or inner end 
in an arcuate edge portion 48. 
At an intermediate position between the point of jointure of the neck 
portions 20 and 26 and the distal ends of the handle ends 18 and 24, a 
rigid control arm 50 extends from one body member to the other and has a 
first end pivotally connected to body member B on a fixed arbor 52. A 
wound coil spring, formed from a ribbon of spring steel, is mounted on the 
arbor 52 and has an inner end fixed in a transverse slot of the arbor 52. 
The spring 54 has an outwardly turned outer end 56 engaged against a post 
60. The post 60 is an integral extension of the control arm 50 and 
projects therefrom parallel to the arbor 52. The opposite end of the 
control arm 50, positioned downwardly in FIG. 1, is slidably secured to 
the body member A as hereafter further described. 
FIG. 1 further illustrates that the tool 10 is provided with grip members 
62 and 64 affixed respectively to the handle ends 18 and 24. The grip 
members are preferably injection-molded from a thermoplastic material to 
have the characteristics of semirigidity or limited flexibility and a 
reasonably high friction characteristic on the outer surface to enhance 
retention of the tool in the hand of the user. Grip 62 is provided with a 
central longitudinal cavity 66 which terminates at one end as an opening 
68 as shown in FIG. 6. A further opening from the cavity 66 out through 
the sidewall of the grip member 62 is provided by a longitudinally 
extending slot 70 which narrows to a closable slit 72 which extends 
between the slot 70 and the opening 68. The cavity 66 serves as a socket 
into which the handle end 18 is insertably installed along with a wire 
compression spring 74. The control arm 50, at its lower end shown in FIG. 
1, projects through the slit 70 and cannot withdraw through the slit 
because of a ball bearing 76 mounted in an accommodating hole at the 
control arm end. 
It will be noted in FIG. 1 that the handle end 18 is provided with a 
channel-like recess 78, the ends of which are defined by abutments 80 and 
82. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate details of the preferred structure and 
configuration of the handle end 18 which facilitates sliding motion of the 
end of the control arm 50 which is operatively secured within the channel 
78. The channel 78 has a longitudinally extending surface wall 84 into 
which a narrow tracking channel 86 is recessed. The long edges of the 
tracking channel 84 are cut away in a radius 88. The radius 88, on the 
long edge of each side of the slot 86, conformably registers with the 
outer circumference of the ball 76 shown in FIG. 1, and the tip of the 
control arm against the ball is slidably guided in the slot 86. 
The body member B has a recessed area 90 which extends longitudinally from 
an abutment 92 to an abutment 94. The recessed area 90, in combination 
with a cavity 96 within the grip member 64 constitutes an internal pocket 
wherein the end of the control arm 50, the spring 54, and a pivotal lock 
button or member 98 are mounted. The member 98 is secured for pivotal 
movement on a pin 100, and coacting teeth 102 on the control arm 50 and 
the member 98 act to releasably lock the body members A and B in the 
position shown in FIG. 1 whereby the jaw ends 16 and 22 are substantially 
closed. The member 98 functions as a means of locking the tool in a closed 
disposition for storage in a toolbox or holster when the tool is not in 
use. 
The member 98 is not critical to use of the tool and may be included in the 
structure if the aforedescribed locking feature is desired. To enable the 
member 98 to project outwardly beyond the outer surface of the handle 64, 
for manipulation by the thumb of the user, a slot 104 is provided in the 
grip member 64. If the member 98 is not provided on the tool 10, then the 
slot 104 can be eliminated whereby the plastic grip members 62 and 64 can 
be identically formed, with grip member 64 having an inwardly-facing, 
longitudinally-extending slot 106 identical to the slot 70 in grip member 
62. The configuration of the cavities 66 and 96 within the grip members 62 
and 64 can also be identical, thus eliminating the need and related 
expense of molding a differently shaped grip member for each body member 
of the tool. 
Each grip member 62 and 64 is designed to slide in place on the respective 
handle ends 18 and 24 after the other illustrated components of the tool 
have been fully assembled. Hence, grip 64 is provided with a slit 108 
extending from the slot 106 to the grip's open end, similar to the slit 72 
of the grip 62. These slits enable the grip members to be temporarily 
deformed by spreading the slit open to enable each grip members to be 
slidably installed onto its related handle member when the control arm 50 
is in its installed position whereupon each slit is closed by pressing the 
grip member sidewalls inwardly. The slits 72 and 108 may be permanently 
cemented in place or, alternatively, means may be provided to releasably 
lock each slit in the closed position. Alternative means for the foregoing 
purpose are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. 
Regardless of whether the grip members 62 and 64 are secured on their 
related handle ends in a permanent or removable manner, a retaining means 
must be provided to fix each grip member in its mounted position and 
prevent its longitudinal shifting. A presently preferred means of 
accomplishing this objective is the provision of oppositely disposed 
inwardly projecting integral bosses 110 (FIG. 5) and 112 (FIG. 6) on the 
inside surface of the grip member cavity, adjacent the cavity open end, as 
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Conformably shaped recesses or dimples 114 and 116 
are provided on each flat side of each body member A and B, as shown in 
FIG. 1, to register with the bosses and anchor the grip members in 
position. 
FIG. 2 illustrates the normal, ready to use disposition of the tool 10 and 
the relative orientation of its various components. Further, FIG. 2 
differs from FIG. 1 by its illustration of an alternate means of 
selectively locking the tool in the fully closed position. On the body 
member B in FIG. 2, a pivotally-mounted locking member 120 is relatively 
loosely secured to pivot on a pin 122 and is totally enclosed and hidden 
within the grip member 64. Both the member 98 shown in FIG. 1 and the 
pivotal member 120 shown in FIG. 2 are designed to be inertia-responsive 
to obtain their locking interaction with the control arm 50 to lock the 
tool in the jaws-closed disposition or to release the locking action. When 
it is desired to lock the tool in the jaws-closed disposition, the user 
simply applies a closing force with one hand gripping the handle ends, 
whereby the handle ends are closed toward each other to cause the jaws to 
come fully together. Then the user simply rotates the tool forwardly in a 
short, quick action through a vertical plane by wrist action (in a 
direction that would be clockwise as viewed in FIG. 1). When the tool is 
abruptly stopped, the locking member (either the locking button 98 or the 
member 120) continues forward or clockwise by inertia and thus engages the 
tooth 102 of the control arm 50. Thereafter, release of the manual force 
on the handle ends permits the force of the spring 52 to jam the tooth 102 
tightly against the pivotal member. A reverse manual action is applied to 
automatically unlock the tool from the closed disposition. A renewal of 
squeezing force on the handle ends will sufficiently offset the force of 
the spring 54 whereby quick wrist action, causing the jaw end of the tool 
to flick backwardly or counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 1, frees the 
pivotal member to pivot rearwardly relative to the body member on which it 
is pivotally secured and automatically disengage from the tooth 102 of the 
control arm 50. Whereas the pivotal member 120 shown in FIG. 2 is strictly 
inertia-responsive to cause it to lock and release relative to the control 
arm 50, the pivotal member 98 shown in FIG. 1 is designed to permit manual 
operation as well. 
As heretofore mentioned, FIGS. 5 and 6 show alternative means for 
completing the attachment of the grip members 62 and 64 in their operative 
positions by closing the slit 72. The structure shown in FIG. 5 
contemplates the provision of a grip member 62 having a tongue portion 62a 
which would interlock with a ridge portion 62b provided in the grip member 
adjacent the slit 72. In this form of the grip member, the slit 72 would 
not extend directly outwardly and open on the surface of the grip member, 
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tongue portion 62a would be flexed 
outwardly at a hinge point 62c whereby the end of the grip member, during 
installation, could pass over the installed control arm 50. Thereafter, 
the tongue portion 62a would be snapped in place over the ridge portion 
62b to removably fasten the slit 72 in closed abutment. 
In the alternative form of the grip member 62 shown in FIG. 6, a U-shaped 
spring wire clip 122, having inwardly-directed integral legs 122a and 
122b, is shaped to be conformably received in a groove 123 adjacent the 
open end of the grip member 62. At opposite ends of the groove 123, small 
holes are provided through the sidewall of the grip member to receive the 
legs 122a and 122b when the clip 122 is snapped into installed position 
within the groove 123. Both forms of the closures shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 
permit removal of the grip member from the tool; the clip 122 in FIG. 6 
can be sprung out of the groove 123 to allow the sidewalls of the grip 
member to spread at slit 72, and the tongue 62a shown in FIG. 5 can also 
be snapped open and hinged outwardly to open the slit 72. 
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates, in an enlarged view, the configuration 
and layout of the elongated slot 40 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Although only 
one pawl or camming member 34 is utilized for operational interaction 
within the slot 40, two different operative positions of the pawl 34 are 
shown in FIG. 7 to enable clarity of explanation. The pawl 34 has a 
straight back edge 124; an oppositely-disposed or forward tooth portion 
126, an adjacent arcuate camming edge 128, and outer or upper arcuate end 
130, and a lower arcuate end 132. The pawl 34 is pivotally secured on the 
post or fastener 28 to be slidably movable within the slot 40 and to pivot 
between a first position wherein the back edge 124 slides against the 
slot's tracking surface 44 and an engaged position wherein the tooth 
portion 126 meshes with teeth of the toothed boundary edge which 
constitutes a track 42. 
As compared to self-adjusting plier-type tools first reduced to practice, 
it has been determined that an increase in the number of teeth provided 
along the track 42 and a reduction in tooth length or protrusion 
significantly improves the operational efficiency of the tool, 
particularly when the pivotal arc or angle of pivotal movement of the pawl 
is sufficiently minimized. During the use of a self-adjusting plier-type 
tool constructed in accordance with this disclosure, when the closing jaw 
ends contact a workpiece between them, the translation of forces in the 
tool s biasing means causes the pawl 34 to pivot from its disengaged 
position to its engaged position with the track 42. There is a 
corresponding slight lateral shifting of body member B relative to body 
member A such that pawl 34 shifts laterally a slight distance relative to 
slot 40, as shown in FIG. 7. This lateral shifting can be immediately 
appreciated by observation of the relative position of the center point of 
post 28 when the pawl 34 is in its first and second operating positions 
relative to a longitudinally extending phantom line provided for reference 
in FIG. 7. This line is parallel to the back edge or guiding surface 44 of 
the slot 40 and extends through the center point of post 28 when the pawl 
34 is in its slidable position and out of engagement with the track teeth. 
It will be noted that the center point of the post 28, as viewed in FIG. 
7, has shifted to the left as a function of the pawl 34 pivoting to its 
tooth-engaged position. 
The provision of relatively short teeth on the track 42 and the pawl 34 
result in a greater number of teeth per unit length along the track 42 of 
the slot 40 and a reduction in the distance the pawl 34 must move 
laterally to have its camming face 128 contact the track and thereby cam 
the pawl to pivot from the disengaged to the engaged position. The 
increased number of teeth on the track 42, resulting from a comparative 
reduction in size, provides a corresponding increase in the number of 
engaged positions for the pawl 34 to assume along the length of the slot 
in relation to various size workpieces to which the tool may be applied. 
In order to best utilize known manufacturing techniques and, neverless, 
reduce the size of the teeth to obtain an optimum number of available 
positions of engagement between the slot teeth and the pawl, and to avoid 
operational failure under load at the point of tooth engagement, it has 
been determined that the presently preferred number of teeth along the 
track 42 be at least three teeth per quarter-inch of track, and no more 
than five, with the series of teeth along the track edge obviously being 
identical in size and configuration. It has further been determined that 
optimum operating characteristics in the tool are obtained by 
dimensionally configuring the slot 40 and the pawl 34 such that when the 
pawl pivots from its fully disengaged position to its engagement with the 
track 42, as shown in FIG. 7, the angle "a" through which it pivots, as 
measured between the pawl straight back edge portion 124 and the 
longitudinally extending guiding surface 44 of slot 40, is within the 
range of 5.degree. to 10.degree. and, preferably, at approximately 
7.degree.. 
FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an optional, normally-engaged, 
manually-releasable means for arresting relative motion between the body 
members A and B of a self-adjusting plier-type tool constructed in 
accordance with the present invention. Although the means shown would be 
adaptable for use in practically any style of a tool incorporating the 
self-adjusting principle, the arrangement shown in FIG. 8 relates 
primarily to the tool first shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, FIG. 8 
illustrates a body member B for a tool of the type shown in FIG. 1, having 
the same biasing means as FIG. 1, including the control arm 50 and the 
coil spring 54. A pivotal camming member 150 is mounted on a fixed arbor 
152 and is urged to normally pivot in a counterclockwise direction, as 
viewed in FIG. 8, by a wire spring 154. The spring 154 has a coiled end 
encircling the arbor 152 and is inwardly turned in a slot in the arbor 
whereby the spring end is fixed against rotation on the arbor. The outer 
end of the spring 154 is turned inwardly into a small hole in the member 
150. The spring 154 urges the member 150 to normally pivot 
counterclockwise as viewed, whereby its camming edge 156 is normally 
tightly engaged against the arcuate edge of the control arm 50. 
In the use of a tool constructed in accordance with FIG. 8, when the handle 
ends of the tool are manually squeezed toward each other to grip a 
workpiece between the tool's jaws, the control arm 50 will pivot on the 
arbor 52, in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 8, with the 
frictional engagement between the outer edge of the end of the control arm 
50 against the cam edge 156 causing slight clockwise motion of the member 
150 and a slight further tensioning of the preloaded spring member 154. 
When the jaws of the tool grasp a workpiece and the user releases manual 
pressure on the handle ends of the tool, the gripping of the jaw ends 
against the workpiece is maintained through the action of the member 150 
locking against the control arm 50 and arresting its further pivotal 
action to thereby hold the body members of the tool against relative 
movement. The jaw ends of the tool are thus maintained in gripping 
relation on the workpiece despite the removal of the user s hand from the 
tool, and the tool may be selectively released from the workpiece by the 
user grasping the tool and pressing against surface 558 of member 150 to 
cause the cam face 156 to move out of engagement with the edge of the 
control arm 50. The aforedescribed normally-engaged and 
manually-releasable mechanism for arresting and automatically holding the 
jaws of the tool in a predetermined position is a feature particularly 
suited to an instrument embodying the automatic self-adjusting principle 
where, for example, a surgeon wishes to leave the instrument temporarily 
engaged in position n bone or hardware while freeing his hands for other 
procedures. 
FIG. 9 shows the presently preferred form for a means operatively engaged 
to the pawl 34 of tool 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which acts to normally urge the 
pawl out of contact with the track 42 of the slot 40. A semicircular or 
arcuate wire-formed spring 136 has turned first and second ends 138 and 
140. Provided in the outer face of body member B, surrounding the opening 
or hole 32 for the fastener 28, is an annular recess 142. A small arcuate, 
kidney-shaped opening 144 is provided through the handle member B, 
extending from the floor of the recess 142 to the inside surface of handle 
member B. The spring member 136 is configured to reside in the recess 142 
whereby the leg 138 projects through the aperture 144 and, thence, through 
a hole 134 in the pawl 34 (FIG. 7). The leg 140 of the spring member 136 
also extends into the aperture 144 but does not project beyond the inside 
surface of the body member B. The recess 142 is of sufficient width to 
permit flexure of the spring member 136 during operation of the tool. In 
its normal position, the spring member 136 applies a slight force to the 
pawl 34 to hold the pawl in its disengaged position, with its straight 
edge portion 124 firmly against the slot edge or guiding surface 44. In 
the use and operation of the tool, this holding force applied to the pawl 
by the spring 136 is overcome when the pawl pivots to its tooth-meshing 
position, however, immediately upon release of manual force from the 
handle ends of the tool, the spring member 136, which was flexed and 
slightly deformed during the application of the tool to a workpiece, 
assumes its original state and thereby positively pulls the pawl in 
counterclockwise pivotal movement as viewed in FIG. 7, back to its fully 
disengaged position. 
The provision of spring member 136 is not an absolute requirement in the 
structure of the tool 10 inasmuch as pivotal disengagement of the pawl 
teeth from the track teeth is caused by camming action between the back 
edge portion 124 of the pawl and the longitudinal guiding surface 44. 
Specifically, this camming effect occurs in the area where the back edge 
portion 124 merges with the arcuate edge portion 130 of the pawl 34 (FIG. 
7). It has, however, been determined that in certain configurations of the 
disclosed tool, the pawl 34 can briefly "hang up" in its engaged position, 
if the spring member 136 is not employed, particularly if the tool during 
use is oriented with its jaw end pointing directly downward. Although such 
binding or "hang up" occurs quite infrequently and can be immediately 
dislodged through slight handle end manipulation, provision of the spring 
member 136 to function as heretofore described will positively prevent 
such binding action. 
FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate a modified embodiment of a self-adjusting 
plier-type tool constructed in accordance with the present invention. An 
entire tool 159 is shown in FIG. 10, with handle end components cut away 
to reveal internal structure. The tool 159 includes body members A and B 
operatively interconnected in substantially the same manner as shown with 
respect to tool 10 in FIG. 1. Body member A of tool 159 has a jaw end 160, 
a handle end 162, and a throat portion 164. The member B of tool 159 has a 
jaw end 166, a handle end 168, and a throat portion 170. Member A is 
provided, in its throat portion, with an elongated slot means 172 adapted 
to functionally operate with a pawl means 174 pivotally mounted by a 
fastener 176 to the throat portion of member B. The fastener 176 is shown 
in FIG. 11 as constituting a bolt threaded to engage a nut 178. 
Tool 159 is formed with its major body parts stamped and folded from flat 
sheet metal whereby the body member A has spaced-apart matching 
longitudinal slots 180 and 182 which constitute a track or slot means 172. 
One long edge of each of the slots 180 and 182 have matching teeth series 
184 and 186. The pawl means 174 includes a pair of identical pawls 188 and 
190 for operatively engaging the respective series of teeth 184 and 186. 
The pawls 188 and 190 are held in operative position in registration with 
opposite side surfaces of the throat portion of body member B by the 
provision of hole 192 shown in FIG. 11. 
Jaw end 160 of member A is a laminated structure, having parallel sidewall 
portions 194 and 196 separated by and spot-welded to an intermediate 
spacer member 198. The jaw end 166 of member B is also of double wall 
construction and has a saddle member 200 spot-welded in position to 
present a serrated jaw surface having a width equivalent to the opposite 
serrated surface of jaw end 160. 
FIG. 11 shows that the body members A and B are formed to define 
longitudinally extending cavity areas 202 and 204 which are open inwardly 
toward each other for the full length of the handle ends 162 and 164. A 
control arm 206 extends between the body members A and B, as shown in FIG. 
10, and has a first end extending into the cavity 204 and pivotally 
secured by a crosspin 210 which extends through the opposite sidewalls of 
the body member. The second or lower end of the control arm 206, as shown 
in FIG. 10, extends into the cavity 202 of body member A and is disposed 
to slide in a longitudinal path, the upper end of which is defined by a 
stop means or crosspin 216 anchored firmly in the spaced-apart sidewalls 
of the body member A. 
In handle end 168 of body member B, an extension spring 218 is mounted in 
the space or cavity 204 to exert a pulling force between a stationary end 
plug 222 and a point 220 on the first or upper end 208 of the control arm 
206. 
Contained within the handle end 162 of the tool 159 in FIG. 10 is a 
compression spring 224 which extends longitudinally between a slidable 
plug 226 and a fixed crosspin 228. The spring 224 exerts a constant 
pushing force against the plug 226 which is translated to the end 212 of 
the control arm 206. 
The structure of the tool 159, particularly as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, is 
completed by the provision of grip members 230 and 232 on respective 
handle ends 162 and 168. Grip member 230 has an upper end side slot 236 
through which the lower end 212 of the control arm 206 extends. The length 
of slot 236 substantially defines the length of the path of slidable 
movement of end 212 of the control arm relative to body member A during 
use of the tool. Grip 232 has a relatively short slot 234 at its upper end 
to permit the pivotal motion of end 208 of the control arm 206. 
The tool 159 shown in FIG. 10 has its various components oriented as though 
the tool is being held in the hand of a person using it to grasp a nut 240 
shown between the jaw ends 160 and 166. Here, the jaws 160 and 166, which 
would normally be at their fully opened position prior to application of 
the tool on a workpiece, have moved toward each other until stopped by 
their contact with the nut 240. The pawl means 174 is shown engaged to the 
teeth of the slot means 172 following the camming action which caused the 
pawl to pivot from its normally disengaged disposition. Upon release by 
the user of manual force on the handle ends of the tool, the force of 
spring 224 will translate through the control arm 206 and cause member B 
to move slightly upwardly and to the left as shown in FIG. 10 whereby the 
pawl means 174 will be cammed counterclockwise out of its engaged 
position. Then, the spring 218 will cause control arm 206 to act as a 
lever arm, utilizing pivot pin 210 as a fulcrum to thrust the opposite end 
of the control arm upwardly against pin 216 whereby member A will slide on 
member B at their throat portion jointure, and slot means 172 will move 
relative to the pawl means 174 until the pawl means is located at the 
lowermost end of the slot means 172. 
Although the presently preferred embodiments for a self-adjusting 
plier-type tool have been described with some particularity, it is to be 
understood that other embodiments or variations may be introduced without 
departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended 
claims.