Patent · US Expired

Hands-free gripping device for containers

US5961086A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
5References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 27, 1998
Grant dateOct 5, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 27, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB01L9/00
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A hands-free gripping device which holds generally cylindrical containers, particularly labware, securely and prevents the container from turning while either opening or closing it. The gripping device features internal deformable ribbing, which secures the container by canting slightly when the container is turned thereby wedging the container in place. This action resists rotation in either direction, making a single device practical for both opening and closing. The device can be mounted on any flat surface and acts as a "third hand" to allow the user to use both hands or to use a single hand to grasp securely the closure being removed or secured from the container. The gripping device facilitates assembly or disassembly of labware devices needing application of torque.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.