EP3208043B1 - Outil à main et son procédé d'utilisation - Google Patents

Outil à main et son procédé d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3208043B1
EP3208043B1 EP17156669.8A EP17156669A EP3208043B1 EP 3208043 B1 EP3208043 B1 EP 3208043B1 EP 17156669 A EP17156669 A EP 17156669A EP 3208043 B1 EP3208043 B1 EP 3208043B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
handle assembly
assembly
tool
another
handle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17156669.8A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3208043A1 (fr
Inventor
Theodore Voorhees Tillinghast III
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Quic Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Quic Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/050,425 external-priority patent/US10076827B2/en
Application filed by Quic Industries Inc filed Critical Quic Industries Inc
Publication of EP3208043A1 publication Critical patent/EP3208043A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3208043B1 publication Critical patent/EP3208043B1/fr
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING
    • B25B7/00—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools
    • B25B7/02—Jaws
    • B25B7/04—Jaws adjustable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D29/00—Manicuring or pedicuring implements
    • A45D29/02—Nail clippers or cutters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING
    • B25B7/00—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools
    • B25B7/12—Pliers; Other hand-held gripping tools with jaws on pivoted limbs; Details applicable generally to pivoted-limb hand tools involving special transmission means between the handles and the jaws, e.g. toggle levers, gears
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B17/00—Hand cutting tools, i.e. with the cutting action actuated by muscle power with two jaws which come into abutting contact
    • B26B17/006—Hand cutting tools, i.e. with the cutting action actuated by muscle power with two jaws which come into abutting contact having cutting edges parallel to a pivot axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B17/00—Hand cutting tools, i.e. with the cutting action actuated by muscle power with two jaws which come into abutting contact
    • B26B17/02—Hand cutting tools, i.e. with the cutting action actuated by muscle power with two jaws which come into abutting contact with jaws operated indirectly by the handles, e.g. through cams or toggle levers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D29/00—Manicuring or pedicuring implements
    • A45D29/02—Nail clippers or cutters
    • A45D2029/026—Nail clippers or cutters for toenails, e.g. with a rod acting over the clipper

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to tools and more particularly relates to hand tools and work tools.
  • Conventional hand tools such as conventional fingernail and toe nail clippers, have proven problematic to use, particularly when used by the elderly, arthritic individuals, stroke victims and others who have limited range of arm, wrist and hand movement.
  • conventional fingernail and toe nail clippers have a spring handle that pivots about a fulcrum. Connected to the handle is a lever that is configured to downwardly press against the handle, so as to cause cutting edges formed on the handle to contact each other.
  • the handle and lever must be in alignment with each other during the nail clipping operation to achieve efficient operation of the device.
  • Movement of the handle and lever into alignment during the nail clipping operation requires extensive manipulation of the handle and lever and extensive dexterity on the part of the user. Such extensive manipulation and need for extensive dexterity is problematic for elderly persons, arthritic individuals, stroke victims and others having limited arm, wrist and hand movement.
  • the nail clipper comprises an elongate lever, a short upper body, a long lower body and a joint pin to assemble the lever and both the upper and the lower bodies together at their front sections, so that the lever can be pressed down to compress the upper body downward on the lower body.
  • the nail clipper further comprises two opposed pairs of curved cutting edges provided on opposite sides of the upper and the lower bodies (see FIGS. 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 of the Tsay patent). The cutting edges are fixed at two positions, one position being perpendicular to the other position.
  • the Tsay patent discloses that the cutting edges are fixed at two positions, one position being perpendicular to the other position. Fixing the cutting edges at two positions may nonetheless require a user to extensively manipulate the nail clipper to clip nails. Requiring the user to extensively manipulate the nail clipper to clip nails is inconvenient for the user.
  • a clamp includes a set of jaws including a gripping portion and an actuating portion and pin means pivotally connecting the jaws for movement between open and closed positions within a first plane.
  • a set of handles comprising crank arms are disposed and operable between the open and closed positions within a second plane.
  • the second plane is mutually intersecting with the first plane and the crank arms are connected to the actuating portion of the jaws at the junctures of respective leg portions of the crank arms.
  • this connection comprises a hinge for infinite angular positioning of the first plane containing the jaws with respect to the second plane containing the crank arms.
  • the leg portions of the crank arms are pivotally joined by a pin, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a screw, to provide for opening and closing movement of the handles.
  • the White patent discloses that opening and closing movement of the handles is accomplished by adjustment of a screw (i.e., pin) that joins the handles. Only allowing opening and closing movement of the handles by means of a screw creates unnecessary delay in adjusting the clamp before surgery, readjusting the clamp during surgery, if necessary, and releasing the clamp after surgery because a screw driver is apparently needed to adjust the screw. Such a delay before, during and after a surgical procedure is undesirable.
  • a screw i.e., pin
  • a bolt clipper embodying a jaw lever system and an actuating handle lever system are provided.
  • the jaw levers can be adjusted to various angular positions relative to the plane of the handle levers so as to permit operating swinging movement of the jaws.
  • joints embodying mating spherical surfaces and tail portions of the jaw levers are provided with shallow recesses of spherical contour, which receive interposed balls on which at least of one of the parts turns (see column 2, lines 15-37 of the Geddes patent).
  • This patent also discloses that handle members are apparently pivotally mounted by means of a screw-like pin.
  • US 2014/0041195 discloses a hand tool and method of manufacturing and using the same.
  • the hand tool includes a tool mount including at least one heim joint that removably receives thereon a tool head assembly.
  • the heim joint and tool head assembly cooperate to provide the hand tool with a multi-directional, variable angle of attack on a work piece in a manner that accommodates aged, arthritic and otherwise handicapped people having a limited range of arm, wrist and hand movement.
  • Document US 2014/0041 195 shows a hand tool according to the preamble of claims 1 and 4.
  • hand tool 1000 for operating on a work piece (not shown).
  • hand tool 1000 is a fingernail or toe nail clipper for clipping or cutting fingernails and toe nails of a user (also not shown).
  • hand tool 1000 is not limited to the configuration of a fingernail or toe nail clipper. Rather, hand tool 1000 may be in the configuration of other types of hand tools, as well, such as clamps and bolt cutters.
  • hand tool 1000 comprises a first embodiment hand held tool mount or handle assembly 1010 shown oriented in a y-axis or first plane.
  • Handle assembly 1010 which is sized for hand manipulation or grasping by the user, includes a generally smooth, contoured, arcuate-shaped upper handle member 1020 and a generally smooth, contoured, arcuate-shaped lower handle member 1030 disposed in the first plane opposite upper handle member 1020.
  • the contoured or arcuate shape of upper handle member 1020 and lower handle member 1030 facilitates grasping thereof by the user of hand tool 1000.
  • Upper handle member 1020 defines a proximal end portion 1032a and a distal end portion 1032b for reasons recited herein below.
  • lower handle member 1030 defines a proximal end portion 1035a and a distal end portion 1035b for reasons recited herein below.
  • the handle assembly 1010 is also provided with a resilient biasing member in the form of an elongate leaf spring 1040 for reasons provided herein below.
  • leaf spring 1040 has a unitary construction that includes a central straight segment portion 1050, which is disposed between an upper straight portion 1050a and a lower rounded or curved end portion 1050b.
  • Upper straight portion 1050a is positioned generally intermediate proximal end portion 1032a and distal end portion 1032b of upper handle member 1020.
  • Lower rounded or curved end portion 1050b is positioned generally intermediate proximal end portion 1035a and distal end portion 1035b of lower handle member 1030.
  • lower rounded or curved end portion 1050b of leaf spring 1040 is mounted within a lower handle member cutout 1060 by a mounting or spring pin indicated generally at 1070.
  • Cutout 1060 is disposed at an inner rearward surface area of lower handle member 1030 in a manner that allows leaf spring 1040 to be disposed at an inclined angle between upper handle member 1020 and lower handle member 1030.
  • the opposite end of leaf spring 1040 which terminates in upper straight portion 1050a, permits the opposite or upper straight portion 1050a to rest in engagement with an inner surface area of upper handle member 1020.
  • leaf spring 1040 is wedged between upper handle member 1020 and lower handle member 1030 to provide a return force when the two handle members 1020/1030 are manually squeezed together by the user, such as in the direction of directional arrows 1075a and 1075b (see FIG. 5A ).
  • upper handle member 1020 and lower handle member 1030 are pivotably connected to each other on an axis defined by a mounting or linkage bolt 1080 and are held apart from one another, in a default position, by the previously mentioned leaf spring 1040.
  • Linkage bolt 1080 therefore facilitates holding the two handle members 1020/1030 pivotally together.
  • the previously mentioned return force is a force sufficient to cause the two handle members 1020/1030 to move pivotally away from one another about the axis defined by mounting or linkage bolt 1080 when handle members 1020/1030 are released by the user, so that handle members 1020/1030 return to their default or open positions as best seen in FIG. 1 .
  • leaf spring 1040 of a particular configuration is illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other suitable biasing or spring means may be utilized, such as a coiled compression spring (not shown) or other suitable spring means.
  • hand tool 1000 further includes a heim joint coupler assembly indicated generally at 1090.
  • the coupler assembly 1090 includes an upper mount or upper coupler in the form of an articulating upper heim joint 1100.
  • Coupler assembly 1090 further includes a lower mount or lower coupler in the form of an articulating lower heim joint 1110.
  • Upper heim joint 1100 is threadably attached to distal end portion 1032b of upper handle member 1020 by means of an elongate, externally threaded upper shank portion 1120 that is received in an internally threaded upper bore or hole 1130 formed in distal end portion 1032b.
  • lower heim joint 1110 is threadably attached to distal end portion 1035b of lower handle member 1030 by means of an elongate, externally threaded lower shank portion 1140 that is received in an internally threaded lower bore or hole 1150 formed in distal end portion 1035b.
  • upper shank portion 1120 is threadably received in upper hole 1130 and lower shank portion 1140 is threadably received in lower hole 1150 for coupling shank portions 1120/1140 to handle members 1020/1030, respectively.
  • shank portions 1120/1140 and holes 1130/1150 need not be threaded; rather, shank portions 1120/1140 and holes 1130/1150 may be smooth and sized for allowing coupling of shank portions 1120/1140 to handle members 1020/1030 by means of a press-fit.
  • upper heim joint 1100 comprises an annular upper casing 1160 integrally attached to upper shank portion 1120.
  • Upper casing 1160 defines an opening 1165 there through for reasons provided herein below.
  • upper casing 1160 may have a generally spherical interior (not shown) contoured for slidably, matingly receiving a spherical upper ball swivel 1170, such that upper ball swivel 1170 is slidably retained within upper casing 1160.
  • Upper ball swivel 1170 defines an upper ball hole 1180 (see FIG. 6 ) centrally there through for reasons provided herein below.
  • upper ball swivel 1170 is capable of multi-directional, slidable movement within upper casing 1160.
  • upper ball swivel 1170 is capable of side-to-side, rotational, or swivel movement in the horizontal x-axis plane as illustrated by directional arrow 1182 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • upper ball swivel 1170 is capable of tilting movement in the y-axis plane as illustrated by directional arrow 1184 (see FIGS. 1 and 5A ) as well as tilting movement in the x-axis plane as illustrated by directional arrow 1186 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • lower heim joint 1110 comprises ar annular lower casing 1190 integrally attached to lower shank portion 1140.
  • Lower casing 1190 defines a lower casing opening 1195 there through for reasons provided herein below.
  • lower casing 1190 may have a generally spherical interior (not shown) contoured for slidably, matingly receiving spherical lower ball swivel 1200, such that lower ball swivel 1200 is slidably retained within lower casing 1190.
  • Lower ball swivel 1200 defines a lower ball hole 1210 (see FIG. 6 ) centrally there through for reasons provided herein below.
  • lower ball swivel 1200 is capable of multi-directional, slidable movement within lower casing 1190.
  • lower ball swivel 1200 is capable of side-to-side, rotational, or swivel movement in the horizontal x-axis plane as illustrated by previously mentioned directional arrow 1182 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • lower ball swivel 1200 is capable of tilting movement in the y-axis plane as illustrated by directional arrow 1205 (see FIGS. 1 and 5A ) as well as tilting movement in the x-axis plane as illustrated by previously mentioned directional arrow 1186 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • directional arrow 1205 see FIGS. 1 and 5A
  • tilting movement in the x-axis plane as illustrated by previously mentioned directional arrow 1186 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • ball swivels 1170/1200 will rotate and tilt in unison as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.
  • hand tool 1000 further includes a replaceable, first example tool head assembly, generally referred to as 1220, not according to the invention, for clipping fingernails and toe nails of the user of hand tool 1000.
  • tool head assembly 1220 which is coupled to handle assembly 1010 by means of coupler assembly 1090, is capable of operating on (i.e., clipping) the fingernails and toe nails (i.e., the work piece) of the user in response to hand manipulation of handle assembly 1010, as described in detail presently.
  • tool head assembly 1220 generally includes an upper tool member 1230 and a lower tool member 1240 both disposed in the y-axis plane, lower tool member 1240 being oriented opposite to and coincident with upper tool member 1230.
  • Lower tool member 1240 includes a lower tool member pivoting portion 1250a and upper tool member 1230 includes an upper tool member pivoting portion 1250b (see FIG. 3 ).
  • the lower tool member pivoting portion 1250a and upper tool member pivoting portion 1250b are pivotably interconnected by a pivot pin 1260.
  • first pivoting portion 1250a and second pivoting portion 1250b allow lower tool member 1240 and upper tool member 1230 to pivot about pivot pin 1260 for reasons provided herein below.
  • upper tool member 1230 has a unitary construction and includes an upper jaw 1270 in the form of an upper blade tool having an upper tool elongate front cutting edge portion 1280.
  • lower tool member 1240 has a unitary construction and includes a lower jaw 1290 opposite upper jaw 1270.
  • the lower jaw 1290 is in the form of a lower blade tool having a lower tool elongate front cutting edge portion 1300. Fingernails and toe nails of the user are clipped or cut when cutting edge portions 1280/1300 are brought to bear against each in the manner described herein below.
  • upper tool member 1230 includes an upper arm portion 1304a and a lower arm portion 1304b.
  • Lower arm portion 1304b is disposed opposite of and coincident with upper arm portion 1304a.
  • Upper arm portion 1304a defines an internally threaded upper arm bore 1306a there through and lower arm portion 1304b defines an internally threaded lower arm bore 1306b there through (see FIG. 4A ), upper arm bore 1306a and lower arm bore 1306b are aligned with previously mentioned upper ball hole 1180 defined by the upper ball swivel 1170.
  • lower tool member 1240 includes a third or another upper arm portion 1308a and a fourth or another lower arm portion 1308b.
  • the lower tool member lower arm portion 1308b is disposed opposite of and coincident with the lower tool member upper arm portion 1308a.
  • the lower tool upper arm portion 1308a defines an internally threaded lower tool upper arm bore 1309a there through and lower tool lower arm portion 1308b defines an internally threaded lower tool lower arm bore 1309b there through (see FIG. 4A ).
  • the lower tool lower arm bore 1309a and the lower tool upper arm bore 1309b are aligned with previously mentioned lower ball hole 1210 defined by lower ball swivel 1200.
  • upper arm portion 1304a and lower arm portion 1304b of the upper tool member 1230 are spaced apart, so as to define a space 1310 there between for receiving upper heim joint 1100 there into.
  • upper arm portion 1308a and lower arm portion 1308b of the lower tool member 1240 are spaced apart, so as to define another space 1320 there between for receiving lower heim joint 1110 there into.
  • Spaces 1310 and 1320 are sized to accommodate the presence of heim joints 1100/1110 therein and allow tool head assembly 1220 to freely rotate in the x-axis plane without obstruction.
  • ball swivels 1170/1200 will rotate and tilt in unison and to a like extent due to their interconnection by means of the upper tool member 1230, the lower tool member 1240 and the pivot pin 1260 (see FIGS. 1 , 4 , 4A , 5 and 5A ).
  • hand tool 1000 is versatile and accommodates tool head assemblies required for different applications.
  • an upper connecting member such as externally threaded upper tool screw-bolt 1330 (see FIG. 6 ) is caused to threadably engage internally threaded upper arm bore 1306a and internally threaded lower arm bore 1306b as upper tool screw-bolt 1330 extends through upper arm bore 1306a, upper ball hole 1180 defined by upper ball swivel 1170 and into lower arm bore 1306b.
  • upper heim joint 1100 is retained within space 1310 as upper tool member 1230 rotates and/or tilts.
  • a lower connecting member such as externally threaded lower tool screw-bolt 1340, is caused to threadably engage internally threaded lower arm bore 1309b and internally threaded upper arm bore 1309a as lower tool screw-bolt 1340 extends through upper arm bore 1309b, lower ball hole 1210 defined by lower ball swivel 1200 and into upper arm bore 1309a.
  • lower heim joint 1110 is retained within space 1320 as lower tool member 1240 rotates and/or tilts.
  • upper tool member 1230 and lower tool member 1240 are detachably coupled to upper heim joint 1100 and lower heim joint 1110, respectively, due to use of screw bolts 1330/1340.
  • upper tool member 1230 and lower tool member 1240 will rotate and tilt in unison and to a like extent due to their interconnection by means of pivot pin 1260 and due to use of upper screw-bolt 1330 and lower screw-bolt 1340, as described hereinabove.
  • Detaching or decoupling of upper tool member 1230 and lower tool member 1240 from upper heim joint 1100 and lower heim joint 1110, respectively, is accomplished by reversing the above-described steps for coupling upper tool member 1230 and lower tool member 1240 to upper heim joint 1100 and lower heim joint 1110.
  • movement of tool head assembly 1220 is multi-directional because tool head assembly 1220 is adapted to rotate or swivel in the x-axis plane and tilt in both the x-axis and y-axis planes.
  • Such rotation and tilting is provided by presence of upper ball swivel 1170 that belongs to upper heim joint 1100 and lower ball swivel 1200 that belongs to lower heim joint 1110.
  • the description herein below is directed only to rotation or swiveling of tool head assembly 1220 in the x-axis plane, it being understood that tool head assembly 1220 is adapted to swivel and tilt in the x-axis plane and only tilt in the y-axis plane.
  • tool head assembly 1220 is adapted to move side-to-side (i.e., rotate or swivel) in the x-axis plane to a user selected angle less than or equal to an angle theta "O" of about 180° degrees.
  • Tool head assembly 1220 is capable of rotating in the x-axis plane due to presence of upper ball swivel 1170 and lower ball swivel 1200, as previously mentioned.
  • Such side-to-side, rotational or swiveling movement of tool head assembly 1220 in the x-axis plane is accomplished by hand.
  • detachable first example tool head assembly 1220 comprises upper jaw 1270 having upper tool front cutting edge 1280 and lower jaw 1290 having lower tool front cutting edge 1300 for cutting or clipping fingernails or toe nails of the user when upper tool cutting edge 1280 and lower tool front cutting edge 1300 are brought to bear against each other.
  • a detachable second example tool head assembly not according to the invention generally referred to as 1350, comprises an upper jaw 1360 having an upper jaw clamping extension 1370 and a lower jaw 1380 having a lower jaw clamping extension 1390.
  • Upper jaw 1360 and lower jaw 1380 of second example tool head assembly 1350 are capable of pivoting about pivot pin 1260 in a manner substantially similar to the pivoting action of upper jaw 1270 and lower jaw 1290 of first example tool head 1220.
  • Upper jaw clamping extension 1370 and lower jaw clamping extension 1390 are capable of capturing and holding a work piece (not shown) there between, such as tissue being operated upon during a surgical procedure.
  • a detachable third example tool head assembly not according to the invention, generally referred to as 1400, comprises an upper jaw 1410 having an upper sharpened edge 1420 and a lower jaw 1430 having a lower sharpened edge 1440.
  • Upper jaw 1410 and lower jaw 1430 of second example tool head assembly 1440 are capable of pivoting about pivot pin 1260 in a manner substantially similar to the pivoting action of upper jaw 1270 and lower jaw 1290 of first example tool head 1220.
  • Upper sharpened edge 1420 and lower sharpened edge 1440 are capable of shearing a work piece (not shown) there between, such as a bolt or cable.
  • the second example hand tool 1450 comprises a second example hand held tool mount or handle assembly 1460 shown oriented in a y-axis or first plane.
  • Handle assembly 1460 which is sized for hand manipulation or grasping by the user, comprises an upper handle member 1470 that includes a generally smooth, contoured, arcuate-shaped upper shell 1472 that matingly covers an arcuate-shaped upper frame member 1475.
  • Upper frame member 1475 has a proximal end portion 1477a and a distal end portion 1477b.
  • Handle assembly 1460 further comprises a lower handle member 1480 that includes a generally smooth, contoured, arcuate-shaped lower shell 1482 that matingly covers an arcuate-shaped lower frame member 1484.
  • Lower frame member 1484 has a proximal end portion 1485a and a distal end portion 1485b.
  • Lower handle member 1480 is disposed in the first plane opposite upper handle member 1470.
  • the contoured or arcuate shape of upper shell 1472 that belongs to upper handle member 1470 and the contoured or arcuate shape of lower shell 1482 that belongs to lower handle member 1480 facilitates grasping thereof by the user of hand tool 1450.
  • Frame members 1475/1484 provide support for shells 1472/1482 and serve other useful functions, as described herein below.
  • Upper handle member 1470 defines a proximal end portion 1486a and a distal end portion 1486b for reasons recited herein below.
  • lower handle member 1480 defines a proximal end portion 1488a and a distal end portion 1488b for reasons recited herein below.
  • Hand tool 1450 is also provided with a resilient biasing member in the form of a coiled torsion spring 1490 for reasons provided herein below.
  • Torsion spring 1490 is disposed between upper handle member 1470 and lower handle member 1480.
  • Torsion spring 1490 is configured to have a pair of protruding ends 1492a/1492b thereof in contact with upper handle member 1470 and lower handle member 1480, respectively, for providing a biasing force against upper handle member 1470 and lower handle member 1480. In this manner, torsion spring 1490 provides a biasing return force to maintain upper handle member 1470 and lower handle member 1480 in an open default position, as shown. Upper handle member 1470 and lower handle member 1480 are maintained in the open default position until the user simultaneously applies manual pressure to upper handle member 1470 and lower handle member 1480 to move upper handle member 1470 and lower handle member 1480 closer together. This act by the user places torsion spring 1490 in compression. Upon release of the manual pressure by the user, torsion spring 1490 is released from its compressed state and expands, so that handle members 1470/1480 return to their open, default positions.
  • upper handle member 1470 and lower handle member 1480 are pivotably connected to each other on an axis defined by a mounting or linkage bolt 1500 (see FIG. 19 ) and are held apart from one another, in a default position, by the previously mentioned torsion spring 1490.
  • Linkage bolt 1500 therefore facilitates holding the two handle members 1470/1480 pivotally together.
  • torsion spring 1490 of a particular configuration is illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other suitable biasing or spring means may be utilized, such as a coiled compression spring (not shown) or other suitable spring means.
  • hand tool 1450 generally includes a tool mount or coupler assembly indicated generally at 1510.
  • the coupler assembly 1510 includes an upper mount or upper coupler in the form of an articulating upper heim joint, generally referred to as 1520.
  • Coupler assembly 1510 further includes a lower mount or lower coupler in the form of an articulating lower heim joint, generally referred to as 1530.
  • Upper heim joint 1520 is threadably attached to distal end portion 1477b of upper frame member 1475 by means of an elongate, externally threaded upper shank portion 1540 (see FIG. 19 ) that is received in an internally threaded upper bore or hole (not shown) formed in distal end portion 1477b.
  • lower heim joint 1530 is threadably attached to distal end portion 1485b of lower frame member 1484 by means of an elongate, externally threaded lower shank portion 1550 that is received in an internally threaded lower bore or hole (not shown) formed in distal end portion 1485b.
  • upper shank portion 1540 is threadably received in the upper hole and lower shank portion 1550 is threadably received in the lower hole for coupling shank portions 1540/1550 to handle members 1470/1480, respectively.
  • shank portions 1540/1550 and their respective holes need not be threaded; rather, shank portions 1540/1550 and their respective holes may be smooth and sized for allowing coupling of shank portions 1540/1550 to handle members 1470/1480 by means of a press-fit.
  • upper heim joint 1520 comprises an annular upper casing 1560 integrally attached to upper shank portion 1540.
  • Upper casing 1560 defines an opening 1565 there through for reasons provided herein below.
  • upper casing 1560 may have a generally spherical interior (not shown) contoured for slidably, matingly receiving a spherical upper ball swivel 1570, such that upper ball swivel 1570 is slidably retained within upper casing 1560.
  • Upper ball swivel 1570 defines a hole 1575 (see FIG.
  • upper ball swivel 1570 is capable of multi-directional, slidable movement within upper casing 1560.
  • upper ball swivel 1570 is capable of side-to-side, rotational, or swivel movement in the horizontal x-axis plane as illustrated by directional arrow 1577 (see FIG. 12 ).
  • lower heim joint 1530 comprises an annular lower casing 1580 integrally attached to lower shank portion 1550.
  • Lower casing 1580 defines an opening 1585 there through for reasons provided herein below.
  • lower casing 1580 may have a generally spherical interior (not shown) contoured for slidably, matingly receiving a spherical lower ball swivel 1590, such that lower ball swivel 1590 is slidably retained within lower casing 1580.
  • Lower ball swivel 1590 defines a hole 1595 (see FIG.
  • lower ball swivel 1590 is capable of multi-directional, slidable movement within lower casing 1580.
  • lower ball swivel 1590 is capable of side-to-side, rotational, or swivel movement in the horizontal x-axis plane, as illustrated by previously mentioned directional arrow 1577 (see FIG. 12 ).
  • Lower tool member 1610 includes a hole 1625 for reasons provided herein below.
  • hand tool 1450 further includes a tool head assembly, generally referred to as 1630, for clipping fingernails and toe nails of the user of hand tool 1450.
  • tool head assembly 1630 which is coupled to handle assembly 1460 by means of coupler assembly 1510, is capable of operating on (i.e., clipping) the fingernails and toe nails (i.e., the work piece) of the user in response to hand manipulation of handle assembly 1460, as described in detail presently.
  • tool head assembly 1630 generally includes the upper tool member or upper jaw 1600 and the lower tool member or lower jaw 1610.
  • Upper tool member 1600 and lower tool member 1610 are both disposed in the y-axis plane, lower tool member 1610 being oriented opposite to and coincident with upper tool member 1600.
  • Lower tool member 1610 and upper tool member 1600 are pivotably interconnected by previously mentioned pivot pin 1620 that is sized to be received in previously mentioned hole 1625, such as by a press fit.
  • pivot pin 1620 that is sized to be received in previously mentioned hole 1625, such as by a press fit.
  • upper tool member 1600 has an inwardly-curved first cutting edge portion 1640.
  • lower tool member 1610 has an inwardly curved second cutting edge portion 1650. Fingernails and toe nails of the user are clipped or cut when cutting edge portions 1640/1650 are brought to bear against each other in the manner described hereinabove.
  • a third embodiment hand or work tool 2450 which is constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • the work tool 2450 is constructed so it may be easily manipulated to operate on a work piece in a fast and convenient manner while preventing over-cutting on a work piece, such as for example, without limitation, a fingernail or a toenail.
  • work tool 2450 utilizes a novel locking mechanism that substantially prevents the handle assemblies of work tool 2450 from coming disengaged, as will be discussed in greater detail later.
  • distal ends of the cutting blades of work tool 2450 are prevented from extending outwardly beyond from the tool handle assemblies any further than the tool handle proximal ends PE.
  • Such motion limitation prevents the cutting blades from operating on a work piece beyond the cutting plane line CPL if the blade assemblies are aligned with respect to the tool handle assemblies, as shown in FIG. 25 , as will be discussed in greater detail later.
  • the blade assemblies' axis defined by the blade assembly pivot pin and the tool handle assemblies' axis defined by the tool handle pivot pin are in alignment with one another to allow the respective blade assemblies to move in unison with pivoting handle movement of the tool handle assemblies, which in turn, allows the cutting blades of the respective blade assemblies to come into perfect alignment with the cutting line plane CLP at the end of handle travel.
  • the work tool 2450 generally comprises a tool handle assembly 2460 which carries a tool head or an attack angle orientation assembly 3010 which is configured to perform a cutting operation on a work piece (not shown).
  • a resilient biasing member 3050 maintains the tool handle assembly 2460 in an open default or resting position as best seen in FIG. 21 in anticipation of executing a cutting operation.
  • the biasing member 3050 further causes the tool handle assembly 2460 to move from a closed or working position, as best seen in FIG. 26 , to the resting position upon the completion of a cutting operation under the biasing force of the biasing member 3050.
  • the tool handle assembly 2460 moves from the open position to the working position, which in turn causes a pair of cutting blades 2640 and 2650, (each having cutting blade distal ends DE) which form part of the tool head assembly 3010, to be moved into alignment with a cutting plane indicated generally by a cutting plane line CPL, as best seen in FIGS. 25 and 26 .
  • the cutting plane line CPL is a fixed imaginary line extending between the tool handle assembly proximal ends, indicated generally at PE, and the cutting blade distal ends DE at about a nip of the cutting blades 2640 and 2650 when they are closed into their cutting position as best seen in FIG. 26 .
  • This limitation in positioning is an important feature of the work tool 2450 since the cutting blade distal ends DE are pulled inwardly to a position adjacent to the tool handle proximal ends PE preventing the cutting blades 2640 and 2650 from operating on a work piece significantly beyond the cutting plane line CPL if the cutting blades 2640 and 2650 are aligned with respect to work tool 2450, as shown in FIG. 25 .
  • Visual and tactile feedback is also provided to a user since the user is able to see the cutting blades as they cut the work object and tactile feed is also provided by either one of the proximal ends PE of the tool handle assembly 2460 making physical contact with a body surface area adjacent to the work piece, e.g. a fingernail or a toenail for example.
  • a body surface area adjacent to the work piece e.g. a fingernail or a toenail for example.
  • the cutting blades 2640 and 2650 are moved about first and second orientation planes which includes rotational or swivel movement in the second orientation plane, as more particularly illustrated by directional arrows 2577, as best seen in FIG. 21 and discussed in greater detail later, then the cutting blades 2640 and 2650 may be capable of operating on a work piece significantly beyond the cutting plane line CPL.
  • the tool handle assembly 2460 generally includes an upper tool handle assembly 3012 and a lower tool handle assembly 3014.
  • the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014 are configured to be snap-fit together to enable their pivotal movement relative to one another in a first orientation plane.
  • Tool handle assembly 2460 is sized for hand manipulation or grasping by a user (not shown). When snap-fit together, as best seen if FIG.
  • the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014 become pivotally connected on an axis defined by a pivot cylinder or pivot pin 2559 and a pin receiving saddle structure or pivot cylinder connector structure 2574A and 2574BA and 2574A and 2574BB, as best seen in FIG. 23 .
  • a pin receiving saddle structure or pivot cylinder connector structures 2574A and 2574B receives and retains the pivot pin 2559.
  • the pivot cylinder connector structures 2574A and 2574B therefor in combination with the pivot pin 2559 secure the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014 removably pivotally together.
  • the pivot pin 2559 accidentally becomes removed from the pin receiving saddle structures 2574A and 2574B, the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014 may become accidentally separated by the work tool 2450 being accidentally subjected to a strong impact force, for example by the work tool 2450 accidentally falling from the hand of a user and striking the ground or a stationary flat surface, such as a table.
  • the work tool 2450 is provided with a locking mechanism 2660 that permanently locks together the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 301.
  • the locking mechanism 2660 makes it virtually impossible for these assemblies 3012 and 3014 to be separated from one another even if the work tool 2450 is subjected to a sudden and unexpected impact force.
  • the upper tool handle assembly 3012 generally includes an upper handle member 2470 having a distal end portion 2486a and a proximal end portion 2486b.
  • the upper tool handle member 2470 is provided with an outer shell-like structure 2472A having a generally smooth contoured, arcuate shape, and a preformed inner structure 2472B with structural features that will be described hereinafter in greater detail which facilitate the attachment of those component parts and assemblies required to form the complete upper tool handle assembly 3012.
  • the component parts and assemblies forming the complete upper tool handle assembly 3012 generally include an upper coupler assembly indicated generally at 2510 and an upper blade assembly 2645 which is carried by the upper coupler assembly 2510.
  • the upper blade assembly 2645 is moveable about first and second orientation planes which includes rotational or swivel movement in the second orientation plane, as more particularly illustrated by directional arrows 2577, as best seen in FIG. 21 , and in and out movements in the first orientation plane which movements are relative to the proximal end (PE) of the upper handle member 2470.
  • the preformed inner structure 2472B is configured with a biasing member retaining slot 3064 which is disposed at about the distal end 2486b of the upper handle member 2470.
  • the retaining slot 3064 is configured to receive and retain in place an up-turned protruding end 3060A of a distal end portion 3060 of the biasing member 3050.
  • the inner structure 2472B of the upper handle member 2470 is further configured with a set of upstanding screw receiving members, such as an upstanding screw receiving member 4010, as best seen in FIG. 23 .
  • the screw receiving members 4010 act as anchoring locations for a set of coupler screws 2560 and 2562, respectively, which pass through upper coupler openings 2553 and 2554, respectively, in order to secure the upper coupler assembly 2510 to the inner structure 2472B of the upper handle member 2470.
  • the inner structure 2472B of the upper handle member 2470 further includes a spring receiving recess indicated generally at SR, as best seen in FIG. 23 .
  • the spring receiving recess SR is dimensioned for receiving therein in a loose-fit a compression spring 2558 which forms part of an upper orientation mechanism 2550A that will be described hereinafter in greater detail.
  • the upper coupler assembly 2510 is configured to carry the upper orientation mechanism 2550A which, in turn, is configured to be coupled to the upper blade assembly 2645 that will be described hereinafter in greater detail.
  • the upper coupler assembly 2510 is also configured to be fixed securely to the inner structure 2472B of the upper tool handle member 2470, as earlier described.
  • the upper coupler assembly 2510 is provided with an upper bracket 2551.
  • the upper bracket 2551 is provided with bracket mounting holes 2553 and 2554, as previously described, along with an opening 2552 having a generally spherical contoured wall structure that functions as a socket for receiving therein a spherical shaped upper swivel ball 2555.
  • the upper ball 2555 is slidably mounted within socket opening 2552.
  • the upper orientation mechanism 2550A incudes a spring loaded upper buffer arrangement 3030A, as best seen in FIG. 23 .
  • the spring loaded upper buffer arrangement 3030A is interposed between the upper handle member 2470 and the upper ball 2555 such that the upper ball 2555 is held within the socket opening 2552.
  • the upper buffer arrangement 3030A generally includes an upper handle compression spring 2558 and an upper ball swivel buffer 2557.
  • the upper ball swivel buffer 2557 is provided with a generally spherical contoured centrally disposed recess area 2557A that is dimensioned to receive therein a top portion of the upper ball 2555.
  • the opposite side of the upper ball swivel buffer 2557 is provided with an upstanding spring receiving post 2557P which is dimensioned to receive and retain thereon the upper handle compression spring 2558.
  • the post 2557P is also dimensioned to be received within the spring receiving recess SR, as best seen in FIG. 24 .
  • the spring receiving recess SR is dimensioned for receiving therein the compression spring 2558 as mounted on the post 2557P.
  • the compression spring 2558 exerts a downwardly directed compression force on the buffer 2557, which interacts with the upper ball 2555 to provide a constant friction on the upper ball 2555 as upper ball 2555 interacts with upper blade assembly 2645 so that upper blade assembly 2645 does not excessively move around.
  • the upper ball 2555 is provided with an integrally connected threaded shank 2556 which is dimensioned to be threadably attached within a threaded opening 2648 disposed in the upper blade assembly 2645.
  • the proximal ends PE of the respective handle members 2470 and 2480 separate from one another ( FIG. 26 ).
  • the blade assembly 2645 is pulled by its non-blade bearing end upwardly pivoting about a pivot pin 2620 to allow the upper blade 2650 to move in an opposite direction downwardly to make contact with the lower blade 2640.
  • the blades 2640 and 2650 make contact when they come into alignment precisely with each other to cut a work object imposed between the blades 2640 and 2650, respectively.
  • the lower blade assembly 2630 and its associated blade 2640 are interconnected to the lower handle member 2480 in substantially the same manner as the upper blade assembly 2645 to impart a force to move the lower blade 2640 toward the upper blade 2650 to cut the work object imposed between the blades 2640 and 2650, respectively.
  • shank 2556 has been described as having a threaded end that is received within a threaded hole 2648 of the upper blade assembly 2645, it should be understood by those skilled in the art, that the threaded shank 2556 and its respective shank receiving threaded hole 2648 need not be threaded. Rather, each of these components 2556 and 2648 may be smooth and sized for allowing coupling of the shank to the upper blade assembly by means of a friction-tight fit.
  • the upper coupler assembly 2510 is also provided with a V-shaped protuberance 3102 which is configured to be received within a V-shaped saddle like structure 3104 of lower coupler assembly 2570 extending perpendicularly upward from the base of a bracket 2571 forming part of the lower coupler assembly 2570.
  • V-shaped protuberance 3102 is received within the V-shaped saddle like structure 3104.
  • the pivot pin 2559 may now be inserted into pin receiving saddle structure or pivot cylinder connector structures 2574A and 2574B of the lower coupler assembly 2570 to further secure the upper coupler assembly 2510 to the lower coupler assembly 2570 enabling the upper and lower tool handle assemblies 3012 and 3014 to pivot in response to a user applying simultaneous manual pressure to the upper and lower tool handle assemblies 3012 and 3014.
  • the upper cutting blade assembly 2645 includes at its proximal end upper cutting blade 2650 which has an inwardly-curved structure to enable cutting alignment with the lower cutting blade 2640. Located at the distal end of the cutting blade assembly 2645 is the opening 2648 for receiving shank 2556, as discussed earlier.
  • the upper hinge opening 2646 is located along a mid-portion of upper cutting blade assembly 2645, as discussed earlier. As discussed above, upper hinge opening 2646 and lower hinge opening 2632 interact with pivot pin 2620 to enable the upper blade assembly 2645 and the lower blade assembly 2630 to pivot in unison with the pivoting motions of the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014.
  • the upper blade assembly 2645 is configured to be pivotally mounted for rectilinear movement in a y-axis orientation, as well as simultaneous movement in an x-axis orientation in order to enable at least one of the cutting blades 2640 and 2650 to come into alignment with each other.
  • the various two plane motions of the upper cutting blade assembly 2645 are made possible by the upper orientation mechanism 2550 that will be described shortly.
  • the upper blade assembly 2645 and the lower blade assembly 2630 align such that the individual blade structures form an aligned axis defined by a pair of pin holes 2646 and 2632, respectively.
  • These pin holes 2646 and 2632 are dimensioned for receiving therein a pivot pin 2620, as best seen in FIGS. 23-25 , that enables the upper blade assembly 2645 and the lower blade assembly 2630 to pivot in unison with the pivoting motions of the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014.
  • blade assembly axis defined by pivot pin 2620 and the tool handle assemblies axis defined by the pivot pin 2559 are in alignment with one another, as best seen in FIGS. 23 and 25 .
  • the upper orientation mechanism 2550A is described hereinafter as being configured as a multi-directional coupler such as a ball and socket type arrangement.
  • upper ball 2555 travels about within the socket opening 2552.
  • the upper ball 2555 is provided with an integrally connected threaded shank 2556.
  • the threaded portion of the shank 2556 is threadably attached to the threaded opening 2648 disposed in the upper blade assembly 2645.
  • the placement of the upper ball within the socket opening 2552 and the connection between the upper ball 2555 and the upper blade assembly 2645 allow upper blade assembly 2645 to be moveable about first and second orientation planes which includes rotational or swivel movement in the second orientation plane and in and out movements in the first orientation plane.
  • the biasing member 3050 in a first embodiment is a leaf spring 3051.
  • the leaf spring 3051 is generally U-shaped having a proximal end apex like structure 3052 with a pair of substantially straight leg members 3054 and 3056, respectively.
  • the straight leg members 3054 and 3056 extend away from each other commencing at the apex 3052 each terminating at respective ones of their distal ends indicated generally at 3060 and 3062.
  • Each respective distal end 3060 and 3062 is provided with an up-turned protruding end, and more specifically protruding ends 3060A and 3062A.
  • the protruding ends 3060A and 3062A are configured to be received in respective ones of the tool assembly biasing member retaining slots 3064 and 3066, respectively.
  • the biasing member 3050 provides a biasing return force to maintain or retain the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014 in their open default or resting position, as best seen in FIGS. 21 and 23 .
  • the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014 when assembled together forming the work tool 2450, which are maintained in the above-mentioned open default or resting position.
  • the resting position of the work tool 2450 is maintained until the user applies manual pressure simultaneously to upper tool handle assembly 3012 and lower tool handle assembly 3014 to move them closer together.
  • This act by the user places leaf spring 3051 in compression.
  • leaf spring 3051 Upon release of the manual pressure applied by the user, leaf spring 3051 is freed or released from its compressed state and expands, so that the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014 return to their default positions.
  • biasing member 3050 has been described herein in a leaf spring 3051 configuration, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other suitable biasing means may be utilized, such as a coiled compression spring, a compressible bar and other types and kinds of spring means.
  • the locking mechanism assembly 2660 is configured to secure the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower handle assembly 3014 together to facilitate their pivotal movement enabling movement between open and closed positions.
  • the locking mechanism assembly 2660 generally includes a cylinder pin 2559 which is received in the V-shaped protuberance 3102 forming part of the upper coupler assembly 2510 and the previously mentioned pin receiving saddle structures 2574A and 2574B located on V-shaped saddle like structure 3104 forming part of the lower coupler assembly 2570.
  • the working tool 2450 is provided with a second locking mechanism that includes a locking pin 2661 which is received within a space 3106A located at a mid-portion of the V-shaped protuberance 3102 and a space 3106B which is located at a mid-portion of V-shaped saddle like structure 3104.
  • a second locking mechanism that includes a locking pin 2661 which is received within a space 3106A located at a mid-portion of the V-shaped protuberance 3102 and a space 3106B which is located at a mid-portion of V-shaped saddle like structure 3104.
  • locking pin 2661 includes a distal end catch 2664, a proximal end stop 2662, and a shank portion 2663.
  • Located on upper bracket 2551 are two protuberances 3108A and 3108B.
  • the locking pin 2661 is received between the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014 such that distal end catch 2664 is positioned in locking engagement with protuberance 3108A; proximal end stop 2662 is brought into locking engagement with protuberance 3108B; and shank portion 2663 contacts an upper portion of cylinder pin 2559.
  • locking pin 2661 is slid through the aligned openings 3106A and 3106B and across the top of cylinder pin 2559 until distal end catch 2664 is brought into locking engagement with protuberance 3108A and proximal end stop 2662 is positioned in locking engagement with protuberance 3108B so that shank portion 2663 contacts the top of cylinder pin 2559 in order to further retain cylinder pin 2559 within the pivot cylinder connector structures 2574A and 2574B.
  • upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014 are permanently secured together in cooperation with the cylinder pin 2559/pin receiving saddle structure or pivot cylinder connector structures 2574A and 2574B and locking pin 2660.
  • the two structures may be swiveled back and forth in order to bring the cutting blades 2640 and 2650 into a desired cutting angle.
  • the work tool 2450 is capable of universal movement to reach a desired cutting angle for cutting a work object.
  • the lower tool handle assembly 3014 generally includes a lower handle member 2480 having a distal end portion 2488a and a proximal end portion 2488b.
  • the lower tool handle member 2480 is provided with an outer shell-like structure 2482A having a generally smooth contoured, arcuate shape, and a preformed inner structure 2482B with structural features that will be described hereinafter in greater detail which facilitate the attachment of those component parts and assemblies required to form the complete lower tool handle assembly 3014.
  • the component parts and assemblies forming the complete lower tool handle assembly 3014 generally include a lower coupler assembly indicated generally at 2570 and a lower blade assembly 2630 which is carried by the lower coupler assembly 2570.
  • the lower blade assembly 2630 is moveable about first and second orientation planes which includes rotational or swivel movement in the second orientation plane, as more particularly illustrated by directional arrows 2577, as best seen in FIG. 21 , and in and out movements in the first orientation plane which in and out movements are relative to the proximal end (PE) of the lower handle member 2480.
  • the preformed inner structure 2482B is configured with a biasing member retaining slot 3066 which is disposed at about the distal end 2488b of the lower handle member 2480.
  • the retaining slot 3066 is configured to receive and retain in place an up-turned protruding end 3062A of a distal end portion 3062 of the biasing member 3050.
  • the inner structure 2482B of the lower handle member 2480 is further configured with a set of upstanding screw receiving members, such as an upstanding screw receiving member 4010, as best seen in FIG. 23 .
  • the screw receiving members 4010 act as anchoring locations for a lower coupler screw 2580 which passes through a lower coupler opening (not shown) and a set of lower coupler screws 2582 which pass through lower coupler openings 2573 in order to secure the lower coupler assembly 2570 to the inner structure 2482B of the lower handle member 2480.
  • the inner structure 2482B of the lower handle member 2480 further includes a spring receiving recess indicated generally at SR, as best seen in FIG. 23 .
  • the spring receiving recess SR is dimensioned for receiving therein in a snug-fit a compression spring 2578 which forms part of a lower orientation mechanism 2550B that will be described hereinafter in greater detail.
  • the lower coupler assembly 2570 is configured to carry the lower orientation mechanism 2550B which, in turn, is configured to be coupled to the lower blade assembly 2630 that will be described hereinafter in greater detail.
  • the lower coupler assembly 2570 is also configured to be fixed securely to the inner structure 2482B of the lower tool handle member 2470, as earlier described.
  • the lower coupler assembly 2570 is provided with a lower bracket 2571.
  • the lower bracket 2571 is provided with bracket mounting holes 2573, as previously described, along with an opening 2572 having a generally spherical contoured wall structure that functions as a socket for receiving therein a spherical shaped lower swivel ball 2575.
  • the lower ball 2575 is slidably mounted within socket opening 2572.
  • the lower orientation mechanism 2550B incudes a spring loaded lower buffer arrangement 3030B, as best seen in FIG. 23 .
  • the spring loaded lower buffer arrangement 3030B is interposed between the lower handle member 2480 and the lower ball 2575 such that the lower ball 2575 is held within the socket opening 2572.
  • the lower buffer arrangement 3030B generally includes a lower handle compression spring 2578 and a lower ball swivel buffer 2577.
  • the lower ball swivel buffer 2577 is provided with a generally spherical contoured centrally disposed recess area 2777A that is dimensioned to receive therein a top portion of the lower ball 2575.
  • the opposite side of the lower ball swivel buffer 2577 is provided with an upstanding spring receiving post 2577P which is dimensioned to receive and retain thereon the lower handle compression spring 2578.
  • the post 2577P is also dimensioned to be received within the spring receiving recess SR, as best seen in FIG. 23 .
  • the spring receiving recess SR is dimensioned for receiving therein the compression spring 2578 as mounted on the post 2577P.
  • the compression spring 2578 exerts an upwardly directed compression force to the buffer 2577, which interacts with the lower ball 2575 to provide a constant friction on the lower ball 2575 as lower ball 2575 interacts with lower blade assembly 2630 so that lower blade assembly 2630 does not excessively move around.
  • the lower ball 2575 is provided with an integrally connected threaded shank 2576 which is dimensioned to be threadably attached within a threaded opening 2634 disposed in the lower blade assembly 2630.
  • shank 2576 has been described as having a threaded end that is received within a threaded hole 2634 of the lower blade assembly 2630, it should be understood by those skilled in the art, that the threaded shank 2576 and its respective shank receiving threaded hole 2634 need not be threaded. Rather, each of these components 2576 and 2634 may be smooth and sized for allowing coupling of the shank to the upper blade assembly by means of a friction-tight fit.
  • the lower blade assembly 2630 includes at its distal end a lower cutting blade 2640 which has an inwardly-curved structure to enable cutting alignment with the upper cutting blade 2650.
  • Located at the proximal end of the cutting blade assembly 2630 is the threaded opening 2634 for receiving the threaded portion of shank 2576, as discussed earlier.
  • the lower hinge opening 2632 is located along a mid-portion of lower blade assembly 2630, as discussed earlier.
  • upper hinge opening 2646 and lower hinge opening 2632 interact with pivot pin 2620 to enable the upper blade assembly 2645 and the lower blade assembly 2630 to pivot in unison with the pivoting motions of the upper tool handle assembly 3012 and the lower tool handle assembly 3014.
  • the lower orientation mechanism 2550B is described hereinafter as being configured as a multi-directional coupler such as a ball and socket type arrangement.
  • a multi-directional coupler such as a ball and socket type arrangement.
  • other types and kinds or orientation mechanism are clearly contemplated by the present invention and the description of the ball and socket type of orientation mechanism that follow is for example only and should not be consider a limitation on the present invention.
  • lower ball 2575 travels about within the socket opening 2572.
  • the lower ball 2575 is provided with an integrally connected threaded shank 2576.
  • the threaded portion of the shank 2576 is threadably attached to the threaded opening 2634 disposed in the lower blade assembly 2630.
  • the placement of the lower ball 2575 within the socket opening 2572 and the connection between the lower ball 2575 and the lower blade assembly 2630 allow lower blade assembly 2630 to be moveable about first and second orientation planes which includes rotational or swivel movement in the second orientation plane and in and out movements in the first orientation plane.
  • an illustrative method not according to the invention, generally referred to as 1660, is provided for manufacturing a hand tool.
  • the method starts at a step 1670.
  • a handle assembly is provided.
  • a tool head assembly is coupled to the handle assembly.
  • the handle assembly and the tool head assembly are interconnected to at least one heim joint coupler.
  • the method stops at a step 1710.
  • handle assembly 1010 belonging to the first example hand tool 1000 may be coupled to a hydraulic system that is, in turn, hand actuated.
  • a hydraulic system would be coupled to upper handle member 1020 and lower handle 1030 for hydraulically operating upper and lower handle members 1020/1030.
  • handle assembly 1010 may be coupled to an electric motor system that is, in turn, hand operated by means of a suitable guidance control switch.
  • Such an electric motor system would be coupled to upper handle member 1020 and lower handle member 1030 for electrically operating upper and lower handle members 1020/1030 and for articulating the tool head assembly by means of electric motors.

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Claims (7)

  1. Outil de travail (2450), comprenant :
    un ensemble poignée (2460) mobile entre une position par défaut ouverte et une position de travail fermée et ayant un ensemble poignée supérieure (3012) et un ensemble poignée inférieure (3014) ;
    un ensemble d'orientation d'angle d'attaque (3010) porté partiellement par ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et porté partiellement par ledit ensemble poignée inférieure pour permettre la fermeture pivotante d'une paire de lames de coupe (2640, 2650) à un angle d'attaque souhaité,
    lesdites lames de coupe étant portées en alignement avec un plan de lame de coupe, ledit plan de coupe s'étendant entre les parties d'extrémité proximales dudit ensemble poignée supérieure et dudit ensemble poignée inférieure pour empêcher ladite paire de lames de coupe de fonctionner sur une pièce à usiner au-delà du plan de lame de coupe ; et
    un élément de sollicitation (3050) fixé entre ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure pour solliciter ledit ensemble poignée vers la position par défaut ouverte ;
    caractérisé en ce que ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure sont conçus pour être encliquetés ensemble afin de permettre un mouvement pivotant entre ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure et en ce que l'outil de travail comprend en outre :
    un ensemble de verrouillage (2660) pour fixer ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure de manière pivotante ensemble pour permettre un mouvement pivotant entre ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure, ledit ensemble de verrouillage comprenant une broche de verrouillage (2559) pour fixer ensemble de manière permanente ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure et pour permettre un mouvement pivotant entre ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure.
  2. Outil de travail selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :
    un support supérieur (2551) fixé fonctionnellement à l'ensemble poignée supérieure ; et
    un support inférieur (2571) fixé fonctionnellement à l'ensemble poignée inférieure.
  3. Outil de travail selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre :
    un cylindre de pivotement (2559) situé sur le support supérieur ; et
    un raccord de cylindre de pivotement (2574) situé sur le support inférieur, le cylindre de pivotement et le raccord de cylindre de pivotement étant encliquetés ensemble pour permettre un mouvement pivotant entre ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure.
  4. Outil à main (2450), comprenant :
    un ensemble poignée (2460) dimensionné pour une manipulation manuelle et ayant un ensemble poignée supérieure (3012) et un ensemble poignée inférieure (3014),
    ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure étant conçus pour être fixés ensemble pour permettre un mouvement pivotant ;
    un ensemble de verrouillage (2660) pour fixer ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure de manière pivotante ensemble et pour permettre un mouvement pivotant entre ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure ;
    un ensemble d'orientation d'angle d'attaque (3010) porté par ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure pour permettre la fermeture pivotante d'une paire de lames de coupe (2640, 2650) à un angle d'attaque souhaité,
    lesdites lames de coupe étant portées en alignement avec un plan de lame de coupe, ledit plan de coupe s'étendant entre les parties d'extrémité proximales dudit ensemble poignée supérieure et dudit ensemble poignée inférieure pour empêcher ladite paire de lames de coupe de fonctionner sur une pièce à usiner au-delà du plan de lame de coupe ; et
    un élément de sollicitation (3050) fixé entre ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure pour solliciter ledit ensemble poignée vers une position ouverte ;
    l'ensemble d'orientation d'angle d'attaque comprenant :
    un ensemble lame ayant l'une de la paire de lames de coupe située à une extrémité de l'ensemble lame ; et
    un autre ensemble lame ayant l'autre de la paire de lames de coupe située à une extrémité de l'autre ensemble lame ;
    l'ensemble d'orientation d'angle d'attaque comprenant :
    un dispositif d'accouplement multidirectionnel relié fonctionnellement à une autre extrémité de l'ensemble lame ; et
    un autre dispositif d'accouplement multidirectionnel relié fonctionnellement à une autre extrémité de l'autre ensemble lame et
    le dispositif d'accouplement multidirectionnel comprenant :
    un pivot à bille et une ouverture sphérique dans l'ensemble poignée pour recevoir le pivot à bille ;
    caractérisé en ce que le pivot à bille a une partie de tige située à une extrémité, la partie de tige étant reliée fonctionnellement à l'autre extrémité de l'ensemble lame ;
    un tampon situé à proximité du pivot à bille ; et
    un ressort situé entre le tampon et l'ensemble poignée pour retenir le pivot à bille dans l'ouverture sphérique.
  5. Outil à main selon la revendication 4, ledit ensemble de verrouillage comprenant une broche de verrouillage pour fixer ensemble de manière permanente ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure et pour permettre un mouvement pivotant entre ledit ensemble poignée supérieure et ledit ensemble poignée inférieure.
  6. Outil à main selon la revendication 4, l'autre dispositif d'accouplement multidirectionnel comprenant :
    un autre pivot à bille ayant une partie de tige située à une extrémité, la partie de tige étant reliée fonctionnellement à l'autre extrémité de l'autre ensemble lame ;
    une autre ouverture sphérique dans l'ensemble poignée pour recevoir l'autre pivot à bille ;
    un autre tampon situé à proximité de l'autre pivot à bille ; et
    un autre ressort situé entre l'autre tampon et l'ensemble poignée pour retenir l'autre pivot à bille dans l'autre ouverture sphérique.
  7. Outil à main selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 6, l'ensemble d'orientation d'angle d'attaque comprenant :
    un pivot porté par l'ensemble lame et l'autre ensemble lame pour permettre la fermeture pivotante de la paire de lames de coupe à un angle d'attaque souhaité.
EP17156669.8A 2016-02-22 2017-02-17 Outil à main et son procédé d'utilisation Active EP3208043B1 (fr)

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US15/050,425 US10076827B2 (en) 2008-06-11 2016-02-22 Hand tool and method of using same

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EP3208043B1 true EP3208043B1 (fr) 2022-08-17

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI790183B (zh) * 2022-08-18 2023-01-11 冠億齒輪股份有限公司 可調整角度的動力工具
US12384013B2 (en) 2022-10-07 2025-08-12 Kuani Gear Co., Ltd. Angle-adjustable power tool

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110583510B (zh) * 2019-10-11 2021-07-02 江苏农林职业技术学院 一种手持按压式半自动宠物猫指甲剪磨器

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US5669647A (en) * 1996-05-10 1997-09-23 Magic Mold Corporation Pan gripper or the like

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US2020242A (en) 1935-01-03 1935-11-05 Porter Inc H K Swivel head tool
US3742957A (en) 1971-06-22 1973-07-03 J White Surgical clamp
US5062666A (en) 1990-02-01 1991-11-05 The Standard Register Company Financial instrument and method of making
US5105543A (en) * 1990-10-03 1992-04-21 Code 3 Res Q Equipment, Inc. Rescue cutting tool
US6971179B2 (en) * 2002-09-27 2005-12-06 Electroline Corporation Cutting tool
USD724916S1 (en) * 2008-06-11 2015-03-24 Quic Industries, Inc. Hand tool

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5669647A (en) * 1996-05-10 1997-09-23 Magic Mold Corporation Pan gripper or the like

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI790183B (zh) * 2022-08-18 2023-01-11 冠億齒輪股份有限公司 可調整角度的動力工具
US12384013B2 (en) 2022-10-07 2025-08-12 Kuani Gear Co., Ltd. Angle-adjustable power tool

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