Folding tongs
US7665786B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B9/00
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A foldable tongs unit of the type having two pivotally joined legs has a storage position in which the legs lie in flush abutting relation so that the total thickness of the tongs unit in its storage position is the thickness of the two legs. Three transversely spaced fingers on each leg, when unstressed, reside in the plane of the leg and provide both the pivotal connection and the resilient bias against which the tongs are operated. The thickness of each of the joined non-flexing fingers is increased at the proximal end of the unit (i.e., at the hinge), permitting the pivot axis to be located substantially in the plane of abutment between the two legs in the storage position of the unit. In the actuation position, the ends of the foreshortened flexing fingers abut non-flexing fingers of the opposite leg to provide the desired resilient gripping function.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.