Transversely retained multiple slip-joint pliers

Abstract

A multiple joint pliers having a transversely retaining branch ( 2 ), a transversely retained branch ( 3 ), and a plate ( 4 ). The transversely retaining branch ( 2 ) which includes a first jaw ( 6 ), a first articulating intermediate zone ( 9 ) and a first handle ( 10 ). The first articulating zone defines a recess ( 12 ), and on either side thereof, a stepped portion ( 14 ). The transversely retained branch ( 3 ) includes a second jaw ( 21 ), a second articulating intermediate zone ( 23 ) and a second handle ( 22 ). The second articulating zone being received mobile in rotation, and selectively in translation, in the recess. The plate ( 4 ) maintaining the second articulating zone in the recess. The ends ( 27 ) of the plate are positioned on the respective stepped portions. The plate ( 4 ) is generally Ω-shaped when viewed laterally.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Interengaged multigrip pliers comprising:
 an interengaging arm having a first jaw, a first intermediate articulation region, and a first handle, the first intermediate articulation region defining a depression, and a step on either side of the depression; 
 an interengaged arm having a second jaw, a second intermediate articulation region, and a second handle, the second articulation region being received so as to be movable in rotation, and selectively in translation, in the depression; and 
 a plate for holding the second articulation region in the depression, ends of the plate being positioned on the steps, respectively, 
 wherein:
 the plate has an outer generally Ω shape when viewed from a side thereof; 
 the second intermediate articulation region has an elongate cut-out; 
 the pliers further comprise a pin attached to the plate and the first intermediate articulation region; and 
 the pin has a portion thereof extending through the elongate cut-out in the second intermediate articulation region so that the second articulation region is movable in rotation, and selectively in translation, in the depression. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The interengaged multigrip pliers as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the plate includes a planar central part and two end parts, which are planar and are located in a plane that is offset with respect to the planar central part. 
     
     
       3. The interengaged multigrip pliers as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the planar central part is connected to each end part by an inclined connecting zone. 
     
     
       4. The interengaged multigrip pliers as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the interengaging arm includes a projection disposed in a proximal end of the depression, and a back portion of the interengaged arm abuts against the projection when the pliers are closed in a longitudinal position thereof. 
     
     
       5. The interengaged multigrip pliers as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein a stop face of the projection is substantially perpendicular to a base of the depression. 
     
     
       6. The interengaged multigrip pliers as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the plate is positioned by two studs, which are integrally forged with the interengaging arm, so as to project from the steps and penetrate into respective openings of the plate. 
     
     
       7. The interengaged multigrip pliers as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein each stud is riveted in its respective opening. 
     
     
       8. The interengaged multigrip pliers as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the steps are delimited externally by two respective shoulders which converge towards a back of the pliers, the plate having at its longitudinal ends a shape matching the two shoulders. 
     
     
       9. The interengaged multigrip pliers as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the outer generally Ω of the plate is defined by two planar end parts, a planar central part, and inclined connecting portions between the planar end parts and the planar central part. 
     
     
       10. Interengaged multigrip pliers comprising:
 an interengaging arm having a first jaw, a first intermediate articulation region, and a first handle, the first intermediate articulation region defining a depression, and a step on either side of the depression; 
 an interengaged arm having a second jaw, a second intermediate articulation region, and a second handle, the second articulation region being received so as to be movable in rotation, and selectively in translation, in the depression; and 
 a plate for holding the second articulation region in the depression, ends of the plate being positioned on the steps, respectively, 
 wherein the plate has an outer generally Ω shape when viewed from a side thereof, and 
 wherein the second articulation region of the interengaged arm is also received in the hollow portion of the plate, which is defined between the ends of the plate, so as to be movable in rotation and selectively in translation, and 
 wherein:
 the second intermediate articulation region has an elongate cut-out; 
 the pliers further comprise a pin attached to the plate and the first intermediate articulation region; and 
 the pin has a portion thereof extending through the elongate cut-out in the second intermediate articulation region so that the second articulation region is movable in rotation, and selectively in translation, in the depression. 
 
 
     
     
       11. Interengaged multigrip pliers comprising:
 a first interengaging arm having a first jaw, a first intermediate articulation region, and a first handle, the first intermediate articulation region defining a depression;   a second interengaged arm having a second jaw, a second intermediate articulation region, and a second handle, the second intermediate articulation region having an elongate cut-out and being received so as to be movable in rotation, and selectively in translation, in the depression; and   a plate that holds the second intermediate articulation region in the depression, wherein opposite end portions of the plate and are attached to the first interengaging arm, wherein the plate has an outer generally Ω shape when viewed from a side thereof;   wherein a central portion of the plate comprises a recess that receives a portion of the second intermediate articulated region, wherein the recess defines a space located between a first plane along which the central portion is disposed and a second plane along which at least one of the end portions is disposed such that a portion of the second intermediate articulation region is disposed in the space between the first plane and the second plane, and wherein the central portion has an opening therein; and   a pin having a portion thereof extending into the opening in the central portion and through the elongate cut-out in the second intermediate articulation region.   
     
     
       12. The interengaged multigrip pliers according to claim 11, further comprising notches along the second intermediate articulation region to enable the first intermediate articulation region to be selectively locked at different locations relative to the second intermediate articulation region. 
     
     
       13. The interengaged multigrip pliers according to claim 12, further comprising a spring that biases the pin in a locking direction. 
     
     
       14. The interengaged multigrip pliers according to claim 13, wherein an enlarged head portion of the pin can be depressed against the bias of the spring to release locking engagement of the selected notch. 
     
     
       15. The interengaged multigrip pliers according to claim 11, wherein the plate has openings therethrough at the end portions thereof, and wherein the openings facilitate attachment of the end portions to the first interengaging arm. 
     
     
       16. The interengaged multigrip pliers according to claim 11, wherein a combined thickness of the first intermediate articulation region and the second intermediate articulation region is approximately equal to a thickest portion of one of the arms.