Ergonomic hand tool

Details Ergonomic hand tool Ergonomic hand tool

1999-04-05

2001-05-22

Meislin, D. S. (Department: 3723)

Tools

Tool jaw

Handle

C081S417000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06234050

ABSTRACT:

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to hand tools having a pair of elongated members pivotably connected to one another at a joint in the man of pliers. The elongated members have jaws on one side of the joint and handles on the other side of the joint. The jaws can be equipped to perform a variety of tasks such that the tool may function as a pliers, wire stripper, wire cutter, crimp nest, bolt cutter or some combination of these.
While tools of this general character have been known for generations, more recent design efforts in hand tools have focused on the ergonomics of tools. The desire to increase the productivity of electricians, installers, service technicians and production workers has lead to various handle designs intended to reduce or eliminate fatigue, stress and repetitive motion injuries. An example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,222. The present invention is similarly directed to a tool design which provides increased user comfort.
The handles of this invention are generally disposed on opposite sides of the jaw axis. A first handle is curved such that it is concave toward a second handle. A user's thumb, base of the thumb and/or lower palm rest against the first handle. The second handle has a multiply-directed curvature such that it is both concave and convex toward the first handle. The convex portion provides a crook for a user's forefinger while the concave portion conforms to the natural shape of the middle through fifth fingers, forming a comfortable grip therefor. A handle sleeve covers each handle to provide a cushioned grip. The edge of the sleeve near the pivot joint of the tool is angled to cover more of the outside edge of the handle.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1288079 (1918-12-01), McClean
patent: 1428600 (1922-09-01), McCullough
patent: 2382606 (1945-08-01), Clark
patent: 2523936 (1950-09-01), Axelsen
patent: 2638669 (1953-05-01), Steede
patent: 4793224 (1988-12-01), Huang
patent: 4934222 (1990-06-01), Rittmann et al.
patent: 5253557 (1993-10-01), Dolak
patent: 5339712 (1994-08-01), Keyvani
patent: 5522290 (1996-06-01), Visser et al.
Clauss Brochure (1 page) , Clauss Fiberoptic/Telcom Division , ©1998.
Torvaal Brochure (3 pages) Chagrin Falls, OH , undated.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Ergonomic hand tool does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Ergonomic hand tool, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ergonomic hand tool will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2541082