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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         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, 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 inner surfaces of the jaws are generally not facing one another, (ii) have a plurality of second, closed positions in which the outer ends are nearer to one another and inner surfaces of the jaws are in confronting relationship, and (iii) are self aligned such that the outer ends automatically engage one another upon applying pressure upon the outer surfaces, and   an engagement device incorporated into an outer end of one jaw member, having an engaging position in which the engagement device is engaged to an outer surface of the other jaw member, and a disengaged position, the engagement device including a release member that is moveable toward the hinge ends of the jaw members to move the engagement device between the engaging and a disengaged position.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the outer jaw surface engaged by said engagement device comprises a plurality of teeth. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the engagement device comprises a latch member having at least one tooth for engaging said outer surface of the other jaw member. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the latch member comprises a plurality of teeth for engaging teeth on said outer surface. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the release member of said engagement device includes an internal and an external movable member, the movable member movable relative to a jaw member 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 away from said jaw member. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein said handle portion comprises a loop extending away from said jaw member and defining an aperture therethrough. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6  wherein said handle portion is incorporated within the jaw member including said engagement device. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6  wherein said handle portion is incorporated within the jaw member not including said engagement device. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein an outer surface of one said jaw member includes a hook member extending away from said jaw member. 
     
     
         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 member is V-shaped. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 10  wherein said hook member is C-shaped. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the jaw members are integrally connected by a hinge strap.