Cleaning tongs

Abstract

To provide cleaning tongs with detachable gripping bodies, featuring a simple structure that prevents misalignment of the assembled gripping bodies. [Solution] The cleaning tongs 1 are formed by combining a pair of clamping halves 2 and 3, each comprising a handle portion 21 and 31, a clamping portion 22 and 32, and a fixing portion 23 and 33. The first fixing portion 23 has a support projection 23b, a first engaging portion 23c, and a first elastic portion 23a, and the second fixing portion 33 has a support recess 33b, a second engaging portion 33c, and a second elastic portion 33a. The first engaging portion 23c and the second engaging portion 33c are detachably engaged, the support projection 23b is inserted into the support recess 33b, and the first fixing portion 23 and the second fixing portion 33 come into contact, causing the first clamping half 2 and the second clamping half 3 to detachably combine. Furthermore, the first fixing portion 23 can engage with the second fixing portion 33 from both the third surface 33F side and the fourth surface 33R side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tong used for picking up or scooping up garbage while sandwiching it.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, tongs have been used as tools for sandwiching and holding objects. The tongs have two clamping halves connected to each other at their base ends and combined in a pair, and the clamping part can hold an object by pressing a pair of handle parts.

[0003] In such tongs, a technique of detachably connecting a pair of clamping halves via a spring member is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the two clamping halves are combined by inserting the base end of the other clamping member into a leaf spring fixed to the base end of one clamping half. Then, when gripping the handles of the one and the other clamping halves, the leaf spring is pushed down, so that clamping and release can be controlled.

[0004] Furthermore, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the other clamping half can be detached from the one clamping half by raising the other clamping half with respect to the one clamping half and strongly pressing and pushing down the leaf spring from above. For this reason, the one and the other clamping halves are detachable, and the one and the other clamping halves can also be used in a separated state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The tongs described in Patent Document 1 (described as "cooking scissors" in Patent Document 1) have a problem in that the detachable gripping body has rebound elasticity due to the attachment of an elastic body made of a separate component, which requires the assembly of a separate component and results in a complex structure.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide cleaning tongs having a separable gripping body and a simple structure that prevents misalignment of the assembled gripping body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The following describes the means to solve the above problems.

[0009] (1) A pair of cleaning tongs comprising: a first clamping half comprising a long, plate-shaped first handle portion, a first clamping portion formed at one end of the first handle portion, and a first fixing portion formed at the other end of the first handle portion; and a second clamping half comprising a long, plate-shaped second handle portion, a second clamping portion formed at one end of the second handle portion, and a second fixing portion formed at the other end of the second handle portion, wherein the first fixing portion comprises a support projection protruding from one surface of the first fixing portion, and the A cleaning tong having a first engaging portion formed at the tip of one fixed portion, the second fixed portion having a support recess formed on one surface of the second fixed portion and a second engaging portion formed at the tip of the second fixed portion, and being in a state of use when the one surface of the first fixed portion and the one surface of the second fixed portion are in contact, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage, the support projection is inserted into the support recess, and the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion maintain a position separated from each other.

[0010] (2) The cleaning tongs according to (1), wherein the first clamping half comprises a first elastic portion that curves and extends toward the other side from the first fixing portion toward the first handle portion, and the second clamping half comprises a second elastic portion that curves and extends toward the other side from the second fixing portion toward the second handle portion, and the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion form a series of curved shapes when one surface of the first fixing portion and one surface of the second fixing portion are in contact with each other.

[0011] (3) The cleaning tongs according to (1) or (2), wherein the first engaging portion is formed in the shape of a plate that is bent and extends in the direction of one surface, the second engaging portion is formed as a hole that penetrates from one surface to the other surface at the tip of the second fixing portion, and the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion when the one surface of the first fixing portion and the other surface of the second fixing portion are facing each other, the support projection is inserted into the support recess, and the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are brought close to each other to form a stored state.

[0012] (4) The cleaning tongs according to (3), wherein the first dimension from the support projection to the tip of the first clamping portion and the second dimension from the support recess to the tip of the second clamping portion are substantially the same.

[0013] (5) The cleaning tongs according to (4), wherein the first gripping portion has a concave first scooping surface, and the second gripping portion has a concave second scooping surface, and the first scooping surface and the second scooping surface face each other when in use.

[0014] (6) The cleaning tongs according to (5), wherein the second gripping portion is stored in the first gripping portion when in storage.

[0015] (7) The cleaning tongs according to (6), wherein a hole is formed at the tip of the first engaging portion, penetrating from one surface to the other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The cleaning tongs according to the present invention have a detachable gripping body, and the assembly of the gripping body does not shift position due to its simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the tongs according to this embodiment in the usage state. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the tongs according to this embodiment in the separated state. [Figure 3] (a) and (b) are side views of the first fixing part and the second fixing part when assembling the tongs according to this embodiment in the usage state. [Figure 4] Side view of the tongs according to this embodiment in the usage state. [Figure 5] (a) and (b) are side views of the first fixing part and the second fixing part when assembling the tongs according to this embodiment in the storage state. [Figure 6] Perspective view of the tongs according to this embodiment in the storage state.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cleaning tong (hereinafter simply referred to as "tong") 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The tong 1 according to this embodiment is composed of a first clamping half body 2 and a second clamping half body 3. The first clamping half body 2 of the tong 1 according to this embodiment includes a first handle portion 21 formed in a long plate shape, a first clamping portion 22 formed at one end of the first handle portion 21, and a first fixing portion 23 formed at the other end of the first handle portion 21. Further, the second clamping half body 3 of the tong 1 according to this embodiment includes a second handle portion 31 formed in a long plate shape, a second clamping portion 32 formed at one end of the second handle portion 31, and a second fixing portion 33 formed at the other end of the second handle portion 31.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the first clamping portion 22 of the tong 1 according to this embodiment has a concave first scooping surface 22a. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the second clamping portion 32 has a concave second scooping surface 32a.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and (b), according to this embodiment, the first fixing portion 23 of the tong 1 has a first surface 23F constituting one surface of the first fixing portion 23 and a second surface 23R constituting the other surface. Further, the first fixing portion 23 has a support protrusion 23b which is a protrusion protruding on the first surface 23F of the first fixing portion 23, and a first engaging portion 23c which is a plate-like portion formed at the tip of the first fixing portion 23.

[0021] On the other hand, the second fixing portion 33 of the tong 1 has a third surface 33F constituting one surface of the second fixing portion 33 and a fourth surface 33R constituting the other surface. Further, the second fixing portion 33 has a support recess 33b which is a hole opened through the second fixing portion 33, and a second engaging portion 33c which is a hole opened through the second fixing portion 33 at the tip of the second fixing portion 33.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and (b), in such a structure, in a state where the first surface 23F of the first fixing portion 23 and the third surface 33F of the second fixing portion 33 are in contact, the first engaging portion 23c and the second engaging portion 33c engage with each other, whereby the first clamping half body 2 and the second clamping half body 3 are combined. According to the tong 1 according to this embodiment, the first engaging portion 23c is formed in a plate shape that bends and extends in the direction of the first surface 23F at the tip of the first fixing portion 23. Further, the second engaging portion 33c is formed as a hole penetrating from the third surface 33F to the fourth surface 33R at the tip of the second fixing portion 33. Therefore, according to the tong 1 according to this embodiment, the first engaging portion 23c can be inserted into the second engaging portion 33c, thereby combining the first clamping half body 2 and the second clamping half body 3.

[0023] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the support protrusion 23b is formed by making a cut in a part of the first fixing portion 23 and bending a part of the first fixing portion 23 to the first surface 23F side so as to protrude from the surface of the plate material. The support recess 33b is formed as a hole penetrating from the third surface 33F to the fourth surface 33R in a part of the second fixing portion 33.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), in this configuration, when the first engaging portion 23c and the second engaging portion 33c are engaged, and the second clamping half 3 is moved in the first direction A in Figure 3(a) relative to the first clamping half 2, the first surface 23F of the first fixing portion 23 and the third surface 33F of the second fixing portion 33 come into contact, the support projection 23b is inserted into the support recess 33b. Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 3(b), in the tongs 1 according to this embodiment, when the first surface 23F and the third surface 33F come into contact, the first clamping portion 22 extending from the first handle portion 21 and the second clamping portion 32 extending from the second handle portion 31 can maintain a position separated from each other.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(b), in this arrangement of the first clamping half 2 and the second clamping half 3, the support projection 23b is inserted into the support recess 33b, allowing the first surface 23F of the first fixing part 23 and the third surface 33F of the second fixing part 33 to come into contact with each other in a manner that makes it difficult for them to move laterally.

[0026] That is, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, in this embodiment, the first fixing part 23 and the second fixing part 33 are engaged by the first engaging part 23c and the second engaging part 33c, the support projection 23b is inserted into the support recess 33b, and the first surface 23F and the third surface 33F are in contact while the first clamping part 22 and the second clamping part 32 maintain a position where they are separated from each other. Thus, with the configuration of the tongs 1 in this embodiment, the assembly of spring members and the like is unnecessary, and the first clamping half 2 and the second clamping half 3 can be combined without misalignment of each other by the configuration of the first fixing part 23 and the second fixing part 33 which are formed from a single plate material.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3(b), the first gripping half 2 of the tongs 1 according to this embodiment includes a first elastic portion 23a that curves and extends from the first fixing portion 23 toward the second surface 23R toward the first handle portion 21. The second gripping half 3 of the tongs 1 includes a second elastic portion 33a that curves and extends from the second fixing portion 33 toward the fourth surface 33R toward the second handle portion. Furthermore, in the tongs 1, the first elastic portion 23a and the second elastic portion 33a form a series of curved shapes when the first surface 23F of the first fixing portion 23 and the third surface 33F of the second fixing portion 33 are in contact.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the position of the tongs 1 with the first surface 23F and the third surface 33F in contact and assembled as a pair is the position of the tongs 1 in use for picking up trash. In the position of the tongs 1 in use according to this embodiment, when the user grips the tongs 1 so that the separated first handle portion 21 and the second handle portion 31 are brought closer together, the first fixing portion 23 and the second fixing portion 33 are engaged, and a horizontal force is applied to the contact surface between the first surface 23F and the third surface 33F, causing the first gripping portion 22 and the second gripping portion 32 to come closer together and pick up trash.

[0029] Furthermore, when the gripping pressure is released, the tongs 1 return to a position where the first gripping part 22 and the second gripping part 32 are separated, according to the elasticity in the direction of separation between the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3. In this way, the elastic structure formed by the first elastic part 23a and the second elastic part 33a allows the user to smoothly and repeatedly grip and release debris.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, in the usage position of the tongs 1 according to this embodiment, the first scooping surface 22a and the second scooping surface 32a, which are formed in a concave shape, face each other. According to this embodiment, since the tongs 1 grips the garbage in the space between the first scooping surface 22a and the second scooping surface 32a, the first scooping surface 22a and the second scooping surface 32a, which are formed in a concave shape, can increase the amount of garbage that can be collected at one time compared to when the garbage is gripped by the first scooping surface 22a and the second scooping surface 32a, which are formed in a flat shape. In other words, by using the tongs 1 according to this embodiment, the work efficiency of garbage collection can be improved.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the tongs 1 have a first dimension H2 from the support projection 23b to the tip of the first gripping portion 22 and a second dimension H3 from the support recess 33b to the tip of the second gripping portion 32 that are substantially the same.

[0032] According to this, when the first fixing part 23 and the second fixing part 33 are engaged in the working position of the tongs 1, the first gripping part 22 and the second gripping part 32 are positioned to interlock precisely. Therefore, when the tongs 1 grip garbage, the first gripping part 22 and the second gripping part 32 interlock, allowing the tongs 1 to easily grip the garbage. Furthermore, because the first fixing part 23 and the second fixing part 33 are engaged, the gripping by the tongs 1 does not shift, and the gripping position of the tongs 1 can be stably maintained.

[0033] Furthermore, in the working position of the tongs 1, the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 can be easily separated by moving the first surface 23F of the first fixing part 23 and the third surface 33F of the second fixing part 33 in a direction that separates them, thereby releasing the first engaging part 23c and the second engaging part 33c from each other. Thus, the user can easily collect garbage by freely switching between the separated form and the working form of the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 during work, such as combining the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 to grip garbage as tongs 1, or separating the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 to collect garbage on one of the gripping halves.

[0034] The first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 of the tongs 1 according to this embodiment can each be used as a separate scoop to scoop up fine debris. Furthermore, it is possible to use one of the gripping halves, the first gripping half 2 or the second gripping half 3, to gather scattered debris, and then use the other gripping half as a dustpan to push the gathered debris into the other gripping surface for collection all at once. This makes it possible to collect and gather small debris such as glass shards, screws, and nails that cannot be picked up by the tongs 1 alone.

[0035] The shape of the first rake face 22a of the first clamping portion 22 and the second rake face 32a of the second clamping portion 32 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the tip of the first rake face 22a or the second rake face 32a may be formed in a comb-like shape, or a small hole may be formed that penetrates the first rake face 22a or the second rake face 32a.

[0036] With a structure in which the tip of the first scooping surface 22a of the first gripping part 22 or the second scooping surface 32a of the second gripping part 32 is formed in a comb shape, the force of gripping the debris is concentrated at the tip by gripping the debris with the comb-shaped tip, allowing the gripped debris to be held firmly. Furthermore, when the separated first gripping half 2 or second gripping half 3 is used as a single scoop, water and fine sand pass through the tip of the first scooping surface 22a or second scooping surface 32a, so the first scooping surface 22a or second scooping surface 32a can only collect debris that is small enough to be grasped by the comb-shaped tip.

[0037] Furthermore, with a structure in which small holes are formed that penetrate the first scooping surface 22a or the second scooping surface 32a, the first clamping half 2 and the second clamping half 3 can discharge unwanted liquids such as rainwater and sand scooped up together with the waste through the small holes when used in a separated state. This makes it possible to collect waste while removing unwanted water and fine sand, even in environments with a lot of water and sand.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5(a), in this embodiment, the tongs 1 can be assembled by inserting the plate-shaped first engaging portion 23c into the hole-shaped second engaging portion 33c from the fourth surface 33R side, with the first surface 23F of the first fixing portion 23 and the fourth surface 33R of the second fixing portion 33 facing each other, thereby engaging the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), in this configuration, when the first engaging portion 23c and the second engaging portion 33c are engaged and the second clamping half 3 is moved in the second direction B relative to the first clamping half 2, and the first surface 23F of the first fixing portion 23 and the fourth surface 33R of the second fixing portion 33 come into contact, the support projection 23b is inserted into the support recess 33b from the fourth surface 33R side. Also, as shown in Figures 5(b) and 6, in the tongs 1 according to this embodiment, when the first surface 23F and the fourth surface 33R come into contact, the first clamping portion 22 extending from the first handle portion 21 and the second clamping portion 32 extending from the second handle portion 31 can maintain a position where they are close to each other.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), in this arrangement of the first clamping half 2 and the second clamping half 3, the support projection 23b is inserted into the support recess 33b, and the first surface 23F of the first fixing part 23 and the fourth surface 33R of the second fixing part 33 can come into contact with each other in a manner that makes it difficult for them to move laterally, similar to the contact between the first surface 23F and the third surface 33F.

[0041] That is, as shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, even when the first surface 23F of the first fixing part 23 and the fourth surface 33R of the second fixing part 33 are facing each other, the first engaging part 23c and the second engaging part 33c engage in the same way as when the first surface 23F and the third surface 33F are in contact, allowing the support projection 23b to be inserted into the support recess 33b.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, when the first surface 23F and the fourth surface 33R of the tongs 1 come into contact, the first gripping portion 22 and the second gripping portion 32 maintain a position where they are close to each other. This position of the tongs 1 is the position when the tongs 1 is stored. According to the configuration of the tongs 1 of this embodiment, the tongs 1 are formed from a single plate material, and the first fixing portion 23 and the second fixing portion 33 can be engaged without assembling any other members, allowing the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 to be stacked.

[0043] Furthermore, in the stored position of the tongs 1, the first surface 23F of the first fixing part 23 and the fourth surface 33R of the second fixing part 33 are moved in a direction that separates them, thereby releasing the first engaging part 23c and the second engaging part 33c from each other, allowing the user to easily separate the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3.

[0044] Therefore, according to the tongs 1 of this embodiment, the user can easily select and change between the separated first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 and the stored state, such as combining the separated first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 into the stored state for storage, or separating the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 from the stored state for use and then changing them to the use state. Furthermore, since the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 are stored as a pair, the risk of losing either the first gripping half 2 or the second gripping half 3 during storage can be reduced.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, in the stored position of the tongs 1 according to this embodiment, the tongs 1 are formed such that the first elastic part 23a is curved along the second elastic part 33a, and the second gripping part 32 is housed in the first gripping part 22. Therefore, in the stored position of the tongs 1 according to this embodiment, the second gripping half 3 is stacked in a position where the second fixing part 33 engages with the first fixing part 23 and is housed in the first gripping half 2. In this way, the tongs 1 according to this embodiment can be transformed from a usable form to a compact stored form, allowing the user to save storage space when storing the tongs 1, and also making the tongs 1 easy to carry due to its compact form.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the tongs 1 have a hole 23d formed at the tip of the first engaging portion 23c that penetrates from the first surface 23F to the second surface 23R. According to this embodiment, in the stored position of the tongs 1, the first gripping half 2 and the second gripping half 3 are supported as a pair by the first engaging portion 23c being inserted into the second engaging portion 33c. Therefore, the user can also hang the tongs 1 on a hook while maintaining the stored position by passing a hook through the hole 23d at the tip of the first engaging portion 23c that supports the tongs 1 in the stored position. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1. Cleaning tongs (tongs) 2 First clamping half 21 First handle 22 First clamping section 22a First rake face 23 First fixed part 23a First elastic part 23b Support protrusion 23c First engagement part 23d hole 23F first side 23R second side 3 Second clamping half 31 Second handle 32 Second clamping section 32a Second rake face 33 Second fixed part 33a Second elastic part 33b Support recess 33c Second engaging portion 33F 3rd page 33R 4th page H2 first dimension H3 second dimension A First direction B Second direction

Claims

1. A pair of cleaning tongs is assembled, comprising: a first clamping half having a long, plate-shaped first handle, a first clamping portion formed at one end of the first handle, and a first fixing portion formed at the other end of the first handle; and a second clamping half having a long, plate-shaped second handle, a second clamping portion formed at one end of the second handle, and a second fixing portion formed at the other end of the second handle. The first fixing portion has a support projection that protrudes from one surface of the first fixing portion and a first engaging portion formed at the tip of the first fixing portion. The second fixing portion has a support recess formed on one surface of the second fixing portion and a second engaging portion formed at the tip of the second fixing portion. A cleaning tong that is in a working state when the first fixed part and the second fixed part are in contact with each other, the first engaging part and the second engaging part are engaged, the support projection is inserted into the support recess, and the first gripping part and the second gripping part maintain a position separated from each other.

2. The first clamping half comprises a first elastic portion that curves and extends from the first fixing portion toward the other side toward the first handle portion, The second clamping half includes a second elastic portion that curves and extends from the second fixing portion toward the second handle portion toward the other side, The cleaning tongs according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion form a series of curved shapes when one surface of the first fixing portion and one surface of the second fixing portion are in contact with each other.

3. The cleaning tongs according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first engaging portion is formed in the shape of a plate that is bent and extends in the direction of one surface, the second engaging portion is formed as a hole that penetrates from one surface to the other surface at the tip of the second fixing portion, and the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion when the one surface of the first fixing portion and the other surface of the second fixing portion are facing each other, the support projection is inserted into the support recess, and the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are brought close to each other to form a stored state.

4. The cleaning tongs according to claim 3, wherein the first dimension from the support projection to the tip of the first clamping portion and the second dimension from the support recess to the tip of the second clamping portion are substantially the same.

5. The first clamping portion has a concave first rake surface, The second clamping portion has a concave second scooping surface, The cleaning tongs according to claim 4, wherein the first scooping surface and the second scooping surface face each other when in use.

6. The cleaning tongs according to claim 5, wherein the second gripping portion is housed in the first gripping portion when stored.

7. The cleaning tongs according to claim 6, wherein a hole is formed at the tip of the first engaging portion, penetrating from one surface to the other.

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