Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Grapple – Pivoted jaws
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-02
2001-07-10
Cherry, Johnny D. (Department: 3652)
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Grapple
Pivoted jaws
C294S082320, C294S116000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257636
ABSTRACT:
FIELD AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to lifting and handling devices, and more particularly to a self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling objects.
Various types of devices for lifting and handling objects are currently available in the art as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,253,695; 4,279,699; 4,395,069; 4,637,645; 4,948,187; 5,120,100; 5,161,845; 5,171,053; 5,244,338; and European EP 893,389.
The conventional devices are, however, complex and require various strings, tension mechanisms, and/or electromechanical components to actuate. Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a simple mechanical grapple device which does not require any active electromechanical components, is easy to operate and simple to manufacture.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling objects which overcomes the drawbacks associated with the conventional devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling objects which is simple in design and requires a fewer number of parts.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling objects which is inherently more reliable since it does not require any active components, has fewer parts, and is actuated by its own weight.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling objects which converts axial motion to internal rotation of various components that control the logic for opening and closing the grapple jaws. The device of the present invention is therefore very effective and easy to operate in lifting and handling various objects.
In accordance with the present invention, a self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling an object includes a support housing with upper and lower portions and defining an internal recess. The lower portion of the housing includes a bottom opening which communicates with the recess. Preferably, two or three grapple jaws are provided, the first end portions of which are connected to the housing and the second end portions thereof remain free for engaging an object. The grapple jaws are pivotable between open and closed positions. An actuator member is slidably positioned in the recess for opening and closing the jaws, and includes a cam portion in operative engagement with the first end portions of the jaws in a manner to pivot the jaws when the actuator member moves axially relative to the housing. The actuator member includes a rotatable member with at least one contact member. A locking member or logic ring includes grooves defining open and closed positions of the jaws and is fixedly mounted to the internal surface of the housing and cooperates with the rotatable member. A plunger member is axially movable in the housing for contacting an object and includes at least one stud member for immovably engaging the contact member.
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Etheredge, Jr. Carl T.
Hovis Gregory L.
Caress Virginia B.
Cherry Johnny D.
Durkis James C.
Gottlieb Paul A.
The United States of America as represented by the United States
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