Self-aligning handling or storing device having side or top actuation and methods of use therefor

• US 7,900,324 B2
• Filed: 02/27/2008
• Issued: 03/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mak H. Ginocchio
• Original Assignee: Mak H. Ginocchio
• Inventors: Ginocchio, Mak H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lavinder; Jack W.
• Application Number:
  US12/038,514
• Publication Number:
  US 20090211063A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,105 Days
• Field of Search: 24/16.R, 24/305.R, 24/16.PB, 245/05, 245/06, 245/17, 245/18, 24542-544
• US Class Current: 24/272
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2/10 using pivoting jaws
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/14 Bale and package ties, hose clamps
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/1418 Self-locking [dead center or snap action]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/1422 Rack bar
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/15 Bag fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/3936 Pivoted part
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/3956 Jaws locked together by cam, wedge, lever, or screw
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44752 Integral locking-means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/404 Manacles and cuffs

Abstract

A device for handling or storing items uses jaw members that hinge to one of several closed positions in which the inner surface of a first jaw is engaged by an engagement device of the second jaw. An external release member in the second jaw is used to move the engagement device between an engaging and a disengaged position. The second jaw also incorporates a retaining surface, positioned opposite the outer surface of the first jaw when the jaws are closed, which opposes outward flexing of said first jaw member, and thus reduces the opportunity for disengagement due to forces from inside the jaws.

Claims

1. A device for handling or storing one or more items, comprising:

a pair of generally rigid jaw members each having a hinge end and an outer end, each jaw member including an inner surface and an outer surface, the jaw members being connected together at their hinge ends, such that the jaw members (i) have a first, open position in which the outer ends are spaced apart to define a receiving space and the inner surfaces are spaced apart, (ii) have a plurality of second, closed positions in which the outer ends are nearer to one another, and (iii) are self aligned such that the outer ends automatically engage one another upon applying pressure upon an outer surface, wherein

a first jaw member incorporates an engagement area on its inner surface, and a second jaw member incorporates an engagement device for engaging said engagement area, a portion of the engagement device extending from a body of the second jaw member, the engagement device being releasable by movement of said portion toward the body of the second jaw member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction from the engagement device to the hinge ends of the jaw.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the engagement area of said first jaw member incorporates a plurality of teeth.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the engagement device of said second jaw member comprises a latch member having at least one tooth for engaging said engaging surface of said first jaw member.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the latch member comprises a plurality of teeth for engaging said inner surface of said first jaw member.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the engagement device comprises a movable member, the movable member positioned relative to a said outer surface and including a cam for engaging and moving an internal member of said engagement device.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein an outer press surface of one said jaw member includes a handle portion extending from said jaw member.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said handle portion comprises a loop extending from said jaw member and defining an aperture therethrough.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein said handle portion is incorporated within the second jaw member.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein said handle portion is incorporated within the first jaw member.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of one said jaw member includes a hook portion.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said hook member is sized to engage an item inserted between said jaw members.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein said hook portion is V-shaped.

13. The device of claim 10 wherein said hook portion is C-shaped.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein the jaw members are integrally connected by a hinge strap.