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Title:
ADJUSTABLE PLIERS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/184671
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Adjustable pliers having a push-lock which achieves a capability for one-handed adjustment of the separation of the jaws of the pliers by an operator. The adjustable pliers can have a slide bar and a base bar joined by a pivot lock. The adjustable pliers can have a push-lock actuator on the slide bar by which an operator can reversibly change the state of the pivot lock from a locked state to an unlocked state using only one hand and allowing the operator to adjust the position of the slide bar relative to the base bar when the push-lock is in the unlocked state.

Inventors:
SKODJE DAVID T (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2017/028255
Publication Date:
October 26, 2017
Filing Date:
April 19, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
STANLEY BLACK & DECKER INC (US)
International Classes:
B25B7/10; B25B13/22; B25B13/36
Foreign References:
DE202012100825U12013-06-11
US7182004B12007-02-27
US7681477B22010-03-23
US20120111157A12012-05-10
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
DRAYTON, Caeden (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

We claim:

1. A hand tool, comprising:

a slide bar having a slide jaw and a slide jaw handle;

a base bar having a base jaw;

a pivot lock pivotally connecting said slide bar to said base bar;

a push-lock actuator configured to reversibly move said pivot lock to achieve a reversibly locked state or a reversibly unlocked state;

wherein said pivot lock has a pivot lock opening through which at least a portion of the pivot lock passes.

2. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said push- lock actuator has an actuation lever.

3. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said push-lock actuator has at least one actuator button.

4. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said push- lock actuator is supported by the slide member.

5. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein a force is applied to at least a portion of said push-lock actuator to achieve said reversibly locked state or said reversibly unlocked state.

6. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said pivot lock at least in part passes through a pivot lock opening of the base bar and at least in part passes through a pivot lock guide slot in the slide bar.

7. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said push-lock actuator is connected to a guide member which can guide said pivot lock.

8. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said push-lock actuator comprises a push- lock actuator having at least one actuator spring.

9. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said push-lock actuator can reversibly move radially in relation to a pivot axis.

10. A hand tool according to claim 1, wherein said hand tool is an adjustable pliers.

11. A pliers , comprising :

a slide bar;

a base bar;

a push- lock which has a pivot lock pivotally connecting said slide bar and said base bar; wherein said pivot lock has an engaged state when said push-lock is in a locked state and said pivot lock has a disengaged state when said push-lock is in an unlocked state.

12. The pliers according to claim 11, wherein at least one of said slide bar and said base bar comprise a slide bar teeth; and

wherein said pivot lock comprises a pivot lock teeth which can reversibly engage with said slide bar teeth to achieve a locked state and which can reversibly disengage from said slide bar teeth to achieve an unlocked state.

13. The pliers according to claim 11, wherein said push-lock has an actuator member having a fixed position relative to the length of the slide bar.

14. The hand tool according to claim 11 , further comprising a feature on the base j aw handle which interferes with a feature on the slide jaw handle to limit rotation between the base jaw handle and the slide jaw handle.

15. A push-lock, comprising:

a push-lock actuator having at least one actuator hinge which can rotate radially about at least a portion of a pivot axis of a slide bar hinge member;

wherein said push- lock actuator is configured to engage a portion of a pivot lock, and wherein said push-lock actuator can impart a motive force to said pivot lock when said push-lock actuator is moved.

16. The push-lock according to claim 15, wherein a radial movement of said push-lock actuator can apply said motive force to said pivot lock and reversibly disengage said pivot lock from a portion of said slide bar to achieve an unlocked state.

17. The push-lock according to claim 15, further comprising a means of imparting a locking force upon said push-lock actuator to reversibly engage said pivot lock with a portion of said slide bar to achieve a locked state.

18. The push- lock according to claim 15, wherein said push- lock actuator comprises an actuation lever which can impart a force which can move said pivot lock.

19. The push-lock according to claim 15, wherein said push-lock actuator further comprises an actuator guide track which can guide said pivot lock when said pivot lock is in an unlocked state.

20. The push-lock according to claim 15, wherein said pivot lock is slideably engaged to a rail of said push-lock actuator.

Description:
TITLE

[01] Adjustable Pliers FIELD

[02] This disclosure regards adjustable pliers. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[03] This patent application is a PCT and non-provisional application of and claims the benefit of the filing date of copending US provisional patent application number 62/324,808 entitled "Adjustable Pliers" filed on April 19, 2016.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE [04] This patent application incorporates by reference in its entirety copending US provisional patent application number 62/324,808 entitled "Adjustable Pliers" filed on April 19, 2016.

BACKGROUND

[05] Pliers are used in conditions that can be cramped and restrict an operator's freedom of movement of hands, arms and body. It can be quite difficult to use pliers under such conditions. For example, residential plumbers installing sinks under countertops, commercial plumbers on ladders installing water pipe fittings in ceilings of buildings, and mechanics working on automobiles all can encounter problems accessing workpieces with pliers and can find it difficult, problematic or not possible to use pliers in many circumstances. Some pliers can have two handles joined by a fulcrum and the operator uses both hands to manipulate and adjust the relative positions of the handles to prepare the pliers for use on a workpiece. The requirement that two hands be used to adjust such pliers poses a significant problem for operators and a failure of hand tool technology. There is a strong need to develop pliers having an improved system for changing the relative positions of the handles.

SUMMARY

[06] Pliers, also known as gripping pliers, are a type of hand tool commonly used by tradesmen for firmly holding or moving a work piece. The pliers can include handles and jaws configured to move about a fulcrum, such as a pivot lock. A handle length can be longer than a jaw length and the pliers can be configured to apply high leverage to a work piece when gripped by the pliers. Because different work pieces can range in size and geometry, it is beneficial to have pliers with jaws that can be adjusted in relation to one another to achieve a desired distance between jaws. For example the distance between the jaws can be widened, or narrowed, by an operator seeking to accommodate the dimensions of a workpiece and to provide a favorable gripping on the workpiece when gripped by the jaws.

[07] In an embodiment, a hand tool can have a slide bar which has a slide jaw and a slide jaw handle, as well as a base bar which has a base jaw. A pivot lock can pivotally connect said slide bar to said base bar. A push- lock actuator can be configured to reversibly move said pivot lock to achieve a reversibly locked state or a reversibly unlocked state. The pivot lock can have a pivot lock opening through which at least a portion of the pivot lock passes. In an embodiment, a force can be applied to at least a portion of the push-lock actuator to achieve the reversibly locked state or the reversibly unlocked state.

[08] In an embodiment, the pliers can have the slide bar, the base bar and a push-lock which can have a pivot lock pivotally connecting the slide bar and the base bar. In an embodiment, the pivot lock has an engaged state when said push- lock is in a locked state and said pivot lock has a disengaged state when said push-lock is in an unlocked state.

[09] In an embodiment, the push-lock can have a push-lock actuator which has at least one actuator hinge which can rotate radially about at least a portion of a pivot axis of a slide bar hinge member. The push- lock actuator can be configured to engage a portion of the pivot lock. In an embodiment, the push- lock actuator can impart a motive force to the pivot lock when the push-lock actuator is moved.

[10] In an embodiment, the pliers can be adjustable pliers and can have a distance between jaws, which is a jaw opening distance. The opening range of the jaw opening distance can be from a maximum jaw opening distance to a minimum jaw opening distance. The adjustable pliers can have with multiple discrete reversibly lockable positions within the jaw opening range. In use, the relative position of the jaws can be locked in any number of discrete positions along the opening range. The technology herein achieves the result that the pliers can be directly adjusted to any position in the opening range by a one-handed operation by an operator. The technology allows the operator to adjust the jaw opening distance to a larger or smaller distance by as little as one lock increment, such as one lock tooth on a slide bar. In an embodiment, the adjustable pliers can be adjusted with one-hand to adjust the jaw opening distance to properly fit a work piece without having to engage in unwanted actions, or to fully opening the pliers prior to adjusting, or removing the pliers from the work piece to make an adjustment of the jaw opening distance. The technology disclosed herein achieves the capacity for an operator to make small or large adjustments of the jaw opening distance which increase or decrease the jaw opening distance in an ergonomic, efficient and controlled manner, providing ease of use and eliminating guesswork in executing a desired adjustment.

[11] In an embodiment, a hand tool can have a slide bar which can have a slide jaw, a push- lock actuator and a slide jaw handle, as well as having a base bar which can have a base jaw, a pivot lock opening through which at least a portion of a pivot lock passes. In an embodiment, the hand tool can be an adjustable pliers. The pivot lock can pivotally connect the slide bar and the base bar. The push-lock actuator can be configured to reversibly move the pivot lock to achieve a reversibly locked state, or a reversibly unlocked state. [12] In an embodiment, the push- lock actuator can have an actuation lever. Optionally, the push-lock actuator can have an actuator button. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the push-lock actuator can be supported by a slide member.

[13] In non- limiting example, at least a portion of the push-lock actuator can be depressed to achieve the unlocked state. To achieve the reverse result, at least a portion of the push-lock actuator can be released to achieve the locked state.

[14] In an embodiment, the pivot lock can at least in part pass through a pivot lock opening of the base bar and at least in part can pass through a pivot lock guide slot in the slide bar. The push-lock actuator can be connected to a guide member which can guide the pivot lock. The push-lock actuator can have an actuator spring. In an embodiment, the push-lock actuator can reversibly move radially in relation to a pivot axis.

[15] In an embodiment, the pliers can have a slide bar, a base bar and a push-lock. The push- lock can have a pivot lock pivotally connecting the slide bar and the base bar. The pivot lock can have an engaged state when the push-lock is in a locked state. The pivot lock can have a disengaged state when the push-lock is in an unlocked state.

[16] In an embodiment, the pliers can have at least one of the slide bar. The base bar can have a slide bar teeth. In an embodiment, the pivot lock can have a pivot lock teeth which can reversibly engage with the slide bar teeth to achieve a locked state, and which can reversibly disengage from the slide bar teeth to achieve an unlocked state. The push-lock can have an actuator member which can have a fixed position relative to the length of the slide bar.

[17] In an embodiment, the hand tool can have a feature on the base jaw handle which interferes with a feature on the slide jaw handle to limit rotation between the base jaw handle and the slide jaw handle.

[18] In an embodiment, the push-lock can have a push-lock actuator which can rotate radially about at least a portion of a pivot axis of a slide bar hinge member and the push-lock actuator can be configured to engage a portion of a pivot lock and which can impart a motive force to the pivot lock when the push- lock actuator is moved. A radial movement of the push- lock actuator can apply the motive force to the pivot lock and reversibly disengage the pivot lock from a portion of the slide bar to achieve an unlocked state.

[19] In an embodiment, the push- lock can have a means of imparting a locking force upon the push-lock actuator to reversibly engage the pivot lock with a portion of the slide bar to achieve a locked state, such means for imparting a locking force in nonlimiting example can be one or more of the following: a physical member, an actuator, a button, a spring, a slide member, a levered member, a pushed member, a pulled member, a switched member, a squeezed member, a biased member, a pinched member, a rotated member, a hinged member, a pivoting member, a moveable member, a deformable member, or other mechanism by which a force can be imparted to the push-lock actuator.

[20] In non-limiting example, the push-lock actuator comprises an actuation lever which can impart a force which can move the pivot lock. Optionally, the push-lock actuator can have an actuator guide track which can guide the pivot lock when the pivot lock is in an unlocked state. In an embodiment, the pivot lock can be slideably engaged to a rail of the push- lock actuator.

[21] In an embodiment, the push-lock can have a push-lock actuator which can rotate radially about a push-lock hinge axis. The push-lock actuator can be engaged with a portion of a pivot lock such that a radial movement of said push- lock actuator can reversibly disengage said pivot lock from a portion of said slide bar to achieve an unlocked state.

[22] In another embodiment, the push-lock can have a push-lock actuator which can rotate radially about a push-lock hinge axis. The push-lock actuator can be engaged to a portion of a pivot lock. The pivot lock can have an actuator member and a movement of said actuator member can radially move the push-lock actuator to disengage the pivot lock to achieve a disengaged state. In non-limiting example, the actuator member can move relative to the slide bar to engage and disengage said pivot lock.

[23] In an embodiment, the pivot lock head can move relative to the slide bar to engage and disengage said pivot lock. In another embodiment, the pivot lock teeth can move relative to the slide bar to engage and disengage said pivot lock. In yet another embodiment, the pivot lock can have a pivot lock latch which can move relative to the slide bar to engage and disengage said pivot lock. In an embodiment in an unlocked state, the slide bar and the base bar can slide relative to one another. In an embodiment, the slide bar and the base bar can pivotally rotate relative about the pivot lock both when the pivot lock is in a locked state and when the pivot lock is in an unlocked state.

[24] In an embodiment, the push-lock can experience a locked state maintenance force which can maintain the push-lock actuator in a locked configuration and which can be overcome to disengage the pivot lock from a locked state by a movement of the push-lock actuator. In an embodiment, the push-lock can experience a locked state maintenance force which can be overcome to disengage the pivot lock from a locked state. Optionally, the locked state maintenance force can be provided by a spring, such as a compression spring, a torsion spring, or other spring or spring mechanism. Optionally, the push-lock can have an actuator plate covering at least a portion of said push-lock actuator.

[25] In an embodiment, the pliers can have a slide bar having a push-lock mechanism having an actuating member, a base bar and a pivot lock pivotally connecting said sliding bar and said base bar. The pivot lock can have an engaged state when said push-lock mechanism is in a locked state, and said pivot lock can have a disengaged state when said push-lock mechanism is in an unlocked state. When said push-lock mechanism is in an unlocked state, the pivot lock can travel in the direction of a travel vector and the actuating member also can travel in a direction parallel to the travel direction, or travel vector.

[26] Optionally, the pliers can have an actuating member, such as an actuator button. In non-limiting example, the pliers can have an actuating member which has an actuator button which can have an actuator button width which is at least 75 percent of a linear travel range of the pivot lock.

[27] In an embodiment, the pliers can have a push-lock which has one actuator button, or a number of actuator buttons.

[28] Optionally, the number of actuator buttons can be distributed along at least a portion of a push-lock actuator length of the push- lock actuator and each of the actuator buttons can have a fixed position relative to the length of the slide bar. In an embodiment, the actuator button can be button is fixed relative to a point on the slide jaw handle.

[29] In an embodiment, the pliers can also have a push-lock mechanism which has a push- lock actuator that has a push-lock actuator length. Optionally, the push-lock actuator length can be approximately equal to a linear travel range of the pivot lock.

[30] In an embodiment, the pliers can have a grip shape on the base bar handle to provide comfortable accessibility by an operator to the push-lock actuator button regardless of distance between the base jaw and slide jaw. Optionally, the pliers can have a feature on the base jaw handle which can interfere with a feature on the slide jaw handle to limit rotation and prevent pinch points between the base jaw handle and the slide jaw handle regardless of distance between the base jaw and slide jaw. In an embodiment, the rotate-bar can interfere with the pivot lock to raise and lower the pivot lock.

[31] In an embodiment, the pliers can have a grip shape on the base bar handle to provide comfortable accessibility to the push-lock actuator button regardless of distance between the base jaw and slide jaw. Said grip shape can be sized to be comfortably gripped by the operator's four fingers, orienting the hand with the thumb positioned to actuate the push-lock mechanism and move the slide bar. For example, the grip shape can be formed by adjusting the shape of the base bar handle, alternatively an additional component can be made to be assembled with the base bar to create this grip shape.

[32] Optionally, the pliers can be designed to limit the rotation of the slide arm about the pivot lock to prevent the slide bar handle from touching the base bar handle. In an embodiment, the slide bar handle can be prevented from touching the base bar handle for any position and/or configuration of the pivot lock within the guide slot length. The rotation can be limited by a feature on the base bar, such as a feature of the jaw or a shaped feature of the base bar, or an attached member, which can contact a feature on the slide bar which can vary relative to jaw position and which limits the rotation of the base bar relative to the slide bar to prevent the handles from touching.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[33] The present technology in its several aspects and embodiments solves the problems discussed above and significantly advances the technology of adjustable pliers. The present technology can become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[34] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable pliers;

[35] FIG. 2 is a detail view of the front side of the slide bar and push- lock;

[36] FIG. 3 is a rear-side perspective view of the adjustable pliers;

[37] FIG. 4 is a rear-side detail view of the slide bar;

[38] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the push-lock;

[39] FIG. 5B is a detail of the push-lock actuator;

[40] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the pivot lock;

[41] FIG. 6A is a perspective view from the rear side of the slide bar in which the push-lock is in a locked state;

[42] FIG. 6B is a detail cross sectional view of the push-lock in a locked state; [43] FIG. 7 A shows a perspective detail view from the rear side of the slide bar in which the push-lock is in an unlocked state;

[44] FIG. 7B is a detail cross sectional view of the push-lock in an unlocked state;

[45] FIG. 8 A is a view of the front side of the adjustable pliers showing the slide jaw and base j aw in contact;

[46] FIG. 8B is a cross sectional side view of the push-lock actuator in a locked state;

[47] FIG. 8C shows a cross sectional side view of the push-lock actuator having an actuator guide track engaged with the pivot lock;

[48] FIG. 9A is a view of the front side of the adjustable pliers in an unlocked state showing the slide jaw and base jaw in contact;

[49] FIG. 9B is a detail of the push-lock experiencing a compressive force and moving the pivot lock to an unlocked state;

[50] FIG. 10A shows the adjustable pliers in an unlocked state in which the operator can slide the slide bar along the guide axis;

[51] FIG. 10B is a detail which shows forces which can be applied to the push-lock to achieve an unlocked state and to move the slide bar;

[52] FIG. 11A is a view of the front side of the adjustable pliers in a locked state and configured to have achieved a maximum separation between the slide jaw and the pivot lock;

[53] FIG. 1 IB is a detail showing the pivot lock in a locked state in the configuration shown in FIG. 11 A;

[54] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the adjustable pliers in a locked state and the actuator button in a resting state;

[55] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the push-lock actuator configured in an unlocked state and having the actuator button in a depressed state;

[56] FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the slide jaw having the actuator button positioned over the pivot lock;

[57] FIG. 12D is a perspective view of the slide jaw having the pivot lock stopped by contact with the guide slot slide jaw end;

[58] FIG. 12E is a perspective view of the slide jaw and base jaw in contact and in a locked state and the actuator button in a resting state;

[59] FIG. 13A shows an operator with one hand gripping the base bar and using the thumb to depress the push-lock actuator and unlock the push-lock;

[60] FIG. 13B shows the operator using the thumb to impart a slide force to the slide bar;

[61] FIG. 13C shows the operator raising the thumb and releasing the push-lock actuator from the compression force to achieve a locked state of the push-lock;

[62] FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of pliers having a T-rail actuator and lever button;

[63] FIG. 14B shows a detail cross sectional view of the push-lock actuator having a T-rail and configured in a locked state;

[64] FIG. 14C shows a detail cross sectional view of the push-lock actuator having a T-rail and configured in an unlocked state;

[65] FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of the pliers having a push-lock actuator which has a bar actuator;

[66] FIG. 15B shows a detail cross sectional view of the bar actuator and the bar springs; and

[67] FIG. 15C shows a detail cross sectional view of the bar actuator having the bar rail engaged with the pivot latch in the unlocked state.

[68] Herein, like reference numbers in one figure refer to like reference numbers in another figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[69] This disclosure relates to the many and varied embodiments of adjustable pliers, which can be adjusted by an ergonomic one-handed method. In an embodiment, an operator can use one hand to hold the adjustable pliers, while simultaneously using the thumb of that hand to depress a push- lock actuator which can unlock the pliers and slide one jaw relative to the other to a achieve a desired configuration. In an embodiment, the operator's release of the depressed push-lock actuator can achieve a locked state.

[70] FIG. 1 is the perspective view of a hand tool 1, which is an adjustable pliers 10. The adjustable pliers 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be an embodiment of a pliers 5 having a base bar 100 configured as a base member in relation to a slide bar 300 which can achieve an ergonomic adjustment by the use of a single hand of an operator and the numerous benefits of such one- handed adjustment.

[71] The slide bar 300 can have a slide jaw 310 proximate to a slide bar jaw end 302 and having slide jaw teeth 320. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the slide bar 300 can have a slide member 330 which can have a push-lock 500 and which can be configured between the slide jaw 310 and a slide jaw handle 350. The slide jaw handle can terminate at a slide bar tail end 392.

[72] The base bar 100 can have a base jaw 110 proximate to a base bar jaw end 102 and the base jaw 110 can have a base jaw teeth 120. The base bar 100 can have a base bar pivot member 130 configured between the base jaw 110 and a base bar handle 150. The base bar handle 150 can terminate at a base bar tail end 192. The base bar 100 can have a portion which passes through the base bar slot 335 of slide bar 300.

[73] FIG. 1 shows the push-lock actuator 500 hingedly attached to the slide bar 300 by a first actuator hinge 521 proximate to the slide jaw 310 and a second actuator hinge 522 proximate to the slide jaw handle 350. The first actuator hinge 521 and second actuator hinge 522 can be hingedly attached to hinge bar 523. The push-lock 500 can have a push-lock actuator 510 which have an actuator guide track 520. The actuator guide track 520 can have an actuator guide rail 519 (FIG. 2) which can guide and move a pivot lock 600.

[74] The push-lock can have an actuator button 512 which can be depressed by an operator applying a compression force 530 to achieve an unlocked state. The actuator button 512 is shown in a depressed state in FIG. 1 and the slide bar 300 of FIG. 1 can move the slide jaw 310 away from the base jaw 110 in the widening direction 570, or toward the base jaw 110 in the narrowing direction 571.

[75] FIG. 1 shows an example of adjustable pliers 10 having jaws which can be straight jaws. However, this application is not limited to the type of jaws used and is intended to include a broad variety of jaws, such as in non-limiting example: straight, curved, v-jaw, smooth, non- marring, hex, or other, or combinations thereof.

[76] FIG. 2 is a detail view of the front side 16 of the slide bar 300 and push-lock 500. This view shows the pivot lock guide slot 340 and the front base bar handle-side guide slot teeth 645 FIG. 2 also shows the jaw-side finger push 577 and the handle-side finger push 578 which can be used to slide the slide bar 300 when the push-lock 500 is in an unlocked state. In non- limiting example, an operator can depresses the actuator button 512 which can unlock the push- lock 500 and the operator can push upon at least a part of the jaw-side finger push 577 while simultaneously depressing the actuator button 512 achieving sliding of the slide jaw 310 and the slide bar 300 in the widening direction 570. In another example, the operator can depresses the actuator button 512 which can unlock the push- lock 500 and the operator can push upon at least a part of the handle-side finger push 578 to achieve the sliding of the slide jaw 310 and the slide bar 300 in the narrowing direction 571.

[77] FIG. 3 is a rear-side 18 perspective view of the adjustable pliers 10 having a base bar 100 configured as a base member in relation to a slide bar 300. FIG. 3 shows a pivot lock guide slot 340 having rear jaw-side guide slot teeth 644 and rear base bar handle-side guide slot teeth 647. The pivot lock guide slot 340 can have a guide slot length 388. [78] The example of FIG. 3 shows the adjustable pliers 10 in a locked state in which the pivot lock head 610 of the pivot lock 600 is adjacent to the rear side 18 and the pivot lock teeth 660 are engaged with the slide bar teeth 399.

[79] FIG. 4 is a rear-side 18 detail view of the slide bar 300 showing the pivot lock guide slot 340 having a pivot slot centerline 1600 and a pivot lock shaft width 606. In an embodiment the jaw side travel 616 can be measured from the jaw side face 614 of the pivot lock shaft 605 to the guide slot slide jaw end 386. The handle side travel can be measure from the base bar handle side face 625 to the guide slot slide handle end 387. In the example embodiment of FIG. 4, guide slot length 388 can in an embodiment be equal to the sum of the lengths of the jaw side travel 616 plus the pivot lock shaft width 606 plus the handle side travel 619.

[80] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the push-lock 500 and jaws 70 of the adjustable pliers 10. In the example of FIG. 5A, the push-lock is shown having the push-lock actuator 510 configured on the slide bar 300 hingedly attached to hinge bar 523. The push-lock 500 is shown in a locked state. As shown, in the locked state the actuation lever 513 is at a resting position in which the actuator spring 518 is in an uncompressed position and the pivot locked position. Optionally, the actuator spring 518 can be a compression spring 700.

[81] The actuation spring 518 is shown exerting a spring bias force 720 upon the actuation lever 513 in a direction away from the spring base 710 which can maintain the push-lock 500 in a locked state.

[82] FIG. 5A shows the slide bar 300 having the base bar slot 335 through which the base bar pivot member 130 passes. A base bar centerline plane 1335 is shown bisecting the base bar slot 335 on the Y plane which passes through the X axis. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the base bar centerline plane 1335 also bisects the slide bar 300 and base bar 100 on the Y plane which passes through the X axis.

[83] FIG. 5B shows a detail of the push-lock actuator 510. In this example embodiment, the push-lock actuator 510 has the actuation lever 513 which can be moved radially about the hinge bar 523 by a force to the actuator button 512, as shown by compression force 530 which can overcome the lock bias force 722.

[84] The push-lock actuator 510 can have an actuator guide track 520 which is moved in conjunction with the movement of the actuation lever 513. The actuation lever 513 can have an actuator guide rail 519 slideably and rotationally engaging a pivot lock latch 618 (FIG. 5C).

[85] Optionally, the actuator button 512 can be integral, attached to or linked to the actuation lever 513. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the actuator button 512 can be integral to the actuation lever 513 and formed by a fold of the metal from which the actuation lever is made forming a folded actuator button 511.

[86] The first actuator hinge 521 can move in the radial directions shown by the front hinge rotation arrow 527. The second actuator hinge 522 can move in the radial directions shown by the rear hinge rotation arrow 529.

[87] The actuation lever 513 and actuator button 512, as well as actuator guide track 520 and actuator guide rail 519 can move coaxially with the first actuator hinge 521 and the second actuator hinge 529 as shown by actuator rotation arrow 531. The movement of the guide rail 519 is also shown by rail rotation arrow 532.

[88] The push-lock actuator 510 can have an actuator length 501 and an actuator width 502. The actuator width 502 can have an actuation lever width 503, a lever transition width 504 and an actuator button support width 505. The actuator button 512 can have an actuator button width 506 and an actuator button length 507. The lever transition length 508 can be centered between front hinge length 541 and rear hinge length 542. A hinge width 543 is also shown.

[89] Numeric values and ranges herein, unless otherwise stated, also are intended to have associated with them a tolerance and to account for variances of design and manufacturing. Thus, a number can include values "about" that number. For example, a value X is also intended to be understood as "about X". Likewise, a range of Y-Z, is also intended to be understood as within a range of from "about Y-about Z". Unless otherwise stated, significant digits disclosed for a number are not intended to make the number an exact limiting value. Variance and tolerance is inherent in mechanical design and the numbers disclosed herein are intended to be construed to allow for such factors (in non-limiting e.g., ± 10 percent of a given value). Likewise, the claims are to be broadly construed in their recitations of numbers and ranges.

[90] The actuator length 501 can be in a range of 10 mm to 150 mm, or 25 mm to 85 mm, or for example 25 mm, 50 mm, 61 mm, 75 mm, or 100 mm.

[91] The actuator width 502 can be in a range of 3 mm to 150 mm, or 10 mm to 50 mm, or 15 mm to 35 mm, or for example 10 mm, 15 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, or 50 mm. The actuation lever width 503 can be in a range of 3 mm to 75 mm, or 5 mm to 50 mm, or 8 mm to 30 mm, or for example 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm, 25 mm, or 35 mm. The lever transition width 504 can be in a range of 1 mm to 50 mm, or 2 mm to 25, or 3 mm to 10, or for example 2 mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, or 25 mm. The actuator button support width 505 can be in a range of 2 mm to 100 mm, or 3 mm to 50 mm, or 10 mm to 15 mm, or 4 mm to 20, or for example 5 mm, 10 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, or 20 mm.

[92] The actuator button width 506 can be in a range of 2 mm to 100 mm, or 3 mm to 25 mm, or 5 mm to 50 mm, or for example 5 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, or 50 mm. The actuator button length 507 can be in a range of 3 mm to 150 mm, or 5 mm to 100 mm, or 6 mm to 70 mm, or 5 mm to 50 mm, or for example 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, or 40 mm. The lever transition length 508 can be in a range of 10 mm to 150 mm, or 15 mm to 50 mm, or 25 mm to 70 mm, or 20 mm to 50 mm, or for example 25 mm, 35 mm, 42 mm, 50 mm, or 75 mm.

[93] The front hinge length 541 can be in a range of 3 mm to 30 mm, or 5 mm to 25 mm, or 7.5 mm to 15 mm, for example 5 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, or 25 mm. A rear hinge length 542 can be in a range of 3 mm to 30 mm, or 5 mm to 25 mm, or 7.5 mm to 15 mm, for example 5 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, or 25 mm.

[94] The hinge width 543 can be in a range of 3 mm to 30 mm, or 5 mm to 25 mm, or 7.5 mm to 15 mm, for example 5 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, or 25 mm.

[95] In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the actuation lever plane 1513 can intersect the guide track plane 1520 at an actuation lever angle 1529 be in a range of 15° to 66°, or 15° to 45°, or 30° to 90°, 25° to 33°, for example 33°, 45°, 50° or 66°. Optionally, the actuator guide rail plane 1519 can be parallel to the actuation lever plane 1513.

[96] In an embodiment, a geometric relationship between the actuator guide rail 519 and lock head clearance distance 613 (FIG. 9B) can be used. As shown in FIG. 5B, the push-lock actuator can have a rail edge to pivot axis distance 694 (FIG. 5B). In an embodiment, the rail end to pivot axis distance 694 can be measured from the pivot axis 1694 to the guide rail end 693. In non-limiting example, the rail end to pivot axis distance 694 can in a range of from 2 mm to 100 mm, or 5 mm to 25 mm, or 15 mm to 50 mm, or 10 mm to 30 mm, or for example 5 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm. In an embodiment, the rail end to pivot axis distance 694 can have a ratio of the rail end to pivot axis distance 694 to lock head clearance distance 613 of 2: 1 to 20: 1, or 3: 1 to 10: 1, or 3: 1 to 7: 1, or 5: 1 to 15: 1, or for example 3: 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1, 7: 1, 8: 1, 9: 1 or 10: 1.

[97] In an embodiment the adjustable pliers 10 can have the following geometric relationship: the guide slot length 388 minus twice the pivot lock shaft width 606 is less than the guide rail length 317. This can also be expressed using reference numbers as: the guide slot length 388 - 2(the pivot lock shaft width 606) < the guide rail length 317.

[98] In an embodiment, the adjustable pliers 10 can have the following geometric relationship: the pivot lock shaft width 606 is greater than the guide slot proximal width 398. This can also be expressed as: the pivot lock shaft width 606 > the guide slot proximal width 398.

[99] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the pivot lock 600. The pivot lock 600 can have a pivot lock shaft 605 from which a pivot lock latch 618 can extend. In the example of FIG. 5C, the pivot lock latch 618 is shown slideably engaged to the actuator guide rail 519 of the actuator guide track 520 which are shown by invisible lines.

[100] The pivot lock 600 can have a locking member 620 which can engage with a portion of the slide bar 300 to achieve a locked state. A broad variety of the locking member 620 can be used, for example a lock to a lock and key mechanism, a pin, a clamp, a tongue and groove, or other locking feature.

[101] In the embodiment of FIG. 5C, the pivot lock 600 has one or more of a lock tooth 601, which can form a plurality of lock teeth 602. There is a broad variety of configurations for the orientation of the plurality of lock teeth 602 of the pivot lock 600 to achieve an engagement with a portion of the slide bar 300.

[102] The pivot lock 600 shown in FIG. 5C has a jaw-side face 612 which can have a jaw- side slide face 614. The jaw-side face 612 can also have the lock teeth 602. For example, the jaw-side face 612 can have a plurality of a front lock teeth 606 and a plurality of the rear lock teeth 608. Optionally, a front jaw-side teeth 631 and a rear jaw-side teeth 634 can be used. The front jaw-side teeth 631 and a rear jaw-side teeth 634 can be separated by the jaw-side slide face 614. The jaw-side face 612 can have at least one lock tooth 601, or can have a plurality of the lock 602 teeth for engaging.

[103] The pivot lock 600 can also have a base bar handle-side face 625 which can have a base bar handle-side slide face 627. The base bar handle-side face 625 can also have the lock teeth 602. For example, the base bar handle-side face 625 can have the plurality of the front lock teeth 606 and the plurality of the rear lock teeth 608. Optionally, a front base bar handle-side teeth 635 and a rear base bar handle-side teeth 637 can be used. The front base bar handle-side teeth 635 and a rear base bar handle-side teeth 616 can be separated by the base bar handle- side slide face 627.

[104] The pivot lock 600 can have a pivot lock head 610 which can have a pivot lock head diameter 611 which is greater than the pivot lock guide slot distal width 341 (FIG. 4) and which is not able to pass through the pivot lock guide slot 340. Pivot lock head 610 can have a lock head bar-side surface 691.

[105] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view from the back side 18 in which the push-lock 500 is in a locked state and the pivot lock 600 in maintained in a locked state by the spring bias 722 which can exert a lock state maintaining force 675.

[106] FIG. 6B shows at least a portion of the pivot lock 600 passing through a pivot lock opening 628 to pivotally connect the slide bar 300 and the base bar 100. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the pivot lock shaft 605 can pass though and can be maintained in a configuration which is at least in part circumferentially surrounded by at least a portion of the pivot lock opening 628. As shown in FIG. 6B, the pivot lock 600 has been inserted through the pivot lock opening 628. At least a portion of the pivot lock shaft 605 can be surrounded by the pivot lock opening 628 whether the push- lock is in a locked or an unlocked state.

[107] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the push-lock 500 can have a push-lock actuator 510 and the pivot lock 600.

[108] In an embodiment, the push-lock 500 can have a push-lock actuator 510, an actuator guide track 520 and/or guide rail, or other guide means, such as a wire, guide, track, path, tongue or other means for guiding the pivot lock 600.

[109] In an embodiment, the push-lock 500 can have a push-lock actuator 510, an actuator guide rail 519 and the pivot lock 600 having a pivot lock latch 618 which can be slideably engaged with the actuator guide rail 519 when the slide bar is moved. Optionally, the guide rail 519 and/or guide track 520 and/or push- lock actuator 510 can be disengaged from the pivot lock when the push- lock is in a locked position.

[110] As shown in FIG. 6B, in the locked state: the front jaw-side teeth 631 of the pivot lock can be engaged with the front jaw-side guide slot teeth 641; the rear jaw-side teeth 634 can be engaged with the rear jaw-side guide slot teeth 644 which have a rear jaw-side guide slot teeth depth 674 (FIG. 4); the front base bar handle-side teeth 635 can be engaged with the front base bar handle-side guide slot teeth 645; and the rear base bar handle-side teeth 637 can be engaged with the rear base bar handle-side guide slot teeth 647 which have a rear base bar handle-side guide slot teeth depth 676 (FIG. 4).

[111] FIG. 7 A shows a perspective view from the back side 18 in which the push-lock 500 is in an unlocked state and the pivot lock 600 has been moved into an unlocked state. The first actuator hinge 521 and the second actuator hinge 522 which can be radially rotated by actuation lever 513 (FIG. 7B) when the push-lock 500 is moved to an unlocked state.

[112] FIG. 7B show that in an unlocked state, the pivot lock teeth 660 are not engaged with the guide slot teeth 349 (FIGS 6A and 7A). For example, FIG. 7B shows in the unlocked state: the front jaw- side teeth 631 of the pivot lock is disengaged from and adjacent to the front jaw- side guide slot teeth 641; the rear jaw-side teeth 634 is disengaged from and adjacent to the rear jaw-side guide slot teeth 644; the front base bar handle-side teeth 635 is disengaged from and adjacent to the front base bar handle-side guide slot teeth 645; and the rear base bar handle - side teeth 637 is disengaged from and adjacent to the rear base bar handle-side guide slot teeth 647. A lock head clearance distance 653 is also shown and can be in a range of less than 1 mm to greater than 15 mm, or 1 mm to 10 mm, or 0.5 mm to 8 mm, or 2 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4 mm, for example 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, or 10 mm.

[113] In an embodiment, the compression force 530 sufficient to achieve an unlocked state and/or to achieve an unlocked state of the pivot lock 600 can be selected for ergonomic benefit, operational efficiency and ease of use. For example the compression force 530 can be in a range of 1 lbf to 25 lbf, or 3 lbf to 12 lbf, or 3 lbf to 9 lbf, or 3 lbf to 5 lbf, such as 2 lbf, 3 lbf, 4 lbf 5 lbf, 6 lbf, or higher.

[114] FIG. 8A is a view of the front side 16 of the adjustable pliers 10 showing the slide jaw 310 and base jaw 110 in contact. In the example of FIG. 8A, the push-lock 500 and adjustable pliers 10 are in a locked state.

[115] FIG. 8B is a cross sectional side view of the push-lock actuator 510 in a locked state. In the embodiment of FIG. 8B, the push-lock actuator 510 has the actuator button 512 which is configured upon and to reversibly depress actuation lever 513 which radially rotates the first actuator hinge 521 about the hinge bar 523 as show by the front hinge rotation arrow 527.

[116] In the embodiment of FIG. 8B, an actuator spring 518 can be is configured between the actuation lever 513 which supports the actuator button 512 and the spring base 710. The actuator spring exerts a spring bias force 720 away from the spring base 710. The spring bias force 720 can cause the push-lock 500 to achieve a locked state, or can maintain the push-lock 500 in a locked stated.

[117] FIG. 8C shows a cross sectional side view of the push- lock 500. In the embodiment of FIG. 8C the push-lock actuator 510 has an actuator guide track 520 which can extend from and be moved by the first actuator hinge 521 when the actuation lever 513 is moved. The actuator guide track 520 can have an actuator guide rail 519 which can slideably and rotationally engage the pivot lock 600. FIG. 8C shows the actuator guide rail 519 slideably and rotationally engaging a pivot lock latch 618 which has a pivot lock groove 617 slideably and rotationally engaged to the actuator guide rail 519.

[118] The slidable and rotation engagement of the actuator guide rail 519 and the pivot lock latch 618 links the movement of the pivot lock 600 to the movement of the push- lock actuator 510. For example, when the push-lock actuator 510 is in a locked configuration as shown in FIG. 8C, the spring bias force 720 away from spring base 710 exerts a force upon the actuation lever 513 which causes the first actuator hinge 521 to experience a lock bias force 722 which can achieve or maintain the push-lock actuator 510 in a locked configuration until an unlocking force is experienced. The lock bias force 722 can exert a force from the actuator guide rail 519 of the actuator guide track 520 upon the pivot lock latch 618 to force the pivot lock 600 to achieve a locked configuration or to maintain the pivot lock 600 in a locked configuration.

[119] FIG. 9A is a view of the front side 16 of the adjustable pliers 10 in an unlocked state showing the slide jaw 310 and base jaw 110 in contact. An operator's thumb can exert a compression force 530 (FIG. 9B) upon the actuator button 512 which overcomes the lock bias force 722 of the compression spring 700 which provides the lock state maintenance force 675.

[120] As shown in FIG. 9B, which is a detail of the push-lock 500 undergoing experiencing a compressive force 530, an unlocked state is achieved in this example embodiment when the pivot lock is moved to disengage the pivot lock teeth 660 from the guide slot teeth 349 (FIGS 6A and 7A) of the slide bar 300.

[121] In the example embodiment of FIG. 9B, the following actions can achieve an unlocked state of the push-lock 500 and adjustable pliers 10:

[122] an operator can physically apply a compression force 530 upon the actuator button 512;

[123] the lock bias force 722 of the actuator spring 518, such as compression spring 700, can be overcome by the compression force 530 applied by the operator;

[124] the compression force 530 applied by the operator can move the actuation lever 513, in a motion which can be radial about a hinge bar, in which the movement of the actuation lever

513 simultaneously moves the first actuator hinge 521, the second actuator hinge 522 (FIG.

9A), the actuator guide track 520 and actuator guide rail 519, thereby moving the pivot lock;

[125] the compression of the actuator spring 518 and movement of the actuation lever 513 in a direction toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 simultaneously moves the actuator guide track 520 and the actuator guide rail 519 toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335;

[126] the movement of the actuator guide rail 519 toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 moves the actuator guide rail 519 out of contact with a pull face 689 of the pivot lock latch 618 and into contact with the impact face 699 of the pivot lock latch 618 which exerts an unlocking force 679 which moves the pivot lock 500;

[127] the application of the unlocking force 679 from the actuator guide rail 519 contact upon the impact face 699 moves the impact face 699 toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 and the pivot lock head 610 away from the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 in an unlocking motion 685;

[128] the unlocking motion 685 of the pivot lock 500 disengages the pivot lock teeth 660 from the slide bar teeth 360, such as by moving the front lock teeth 606 toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 and the rear lock teeth 608 away from the base bar slot centerline plane 1335;

[129] the front lock teeth 606 can be moved adjacent to a clear of the front-side guide slot teeth 640 and the rear lock teeth 608 can be moved adjacent to a clear of the base bar handle- side teeth 649;

[130] the unlocking motion 685 also moves the pivot lock head base 609 away from the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 to achieve a lock head clearance distance 613. The lock head clearance distance 613 can be in a range of less than 1 mm to greater than 15 mm, 0.25 mm to 25 mm, or 1 mm to 10 mm, or 0.5 mm to 8 mm, or 2 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4 mm, for example 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, as measured from the slide bar guiding member surface 377 of slide bar guiding member 375 to a lock head bar-side surface 691 (FIG. 5C) of the pivot lock head 610.

[131] FIG. 10A shows the adjustable pliers 10 in which when the push-lock 500 is in an unlocked state, the operator can slide the slide bar 300 along the guide axis 1999 by applying a force upon the actuator button 512 which has a component parallel to the guide axis 1999 and generating a slide force 599.

[132] At least a portion of the slide bar 300 can be slid a distance which is the same as, or less than, the guide slot length 388 (FIG.3). The example of FIG.10A shows the slide bar 300 having been slid a travel distance 381 which in non-limiting example can be in a range of 5 mm to 150 mm, or 20 mm to 70 mm, or 15 mm to 50 mm, for example 30 mm, 40 mm, 49 mm, or 50 mm which represents a full travel along the travel distance 381 which is shown having traveled a maximum allowable travel for the example configuration shown in FIG. 10A provided for by the pivot lock guide slot 340.

[133] In an embodiment, the guide slot length 388 minus the pivot lock shaft width 606 can be the total amount of travel distance available to move the slide bar 300.

[134] In the embodiment shown in FIG.10A in which the jaws are parallel, for example in which the slide jaw plane 1310 (FIG. 11A) and base jaw slide plane 1110 (FIG.11A) are parallel, the jaw tip width 382:travel distance 381 can have a ratio in the range of 0.5:1 to 10:1, or 1:1 to 10:1, or 2:1 to 5:1, or 3:1 to 10:1, or for example 0.5:1, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, or 10:1.

[135] In other embodiments, the slide jaw plane 1310 can have an angle with the base jaw slide plane 1110 and the pliers can have a ratio between the jaw tip width 382:travel distance 381 which can be in the range of 0.5:1 to 10:1, or 1:1 to 10:1, or 2:1 to 5:1, or 3:1 to 10:1, or for example 0.5:1, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, or 10:1.

[136] In an embodiment, the pliers can have a ratio between the jaw tip width 382:guide slot length 388 can have a ratio in the range of 0.5:1 to 10:1, or 2:1 to 10:1, or 2:1 to 5:1, or 3:1 to 10:1, for example 0.5:1, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, or 10:1.

[137] In an embodiment, the pliers can have a ratio between the jaw base width 383:guide slot length 388 can have a ratio in the range of 0.5:1 to 10:1, or 2:1 to 10:1, or 2:1 to 5:1, or 3:1 to 10:1, for example 0.5:1, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, or 10:1. [138] In an embodiment, a ratio of the maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381 to the jaw base width 383 can be used. For example, the maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381:to the jaw base width 383 can have a ratio in the range of 0.5: 1 to 10: 1, or 2: 1 to 10: 1, or 2: 1 to 5: 1, or 3: 1 to 10: 1, for example 0.5: 1, 1 : 1, 2: 1, 3: 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, or 10: 1.

[139] FIG. 10B is a detail which shows how the force applied in this example by the operators thumb act upon the push- lock 500. The force applied by the operator's thumb pushing on the actuator button 512 produces in-part two force vectors shown in FIG. 9B. The first force vector shown is the compressive force 530 which moves the actuator button 512 toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 and achieves an unlocked state of the push- lock 500 and an unlocked state of the adjustable pliers 10. The second force vector shown is the slide force 599 (FIG. 10B) which is shown to move the actuator button 512, push-lock 500 and the slide jaw 310 slid and/or moved to the maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381 can be in a range of 5 mm to 150 mm, or 20 mm to 70 mm, or 15 mm to 50 mm, for example 30 mm, 40 mm, 49 mm, or 50 mm allowed by the pivot lock guide slot 340 having the pivot lock guide slot distal width 341.

[140] In an embodiment, the slide force 599 can be sufficient to move the slide bar 300 relative to the base bar 100 when the push-lock is in an unlocked state. The slide force 599 can move the slide bar in the positive X (+X) direction or negative X direction (-X) as shown in FIG. 10B. FIG. 10B shows the slide force 599 moving the slide bar 300 in the positive X direction to increase the distance between the slide jaw 310 and base jaw 110. An operator can also use the slide force 599 to move the slide bar 300 in the negative X (-X) direction to decrease the distance between the slide jaw 310 and base jaw 110.

[141] In an embodiment the slide force 599 can be in a range of 0.1 lbf to 15 lbf, or 4 lbf to 10 lbf, or 0.4 lbf to 3 lbf, or 1 lbf to 4 lbf, for example 0.2 lbf, 0.4 lbf, 0.5 lbf, 1 lbf, 2 lbf, 3 lbf, or 5 lbf. [142] FIG. 11A is a view of the front side 16 of the adjustable pliers 10 showing the slide jaw 310 and base jaw 110 in a locked state and configured to have achieved a separation which is the maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381 can be in a range of 20 mm to 70 mm, or for example 49 mm allowed by the pivot lock guide slot 340. As shown in FIG. 11 A, the slide member 330 can have a slide member axis 1330 and a slide member length 333. In non- limiting example the slide member length 333 can be measured as the distance from the slide jaw base 331 to the slide handle start 307. In an embodiment, the slide member length 333 can be parallel to the slide member axis 1330.

[143] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the push-lock actuator 510 can have a fixed position along the slide member length. For example, the actuator button while being able to be reversibly depressed by a rotational motion about the push-lock hinge axis 525, has a fixed linear position along the slide member length 333. In an embodiment the projection of at least a portion of the push- lock actuator 510 is fixed in regard to the slide member axis 1330 and the slide member length 333.

[144] As shown in FIG. 11 A, the slide bar tip to end length 393 can be measured from the distal jaw tip 301 to the slide bar tail end 392. The slide bar tip to end length 393 can be in a range of 3 in to 24 in, or 5 in to 12 in, or 8 in to 16 in, for example 4 in, 5 in, 6 in, 8 in, 10.5 in, 12 in, or 16 in.

[145] In an embodiment, the slide bar tip to end length 393:guide slot length 388 can be in a ratio of 3: 1 to 10: 1, or 4: 1 to 9: 1, or 4: 1 to 8: 1, for example 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1, 7:1, 8: 1 or 9: 1.

[146] In an embodiment, the slide bar tip to end length 393:travel distance 381 can be in a ratio of 3: 1 to 10: 1, or 4: 1 to 9: 1, or 4: 1 to 8: 1, for example 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1, 7:1, 8: 1 or 9: 1.

[147] In an embodiment, the slide bar tip to end length 393:the maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381 can be in a ratio of 3: 1 to 10: 1, or 4: 1 to 9: 1, or 4: 1 to 8: 1, for example 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1, 7: 1, 8: 1 or 9: 1. [148] FIG. 11B is a detail showing the pivot lock 500 in a locked state analogous in configuration to that shown in FIG. 8C, but at the point where travel stopped at the maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381 can be in a range of 20 mm to 70 mm, or for example 49 mm allowed by the pivot lock guide slot 340. For example, the push-lock actuator 510 is shown in a locked configuration, the spring bias force 720 has moved away from spring base 710 and can exerting a force upon the actuation lever 513 which can cause the first actuator hinge 521 to experience a lock bias force 722 and which can achieve or maintain the push-lock actuator 510 in a locked configuration until an unlocking force is once again experienced. The lock bias force 722, which optionally can be parallel to spring bias force 720, can exert a force from the actuator guide rail 519 of the actuator guide track 520 upon the pivot lock latch 618 to maintain the pivot lock 600 in a locked configuration.

[149] When the compressive force which maintained the unlocked state while the slide bar 300 was released, the push-lock 500 experiences a series of motions and events in a locking transition which can result in the push-lock 500 and adjustable pliers 10 achieving the locked state. These motions and events are the reverse of those for the unlocking transition.

[150] The locking transition can have the following actions to achieve an locked state of the push-lock 500 and adjustable pliers 10:

[151] an operator can remove the compression force 530 from the actuator button 512;

[152] the lock bias force 722 (FIG. 11B) of the actuator spring 518, such as compression spring 700 exerts a spring bias against the actuation lever 513 which can move the actuation lever 513, in a motion away from the base bar slot centerline plane and which can also be radial about a hinge bar simultaneously moving the first actuator hinge 521, the second actuator hinge 522 (FIG. 7A), the actuator guide track 520 and actuator guide rail 519, thereby moving the pivot lock;

[153] movement of the actuation lever 513 in a direction away from the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 simultaneously moves the actuator guide track 520 and the actuator guide rail 519 away from the base bar slot centerline plane 1335;

[ 154] the movement of the actuator guide rail 519 away from the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 moves the actuator guide rail 519 out of contact with the impact face 699 of the pivot lock latch 618 and into contact with the pull face 689 of the pivot lock latch 618 which exerts the lock bias force 722 (FIG. 11B) upon the pivot lock latch which moves the pivot lock 500;

[155] the movement of the actuation lever 513 moving the actuator guide track 520 and the actuator guide rail 519 away from the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 moves the pivot lock latch 618 and the impact face 699 away from the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 and the pivot lock head 610 toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 in a locking motion 687;

[156] the locking motion 687 of the pivot lock 500 engages the pivot lock teeth 660 with the slide bar teeth 360, such as by moving the front lock teeth 606 away the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 and the rear lock teeth 608 toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 allowing the pivot lock teeth 660 and slide bar teeth 360 to engage in a locked configuration;

[157] the front lock teeth 606 can be moved to engage the front-side guide slot teeth 640 in an interlocked configuration and the rear lock teeth 608 can be moved to engage the base bar handle-side teeth 649 in an interlocked configuration;

[158] the lock bias force 722 can cause a locking motion 687 which can move the pivot lock head base 609 toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 to a position adjacent to the slide bar guiding member surface 377 of slide bar guiding member 375. When locked the head lock clearance distance can be in a range of 0 mm to 1 mm, or for example 0 mm, can be reduce to zero, or can be a small distance, as compared to the unlocked state.

[159] As shown in FIG. 11B and analogous to FIG. 8C, to achieve the locked state: the front jaw-side teeth 631 of the pivot lock can have become engaged with the front jaw-side guide slot teeth 641; the rear jaw-side teeth 634 can have become engaged with the rear jaw-side guide slot teeth 644; the front base bar handle-side teeth 635 can have become engaged with the front base bar handle-side guide slot teeth 645; and the rear base bar handle-side teeth 637 (FIG. 11B and FIG. 8C) can have become engaged with the rear base bar handle-side guide slot teeth 647.

[160] FIGS 8 A to 11B above show a series of images as the adjustable pliers 10 transitioned from a locked state in which the slide jaw 310 and base jaw 110 in contact and in a locked state, to an operator unlocking the push- lock 500 and using the operator's thumb to apply a slide force 599, to slide the slide jaw 300 moved to a maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381 allowed by the pivot lock guide slot 340, which can be in a range of 20 mm to 70 mm, or for example 49 mm and have the push-lock 500 transitioned to a locked state.

[161] FIGS 12A-12E show a series of images from the adjustable pliers 10 in a lock state configured with the slide jaw 300 configured at a maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381 (FIG. 10A) allowed from the guide slot handle end 387 (FIG. 3) which can be in a range of 20 mm to 70 mm, or for example 49 mm to the adjustable pliers 10 configured with the slide jaw 310 and base jaw 110 in contact and in a locked state.

[162] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the adjustable pliers 10 in a locked state having push- lock 500 in a locked state and with the pivot lock 600 configured at a maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381 allowed from the guide slot handle end 387. In this configuration the pivot lock shaft can be in contact with the guide slot slide handle end 387. FIG. 11A shows the compression spring 700 in an uncompressed state and the actuator button 512 in a resting state.

[163] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the push- lock actuator 510 configured in an unlocked state and having the push-lock 500 in an unlocked state which achieves an unlocked state for the adjustable pliers 10, and with the pivot lock 600 configured at a maximum allowable travel of the travel distance 381 allowed from the guide slot handle end 387. FIG. 1 IB shows the compression spring 700 in a compressed state and the actuator button 512 in a depressed state in locking the pivot lock 600.

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the slide jaw 300 having been slid such that the actuator button 512 has been positioned over the pivot lock 600 which is in an unlocked state. FIG. 12C shows the compression spring 700 in a compressed state and the actuator button 512 in a depressed state maintaining the pivot lock 600 in an unlocked state.

[164] FIG. 12D is a perspective view of the slide jaw 300 having continued to be slid until the pivot lock 600 which is in an unlocked state has been stopped by contact with the guide slot slide jaw end 386. In this configuration, the pivot lock shaft can be in contact with the guide slot slide jaw end 386 (FIG. 3). FIG. 12D shows the compression spring 700 in a compressed state and the actuator button 512 in a depressed state maintaining the pivot lock 600 in an unlocked state.

[165] FIG. 12E is a perspective view of the slide jaw 310 and base jaw 110 in contact and in a locked state. In FIG. 12E, the push-lock actuator 510 is in an unlocked state, the compression spring 700 in an uncompressed state and the actuator button 512 in a resting state. In this configuration, the pivot lock shaft can be in contact with the guide slot slide jaw end 386. The pivot lock teeth 660 can be engaged in a locked configuration with the guide slot teeth 349 (FIGS 6 A and 7 A).

[166] FIGS 13A-13C is a series of figures showing the one hand adjustment of the adjustable pliers 10.

[167] FIGS 13A shows an operator with one hand gripping the base bar 100 with the four fingers 1004 of that hand, and using the thumb 1000 of the same hand to depress the push-lock actuator 510 unlocking the push-lock 500 and achieving an unlocked state for the adjustable pliers 10. [168] FIG. 13B shows the operator using the thumb 1000 to impart a slide force 599 while the push- lock 500 is maintained in an unlocked state to slide the slide bar 300 to place the slide jaw 310 and pivot lock 600 at a desired position along the pivot lock guide slot 340. The design is ergonomic and achieves the capability to allow the operator to use the thumb 1000 to impart a slide force 599 while the four fingers 1004 grip the base bar 100 in a one-handed operation.

[169] FIG. 13C shows the operator raising the thumb 1000 and releasing the push-lock actuator 510 from the compression force 530 and the push-lock 500 is in a locked state. This release of the compression force 530 allows the spring bias force 720 to impart the lock bias force 722 (FIG. 11B) which moves the pivot lock 600 to engage the pivot lock teeth 660 to engage the slide bar teeth 399, which in an embodiment can be guide slot teeth 349 (FIGS 6A and 7A). The locking of the push-lock 500 achieves a locked state of the adjustable pliers 10.

[170] FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of pliers having a T-rail actuator. In the embodiment of 14A, the push- lock actuator 510 can have a lever button 800 configured on the slide bar 300 which can have a T-rail 850 (FIGS 14B and 14C) which can have a rail 855 (FIGS 14B and 14C) that can moveably engage the pivot lock 600. FIG. 14B shows a detail cross section of the push-lock actuator having a T-rail 850 in a locked state.

[171] FIG 14B shows the push-lock 500 having a push-lock actuator 510 having the lever button 800 in a locked state. The T-rail 850 can have a rail 855 moveable engaged with a C- latch 880 of the pivot lock 600. The rail 855 of the T-rail 850 can have a first rail 857 and a second rail 859. The first rail 857 can reversibly engage the first clasp 882 of the C-latch 880. The second rail 859 can reversibly engage the second clasp 884 of the C-latch 880.

[172] In the embodiment of FIG. 14B, the actuator spring 518 is in an uncompressed state and can exert a spring bias force 720 upon the lever button 800 which can exert a lock bias force 722 by the T-rail 850 having the first rail 857 reversibly pulling the first clasp 882 of the C-latch 880 in the direction of the lock bias force 722 and the second rail 859 reversibly pulling the second clasp 884 in the direction of the lock bias force 722. The lock bias force 722 can achieve or maintain the pivot lock 600 in a locked stated in which the pivot lock teeth 660 are engaged with the slide bar teeth 399.

[173] FIG. 14C shows a detail cross section of the push-lock actuator having a T-rail in an unlocked state. In this example, the lever button 800 can receive a compression force 530 which can compress the actuator spring 518 overcoming the lock bias force 722 (FIG. 14B). The movement of the lever button 800 toward the base bar slot centerline plane 1335 can cause a portion of the rail 855, such as the second rail 859 to impact the impact face 699 of the pivot lock 600 and impart the unlocking force 679 which can cause unlocking motion 685 (FIG. 9B).

[174] FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of pliers having a push-lock actuator 510 having a bar actuator 900 configured on the slide bar 300. The slide bar 300 can have a slide grip 975. In the example of FIG. 15A the push-lock 500 having the bar actuator 900 is in a locked state.

[175] FIG. 15B shows a detail view of the bar actuator 900 and a number of a bar spring 980. In the example of FIG. 15B the bar actuation 900 has a bar jaw end 991 and a jaw-end bar plate 992, as well as a bar handle end 997 and a handle-end bar plate 998.

[176] In an embodiment, a jaw-end bar spring 981 can impart a jaw-end spring bias 982 against the jaw-end bar plate 992. The jaw-end bar spring 981 can be configured coaxially around a jaw-end spring guide 984. A handle-end bar spring 986 can impart a handle-end spring bias 982 against the handle-end bar plate 998. The handle-end bar spring 981 can be configured coaxially around a handle-end spring guide 989. In the embodiment of FIG. 15B, the jaw-end bar spring 981 and the handle-end bar spring 986 can impart the lock bias force 722.

[177] FIG. 15C shows a detail of the bar actuator having the bar rail engaged with the pivot latch in the unlocked state. The bar actuator 900 can have a bar rail 950, which in FIG. 15C is shown impacting the impact face 699 and imparting the unlocking force 679 upon the pivot lock 600.

[178] In the example of FIG. 15C, the bar actuator 900 is shown receiving the unlocking force 679 which can compress the jaw-end bar spring 981 and the handle-end bar spring 986 to achieve the unlocking motion 685 which can disengage the pivot lock teeth 600 from the slide bar teeth 399.

[179] This disclosure regards a hand tool and its many aspects, features and elements. Such an apparatus can be dynamic in its use and operation. This disclosure is intended to encompass the equivalents, means, systems and methods of the use of the adjustable pliers and its many aspects consistent with the description and spirit of the apparatus, means, methods, functions and operations disclosed herein. Other embodiments and modifications will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art as being enabled by and within the scope of this disclosure.

[180] The scope of this disclosure is to be broadly construed. The embodiments herein can be used together, separately, mixed or combined. It is intended that this disclosure disclose equivalents, means, systems and methods to achieve the devices, designs, operations, control systems, controls, activities, mechanical actions, dynamics and results disclosed herein. For each mechanical element or mechanism disclosed, it is intended that this disclosure also encompasses within the scope of its disclosure and teaches equivalents, means, systems and methods for practicing the many aspects, mechanisms and devices disclosed herein. The claims of this application are likewise to be broadly construed.

[181] The description of the technology herein in its many and varied embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the claims and the disclosure herein. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosed technologies.

[182] It will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made to the above described embodiments of the hand tool as disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the claims