Abstract:
An apparatus for temporarily securing an object includes a first jaw that includes a needle-nose shape that is less than three-eight&#39;s of an inch thick and an opposite second jaw that includes a shape that resembles a letter “C” and has a throat depth that exceeds one inch. The first jaw includes a plurality of serrations along an inner surface for a predetermined longitudinal length. A clamping embodiment and two non-clamping embodiments are described.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention, in general, relates to devices that are adapted to clamp two objects together and, more particularly, to pliers. 
     Many types of pliers and clamps are known and are used to solve a variety of problems. Some have deep throats to fit around objects and some have small thin noses for working in tight quarters. 
     Some are adjustable, (i.e., channel lock pliers) and some are adapted to lock in a closed position (i.e., VICE-GRIP™ types of pliers. 
     However, there exists at least one application for which no existing tool is satisfactory. When assembling metal studs used for building construction, these metal studs fit into a track and are then screwed in position. It is necessary to first secure the metal stud in the desired position and attitude (i.e., vertical) to the track before fastening it thereto. 
     It is necessary for such a tool to have a deep throat to allow passage around the stud on one end and it is also necessary to have an especially thin nose on the opposite side to fit into a tight space. The thin nose binds against the track and it is therefore necessary that the thin nose include some friction enhancing method so that it resists movement during use. It is preferable that the pliers be adapted to lock in position as well. 
     Accordingly, there exists today a need for combination pliers that are adapted to fit in tight quarters on one side thereof (i.e., one jaw) and which are adapted to extend around an object on the opposite side (i.e., opposing jaw). 
     Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Pliers are, in general, known. For example, the following patents describe various types of these devices: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,466 to Cameron, Sep. 24, 1991; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,937,677 to McIlwain, May 24, 1960; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,894,547 to Lampe, Jul. 14, 1959; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,731,932 to Petersen, Jan. 24, 1956; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,362,707 to Malmquist, Nov. 14, 1944; and 
     U.S. Design Pat. No. 199,039 to Bolinger, Jr., Sep. 1, 1964. 
     While the structural arrangements of the above described devices, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide combination pliers that are adapted to fit in a tight space on one side and to encompass an object on the opposite side. 
     It is also an important object of the invention to provide combination pliers that include a first jaw that includes a needle nose and a second opposite jaw that includes a deep throat. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide combination pliers that include a first jaw that includes a needle nose and a second opposite jaw that includes a C-clamp type of shape. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide combination pliers that include a first jaw that includes a needle nose with a serrated inner surface and a second opposite jaw that includes a deep throat. 
     Still yet another object of the invention is to provide combination pliers that include a first jaw that includes a needle nose and a second opposite jaw that includes a deep throat and is adapted to lock in a closed position. 
     Yet another important object of the invention is to provide combination pliers that include a first jaw that includes a needle nose and a second opposite jaw that includes a deep throat that is adjustable in its opening size. 
     Briefly, a combination pliers apparatus for use in clamping or securing two objects together that, is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a first jaw that includes a needle nose and a second opposite jaw that includes a deep throat. The first jaw includes a serrated inner surface to increase friction. The combination pliers preferably are adapted to releasably lock in a closed position. According to a first modification, a first modified combination pliers includes the above jaw elements and an adjustable opening size in a channel-lock configuration and according to a second modification, a second modified combination pliers includes the above jaw elements in a standard pliers configuration. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of the preferred combination pliers in a locking, VICE-GRIP™ configuration. 
     FIG. 2 is a first modified combination pliers in a channel-lock configuration. 
     FIG. 3 is a second modified combination pliers in a standard pliers configuration. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to all of the drawings and in particular now to FIG. 1 is shown, a combination pliers, identified in general by the reference numeral  10 . 
     The pliers  10  include a first jaw  12  that includes a needle nose  13 . The first jaw  12  includes serrations  14  on an inside surface to increase friction, and therefore gripping ability. 
     The first jaw  12  does not include a depth from the serrations  14  to the side opposite the serrations  14  that is greater than three-eight&#39;s of an inch. 
     A second jaw  16  is adapted to pivot about a first axis  18  with respect to the first jaw  12  from an open position (shown) into a closed position in which a tip  20  bears against a portion of the serrations  14  (dashed lines). 
     Note that the serrations  14  extend for a greater distance than the area of contact afforded by the tip  20 , which makes for contact to occur primarily near the needle nose  13  end of the first jaw  12 . The greater length of serrations  14  improves the ability of the pliers  10  to retain its position during use (i.e., when closed). 
     A pivoting handle  22  pivots about a second axis  24  and urges a member  26  toward an opposite handle  28 . The member  26  is retained in a groove in the opposite handle  28  where it can extend or retract longitudinally to adjust the opening (i.e., the distance) intermediate the first jaw  12  and the second jaw  16  as required to secure different thickness objects there-between. 
     The opposite handle  28  is attached to the first jaw  12 . The second axis  24  is provided through the second jaw  16 . An adjustment screw  30  extends out of the opposite handle  28  at an end thereof that is distally disposed with respect to the first jaw  12 . The member  26  pivots about a third pivot axis  32  that is attached to the pivot handle  22 . 
     The adjustment screw  30  limits the travel of the member  26  in a direction that is away from the first jaw  12 . The member  26  is urged away from the first jaw  12  when the pliers  10  are used to clamp an object. Accordingly, the member  26  limits motion in this direction thereby ensuring that pressure is applied to urge the first and second jaws  12 ,  16  toward each other sufficient to grasp the object there-between. 
     In use, the adjustment screw  30  is adjusted to accommodate the thickness of the object and the pressure that is desired. The first jaw  12  is placed around the object where space is limited and the second jaw  16  is used to pass over and around a portion of the object that would otherwise be in the way. A remaining portion of the object is contacted by the second jaw  16  and retained in position proximate the first and second jaws  12 ,  16  when the pivot handle  22  is urged toward the opposite handle  28 . The deep throat of the second jaw  16  is at least one inch deep from the tip  20  to a bottom portion  21  thereof. 
     During clamping, the location of the third pivot axis  32  changes so that the third pivot axis  32  is disposed inside of a line intermediate the second pivot axis  24  and an end of the member  26  that is opposite the third pivot axis  32 . This then secures the pliers  10  in a closed or locked position until a separating force is used to separate the handles  22 ,  28  apart from each other. 
     The serrations  14  are important for the primary purpose of the tool where the object includes a metal stud (not shown). The metal stud is inherently slippery and the serrations bite into the stud when the pliers  10  are closed (i.e., locked) to secure the pliers  10  to the stud and of course the stud in position, typically in a track. 
     The second jaw  16  includes a deep throat area  34  that resembles a “C-clamp” in appearance and is used to extend around the main body of the stud or track as desired. 
     Referring now primarily to FIG. 2, a first modified combination pliers  50  includes a modified first jaw  52  that includes the thin needle nose configuration of the first jaw  12  as described hereinabove and an opposing modified second jaw  54  that includes the deep throat C-clamp configuration of the second jaw  16  as described hereinabove. 
     A well known adjustable channel lock arrangement is shown that includes a longitudinal channel  56  and a plurality of arcuate grooves  58  in a first modified handle portion  60  to which the modified first jaw  52  is attached. 
     A second modified handle portion  62  is adapted to cooperate with the grooves  58  and channel  56  to allow the two modified jaws  52 ,  54  to pivot about an adjustable pivot axis  64  to or away from each other. 
     When the modified handles  60 ,  62  are fully opened, the particular groove  58  that is used is changed as the second modified handle portion  62  is moved along the channel  56 . When the modified handles  60 ,  62  are partially closed, the position is maintained. 
     Applying a pressure to urge the modified handles  60 ,  62  toward each other urges the modified jaws  52 ,  54  toward each other. The object is placed there-between and secured by the serrations  14  and by the pressure intermediate the modified jaws  52 ,  54  for as long as pressure is applied to the modified handles  60 ,  62 . 
     Accordingly, an adjustable opening size intermediate the two modified jaws  52   54  is provided in a channel-lock type of configuration. 
     Referring now primarily to FIG. 3, a second modified combination pliers  100  includes a modified second jaw  102  that includes the thin needle nose configuration of the first jaw  12  as described hereinabove and an opposing modified jaw  104  that includes the deep throat C-clamp configuration of the second jaw  16  as described hereinabove. 
     The second modified combination pliers  100  includes a standard pliers type of a configuration with the new jaw  102 ,  104  elements added thereto to provide an additional alternate embodiment that is useful and typically less expensive than the embodiments previously described. Accordingly, it is suitable for certain applications and also for less frequent use. 
     The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.