Patent ID: 7992470

Claim:
An adjustable gripping tool for engaging a work piece to impart work thereto, the tool comprising: (a) a first element and a second element connected for relative movement which generates movement of at least one gripping element; (b) the first element including a gripping portion configured to engage the work piece including at least one guide defined in the gripping portion and said at least one gripping element; (c) each at least one gripping element including a body portion adapted for engaging the work piece, an arm portion configured to engage one said at least one guide and a force transfer element contiguous with the arm portion; (d) the second element including an actuation portion having at least one slot therein, each said at least one slot having a first section configured to engage the force transfer element of one said at least one gripping element, such that movement of the second element with respect to the first element actuates each at least one first section to contact and move each respective force transfer element thereby actuating each said at least one gripping element along respective said at least one guide, wherein the first element further includes at least one aligning element such that each said at least one aligning element is disposed between an adjacent pair of guides and extends parallel to the force transfer elements.