Patent ID: 8562045
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: A47G,A47J,B25B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tong or clamp apparatus for picking up an object, comprising: a) a first member having a front end in the form of a first elongate arm and a rear end; b) a second member having a front end in the form of a second elongate arm and a rear end, the first member and the second member are pivotably connected together at a first pivot axis; c) a utility portion; and d) a rear portion including a locking mechanism for controlling configuration of the apparatus; wherein the locking mechanism includes: i) a lever pivotably connected to the apparatus and adapted to take a swinging course between a first position and a second position, in that in the first position the first arm and the second arm may be locked together and in the second position the first arm and the second arm are allowed to be freely movable relative to each other; ii) a guide defining a region at which the lever is movable within a range of distance; and wherein the apparatus is configured to assume: 1) a first configuration in which the lever is engaged in the first position due to orientation of the apparatus and the effect of gravity on the lever such that the first arm and the second arm are locked against each other from movement; or 2) a second configuration in which the lever having been disengaged from the first position, or engaging or engaged in the second position, due to orientation of the apparatus and the effect of gravity on the lever such that the first arm and the second arm are movable relative to each other.