CONTAINER GRIPPING DEVICE

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of container gripping devices.

[0002] Patent document EP0769263B1 discloses a container gripping device comprising: a gripping handle; a first clamping member slidably mounted relative to the gripping handle between first and second sliding positions and having a first clamping surface; a second clamping member having a second clamping surface opposite the first clamping surface to form a container clamp between the first and second clamping surfaces; an actuating lever pivotally mounted relative to the grip handle between a clamping position and a release position.

[0003] The gripping device comprises a connecting mechanism arranged such that moving the actuating lever from the release position to the clamping position causes the first clamping member to move from its first position to its second position and the first clamping surface to move closer to the second clamping surface.

[0004] Such a device is also called a removable handle for a cooking container. This device for gripping a container of the patent document EP0769263B1 also has a connecting mechanism, for connecting the actuating lever to the first clamping member, which comprises a connecting rod articulated on the one hand on a slide of the actuating lever and on the other hand on a terminal end of a rod belonging to the first clamping member. This connecting mechanism also comprises a compression spring carried by the actuating lever so as to elastically oppose the sliding of the connecting rod along the slide of the control lever when the lever is moved towards its clamping position.

[0005] This connecting mechanism is complex and expensive to manufacture since it requires creating a slide on the actuating lever, using a connecting rod and forming pivot-type assemblies at the ends of the connecting rod. Furthermore, the presence of the connecting rod creates a risk of fingers being trapped between the connecting rod and the handle. This container gripping device also presents a risk of the actuating lever accidentally moving from its clamping position to its release position, for example in the event of unintentional pressure on the actuating lever. The holding / clamping of the container between the clamping members is therefore uncertain, which may present a risk of the container falling and being burned if this container is hot and / or if it contains a heated substance. Other container gripping devices of the prior art are also known from documents US7478735B2, EP2494896B1 and US5704092A. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a container gripping device which resolves, or at least minimizes, all or part of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a container gripping device according to claim 1.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the movement of the first clamping member 1 from the first position to the second position is controlled, by means of the cam (formed on the actuating lever) sliding against the counter-cam, as a function of the pivoting of the actuating lever from its release position to its clamping position.

[0009] Any mechanical connection between a cam and a cam follower bearing against each other involves a cam profile and a cam follower profile which together define a unique relationship between: the pivoting movement of the cam relative to the handle (the cam pivots with the lever that carries it); and the sliding / translational movement of the cam follower relative to the handle (the cam follower is subject to the first clamping member so that they slide together relative to the gripping handle).

[0010] The use of cam and cam follower makes it possible to simply define the transformation relationship of the pivoting movement of the lever relative to the handle into a translation / sliding movement of the first clamping member relative to the handle.

[0011] The cam and cam follower profiles allow you to define for each position adopted by the actuating lever during its pivoting: a single sliding position of the first clamping member relative to the handle; and a single ratio value between the mechanical torque applied to the lever and the corresponding clamping force transmissible at the level of the first clamping member (the clamping force is the force which can be applied by the clamping member to a rigid part clamped between the first and second clamping surfaces).

[0012] The value of the ratio can be constant throughout the movement of the lever or be variable to obtain a particular ergonomic behavior of the device.

[0013] In other words, the cam and the cam follower make it possible to define a relationship between the torque applied by the user to the lever and the clamping force which can be applied by the first clamping member and the value of which changes according to the position of the lever (i.e. according to the current position adopted by the lever relative to the handle between its release position and its clamping position).

[0014] This change in the ratio between torque and clamping force is reproducible each time the user operates the gripping device, which is an ergonomic advantage.

[0015] Furthermore, the control precision allowed by the cam and cam follower link mechanism allows the use of a locking mechanism with a precise locking / unlocking position.

[0016] When unlocked, the locking mechanism allows the actuating lever to move freely to its release position, under the effect of the elastic return member and without the user having to push the actuating lever to its release position.

[0017] The thrust of the actuating lever towards the release position is done automatically and solely under the effect of the elastic return member as soon as the pusher of the locking mechanism is moved to the unlocking position.

[0018] The container gripping device can be operated precisely and with one hand, both when clamping and loosening the container.

[0019] The safety of use of the container gripping device is also improved since the clamping of the container between the first and second clamping surfaces can only be released by actuating the pusher and simultaneously releasing the torque applied to the actuating lever by the user's fingers.

[0020] Thus, the container gripping device according to the invention is particularly safe to use while being simple and economical to manufacture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a gripping device 0 for a container R according to a first embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever 8 being in the clamping position and the first and second clamping surfaces S1, S2 being close to each other (the first clamping member 1 is here in its second sliding position); [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the gripping device 0 for container R according to the first embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever 8 being in the release position and the first and second clamping surfaces S1, S2 being spaced apart from each other to allow the free passage of a peripheral wall of a container R between these surfaces S1, S2 (the first clamping member 1 is here in its first sliding position); [ Fig. 1a ] there figure 1a is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the gripping device 0 for container R according to the first embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever 8 being in the clamping position and the peripheral wall of container R being clamped between these surfaces S1, S2 in order to be able to lift the container R using the gripping device 0; [ Fig. 2a ] there figure 2a is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the gripping device 0 for container R according to the first embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever 8 being in the release position and the peripheral wall of container R being free to move between the surfaces S1, S2 forming a clamp to be removed or inserted between these surfaces S1, S2 (the first clamping member 1 is here in its first position); [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the container gripping device 0 R according to the first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a perspective view of the container R gripping device 0 according to the invention, the actuating lever 8 being in the release position and the first clamping member 1 being in its first position (the external appearance of the device 0 is identical for the first and second embodiments of the invention); [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a side view of the container gripping device 0 R of the figure 4 ; [ Fig. 6a ] there figure 6a is a perspective view of one half of the container gripping device 0 R according to the first embodiment of the invention while the actuating lever 8 is in the clamping position, the first clamping member 1 being in its second position (the device 0 is cut along a longitudinal median section plane, this device 0 being symmetrical on either side of this median section plane); [ Fig. 6b ] there figure 6b is a perspective view of one half of the container gripping device 0 R according to the first embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever 8 being in the release position and the first clamping member 1 being in its first position; [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the gripping device 0 according to the first or second embodiment of the invention, this figure 7 illustrating the assembly between the cam follower 6 and the rod 10 of the first clamping member 1, this assembly making it possible to secure in translation / sliding the first clamping member 1 and the cam follower 6 throughout the sliding of the rod 10 relative to the gripping handle P1; [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a gripping device 0 according to a second embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever 8 being in the clamping position and the first and second clamping surfaces S1, S2 being close to each other (without a container between these surfaces), the first clamping member 1 being in its second sliding position; [ Fig. 9 ] there figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the gripping device 0 according to the second embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever 8 being in the release position and the first and second clamping surfaces S1, S2 being spaced apart from each other to allow the free passage of a peripheral wall of a container R (the cam follower 6 is here shown in dotted lines to show its sliding with the rod 10 with which the cam follower 6 is secured in displacement / sliding, this sliding being forced by the elastic return member 7 which is in the form of a helical compression spring (This spring 7 is on one side in axial support against the handle P1 and on the other side in axial support against the cam follower 6, the cam follower 6 having a centering stud extending into the spring 7 to position it relative to the cam follower 6); [ Fig. 10 ] there figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the gripping device 0 according to the second embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In reference to the figures 1 à 10 , the invention essentially relates to a device 0 for gripping a container R belonging to the field of removable handles for containers R.

[0023] As illustrated in the figure 1a , a container R adapted to be carried by the gripping device 0 according to the invention has a bottom, a peripheral side wall (annular wall), the bottom and the peripheral side wall delimiting an internal volume of the container R open towards the outside of the container R via an upper opening of the container R. The internal volume is intended to contain food.

[0024] The peripheral side wall of the container R has a curved edge R1 delimiting the periphery of the upper opening of the container R.

[0025] The peripheral side wall of the container R is here flared towards the outside of the container at its curved edge R1. However, the side wall of the container could have another shape because the gripping device 0 is adaptable to different shapes and / or sizes of containers R that are to be clamped between its clamping surfaces S1, S2.

[0026] The container R here is a cooking utensil suitable for cooking food.

[0027] For this purpose, the bottom and the side wall of the container R are adapted to withstand the heating of a flame and to transmit heat to the food.

[0028] As illustrated on the figures 1 à 10 , the gripping device 0 of such a container R comprises: a gripping handle P1; a first clamping member 1 slidably mounted relative to the gripping handle P1 between first and second sliding positions and having a first clamping surface S1; a second clamping member 2 having a second clamping surface S2 opposite the first clamping surface S1 to form a container clamp R between the first and second clamping surfaces S1, S2; an actuating lever 8 pivotally mounted relative to the gripping handle P1 between a clamping position and a release position.

[0029] In the clamping position (see for example the figures 1 , 6a And 8 ), the lever 8 is brought closer to the gripping handle P1. In this case, in the clamping position, the lever 8 is at least partially retracted into a passage Pn formed in the body of the gripping handle P1.

[0030] This passage Pn extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the handle P1 and it opens laterally onto a lower face of the gripping handle P1.

[0031] In the release position (see for example the figures 2 , 6b And 9 ), lever 8 is further from handle P1 than it is when in the clamping position.

[0032] When the lever 8 is in the release position, a part of the lever 8 which is retracted into the passage Pn when the lever is in the clamping position, is then located outside the handle P1.

[0033] The gripping device 0 according to the invention also comprises a connecting mechanism arranged so that the movement of the actuating lever 8 from the release position to the clamping position causes the movement of the first clamping member 1 from its first position to its second position and the bringing together of the first clamping surface S1 relative to the second clamping surface S2.

[0034] The first and second clamping surfaces S1, S2 form the jaws of a clamp between which a peripheral wall of container R can be introduced to be clamped between these surfaces S1, S2 when the lever 8 is in the clamping position (the first clamping member 1 is then placed in its second position as illustrated in the figures 1, 1a , 6a , 8 ).

[0035] The gripping device 0 also includes: an elastic return member 7 arranged to exert an elastic return force on the first clamping member 1 from the second position to the first position; and a locking mechanism comprising a pusher 5 movable relative to the gripping handle P1 between a locking position and an unlocking position.

[0036] This locking mechanism is: on the one hand arranged so that when the pusher 5 is placed in the locking position, the locking mechanism prevents the movement of the actuating lever 8 placed in the clamping position towards the release position; and on the other hand arranged so that when the pusher 5 is placed in the unlocking position, the locking mechanism authorizes the movement of the actuating lever 8 placed in the clamping position towards the release position.

[0037] In the first and second embodiments of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a lug 91 and a complementary stop 92.

[0038] The actuating lever 8 is held in the clamping position when the lug 91 is pressing against the complementary stop 92 and it is free to move from its clamping position to its release position when the lug 91 is moved away from the complementary stop 92.

[0039] The pusher 5 is arranged so that the movement of the pusher 5 from the locking position to the unlocking position controls the movement of the lug 91 with respect to the complementary stop 92 to allow the movement of the actuating lever 8 from its clamping position to its release position.

[0040] In the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figures 1 à 6b , the lug 91 is formed on one of the pusher 5 and the actuating lever 8 while the complementary stop 92 is formed on the other of the pusher 5 and the actuating lever 8.

[0041] This embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 à 6b where the lug 91 is formed on the pusher 5 and where the complementary stop 92 is formed on the actuating lever 8 .

[0042] In this case, the complementary stop 92 is here formed by a surface of a recess made in the lever 8, at the level of a terminal end of the lever 8 which is distal from the pivot point 9 of the lever relative to the grip handle P1.

[0043] The lug 91 formed on the pusher 5 passes through a front recess 10a of the rod 10 of the first clamping member 1 to allow the rod to slide relative to the handle without moving the pusher 5.

[0044] This first embodiment is advantageous because it allows for direct attachment between the actuating lever 8 and pusher 5 without requiring passage through another intermediate part.

[0045] The selective locking function of the lever by moving the pusher to the unlocking position is thus simply achieved.

[0046] Movement of the lever to the release position is permitted when the lug 91 is no longer pressing against the complementary stop 92 and is prohibited when they are in contact with each other.

[0047] According to the second alternative embodiment illustrated in figures 8 et 9 , the lug 91 is formed on one of the gripping handle P1 and the actuating lever 8, the complementary stop 92 being formed on the other of the gripping handle P1 and the actuating lever 8.

[0048] This embodiment corresponds to the second embodiment illustrated in figures 8, 9 et 10 where the lug 91 is formed on an elastic tab belonging to the lever 8 and where the complementary stop 92 is formed on the gripping handle P1.

[0049] In this case, the complementary stop 92 is here formed by a surface of a recess made in the gripping handle P1, in a passage where the rod 10 slides relative to the handle P1.

[0050] This passage where the complementary stop 92 is formed is located in an internal zone of the handle P1 which is distal from the pivot point 9 of the lever 8 relative to the gripping handle P1 and which is proximal to the clamping surfaces.

[0051] Thus the forces applied between the lug 91 and the complementary stop 92 to maintain the clamping of the container are minimized by leverage effect (the lug 91 being at the terminal end of the lever 8). The service life of the surfaces in contact between the lug 91 and the stop 92 is improved.

[0052] More particularly, the lug 91 is carried by an elastic tab L belonging to the actuating lever 8, the tab L being elastically deformed when the lever 8 moves towards its clamping position, the tab L returning to its shape when the lever 8 reaches the clamping position and the pusher 5 is in the locking position.

[0053] As we understand from the figure 8 , when the lever 8 is in the clamping position and the pusher 5 is in the locking position, the lug 91 under the elastic effect of the elastic tab L comes into contact against the complementary stop 92 to block the lever in the clamping position.

[0054] The tab L has a terminal end passing through a recess 10a of the rod 10 of the first clamping member 1.

[0055] As illustrated in the figure 8 , when the lever 8 is in the clamping position and the pusher 5 is in the locking position, the terminal end 80 of the tab L is located in an internal passage 40 of the pusher 5 (the tab L passing through the recess 10a of the rod 10).

[0056] When the pusher 5 is moved from its locking position to its unlocking position, an edge of the internal passage 40 of the pusher 5 comes into contact against the terminal end 80 of the tab L to deform it elastically and thus force the lug 91 away from the complementary stop 92.

[0057] The lever 8 is then free to move from the clamping position to the release position under the effect of the thrust of the elastic return means 7 on the cam follower 6.

[0058] The internal passage 40 of the pusher 5 is here formed on a part of the pusher 5 which is in the form of a metal plate 4 assembled to the rest of the pusher 5 for example using a screw.

[0059] In all embodiments having a lug 91 and a complementary stop 92, the lug and the stop 92 are preferably hidden by the lever 8 to be inaccessible from outside the device 0. Thus, the locking is secure since it can only be controlled by moving the pusher 5.

[0060] The lug 91 and / or the stop 92 are chamfered to facilitate the relative movement of the lug 91 with respect to the complementary stop 92 when the lever moves towards its clamping position.

[0061] An elastic return spring 3 is arranged to exert, on the pusher 5, an elastic force to return the pusher 5 from the unlocking position to the locking position.

[0062] This elastic return spring 3 has two axial ends, one of these ends is positioned in a passage of the pusher 5 where the spring is wedged laterally.

[0063] The other of these ends rests against a central stud belonging to the handle P1, this centering stud allowing lateral wedging of this other end of the elastic return spring 3.

[0064] The elastic return spring 3 is here a helical compression spring.

[0065] The pusher 5 here slides relative to the handle P1 between its unlocking position and its locking position in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the first clamping member 1 relative to the handle P1.

[0066] This elastic return spring 3 is advantageous because it makes it possible to secure the actuating lever 8 in its clamping position to maintain the clamping of the container R between the first and second clamping surfaces S1, S2.

[0067] Thus, under the effect of the elastic return force exerted by the spring 3 on the pusher 5, the pusher is held firmly in its locking position.

[0068] The container R is then firmly held under the effect of the tightening torque transmitted from the lever 8 to the first tightening member 1.

[0069] To release the container R, the user must apply a force to the pusher 5 which is sufficient to deform the elastic return spring 3 and force the movement of the pusher 5 from its locking position to its unlocking position.

[0070] As a result, the unlocking of the lever 8 cannot be accidental since it requires an effort from the user specifically applied to the pusher 5 in a predefined direction.

[0071] As illustrated on the figures 1 à 10 , the pusher 5 is accessible from an upper face of the gripping handle P1 while the actuating lever 8 is accessible from a lower face of the gripping handle P1.

[0072] Therefore, unlocking lever 8 is almost impossible as long as the user uses device 0 to lift a container R.

[0073] Lifting the container R with the device 0 while holding the handle with one hand implies that the user squeezes the handle and consequently compresses the lever 8 against the handle P1.

[0074] Even if the user carrying the container with the gripping device 0 forced the movement of the pusher 5, the tightening that it exerts against the lever and which is necessary for a good grip of the handle P1 would prevent the movement of the lever 8 towards its release position.

[0075] To unlock the lever, the user must first place the container R so that his hand can release the forces applied to the handle and the lever and thus allow: on the one hand the movement of the pusher 5 towards the unlocking position; and on the other hand limiting the torque applied to the lever by the user's fingers allowing its progressive movement towards the release position (under the effect of the elastic return force exerted by the elastic return member 7).

[0076] The connecting mechanism comprises a cam 8a carried by the actuating lever 8 and bearing against a counter-cam 6.

[0077] This cam follower 6 is subject in movement to a rod 10 belonging to the first clamping member 1 so that the cam follower 6 slides with the first clamping member 1 relative to the gripping handle P1.

[0078] The rod 10 of the first clamping member 1 is slidably mounted along guide slides G formed on the handle P1, these slides extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle P1.

[0079] The guide slides G of the first clamping member 1 are here formed in the body of the handle P1, inside a recess passing through a front part of the handle body.

[0080] This recess extends between one end of the handle P1 which is adjacent to the second clamping member 2 and the passage Pn which extends longitudinally in the handle body P1 along the longitudinal axis of the handle P1.

[0081] As seen on the figures 1a et 2a And 8 et 9 , the first and second clamping surfaces S1, S2 are opposite each other to form a clamp making it possible to selectively clamp a portion of a peripheral side wall of a container R between these first and second clamping surfaces S2, S2.

[0082] The actuating lever 8 is mechanically connected to the first clamping member 1 via the cam 8a bearing against the counter-cam 6 to move this first clamping member 1 from the first sliding position to the second sliding position relative to the gripping handle as a function of the pivoting of the lever 8 from the release position to the clamping position.

[0083] The first clamping member 1 is L-shaped. The rod 10 forms an elongated part of the clamping member 1 and the clamping surface S1 extends perpendicular to the rod to come opposite the second clamping surface S2.

[0084] The second clamping surface S2 of the second clamping member 2 is formed at a terminal end of the handle 1 opposite the first clamping surface S1.

[0085] In this case, in the embodiments described on the figures 1 à 10 , the second clamping member 2 is an integral part of the handle 1 and constitutes a front portion of the handle P1, the second clamping surface S2 being formed on the front portion of the handle P1 (at the longitudinal end of the gripping handle P1).

[0086] However, the second clamping member 2 could be constituted by a specific clamping part assembled against a terminal end of the handle P1, the handle P1 and the second clamping member 2 then being constituted by at least two separate parts assembled together.

[0087] The first and second clamping members 1, 2 are rigid here to limit the risk of deformation of these clamping members 1, 2 when clamping the wall of the container R.

[0088] Thanks to the invention, the clamping of the peripheral wall of the container R is particularly effective, which secures the user.

[0089] As indicated previously, a part of the lever 8 is located in the passage Pn to be at least partially retracted there when the lever 8 is in the clamping position.

[0090] The second clamping member 2 is fixed relative to the handle P1 and it can belong to the handle P1 or be constituted by a specific part which is distinct from the part forming the handle P1 and which is fixedly assembled to the handle P1.

[0091] Thanks to the invention, the movement of the first clamping member 1 from the first position to the second position is controlled by means of the cam 8a which is in sliding support against the counter-cam 6 and which is moved with the lever 8 (the cam 8a is subject to the lever 8).

[0092] The use of cam 8a and counter-cam 6 makes it possible to simply define the transformation relationship of the pivoting movement of the lever into the translational movement of the first clamping member 1.

[0093] In addition, the cam 8a and the counter-cam 6 make it possible to obtain a ratio between the torque applied by the user to the lever and the clamping force applied by the first clamping member to the wall of the container.

[0094] Depending on the profiles of the cam 8a and the cam follower 6, this ratio can be constant or changeable depending on the position of the lever 8 relative to the handle.

[0095] Preferably, the cam and cam follower profiles are selected so that the ratio value increases when the lever is moved from its release position to its clamping position, this ratio value being able to be strictly increasing.

[0096] In other words, when a torque of given intensity is applied to lever 8, we obtain: first clamping force on the first clamping member when the lever 8 is in the clamping position; and a second clamping force on the first clamping member when the lever 8 is in the release position, the first clamping force being greater than the second clamping force.

[0097] This allows for increasingly effective tightening to be achieved as the first tightening member is moved towards its first position.

[0098] The efforts exerted by the user are thus more effective as the lever 8 approaches its clamping position, which is ergonomic and improves the gripping capacity of the container R.

[0099] The connecting mechanism is further arranged such that the movement of the first clamping member 1 from its second position to its first position causes the movement of the actuating lever 8 from the clamping position to the release position.

[0100] Thus, the elastic return force exerted by the spring 7 on the cam follower 6 makes it possible on the one hand to force the movement of the first clamping member 1 from its second sliding position to its first sliding position and on the other hand to force the movement of the actuating lever 8 from its clamping position to its release position (the movement of the cam follower 6 has the effect of forcing the movement of the cam 8a subject to the lever 8).

[0101] More particularly, the cam 8a and the counter-cam 6 are arranged so that the movement of the first clamping member 1 from its second position to its first position causes the movement of the actuating lever 8 from its clamping position to its release position.

[0102] The cam follower 6 is secured in sliding with the first clamping member 1.

[0103] Thus, when the first clamping member 1 moves from the second position to the first position, under the effect of the elastic return force exerted by the elastic return member 7, the cam follower 6 slides with the first clamping member 1 and generates a force on the cam 8a which tends to move the actuating lever 8 from its clamping position to its release position.

[0104] The cam 8a which is subject to the lever 8 moves with the lever 8.

[0105] In the present case, to simplify the manufacture of the gripping device 0 according to the invention, the cam 8 is directly formed on a lateral face of the lever 8 which is oriented towards the passage Pn of the handle.

[0106] The lever 8 and the cam 8a thus form a single piece.

[0107] Preferably, this part forming the lever 8 and the cam 8a is a molded part, preferably injection molded.

[0108] In order to secure the cam follower 6 and the clamping member 1 in sliding relative to the handle P1, as illustrated in the figure 7 and on the figures 1, 2 , 8 et 9 , the cam follower 6 is arranged in a recess 10b made in the rod 10 of the first member 1, this cam follower 6 being wedged between axial stops belonging to the rod 10 to oppose any movement of the cam follower 6 relative to the rod 10 along a longitudinal axis of the rod 10.

[0109] The first clamping member 1 is sliding relative to the gripping handle P1 along this longitudinal axis of the rod 10 which extends in a longitudinal direction of the gripping handle P1.

[0110] When pivoting the lever 8 between the lever release and clamping positions, the cam 8a pivots relative to the handle P1 around the pivot 9, while the cam follower 6 which is secured to the rod 10 of the first clamping member 1 translates relative to the gripping handle P1, the cam 8a sliding against the cam follower 6.

[0111] The use of the elastic return member 7 makes it possible to eliminate the play between the cam and the cam follower since the elastic return force applied to the first clamping member 1 generates a compression force of the cam follower against the cam.

[0112] The elimination of play between the cam and the cam follower improves the comfort of use of the gripping device, which reacts progressively and smoothly to the clamping forces applied by the user.

[0113] As the elastic return member 7 is in contact against the cam follower 6, the elastic return force of the first clamping member 1 from the second position to the first position is transmitted via the cam follower 6, this same cam follower 6 thus forcing the displacement of the cam 8a and the lever 8.

[0114] In order to limit the axial sliding of the first clamping member 1 relative to the handle P1, the handle P1 comprises an internal axial stop P3 formed inside the passage Pn on which the cam follower 6 presses while the first clamping member 1 is in the first position.

[0115] Similarly, a portion P1x of the first gripping handle P1 and a portion 8x of the actuating lever 8 are shaped: to abut against each other when the actuating lever 8 is in the release position; and to be spaced apart from each other when the actuating lever 8 is in the clamping position, this portion P1x of the first gripping handle P1 and the portion 8x of the actuating lever 8 together defining the release position of the actuating lever 8 relative to the gripping handle P1.

[0116] This embodiment is advantageous because it allows, in a simple manner, to limit the travel of the lever 8 relative to the handle P1 and this without having to manufacture a specific part to define this rotation stop.

[0117] As we understand from figures 1 à 10 , the actuating lever 8 is pivotally mounted relative to the gripping handle P1 by means of a pivot 9 arranged on a rear portion of the gripping device 0, the first and second clamping surfaces S1, S2 of the first and second clamping members 1, 2 being arranged on a front portion of the gripping device 0.

[0118] The front and rear portions of the device 0 are on opposite sides of the device and the locking pusher 5 is located closer to the front portion than it is to the rear portion.

[0119] With this positioning of the pivot 9 at the rear portion of the gripping device 0, the amplitude of movement of the lever 8 relative to the gripping handle P1 is maximum on the side of the front portion of the gripping device 0 (i.e., on the side of the gripping device which is proximal to the clamping surfaces) and is minimum on the side of the rear portion of the gripping device (i.e., on the side of the gripping device which is distal to the clamping surfaces).

[0120] This results in better ergonomics for the user since he can exert a more effective clamping force on the lever.

[0121] Indeed, when using the gripping device, the thumb, index finger and middle finger of the user's hand are placed on the side of the front portion of the gripping device while the little finger and ring finger of the user's hand are placed on the side of the rear portion of the gripping device.

[0122] The user's most powerful fingers are thus used to exert the clamping force on the lever 8, on the side where the lever's range of movement is maximum.

[0123] This results in better grip and greater lever clamping capacity.

[0124] The localization of the clamping force exerted by the user at the front portion of the device, where the container R is carried, also makes it possible to better hold this container R.

[0125] More precisely, the lever 8 is mounted in a yoke in the passage Pn formed in the body of the gripping handle, the pivot 9 being fixed in at least one perforation of the gripping handle P1 and having a central portion extending into the passage Pn by passing inside a perforation formed in the lever 8.

[0126] In this way, the lever 8 which is at least partly in the passage Pn can pivot around the pivot 9 relative to the handle P1 while being held in the passage Pn by lateral edges of the handle placed on either side of the lateral edges of the lever 8.

[0127] The handle P1 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the handle while the pivot 9 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the pivot 9.

[0128] The longitudinal axis of the pivot 9 is in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the grip handle.

[0129] Preferably, as seen by comparing the figure 1 et 2 or by comparing the figures 8 et 9 , the contact surface between the cam 8a and the cam follower 6 is minimal when the lever 8 is in the release position and is maximal when the lever 8 is in the clamping position.

[0130] This feature reduces wear on the cam 8a and the cam follower 6 because the contact surface increases with the force transmitted via the cam follower 6.

[0131] This embodiment is simply obtained because the cam 8a and the lever 8 form a single rigid assembly here obtained by a single rigid part comprising the cam and the lever.

[0132] The clamping members 1, 2 are adapted to withstand temperatures above 120°C which can be reached when the peripheral wall of the container is clamped and the container R is heated.

[0133] To this end, the first clamping member 1 is preferably made of metal, preferably stainless steel, and the second clamping member 2 may be made of a rigid polymer material resistant to at least 120°C (for example bakelite).

[0134] As we understand from figures 1, 2 , 3 , 6a, 6b , 8 et 9 , the elastic return member 7 is a spring 7 on the one hand bearing against a bearing surface P2 belonging to the gripping handle P1 and on the other hand bearing against a bearing surface belonging to the cam follower 6. The bearing surface P2 is formed in the passage Pn of the handle P1.

[0135] The elastic return member 7 is arranged to elastically oppose the passage of the first clamping member 1 from the first position to the second position.

[0136] Preferably, as illustrated on the figures 1, 2 , 6a, 6b , 8 et 9 , the rod 10 has an internal recess 10b in which at least a portion of said elastic return member 7 extends.

[0137] This allows the mechanism to be compacted in the handle by bringing the spring closer to the longitudinal axis of the rod 10.

[0138] As illustrated in figures 2 , 6b And 9 , an axial edge 10b1 of the internal recess 10b of the rod 10 is in axial abutment against the elastic return member 7 when the first clamping member 1 is in its first sliding position.

[0139] As illustrated in figures 1 , 6a And 8 , this axial edge 10b1 of the internal recess 10b of the rod 10 is moved away from the elastic return member 7 when the first clamping member 1 is in its second sliding position.

[0140] Thus, the elastic return member 7, in addition to its function of elastic return of the first member to the first position, forms an axial stop defining a sliding limit of the first clamping member 1 when it arrives in its first position relative to the gripping handle P1.

[0141] This embodiment simplifies the manufacture of the gripping device according to the invention since it is not necessary to manufacture a specific stop to limit the sliding of the first clamping member.

[0142] The manufacture and assembly of the gripping device 0 according to the invention are thus made easier and more economical to implement.

[0143] Furthermore, the spring 7 is, on one side, in axial support against an internal surface of the body of the handle P1 and on the other side in axial support against a rear surface of the cam follower 6 to push the cam follower 6 and thus force contact between the cam 8a and the cam follower 6.

[0144] As seen on the figure 10 or on the figure 7 , the cam follower 6 has front and rear edges which each bear axially against surfaces formed in the internal recess 10b of the rod 10 so that the cam follower 6 and the first clamping member 1 are secured in translation when the clamping member 1 slides relative to the handle P1.

[0145] It can also be seen that the cam follower 6 has a pair of lateral fins 6a, formed on each side of the cam follower 6 to bear against a sliding surface formed in the body of the handle P1.

[0146] When the first clamping member 1 slides, these fins 6a slide against the sliding surfaces formed in the body of the handle and support a transverse thrust force exerted against the cam follower 6 by the cam 8a.

[0147] These lateral fins 6a make it possible to improve the sliding of the cam follower 6 against the handle P1.

[0148] Furthermore, each fin 6a is arranged between the rod 10 and the sliding surface formed in the body of the handle P1 to guide the sliding of the rod 10.

[0149] The handle P1 also has a guide stud P10 formed in the passage Pn where the lever 8 pivots / retracts.

[0150] This guide stud P10 is arranged across the passage Pn to guide, in the passage Pn, the sliding of a rear part of the rod 10 relative to the handle body P1. This guide stud P10 is parallel to the pivot 9.

[0151] Thus, the rod 10 is laterally guided, on one side by the fins 6a carried by the cam follower and on the other side by the guide stud P10.

[0152] The disassembly of the rod 10 is thus possible by removing the pivot 9 to disassemble the lever 8 and the cam 8a, then by sliding the first clamping member 1 beyond its first position to move the rod 10 away from the guide stud 10 and thus allow the pivoting of the rod in the passage Pn.

[0153] This pivoting allows the cam follower 6 to be disassembled from the rod 10.

[0154] The disassembly of the pusher 5 is done by disassembling the assembly of the plate 4 from the rest of the pusher 5 (here the plate 4 is connected to the rest of the pusher 5 by a single screw).

[0155] This plate 4 which bears against a sliding surface formed in the passage Pn of the body of the handle P1 forms, when assembled with the rest of the pusher 5, a sandwich assembly allowing only the movement of the pusher 5 between its locked and unlocked positions.

[0156] Disassembling the plate 4 from the rest of the pusher 5 allows the pusher 5 to be disassembled from the handle P1.

[0157] Once the pusher is disassembled, there is nothing to prevent the rod 10 from being completely extracted from the handle P1.

[0158] The assembly of the device 0 according to the invention is carried out by following the same steps as for the disassembly but in reverse chronology.

[0159] Finally, as illustrated on the figures 1 à 10, a fire-break part 30 carried and fixed on the gripping handle P1. This fire-break part 30 covers a lower lateral surface of the gripping handle P1, the fire-break part 30 being adjacent to the second clamping surface S2 and being metallic.

[0160] The fire-break part 30 forms a protection preventing direct contact between the heating flame of the container and the grip handle P1.

[0161] In summary, the gripping device 0 of the container R is arranged to selectively grip a portion of the peripheral side wall of the container R so that the user can: either carry the container R using the gripping device 0 (when the lever 8 is in the clamping position and the clamping surfaces S1, S2 clamp the peripheral wall of the container R); or release the container R from the gripping device by moving the lever 8 from its clamping position to its release position to separate the clamping surfaces S1, S2 from each other and allow the container R to be released from the space defined between the clamping surfaces thus separated.

[0162] The gripping device 0 is thus removable from the container R, which allows it to be adapted to different containers.

[0163] Thanks to the device 0 according to the invention, the containers R to be lifted can be without handles, the gripping device according to the invention being adaptable to a plurality of containers to be lifted.

[0164] Such containers, which do not have their own handle, are therefore more economical to manufacture, easy to store and resistant since there is no risk of the container / handle assembly breaking.

Claims

1. Device (0) for gripping a container (R), comprising: - a gripping handle (P1); - a first clamping member (1) slidably mounted with respect to the gripping handle (P1) between first and second sliding positions and having a first clamping surface (S1); - a second clamping member (2) having a second clamping surface (S2) facing the first clamping surface (S1) to form a container clamping pliers (R) between the first and second clamping surfaces (S1, S2); - an actuation lever (8) pivotally mounted relative to the gripping handle (P1) between a clamping position and a release position, the gripping device (0) comprising a connection mechanism arranged so that movement of the actuation lever (8) from the release position towards the clamping position causes the first clamping member (1) to move from its first position towards its second position and bring the first clamping surface (S1) closer to the second clamping surface (S2), the gripping device (0) further comprising: - an elastic return member (7) disposed to exert an elastic return force on the first clamping member (1) from the second position to the first position; and - a locking mechanism comprising a pusher (5) movable with respect to the gripping handle (P1) between a locking position and an unlocking position, said locking mechanism being: on the one hand, arranged so that when the pusher (5) is placed in the locking position, the locking mechanism prevents the movement of the actuation lever (8) placed in the clamping position towards the release position; and - on the other hand, arranged so that when the pusher (5) is placed in the unlocking position, the locking mechanism allows the movement of the actuation lever (8) placed in the clamping position to the release position; and in that the connection mechanism comprises a cam (8a) carried by the actuation lever (8) and bearing against a cam follower (6) movably secured to a rod (10) belonging to the first clamping member (1) so that the cam follower (6) slides with the first clamping member (1) relative to the gripping handle (P1), characterised in that the cam follower (6) is arranged in a recess made in the rod (10) and is wedged between axial stops belonging to the rod (10) to oppose any movement of the cam follower (6) relative to the rod (10) along a longitudinal axis of the rod (10).

2. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lug (91) and a complementary stop (92), the actuation lever (8) being held in the clamping position when the lug (91) bears against the complementary stop (92) and being free to move from its clamping position to its release position when the lug (91) is away from the complementary stop (92), the pusher (5) being arranged so that movement of the pusher (5) from the locking position to the unlocking position causes the lug (91) to move away from the complementary stop (92) to allow the actuation lever (8) to move from its clamping position to its release position.

3. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to claim 2, wherein the lug (91) is formed on one among the pusher (5) and the actuation lever (8), the complementary stop (92) being formed on the other among the pusher (5) and the actuation lever (8).

4. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to claim 2, wherein the lug (91) is formed on one among the gripping handle (P1) and the actuation lever (8), the complementary stop being formed on the other among the gripping handle (P1) and the actuation lever (8).

5. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising an elastic return spring (3) arranged to exert an elastic return force on the pusher (5) from the unlocking position to the locking position.

6. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rod (10) has an internal recess (10b) in which at least a portion of said elastic return member (7) extends, an axial edge (10b1) of the internal recess of the rod (10) being in axial abutment against the elastic return member (7) when the first clamping member (1) is in its first sliding position and said axial edge (10b1) of the internal recess (10b) of the rod (10) being away from the elastic return member (7) when the first clamping member (1) is in its second sliding position.

7. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a portion (P1x) of the first gripping handle (P1) and a portion (8x) of the actuation lever (8) are configured to abut against each other when the actuation lever (8) is in the release position and to be moved away from each other when the actuation lever (8) is in the clamping position, the portion (P1x) of the first gripping handle (P1) and the portion (8x) of the actuation lever (8) together defining the release position of the actuation lever (8) with respect to the gripping handle (P1).

8. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cam (8a) and the cam follower (6) are arranged so that movement of the first clamping member (1) from its second position to its first position causes movement of the actuation lever (8) from its clamping position to its release position.

9. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elastic return member (7) is a spring bearing on the one hand against a bearing surface (P2) belonging to the gripping handle (P1) and on the other hand against a bearing surface belonging to the cam follower (6).

10. Device (0) for gripping a container (R)according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connection mechanism is arranged such that movement of the first clamping member (1) from its second position to its first position causes movement of the actuation lever (8) from the clamping position to the release position.

11. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the actuation lever (8) is pivotally mounted with respect to the gripping handle (P1) by means of a pivot (9) disposed on a rear portion of the gripping device (0), the first and second clamping surfaces (S1, S2) of the first and second clamping members (1, 2) being disposed on a front portion of the gripping device (0).

12. Device (0) for gripping a container (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a firewall part (30) carried by the gripping handle (P1) covers a lower side surface of the gripping handle (P1), the firewall part (30) being adjacent to the second clamping surface (S2) and being made of metal.