Patent attributes
A pair of pliers includes an upper structure, a lower structure including a lower handle, an over center linkage, and a lock member. The lock member is movable between a locking configuration and a release configuration. When the lock member is in the locking configuration, it prevents pivoting movement of the lower handle from a closed configuration and retains jaws of the pliers in a closed position. When the lock member is in the release configuration, it enables the lower handle to be moved away from the closed configuration and allows the jaws to move to an open position. Movement of the lock member from the locking configuration to the release configuration requires sequential movement of the lock member in a first direction and then in a second direction. The second direction is different than the first direction.
