Patent Abstract:
A pliers apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises two arms, two jaws, struts and a switch allowing the apparatus to function as a ratcheting device, pliers and clamps.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a pliers apparatus and more specifically, a pliers apparatus that functions as an all-in-one pliers, ratchet and clamping device. 
     2. Summary of the Invention 
     In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a pliers apparatus comprising a first arm having opposing ends, a first end of the first arm forming a first handle, a second end of the first arm comprising a jaw element, the first arm further comprises an arc situated between the handle and the first jaw element, the first arm comprising a channel; a second arm having opposing ends, a first end of the second arm forming a second handle; a second jaw element pivotally attached to a portion of a second arm, the second arm comprises at least one switch and at least one pawl; and at least one strut having opposing ends, a first end is pivotally attached to a portion of the second arm, and the switch is designed to be activated to thereby engage the pawl with the strut so that it functions as a ratcheting device and locks the first and second jaws, and the switch is designed to be deactivated to thereby allow the pawl to disengage with the strut so that the apparatus functions as pliers. 
     In another embodiment, the second end of the strut comprises a cam, and the cam is designed to be fit within the channel of the first arm of the apparatus. In a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises an insert and the insert may be a cam, roller or any equivalent. In other further embodiments, the insert may be placed into the strut, the handle, the jaws or combinations thereof. In still another embodiment, the first jaw element has a first contact surface. In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the first contact surface comprises a plurality of teeth. 
     In still yet another embodiment, the arc forms a radius from about 40 degrees to about 140 degrees. In other embodiments, the arc may be on the strut, either handle (stationary or movable) or on both. In a further embodiment, the first jaw element is generally perpendicular to said first arm. In still a further embodiment, the arc has a width from about 5% to about 80% thinner than the rest of the second end of the first arm. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the second jaw element has a second contact surface. In still yet a further embodiment, at least a portion of the second contact surface comprises a plurality of teeth. In another further embodiment, the first and second jaw elements are moved by squeezing the first and second handles. 
     In another embodiment, the switch has at least one spring. In yet another embodiment, the second arm has at least one spring. In still another embodiment, the jaw element is a fixed jaw. In another further embodiment, the roller comprises at least one protrusion. In still yet a further embodiment, the roller travels within the channel when the jaw elements contact one another. In another embodiment, the strut has a plurality of teeth that interact with the pawl. 
     In still yet another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one shoe designed to assist in having the jaw members close parallel to another to provide a tight grip. In a further embodiment, the cam functions as a pawl catch. In another further embodiment, the cam is a roller. In still yet a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least two sleeves designed to cover the handles. In another embodiment, the cam comprises a cavity for receiving a cam spring. 
     In still yet another embodiment, the present invention provides for a pliers apparatus comprising a first arm having opposing ends, a first end of the first arm forming a first handle, a second end of the first arm comprising a jaw element, the first arm comprising a channel; a second arm having opposing ends, a first end of the second arm forming a second handle; a second jaw element pivotally attached to a portion of a second arm, the second arm comprising at least one switch and at least one pawl; and at least one strut having opposing ends, a first end of the strut is pivotally attached to a portion of the second arm, a second end of the strut has a cam, the cam is designed to be fit within the channel of the first arm, the switch is designed to be activated to thereby engage the pawl with the strut so that it functions as a ratcheting device and locks the first and second jaws, the switch is designed to be deactivated to thereby allow the pawl to disengage with the strut so that the apparatus functions as pliers. 
     In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a pliers apparatus comprising a first arm having opposing ends, a first end of the first arm forming a first handle, a second end of the first arm comprising a jaw element, the first arm further comprising an arc situated between the handle and the first jaw element, the first arm comprising a channel; a second arm having opposing ends, a first end of the second arm forming a second handle; a second jaw element pivot ally attached to a portion of a second arm, the second arm comprising at least one switch and at least one pawl; and at least one strut having opposing ends, a first end being pivotally attached to a portion of the second arm, a second end of the strut has a cam, the cam is designed to be fit within the channel of the first arm, the switch is designed to be activated to thereby engage the pawl with the strut so that it functions as a ratcheting device and locks the first and second jaws, the switch is designed to be deactivated to thereby allow the pawl to disengage with the strut so that the apparatus functions as pliers, wherein the first and second jaw elements are moved and contact one another by squeezing the first and second handles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention. These drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of pliers of the present invention in a closed position; 
         FIG. 2  is a cutaway view of the pliers of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cutaway view of the fixed jaw of the pliers; 
         FIG. 4  is a cutaway view of the internals of the pliers; 
         FIG. 5  is a cutaway view of the internals and the strut of the pliers; 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the pliers engaging a bolt; 
         FIG. 7  is a side perspective of the pliers showing a cutaway of the jaws; 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of the pliers gripping a pipe; 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the pliers utilized as a clamping device; 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of the pliers utilized as a clamping device with a cutaway view of the handle; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the jaw elements; 
         FIG. 12  is another perspective view of the jaw elements; and 
         FIG. 13  is side view of corresponding fixed jaw elements. 
     
    
    
     Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a set of sprung grip pliers  1 , the pliers  1  are at rest. 
       FIG.4  shows a side view of the first jaw or fixed jaw  201  with a section removed in order to illustrate one of the fixing methods of the jaw  201  upon the clamp bar portion  301  of the first handle or fixed handle  400 . Although many differing types of attachment could be utilised, the example shown is one method with normal Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) is used. The attachment portion  306  of the clamp bar  301  takes the profile of a split prong  306  which is fitted within the fixed jaw abutment aperture  214  whereby the fixed jaw abutment faces  215  abut the fixed handle abutment faces  305 . The aperture  214  diverges slightly from abutment faces  215 ,  305  such that when an appropriately angled barbed wedge  216  is competently driven into the tapered gap  308  of the split prong  306  the split prong  306  usefully deforms into a robust wedge shape substantially gripping and affixing the fixed jaw  200  upon the fixed handle  400 . The base  307  of the split prong tapered gap  308  has a circular profiled  307  in order to prevent stress fatigue during use. 
     The resiliently sprung ratchet cam  207  is further illustrated within its cavity  212 . The cam is resiliently biased into the outward position shown by a compression spring  210 , acting within a bore  213  against an optional push rod  211 . The cam  207  can usefully rotate around its pivot  209  against the tension of the spring  210 , whereas the cam  207  can be easily urged into its corresponding recess  212  when required to do so. The tolerance between the pivot pin  209  and its bore  217  is chosen such as to ensure that when force is applied during use to the cam gripping profile  208  the force is substantially transmitted by the abutment of the cam radius  218  against the corresponding recess radius  219 , thereby preventing undue forces upon the pivot shaft  209 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrates the lock/unlock or changeover portion  500  whereas the mechanism can be set to allow the first or fixed  300  and the second or moving  400  handles to either move freely relative to one another when utilised or be conveniently locked in their last operated position. 
     The actuator  501  is manually positioned to the required operative location,  FIG. 4  illustrates the switch  501  in the locking position L whereas the push rod  502  urged by the actuator spring  503  acts upon the swivel lock  505  actuation recess locking portion  510  in order to resiliently rotate the lock  505  around its swivel axle  506  such that the lock teeth  508  are resiliently positioned such as to usefully robustly engage with the corresponding pivotal link  70  toothed portion  71  as required. As the handles  307 ,  401  are closed relative to one another, the gripping force applied between the first jaw  201  and second jaw  202  is progressively increased usefully allowing the operator to conveniently apply the correct gripping force for the particular job encountered. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5  when the switch  501  is rotated into the unlock U position the push rod  502  resiliently acts upon the actuating recess unlocking portion  511  resiliently rotating the pawl or locking pawl  505  into the unlocked or open position U whereas its teeth  508  are completely disengaged from the pivotal strut teeth  71 . As the teeth  71 ,  508  are saw like in profile the gripping portions  309 ,  401  need to be squeezed to finally release the locking mechanism  500  usefully providing a further safety lock. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a partially activated set of clamp pliers  1  the handles  300 ,  400  having been closed or alternately locked part way until the jaws  201 ,  202  gripping profiles  309 ,  401  abut the periphery of the fastener  90 ,  92  to be operated. When the handles are operated in the drive D direction the resilient ratchet cams  207  act on the operated fastener  90 , within its physical limitations and dependant on the size/profile of the fastener or workpiece  90 ,  92  the cam  207  protrudes out its recess  212  resiliently propelled by their cam springs  210  until they are abutting the surface of the workpiece  90 ,  92 . As further shown in  FIG. 6  when the pliers  1  are rotated in the drive D direction the cams  207  tighten T upon the workpiece  90 ,  92  as the elliptical gripping profiles  208  of the cams lessen the gap between pair of cams  207  as they rotate around their pivots  209  thus usefully improving the cam&#39;s  207  grip upon the fastener  90 ,  92  worked. 
       FIG. 7  shows the tool  1  being actuated in the reverse direction R whereby the cams  207  are suitably withdrawn W into their cavities  212  by the workpiece  90 ′s extremities revolving against the cams  207  against the tension of their springs  210 . 
       FIGS. 9 &amp; 10  illustrate the sprung clamp pliers  1  wherein the tool  1  can be further usefully utilised as a clamping device. There are a myriad of reasons for using such a device from clamping and gripping in order to turn a fastener  90 , especially a worn or damaged one to clamping two pieces of metal  93  together prior to welding them. The common failing in the prior art devices is if the clamped object or objects were to reduce their clamp width even slightly for whatever reason the solid grip imparted by these prior art devices would result in the failure of the devices ability to sustain further grip upon the objects. 
     In order to overcome these failings, the present device  1  deliberately incorporates an extremely strong method of resiliently closing or further resiliently locking closed the tools  1  grip via its jaws  201 , 202  of the worked objects. 
     In one example, the resilient portion  310  is incorporated into the fixed handle  300  between the gripping portion  309  and the clamp bar  301 , the resilient portion  310  could also or further be incorporated into the pivotal link  70  or moving handle  400 . The profile, material and thickness of the clamp resilient portion  310  is carefully chosen in order to provide a repeatable resilience with the least chance of stress cracking during repeated use. The profile is preferably a slow curve or arc  310  in the direction of the closing handle  300 , 400  force. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 4  in order to provide a method of adjusting the clamping pressure exerted by the jaws  201 ,  202  the pivotal link  70  is rotatable around its axle pin  506  when the handles  300 ,  400  are clenched closing the jaws  201 ,  202  upon the workpiece  90  etc. As the handles  300 ,  400  are further activated the moving handle  400  pivots around its pivot pin  60  and the roller pin  62  fitted on the strut  70  extremity rolls down fixed handle  300  roller surface  304  guided within the channel or sliding slot  311 . The pivotal link teeth  71  “ratchet” over the corresponding teeth  508  on the sprung  503  swivel lock  505  according to the closing pressure C applied. When the operator has reached the level of clamping C required and releases the applied grip C from the handle grips  309 ,  401  the ratchet teeth  71 ,  508  engage in a locking manner. The flex induced within the living spring portion  310  and clamping the jaws  201 ,  202  upon the clamped parts  93  is retained by the angle of the link  70  and the roller pins  62  engagement within the sliding slot  311 . The arc  310 , link  70 , inner portion of the moving handle  400  and the moving jaw elongate portion  204  form a somewhat rhombus like frame wherein the tension can be retained for the purposes of placing the jaws  201 ,  202  under useful resilient gripping tension. If the clamped parts  93  were subjected to movement or vibration which would defeat the fixed clamping effect of prior art devices the present device  1  would still retain its grip albeit a lesser one. 
       FIGS. 11 &amp; 12  illustrates the jaws  201 ,  202  wherein the jaws  201 ,  202  are split lengthwise in order that they can be metal moulded preferably by the High Pressure Moulding method a novel method of 2D or open and shut injection moulding of a metal particle and plasticiser mix at extremely high pressure, with if required further treatment in a vacuum oven. This method is approximately around 30% less expensive than existing metal moulding (MIM) methods. 
     Splitting the jaws  201 ,  202  into at least two parts  201   a ,  201   b ,  202   a ,  202   b  allows the inner cavities  212  to be easier formed and far more complex than otherwise could be manufacturable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13  the fixed jaw  201  attachment to the fixed handle  300  can further be made by corresponding fixed jaw attachment profiles  221  and handle profiles  312 . Further riveted jaw pins  75  can be utilised within their attachment pin holes  313  to help mechanically secure the jaws  201 ,  202  as required. 
     Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the attendant claims attached hereto, this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1