Patent Publication Number: US-2023137229-A1

Title: Clamping Tool with Cross-Over Components

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2022/078787, filed Oct. 27, 2022, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/273,029, filed Oct. 28, 2021, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of tools. The present invention relates specifically to clamping tools having components pivotally coupled together, and the components cross over one another at a location spaced apart from the location at which the components pivot with respect to one another. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to a clamping tool including a lower jaw, a first component, an upper jaw, a second component, and a pivot joint. The first component includes a first neck section extending from a first neck end to an opposing second neck end, the lower jaw at the first neck end, a first cross over section extending upwardly from a first cross over end to an opposing second cross over end, the first neck section at the first cross over end, and a first grip section extending from a first grip end to an opposing second grip end, the first cross over section at the first grip end. The upper jaw is on an opposite side of a longitudinal axis of the clamping tool from the lower jaw. The second component includes a second neck section extending from a first neck end to an opposing second neck end, the upper jaw at the first neck end of the second component, a second cross over section extending downwardly from a first cross over end to an opposing second cross over end, the second neck section at the first cross over end of the second component, and a second grip section extending from a first grip end to an opposing second grip end, the second cross over section at the first grip end of the second component. The pivot joint pivotably couples the first component to the second component at the location at which the first neck section extends from the lower jaw and the second neck section extends from the upper jaw. The first component and the second component pivot with respect to each other about a rotational axis as the upper jaw and the lower jaw are moved between an open configuration in which the upper jaw and the lower jaw are spaced apart and a closed configuration in which the upper jaw and the lower jaw contact each other. The clamping tool defines a first distance along the longitudinal axis between the rotational axis and the second neck end of the first neck section when the upper jaw and the lower jaw are in the closed configuration, and a second distance along the longitudinal axis between the second cross over end of the first grip section and a center point at which the first cross over section crosses over the second cross over section when the upper jaw and the lower jaw are in the closed configuration. The second distance is less than 50% of the first distance. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a lower jaw, a first component, an upper jaw, a second component, and a pivot joint. The first component includes a first neck section extending from a first neck end to an opposing second neck end, the lower jaw at the first neck end, a first cross over section extending upwardly from a first cross over end to an opposing second cross over end, the first neck section at the first cross over end, and a first grip section extending from a first grip end to an opposing second grip end, the first cross over section at the first grip end. The upper jaw is on an opposite side of a longitudinal axis of the clamping tool from the lower jaw. The second component includes a second neck section extending from a first neck end to an opposing second neck end, the upper jaw at the first neck end of the second component, a second cross over section extending downwardly from a first cross over end to an opposing second cross over end, the second neck section at the first cross over end of the second component, and a second grip section extending from a first grip end to an opposing second grip end, the second cross over section at the first grip end of the second component. The pivot joint pivotably couples the first component to the second component at the location at which the first neck section extends from the lower jaw and the second neck section extends from the upper jaw. The first component and the second component pivot with respect to each other about a rotational axis as the upper jaw and the lower jaw are moved between an open configuration in which the upper jaw and the lower jaw are spaced apart and a closed configuration in which the upper jaw and the lower jaw contact each other, such that moving the grip section of the first component away from the grip section of the second component draws the upper jaw and the lower jaw apart from one another into an open configuration and moving the grip section of the first component towards the grip section of the second component draws the upper jaw and the lower jaw together into a closed configuration. When the upper jaw and the lower jaw are in a closed configuration, the first cross over section of the first component crosses over the second cross over section of the second component, and the first cross over end of the first component is located below the first cross over end of the second component. As the upper jaw and the lower jaw are moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first cross over section of the first component uncrosses from the second cross over section of the second component such that the first cross over end of the first component is positioned above the first cross over end of the second component. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a clamping tool including a lower jaw, a first component, an upper jaw, a second component, and a pivot joint. The first component includes a first neck section extending from a first neck end to an opposing second neck end, the lower jaw at the first neck end, a first cross over section extending upwardly from a first cross over end to an opposing second cross over end, the first neck section at the first cross over end, and a first grip section extending from a first grip end to an opposing second grip end, the first cross over section at the first grip end. The upper jaw is on an opposite side of a longitudinal axis of the clamping tool from the lower jaw. The second component includes a second neck section extending from a first neck end to an opposing second neck end, the upper jaw at the first neck end of the second component, a second cross over section extending downwardly from a first cross over end to an opposing second cross over end, the second neck section at the first cross over end of the second component, and a second grip section extending from a first grip end to an opposing second grip end, the second cross over section at the first grip end of the second component. The pivot joint pivotably couples the first component to the second component at the location at which the first neck section extends from the lower jaw and the second neck section extends from the upper jaw. The first component and the second component pivot with respect to each other about a rotational axis as the upper jaw and the lower jaw are moved between an open configuration in which the upper jaw and the lower jaw are spaced apart and a closed configuration in which the upper jaw and the lower jaw contact each other, such that moving the grip section of the first component away from the grip section of the second component draws the upper jaw and the lower jaw apart from one another into an open configuration and moving the grip section of the first component towards the grip section of the second component draws the upper jaw and the lower jaw together into a closed configuration. When the upper jaw and the lower jaw are in the closed configuration, the first neck section extends downwardly from the lower jaw at an angle of less than 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis and the second neck section extends upwardly from the upper jaw at an angle of less than 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. As the upper jaw and the lower jaw are moved into the open configuration, the first neck section is drawn upward until the first neck section extends upwardly from the lower jaw and the second neck section is drawn downward until the second neck section extends downwardly from the upper jaw. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a clamping tool having a first component pivotably connected to a second component. The first component has a first neck section that is connected to an upper grip section, and the second component has second neck section that is connected to a lower grip section. A pivot joint connects the first neck section to the second neck section, such the first neck section and the second neck section respectively pivot about the pivot joint when the upper grip section and the lower grip section are moved with respect to one another. The first component and the second component are configured to cross over one another at a location spaced apart from the pivot joint when the upper grip section is moved sufficiently toward the lower grip section. 
     In specific embodiments, the first component and the second component are further configured to uncross from one another when the upper grip section is positioned a sufficient distance apart from the lower grip section. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a clamping tool having cross-over components, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the clamping tool of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of a clamping tool having cross-over components, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of a clamping tool having cross-over components, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of a clamping tool having cross-over components, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of a clamping tool having cross-over components, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of a clamping tool having cross-over components, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded view of the clamping tool of  FIG.  7   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the clamping tool of  FIG.  7   , shown in an open position, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a rotated side view of the clamping tool of  FIG.  7   , shown in a closed position, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the clamping tool of  FIG.  10   , shown with a pair of upper and lowers jaws opened 0.5 inches, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a side view of the clamping tool of  FIG.  10   , shown with the pair of upper and lowers jaws opened 1 inch, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    is a side view of the clamping tool of  FIG.  10   , shown with the pair of upper and lowers jaws opened 1.5 inches, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is a side view of the clamping tool of  FIG.  10   , shown with the pair of upper and lowers jaws opened 2 inches, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a tool having cross-over components are shown. In the particular embodiments discussed herein, the tool is a clamping tool. The clamping tool has a first component coupled to (e.g., specifically integral with) a lower jaw and a second component coupled to (e.g., specifically integral with) an upper jaw. The first component is pivotally connected to the second component, such as by a pivot joint, such that movement of the first component with respect to the second component generates coinciding movement of the lower jaw with respect to the upper jaw. The first component includes a first neck section that extends at a small angle downward from the pivot joint when the component is in a closed position. A first crossover section is coupled to (e.g., specifically integral with) the first neck section and extends at an angle upward from the first neck section to join to an upper grip. The second component includes a second neck section that extends at a small angle upward from the pivot joint. A second crossover section is coupled to (e.g., specifically integral with) the second neck section and extends at an angle downward from the second neck section to join to a lower grip. 
     In contrast to standard clamping tools, such as pliers where the handles cross during use only at one or more points of connection, such as at a pivot joint, the components here are configured to additionally cross at a location spaced apart from the pivot joint. When the first and second grips are moved with respect to one another, the first crossover section moves substantially freely over the second crossover section. Applicant has found this cross-over component configuration to permit a smaller angular separation of the neck sections while maintaining the same jaw-opening size as a standard pliers. The narrower neck profile generated by this configuration reduces the amount of clearance required to open and close the clamping tool, allowing the clamping tool to operate within tighter spaces, for example, to connect automotive hoses in hard-to-reach locations. Further, an exemplary embodiment of a clamping tool having a cross-over component configuration, as described herein, is more cost-efficient to manufacture and offers greater mechanical advantage to the user than other known solutions for narrowing a clamping tool&#39;s neck profile, such as double pivot mechanisms. 
       FIGS.  1 - 2    show various views of a clamping tool  10 , such as pliers. Clamping tool  10  includes a first component  12  and a second component  14 . The first component  12  is coupled to a lower jaw  36  and the second component  14  is coupled to an upper jaw  30 . In the embodiment shown here, the first component  12  is integrally formed with the lower jaw  36 , and the second component  14  is integrally formed with the upper jaw  30 . In other embodiments, other generally rigid forms of mechanical coupling are permissible. Further, the jaws shown in  FIG.  2    are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis  25  of the clamping tool  10  (e.g., the horizontal axis) and form a generally straight profile along the longitudinal axis  25  of the clamping tool  10 . The first component  12  is connected to the second component  14  by a pivot joint  24 . 
     In various embodiments, the upper jaw  30  is on an opposite side of longitudinal axis  25  of the clamping tool  10  from the lower jaw  36 , with upper jaw  30  being above longitudinal axis  25  and lower jaw  36  being below longitudinal axis  25 . Stated another way, the term downward is in reference to the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36 , and means the lower jaw  36  is on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis  25  from the upper jaw  30 , and the term upward is in reference to the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36 , and means the upper jaw  30  is the opposite side of the longitudinal axis  25  from the lower jaw  36 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the first component  12  includes first neck section  18  extending from a first neck end  50  to an opposing second neck end  52 , the lower jaw  36  at the first neck end  52 , a first cross over section  28  extending upwardly from a first cross over end  54  to an opposing second cross over end  56 , the first neck section  18  at the first cross over end  54 , and a first grip section  16  extending from a first grip end  58  to an opposing second grip end  60 , the first cross over section  28  at the first grip end  58 . Stated another way, first neck section  18  is coupled to and extends from lower jaw  36 , such as via being integrally formed, first cross over section  28  is coupled to and extends from first neck section  18 , such as via being integrally formed, and first grip section  16  is coupled to and extends from first cross over section  28 , such as via being integrally formed. 
     First neck section  18  extends downward from the pivot joint  24  at an angle A from the longitudinal axis  25  of the clamping tool  10  when clamping tool  10  is in the closed configuration. In various embodiments, angle A is less than 45 degrees with respect to longitudinal axis  25 , and more specifically is less than 30 degrees, and even more specifically is less than 10 degrees. 
     The first cross over section  28  extends upward from the first neck section  18  at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis  25  of the clamping tool  10  when clamping tool  10  is in the closed configuration, joining the first neck section  18  to an first grip section  16 . In various embodiments, angle B is less than 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis  25 , and more specifically is less than 50 degrees. In various embodiments, angle B is between 35 degrees 55 degrees, and more specifically is 45 degrees. In various embodiments, angle A is less than the angle B, and more specifically angle A is less than half of angle B. 
     In various embodiments, when clamping tool  10  is in the closed configuration the second neck end  52  of the first component  12  is below the second neck end  64  of the second component  14  and the first grip end  58  of the first component  12  is above the first grip end  70  of the second component  14 . 
     In various embodiments, second component  14  is symmetrical to first component  12  with respect to longitudinal axis  25 . Second component  14  includes second neck section  22  extending from a first neck end  62  to an opposing second neck end  64 , the upper jaw  30  at the first neck end  62 , a second cross over section  34  extending upwardly from a first cross over end  66  to an opposing second cross over end  68 , the second neck section  22  at the first cross over end  66 , and a second grip section  20  extending from a first grip end  70  to an opposing second grip end  72 , the second cross over section  34  at the first grip end  70 . Stated another way, second neck section  22  is coupled to and extends from upper jaw  30 , such as via being integrally formed, second cross over section  34  is coupled to and extends from second neck section  22 , such as via being integrally formed, and second grip section  20  is coupled to and extends from second cross over section  34 , such as via being integrally formed. 
     Second neck section  22  extends upward from the pivot joint  24  at an angle symmetrical to angle A as first neck section  18  when clamping tool  10  is in the closed configuration. The second cross over section  34  extends upward from the second neck section  22  at an angle symmetrical to angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis  25  of the clamping tool  10 , joining the second neck section  18  to a second grip section  20 . For example, in various embodiments when the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in the closed configuration, the first neck section  18  extends downwardly from the lower jaw  36  at an angle of less than 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis  25  and the second neck section  22  extends upwardly from the upper jaw  30  at an angle of less than 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis  25 . 
     The first and second neck sections  18 ,  22  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2    are generally straight and elongate. Here, the first and second neck sections  18 ,  22  are integrally formed with the first and second crossover sections  28 ,  34 , though in other embodiments, other generally rigid forms of mechanical coupling are permissible. In the embodiments shown, the first and second components  12 ,  14  do not form an additional mechanical connection to one another at the first and second crossover sections  28 ,  34 . 
     When the first grip section  16  and the second grip section  20  are moved sufficiently close to one another, the first cross over section  28  is crossed over the second crossover section  34  at cross over point  41 . The first and second cross over sections  28 ,  34  are substantially free to move with respect to one another as directed by the movement of the first and second grip sections  16 ,  20 . Further, in certain embodiments, the first and second crossover sections  28 ,  34  may substantially uncross from one another as the first and second grip section  16 ,  20  are drawn sufficiently away from one another ( FIG.  9   ). 
     In this embodiment, the clamping tool  10  is formed, at least in part, of forged steel, which is resistant to corrosion damage and damage from drops. However, other rigid materials may be permissible, as well. The first and second grip sections  16 ,  20  shown in  FIG.  2    are formed by covering a portion of the rigid material forming the clamping tool with a more compliant material suitable for supporting the grip of a human hand, such as by dipping the rigid portion in a PVC grip material. Other means of forming grip section that are known in the art are also permissible. The grip sections shown in  FIG.  2    each include a first dip  46  near the location where the respective grip section  16 ,  20  connects to the respective crossover section  28 ,  34 , as well as a second dip  48  near the opposite end of the grip section  16 ,  20 . 
     Pivot joint  24  pivotably couples first component  12  to the second component  14  at the location at which the first neck section  18  extends from the lower jaw  36  and the second neck section  22  extends from the upper jaw  30 . First component  12  and second component  14  pivot with respect to each other about a rotational axis  11  as the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are moved between an open configuration in which the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are spaced apart and a closed configuration in which the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  contact each other. 
     Moving the first grip section  16  of the first component  12  away from the second grip section  20  of the second component  14  draws the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  apart from one another into an open configuration. Moving the first grip section  16  of the first component  12  towards the second grip section  20  of the second component  14  draws the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  together into a closed configuration. As the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are moved into the open configuration from the closed configuration, the first neck section  18  is drawn upward until the first neck section  18  extends upwardly from the lower jaw  36  and the second neck section  22  is drawn downward until the second neck section  22  extends downwardly from the upper jaw  30 . As the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first cross over section  28  of the first component  12  uncrosses from the second cross over section  34  of the second component  14  such that the first cross over end  54  of the first component  12  is positioned above the first cross over end  66  of the second component  14 . When the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in a closed configuration, the first cross over section  28  of the first component  12  crosses over the second cross over section  34  of the second component  14  and the first cross over end  54  of the first component  12  is located below the first cross over end  66  of the second component  14 . 
     When the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in a closed configuration, the second cross over end  56  of the first component  12  is above the second neck end  64  of the second component  14 . When the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in a closed configuration, the second grip end  60  of the first component  12  is above the first grip end  58  of the first component  12 . When the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in a closed configuration, the first grip end  58  of the first component  12  is above the first grip end  70  of the second component  14 . 
     In various embodiments, clamping tool  10  includes and/or defines a first distance  42  along the longitudinal axis  25  between the rotational axis  11  and the second neck end  52  of the first neck section  18  when the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in the closed configuration. Clamping tool  10  also includes and/or defines a second distance  43  along the longitudinal axis  25  between the second cross over end  56  of the first grip section  28  and a center point  41  at which the first cross over section  28  crosses over the second cross over section  34  when the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in the closed configuration. In various embodiments, the second distance  43  is less than 50% of the first distance  42 , and more specifically second distance  43  is less than 25% of the first distance  42 , or more specifically second distance  43  is equal to 20% of the first distance  42 . 
     Clamping tool  10  also includes and/or defines a third distance  44  that is the entire length of the clamping tool  10  along the longitudinal axis  25  when the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in the closed configuration, and the first distance  42  is at least 25% of the third distance  44 . 
     Clamping tool  10  also includes and/or defines a fourth distance  38  between the first grip end  58  of the first grip section  16  and the second grip end  60  of the first grip section  16  along the longitudinal axis  25  when the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in the closed configuration. Clamping tool  10  also includes and/or defines a fifth distance  45  between the first cross over end  54  of the first grip section  28  and the second cross over end  56  of the first grip section  28  along the longitudinal axis  25  when the upper jaw  30  and the lower jaw  36  are in the closed configuration. 
     In various embodiments, the first distance  42  is at least 50% of the sum of the fourth distance  38  plus the fifth distance  45  (i.e., first distance  42 &gt;=(0.5*(fourth distance  38 +fifth distance  45 ))). In various embodiments, second distance  43  is less than 25% of the fourth distance  38 . 
     In various embodiments, the distance  38  (e.g., the horizontal grip section length) is between approximately 4.5 to 8.5 inches, and more specifically approximately 4.2 inches (107 mm). In various embodiments, the distance  44  (e.g., the overall horizontal length when closed) is between 11 to 16.5 inches, and more specifically is approximately 13 inches (330 mm). The elongated profile of the neck permits the clamping tool  10  to be inserted into narrow spaces. Further, the relatively straight, elongated profile of the neck sections  18 ,  22  permits the neck sections  18 ,  22  to be operated in narrower spaces. Adding length to the first and second neck sections  18 ,  22  increases the distance the first and second grip sections  16 ,  20  must be drawn apart prior to the first and second crossover sections  28 ,  34  uncrossing and beginning to increase the width of the neck profile. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , clamping tool  110  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Clamping tool  110  is substantially the same as clamping tool  10  except for the differences discussed herein. Here the neck sections  118 ,  122  and crossover sections  128 ,  134  are the substantially the same as shown in  FIG.  2   . However, the upper and lower grip sections  116 ,  120  are formed with a different shape. Here, the upper and lower grips  116 ,  120  are formed with a dip  146  only where the respective grip section  116 ,  120  connects to the respective crossover section  128 ,  134 . Additionally, the upper and lower jaws  130 ,  136  include a plurality of versatile gripping zones  152  to support a wider variety of gripping tasks that may require different griping shapes, different level or form of serrations, etc. for maximized gripping performance. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , clamping tool  210  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Clamping tool  210  is substantially the same as clamping tool  10  and clamping tool  110  except for the differences discussed herein. Clamping tool  210  include yet another shape of grip section that may be applied to the crossover handle configuration disclosed herein. Here, upper and lower grip sections  216 ,  220  are shown having a single dip  250  positioned at a generally intermediate location of each grip section  216 ,  220 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , clamping tool  310  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Clamping tool  310  is substantially the same as clamping tool  10  and clamping tool  110  except for the differences discussed herein. Clamping tool  310  include yet another jaw configuration that may be applied to the crossover handle configuration disclosed herein. Here, the lower jaw  336  includes a 45-degree angle of its tip with respect to the horizontal axis  325  of the clamping tool  310 . Though the upper jaw is not shown here, it forms the same angle as lower jaw  336 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , clamping tool  410  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Clamping tool  410  is substantially the same as clamping tool  10  and clamping tool  110  except for the differences discussed herein. Clamping tool  410  is a hose grip pliers and includes yet another jaw configuration that may be applied to the crossover handle configuration disclosed herein. Here, the upper and lower jaws  430 ,  436  together form an opening  438  sized to grip a hose, such as an automotive hose. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , clamping tool  510  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Clamping tool  510  is substantially the same as clamping tool  10  and clamping tool  110  except for the differences discussed herein. Clamping tool  510  includes yet another shape of the grip section that may be applied to the crossover handle configuration disclosed herein. Here, upper and lower grip sections  516 ,  520  are shown respectively having a single dip  550  positioned near an opposite end of the respective grip section  516 ,  520  from the location at which the grip section  516 ,  520  connects to the respective crossover section  528 ,  534 . Additionally, another variation of a versatile gripping zone  552  is shown, to support an even wider variety of gripping tasks. For example, versatile gripping zone  552  can support gripping tasks that require either fine teeth or coarse teeth. Versatile gripping zone  552  can also support gripping tasks the involve pulling small and/or large wires, as well as turning small and/or large nuts. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , an exploded view of the clamping tool  510  is shown. Here, the first handle  512  is shown separated from second handle  514 . In this embodiment, the pivot joint is formed by a rivet  515  configured to rotatably couple the first handle  512  to the second handle  514  upon assembly. Additionally, a pair of grips  517  and  519 , as described above, are shown separated from the rigid base of the respective first and second grip sections  516 ,  520 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , a side view of the clamping tool  510  is shown, with the clamping tool  510  arranged in an open position. Here, the grip portions  516 ,  520  are shown drawn sufficiently far away from one another as to uncross the crossover sections  528 ,  534  from one another, and to cause the neck sections  518 ,  522  to cross over one another and substantially uncross on opposite sides (compared to the closed position shown in  FIGS.  7  and  10   ). When the distal ends of the grip sections  516 ,  520  are drawn apart a distance  554 , jaws  530 ,  536  are separated at an angle C and by distance  556  at their respective distal ends. In the position shown in this embodiment, the distance  554  between the distal ends of the grip sections  516 ,  520  is approximately 8 inches, the distance  556  between the distal ends of the jaws  530 ,  536  is approximately 2 inches, and the separation angle C between the jaws  530 ,  536  is approximately 35 degrees. As shown in  FIG.  9   , the location at which crossover section  528  extends from neck section  518  is spaced apart from the location at which crossover section  534  extends from neck section  522  by a distance  555 . In specific embodiments, distance  555  is equal to distance  556  between the distal ends of jaws  530 ,  536 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 - 14   , a series of rotated side views of the clamping tool  510  are shown, progressing from a closed position ( FIG.  10   ) to open positions in which the jaws  530 ,  536  are separated at their distal ends by a separation distance  531 . Various separation distances are shown in  FIG.  11 - 14   , as the upper and lower jaws  530 ,  536  are drawn open, specifically, separation distance  531  is shown as 0.5 inches ( FIG.  11   ), 1 inch ( FIG.  12   ), 1.5 inches ( FIG.  13   ), and 2 inches ( FIG.  14   ). As this progression occurs, the crossover sections  528 ,  534  uncross from one another, and the neck section  518 ,  522  cross over one another and then again substantially uncross. 
     It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. 
     Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.