Abstract:
A crimp or press tool is provided that includes two pivotally connected jaw members that can be selectively drawn toward one another in order to crimp or otherwise press a fitting onto a pipe or other workpiece. The tool uses a tightening assembly that enables the application of oppositely directed rotational forces to thereby prevent or at least significantly reduce the potential for imparting undesirable torque moments into the pipe or workpiece.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/812,281 filed on Jun. 9, 2006. Application No. 60/812,281 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to manual tools for use with fittings, joints and couplings for pipes and tubes and, more particularly, to a manual crimp/press tool for use in applying fittings onto hollow tubes or pipes by pressing, crimping, or otherwise swaging the fittings onto open ends of the tube. The tools of the present invention are particularly useful and find application in connection with crimp/press fittings commercially available from a variety of sources. However, it is to be appreciated that the subject tools can be adapted for use with other types of fittings and in other applications beyond the hollow tubes or pipes described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the description below. 
         [0003]    One disadvantage of prior art manual crimp tools is that they impart undesirable and sometimes destructive torque into the target system during use as the fittings are connected onto the pipes or tubes of the system. These prior art tools utilize upper and lower hinged jaw members having, on one end, a hinge member enabling pivotal movement of the jaw members relative to each other and, on the other end, a bolt or other form of threaded member adapted to rotate freely in one of the jaw members while the other of the jaw members is drawn together by rotating the bolt member. Typically, the bolt includes a nut head or the like adapted to provide an interface for connecting with an associated tightening tool such as a wrench. As the wrench is used to tighten the bolt, a torque force is imparted into the tool which is in turn transferred into the target tube or pipe through the fitting. The workpiece itself thus provides the reactive force opposite the applied force. The undesirable opposing torque moments tend to cock the fitting relative to the tube and, ultimately, stress the tube at the work area. Obviously, it is desirable for the fitting to be crimped onto the tube while in alignment therewith and, thus, cocking is highly undesirable. In addition, stress imparted into the workpiece including the tube, pipe, and other components can cause other damage to the system. 
         [0004]    Therefore, there is a need for a manual crimp/press tool for connecting fittings onto tubes or pipes without introducing unnecessary and undesirable torque moments into the workpieces. 
         [0005]    In U.S. patent application publication No. US 2003/0230132, an embodiment of a crimping apparatus is depicted in  FIGS. 23 ,  24 A, and  24 B that provides for the application of two opposing torques. The opposing torque forces are applied to the apparatus in such a manner that an undesirable torque moment or other stress is avoided and not introduced into the workpiece. Although this embodiment offers a significant advance in the art, still further improvements would be beneficial. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In a first aspect, the present invention provides a manual crimp or press tool comprising a first jaw member having a hinge region, a tightening region, and a pressing surface extending therebetween. The first jaw member includes in the tightening region, a first projection, a second projection spaced from and parallel to the first projection and defines a receiving slot between the first and second projections. The first jaw member defines in the tightening region, a concave arcuate surface oppositely directed from the pressing surface of the first jaw member. The receiving slot is accessible along a distal end of the first jaw member and at the concave arcuate surface. The tool also comprises a second jaw member having a hinge region, a tightening region, and a pressing surface extending therebetween. The second jaw member is pivotally attached at the hinge region of the second jaw member, to the hinge region of the first jaw member. The first and second jaw members are oriented such that the pressing surface of the first jaw member faces the pressing surface of the second jaw member. The tool also comprises a trunion defining an outer surface that includes a partially cylindrical region and an aperture extending through the trunion and accessible at the cylindrical region. The trunion is disposed in the concave arcuate surface defined in the first jaw member. The tool also comprises a tightening assembly including (i) an elongate threaded tightening member disposed within the receiving slot defined in the first jaw member. The tightening member extends through the aperture defined in the trunion. The tightening assembly also includes (ii) a threaded engagement member threadedly engaging the tightening member along the tightening region of the second jaw member. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, the present invention provides a manual crimp or press tool comprising a first jaw member having a hinge region, a tightening region, and a pressing surface extending therebetween. The first jaw member includes in the tightening region, a first projection, a second projection spaced from and parallel to the first projection and defines a receiving slot between the first and second projections. The first jaw member defines in the tightening region, a concave arcuate surface oppositely directed from the pressing surface of the first jaw member. The receiving slot is accessible along a distal end of the first jaw member and at the concave arcuate surface. The tool also comprises a second jaw member having a hinge region, a tightening region, and a pressing surface extending therebetween. The second jaw member includes in the tightening region, a first projection, a second projection spaced from and parallel to the first projection and defines a receiving slot between the first and second projections. The second jaw member defines in the tightening region, a concave arcuate surface oppositely directed from the pressing surface of the second jaw member. The receiving slot is accessible along a distal end of the second jaw member and at the concave arcuate surface of the second jaw member. The second jaw member is pivotally attached at the hinge region of the second jaw member to the hinge region of the first jaw member. The first and second jaw members are oriented such that the pressing surface of the first jaw member faces the pressing surface of the second jaw member. The tool also comprises a first trunion defining an outer surface that includes a partially cylindrical region and an aperture extending through the first trunion and accessible at the cylindrical region. The first trunion is disposed in the concave arcuate surface defined in the first jaw member. The tool also comprises a second trunion defining an outer surface that includes a partially cylindrical region and a threaded aperture extending through the trunion and accessible at the cylindrical region. The second trunion is disposed in the concave arcuate surface defined in the second jaw member. The tool also comprises an elongate threaded tightening member disposed within the receiving slot defined in the first jaw member and also disposed within the receiving slot defined in the second jaw member. The tightening member extends through the aperture defined in the first trunion and threadedly engaged with the threaded aperture of the second trunion. 
         [0008]    In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a manual crimp or press tool comprising a first jaw member having a hinge region, a tightening region, and a pressing surface extending therebetween. The first jaw member includes in the tightening region, a first projection, a second projection spaced from and parallel to the first projection and defines a receiving slot between the first and second projections. The receiving slot is accessible along a distal end of the first jaw member. The tool further comprises a second jaw member having a hinge region, a tightening region, and a pressing surface extending therebetween. The second jaw member includes in the tightening region, a first projection, a second projection spaced from and parallel to the first projection and defines a receiving slot between the first and second projections. The second jaw defines an aperture extending through both the first and second projections. The aperture is accessible from the receiving slot of the second jaw member. The receiving slot is accessible along a distal end of the second jaw member. The second jaw member is pivotally attached at the hinge region of the second jaw member, to the hinge region of the first jaw member. The first and second jaw members are oriented such that the pressing surface of the first jaw member faces the pressing surface of the second jaw member. The tool also comprises a trunion defining an aperture extending through the trunion. The trunion is disposed along the tightening region of the first jaw member. The tool also comprises a pin member rotatably disposed in the aperture defined in the first and second projections of the second jaw member. The pin member defines a threaded aperture extending through the pin member and in a direction generally transverse to the aperture defined in the second jaw member extending through both the first and second projections. The tool also comprises an elongate threaded tightening member disposed within the receiving slot defined in the first jaw member and also disposed within the receiving slot defined in the second jaw member. The tightening member extends through the aperture defined in the trunion and is threadedly engaged with the aperture defined in the pin member disposed in the second jaw member. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment manual crimp/press tool in accordance with the present invention illustrated together with an associated workpiece set. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the first preferred embodiment manual crimp/press tool depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the tool of  FIG. 1  illustrated together with associated other standard tools showing a preferred use of the subject tool. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment manual crimp/press tool in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the second preferred embodiment manual crimp/press tool depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    With reference first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first preferred embodiment tool  10  includes upper and lower jaw members  12 ,  14  pivotally connected on one end at a hinge region  16  and adapted to be drawn together at a tightening region  18 . The upper jaw member  12  is preferably of a unitary construction and includes a hinge portion  20 , a force receiving portion  22 , and a force transmitting portion  24  extending therebetween. Similarly, the lower jaw  14  includes a hinge portion  26 , a force receiving portion  28 , and a force transmitting portion  30  extending therebetween. The jaws and other components of the preferred embodiment tool are preferably made from hardened steel although other materials can be used as desired. Alternately, in a more economical version of the tool, one or more of the jaw members could be cast to further reduce costs. 
         [0015]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each of the force transmitting portions  24 ,  30  of the upper and lower jaw members  12 ,  14  defines a concave arcuate pressing surface  25 ,  31  adapted to engage a portion of the associated fitting  2  for pressing the fitting  2  onto the associated tube or pipe  4 . The upper jaw  12  defines an upper face or upwardly directed outer face, and an oppositely directed lower face. The lower face includes the concave arcuate pressing surface. Similarly, the lower jaw  14  defines a lower face or downwardly directed outer face, and an oppositely directed upper face. The upper face includes the concave arcuate pressing surface. Preferably, the respective pressing surfaces  25 ,  31  face each other. In particular, the pressing surfaces  25 ,  31  have a profile of the type used in the art for crimping fittings used to join pipe and tubing in a variety of applications and sizes. Accordingly, no further detailed description of the surfaces are necessary. 
         [0016]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tool  10  includes a transverse pin member  40  extending through the hinge portions  20 ,  26  of each of the upper and lower jaw members  12 ,  14  substantially as shown. Specifically, the pin member  40  extends through an aperture  21  defined in the upper jaw member  12  and also through an aperture  23  defined in the lower jaw member  14 . In that way, the upper and lower jaw members are selectively pivotable relative to each other about an axis  42  defined by the pin member  40 . As shown in the referenced figures, the axis  42  defined by the pin member  40  is substantially parallel with the axis  6  of the workpiece tube  4 . In that way, when the subject tool  10  is placed onto the workpiece fitting and tube  2 ,  4 , the upper and lower jaw members  12 ,  14  are pivotally movable in a plane  44  ( FIG. 3 ) which is substantially perpendicular to each of the axes  42 ,  6  defined by the pin member  40  and tube workpiece  4 , respectively. 
         [0017]    The tightening region  18  of the assembled subject tool  10  includes an elongate threaded tightening member  50  having a bolt head  52  on one end thereof and a threaded end  54  opposite from the bolt head. As is clear from the drawing figures, the threaded member  50  extends through each of the upper and lower jaw members  12 , 14  through their respective force receiving portions  22 ,  28 , respectively. The force receiving portion  22  of the upper jaw member  12  includes an arcuate surface  60  adapted to receive a trunion member  56  that carries the upper end of the threaded tightening member  50 . Similarly, the force receiving portion  28  of the lower jaw member  14  defines a lower arcuate surface  62  adapted to receive a portion of a lower trunion member  58  carried on the lower end of the threaded tightening member  50 . At least one and preferably both of the trunions  56  and  58  are at least partially cylindrical in shape and so, define an arcuate outer surface. The diameter and shape of the outer surface of the trunions are such that the respective trunion can be positioned in intimate contact with the corresponding arcuate surface  60 ,  62  defined by each respective jaw member  12 ,  14 . 
         [0018]    It is to be appreciated that the upper trunion member  56  defines an opening  55  that is preferably not threaded yet large enough to loosely receive the threaded tightening member  50  therethrough. The lower trunion member  58  defines an opening  57  that is internally threaded for mated threaded engagement with the tightening member  50 . The lower trunion member  58  preferably includes an integral hex head  59 . As the threaded tightening member  50  is tightened, the lower trunion member  58  is drawn toward the upper trunion member  56  thus imparting a force into the force receiving portions  22 ,  28  of the upper and lower jaw members  12 ,  14 , respectively. The force received into the jaw members is in turn amplified into the workpiece fitting  2  by the force transmitting portions  24 ,  30  of the upper and lower jaw members as they pivot about the pin member  40 . As illustrated in the drawing figures, a friction reducing thrust washer  65  is preferably provided at the underside of the bolt head  52  for added tool life and to minimize unnecessary friction and wear between the bolt head  52  and the upper portion of the trunion member  56 . Another benefit provided by the friction reducing thrust washer  65  is a reduction in the amount of force required by an end user to tighten the threaded member  50  and in turn close the jaw members  12 ,  14  to compress the fitting  2  onto the workpiece tube  4 . Specifically, the amount of active torque imparted into the bolt head  52  and the amount of reactive torque required at the hex head  59  needed to overcome friction between the components is minimized by use of the washer  65 . As described in greater detail herein, an optional second washer  64  can be utilized between the washer  65  and the bolt. This washer would create a smooth surface for the friction reducing washer to ride against in the event that the underside of the bolt head is not smooth (if the bolt is turned from bar stock, it is possible that the surface finish may not be smooth enough.) In the event that the underside of the bolt head is not smooth, the plain washer will reduce friction between both surfaces and wear of the mating friction reducing washer. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates a significant feature of the preferred embodiment tool. Preferably, both of the upper jaw  12  and the lower jaw  14  include a forked region adapted for receiving the tightening member  50  and a respective trunion, i.e. either the upper trunion  56  or the lower trunion  58 . That is, the upper jaw member  12  includes a first outwardly extending projection  7 , and a second outwardly extending projection  8 , generally spaced from and parallel to the first projection  7  and thereby defining a receiving slot  9 . As shown in the drawings, the receiving slot  9  is accessible along a distal end of the upper jaw  12 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , preferably, the arcuate surface  60  defined along the upper surface of the jaw member  12  extends along and includes or constitutes the upper surfaces of the first and second projections  7  and  8 . This unique configuration provided by the upper jaw member  12  facilitates easy positioning and placement of the trunion  56  within the arcuate surface  60  and engagement with the tightening member  50 . 
         [0020]    Similarly, the lower jaw member  14  includes a first outwardly extending projection  32 , and a second outwardly extending projection  33 , generally spaced from and parallel to the first projection  32  and thereby defining a receiving slot  34 . The receiving slot  34  is accessible along a distal end of the lower jaw member  14 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , preferably, the arcuate surface  62  defined along the lower surface of the jaw member  14  extends along and includes or constitutes the lower surfaces of the first and second projections  32  and  33 . This unique configuration provided by the lower jaw member  14  facilitates easy positioning and placement of the trunion  58  within the arcuate surface  62  and engagement with the tightening member  50 . 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows the subject tool  10  during use while crimping a fitting  2  onto an associated tube  4  using first and second associated wrench tools  70 ,  72 . The subject tool  10  is preferably used by placing it onto the target workpiece and then, through use of the first and second wrench tools  70 ,  72 , while holding the lower hex head  59  of the trunion  58  stationary, tightening the upper trunion member  56  such as illustrated in the figure by arrow A. The hex head clamping surface  59  is preferably an integral hex head formed on the lower trunion member  58  to enable the lower trunion member  58  and, thus, lower jaw member  14  to be held stationary relative to the fitting  2  and workpiece tube  4  while the upper trunion member  56  is tightened using the first wrench tool  70  applied to the bolt head  52  of the threaded tightening member  50 . More particularly, the hex head  59  and integral trunion  58  provide a means for applying a counter-rotating torque as shown by arrow B, while tightening the upper bolt head  52  with the wrench tool  70  in the direction of arrow A. The use of an integral lower trunion  58  and head  59  increases the amount of control the user has over the tool  10 . Furthermore, an integral trunion  58  and head  59  reduces the amount of undesirable torque otherwise transmitted to the workpiece. 
         [0022]    Preferably, by holding the clamping surface  59  stationary, both of the upper and lower jaw members  12 ,  14  are held stationary and substantially within the plane  44  defined by the jaw members as described above. The plane  44  is perpendicular to the axes  42 ,  6  defined by the pin member  40  and tube  4 , respectively. In that way, virtually none of the torque exerted between the first and second wrench tools  70 ,  72  is imparted into the system comprising the tool  10 , the fitting  2 , and the tube  4 . Rather, all of the force is used productively for crimping the fitting onto the tube. Thus, the undesirable effects of the cocking of the fitting  2  relative to the tube as well as the effects of the strain developed in the tube such as found in the prior art caused by torque induced tightening, is avoided in the tool  10  of the present invention. 
         [0023]    It is to be appreciated that other equivalent surfaces and configurations can be used as well for providing a connection between the second associated wrench  72  and the tightening region  18  of the subject tool  10 . One example is to provide a hex shape on the lower jaw itself. Other means such as a designated clamping surface as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  are possible as well. To that end,  FIGS. 4 and 5  show a tool  10 ′ in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention. In the description to follow, like parts having similar function are designated with a prime (“′”) suffix. 
         [0024]    The tool  10 ′ in accordance with the second preferred embodiment, includes upper and lower jaw members  12 ′,  14 ′ pivotally connected on one end at a hinge region  16 ′ and adapted to be drawn together at a tightening region  18 ′. The upper jaw member  12 ′ is preferably of a unitary construction and includes a hinge portion  20 ′, a force receiving portion  22 ′, and a force transmitting portion  24 ′. Similarly, the lower jaw  14 ′ includes a hinge portion  26 ′, a force receiving portion  28 ′, and a force transmitting portion  30 ′. The jaws and other components of the subject tool are preferably made from hardened steel although other materials can be used as desired. 
         [0025]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each of the force transmitting portions  24 ′,  30 ′ of the upper and lower jaw members  12 ′,  14 ′ defines a concave arcuate pressing surface  25 ′,  31 ′ adapted to engage a portion of the associated fitting (not shown) for pressing the fitting onto an associated tube, pipe, or other item (not shown). In particular, as with the first embodiment of the subject tool described above, the pressing surfaces  25 ′,  31 ′ have a profile of the type used in the art for crimping fittings used to join pipe and tubing in a variety of applications and in standard and non-standard sizes. Accordingly, no further detailed description of the surfaces are necessary. 
         [0026]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the tool  10 ′ includes a transverse pin member  40 ′ extending through the hinge portions  20 ′,  26 ′ of each of the upper and lower jaw members  12 ′,  14 ′, substantially as shown. Specifically, the pin member  40 ′ extends through an aperture  21 ′ defined in the upper jaw member  12 ′ and also through an aperture  23 ′ defined in the lower jaw member  14 ′. In that way, the upper and lower jaw members are selectively pivotable relative to each other about an axis  42 ′ defined by the pin member  40 ′. As shown in the figures, the axis  42 ′ defined by the pin member  40 ′ is substantially parallel with an axis  6 ′ extending along the length of the associated workpiece (not shown) when received into a position between the upper and lower jaw members. In that way, when the subject tool  10 ′ is placed onto the workpiece fitting and tube members, the upper and lower jaw members  12 ′,  14 ′ are pivotally movable in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to each of the axes  42 ′,  6 ′ defined by the pin member  40 ′ and the tube or associated workpiece. 
         [0027]    The tightening region  18 ′ of the subject tool  10 ′ includes an elongate threaded member  50 ′ having a bolt head  52 ′ on one end thereof and a tapered end  54 ′ opposite from the bolt head. As is clear from the drawing figures, the threaded member  50 ′ extends through each of the upper and lower jaw members  12 ′,  14 ′ through their respective force receiving portions  22 ′,  28 ′, respectively. The force receiving portion  22 ′ of the upper jaw member  12 ′ includes an arcuate surface  60 ′ adapted to receive a trunion member  56 ′ that carries the upper end of the threaded tightening member  50 ′. The upper trunion member  56 ′ defines an opening  55 ′ that is preferably not threaded, yet large enough to loosely receive the threaded tightening member  50 ′ therethrough. A friction-reducing thrust washer  64 ′ can be utilized between the underside of the bolt head  52 ′ and the outer surface of the trunion member  56 ′. The force receiving portion  28 ′ of the lower jaw member  14 ′ defines a fork region  80  including a pair of spaced apart connection tab members  82 ,  84  defining a gap  86  therebetween. Each of the connection tab members  82 ,  84  define circular openings  90 ,  92  aligned with one another and adapted to receive a substantially cylindrical pin member  66  extending parallel to the axes  6 ′,  42 ′ described above. In its preferred form, the pin member  66  defines a threaded aperture  67  and is adapted to threadedly receive the threaded tightening member  50 ′ and, further, is adapted to rotate within the circular openings  90 ,  92 . The threaded aperture  67  extends through the pin member  66 . And, upon incorporation of the pin member  66  in the circular openings  90 ,  92  defined in the lower jaw member  14 ′, the aperture  67  is oriented such that its axis is transverse to that of the pin member  40 ′. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  illustrates a significant feature of the preferred embodiment tool  10 ′. Preferably, the upper jaw  12 ′ includes a forked region adapted for receiving the tightening member  50 ′ and a trunion, i.e. the upper trunion  56 ′. That is, the upper jaw member  12 ′ includes a first outwardly extending projection  7 ′, and a second outwardly extending projection  8 ′, generally spaced from and parallel to the first projection  7 ′ and thereby defining a receiving slot  9 ′. The receiving slot  9 ′ is accessible along a distal end of the upper jaw  12 ′. As shown in  FIG. 5 , preferably, the arcuate surface  60 ′ defined along the upper surface of the jaw member  12 ′ extends along and includes or constitutes the upper surfaces of the first and second projections  7 ′ and  8 ′. This unique configuration provided by the upper jaw member  12 ′ facilitates easy positioning and placement of the trunion  56 ′ within the arcuate surface  60 ′ and engagement with the tightening member  50 ′. The lower fork region  80  of the lower jaw member  14 ′ also features a slot or receiving channel, i.e. the gap  86  that is adapted to receive the tightening member  50 ′ when positioned between the connection tab members  82  and  84 . 
         [0029]    In addition to the above, each of the connection tab members  82 ,  84  defines flat interface surfaces  102 ,  104  for connection with an associated tightening tool such as an open end wrench, an adjustable spanner or adjustable wrench, or the like. The first connection tab member  82  includes spaced apart upper and lower guide members  106 ,  108  useful in assisting locating the associated tightening wrench (not shown) relative to the interface surface  102 . Similarly, the second connection tab member  84  includes spaced apart upper and lower guide members  110 ,  112  useful in aligning and guiding an associated wrench relative to the flat interface surface  104 . 
         [0030]    Of particular relevance to the second preferred embodiment tool, as with the first embodiment tool  10 ′, the tool  10 ′ shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  helps resist twisting forces imparting into the workpiece while the bolt head  52 ′ is tightened relative to the transverse pin member  66  and tool body components. The fork region  80  is adapted to receive an associated wrench or other tool onto the interface surfaces  102 ,  104  for purposes of providing a reactive torque against the clamping torque force exerted by a tightening tool  70  such as shown in  FIG. 3  exerted onto the bolt head  52 ′. The tool  10 ′ of the second embodiment is preferably used by placing it onto the target workpiece and then, through use of first and second wrench tools (not shown), tightening the upper bolt head  52 ′ in a clockwise rotation while holding the lower fork region  80  stationary. Again, the lower tool (not shown) attached with the fork region  80  provides a counter torque against the tightening tool (not shown) applied to the elongate bolt head  52 ′. 
         [0031]    Preferably, by holding the clamping surfaces  102 ,  104  stationary, both of the upper and lower jaw members  12 ′,  14 ′ are held stationary and substantially within a plane defined by the jaw members in a manner similar to the plane  44  in  FIG. 3  as described above. The plane (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) is perpendicular to the axes  42 ′,  6 ′ defined by the pin member  40 ′ and tube (not shown), respectively. In that way, virtually none of the torque exerted between the first and second wrench tools (not shown) is imparted into the system comprising the tool  10 ′, the fitting and the tube. Rather, all of the force is used productively for crimping the fitting onto the tube. Thus, the undesirable effects of the cocking of the fitting relative to the tube as well as the effects of the strain developed in the tube such as found in the prior art caused by torque induced tightening, is avoided in the tool  10 ′ of the present invention. 
         [0032]    The friction reducing washer, e.g. the thrust washer  65  and  65 ′, is preferably coated with a friction reducing material such as Teflon. In certain embodiments, it is preferred to only coat the top face of the washer  65  or  65 ′ with the friction reducing coating, as that is the face of the washer that contacts the underside of the bolt head  52  or  52 ′. Optionally, a second washer, e.g.  64 ,  64 ′, can also be utilized in the fastener assembly. Preferably, the second washer is positioned between the underside of the bolt head and friction reducing washer. 
         [0033]    It is also preferred, that a biasing member  120 ,  120 ′ be utilized in the tools  10 ,  10 ′ such that the upper and lower jaws are urged toward one another. Preferably, the biasing member  120 ,  120 ′ is in the form of a coiled torsional spring and can be incorporated about the pin member  40 ,  40 ′ which serves as a hinge or pivot for the two jaw members. A retaining member  125 ,  125 ′ is preferably used, which engages a circumferential receiving depression defined along the outer surface of the pin  40 ,  40 ′. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-2  and  4 - 5 , it is to be appreciated that, preferably, each of the bolt head  52  as well as the hex head  59  have a tall aspect ratio of height to width relative to the equivalent industry standard sized heads. In the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, the extra tall bolt head  52  and extra tall integral hex head  59  of the first embodiment, and of the extra tall head bolt  52 ′ of the second embodiment ( FIG. 3 ) are provided to increase engagement and control by the user when applying torque forces into the threaded tightening member  50 . 
         [0035]    The fastening member, e.g.  50 ,  50 ′, and specifically the threaded region thereof, and corresponding threaded aperture regions described herein, preferably utilizes an ACME screw thread. As known by those skilled in the art, ACME threads are generally symmetrical V-profile threads. ACME threads are generally stronger than other symmetrical V-profile threads. 
         [0036]    The present invention also includes a variation of either of the tools  10 ,  10 ′ in which the upper trunion  56 ,  56 ′ is loosely retained with the upper jaw member  12 ,  12 ′. This version is desirable in that it would preclude losing or otherwise misplacing the upper trunion  56 ,  56 ′ if that component were separated from the tool  10 ,  10 ′. 
         [0037]    The foregoing description is, at present, considered to be the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it is contemplated that various changes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made without departing from the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing description is intended to cover all such changes and modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, including all equivalent aspects.