Patent ID: 6948351

Claim:
Tongs comprising a four link mechanism ( 12 , 20 , 22 , 30 ) wherein the links are pivotally connected together by means of parallel pivot joints ( 23 ′, 24 ′, 31 ′, 32 ′) wherein the link mechanism includes two mutually connected links ( 20 , 30 ) which define therebetween an angle that approaches 180° at a closing end position of the tongs, and wherein the length of one ( 30 ) of said two links is adjustable, characterized in that the length adjustable link ( 30 ) includes two parts that are moveable in the longitudinal direction of the link, wherein the first ( 36 ) of said parts includes a slot ( 51 ) for guiding a pivot shaft ( 31 ) carried by said second part ( 70 ) and belonging to the pivot joint of the adjustable link ( 30 ), and wherein the pivot shaft ( 31 ) carries a rounded body ( 50 ) that has mutually discrete first formations disposed around its periphery, said formations being located at mutually different distances from the pivot shaft ( 31 ) about which the second part ( 70 ) is rotatable; and in that the first part ( 36 ) includes on the longitudinal axis of the length adjustable link ( 30 ) a second formation ( 38 ) that is generally complimentary to the first formations ( 33 ) for engagement with one of said formations.