Self-Aligning Handling or Storing Device Having Side or Top Actuation and Methods of Use Therefor

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.

1 . A device for handling or storing one or more items, comprising:
 first and second 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 plurality of open positions in which the outer ends are spaced apart to define a receiving space, including one fully open position, (ii) have a plurality of closed positions in which the outer ends are nearer to one another, and (iii) are self aligned such that the outer ends automatically meet one another when rotated about their hinge ends,   an engagement device incorporated into an outer end of the first jaw member, engaging the second jaw member, and   a resilient member coupled between the hinge ends causing a spring action in said jaw members toward a rest position other than said fully open position.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein a surface of said second jaw member comprises a plurality of teeth which are engaged by said engagement device. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein said plurality of closed positions includes a closed position in which said second jaw member extends from said inner surface of said first jaw member through said first jaw member and a plurality of teeth of said second jaw member extend beyond the outer surface of said first jaw member, on a side opposite to the remainder of said second jaw member. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the engagement device comprises a latch member having at least one tooth for engaging a surface of said second jaw member. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the latch member comprises a plurality of teeth for engaging teeth on said surface of said second jaw member. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the engagement device comprises first and second movable members, the first movable member positioned relative to said first jaw member and including a cam for engaging and moving said second movable member of said engagement device. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein an outer surface of one said jaw member includes a handle portion extending from said jaw member. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein said handle portion defines an aperture therethrough. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7  wherein said handle portion comprises a loop extending from said jaw member. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7  wherein said handle portion is incorporated within said first jaw member. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 7  wherein said handle portion is incorporated within said second jaw member. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said jaw members are integrally connected at their hinge ends. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said spring action is caused by a hinge strap integrally connected to said jaw members. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein said hinge strap is said resilient member. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said spring action is caused by a living hinge integrally connected between said jaw members. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein said living hinge is said resilient member. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said spring action is caused by a spring device. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1  wherein an outer surface of one said jaw member includes a hook member extending from said jaw member. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18  wherein said hook member is sized to engage an item inserted between said jaw members. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 18  wherein said hook member is V-shaped. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 18  wherein said hook portion is C-shaped. 
     
     
         22 . A device for handling or storing one or more items, comprising:
 a pair of generally rigid first and second jaw members each having a hinge end and an outer end, the jaw members being connected together at their hinge ends to allow relative rotation of the jaws about an axis of rotation, such that the jaw members (i) have a first, open position in which the outer ends are spaced apart, (ii) have a plurality of second, closed positions in which the outer ends are engaged, and (iii) are self aligned such that the outer ends automatically engage one another upon movement toward a closed position,   the first jaw member comprising teeth,   the second jaw member defining a passageway into which said teeth of said first jaw member pass when the jaws are in a closed position, the passageway not extending through said second jaw member,   the second jaw member further comprising an engagement device engaging to the teeth of the first jaw member, the engagement device further comprising a release member that is moveable to move the engagement device between an engaging and a disengaged position,   wherein said first jaw member comprises a narrower section and a broader section, the broader section comprising the hinge end of said jaw and the narrower section comprising the outer end of said first jaw member, said teeth defined in said narrower section, the width of the narrower section along said axis of rotation positioned relatively centrally to the width of the wider section, the width of said narrow section being substantially one-third the width of the wider section.   
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22  wherein said teeth are defined on an inner surface of said first jaw member. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 22  wherein the engagement device comprises a latch member having at least one tooth for engaging said first other jaw member. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24  wherein the latch member comprises a plurality of teeth.