Abstract:
A hand tool, pliers and a lock button assembly for a hand tool. The hand tool includes a first jaw assembly including a first rail, a second jaw assembly including a second rail shorter than the first rail, a pivot member coupling the jaw assemblies for pivoting movement between an open position and a closed position. The lock button assembly includes a first lock button member defining a second rail groove operable to selectively receive the second rail; and a second lock button member separate from and connectable to the first lock button member, the lock button members, when connected, cooperating to define a first rail groove receiving the first rail. The lock button assembly is operable between a locked position, engaging the first and second rails to releasably hold the jaw assemblies in the closed position, and an unlocked position, in which the second rail is disengaged.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/005,342, filed Jan. 12, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/294,290, filed Jan. 12, 2010, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/724,554, filed Nov. 9, 2012, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to hand tools and, in particular, to pliers that include a wire stripper and a sliding lock. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Pliers, especially an electrician&#39;s pliers may include such features as a wire stripper and wire cutter. When not in use, it may be desirable to lock the handles of the pliers together. When ready for use, it may be desirable to unlock the handles with one hand. 
         [0004]    In one independent embodiment, a hand tool has a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly. The first jaw assembly includes a first handle portion, a first jaw portion, a first pivot portion disposed between the first handle portion and the first jaw portion, and a first rail disposed on one of the first pivot portion and the first handle portion. The second jaw assembly includes a second handle portion, a second jaw portion, a second pivot portion disposed between the second handle portion and the second jaw portion, and a second rail disposed on one of the second pivot portion and the second handle portion. The second rail is shorter than the first rail. A pivot member rotatably couples the first pivot portion to the second pivot portion such that the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly pivot with respect to each other between at least an open position and a closed position. A lock button is slidingly coupled to the first rail and selectively slidingly coupled to the second rail when the first jaw assembly and second jaw assembly are in the closed position. A resilient member is disposed between the lock button and the first rail to inhibit sliding movement of the lock button. 
         [0005]    In another independent embodiment, pliers include a first jaw, a first handle extending from the first jaw, and a first rail extending from the first handle. The first rail includes a jaw end and a handle end. A second jaw is coupled in pivoting relation to the first jaw between at least an open position and a closed position, the first jaw and the second jaw defining a nose of the pliers. A second handle extends from the second jaw, and a second rail extends from the second handle. The second rail is substantially parallel to the first rail when the second jaw is in the closed position, and the second rail is shorter than the first rail. A lock button is slidingly coupled to the first rail and selectively coupled to the second rail when the second handle is in the closed position, and the first handle fixedly coupled to the second handle when the lock button is coupled to the second rail. A resilient member is disposed between the first rail and the lock button, whereby the resilient member inhibits sliding movement of the lock button. 
         [0006]    In yet another independent embodiment, a hand tool may generally include a first jaw assembly including a first handle portion, a first jaw portion and a first rail; a second jaw assembly including a second handle portion, a second jaw portion, and a second rail, the second rail being shorter than the first rail; a pivot member coupling the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly for pivoting movement between an open position and a closed position; and a lock button assembly operable between a locked position, in which the lock button assembly engages the first rail and the second rail to releasably hold the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly in the closed position, and an unlocked position, in which the lock button assembly is disengaged from the second rail. The lock button assembly may include a first lock button member defining a second rail groove operable to selectively receive the second rail, and a second lock button member separate from and connectable to the first lock button member, the first lock button member and the second lock button member, when connected, cooperating to define a first rail groove receiving the first rail. 
         [0007]    In a further independent embodiment, pliers may generally include a first jaw assembly including a first handle portion, a first jaw portion, and a first rail; a second jaw assembly including a second handle portion, a second jaw portion, and a second rail, the second rail being shorter than the first rail; a pivot member coupling the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly for pivoting movement between an open position and a closed position; and a lock button assembly operable between a locked position, in which the lock button assembly engages the first rail and the second rail to releasably hold the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly in the closed position, and an unlocked position, in which the lock button assembly is disengaged from the second rail. The lock button assembly may include a first lock button member defining a second rail groove operable to selectively receive the second rail, and a second lock button member separate from and connectable to the first lock button member, the first lock button member and the second lock button member, when connected, cooperating to define a first rail groove receiving the first rail. 
         [0008]    In another independent embodiment, a lock button assembly for a hand tool may be provided. The hand tool includes a first jaw assembly including a first handle portion, a first jaw portion, and a first rail, a second jaw assembly including a second handle portion, a second jaw portion, and a second rail, the second rail being shorter than the first rail, a pivot member coupling the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly for pivoting movement between an open position and a closed position. The lock button assembly may generally include a first lock button member defining a second rail groove operable to selectively receive the second rail; and a second lock button member separate from and connectable to the first lock button member, the first lock button member and the second lock button member, when connected, cooperating to define a first rail groove receiving the first rail. When supported on the first rail, the lock button assembly is operable between a locked position, in which the lock button assembly engages the first rail and the second rail to releasably hold the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly in the closed position, and an unlocked position, in which the lock button assembly is disengaged from the second rail. 
         [0009]    Other independent aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description, claims and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a side view of electrician&#39;s pliers according to one independent embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along section line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1   
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the electrician&#39;s pliers of  FIG. 1 , illustrated in an unlocked and open state. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a side view of electrician&#39;s pliers according to another independent embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a cross section of the electrician&#39;s pliers of  FIG. 4 , taken along section line  5 - 5 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side view of electrician&#39;s pliers according to another independent embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a locking button assembly of the electrician&#39;s pliers of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the locking button assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
       [0018]    Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates pliers  10  according to one embodiment of the invention, and in particular, the illustrated pliers  10  are electrician&#39;s pliers. The pliers  10  include a first member  12 , or jaw assembly, and a second member  14 , or jaw assembly. Each member  12 ,  14  has a jaw end  16  and a handle end  18 . The first member  12  includes a first jaw portion  20 , a first handle portion  22  and a first pivot portion  24  disposed between the first jaw portion  20  and the first handle portion  22 . The second jaw assembly  14  includes second jaw portion  26 , a second handle portion  28 , and a second pivot portion  30  disposed between the second jaw  26  portion and the second handle portion  28 . The first pivot portion  24  and second pivot portion  30  each define a pivot aperture  32 . The first member  12  is pivotally coupled to the second member  14  about a pivot pin  34  disposed within the pivot apertures  32 . 
         [0020]    The first jaw portion  20  and second jaw portion  26  together define a nose  36  of the pliers  10 . Each jaw portion  20 ,  26  tapers to a narrow point  38 , and, therefore, the pliers  10  may be described as “needle-nose” pliers. Each of the jaw portions  20 ,  26  includes a plurality of ribs or ridges  40  that create a textured area  42  at the nose  36  of the pliers. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , apertures  44  extend through the nose of the pliers  10 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , a half  46  of each aperture  44  is formed in each of the jaw portions  20 ,  26 . The apertures  44  are used to strip insulation from a wire, without substantial penetration of the underlying wire core. Each aperture  44  has a different diameter so that each aperture may be used to strip a different size wire. 
         [0022]    In addition to the apertures  44  for wire-stripping, the first jaw portion  20  and second jaw portion  26  each include a beveled edge  48 . The beveled edges  48  act in conjunction to define a cutter  50  for wire or the like. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the pliers  10  include a lock assembly  52 . The lock assembly  52  includes a locking button  54  slidably coupled to a first guide rail  56  on the first handle portion  22 . The locking button  54  is selectively, slidably coupled to a second guide rail  58  on the second handle portion  28 . The first guide rail  56  has a jaw end  60  ( FIG. 3 ) and a handle end  62  ( FIG. 1 ). As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first guide rail  56  and second guide rail  58  each have a T-shaped cross-section  64 . The second guide rail  58  is shorter than the first guide rail  56 . When the pliers  10  is closed, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first guide rail  56  and second guide rail  58  are substantially parallel. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the locking button  54  defines a pair of opposed, T-shaped slots  66 . Each T-shaped slot  66  corresponds generally to the cross-section  64  of the first guide rail  56  and second guide rail  58 . Each slot  66  includes a pair of retaining flanges  68  for coupling the locking member  54  to the respective guide rail  56 ,  58 . 
         [0025]    With the members  12 ,  14  in a closed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the locking button  54  is positioned toward the jaw end  60  of the first guide rail  56 , thereby engaging the second guide rail  58  and locking the pliers  10  closed. To unlock the pliers  10 , the locking button  54  is slid toward the handle end  62  of the first guide rail  56 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , with the locking button  54  at the handle end  62  of the first guide rail  56 , the locking button  54  is no longer engaged to the second guide rail  58  and the members  12 ,  14  are separated to the illustrated open position. 
         [0026]    As best shown in  FIG. 2 , a pair of resilient members  70  is disposed between the first guide rail  56  and the locking button  54 . In the illustrated embodiment, each resilient member  70  is an elongated, rectangular member disposed substantially parallel to the first guide rail  56 , and in particular, a leaf spring. In further embodiments, the resilient members  70  may be formed of plastic, rubber, or other non-metallic resilient materials. The resilient members  70  apply tension between the first guide rail  56  and the locking button  54 , which inhibits the locking button  54  from sliding into engagement with the second guide rail  58  while in use. In some embodiments, the resilient members  70  bias the locking button  54  toward at least one of the jaw end  60  and the handle end  62  of the first guide rail  56 . More particularly, the resilient member  70  biases the locking button  54  away an intermediate position, between the jaw end  60  and the handle end  62  of the first guide rail  56 . Thus, the resilient member  70  inhibits the locking button  54  from unintentionally engaging or disengaging the second guide rail  58 . 
         [0027]    In the illustrated embodiment, the jaw portions  20 ,  26 , handle portions  22 ,  28 , and pivot portions  24 ,  30  of the each member  12 ,  14  are formed as one piece from a metal such as an alloy steel. The handle portions  22 ,  28  are both covered with a rubber over-mold  72 . The over-molds  72  provide extra durability, increase user comfort, and reduce slippage of the user&#39;s hand on the pliers  10 . The over-mold  72  is substantially flush with exposed metal portions  74  of the handle portions  22 ,  28 , which helps prevent the over-molds  72  from getting caught on a tool pouch, shirt pocket, or other objects. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the pliers  10  include a handle biasing member  76  disposed between the first handle portion  22  and the second handle portion  28 . The illustrated handle biasing member  76  is a coil spring, though in other embodiments a leaf spring may be used. The biasing member  76  causes the pliers  10  to pivot to an open position when the handles are unlocked, thus aiding one-handed use of the pliers  10 . 
         [0029]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate pliers  110  according to another independent embodiment of the invention. Similar features to those illustrated in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3  have been given similar reference numerals, with a prefix beginning with the numeral “1.” The handle portions  122 ,  128  and the lock assembly  152  of the pliers  110  are substantially identical to those of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the pliers  110  includes semi-circular or curved grooved edges  178  on the jaw portions  120 ,  126 . The grooved edges  178  allow the user to use the pliers  110  to ream a pipe to remove burrs or otherwise smooth the inside of a pipe wall along a cut of the pipe. To use the pliers  110  as a reamer, the user inserts the nose of the pliers  110  into a pipe or the like, until the pipe wall contacts the grooved edges  178  and the user rotates the pipe or pliers so that the edges  178  remove burrs and smooth the pipe wall along the cut. 
         [0031]    Also illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a first set of indicia  180  and a second set of indicia  182  are located next to the apertures  144 . The first set of indicia  180  correspond to standard American Wire Gauge (AWG) sizes and the second set of indicia  182  correspond to standard International Standard Wire sizes so that the user knows which aperture to use to strip a particular size wire. 
         [0032]    Accordingly, the pliers  10  and  110  may include several accessory features, such as wire strippers, a wire cutter, and a pipe reamer. In other embodiments, the pliers may include various combinations of these features. Also, while the illustrated pliers  10  is a needle nose pliers, in other embodiments, other types of pliers can include the accessory features described herein. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates pliers  200  according to another independent embodiment of the invention, and, in particular, the illustrated pliers  200  are electrician&#39;s pliers. The pliers  200  includes features similar to the above mentioned pliers  10 , including a first handle portion  202  and a second handle portion  204 , and only those features of pliers  200  that differ from pliers  10  are discussed in detail below. The pliers  200  include a lock assembly  206 . The lock assembly  206  includes a locking button assembly  208  slidably coupled to a first guide rail  210  on the first handle portion  202 . The locking button assembly  208  is selectively, slidably coupled to a second guide rail  212  on the second handle portion  204 . The first and second guide rail  210 ,  212  each have a T-shaped cross-section, and the locking button assembly  208  defines a pair of opposed, T-shaped slots as in the previous embodiment. The locking button assembly  208  performs a similar task and is operated the same way as the locking button  54  of the previous embodiment, but the locking button assembly  208  is of a different construction as described below. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the locking button assembly  208  includes a first locking button member  214  that couples to a first half of the first guide rail  210  on the first handle portion  202  and the entire second guide second guide rail  212  on the second handle portion  204 . The first locking button member  214  includes a protrusion, or rail,  216  and an aperture  218 . The locking button assembly  208  includes a second locking button member  220  that couples to a second half of the first guide rail  210 . The second locking button member  220  includes an aperture  222 , a recess  224 , and a slot  226 . The first and second locking button members  214 ,  220  are preferably made from a metal, for instance Zinc, using methods such as die cast, metal injection molding, or powder metallurgy. The metal construction of the first and second locking button members  214 ,  220  provides improved locking strength of the locking assembly  206 , however, the rigid construction of the locking button assembly  208  changes the assembly process. 
         [0035]    The first and second locking buttons members  214 ,  220  are coupled together with a fastener  228  that is inserted in the aperture  218  of the first locking button member  214  and is disposed through both of the apertures  218 ,  222  of the first and second locking button members  214 ,  220 . The fastener includes a nut  230  that sets into the recess  224  of the second locking button member  220 . Relative rotation between the first and second locking members  214 ,  220  is prevented by the rail  216  of the first locking button member  214  received by the slot  226  of the second locking button member  220 . However, the mating rail  216  and slot  226  connection can be interchanged such that the rail  216  is part of the second locking button member  200  and the slot  226  is part of the first locking button member  214 . Although illustrated as such, the first locking button member  214  can couple half of the second guide rail  212  and the entire first guide rail  210 , with the second locking button member  220  coupled to the other half of the second guide rail  212 . 
         [0036]    Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.