US3888003A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Power handle for pivotally interconnected lever tools
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-07-12
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Granted: 1975-06-10
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Expires: 1994-07-12
Abstract
Abstract A power handle for pivotally interconnected lever tools, such as wire clippers, shears, pliers, snips and cutters, is composed of a portable case with an actuating arm mounted to one side. The arm when depressed actuates a plunger valve whereby a source of compressed gas is released into a pair of bellows each situated between one side of the case and one lever arm of the tool positioned within the case. The bellows fill with the compressed gas and force the lever arms toward each other about their pivot axis, counteracting the force of the torsion spring that normally biases the lever arms apart. Release of the arm closes the plunger valve and allows the rapid escape of the compressed gas trapped in the bellows, whereby the torsion spring reopens the lever arms of the tool.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank R Brown
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:42
CPC Classifications
B; B26; B26B; B26B15/00; B25; B25B; B25B7/00; B25B7/12; B25B7/126
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A compressed gas operated power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms with forward extending distal jaw portions and proximal actuating portions comprising: A. A pair of opposing sidewalls rigidly spaced apart; B. A pair of inflatable bellows, each positioned between one of said sidewalls and the proximal portion of one lever arm of said tool; C. A transversely expandable member attached to and between said lever arms; and D. A manually operated inflation valve alternatively connecting said bellows to atmosphere when said valve is not actuated and connecting said bellows for inflation to a source of compressed gas when said valve is actuated, whereby the lever arms of said tool are pivotally juxtaposed when said bellows inflate and are pivotally separated when said bellows deflate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A compressed gas operated power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms with forward extending distal jaw portions and proximal actuating portions comprising: A. A pair of opposing sidewalls rigidly spaced apart; B. A pair of inflatable bellows, each positioned between one of said sidewalls and the proximal portion of one lever arm of said tool; C. A transversely expandable member attached to and between said lever arms; and D. A manually operated inflation valve alternatively connecting said bellows to atmosphere when said valve is not actuated and connecting said bellows for inflation to a source of compressed gas when said valve is actuated, whereby the lever arms of said tool are pivotally juxtaposed when said bellows inflate and are pivotally separated when said bellows deflate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
130 words
A fluid operated power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms with forward extending distal jaw portions and proximal actuating portions comprising: A. A pair of opposing sidewalls rigidly spaced apart; B. A pair of inflatable bladders, each positioned between one of said sidewalls and the proximal portion of one lever arm of said tool; C. A transversely expandable member attached to and between said lever arms; and D. A manually operated inflation valve alternatively connecting said bladders to a fluid reservoir when said valve is not actuated and connecting said bladders for inflation to a source of pressurized fluid when said valve is actuated, whereby the lever arms of said tool are pivotally juxtaposed when said bladders inflate and are pivotally separated when said bladders deflate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
130 words
A fluid operated power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms with forward extending distal jaw portions and proximal actuating portions comprising: A. A pair of opposing sidewalls rigidly spaced apart; B. A pair of inflatable bladders, each positioned between one of said sidewalls and the proximal portion of one lever arm of said tool; C. A transversely expandable member attached to and between said lever arms; and D. A manually operated inflation valve alternatively connecting said bladders to a fluid reservoir when said valve is not actuated and connecting said bladders for inflation to a source of pressurized fluid when said valve is actuated, whereby the lever arms of said tool are pivotally juxtaposed when said bladders inflate and are pivotally separated when said bladders deflate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A compressed gas operateD power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms as defined in claim 1, further comprising a pair of lever arm support members each incorporating a groove dimensioned to embrace one of said tool''s lever arms, each said support member being interposed between one of said arms and one of said bellows.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A compressed gas operated power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said bellows is folded upon itself in a U-shaped configuration tending to straighten and unfold upon inflation thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
A compressed gas operated power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms as defined in claim 1, wherein said transversely expandable member attached between said lever arms is a resilient means for maintaining said lever arms apart when said bellows are deflated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
A compressed gas operated power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms as defined in claim 1, wherein said opposed sidewalls are a section of a housing enclosing said bellows, said transversely expandable member, said valve and the said proximal portions of said tool''s lever arms.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
A compressed gas operated power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms as defined in claim 4, wherein the bellows have their region of greatest inflated displacement substantially spaced away from the tool''s pivot axis whereby maximum leverage at the distal jaws is obtained.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
70 words
A compressed gas operated power handle for use with tools having pivotally interconnected lever arms as defined in claim 6, further comprising a spring arm attached to said housing and extending substantially parallel to one side thereof and depressible relative thereto; and a spring wire having one end attached to said spring arm and its other end engaged with said valve whereby depression of said spring arm operates said valve.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-09 | 1978-12-09 | 1979-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-09 | 1982-12-09 | 1983-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-09 | 1986-12-09 | 1987-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |