Gripping device for handling a lid

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a gripping device for more hygienic handling of a lid for a container. In general, the gripping device fits over the lid and releasably grips the outer surface of the lid. At least a portion of at least one interior circumference of the gripping device has a gripper for imparting suitable friction to releasably grip the lid. When the gripping device is placed over the lid, the gripper grips the lid and does not release the lid until after the lid is placed on the container. The gripping device facilitates sealing of the lid around the entire circumference of the container, thereby preventing accidental spills caused by unclosed or partially closed lids. By using the gripping device, the lid may be handled without the operator's hand touching any part of the lid itself.

1 . A gripping device comprising:
 an outer surface; and   an inner cavity comprising a first engagement surface configured to contact a portion of an outer surface of an object and to substantially avoid contact with another portion of the outer surface of the object,   the first engagement surface having a shape substantially congruous with the outer surface of the object.   
     
     
         2 . The gripping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner cavity further comprises a first gripping segment. 
     
     
         3 . The gripping device according to  claim 2 , wherein the first gripping segment covers at least a portion of the first engagement surface. 
     
     
         4 . The gripping device according to  claim 2 , wherein the first gripping segment comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a textured surface, a layer of adhesive, a rubber, a rubberized layer, a series of spring-loaded ball bearings, a tube insert in a cavity, a rubber tube, suction cups, vacuum, magnets and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The gripping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the object comprises an opening and the gripping device is configured to prevent the opening from touching the gripping device when the object is engaged with and gripped by the gripping device. 
     
     
         6 . The gripping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner cavity further comprises a second engagement surface configured to engage and grip an outer surface of a second object. 
     
     
         7 . The gripping device according to  claim 6 , wherein the inner cavity further comprises a third engagement surface configured to engage and grip an outer surface of a third object. 
     
     
         8 . The gripping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first engagement surface and the inner cavity are configured to engage and grip at least two objects of differing types. 
     
     
         9 . The gripping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface comprises an indicator line configured to align the gripping device with the object. 
     
     
         10 . A method of using a gripping device to grip an object,
 the object comprising an outer surface,   the gripping device comprising:   an outer surface, and   an inner cavity comprising a first engagement surface configured to contact a portion of the outer surface of the object;   
       the method comprising:
 placing the gripping device over the object such that at least part of the object is engaged within the inner cavity, 
 aligning the gripping device on the object such that the first engagement surface engages and grips the outer surface of the object, 
 using the gripping device to lift the object and place the object, and 
 removing the gripping device from the object. 
 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the first engagement surface is configured to engage and grip an outer surface of the object. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein the first engagement surface further comprises a first gripping segment covering at least a portion of the first engagement surface. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the first gripping segment comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a textured surface, a layer of adhesive, a rubber, a rubberized layer, a series of spring-loaded ball bearings, a tube insert in a cavity, a rubber tube, suction cups, vacuum, magnets and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the inner cavity further comprises a second engagement surface configured to engage and grip an outer surface of a second object. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the inner cavity further comprises a third engagement surface configured to engage and grip an outer surface of a third object. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the first engagement surface and the inner cavity are configured to engage and grip at least two objects of differing types. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the gripping device is configured to substantially avoid contact with another portion of the outer surface of the object. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the object comprises an opening and the gripping device is configured to not touch the opening when the object is engaged with and gripped by the gripping device. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the outer surface comprises an indicator line configured to align the gripping device with the object. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the object is a lid for a container, the method further comprising pressing the gripping device toward the container to seal the circumference of the lid to the container.