US Patent: 2,280,005
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Wrench
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Patentee:
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William Petersen (exact or similar names) - DeWitt, NE |
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Patent Dates:
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Applied: |
Aug. 17, 1940 |
Granted: |
Apr. 14, 1942 |
Patent Pictures:
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William Petersen Pat. April 14, 1942 |
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Stan Schulz VISE GRIP "album" in FLICKR
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Description: |
This patent is the "kick-off" point for all post WWII Vise-Grip® pliers. It incorporates the change from forgings to stampings, and other changes in the tool subsequent to the April 8, 1924 patent (no. 1,489,458). The last of the tools marked with the 1924 patent number are otherwise identical to the early tools marked with this patent number and date. The focus of this patent is the spring, slotted handle, and base of the "stub lever." The specifications also note Petersen's May 21, 1940 patent (no. 2,201,918), which includes features never incorporated into the tools.
In 1947, Petersen Mfg. introduced models with "curved nose" jaws and "wire cutter" options. To a great extent, these models supplanted the "straight jaws" appearing on all previous VISE-GRIP® locking pliers. The company also added stamped trademarks to the tool bodies. These details can be deduced by reviewing details in Petersen Mfg. Co. advertisements in POPULAR MECHANICS, POPULAR SCIENCE, etc. and hardware trade journals.
The addition of Harold T. Jones' lock-release lever in the mid 1950s (pat. no. 2,514,130) was the last major change to the "original" tool. The lever handles of Vise-Grip® tools were marked with these two patent numbers for many years.
Petersen Mfg. initially offered Vise-Grip® in seven and ten-inch sizes. They later added five and four-inch versions of the "curved jaw" version introduced in 1947.
Petersen Mfg. company produced welding clamps and tinsmith's clamps marked with this patent.
Vise-Grip® handles with modified jaws for specialty clamping applications are frequently found. Other specialty tools based on Vise-Grips® have another company name on the specialty jaws. A hose fitting crimpers from the Hansen Mfg. Co. of Cleveland, OH is one example. A specialty clamp from Jarrow Products, a Chicago manufacturer of rubber gaskets for refrigeration equipment, is another. |
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