Patent Publication Number: US-2023150096-A1

Title: Gripping Hand Tools

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/745,042, filed on Jan. 16, 2020, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2020/013692, filed on Jan. 15, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/793,276 filed on Jan. 16, 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of pliers and wrenches. Pliers typically include two plier members connected through a pivot that allows the upper handle to move a lower jaw and a lower handle to move an upper jaw about the pivot. Pipe wrenches typically include a head with a first set of teeth coupled to a hook jaw with a second set of teeth. Rotation of a thumbwheel moves the first set of teeth relative to the second set of teeth. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to a pair of electricians pliers. The pliers include a first body with an upper handle, a lower jaw coupled to the upper handle, and a first pivot body located between the upper handle and the lower jaw. The pliers include a second body with a lower handle, an upper jaw coupled to the lower handle, and a second pivot body located between the lower handle and the upper jaw. A pivot is formed between the first pivot body and the second pivot body such that the upper jaw pivots relative to the lower jaw about a pivot axis of the pivot. An inner surface of the first pivot body and an inner surface of the second pivot body define a finger hole that receives a user&#39;s finger. The pivot axis is at least partially surrounded by the inner surfaces of the first and second pivot bodies such that the pivot axis is located in the finger hole. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to high leverage pliers. The high leverage pliers include an upper jaw, a lower jaw, an upper handle coupled to the lower jaw, and a lower handle coupled to the upper jaw. A low leverage pivot has a low leverage pin and a low level pivot opening and a high leverage pivot has a high leverage pin and a high level pivot opening. A selector switch allows a user to select between the low leverage pivot and the high leverage pivot by selecting a rotational pivot about either the low leverage pivot or the high leverage pivot. When the low leverage pin passes through the low level pivot opening a low leverage pivot is formed and when the high leverage pin passes through the high leverage opening the rotational pivot is formed about the high leverage pivot. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a pipe wrench that has a handle, a head located on an end of the handle and that forms an aperture. A lower jaw with teeth is coupled to the head. A thumbwheel is located in the aperture and a V-shaped hook jaw has a first set teeth having tips lying in a first engagement plane and a second set of teeth having tips lying in a second engagement plane. The first engagement plane is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the second engagement plane and the hook jaw is threadedly coupled to the thumbwheel and extends through the aperture of the head such that rotating the thumbwheel moves the hook jaw relative to the lower jaw on the head. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to pipe wrenches. Pipe wrenches can include a body having a head forming a lower jaw and a handle. A first set of teeth is coupled to the head to cooperate with a second set of teeth coupled to a hook jaw to grip and rotate a workpiece (e.g., a pipe). The head includes an aperture that receives the hook jaw. A thumbwheel captured between the body and aperture of the pipe wrench is threadedly coupled to the hook jaw such that rotating the thumbwheel moves the hook jaw relative to the lower jaw on the head. Applicant has found that using a V-shaped hook jaw and/or lower jaw increases the gripping force the jaws exert on a workpiece. In addition, use of the pivotable lower jaw reduces the working area between the hook jaw and pivotable lower jaw. The rotation of the pivotable lower jaw increases the compressive forces on the workpiece and increasing the frictional gripping force between the jaws and the workpiece. In some embodiments, the teeth of the hook jaw and/or lower jaw may be coupled and/or formed from carbide steel and/or diamond grit. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to pliers with a front cutout (e.g., lineman&#39;s pliers). The pliers may include a front cutout with axial teeth to grip two or more wires and provide grip in a rotational direction about the central axis of the wires. This configuration enables twisting the wires about one another to form an electrical contact. The front axial teeth and cutout may serve other purposes, such as facilitating the removal of stripped screws. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to selectable high-leverage pliers. Traditional pliers have a 1:1 relationship between handle position and jaw position. High-leverage pliers require more handle movement to achieve the same jaw movement. For example, high-leverage pliers may have a 2:1 relationship, such that opening the handles 30° opens the jaws 15°. Traditional pliers (e.g., with a 1:1 relationship) allow the jaws to open a larger distance (e.g., have a greater working area). High-leverage pliers use mechanical advantage to provide greater compressive force relative to the force applied at the handles. Selectable high-leverage pliers allow a user to select a leverage ratio between two or more ratios. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a pair of pliers. The pliers have an upper handle with a finger hole and a lower jaw and a lower handle with a finger hole and an upper jaw. A finger hole pivot is formed between the upper handle and the lower handle at the finger holes of the upper handle and the lower handle. The upper jaw pivots relative to the lower jaw about the finger hole pivot that is configured to receive a finger of a user to grip the finger hole pivot and extend a finger through the finger hole. 
     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    shows a top view of a pair of electrician&#39;s pliers with a finger hole pivot, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    shows a pipe wrench with a maximized V-grip head and jaw, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    shows a pipe wrench with a pivotable lower jaw, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    shows a pipe wrench with carbide steel teeth, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    shows a pipe wrench with diamond grit teeth, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    shows lineman&#39;s plies with a front cutout for axial teeth, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of selectable high-leverage pliers with a selector switch, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    shows a side view of the selectable high-leverage pliers of  FIG.  7   , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    shows a top view of the head of the selectable high-leverage pliers of  FIG.  7    with the selector switch removed, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    shows an exploded view of the upper jaw and lower handle, the upper handle, and the lower jaw, of the selectable high-leverage pliers of  FIG.  7   , according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of pliers and wrenches are shown. Pliers include wire cutters, lineman&#39;s pliers, and selectable high-leverage pliers. Pliers include a first handle and a first jaw pivotably coupled to a second handle and a second jaw through a first pivot. The pliers include opposing workpiece engagement planes on the first and second jaw. In general, in the embodiments described herein, at least one of the workpiece engagement planes is movably coupled to the associated jaw element allowing relative movement between the workpiece engagement plane and the jaw. 
     Pipe wrenches include a body having a head and a handle. A first set of teeth is coupled (e.g., selectively coupled or fixedly coupled) to the head. The head includes an aperture sized to slidably receive a hook jaw coupled to a second set of teeth (selectively coupled or fixedly coupled). Rotating a thumbwheel that is threadedly coupled to the hook jaw, the second set of teeth move relative to the first set of teeth to cooperate and grip an object, such as a pipe. 
     Applicant has found that replacing a traditional pivot of the handles and jaws of wire cutters improves the ability to grip and rotate the wire cutters. For example, providing a finger hole pivot in wire cutters enables a user to rotate the wire cutters and strip the sheath off wires efficiently. Similarly, providing V-shaped jaws on pipe wrenches improves the gripping force of pipe wrenches on a workpiece by distributing the frictional load through a greater number of teeth. Pivotable jaws pivot to reduce the area between jaws when the wrench is rotated, thus increasing the compression and frictional forces on the workpiece. This increased frictional force reduces slipping of the workpiece in the wrench as the wrench is rotated. Applicant has found that the use of carbide and/or diamond grit teeth improves the durability and wear performance of various pipe wrenches and pliers. 
     Pliers may include axial teeth to provide another gripping direction. For example, axial teeth can grip parallel wires and enhance twisting wires together about the central axis of the pliers. Axial teeth provide enhanced grip in alternative directions and may provide other benefits. 
     Conventional pliers have a 1:1 rotational relationship between handle movement and jaw movement. For example, each degree the handles move (in an opening or closing direction), the jaws move one degree. This ratio allows the jaws to open fully when the handles are fully open but provides no mechanical advantage for compressing the jaws on a workpiece. Applicant has found that by using a leveraged motion, greater compressive forces can be applied to a workpiece. For example, configuring a pivot location so that the handles move two degrees for every degree the jaws move, uses mechanical advantage to increase the clamping force of the jaws. Applicant has found that by allowing a user to select the ratio of movement between the handles and the jaws, a user can selectively choose the leverage based on the application of the pliers. For example, the user can select a lower (e.g., relatively equal) ratio to maximize the distance between the jaws of the pliers. Alternatively, a user can select a higher ratio to maximize the compressive force generated at the jaws. 
       FIG.  1    shows a top view of a pair of electrician&#39;s pliers  10  (e.g., 6-in-1 electrician&#39;s pliers). Pliers  10  include an upper handle  12  coupled to a lower jaw  14  and a lower handle  16  coupled to an upper jaw  18 . A finger hole pivot  20  couples upper handle  12  and lower jaw  14  to lower handle  16  and upper jaw  18 . Pliers  10  also include a locking mechanism  22 , needle-nose gripping tips  24 , and wire strippers  26 . Needle-nose gripping tips  24  may be used to apply pressure in narrow spaces or bend a wire in a desired direction. The wire strippers  26  are configured to house several different gauges of wires within the jaws  14  and  18  to strip the sheath (e.g., plastic) surrounding the wire (e.g., copper) to create electrical contacts, for example, to an adjacent wire. In some embodiments, needle-nose gripping tips  24  form a taper from finger hole pivot  20 . For example, a thickness or width of pliers  10  as measured along a pivot axis  21  ( FIG.  6   ) at finger hole pivot  20  is greater than a thickness of pliers  10  at needle-nose gripping tips  24 . Pivot axis  21  is defined as the axis  21  about which the upper and lower handles  12  and  16  and upper and lower jaws  14  and  18  rotate. In some embodiments, different parts of pliers  10  may include different materials or composites of materials. For example, upper and lower handles  12  and  16  and upper and lower jaws  14  and  18  comprise a carbide steel material and needle-nose gripping tips  24  comprise a diamond grit. 
     Wire strippers use a traditional pivot to couple upper handle  12  and lower jaw  14  to lower handle  16  and upper jaw  18 . Finger hole pivot  20  permits the user&#39;s finger to pass through finger hole pivot  20  of pliers  10 , enhancing the grip on pliers  10  when rotating and stripping wire. This ratio allows upper handle  12  and lower handle  16  to rest in the operator&#39;s palm. This configuration facilitates the wire stripping function of pliers  10 . In addition, pliers  10  can be spun or rotated about the wire (e.g., 90° in both directions) to cut the plastic sheath surrounding the wire. Finger hole pivot  20  allows the operator to grip pliers  10  through the hole while exerting pressure from the palm to the handles  12  and  16  to strip the sheath surrounding the wire. 
     In some embodiments, pliers  10  may have a spring  23  (e.g., under locking mechanism  22 ) that biases handles  12  and  16  and/or jaws  14  and  18  to an open position. In this configuration, an operator may use locking mechanism  22  to lock and rotate pliers  10  about a wire. In some embodiments, the spring may bias the handles towards a closed position to facilitate rotation of pliers  10  about a wire. For example, locking mechanism  22  locks upper and lower handles  12  and  16  relative to each other such that lower and upper jaws  14  and  18  are locked (e.g., in a locked position) and/or are adjacent to one another. Similarly, spring  23  biases upper handle  12  away from lower handle  16  such that lower and upper jaws  14  and  18  pivot to an open position relative to each other. 
     In some embodiments, pliers  10  have first and second bodies  25   a  and  25   b.  First body  25   a  has upper handle  12 , lower jaw  18  which is coupled to upper handle  12  and a first pivot body  27   a  located between upper handle  12  and lower jaw  18 . Second body  25   b  has lower handle  16 , upper jaw  18  coupled to lower handle  16  and a second pivot body  27   b  located between lower handle  16  and upper jaw  18 . Pivot  20  is formed between first and second pivot bodies  25 , such that upper jaw  18  pivots relative to lower jaw  14  about a pivot axis  21  of pivot  20 . An inner surface  29   a  of first pivot body  27   a  and an inner surface  29   b  of second pivot body  27   b  define a finger hole  31  that receives a user&#39;s finger, for example, to grip pliers  10  while stripping a wire. In some embodiments, pivot axis  21  is surrounded, or partially surrounded by inner surfaces  29  of first and/or second pivot bodies  27  such that pivot axis  21  is located in finger hole  31 . As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , inner surfaces  29  of first and second pivot bodies  27  are curved surfaces, such that when lower and upper jaws  14  and  18  are in a closed position (as illustrated), inner surfaces  29  define a circle that defines the outer perimeter of finger hole  31 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a pipe wrench  40  according to one embodiment. The pipe wrench  40  includes a body  42  having a head  44  and a handle  46 . A first or lower jaw  48  forms a V-shape and is coupled (e.g., selectively coupled or fixedly coupled) to head  44 . Head  44  includes an aperture  50  sized to slidably receive a second or hook jaw  52  forming an upper V-shaped jaw  54 . By rotating a thumbwheel  56 , which is threadedly coupled to hook jaw  52 , hook jaw  52  moves relative to lower jaw  48 . In this way, lower jaw  48  cooperates to move relative to the upper V-shaped jaw  54  to grip an object (e.g., a pipe). Lower jaw  48  is formed on head  44  in a V-shape with a front set of teeth  47  and a rear set of teeth  49 . Similarly, the upper V-shaped jaw  54  forms a front set of teeth  53  that are offset from a rear set of teeth  55 . 
     V-shaped hook jaw  54  includes first and second engagement planes  71  and  73 . In some embodiments, V-shaped hook jaw  54  includes additional planar surfaces. Each engagement plane (e.g.,  71  or  73 ) has its own teeth. In the embodiment shown, first engagement plane  71  is approximately the same size as the second engagement plane  73 . 
     In various embodiments, a width W 1  of first engagement plane  71  is within ±10% of a width W 2  of the second engagement plane  73 , specifically, width W 1  is within ±5% of width W 2 . ( FIG.  4   ). Similarly, a length L 1  of first engagement plane  71  is within ±10% a length L 2  of second engagement plane  73 , specifically, length L 1  is within ±5% of length L 2 . Engagement planes  71  and  73  are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to one another. Applicant has found that by using similarly sized engagement planes  71  and  73  oriented at an angle, hook jaw  25  and lower jaw  48  surround more of the pipe, which results in teeth  47 ,  49 ,  53 , and  55  more evenly distributing frictional loads as wrench  40  is moved relative to the pipe. 
     In some embodiments, pipe wrench  40  has a V-shaped configuration on both the head  44  and hook jaw  52 . For example, hook jaw  54  includes first and second engagement planes  71  and  73  and lower jaw includes similar third and fourth engagement planes  75  and  77 . The front sets of teeth  47  and  53  create an oblong or orthogonal angle A 1  with the rear sets of teeth  49  and  55 . For example, the front sets of teeth  47  and  53  (and/or engagement planes  71  and  73  or  75  and  77 ) may form an angle of less than 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 150°, 160°, or 170°. First and second engagement planes  71  and  73  of hook jaw  52  include sets of teeth  53  and  55  that have tips that lying in the engagement planes  71  and  73 . In some embodiments, engagement planes  71  and/or  75  are oriented at a non-zero angles relative to engagement planes  73  and/or  77  respectively. 
     In one embodiment, lower jaw  48  does not include front set of teeth  47 . In this configuration, lower jaw  48  forms a line or curve along head  44  of pipe wrench  40 . When a force is applied to handle  46 , a torque is applied to a workpiece captured between lower jaw  48  and V-shaped jaw  54  of hook jaw  52 . In some embodiments, only the rear set of teeth  49  on lower jaw  48  engage the workpiece. For example, due to the movement of the V-shaped jaw  54  or the compressive force applied to lower jaw  48  when pipe wrench  40  is rotated in a clockwise direction, oriented as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the rear set of teeth  49  engage the workpiece as the handle  46  is rotated. In some embodiments, the forward set of teeth  47  on lower jaw  48  may be eliminated to enlarge the working area between lower jaw  48  and hook jaw  52  and provide the operator more freedom to engage or disengage the workpiece with pipe wrench  40 . The working area is the area between lower jaw  48  and V-shaped jaw  54 . 
       FIG.  3    shows a pipe wrench  60  with a pivotable lower jaw  68 , according to another embodiment. For example, lower jaw  68  is coupled to head  64  by a pivot point  69 , such that lower jaw  68  rotates about pivot  69  located in head  64 . Pipe wrench  60  may have a V-shaped lower jaw  48  and/or an upper V-shaped jaw  54 , as described with reference to  FIG.  2   . Pipe wrench  60  includes a body  62  having a head  64  and a handle  66 . Pivotable lower jaw  68  rotates about a pivot point  69  located on the head  64  and/or body  62  of pipe wrench  60 . An aperture  70  located on head  64  is sized to slidably and/or threadedly receive a hook jaw  72 . Hook jaw  72  moves relative to pivotable lower jaw  68  when a thumbwheel  76  is rotated, threadedly engaging, and moving hook jaw  72  relative to pivotable lower jaw  68 . Working area  74  is the area between the teeth on hook jaw  72  and the teeth on pivotable lower jaw  68 . Pivotable lower jaw  68  reduces working area  74  as pipe wrench  60  is rotated about a workpiece. 
     Pivotable lower jaw  68  pivots to increase the gripping force on a workpiece captured between hook jaw  52  and pivotable lower jaw  68 . As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , when pivotable lower jaw  68  rotates from a forward position to a rearward position (shown in outline), working area  74  between hook jaw  72  and pivotable lower jaw  68  decreases. This movement increases the pressure pivotable lower jaw  68  exerts on the workpiece. The resulting increased friction on the workpiece reduces slipping as the pipe wrench is rotated. Thus, pipe wrench  60  can apply a greater torque on the workpiece without slipping. 
     In some embodiments, as pivotable lower jaw  68  rotates, the upper hook jaw  72  also moves as hook jaw  72  shifts within aperture  70 . This motion further increases the grip of pivotable lower jaw  68  and hook jaw  72  on the workpiece by maximizing the area of the workpiece in contact with the teeth on hook jaw  72 . Working area  74  between pivotable lower jaw  68  and hook jaw  72  decreases as torque is applied to the workpiece because pivotable lower jaw  68  decreases working area  74  more significantly than the shift of hook jaw  72  within aperture  70 . As such, the compressive force exerted on the workpiece is increased as pipe wrench  60  applies torque and reduces working area  74 . The increased compressive force increases the friction on the workpiece and reduces slipping as pipe wrench  60  is rotated. 
       FIG.  4    shows a pipe wrench  80  with carbide steel teeth to increase the hardness and durability of the teeth, according to another embodiment. Pipe wrench  80  is substantially the same as or similar to pipe wrench  40  and  60  as described above except for the differences described. In contrast to the design of pipe wrench  40  and  60 , lower jaw  88  and/or hook jaw  92  comprise, and/or are coupled to carbide teeth. Pliers  10 , discussed above, and/or lineman&#39;s pliers  120  or selectable high-leverage pliers  140 , discussed in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS.  6 - 10   , may also be fitted with carbide teeth. 
     In some embodiments, pipe wrench  80  may have a V-shaped lower jaw  48  and/or hook jaw  52 , as described in reference to  FIG.  2   . In some embodiments, pipe wrench  80  may have a pivotable lower jaw  68 , as described in reference to  FIG.  3   . Pipe wrench  80  includes a body  82  having a head  84  and a handle  86 . A lower jaw  88  includes a first set of teeth  89 . An aperture  90  located on head  84  is sized to slidably and/or threadedly receive a hook jaw  92  with a second set of teeth  95 . The hook jaw  92  moves relative to lower jaw  88  when a thumbwheel  96  is rotated, threadedly engaging and moving the hook jaw  92  relative to lower jaw  88 . Carbide steel teeth  89  and  95  may include laser-welded carbide blades on the lower jaw  68  and hook jaw  92 . In some instances, carbide teeth  89  and  95  are replaceable. For example, a user may replace carbide teeth  89  and  95  without replacing pipe wrench  80 . A pin  87  may connect lower jaw  88  to head  84  of pipe wrench  80  to facilitate rotation and/or replacement of lower jaw  88 . 
       FIG.  5    shows a pipe wrench  100  with diamond grit teeth to increase the hardness and durability of the teeth, according to another embodiment. Pipe wrench  100  is substantially the same as or similar to pipe wrench  40 ,  60 , and  80  as described above except for the differences described. In contrast to the design of pipe wrenches  40 ,  60 , and  80 , lower jaw  108  and hook jaw  112  comprise, and/or are coupled to, diamond grit teeth. Pliers  10 , discussed above, and/or lineman&#39;s pliers  120  or selectable high-leverage pliers  140 , discussed in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS.  6 - 10   , may also be fitted with diamond grit teeth. 
     In some embodiments, pipe wrench  100  may have a V-shaped lower jaw  48  and/or hook jaw  52 , as described in reference to  FIG.  2   . In some embodiments, pipe wrench  100  may have a pivotable lower jaw  68 , as described in reference to  FIG.  3   . Pipe wrench  100  includes a body  102  having a head  104  and a handle  106 . A lower jaw  108  includes a first set of teeth  109 . An aperture  110  located on head  104  is sized to slidably and/or threadedly receive a hook jaw  112  with a second set of teeth  115 . The hook jaw  112  moves relative to lower jaw  108  when a thumbwheel  116  is rotated, threadedly engaging and moving the hook jaw  112  relative to lower jaw  108 . 
     In some embodiments, diamond grit is provided to a surface of lower jaw  108  and/or hook jaw  112 . The engagement planes of lower jaw  108  and hook jaw  112  may have a checkered or milled surface. For example, the surface may be clad with a carbide material (e.g., as described with reference to pipe wrench  80 ) and then milled to create the checkered pattern. This process may result in pyramids of carbide and/or diamond grit on a steel base or frame. 
       FIG.  6    shows a pair of lineman&#39;s pliers  120 , according to an exemplary embodiment. Pliers  120  include an upper handle  122 , a lower handle  124 , an upper jaw  126 , and a lower jaw  128 . Upper handle  122  and lower jaw  128  are coupled to lower handle  124  and upper jaw  126  at a pivot  130 . Pliers  120  include horizontal teeth  132  and a front cutout  135  for axial teeth  134 . Lineman&#39;s pliers  120  may be used in a variety of circumstances, including to twist wires together. Axial teeth  134  facilitate twisting multiple wires together with front axial teeth  134  providing the front cutout  135  with teeth  134  to grip two or more wires. As handles  122  and  124  are rotated, jaws  126  and  128  grip the wires in a rotational direction around the central axis of the pliers  120 . The gripping force causes the wires to twist about one another. For example, the wires may be generally parallel with handles  122  and  124  in a closed position. The front axial teeth  134  provide an area in front of cutout  135  that prevents the wires from being crushed when jaws  126  and  128  are closed. Axial teeth  134  design configuration may be useful in other circumstances, e.g., to remove screws that have had the heads stripped. 
       FIGS.  7 - 10    illustrate a pair of selectable high-leverage pliers  140 , according to an exemplary embodiment. Selectable high-leverage pliers  140  are capable of selectively operating in one of two modes to change the leverage of the pliers  140 . Traditional pliers  140  have a direct  1 : 1  rotational relationship between the handle position (e.g., upper handle  142  relative to lower handle  144 ) and the jaw position (e.g., upper jaw  146  relative to lower jaw  148 ). Such pliers with a 1:1 ratio move jaws  146  and  148  an equal rotational distance as input at handles  142  and/or  144 . For example, if handles  142  and/or  144  of conventional pliers (with a 1:1 rotational relationship) are opened 20°, jaws  146  and  148  also open 20°. High-leverage pliers  140  (e.g., with a 2:1 rotational relationship ratio) do not have a direct rotational relationship between the handle position and the jaw position. As such, high-leverage pliers  140  require more handle movement to achieve the same jaw movement when compared to traditional pliers  140  (e.g., with a 1:1 relationship). For example, opening handles  142  and  144  of high-leverage pliers  140  with a 2:1 rotational relationship by 30° only opens the jaws 15° (e.g., upper jaw  146  and lower jaw  148 ). As such, pliers  140  with a direct 1:1 rotational relationship between handle  142 ,  144  and jaw  146 ,  148  positions may allow jaws  146 ,  148  to open wider than high-leverage pliers  140 , thus creating a larger working area. As described above with reference to  FIG.  3   , the working area is defined as the distance between upper jaw  146  and lower jaw  148  available to grasp a workpiece. Specifically, the working area is defined as the area between the teeth of upper and lower jaws  146  and  148 . 
     High-leverage pliers  140  may have a rotational ratio of 1.25:1, 1.5:1, 1.75:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, 3.5:1, 4:1, 5:1 or more. For example, a high-leverage plier  140  with a 2:1 ratio means that for every 2° of movement of upper handle  142  relative to lower handle  144 , upper jaw  146  moves 1° relative to lower jaw  148 . Similarly, a 1.5:1 ratio means that for every 1.5° of movement at handles  142 ,  144 ; jaws  146 ,  148  move 1°. Similar factors apply for the other ratios. Thus, high-leverage pliers  140  provide greater compressive forces and conventional 1:1 pliers  140  provide greater working areas. In some embodiments, the increased compressive force is a direct multiple of the leverage ratio of high-leverage pliers  140 . A user may want an increased compressive force for one application and a greater working area for another. For example, during a job, the user may find it preferable to have the larger working area of conventional (e.g., 1:1) pliers  140  for a specific application and later find it preferable to have a greater compressive force (e.g., as applied by 2:1 pliers). A user may often need to switch between lower ratio and higher ratio pliers  140 . Applicant has found that providing a selector switch  150  enables the user to select various ratios during the operation of the selectable high-leverage pliers  140 . 
     In conventional pliers, upper handle  142  and lower jaw  148  are part of the same integral piece. High-leverage pliers  140  couple lower jaw  148  to upper handle  142  via a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage translates the movement of handles  142  and  144  into a smaller movement in jaws  146  and  148 , creating the high-leverage ratio. 
     Selectable high-leverage pliers  140  have a selector switch  150  that allows the user to switch between high-leverage pliers  140  (e.g., with a 2.5:1 ratio) and traditional pliers  140  with a 1:1 ratio, easily. In some embodiments, pliers  140  include multiple selectable ratios. For example, selector switch  150  selects or changes a rotational pivot or pivot axis  21  of upper handle  142  relative to lower handle  144 . Selector switch  150  has a low leverage pin  154  associated with a low leverage opening or pivot  166  and a high leverage pin  152  associated with a high leverage pivot  158 . When selector switch  150  selects rotational pivot axis  21  to be about low leverage pivot  158 , low leverage pin  154  passes through low leverage pivot  166 . Similarly, when selector switch  150  selects rotational pivot axis  21  to rotate about high leverage pivot  158 , high leverage pin  152  passes through high leverage pivot  158 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , pliers  140  are shown in the high-leverage position. High-leverage pin  152  is depressed and passes through lower jaw  148 , upper handle  142 , and upper jaw  146 . Low leverage pin  154  (e.g., traditional pin) is elevated and passes through only lower jaw  148 . High-leverage pin  152  is longer than low leverage pin  154 . In other words, selector switch  150  has pushed high-leverage pin  152  through high-leverage pinhole or pivot  158 , so that high-leverage pin  152  rotates through a high-leverage opening or slot  156 . In this configuration, handles  142  and  144  translate jaws  146  and  148  by the selected ratio. 
     When selector switch  150  is reversed (e.g., when low leverage pin  154  is depressed), the high-leverage pin  152  is elevated and passes through only lower jaw  148 . Low leverage pin  154  is depressed and passes through upper handle  142  and lower jaw  148 . In this position, lower jaw  148  and upper handle  142  are coupled together such that they do not move with respect to one another.  FIG.  9    shows a top view of the high-leverage pin  152  and low leverage pin  154  with selector switch  150  removed. Center arm  164  does not move in center slot  162  of lower jaw  148 . Low leverage pin  154  prevents upper handle  142  from moving with respect to lower jaw  148 . Rather, upper handle  142  and lower jaw  148  are joined together and pivot about jaw pivot  160 . 
     The ratios determined by selection of high-leverage pin  152  and/or low leverage pin  154  can be selected from any of the leverage ratios previously described. In one example, low leverage pin  154  creates a 1:1 relationship between the handle movement and the jaw movement and the high-leverage pin creates a 2:1 relationship. Specifically, low leverage pivot  166  provides a 1:1 ratio such that movement of upper handle  142  relative to lower handle through an angle A 2  results in movement of upper jaw  146  relative to lower jaw  148  by the same angle A 2 . Similarly, high leverage pivot  158  provides a 2:1 ratio, such that movement of upper handle  142  relative to lower handle  144  through an angle A 2  results in movement along angle A 3  of upper jaw  126  relative to lower jaw  128  by two times the angle A 2 . 
     In some embodiments, low leverage pin  154  creates a 1.5:1 relationship and the high-leverage pin creates a 3:1 relationship between the handle movement and the jaw movement. Other combinations and ratios may be designed. In addition, selector switch  150  may select more than two positions. For example, selector switch  150  may select a first ratio in a first position, a second ratio in a second position, a third ratio in a third position, a fourth ratio in a fourth position, and so forth. For example, a third leverage pin such as center arm  164  is the same as or similar to high leverage pin  152  and can be associated with a third leverage pivot or central slot  162 , e.g., the same as or similar to pivot  158 . In this case, selector switch  150  selects the rotational pivot axis  21  of handles  142  and  144  among low leverage pivot  166 , high leverage pivot  158 , and third leverage pivot or center arm  164 . In some embodiments, third leverage pivot arm  164  has a leverage ratio that is greater than low leverage pivot  166  and less than high leverage pivot  158 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  7 - 10   , when selector switch  150  is in the high-leverage mode, lower jaw  148  and upper handle  142  move relative to one another. In this configuration, high-leverage pin  152  passes through the high-leverage pivot  158  ( FIG.  10   ) in upper jaw  146  and high-leverage slot  156  in lower jaw  148 . Upper handle  142  pivots relative to upper jaw  146  and lower handle  144  about high-leverage pin  152 . When upper handle  142  is opened, the center arm  164  of upper handle  142  presses against the side of the center slot  162 . Rotation about this point causes lower jaw  148  to pivot about the jaw pivot  160 . As such, upper handle  142  pivots about high-leverage pin  152  and lower jaw  148  pivots about jaw pivot  160 , creating a rotational ratio between the movement of handles  142 ,  144 , and jaws  146 ,  148 . As handles  142 ,  144  open and close, center arm  164  moves within center slot  162  and high-leverage pin  152  moves within the high-leverage slot  156 . 
       FIG.  10    is an exploded view of the components of selectable high-leverage pliers  140 , according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, lower handle  144  and upper jaw  146  form an integral continuous piece. Lower handle  144  and upper jaw  146  piece includes a high-leverage pivot  158  for selectively receiving high-leverage pin  152 . A jaw pivot fastens lower handle  144  upper jaw  146  to upper handle  142  and lower jaw  148 . 
     As shown, upper handle  142  and lower jaw  148  are two separate pieces that are coupled together in various ways to create different ratios in handle movement relative to jaw movement. Upper handle  142  is joined to lower handle  144  upper jaw through the jaw pivot  160  and includes a center arm  164  and a second pinhole or low leverage pivot  166 , configured to receive low leverage pin  154  selectively. In this configuration, when low leverage pivot  166  receives low leverage pin  154 , upper handle  142  and lower jaw  148  are joined at both the jaw pivot  160  and the low leverage pivot  166  and move together as a single piece. As such, lower handle  144  and upper jaw  146  pivot about jaw pivot  160  with upper handle  142  and lower jaw  148  as though upper handle  142  and lower jaw  148  was a single continuous piece (e.g., a 1:1 ratio). As described above, alternative configurations for coupling upper handle  142  and lower jaw  148  may result in different rotational ratios. 
     Lower jaw  148  forms various selectable connections with lower handle  144  upper jaw  146  and upper handle  142  to create different rotational ratios between handles  142 ,  144  and jaws  146 ,  148 . Lower jaw  148  includes a high-leverage slot  156  to receive high-leverage pin  152  which joins with high-leverage pivot  158  on lower handle  144  and/or upper jaw  146 . When high-leverage pin  152  is depressed, high-leverage slot  156  allows translation of pin  152  through slot  156  to increase the compressive force on the workpiece. Center slot  162  receives center arm  164  on upper handle  142  and allows translation of center arm  164  through center slot  162 . Low leverage pivot  166  may selectively receive low leverage pin  154  to join lower jaw  148  to upper handle  142 . In some embodiments, the locations of the pivots relative to the jaws and/or handles defines whether the pivot is a high or low leverage pivot. For example, low leverage pin  154  passes through low leverage pivot  166  located between central arm  164  of selector switch  150  and either upper or lower handle  142  or  144 . Similarly, high leverage pin  152  passes through opening or pivot  160  located between central arm  152  and either upper or lower jaw  142  or  144 . In this configuration, the location of high and low leverage pins  152  and  154  relative to central pin  164  determines which pin  152  or  154  is high leverage relative to other pin  152  or  154 . 
     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 the purpose of description 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. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, 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 used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.