Gripper with one-hand locking mechanism

Abstract

A clamp (100) equipped with a locking device (300) that can be operated with one hand without changing the grip on the clamp (100) and without changing the orientation of the clamp (100). The locking device (300) can be engaged and disengaged by pressing the arms (102, 202) of the clamp (100) together. The locking device (300) may have a latch (301) on one arm (102) and a strike (302) on the other arm (202). When the arms (102, 202) are pressed together, the strike (302) engages with the latch (301) to form a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, when the arms (102, 202) are pressed together again, the latch (301) releases the strike (302).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to tongs used for cooking. Background Technology

[0002] Tongs are a very common cooking tool used in kitchens and barbecue areas, allowing cooks to pick up food without getting too close to the heat. Tongs enable cooks to add food to hot cooking areas, flip food, remove food, and more. Generally, tongs have two arms connected at one end by a spring-loaded hinge, allowing the free end to be pressed firmly to grip food.

[0003] Often, it is convenient to lock the gripper arms in place, particularly in a closed configuration. The most widely used locking mechanism uses a pull tab located at the hinge where the first arm connects to the second arm. To lock the grippers in a closed configuration, the cook closes the grippers with one hand and pulls the tab with the free hand. To unlock the grippers, the cook holds the grippers with one hand and pushes the tab back toward the hinge. Therefore, this common locking mechanism requires both hands to lock or unlock the gripper arms. Other locking mechanisms require the user to shift their grip to access the lock.

[0004] To overcome the need for two hands or the need to shift grips to lock and unlock the gripper arms, another widely used mechanism is the use of a gravity-based lock. With a gravity-based lock, the user presses the grippers together tightly and holds the distal ends upward or downward, allowing gravity to pull the lock into a locked or unlocked configuration. Such grippers require an additional action to change the orientation of the grippers, which may not always be desirable. For example, if there is liquid, oil, or sauce on the distal ends of the grippers, the user may not want to hold the distal ends upward to prevent the liquid, oil, or sauce from dripping toward the hinge.

[0005] For the aforementioned reasons, there is a demand for a clamp that can be locked or unlocked with one hand without changing the grip or the orientation of the clamp. means of solving the problem

[0006] The present invention relates to a clamp that can be locked or unlocked with one hand without changing the grip of the clamp or the orientation of the clamp. The clamp utilizes a locking mechanism located on the inner surface of arms that can be locked together by simply pressing the arms tightly together and unlocked by simply pressing the arms tightly together. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open and unlocked configuration. FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of a hinge and locking mechanism with a part of the arm removed to view the inside of the arm. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of FIG. 1 in a closed and locked configuration. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the inside of a part of an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0008] The detailed description below, in connection with the attached drawings, is intended to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention at present time and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. This description explains the functions and sequence of steps for constructing and operating the present invention in relation to the illustrated embodiments. However, it should be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be achieved by other embodiments also intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1-5, an embodiment of the present invention is a clamp (100) having two arms (102, 202) and a locking device (300) which can be engaged to lock the arms (102, 202) in place and disengaged to allow the arms (102, 202) to move simply by pressing the arms (102, 202) together tightly with one hand without needing to move the user's finger positioning or change the orientation of the clamp (100). As a result, the user can use the clamp (100) as intended, and when the user wants to lock the arms (102, 202), the user can simply press the clamp (100) tightly with nothing between the arms (102, 202), and the locking mechanism can be unlocked by simply pressing the arms (102, 202) tightly together without adjusting the user's grip or changing the orientation of the clamp (100). Thus, the same action of locking the arms (102, 202) (pressing the arms (102, 202) tightly) is the same action of unlocking the arms (102, 202).

[0010] The clamp (100) comprises a first arm (102) having a first proximal end (104), a first distal end (106) opposite the first proximal end (104), a first inner surface (108) between the first proximal end (104) and the first distal end (106), and a first outer surface (110) opposite the first inner surface (108) and between the first proximal end (104) and the first distal end (106). The clamp (100) also includes a second arm (202) having a second proximal end (204), a second distal end (206) opposite the second proximal end (204), a second inner surface (208) between the second proximal end (204) and the second distal end (206), and a second outer surface (210) opposite the second inner surface (208) and between the second proximal end (204) and the second distal end (206). The first arm (102) is connected to the second arm (202) by a hinge (150) at the first and second proximal ends (104, 204).

[0011] The arms (102, 202) may be made of a rigid material such as metal, plastic, wood, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the arms (102, 202) are generally straight so that the first arm (102) and the second arm (202) are substantially parallel as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 when the first distal end (106) contacts the second distal end (206). For example, as measured at the proximal end (104, 204), when the first distal end (106) contacts the second distal end (206), the stable arm (102) and the second arm (202) may form an angle of about 15 degrees or less. More preferably, the angle may be about 10 degrees or less. Most preferably, the angle may be about 5 degrees or less.

[0012] The first proximal end (104) of the first arm (102) and the second proximal end (204) of the second arm (202) are connected by a hinge (150). The hinge (150) allows the distal ends (106, 206) to move toward each other and away from each other so that a user can pick up an object from the distal ends (106, 206). As shown in FIG. 5, a gripper spring (152) is placed in the hinge (150) to apply a biasing force to the first arm (102) and the second arm (202) so that the first distal end (106) remains separated from the second distal end (206) as shown in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, the first distal end (106) may have a first flexible tip (112), and the second distal end (206) may have a second flexible tip (212). The flexible tips (112, 212) may be made of a durable yet flexible material such as silicone, plastic, rubber, etc.

[0013] The flexibility of the tips (112, 212) facilitates the locking mechanism. Specifically, the locking device (300) is mounted on the first arm (102) and the second arm (202), and for the locking device (300) to engage, the first arm (102) and the second arm (202) must be closer to each other than when the first flexible tip (112) barely touches the second flexible tip (212). Therefore, when the first flexible tip (112) barely touches the second flexible tip (212), the first and second arms are not locked to each other. Rather, the flexible tip (112, 212) must be slightly bent so that the arms (102, 202) over-move, allowing the arms (102, 202) to come closer together, so that the locking device (300) interlocks as shown in FIG. 3 and locks the arms (102, 202) together. This over-movement feature reduces the probability that the first and second arms (102, 202) will be unintentionally locked during normal use. That is, when picking up a small or thin piece of material with the clamp (100), the user would not want the clamp (100) to be unintentionally locked because the first arm (102) is too close to the second arm (202).

[0014] In an embodiment having flexible tips (112, 212), as shown in FIG. 5, the first inner surface (108) of the first arm (102) may define the first channel (114), and the second inner surface (208) of the second arm (202) may define the second channel (214). The first channel (114) and the second channel (214) each provide depth to the first and second arms (102), respectively, thereby providing space for mounting the first flexible tip (112) and the second flexible tip (212) on the first arm (102) and the second arm (202), respectively.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism may be in the form of a latch (301) and a strike (302), such as a grab catch sold by Grainger. The latch (301) may be mounted on the first inner surface (108) of the first arm (102). The strike (302) may be mounted on the second inner surface (208) of the second arm (202). The latch (301) and the strike (302) are configured to connect to each other when the first arm (102) and the second arm (202) are adjacent to each other.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the locking device (300) includes a latch (301) and a strike (302). In an engaged and locked configuration, the latch (301) receives and engages the strike (302) to prevent the strike from being removed from the latch. Referring to FIG. 2, the latch (301) may include a housing (310) mounted on a first inner surface (108) and a spring-loaded catch (312) mounted on the housing (310). The spring-loaded catch (312) may have a post (314) and a latch (316) connected to the post (314). A spring (318) inside the housing biases the post (314).

[0017] The strike (302) may include a base (320) attached to the second inner surface (208) and a flanged head (322) on the opposite side of the base (320). The latch (301) and the strike (302) are configured to be connected to each other in a locked configuration when the first arm (102) and the second arm (202) are substantially parallel to each other. In the engaged and locked configuration, the flanged head (322) abuts the post (314) as shown in FIG. 3, and the latch (316) surrounds the flanged head (322). In a preferred embodiment, when the strike (302) is pressed against the post (314) of the latch (301), the strike (302) pushes the post (314) deeper into the housing (310). When the post (314) is lowered into the housing (310), the post (314) pulls the latch (316) together, causing the latch (316) to close around the flanged head (322) as the latch (316) and the flanged head (322) enter the housing (310). Inside the housing (310), a latch spring (318) that contacts the post (314) generates a bias force on the post (314) to push the post (314) out of the housing (310). When the post (314) is pushed sufficiently deep into the housing (310), an internal catch (not shown) locks the post (314) in place, and when the tight pressing pressure is released, the arm (102, 202) is locked in place. When the arm (102, 202) is pressed firmly again, the internal catch is released, and the latch spring (318) pushes the post (314) outward so that the latch (316) comes out of the housing (310) and opens, thereby releasing the strike (302), while the clamp spring (152) causes the distal end (106, 206) of the arm (102, 202) to be separated.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the latch (301) and the strike (302) are positioned on the first and second arms (102, 202) in such a way that when the strike (302) is in a locked configuration engaged with the latch (301), the first distal end (106) touches the second distal end (206). In an embodiment having the first and second flexible tips (112, 212), the first and second flexible tips (112, 212) are the distal ends (106, 206), and the free ends of the first and second flexible tips (112, 212) touch each other in the locked configuration.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, in a locked configuration, the latch (301) and the strike (302) are located entirely inside the first outer surface (110) and the second outer surface (210). In this configuration, because the latch (301) and the strike (302) are located inside, there is a low probability that the latch (301) and the strike (302) will come into contact during normal use when the clamp (100) is held naturally and comfortably. When the clamp (100) is handled naturally and properly, the user's hand comes into contact only with the first and second outer surfaces (110, 210) and the side of the clamp (100), and does not come into contact with the inner surfaces (108, 208). As a result, unlike other clamps in which the locking mechanism is exposed on the outer surface, the clamp (100) of the present invention has no possibility of unintentionally unlocking the locking device (300) by unintentionally contacting any part of the locking mechanism.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the latch (301) and the strike (312) are configured along the first and second arms (102, 202), respectively, so as to be locked only when the first flexible tip (106) is compressed against the second flexible tip (206). That is, the characteristic of the first flexible tip (206) touching the second flexible tip (106) alone is not sufficient to lock the latch (301) and the strike (302). Rather, sufficient tight pressing force must be applied to cause the first flexible tip (106) and the second flexible tip (206) to bend or warp in opposite directions before the latch (301) catches the strike (302). This configuration reduces the likelihood that the latch (301) will catch the strike (302) during normal use when the user does not intend to lock the clamp (100).

[0021] To facilitate locking the arm (102, 202) in a proper positioning, the latch (301) may reside inside the first channel (114), and the strike (302) may reside inside the second channel (214). Preferably, a portion of the latch (301) may protrude inward from the first channel (114) toward the strike (302), and a portion of the strike (302) may protrude inward from the second channel (214) toward the latch (301). Preferably, the portion of the latch (301) protruding from the first channel (114) is at least a latching (312), and the portion of the strike (302) protruding from the second channel (214) is a flanged head (322). Because the latch (301) and the strike (302) protrude inward, no part of the latch (301) or the strike (302) protrudes from the outer surface of the arm (102, 202), where the locking mechanism could be accidentally removed.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the latch (301) and the strike (302) are configured to separate from each other in the locked configuration when the first arm (102) and the second arm (202) are pressed tightly toward each other. Thus, when a user locks the gripper (100) in the closed configuration and holds the gripper (100) in the user's hand, to unlock the arms (102, 202) while maintaining the same grip, the user simply needs to press the arms (102, 202) together a little closer, and the latch (301) releases the strike (302). Thus, there is no need to change the positioning of the hand on the gripper (100), no need to look for the release button, no need for the user to use the opposite hand to unlock the device, and no need to change the orientation of the gripper (100). The present invention enables the clamp (100) to be locked and unlocked by using only natural movements of the clamp, that is, by pressing the arm (102, 202) tightly.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the latch (301) and the strike (302) are fixed along the first arm (102) and the second arm (202), respectively. In some embodiments, the latch (301) and the strike (302) may be adjustable along the length of the first and second arms (102, 202). A stop may be placed at a set position along the first and second arms (102, 202) so that the latch (301) and the strike (302) can be properly aligned. In a preferred embodiment, the locking device (300) is located on the middle portion of the arm (102, 202). For example, the locking device (300) may be located at least approximately 2 inches from the hinge (150) toward the distal end (106, 206). In some embodiments, the locking device (300) may be located at least approximately 3 inches from the hinge (150) toward the distal end (106, 206). In some embodiments, the locking device (300) may be located at least approximately 4 inches from the hinge (150) toward the distal end (106, 206). In some embodiments, the locking device (300) may be located at least approximately 5 inches from the hinge (150) toward the distal end (106, 206). In some embodiments, the locking device (300) may be located at least approximately 6 inches from the hinge (150) toward the distal end (106, 206). In some embodiments, the locking device (300) may be located at least approximately 7 inches from the hinge (150) toward the distal end (106, 206). In the case of a longer clamp (100), the locking device (300) may be positioned much further from the hinge (150) and closer to the distal end (106, 206). The locking device (300) may be fastened to the arm (102, 202) using any type of fastening mechanism such as adhesive, screw, welding, tongue and groove, etc. In some embodiments, an opening (156) may need to be created through the arm (102, 202) to receive the locking device (300).

[0024] In some embodiments, the clamp (100) may additionally include a secondary locking device (154) adjacent to the joint (150) to help keep the arms (102, 202) in a locked configuration. For example, if the user does not intend to use the clamp (100) for an extended period, the secondary locking device (154) may be used to hold the first arm (102) and the second arm (202) together to reduce the stress on the clamp spring (152) acting on the latch (301) and the strike (302). The secondary locking device (154) may extend the lifespan of the latch (301) and the strike (302).

[0025] When in use, the user uses the clamp (100) as normally intended. When the user wants to lock the arms (102, 202) in place, the user presses the arms (102, 202) together tightly to compress the first flexible tip (112) against the second flexible tip (212) to lock the latch (301) together with the strike (302). To unlock the clamp (100), without moving the position of any fingers on the first and second arms (102, 202), the user presses the first arm (102) tightly toward the second arm (202) to release the latch (301) from the strike (302).

[0026] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to conform to the exact form disclosed or to limit the present invention to the exact form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited by this detailed description but by the claims appended herein and their equivalents.

[0027] (Industrial Applicability)

[0028] The present invention can be industrially utilized in the development, manufacture, and use of tongs, which are generally used as kitchen utensils for picking up and moving food, by utilizing a locking mechanism positioned on the arms of the tongs in such a way that the locking mechanism can be operated and released by simply pressing the arms together tightly, thereby allowing the two arms of the tongs to be locked together and subsequently unlocked with one hand without changing the grip on the tongs or the orientation of the tongs.

Claims

Claim 1 A clamp, wherein the clamp comprises: a) a first arm having a first proximal end, a first distal end opposite to the first proximal end, a first inner surface between the first proximal end and the first distal end, and a first outer surface opposite to the first inner surface and between the first proximal end and the first distal end, wherein the first distal end comprises a first flexible tip; b) a second arm having a second proximal end, a second distal end opposite the second proximal end, a second inner surface between the second proximal end and the second distal end, and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface and between the second proximal end and the second distal end, wherein the second distal end includes a second flexible tip and the first proximal end and the second proximal end are connected by a hinge; c) a latch mounted on a first inner surface of the first arm, wherein the latch includes a housing and a spring-loaded catch mounted inside the housing, and the spring-loaded catch includes a post and a sling connected to the post;and d) a strike mounted on a second inner surface of the second arm, wherein the strike comprises a base attached to the second inner surface and a flanged head opposite the base, and the latch and the strike are configured to be connected to each other in a locked configuration when the first flexible tip is compressed against the second flexible tip, and the latch and the strike are configured to be separated from each other in the locked configuration when the first arm is pressed tightly toward the second arm, in the locked configuration, the flanged head abuts the post inside the housing and the latch surrounds the flanged head, in the locked configuration, the first distal end abuts the second distal end, and in the locked configuration, the latch and the strike are located entirely inside the first outer surface and the second outer surface, and the latch and the strike are fixed along the first arm and the second arm, respectively, and the first inner surface defines a first channel, and A clamp characterized by including a strike, wherein the second inner surface defines a second channel, the latch resides within the first channel, the strike resides within the second channel, the latch protrudes from the first channel, and the flanged head of the strike protrudes from the second channel. Claim 2 A clamp, wherein the clamp comprises: a) a first arm having a first proximal end, a first distal end opposite to the first proximal end, a first inner surface between the first proximal end and the first distal end, and a first outer surface opposite to the first inner surface and between the first proximal end and the first distal end, wherein the first distal end comprises a first flexible tip; b) a second arm having a second proximal end, a second distal end opposite to the second proximal end, a second inner surface between the second proximal end and the second distal end, and a second outer surface opposite to the second inner surface and between the second proximal end and the second distal end, wherein the second distal end includes a second flexible tip and the first proximal end and the second proximal end are connected by a hinge; c) a latch mounted on a first inner surface of the first arm and protruding from the first arm toward the second arm; and d) a strike mounted on a second inner surface of the second arm and protruding from the second arm toward the first arm, wherein the latch and the strike are configured to be connected to each other when the first arm and the second arm are adjacent to each other, and the latch and the strike are each configured along the first and second arms to be locked only when the first flexible tip is compressed against the second flexible tip, and the latch and the strike are configured to be separated from each other from the locked configuration when the first arm is pressed tightly toward the second arm; characterized by comprising: a gripper. Claim 3 A clamp according to paragraph 2, characterized in that, in a locked configuration, the first distal end contacts the second distal end. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A clamp according to paragraph 2, characterized in that, in a locked configuration, the latch and the strike are located entirely inside the first outer surface and the second outer surface. Claim 6 A clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that the latch and the strike are each fixed along the first arm and the second arm. Claim 7 A clamp according to claim 6, characterized in that the first inner surface limits the first channel, the second inner surface limits the second channel, the latch resides within the first channel, and the strike resides within the second channel. Claim 8 A clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that a part of the latch protrudes from the first channel and a part of the strike protrudes from the second channel. Claim 9 A clamp according to claim 8, wherein the latch comprises a housing and a spring-loaded catch mounted inside the housing, the spring-loaded catch comprises a post and a latch connected to the post, the strike comprises a base attached to the second inner surface and a flanged head opposite the base, and the latch and the strike are configured to be connected to each other in a locked configuration when the first arm and the second arm are substantially parallel to each other, wherein in the locked configuration, the flanged head abuts the post inside the housing and the latch surrounds the flanged head. Claim 10 A clamp according to claim 9, characterized in that a portion of the latch protruding from the first channel is at least a clasp, and a portion of the strike protruding from the second channel is the flanged head. Claim 11 A clamp according to claim 10, further comprising a secondary locking device adjacent to the hinge. Claim 12 A clamp according to paragraph 2, wherein the latch comprises a housing and a spring-loaded catch mounted inside the housing, the spring-loaded catch comprises a post and a latch connected to the post, the strike comprises a base attached to the second inner surface and a flanged head opposite the base, and the latch and the strike are configured to be connected to each other in a locked configuration when the first arm and the second arm are substantially parallel to each other, wherein in the locked configuration, the flanged head abuts the post inside the housing and the latch surrounds the flanged head. Claim 13 A clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that the first inner surface limits the first channel, the second inner surface limits the second channel, the latch resides within the first channel, the strike resides within the second channel, a part of the latch protrudes from the first channel, and a part of the strike protrudes from the second channel. Claim 14 A clamp according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the latch and the strike are configured to separate from each other from the locked configuration when the first arm is pressed tightly toward the second arm. Claim 15 A clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that the latch and the strike are configured along the first and second arms, respectively, so as to be locked only when the first flexible tip is compressed against the second flexible tip. Claim 16 A method of using a clamp comprises: a) a clamp comprising: i) a first arm having a first proximal end, a first distal end opposite to the first proximal end, a first inner surface between the first proximal end and the first distal end, and a first outer surface opposite to the first inner surface and between the first proximal end and the first distal end; ii) a second arm having a second proximal end, a second distal end opposite to the second proximal end, a second inner surface between the second proximal end and the second distal end, and a second outer surface opposite to the second inner surface and between the second proximal end and the second distal end, wherein the first proximal end and the second proximal end are connected by a hinge; iii) a latch mounted on the first inner surface of the first arm; and iv) a strike mounted on a second inner surface of the second arm, wherein the latch and the strike are configured to be connected to each other when the first arm and the second arm are adjacent to each other; a process of providing a clamp comprising; and b) using one hand, a process of pressing the first arm tightly toward the second arm until the latch is locked together with the strike; wherein the first distal end comprises a first flexible tip and the second distal end comprises a second flexible tip, and the method further comprises a process of compressing the first flexible tip against the second flexible tip to lock the latch with the strike, and further comprises a process of pressing the first arm tightly toward the second arm to release the latch from the strike without moving the position of any finger on the first and second arms. Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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