초록 ▼

This invention provides hand operated portable devices for grasping and manipulation of objects as well as methods of their use. Embodiments of the devices of the invention comprise two opposing angled jaw members that are operated by a user-controlled trigger through a linkage lever as well as comp

This invention provides hand operated portable devices for grasping and manipulation of objects as well as methods of their use. Embodiments of the devices of the invention comprise two opposing angled jaw members that are operated by a user-controlled trigger through a linkage lever as well as comprise a locking mechanism allowing locking of the jaw members.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A pick up device for grasping an object, the device comprising: a) a head region comprising two opposing angled jaw members, each of which jaw members comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and each of which jaw members is operably attached at a pivot point to a jaw base

What is claimed is: 1. A pick up device for grasping an object, the device comprising: a) a head region comprising two opposing angled jaw members, each of which jaw members comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and each of which jaw members is operably attached at a pivot point to a jaw base assembly, thus allowing movement of each jaw member around its pivot point; wherein the proximal end of both jaw members operably interacts with a jaw actuator within the jaw base assembly, which said jaw actuator is operably connected to an actuator rod and a jaw actuator spring; b) a tube region comprising an elongated hollow tube enclosing a cable spring and a cable, which said cable spring and said cable are operably connected to the actuator rod; and, c) a handle region comprising a handle body having a base, a latch mechanism, and a trigger having a linkage lever having a free end, wherein the cable is operably coupled to the free end of the linkage lever; wherein squeezing the trigger causes the linkage lever to extend in the handle body towards the base of the handle body thus causing the cable and the cable spring to move proximally in the handle body and in the tube region, which movement causes the jaw actuator rod and jaw actuator to move proximally, which in turn, draws in the proximal end of each jaw member, thus causing each jaw member to move around its pivot point and causing the distal ends of the opposing jaw members to move towards one another. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the jaw members comprise a textured inner surface layer. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein each jaw member comprises a pad area at its proximal tip. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the jaw actuator spring exerts pressure against the proximal end of the jaw actuator which causes the distal ends of the jaw members to pivot away from each other as the jaw actuator is pushed distally. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the latch mechanism comprises a spring loaded latch operably attached to a latch cable that is operably coupled to a latching lever, which latch mechanism when engaged, reversibly locks the trigger, thereby reversibly locking the jaw members at a desired position. 6. The device of claim 5 wherein expansion of the cable spring allows the trigger to be squeezed further in even when the jaw members cannot move closer together, thus allowing the trigger to move far enough into the handle body so that if the latching lever is set, the spring loaded latch will engage and prevent the jaw members from opening. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the movement of the trigger causes a movement of the jaw members over a greater distance than that moved by the trigger. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle body comprises a palm rest area, which palm rest area comprises one or more of a thermoplastic rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer overlay on the handle body. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the head region can be rotated in relation to the tube region, and secured in one or more orientations. 10. A method of grasping or picking up an object, the method comprising: a) situating two opposing angled jaw members of a device around the object, each of which jaw members comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and each of which jaw members is operably attached at a pivot point to a jaw base assembly, which allows movement of each jaw member around its pivot point; wherein the proximal end of both jaw members operably interacts with a jaw actuator within the jaw base assembly, and which said jaw actuator is operably connected to an actuator rod; the device also comprising an elongated hollow tube region, enclosing a cable spring and a cable, which said cable spring and said cable are operably connected to the actuator rod; the device also comprising a handle region comprising a handle body having a base, a latch mechanism, and a trigger having a linkage lever having a free end, wherein the cable is operably coupled to the free end of the linkage lever; and, b) squeezing the trigger causing the linkage lever to extend in the handle body towards the base of the handle body thus causing the cable and cable spring to move proximally, and causing the jaw actuator rod and jaw actuator to move proximally, and in turn, drawing in the proximal end of each jaw member, thus causing each jaw member to move around its pivot point and causing the distal ends of the opposing jaw members to move towards one another and thus grasp or pick up the object.