Lid-removing device and method of use thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- GB2023012927
- Authority / Receiving Office
- GB · GB
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-26
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
The present invention relates to a device for removing a lid from a container. The present invention also relates to a method of opening a container using a lid-removing device. Removing the lid sealing a container such as a jar, vial and bottle, can be challenging. Insufficient friction may result in the user’s hand sliding relative to the lid. Even if the user may have sufficient friction, the user may have insufficient strength to rotate the lid. Various solutions exist to increase the friction, such as using a rubber band around the rim of the lid or a device with rubber jaws. However, even existing solutions generally require the user to hold and squeeze two handles together with one hand. This may not be possible for users having insufficient hand strength such as the elderly. A further issue is that the existing solutions do not accommodate lids of different diameters. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid-removing device comprising: a fixed jaw element, and a movable jaw element, movable relative to the fixed jaw element, the movable jaw element having an extension-portion, and an arm element extending from the extension-portion; and a connector having a pivot head and an offsetting portion, the pivot head being pivotably engaged with the fixed jaw element and spaced apart from the extension-portion by the offsetting portion slidably engaged with the extension-portion for offsetting the pivot head relative to the extension-portion. The device in-use enables users to easily open a container, such as a jar, bottle or vial, with little grip strength required from the user. The pivot head being offset from the extension portion may function as a lever arm or moment arm, which can apply a torque causing the jaw elements to tighten around the lid. The movable jaw element also enables the device to be used with a range of different lid sizes. Preferably, the lid-removing device may have a closed condition in which the arm element of the movable jaw element may be abutted against or adjacent to the fixed jaw element; and the lid-removing device may further comprise a biasing element connected with the movable jaw element for exerting a biasing force on the movable jaw element so as to bias the lidremoving device towards the closed condition when the lid-removing device is not in the closed condition. The biasing element results in the device being compact by default. The biasing element may also help the movable jaw element to enter into contact with a lid positioned between the movable jaw element and the fixed jaw element. Preferably, the biasing element may be connected to the extension-portion. The biasing element may in-use bias the device towards the closed condition by acting upon the extensionportion, rather than the arm element. Closing the gap may preventer inhibit insertion of the lid between the movable jaw elements. Furthermore, the biasing element may comprise a spring. A spring is easy to source. The spring may preferably be an extension spring. An extension spring, when extended away from its resting position, is biased towards the resting position. Beneficially, the device may further comprise an anchor portion. Preferably, the anchor portion may comprise a handle. Additionally or alternatively, the anchor portion may include a surfaceengaging body. A handle is ergonomic. The surface-engaging body enables the device to be connected to or secured to a surface, such as a countertop or a table. Optionally, the anchor portion may further comprise a suction cup. A suction cup is easy and cheap to source or manufacture. The device may be secured to a surface via a suction cup. A suction cup or pad is easy to attach, remove and optionally, reposition on a surface, without leaving any permanent damage. Preferably, the biasing element may be connected to the anchor portion. Beneficially, the anchor portion may comprise a channel for receiving the extension-portion. At least part of the movable jaw element may be received within the channel. The channel thereby enables the device to be more compact. Furthermore, the channel may provide protection to the movable jaw element and any other components of the device received within, such as the biasing element. Advantageously, the channel may comprise a guiding surface against which the extensionportion is abuttable, the guiding surface being shaped such that in-use, the extension-portion may be pivoted as the extension-portion translates along the guiding surface when the lidremoving device is biased towards the closed condition. The guiding surface provides a simple means of laterally displacing part of the extension-portion of the movable jaw element as the extension-portion translates into the anchor portion so that the movable jaw element is rotated around the pivot head. Preferably, at least one of the fixed jaw element and the movable jaw element may include a grip-enhancing portion. The grip-enhancing portion may increase the friction between the lid and the device. Furthermore, the grip-enhancing portion may include an elastomeric material. Beneficially, the elastomeric material may comprise rubber and / or silicone. Rubber and / or silicone provide high friction. These materials do not scratch jar lids. Furthermore, these materials may be deformable such that when abutted against a lid and upon the application of force, the gripenhancing portion may deform to better follow the shape of the lid and the area of contact may be increased, further enhancing the friction between the lid and the device. Furthermore, at least one of the fixed jaw element and the movable jaw element may comprise a recess. The recess is preferably concave. If the recess has a curvature matching the curvature of the lid, the area of contact between the lid and the or each jaw element is increased, thereby increasing friction and thus the grip on the lid. Additionally, the movable jaw element may be movable in an action plane, the movable jaw element may further comprise a lip extending at least in part in a direction perpendicular to the action plane. The lip is hookable on an side surface of the lid. Once the lip is hooked on the lid, the movable jaw element may easily be moved away from the fixed jaw element, by moving the container with the lid and the anchor portion and / or fixed jaw element away from each other. Beneficially, the device may further comprise a locking element for locking the movement of the movable jaw element relative to the fixed jaw element. When engaged, the locking element prevents or inhibits undesirable movement of the movable jaw element at least in one direction relative to the fixed jaw element. Furthermore, the locking element may comprise a rack of teeth and an abutment element selectively engagable with the rack of teeth. A rack of teeth enables the movable jaw element to be locked in a range of potential positions. Beneficially, the locking element may further include a lock-biasor for biasing the locking element into a locking condition. The default position is that the movable jaw element is prevented or inhibited from moving relative to the fixed jaw element. The jaws can be moved apart from each other and locked into position, thereby opposing the biasing force of the biasing element. This device in the open condition enables the user to insert the lid into the gap without needing the user to exert strength to oppose the biasing element. Furthermore, the risk of injury to the user is reduced. Advantageously, the device may further comprise a user-interactable portion for controlling the locking element. Optionally, the user-interactable portion may comprise a button. A button is ergonomic, and simple to use. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removing a lid from a container which the lid is sealing, the method comprising the steps of a] providing a lid-removing device having a fixed jaw element and a movable jaw element; b] moving the movable jaw element until the lid-removing device is in an open condition whereby the fixed jaw element and movable jaw element are spaced-apart by a distance sufficient to receive therebetween a container with a lid to be removed; c] inserting the lid to be removed between the fixed jaw element and the movable jaw element; d] moving the movable jaw element until the lid is clamped by the fixed and movable jaw elements; e] disengaging the container from the lid clamped by the movable jaw element and the fixed jaw element. The lid-removing device enables easy removal of a lid of a container, without requiring much grip strength from the user. Beneficially, in step a], the movable jaw element may comprise an extension-portion, a connector having a pivot head and an offsetting portion, the pivot head being pivotably engaged with the fixed jaw element and spaced apart from the extension-portion by the offsetting portion slidably engaged with the extension-portion for offsetting the pivot head relative to the extension-portion; and in step d], the movable jaw element may be moved by translating the extension-portion relative to the pivot head; and in step d] moving the jaw element includes rotating the movable jaw element around the pivot head. The offset pivot head provides a lever effect or a moment which reduces the grip force required of the user. Furthermore, the movable jaw element further may have the or an extension-portion, and may further comprise a step after step d] and prior to step e] of f] moving the container with a lid towards the extension-portion for increasing the grip of the lid-removing device on the lid. Positioning the lid closer to the extension-portion results in the contact point or points between the lid and the device being closer to the pivot head. This may further enhance the moment or lever effect. The grip around the lid may be increased. Optionally, if one or both of the jaw elements are concave, such as due to having a recess, the gap between the jaw elements is narrower at or adjacent the extension-portion than the deepest part of the recess. Moving the lid towards the narrower part of the gap results in the grip around the lid being tighter. Preferably, in step a], the lid-removing device may further include a biasing element for biasing the movable jaw element towards the fixed jaw element. The biasing element biases the device towards a closed condition. If a lid is positioned between the jaw elements, the biasing element may cause the jaw elements to clamp around the lid. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid-removing device comprising: a fixed jaw element, and a movable jaw element, movable relative to the fixed jaw element, the movable jaw element having an extension-portion, and an arm element extending from the extension-portion; and a connector having a pivot head so as to be pivotably and slidably engaged with the extension-portion. The device enables a lid to be easily removed. The pivot head enables pivoting of the movable jaw element, such that the effort required of the user is reduced. As such, users with little grip strength can easily open a container with a lid using the device. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front representation of a first embodiment of a lid-removing device in accordance with the first and third aspects of the invention, in an open condition; Figure 2 illustrates a cut-away front representation of the device of Figure 1, with a biasing element disconnected from a movable jaw element; Figure 3 is a cut-away side representation of the device of Figure 1, taken along line A-A in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cut-away bottom plan representation of the device of Figure 1 along line B-B in Figure 1; Figure 5 illustrates a front representation of the device of Figure 1, in-use in an open condition after moving a movable arm of the movable jaw element away from the fixed jaw element, and the fixed and movable jaw elements being clamped around a lid; Figure 6 is a cut-away side representation of the device of Figure 1, taken along line A-A in Figure 1, in-use, with a button being pushed to disengage a locking element; Figure 7 illustrates the device of Figure 6, in-use, after the locking element has been disengaged for enabling the movable arm to move towards the fixed jaw element; Figure 8A is a schematic representation of a movable jaw element and connector, the connector having an offsetting portion and a freely movable pivot head, in-use, the movable jaw element being pivoted around a second pivot point, with the movable jaw element and connect being shown in solid lines prior to rotation around the second pivot point, and in dashed lines after rotation; Figure 8B illustrates an arcuate path and the right and upward directions of movement of the pivot head in Figure 8A along the arcuate path; Figure 8C is a schematic representation of the movable jaw element and the connector of the device of Figure 1, in-use, wherein the pivot head being fixed causes the distal tip of an arm of the movable jaw element to be moved along an arcuate path, with the movable jaw element and connect being shown in solid lines prior to rotation around the fixed pivot head, and in dashed lines after rotation; Figure 8D illustrates the arcuate path and the right and downwards directions of movement of the distal tip in Figure 8C along the arcuate path; Figure 9 shows a front representation of the device of Figure 1, in-use, in a closed condition; Figure 10 shows a front representation of a second embodiment of a lid-removing device in accordance with the first and third aspects of the invention, in an open condition; Figure 11 illustrates a side representation of the device of Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a front representation of the device of Figure 10, in a closed condition; Figure 13 is a back representation of the device of Figure 10, in a closed condition; Figure 14 shows a perspective representation of the device of Figure 10, in-use, connected to the undersurface of a countertop, with the device in a first open condition, with the movable jaw element retracted below the countertop; and Figure 15 illustrates the device of Figure 14, in-use, in a second open condition, with the movable jaw element extending beyond an edge of the countertop. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a device indicated generally at 10. The device 10 in-use enables the easy removal of a lid from a container, such as a jar, bottle, vial or other similar container. The device 10 may therefore be referred to as a lid-removing device 10. The device 10 has an anchor portion 12, a fixed jaw element 14, a movable jaw element 16, a connector 18, a biasing element 20, a locking element 22, and a user-interactable portion 24, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The device 10 preferably also has a closed condition in which the movable jaw element 16 is abutted against or adjacent to the fixed jaw element 14. The device 10 or any part thereof, may comprise metal, plastics, carbon fibre, glass fibre, glass, wood, any other suitable material, and any combination of the above. The anchor portion 12 in-use provides a support to the other components of the device 10. The anchor portion 12 may optionally provide a housing for at least one other component. The anchor portion 12 may also enable the device 10 to be immobilised, such as when held by the user’s hand and / or by being connected or connectable to a surface. In the first embodiment, the anchor portion 12 has an anchor body 26 and a securing element 28, although either may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The anchor body 26 is shaped as a handle element or handle in the first embodiment. The anchor body 26 is generally elongate, extending from an anchor body first end 26a to an anchor body second end 26b. The anchor body first end 26a and the anchor body second end 26b may define an anchor body axis AA. The anchor body axis AA is illustrated as a dashed-dotted-dashed line in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the anchor body 26 is preferably at least in part hollow. In other words, the anchor body 26 defines a channel 30. The channel 30 may provide protection for any components of the device 10 received within the channel 30. Preferably, the biasing element 20 is at least partly received within the channel 30. The anchor body 26 thereby provides a protective barrier between the user and the biasing element 20. The channel 30 has an aperture and a guiding surface 30a, but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of either may be provided. The channel 30 also has a shape and size suitable for receiving part of the movable jaw element 16 therein. Preferably, the aperture is at or adjacent the anchor body first end 26a. The channel 30 is thus open at or adjacent the anchor body first end 26a. Preferably, the channel 30 is closed at the anchor body second end 26b The guiding surface 30a is shaped such that in-use, part of the movable jaw element 16 may be abutted against the guiding surface 30a and be guided by the guiding surface 30a as the movable jaw element 16 is moved further into the channel 30. The guiding surface 30a is shown as being convex in the first embodiment, but non-convex may be an option. For example, the guiding surface 30a may be concave, or planar. Furthermore, the guiding surface 30a may be intersected by the anchor body axis AA. In other words, all or at least part of the guiding surface 30a may be spaced apart from or laterally offset relative to the anchor body axis AA. The securing element 28 in-use enables the device 10 to be easily stored and / or secured. The securing element 28 is preferably positioned at or adjacent the anchor body second end 26b but away therefrom may be an option. In the shown embodiment, the securing element 28 comprises a tab 28a and an aperture 28b through the tab 28a. The securing element 28 enables the device 10 to be suspended or hooked on a hook or nail, received through the aperture 28b. Any alternative securing element may be envisioned such as a loop, hoop, hook, tie, a suction cup, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof, by way of examples only. The fixed jaw element 14 in-use functions together with the movable jaw element 16 to engage with the lid 72 and form a clamp around the lid. In the first embodiment, the fixed jaw element 14 is formed as an arm element or arm 32. The arm 32, referred to as a fixed arm 32 for clarity, extends from the anchor body 26. The fixed arm 32 may be connectable, connected, or, preferably, integrally formed with the anchor body 26. The fixed arm 32 preferably extends perpendicularly or generally perpendicularly to the elongate anchor portion 12. The fixed jaw element 14 has a proximal end region 34a, an intermediate region 34b and a distal end region 34c relative to the anchor body 26. The distal end region 34c terminates at a distal tip 36. The fixed jaw element 14 preferably also comprises a grip-enhancing portion 38. The movable jaw element 16 in-use functions together with the fixed jaw element 14 to engage with the lid and form a clamp around the lid. Preferably, the movable jaw element 16 is movable relative to the fixed jaw element 14. The movable jaw element 16 preferably has an arm or arm element 40, an extension-portion 42, a grip-enhancing portion 44, and a lip 46, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The arm or arm element 40 of the movable jaw element 16 may be referred to for clarity as the movable arm 40, to distinguish it from the fixed arm 32. The movable arm 40 extends from the extension-portion 42, and more preferably from an end of the extension-portion 42. The movable arm 40 may be connectable, connected or, preferably, is integrally formed with the extension-portion 42. Furthermore, the movable arm 40 is preferably movable in an action plane AP. The action plane AP is illustrated as a dashed line in Figure 3. The movable arm 40 is thus preferably non-movable relative to the extension-portion 42 but movable may be envisioned. The movable arm 40 preferably has a proximal end region 48a, an intermediate region 48b and a distal end region 48c, relative to the extension-portion 42. The distal end region 48c terminates at a distal tip 50. For clarity, the proximal end region 48a, intermediate region 48b, distal end region 48c and distal tip 50 of the movable arm 40 may be referred to as the movable proximal end region 48a, movable intermediate region 48b, the movable distal end region 48c and movable distal tip 50, respectively. Similarly, the proximal end region 34a, intermediate region 34b, distal end region 34c and distal tip 36 of the fixed arm 32 may be referred to as the fixed proximal end region 34a, fixed intermediate region 34b, fixed distal end region 34c, and fixed distal tip 36, respectively. The extension-portion 42 in-use enables the movable arm 40 to be movable away from and / or towards the fixed jaw element 14 and / or fixed arm 32. The extension-portion 42 preferably connects the movable jaw element 16 and / or the movable arm 40 thereof to the anchor portion 12. Preferably, the extension-portion 42 has a first end region 52 and a second end region 54, terminating at a first end 52a and at a second end 54a, respectively. Optionally, the extensionportion 42 is linear or substantially linear, but part linear or non-linear, such as curved, may be envisioned. The extension-portion 42 may define an extension-portion axis 56. The extension-portion axis 56 may extend through the first end 52a and second end 54a. Additionally or alternatively, the extension-portion axis 56 may extend through a first attachment point 58a of the extension-portion 42, the biasing element 20 being connectable to the first attachment point 58a. Preferably, the extension-portion axis 56 extends through both the first attachment point 58a and the second end 54a. As such, the first attachment point 58a, the first end 52a and the second end 54a are preferably colinear. The second end 54a and the first attachment point 58a may even be overlapping. The anchor body axis AA preferably also extends through the first attachment point 58a. If the extension-portion 42 is aligned with the anchor body 26, such as in the absence of any pivoting, the anchor body axis AA and the extension-portion axis 56 may be colinear or parallel. The extension-portion 42 is preferably elongate, such that the extension-portion 42 has a length between the first end 52a and the second end 54a, preferably measured along the extension-portion axis 56. The movable arm 40 extends from at or adjacent the first end 52a. Preferably, the extension-portion 42 comprises a slit and an extension-portion channel but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The slit extends along at least a minor, and more preferably a major extent of the length of the extension-portion 42. The extension-portion channel in-use receives at least part of the connector 18. The extension-portion channel is preferably accessible via the slit. As such, the extension-portion channel may be an open channel. If provided, the lip 46 extends from the movable arm 40. More preferably yet, the lip 46 extends in a direction, the direction being at an angle to the action plane AP. More preferably, the lip 46 extends at least in part in a direction perpendicular to the action plane AP. As mentioned, at least one of, and more preferably both the fixed jaw element 14 and the movable jaw element 16 include a grip-enhancing portion 38,44. The or each grip-enhancing portion 38,44 in-use provides an interface which improves or increases the friction with the lid. The grip-enhancing portion 38,44 may include an elastomeric material, such as rubber and / or silicone. The or each grip-enhancing portion 38,44 is positioned on the movable arm 40 and / or the fixed arm 32. The grip-enhancing portions 38,44 face each other at least in part. When a lid is received within the device 10, the grip-enhancing portion 38,44 is positioned between the lid and the relevant jaw element. The or each grip-enhancing portion 38,44 may have one or more engagement portions 60a engageable with one or more complementary engagement portions 60b, for engaging the grip-enhancing portion 38,44 to each jaw element. The engagement portion 60a are here one or more protrusions or tongues, and the complementary portions 60b are one or more receiving groove or apertures, as shown in Figure 2. However, the engagement portion and complementary engagement portions may be omitted in an alternative embodiment. For example, the, each or at least one grip-enhancing portion may be over moulded or sprayed onto the, each or at least one jaw element. At least one of the fixed jaw element and the movable jaw element comprises a recess 62. As shown in Figure 2, each jaw element comprises a recess 62. The recess 62 is concave. Furthermore, each jaw element is recessed in the action plane AP. In other words, each jaw element has curvature on a lid-facing or lid-abutting portion of the jaw element. The recess 62 is preferably positioned in the intermediate region of each jaw element. The recess 62 may extend through the full thickness of the device 10. However, the recess 62 in the shown embodiment, preferably does not extend through the full thickness of the device 10. Instead, part of one or both jaw elements comprises a flange that extends in or parallel to the action plane AP. Said flange may be referred to as a docking ledge or flange 63. The docking flange 63 is visible in Figure 1 and is cut away in Figure 2, see for comparison the straight edges of the jaw elements in Figure 2 to the curved jaw elements in Figure 2. The docking flange 63 in use may face, abut or lie flush against a top surface of a lid. Thus, the docking flange 63 in-use helps docking or seating the lid within the device 10. The connector 18 in-use connects the movable jaw element 16 and more preferably, the extension-portion 42 thereof to the fixed jaw element 14 and / or anchor portion 12. The connector 18 preferably has an offsetting portion 64 and a pivot head 66, but any of these features may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The offsetting portion 64 in-use spaces apart the pivot head 66 from the extension-portion 42. In other words, the pivot head 66 is offset relative to the extension-portion 42. The offsetting portion 64 may provide a lever arm or a moment arm. Furthermore, the offsetting portion 64 is preferably slidably engaged or slidably engageable with the movable jaw element 16 and more preferably with the extension-portion 42 thereof. At least part of the offsetting portion 64 may be received in, through, on, or around the extension-portion 42. As shown in Figure 2, the offsetting portion 64 extends through the slit and into the extension-portion channel. The offsetting portion 64 includes a lever element 64a and a stabilising element 64b but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The lever element 64a, also referred to as a spacer, in-use provides the length which spaces apart the pivot head 66 from the extension-portion 42. The stabilising element 64b, also referred to as a securing portion or a stabiliser, is provided in the form of at least one, and preferably two stabilising arms 64b’ extending from the lever element 64a. The or each stabilising arm 64b’ extends in the extension-portion channel. Preferably, the or each stabilising arm 64b’ stabilises the offsetting portion 64 relative to the extension-portion 42 by abutting against at least one inner wall of the offsetting portion 64, the inner wall defining the extension-portion channel. The pivot head 66 enables pivoting of the movable jaw element 16 relative to the fixed jaw element 14. The pivot head 66 may be provided by a pivot axle, but any alternative arrangement to a pivot axle, such as a ball and socket arrangement, may be envisioned. In the first embodiment, the pivot head 66 is pivotably engaged with or level with the fixed jaw element 14 along the anchor body axis AA and / or along the extension-portion axis 56. More preferably, the pivot head 66 is fixed. In other words, the pivot head 66 is preferably nonmovable along or in a direction parallel with the extension-portion axis 56 and / or the anchor body axis AA. The pivot head 66 is preferably also non-movable in a direction perpendicular with the extension-portion axis 56 and / or the anchor body axis AA but this alternative may be envisioned, for instance to alter the magnitude of the moment provided by the offsetting portion 64 functioning as a lever arm. The biasing element 20, also referred to as a biasor, in-use exerts a biasing force on the movable jaw element 16. More preferably, the biasing element 20 biases the device 10 towards the closed condition when the device 10 is not in the closed condition. The biasing element 20 is connectable, or preferably connected with the movable jaw element 16, and more preferably, the extension-portion 42 at the said first attachment point 58a. Even more preferably, the first attachment point 58a may be in the second end region 54 of the extension-portion 42. Furthermore, the biasing element 20 is connectable or, preferably, connected to the anchor portion 12 at a said second attachment point 58b. The biasing element 20 may be provided at least in part within the channel 30 of the anchor portion 12. The second attachment point 58b may be connected to an inner wall of the channel 30, preferably at or adjacent the anchor body second end 26b. The biasing element 20 in the illustrated embodiment includes at least one spring. The spring is preferably an extension spring but any alternative, such as a compression spring, may be envisioned. In Figure 2, the spring is shown disconnected from the extension-portion 42. The locking element 22 in-use enables locking of the movement of the movable jaw element 16 relative to the fixed jaw element 14. In the first embodiment, the locking element 22 comprises a first locking portion 68a, a second locking portion 68b engageable with the first locking portion 68a, and a lock-biasor 68c, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Here, the first locking portion 68a is preferably a rack of teeth, whilst the second locking portion 68b includes an abutment element selectively engagable with the rack of teeth. The teeth and abutment element are illustrated in Figure 3. The abutment element is also visible in Figure 4. The first locking portion 68a is preferably associated with the movable jaw element 16, and more preferably with the extension-portion 42 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking portion 68a, here a rack of teeth, is integrally formed with the movable jaw element 16 and more preferably, the extension-portion 42 thereof. The rack of teeth are preferably provided on an inward surface 70 of the extension-portion 42. The rack of teeth is preferably non-movable relative to the extension-portion 42. Optionally, the teeth may be preferably oriented and / or shaped such that the rack of teeth defines a sawtooth wave in longitudinal cross-section taken perpendicularly to the action plane AP and along the longitudinal extent of the rack of teeth, as shown in Figure 3. The teeth may be oriented such that that the teeth prevent or inhibit movement in one direction of motion, whilst permitting movement in the opposite direction of motion. In other words, the rack of teeth may act as a pawl and ratchet mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth may be orientated to permit the movable arm 40 to move towards the fixed arm 32 and / or to permit retraction of the extension-portion 42 into the anchor portion 12. The abutment element in-use interacts with the rack of teeth. The abutment element includes an abutment body and at least one abutment tooth, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The at least one abutment tooth is preferably complementary to the teeth of the rack of teeth. The at least one abutment tooth preferably extends from the abutment body towards the rack of teeth. The at least one abutment tooth is preferably movable relative to the extension-portion 42. The lock-biasor 68c in-use biases the locking element 22 into a locking condition. In the first embodiment, the lock-biasor 68c is positioned so as to bias the second locking portion 68b, here the abutment element, into engagement with the first locking portion 68a, here a rack of teeth. Furthermore, the lock-biasor 68c may include a spring, and more preferably a compression spring. The abutment element is preferably provided between the lock-biasor 68c and the rack of teeth but alternative arrangements may be envisioned, such as the lock-biasor being between the abutment element and the first locking portion. The user-interactable portion 24 in-use enables the user to control the locking element 22. Preferably, the user-interactable portion 24 includes a button. The user-interactable portion 24 may be provided anywhere on the device 10, but preferably here is located in or on the fixed jaw element 14. The user-interactable portion 24 is furthermore preferably positioned at or adjacent the junction between the anchor portion 12 and the fixed jaw element 14. Optionally, the button may overlie or overlap with the pivot head 66. The button may even at least in part surround the pivot head 66. Thus, the button may have a secondary function of holding the pivot head 66, and more preferably the axle thereof in position. Furthermore, the second locking portion 68b, here the abutment element, is connectable, connected and more preferably, integrally formed with the user-interactable portion 24 as illustrated in Figure 4. In-use, when wanting to remove a lid from a container such as a jar, vial or bottle, the user obtains the device 10. If the device 10 is provided as a kit of parts, the user may need to assemble the device 10 first. To assemble the device 10, the user may need to perform one or more of the following steps, not necessarily in the following order, and according to which components of the device 10 are to be included. If provided, the biasing element 20 may be connected with the anchor portion 12. The biasing element 20 may also be connected to the movable jaw element 16 and more preferably the extension-portion 42 thereof. The offsetting portion 64 may be engaged with the extension-portion 42 and / or with the pivot head 66, preferably both. The extension jaw element may be inserted at least in part into the channel 30 of the anchor portion 12. If the locking element 22 is provided and the locking element 22 is either disengaged or is permissive of movement of the extension-portion 42 into the anchor portion 12, the device 10 may be biased into or at least towards the closed condition. To use the device 10, the fixed jaw element 14 and the movable jaw element 16 and more preferably the movable arm 40 thereof, are spaced apart from each other into an open condition. In an open condition, the movable arm 40 is spaced-apart from the fixed jaw element 14 by a distance sufficient to form a gap to receive therebetween a container sealed with a lid 72. There may be a plurality of different open conditions, for instance to accommodate a range of lids of different dimensions. One method of transitioning the device 10 from the closed condition towards the or an open condition is for the user to grasp the movable jaw element 16 and manually move the movable arm 40 away from the fixed jaw element 14. If the lip 46 is provided, a second method for transitioning the device 10 from the closed condition towards an open condition is to hook the lip 46 around an edge of the lid 72. The lid 72 and container may be moved away from the fixed jaw element 14, which in turn pushes the lip 46 and thus, the movable jaw element 16. Alternatively, the container and lid 72 may be held stationary whilst the user pulls the anchor portion 12 and / or the fixed jaw element 14 away from the lid 72 and hooked lip 46. In either method, if a locking element 22 is provided and engaged, the locking element 22 may optionally need to be disengaged prior to or during the spacing apart of the movable arm 40 and the fixed jaw element 14. In the first embodiment, this involves the user interacting with the user-interactable portion 24, here by depressing a button. The container and lid 72 is positioned in the gap formed between the movable jaw element 16 and the fixed jaw element 14. The lid 72 is abutted against the docking flanges 63. The movable jaw element 16 may be moved relative to the fixed jaw element 14 until both the movable arm 40 and the fixed jaw element 14 are in contact with the lid 72 as shown in Figure 5. The movable jaw element 16 may be moved manually, such as by the user, for example, if the biasing element 20 is omitted. Preferably, however, the movable jaw element 16 is moved by the biasing element 20. Optionally, the locking element 22 may need to be disengaged so as to be in an unlocked condition to permit the movement. Alternatively, the locking element 22 may enable the movable jaw element 16 to be moved in one direction, for example by acting as a pawl and ratchet mechanism. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate in more detail how the locking element 22 in the first embodiment functions. In particular, to disengage the abutment element from the rack of teeth, the user actuates the user-interactable portion 24. In the shown embodiment, this involves pushing or depressing the button, as indicated by Arrow C. Depressing the button results in a force being applied to counter a biasing force of the lock-biasor 68c, if a lock-biasor 68c is provided. The abutment element, which is preferably connected or integrally formed with the button, is moved out of engagement with the rack of teeth, as illustrated in Figure 7. The rack of teeth and associated extension-portion 42 are free to move past the abutment element in either direction. Thus, the movable jaw element 16 is moved by translating the extension-portion 42 relative to the pivot head 66. If the biasing element 20 is provided, the biasing element 20 may move the extension-portion 42 into or more deeply into the channel 30 of the anchor portion 12. The lid 72 is gripped or clamped by the movable jaw element 16 and the fixed jaw element 14. Once the lid 72 has been firmly clamped by the jaw elements, the user moves the device 10 relative to the lid 72 and container, here by pivoting or rotating the anchor portion 12 around the container to apply torque. If the lid is devoid of a screw-thread, the device 10 may be translated at least in part in a direction perpendicular to the action plane AP, instead of pivoted to remove the lid 72 from the container. Optionally, after the lid 72 has been clamped by the jaw elements but before any torque is applied, the user may potentially further increase the grip or clamping force of the jaw elements. The increased grip may come from one or more of the following actions. The lid 72 may be moved closer to the extension-portion 42. If the lid 72 is moved until it abuts against the extension-portion 42, the additional contact area increases the friction between the device 10 and the lid 72. If either or both jaw elements have curvature, such as by having a recess 62, a distance D1 between proximal end regions may be smaller than a corresponding distance D2 between intermediate regions of respective movable and fixed jaw elements. If engaged, the locking element 22 prevents or inhibits the widening of the gap between the jaw elements. Moving the lid 72 towards the proximal end regions means moving the lid 72 to be received in the smaller gap defined by distance D1. The fit is tighter such that the force applied by each jaw element is increased, thereby increasing the friction. If provided with a grip-enhancing element formed of a deformable material, clamping forces applied to the lid 72 may cause the grip-enhancing element to be deform and more closely follow the shape of the lid 72. This may increase the area of contact between the gripenhancing element and the lid 72. If the grip-enhancing element comprises a high-friction material, such as rubber or silicone, the friction may be further increased. If the movable jaw element 16 is simultaneously pivotable and translatable, tightening around the lid 72 may occur if an at least partly lateral force is acting upon the extension-portion 42 so as to pivot the movable jaw element 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral force applied to the second end 54a of the extension-portion 42 needs to be directed towards the left, in order for the movable arm 40 to be rotated clockwise. However, if the device is mirrored, the lateral force applied to the second end of the extension-portion may need to be directed towards the right. Other arrangements may be envisioned, depending on where the lateral force is applied and the location of the pivot head. The lateral force may be provided by one or more of the following. Firstly, the biasing element 20 is connected to the second attachment point 58b which may be laterally offset relative to the anchor body axis AA extending through the first attachment point 58a. No offsetting of the pivot head 66 and thus, no offsetting portion 64 are required in this scenario. Secondly, in addition or as an alternative to the above, the lateral force may be provided by the guiding surface 30a, if a guiding surface is provided. The guiding surface 30a is shaped so that it causes the second end 54a of the extension-portion 42 to translate at least in part laterally whilst simultaneously translating towards the anchor body second end 26b. The increasingly laterally displaced second end 54a causes the extension-portion 42 to pivot around the pivot head 66 or a virtual pivot point. Similarly, no offsetting of the pivot head 66 and thus, no offsetting portion 64 are required in this scenario. Thirdly, if the pivot head 66 is offset relative to the extension-portion 42, the lateral force may be provided by the interaction of the lever arm provided by the offsetting portion 64, the pivot head 66 and a second pivot point 67 created where the movable arm 40 abuts against the lid 72. A distance between the second pivot point 67 and the extension-portion 42 may need to be less than, or at most equal to the distance between the pivot head 66 and the extension -portion 42. More specifically, if the offset pivot head 66 extended at a fixed angle from the extension-portion 42 but were freely axially translatable, the biasing force acting on the extension-portion 42 would bias the movable arm 40 into pivoting around the second pivot point and the distance between the fixed and movable distal end regions would increase. This is illustrated in Figure 8A. The offset pivot head 66 would rotate together with the movable jaw element 16 as shown in Figure 8A and move along an arcuate path In the illustrated configuration, the offset pivot head 66 would translate upwards and towards the right on an arcuate path as illustrated in Figure 8B. However, the pivot head 66 in the first embodiment is prevented from being translatable along the arcuate path, here upwards and toward the right. The resulting effect of the fixed pivot head 66 is that the movable arm 40 may experience a mirrored force. In the shown embodiment, the movable arm 40, especially the distal tip 50 thereof, may be moved downwards and to the right, as illustrated in Figure 8C. The arcuate path and the movement the distal tip 50 along the path are illustrated in Figure 8D. This results in the distance between distal end regions decreasing, instead of increasing. The lid 72 may thus be more tightly gripped by the device 10. The interaction of the plurality of pivot points may even result in a third, virtual pivot point being created. Any or any combination of the above mechanisms may generate a tighter clamp around the lid 72. After lid 72 has been removed, the device 10 is biased towards or into the closed condition, as illustrated in Figure 9. Referring now to Figures 10 to 15, there is shown a second embodiment of a device 110. Features of the second embodiment of the device 10 which are similar or identical to those of the first embodiment have similar reference numerals with the prefix “1” added. The device 110 of the second embodiment is similar to the device 10 of the first embodiment, having similar or same anchor portion 112; fixed jaw element 114; movable jaw element 116; connector; biasing element; locking element; user-interactable portion 124; the movable jaw element 116 having an extension-portion 142, a movable arm 140, a grip-enhancing portion 144, a lip 146, a recess 162, a docking flange 163; the locking element having a first locking portion, a second locking portion and a lock-biasor; the fixed jaw element 114 comprising a grip-enhancing portion 138 and a recess 162, but any of the above features may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. In the second embodiment, the anchor body 126 is preferably not shaped as a handle. Instead, the anchor body 126 is designed to be engaged with a surface, and more preferably a horizontal surface, such as a surface of a countertop, table or shelf. Thus, the anchor body 126 may be referred to as a surface-engaging body. The anchor body 126 of the second embodiment is generally a cuboid. However, the exact shape of the anchor body 126 is not critical and alternative shapes may be easily envisioned. Furthermore, the anchor portion 112 includes at least one securing element 128 similar to the first embodiment. The securing element 128 includes at least one suction cup or suction pad. There are here four securing elements 128 shown. Alternative securing elements may be envisioned, such as magnetic elements, one or more screws or bolts. The anchor portion 112 may preferably include a channel and guiding surface, not shown, but either feature may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The anchor portion 112 also has an anchor body axis AA. The lip 146 preferably extends forwardly of the device 110, unlike the first embodiment where the lip 46 extended rearwardly of the device 10. In the second embodiment, the fixed jaw element 114 is integrally formed, and as shown integrated into the anchor body 26. Preferably, the fixed jaw element 14 does not comprise a distinct fixed arm element, although this could be envisioned. The user-interactable portion 124 in the second embodiment is preferably positioned in or on the movable jaw element 116, instead of the anchor portion or fixed jaw element, although these alternatives may be just as easily considered. Similar to the first embodiment the locking element preferably includes first locking portion, second locking portion, and lock biasor, not shown. Furthermore, the locking portions may include similar rack of teeth and abutment element having at least one abutment tooth and an abutment body. Unlikely the first embodiment however, the second locking portion, which is associated with the user-interactable portion 124, preferably includes the rack of teeth instead of the abutment element. The first locking portion preferably includes the abutment element, instead of the rack of teeth. In the second embodiment, the rack of teeth may be movable, rather than fixed, relative to the extension-portion 42. The at least one abutment element may also be movable relative to the extension-portion 42, as the extension-portion 42 is preferably slidable past the abutment element. The uses of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. Detailed description of similar steps and caveats is omitted for brevity. In the second embodiment, the device 110 is engaged, and more preferably secured by the at least one securing element 128, here the suction cups, to a surface 174. In Figures 14 and 15, the surface 174 is the underside of a countertop. The lip 146 preferably extends away from the surface 174. The users can hook the lip 146 around their fingers or on the lid, and pull the movable jaw element 116 outwardly. The user-interactable portion 124, here a button, may need to be depressed to enable the movable jaw element 116, and more preferably the movable arm 140 to be moved away from the fixed jaw element 114. Depressing the user-interactable portion 124 may move the rack of teeth away from and out of engagement with the at least one abutment element, and optionally against the lock-biasor. Referring now to a third embodiment, not shown, there is provided a lid-removing device. The third embodiment of the device is similar to the first or second embodiments of the device, having the same or similar fixed jaw element; movable jaw element; the movable jaw element having an extension-portion, and an arm element; a connector; and the connector having a pivot head; a biasing element; a locking element; and a user-interactable portion, one or more recesses, one or more docking flanges, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Detailed description of the common features and caveats is omitted for brevity. In the third embodiment, the connector preferably has no offsetting portion. In other words, the pivot head is preferably not offset relative to the extension-portion. Optionally, the extension-portion axis may extend through the pivot head. Optionally, the anchor body axis may extend through the pivot head. Preferably, the pivot head is pivotably engaged with the fixed jaw element portion and / or anchor portion. The pivot head is also preferably slidably engaged with the extension-portion. This enables the extension-portion to slide past the pivot head into and out of the anchor portion. Preferably anchor portion has a guiding surface which may cause the movable jaw element to pivot around the pivot head upon translating into the channel. The uses of the third embodiment are the same as the first and second embodiments. Detailed description of the common steps and caveats is omitted for brevity. Referring now to a fourth embodiment, not shown, there is provided a lid-removing device. The fourth embodiment of the device is similar to the first or second embodiment of the device, having the same or similar fixed jaw element; movable jaw element; the movable jaw element having an extension-portion, and an arm element; a connector; a biasing element; a locking element; and a user-interactable portion, at least one recess, at least one docking flange, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided Detailed description of the common features and caveats is omitted for brevity. Preferably in the fourth embodiment, the connector is devoid of any pivot head and any offsetting portion. The connector head may be provided as a rail. The uses of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the first and second embodiments. Detailed description of the common features and the caveats is omitted for brevity. Unlike the previous embodiments, there is no pivot head and therefore no pivoting of the movable jaw element relative to the fixed jaw element. Instead, the extension-portion is solely translatable into and out of the channel within the anchor portion. If the biasing element is provided, the device of the fourth embodiment may be biased toward the closed condition. In all the above embodiments, the teeth are designed or oriented to enable movement in one direction but prevent or inhibit movement in the opposite direction. In an alternative embodiment, the teeth may be designed to prevent or inhibit movement in both directions. For example, the profile of the rack of teeth in longitudinal cross-section may be a triangular wave or crenulation, rather than a sawtooth wave. In yet another embodiment, the locking element may take any suitable shape or form that is capable of preventing or inhibiting movement of the movable jaw element in at least one direction. For example, the locking element may include a movable friction pad or a movable pin selectively receivable in a recess, by way of examples only. In all the above embodiments, the device includes an anchor portion. In an alternative embodiment, the anchor portion may be omitted. The movable jaw element may be connected to and movable relative to the fixed jaw element via the connector. The biasing element may be mounted on or connected to any or any combination of: the fixed jaw element, the movable jaw element, and the connector. In any of the above embodiments, it could easily be envisioned that the device may further comprise a pull-ring can opener, a bottle opener, and at least one blade element forming a tin opener. It may even be envisioned that the device may be used to grip the container instead of the lid. This removes the need for the user to grip the container with their hand. Optionally, the user may use two devices simultaneously, one of which is used to clamp the lid, the second device being used to clamp the container. The devices may be twisted in opposite directions to each other. Any of the features and caveats that apply to one of the embodiments may easily be provided or applicable to any of the other embodiments. Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of transverse or lateral cross-section, longitudinal cross-section, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and / or rounded corners, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, or any abstract shape. It is therefore possible to provide a lid-removing device that is easy to use by users having little grip strength, such as the elderly, by removing the need for a user to squeeze a handle to increase the friction around a lid. The handle may even be omitted altogether if the device is mounted to a surface such as a countertop. This frees up a hand, such that the user can, if desired or if necessary, use both hands to rotate the container in order to disconnect the lid. Furthermore, the lid-removing device accommodates lids of a range of diameters. For instance, the lid may have a lid diameter of up to 9 cm. The arrangement of jaw elements and optionally the elastomeric material clamps tightly around a lid and provides the necessary friction. If the device further includes any or any combination of: the biasing element, the locking mechanism, the pivot and an offsetting portion, the provision and optionally interaction of any of the above may further contribute to providing a tighter grip around the lid in-use. The pivoting and more preferably, the offsetting of the pivoting creates a lever arm or moment arm. No source of electrical power, such as a battery is required. The device is simple, quiet and robust. It is therefore also possible to provide a method of easily removing a lid using a lid-removing device. Moving the container with the lid towards the extension-portion results in the grip being tighter around the lid prior to movement of the device relative to the container. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single 5 embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope 10 of the invention as defined herein.
Claims
1. A lid-removing device comprising:a fixed jaw element, anda movable jaw element, movable relative to the fixed jaw element, the movable jaw element havingan extension-portion, andan arm element extending from the extension-portion; anda connector havinga pivot head andan offsetting portion, the pivot head being pivotably engaged with the fixed jaw element and spaced apart from the extensionportion by the offsetting portion slidably engaged with the extension-portion for offsetting the pivot head relative to the extension-portion.
2. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid-removing device has a closed condition in which the arm element of the movable jaw element is abutted against or adjacent to the fixed jaw element; and the lid-removing device further comprises a biasing element connected with the movable jaw element for exerting a biasing force on the movable jaw element so as to bias the lid-removing device towards the closed condition when the lid-removing device is not in the closed condition.
3. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the biasing element is connected to the extension-portion.
4. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the biasing element comprises a spring.
5. A lid-removing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an anchor portion.
6. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the anchor portion comprises a handle and / or a surface-engaging body.
7. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the anchor portion further comprises a suction cup.
8. A lid-removing device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, when depending on any of claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the biasing element is connected to the anchor portion.
9. A lid-removing device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the anchor portion comprises a channel for receiving the extension-portion.
10. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the channel comprises a guiding surface against which the extension-portion is abuttable, the guiding surface being shaped such that in-use, the extension-portion is pivoted as the extension-portion translates along the guiding surface when the lid-removing device is biased towards the closed condition.
11. A lid-removing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the fixed jaw element and the movable jaw element includes a grip-enhancing portion.
12. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the grip-enhancing portion includes an elastomeric material.
13. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elastomeric material comprises rubber and / or silicone.
14. A lid-removing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the fixed jaw element and the movable jaw element comprises a recess.
15. A lid-removing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable jaw element is movable in an action plane, the movable jaw element further comprising a lip extending at least in part in a direction perpendicular to the action plane.
16. A lid-removing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking element for locking the movement of the movable jaw element relative to the fixed jaw element.
17. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the locking element comprises a rack of teeth and an abutment element selectively engagable with the rack of teeth.
18. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the locking element further includes a lock-biasor for biasing the locking element into a locking condition.
19. A lid-removing device as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a user-interactable portion for controlling the locking element.
20. A lid-removing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the user-interactable portion comprises a button.
21. Method of removing a lid from a container which the lid is sealing, the method comprising the steps ofa] providing a lid-removing device having a fixed jaw element and a movable jaw element;b] moving the movable jaw element until the lid-removing device is in an open condition whereby the fixed jaw element and movable jaw element are spacedapart by a distance sufficient to receive therebetween a container with a lid to be removed;c] inserting the lid to be removed between the fixed jaw element and the movable jaw element;d] moving the movable jaw element until the lid is clamped by the fixed and movable jaw elements;e] disengaging the container from the lid clamped by the movable jaw element and the fixed jaw element.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein in step a], the movable jaw element comprises an extension-portion, a connector having a pivot head and an offsetting portion, the pivot head being pivotably engaged with the fixed jaw element and spaced apart from the extension-portion by the offsetting portion slidably engaged with theextension-portion for offsetting the pivot head relative to the extension-portion; and in step d], the movable jaw element is moved by translating the extension-portion relative to the pivot head; and in step d] moving the jaw element includes rotating the movable jaw element around the pivot head.
23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the movable jaw element has the or an extension-portion, and further comprising a step after step d] and prior to step e] of f] moving the container with a lid towards the extension-portion for increasing the grip of the lid-removing device on the lid.
24. A method as claimed in any one of claim 21 to claim 23, wherein in step a], the lidremoving device further includes a biasing element for biasing the movable jaw element towards the fixed jaw element.
25. A lid-removing device comprising:a fixed jaw element, anda movable jaw element, movable relative to the fixed jaw element, the movable jaw element havingan extension-portion, andan arm element extending from the extension-portion; anda connector having a pivot head so as to be pivotably and slidably engaged with the extension-portion.
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