MXPA96006551A

MXPA96006551A - Manual hand tool opposite with mangocompue

Info

Publication number: MXPA96006551A
Application number: MXPA/A/1996/006551A
Authority: MX
Inventors: A Sorensen Joseph; M Chervenak Thomas
Original assignee: Petersen Manufacturing Co Inc
Priority date: 1994-06-17
Filing date: 1995-06-17
Publication date: 1997-12-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hand tool of opposite handles, comprising: first and second handles, each comprising a respective handle coupling surface and a respective workpiece coupling surface; a pivot joint interconnecting the first and second handles, the pivot joint positioned to oppose the hand engaging surfaces, to be held by a user and to oppose the workpiece coupling surfaces to apply forces to a workpiece; handle comprising two separate, generally parallel plates placed one along the other, a jaw positioned adjacent to the plates to score the plates, and a molded plastic element formed around at least a portion of the plates; separate, generally parallel, extending up to the pivot joint, the molded plastic element forming at least a portion of the hand-engaging surface of the first handle, the jaw that forms at least a portion of the workpiece engaging surface of the first handle, the plates that provide greater bending strength to the first handle adjacent to the mating surface from the hand of the first man

Description

MANUAL HAND TOOL OPPOSITE WITH COMPOUND HANDLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 This invention relates to hand tools of opposite shanks, and in particular to these tools with improved shanks. Hand tools with conventional opposite handles, such as clamps, typically ~ "have handles formed from stamped metal parts.These handles are strong and reliable, and it has been found that they are generally suitable for a wide range of applications.However, stamped metal parts are limited in the range of shapes of the handles that can be provided an effective way by 'the cost. It would be convenient if there were effective approaches for the cost to manufacture ergonomically configured handles for those hand tools. Hand tools with opposite handles, such as hand scissors, have used metal handles emptied in the past. These handles provide adequate strength and because they are emptied, the shape of the handle can be easily adapted for the application. However, these cast metal handles are relatively expensive and heavy in many applications. It would also be It is convenient if the limitations of the empty metal handles for these tools could be eliminated.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention, a manual tool of opposite shanks comprising first and second shanks is provided. Each of the handles has a mating surface of the hand, and a mating surface of the workpiece. A pivot joint interconnects the first and second handles, so that the mating surfaces of the hand are opposed to be held by a user, and the mating surfaces of the workpiece are opposite to apply forces to a workpiece. job. The first handle comprises two separate plates, generally parallel, placed one along the other, a jaw positioned adjacent the plates for bridging the plates, and a molded plastic element formed around at least a portion of the plates. The molded plastic element forms at least a portion of the hand engaging surface of the first handle, and the jaw forms at least a portion of the mating surface of the workpiece of the first handle. The plates provide greater resistance to bending the first handle. This invention allows a hand tool with an ergonomically formed handle to be provided, while still providing adequate strength in an effective manner at cost. The plates provide greater resistance to bending to the handle, while the molded plastic element allows the engagement surface of the hand to be shaped as desired at a low cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side view of a fixing clamp incorporating a first preferred embodiment of this invention. Figure 2 is a top view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a bottom view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a view in cross-section taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a perspective view separated in parts showing portions of the fixing clips of Figure 1 at an intermediate step of manufacture. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view in the plane of Figure 6, after the operation has been completed. of plastic molding. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7. Figure 10 is a sectional view cross section taken along line 10-10 of Figure 3 showing a selected element of the fixing clips of Figure 3. Figure 11 is a perspective view separated into parts of the metal components of a suitable handle for use in a second preferred embodiment of this invention. Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a handle using the components of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CURRENTLY PREFERRED MODALITIES Turning now to the drawings, Figures 1 to 10 refer to a manual tool of opposite handles 10 incorporating a first preferred embodiment of this invention.

In this embodiment, the hand tool 10 is of fixing clamps. The hand tool 10 includes first and second handles 12, 14 (Figure 1). The first handle 12 defines a hand engaging surface 16 and a mating surface of the work piece 20. The second handle 14 defines a second hand engaging surface 18 and a second work piece engaging surface. 22. A pivot joint 24 interconnects the first and second handles 12 and 14, such that the mating surfaces of the hand 16, 18 are opposite to be held by a user, and the mating surfaces of the workpiece 20, 22 are opposite to engage a work piece (Figure 4). As best shown in Figure 5, the handle 12 includes two separate parallel plates 26 located one along the other. The plates 26 each define an aperture 28, a pivot pin opening 30, and a set of pierced holes 32. In this embodiment, the plates 26 are of a flat configuration and are easily stamped from a plate material. metallic The first handle 12 also includes a first jaw 34 which in this embodiment is preferably formed as a forge. The jaw 34 includes a pair of opposing protuberances 36, each configured to comfortably fit within a respective opening of the openings 28. The jaw 34 also defines a serrated surface 38 and a wire cutting surface 40, which together form the first surface coupling with the work piece 20.

The first handle 12 also includes a molded plastic element 42 (Figure 7 to 9) that is molded around the plates 26, and a portion of the jaw 34. The molded plastic member 42 defines a threaded hole 44 at one end, a recess 46 in the region of the pivot joint 24, and a recess 48 between the plates (Figure 4). If desired, the threaded hole can be formed in a metal part, such as a threaded collar or a nut molded into the plastic element 42. As described below, the plates 26 and the jaw 34 (FIG. 4) of FIG. Preferably they are molded into an insert in the molded plastic element 42, and the molded plastic element 42 fills the pierced holes 32, and holds the entire assembly together. The molded plastic element 42 forms the first engagement surface with the hand 16 of the first handle 12. As best shown in Figures 1 and 4, the second handle 14 includes a second jaw 50 which in this embodiment is also a forge with a toothed surface 52 and a wire cutting surface 54, which forms the second engagement surface with the workpiece 22. The second jaw 50 fits between the plates 26 in the recess 46, and defines an opening that receives a pin of pivot 56, such that the second jaw 50 is pivotably mounted on the first handle 12 by the pivot pin 56.

A clamping lever 58 is pivotably mounted on the second jaw 50 by a pivot pin 64. This clamping lever 58 includes two parallel parallel metal plates 60, which are molded into an insert within a molded plastic element 62 (FIG. 10). A post arrow 66 is provided as shown in Figure 4, and the post arrow 66 is preferably formed of stamped metal. Alternatively, the post arrow 66 can be molded from a suitable thermoplastic material. The post arrow 66 is pivotably attached to the clamping lever 58 by a pivot pin 68. The post arrow 66 fits between the plates 60 (not shown in Figure 4, but placed above and below the plane of the Figure 4, extending between the bolts 64, 68, and defining an opening for receiving the pivot pin 68. The free end 70 of the post arrow 66 rests on an adjusting screw 72 received in the threaded hole 44 of the plastic element. molding 42. The rotation of the adjusting screw 72 in the threaded hole 44, adjusts the position of the free end 70 of the post arrow 66, and therefore, the position of the second jaw 50 with respect to the first jaw 34, when the second handle 14 is closed. The second jaw 50, the clamping lever 58, the post arrow 66, and the adjusting screw 72, form a safety link on the center, similar to that used in the fixing clamps. conventional A release lever 74 is provided which can be formed as a molded thermoplastic element. The release lever 74 is pivotably mounted to the clamping lever 58 by a pivot bolt 76. The release lever 74 is configured in such a manner as to prevent rotation in the clockwise direction of the release lever 74. with respect to the locking lever 58, from the position of Figure 4. However, rotation in the counterclockwise direction of the release lever 74 from the position of Figure 4, moves the pin of pivot 76 moving away from the arrow of post 66, to release the fixing link on the center. The external surfaces of the release lever 74 and the locking lever 58 form the second engagement surfaces with the hand 18. A spring 78 engages between the second jaw 50 and the handle 12 to force the second jaw 50 to open. Figures 5 to 7 provide further details of the preferred method for forming the first handle 12. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the plates 26 move first to the position on the jaw 34, with the jaw protuberances 36 received in the openings 28. This assembly is then used as an insert in an insert molding operation, which forms the molded plastic element 42 around the plates 26, and a portion of the jaw 34 (Figure 7). The plates 36 are mechanically interlocked, and therefore, they engage with the jaw 34 by the protuberances 36 and the openings 28. In this way, the plates 26 provide excellent resistance to bending the handle 12. The plastic element 42 is molded, and consequently, a desired ergonomic shape can be easily provided. Figures 11 to 13 refer to a handle 100 for a second preferred embodiment of this invention. This handle 100 is adapted for use in tweezers such as fastening clips, and includes a hand engaging surface 102 and a workpiece engaging surface 104. The handle 100 defines a traversed opening 106 for a pivot pin. (not shown) used to connect the handle 100 to another handle (not shown), which may be similar to the handle 14 of Figure 1. The handle 100 includes two separate parallel plates 108, each of which is provided with holes 110 (Figure 11). A molded plastic element 112 is formed around the plates 108. The handle 100 includes a jaw 114 that includes a fastener 116 extending between the plates 108. The fastener 116 is configured in such a way that the molded plastic element 112 ensures the jaw 114 in the handle 100. The jaw 114 rests on the plates 108 to transmit compression loads to the plates 108. The handle 100 differs in a significant way from the handle 12 described above, in which the handle plates 108 are extend on both sides of the opening 106 for the pivot pin (not shown) to a substantial degree. In contrast, the plates 26 of the tool 10 do not extend substantially to the jaw side of the pivot joint 24, but instead mechanically engage the jaw 34 on the same side of the pivot joint 24 that the mating surface of the hand 16. The tools described above provide important advantages. The handles can be ergonomically configured, and an elastomer can be easily molded or bonded on the plastic of the handles to provide a greater degree of comfort to the user. All metal parts can be formed of stainless steel if desired, thus reducing or eliminating the requirements for plating. The tools described above provide this benefit in an effective manner for the cost. Of course, it should be understood that a wide range of changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments described above. For example, this invention can be easily adapted to other types of hand tools of opposite handles, such as other types of tweezers, wire cutters, scissors, curling tools, and the like. Also, other types of pivot joints can be used, such as composite pivot joints of the type commonly used in aviation scissors, and arched channel pivot joints and arched flanges. Additionally, it is not essential in all applications that the plates be formed as separate discrete elements. Instead, if desired, an element of a single "piece defining the two plates, and including a tissue interconnecting the two plates can be provided, the plates do not have to be precisely parallel, and the term" In addition, the materials can vary widely.A wide range of thermoplastic and thermoplastic plastics can be used, with or without materials from which the plates are spaced a little more closely at one end than the other. reinforcement, such as glass or carbon fibers, and with or without setting agents, such as epoxy When the invention is applied to fixation forceps, a wide variety of fixation bonds may be used, including other types of arrows Such an approach can eliminate the need for a set screw in the handle. types of release mechanisms, such as the release lever of conventional clamps. Simply by way of example, the following information is provided to more broadly define the best mode of this invention. The plates 26, 108 can be stamped from a suitable metal, such as an alloy or stainless steel, in a thickness of approximately 1,574 millimeters. The jaws 34, 50, 114 can be formed of a suitable metal, such as an alloy or stainless steel, and can be veneered if desired. The molded plastic elements 42, 62, 112 can be formed of a material such as a glass reinforced nylon, although of course other materials are suitable. It should be noted from the foregoing, that an improved handpiece of opposed handles has been described which combines the ergonomic advantages of a molded plastic element which defines a hand-engaging surface with the strength advantages of the plates. Because two plates are used in a separate, generally parallel configuration, the handle described above is well balanced, and can easily apply clamping forces from the mating surface of the hand to the mating surface of the workpiece without movement of twisting. Also, because the plates 26, 108 are spaced apart from one another, they can easily form a balanced pivot joint with a second jaw positioned between the plates and pivotably mounted in place with a pivot pin. The above detailed description is intended to illustrate the invention and define it. Many changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments described above, and therefore, it is intended that it be understood that the following claims, including all equivalents, define the invention.

Claims

1. A manual tool with opposite handles, which comprises: first and second handles, each comprising a mating surface of the respective hand, and a mating surface of the respective workpiece; a pivot joint interconnecting the first and second handles, this pivot joint being positioned to oppose the mating surfaces of the hand, to be held by a user, and to oppose the mating surfaces of the workpiece for apply forces to a work piece; the first handle comprising two separate, generally parallel, plates positioned one along the other, a jaw positioned adjacent the plates to bridge the plates, and a molded plastic element formed around at least a portion of the plates; the molded plastic element formed at least a portion of the mating surface of the hand of the first handle. the jaw forming at least a portion of the mating surface of the workpiece of the first handle; the plates providing a greater resistance to bending to the first handle adjacent to the mating surface of the hand of the first handle. The invention of claim 1, wherein the jaw comprises a pair of elements on projections, wherein the plates define openings placed to receive the protruding elements, and wherein the jaw extends between the plates, with the protruding elements placed in the respective openings to attach the jaw rigidly to the plates. The invention of claim 2, wherein the engagement surface of the hand and the engaging surface of the workpiece of the first handle are positioned on the first and second opposite sides of the pivot joint, respectively, and wherein the protruding elements are placed on the first side of the pivot joint. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plates define respective first pivot pin openings, wherein a portion of the second handle extends between the plates adjacent the pivot pin openings, and defines a second pin opening of pivot, and wherein the pivot joint comprises a pivot bolt received in the first and second pivot bolt openings. 5. The invention of claim 1, wherein the hand tool is a pair of clamps; wherein the molded plastic element comprises a threaded hole extending between the plates; wherein the second handle comprises a second jaw pivotally mounted on the first handle, a locking lever pivotably mounted on the second jaw, and a pole arrow pivotably mounted on the locking lever; and where a set screw is screwed into the threaded hole to couple the pole arrow between the plates. The invention of claim 5, wherein the locking lever comprises a pair of separate, generally parallel, locking lever plates positioned one along the other to extend at least between the pole arrow and the second arrow. jaw; and a molded plastic element of the locking lever formed around at least a portion of the plates of the locking lever. The invention of claim 1, wherein the molded plastic element is positioned partially around the jaw. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plates extend closely adjacent the engagement surface of the jaw workpiece, and wherein the jaw extends between the plates. The invention of claim 8, wherein the jaw is mechanically interlocked with the molded plastic element to hold the jaw in place in the first handle. The invention of claim 1, wherein the plates define through holes, and wherein the molded plastic element extends into the pierced holes to interlock the plastic element mechanically molded with the plates. The invention of claim 1, wherein the two plates are separate metallic elements. 1

2. Fixation forceps, comprising: a handle comprising two separate plates, generally parallel, placed one along the other, a first jaw placed partly between the plates, and extending away from the plates for forming a mating surface of the workpiece, and a molded plastic element formed around at least a portion of the plates to form a mating surface of the hand, wherein the plates provide greater resistance to bending to the handle, - a second jaw pivotably mounted on the handle by means of a pivot joint, - a pivoting lever pivotably mounted on the second jaw; and a pole arrow pivotably mounted on the locking lever, and positioned to rest on the handle. The invention of claim 12, which further comprises: a set screw threaded into the handle between the plates, this adjusting screw having a free end that abuts the pole arrow between the plates. The invention of claim 13, wherein the molded plastic member defines a threaded hole that receives the adjusting screw. The invention of claim 12, wherein the first jaw comprises a pair of protruding elements, wherein the plates define openings positioned to receive the protruding elements, and wherein the first jaw extends between the plates, with the elements protruding ones placed in the respective openings to couple the first jaw rigidly to the plates. The invention of claim 15, wherein the engagement surface of the hand and the mating surface of the workpiece of the handle are positioned on first and second opposite sides of the pivot joint, respectively, and wherein the protruding elements are placed on the first side of the pivot joint. The invention of claim 16, wherein the plates define respective first pivot pin openings, wherein a portion of the second jaw extends between the plates adjacent the pivot pin openings, and defines a second opening of the pivot pin. pivot bolt, and wherein the pivot joint comprises a pivot bolt received in the first and second pivot bolt openings. The invention of claim 12, wherein the locking lever comprises a pair of separate, generally parallel, locking lever plates positioned one along the other to extend at least between the pole arrow and the second arrow. jaw, - and a molded plastic element of the clamping lever, formed around at least a portion of the plates of the clamping lever. The invention of claim 12, wherein the plates extend closely adjacent the mating surface of the workpiece of the first jaw, and wherein the first jaw extends between the plates. The invention of claim 19, wherein the first jaw is mechanically interlocked with the molded plastic element to hold the first jaw in place in the handle. The invention of claim 12, wherein the plates define pierced holes, and wherein the molded plastic element extends into the pierced holes to interlock the plastic element mechanically molded with the plates.