CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Provisional Application No. 63/202,305 filed on 06/04/2021, which is fully incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Field of the Disclosure

[0002] Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for hand tools. More particularly, relate to low profile pliers that require lower clearance while improving a line of sight from a tool head to a working object.

Background

[0003] Pliers are hand tools that are used to grasp an object. Generally, pliers consist of a pair of metal levers joined at a fulcrum, wherein the fulcrum is positioned closer to one of the ends of the levers. This creates short jaws on one side of the fulcrum, and longer handles on the other side. This arrangement creates a mechanical advantage while manipulating the object.

[0004] However for operation, the geometry of conventional pliers requires additional clearance beyond the plier’s dimensions. Furthermore, conventional pliers also require a full width of the user’s hand. This can be problematic when working in tight spaces. When applying a secondary function, such as pulling or lifting the object, a same amount of force may be inadvertently applied through the grip of the fingers. This may cause undesirable damage to the object.

[0005] Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems and methods for low profile pliers that require lower clearance and improves a line of sight from a tool head to a working object.

SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for low profile hand tools, such as pliers.

Embodiments may be manufactured via 3-D printing out of plastics, which allow the hand tools to be a single, unified part. This may reduce pressure at stress points while improving the elasticity of a hinge between a pair of jaws. Embodiments may allow precise control of the tool’s head while working it tight spaces, provide better control of tool grip strength, increase a line of sight to the object, and provide better ergonomic hand and wrist posture. Embodiments may include a handle, lower jaw, hinge, and upper jaw. [0007] The handle may be a lowermost part of the hand tool, and may be fixed in place with no moving parts.

The handle may be configured to be grasped by a hand of a user to move the hand tool in multiple planes. The handle may have a central axis that extends in a first fixed plane tangential to a second fixed plane associated with an upper surface of the lower jaw. This may allow an angle between the first fixed plane and the second fixed plane to be static, while an angle between the first fixed plane and the upper jaw ay change. In embodiments, the handle may include a first stopper that extends above a plane associated with a lower end of the hinge. The first stopper may be configured to interface with a second stopper on the upper jaw to limit the rotating of the working end of the tool.

[0008] The lower jaw may be configured to extend away from the handle. In embodiments, a proximal end of the lower jaw may be positioned in front of the hinge. The lower jaw may include a tapered lower surface and a planer upper surface. The tapered lower surface may decrease a thickness of the lower jaw, which may enable a distal end of the lower jaw to have a smaller profile than that of the proximal end of the lower jaw. The upper surface of the lower jaw may include a textured surface, a positive space block, a first orifice, and a second orifice. The textured surface may increase a friction coefficient of the lower jaw by increasing and varying a surface area of the lower jaw. The positive space block may extend upward from the upper surface of the lower jaw into a corresponding negative space block within the upper jaw. This may assist in securing an object within the jaws. The first orifice may be positioned on a distalmost end of the lower jaw, and form an opening between projections. The second orifices may be aligned with each other and positioned on sidewalls of the lower jaw, which form a groove across a lateral axis of the lower jaw. Utilizing the groove and/or the first orifice an object may be secured between the lower jaw and the upper jaw.

[0009] The hinge may be a pliable material, such as plastic, that couples the upper jaw to the lower jaw. The hinge may be positioned within a cutout between the upper and lower jaw. In embodiments, the hinge may be curved such that an apex of the curve is positioned closer to a distal end of the upper jaw than the ends of the curve. This may allow the hinge to be positioned in a normally closed position when no external forces are applied to the upper jaw.

[0010] The upper jaw may be configured to rotate to open and close a working end of the hand tool, while the lower jaw remains static. The upper jaw may include a first interface and a second interface. The first interface may be positioned on a proximal most end of the upper jaw, behind the hinge. The first interface may be configured to receive a thumb of a user to receive an upward force. Responsive to receiving the upward force, the working end of the tool may close. The second interface may be positioned on an upper surface of the upper jaw. The second interface may be configured to receive the thumb of the user to receive a downward force. Responsive to receiving the downward force, the working end of the tool may open. In embodiments, the first interface and the second interface may be positioned on adjacent faces of the lower jaw, and be positioned behind the hinge. The upper jaw may include a tapered upper surface and a planer lower surface. The tapered upper surface may decrease a thickness of the upper jaw, which may enable a distal end of the upper jaw to have a smaller profile than that of the proximal end of the upper jaw. The lower surface of the upper jaw may include a textured surface, a negative space block, a first orifice, and a second orifice.

[0011] The textured surface may increase a friction coefficient of the lower jaw by increasing and varying a surface area of the upper jaw. The negative space block may extend upward from the lower surface of the upper jaw. The negative space block may be aligned with the positive space block to assist in securing the object within the jaws. The first orifice may be positioned on a distalmost end of the upper jaw, and form an opening between projections. The second orifices may be aligned with each other and positioned on sidewalls of the upper jaw, which form a second groove across a lateral axis of the upper jaw. Utilizing the grooves in the upper and lower jaws an object may be secured between the lower jaw and the upper jaw.

[0012] These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0014] FIGURE 1 depicts a hand tool, according to an embodiment

[0015] FIGURE 2 depicts a hand tool, according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIGURE 3 depicts a hand tool, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIGURE 4 depicts a hand tool, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIGURE 5 depicts a method for operating a hand tool, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIGURES 6-13 depict various views of a hand tool, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIGURE 14 depicts a hand tool, according to an embodiment.

[0021] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments.

[0023] FIGURE 1 depicts a hand tool 100, according to an embodiment. Hand tool 100 may be a single, unified component that may be formed via 3-D printing, extrusion of plastics, etc. This may allow a working end of hand tool 100 to have a lower profile by minimizing a footprint of hinge. Hand tool 100 may be pliers, wire strippers, tweezers, or any other device that has a working end and hinge. Hand tool 100 may include handle 110, lower jaw 120, hinge 130, and upper jaw 140.

[0024] Handle 110 may be a lowermost part of the hand tool 100, and may be a fixed element with no moving parts. Handle 110 may be configured to be grasped by a hand of a user to move the hand tool 100. Handle 110 may have a central axis that extends in a first fixed plane that is tangential to a second fixed plane associated with an upper surface 122 of the lower jaw 120. This may allow an angle between the first fixed plane and the second fixed plane to be static. In embodiments, handle 110 may include a first stopper 112 that extends above a plane associated with a lower end 132 of the hinge 130. First stopper 112 may be configured to interface with a second stopper 142 on the upper jaw to limit the rotating of the working end of the hand tool 100. In embodiments, a maximum distance between first stopper 112 and second stopper 142 may be less than a length of hinge 130.

[0025] Lower jaw 120 may be configured to extend away from handle 110. In embodiments, a proximal end of the lower jaw 120 may be positioned in front of the hinge 130. Lower jaw 120 may include a tapered lower surface 124 and a planer upper surface 122. The tapered lower surface 124 may decrease a thickness of the lower jaw 120, which may enable a distal end of the lower jaw 120 to have a smaller profile than that of the proximal end of the lower jaw 120.

[0026] Hinge 130 may be a pliable material, such as plastic, that couples the upper jaw 140 to the lower jaw 120.

Hinge 130 may be positioned within a cutout between the upper jaw 140 and lower jaw 120. The cutout between upper jaw 140 and lower jaw 120 may be substantially oval in shape, which may aid in retaining the elasticity of hinge 130. In embodiments, the hinge 130 may be curved such that an apex 134 of the curve is positioned closer to a distal end of the upper jaw 140 than the ends of the curve. This may allow the hinge 130 to be positioned in a normally closed position when no external forces are applied to the upper jaw 140.

[0027] Upper jaw 140 may be configured to rotate to open and close a working end of the hand tool 100, while the lower jaw 120 remains static. Upper jaw 140 may include a tapered upper surface 148 and a planer lower surface 149. Tapered upper surface 148 may decrease a thickness of the upper jaw 140, which may enable a distal end of the upper jaw 140 to have a smaller profile than that of the proximal end of the upper jaw 140. Upper jaw 140 may also include a first interface 144, second interface 146, and stopper 142.

[0028] First interface 144 may be positioned on a proximal most end of upper jaw 144, behind the hinge 136.

First interface 144 may be configured to receive a thumb of a user to receive an upward force. Responsive to receiving the upward force, the working end of the tool 100 may close, as shown in FIGURE 1. The second interface may be positioned on an upper surface of the upper jaw. Second interface 146 may be configured to receive the thumb of the user to receive a downward force. Responsive to receiving the downward force, the working end of the tool 100 may open, as shown in FIGURE 2. In embodiments, first interface 144 and second interface 146 may be positioned on adjacent faces of the lower jaw, and be positioned behind the hinge 136.

[0029] FIGURE 2 depicts a hand tool 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIGURE 2 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity another description of these elements may be omitted.

[0030] As depicted in FIGURE 2, a user may apply a downward force against second interface 146. This force may cause an upward movement of upper jaw 140 relative to a stationary lower jaw 120, which in turn creates a space between lower surface 149 and upper surface 122.

[0031] Furthermore, as depicted in FIGURE 2, when hand tool 100 is in the open position the distal ends of upper jaw 140 and lower jaw 120 are within the bounds of the proximal ends of upper jaw 140 and lower jaw 120. Accordingly, even when in the open position, a distance across the proximal ends of upper jaw 140 and lower jaw 120 is larger than a distance across the distal ends of upper jaw 140 and lower jaw 120. Additionally, the movement of the proximal end of upper jaw 140 may be inversely related to the movement of the distal end of upper jaw 140. More specifically, responsive to the proximal end of upper jaw 140 receiving a downward force to move downward, the distal end of upper jaw 140 may move upward. Similarly, responsive to relieving the downward force on the proximal end of upper jaw 140 and/or applying an upward force on the proximal end of upper jaw 140 the proximal end of upper jaw 140 may move upward while the distal end of upper jaw 140 moves downward.

[0032] FIGURE 3 depicts a hand tool 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIGURE 3 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity another description of these elements may be omitted. [0033] As depicted in FIGURE 3, a user may apply forces against the outer surfaces of lower jaw 120 and upper jaw 140 while the distal end of tool 100 is encompassing a fuse 310 positioned within a fuse box 310. The forces against the outer surface of tool 100 may allow for compressive forces against multiple surfaces of fuse 310.

[0034] FIGURE 4 depicts a hand tool 400, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIGURE 4 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity another description of these elements may be omitted.

[0035] As depicted in FIGURE 4, lower jaw 120 may include a positive space block 410, a first orifice, and groove 414. Positive space block 410 may extend upward from the upper surface of the lower jaw 120 into a corresponding negative 420 space block within the upper jaw 140. This may assist in securing an object within the jaws. The first orifice may be positioned on a distalmost end of the lower jaw 120, and form an opening between projections. The groove 414 form a channel across a lateral axis of the lower jaw 120. Utilizing the groove and/or the first orifice an object, such as a fuse, may be secured between the lower jaw 120 and the upper jaw 140.

[0036] Upper jaw 140 may include a negative space block 420, a first orifice, and groove 424.

[0037] Negative space block 420 may extend upward from the lower surface of the upper jaw 140 towards the upper surface of upper jaw 140. Negative space block 4200 may be aligned with the positive space block 410 to assist in securing the object within the jaws. The first orifice may be positioned on a distalmost end of the upper jaw 140, and form an opening between projections. The groove 424 may form a channel across a lateral axis of the upper jaw 140. Utilizing the grooves in the upper and lower jaws an object may be secured between the lower jaw 120 and the upper jaw 140.

[0038] FIGURE 5 illustrates a method 500 for operating a hand tool, according to an embodiment. The operations of method 500 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 500 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 500 are illustrated in FIGURE 5 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

[0039] At operation 510, an upper jaw of the hand tool may be moved upward relative to a static lower jaw. The upper jaw may be moved upward responsive to a downward force being applied to an external surface of the upper jaw.

[0040] At operation 520, an object, such as a fuse, may be inserted between the upper jaw and the lower jaw.

[0041] At operation 530, pressure may be applied to external surfaces of the upper jaw and the lower jaw to apply compressive forces against the object.

[0042] At operation 540, the upper jaw may be maintained in a closed position by the user applying an upward force against a proximal end of the upper jaw. [0043] At operation 550, the upper jaw may be opened by applied a downward force against the upper jaw.

[0044] Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.

[0045] FIGURE 6 depicts a first perspective view of pliers, according to an embodiment.

[0046] FIGURE 7 depicts a second perspective view of pliers, according to an embodiment.

[0047] FIGURE 8 depicts a top perspective view of pliers, according to an embodiment.

[0048] FIGURE 9 depicts a bottom perspective view of pliers, according to an embodiment.

[0049] FIGURE 10 depicts a first side view of pliers, according to an embodiment.

[0050] FIGURE 11 depicts a second side view of pliers, according to an embodiment.

[0051] FIGURE 12 depicts a front view of pliers, according to an embodiment.

[0052] FIGURE 13 depicts rear of pliers, according to an embodiment.

[0053] FIGURE 14 illustrates a use case of pliers according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIGURE 14 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity another description of these elements may be omitted.

[0054] As depicted in FIGURE 14, a user may apply a force 1042 against interface 144 on a distal end of the upper jaw 140. Force 1042 may be a slightly upward force applied to a distal end of upper jaw 140 towards the proximal end of upper jaw 140. Force 1402 may cause the distal end of upper jaw 140 to move downward 1404, enabling a tool, such as a fuse 1410, to be clamped between upper jaw 140 and lower jaw 120. The user while applying force 1402 may simultaneously move their hand to create a second force 1406 to pull on fuse 1410.

[0055] This may enable fuse 1410 to be pulled out of a slot while two forces 1402, 1406 are simultaneously applied to hand tool 100, wherein force 1402 may be in an opposite direction of force 1406.

[0056] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "one example" or "an example" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", "one example" or "an example" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub -combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.