Abstract:
A baffle tool operative to manually install and remove commercial grill baffles and filters has a longitudinally extensive handle. First and second filter plates pivotally attach to the handle and are operative to couple through a set of prongs with a commercial grill filter. An actuating handle is moveable relative to the longitudinally extensive handle. First and second linking rods extend between the filter plates and actuating handle, and transmit motion of the actuating handle to the first and second filter plates. Movement of the actuating handle thereby causes the filter plates to move relative to the longitudinally extensive handle. A lock is also provided for selectively locking the actuating handle to the longitudinally extensive handle and preventing motion therebetween, which facilitates the securement of a baffle to the tool.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/233,477 filed Aug. 12, 2009 and naming the present inventor, the entire contents which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to handling, including hand and hoist-line implements, and more particularly to a grapple with pivoted jaws and crossed levers; an expanding and pivoted grapple; and to pole mounted implements. One exemplary embodiment of the invention is a grill filter baffle removal tool that facilitates hand removal of filter baffles from grill or other restaurant hoods. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     At most establishments that serve food, such as a restaurant, diner, bar, or the like, a grill will be found. The grill is a large heated cook surface, usually smooth, typically flat, and often fabricated from stainless or other ferrous alloy. Such grills most commonly have overhead vents to clear the air surrounding the cooking space. Many of these vents will simply draw the air from above the grill and pass it through a pipe or conduit to the outdoors, exterior of the building. In addition to grills, similar vents are found above various deep-frying and other cooking appliances. 
     As grease and other food matter is heated and boils or evaporates, this grease and other matter is entrained into the air stream that is drawn into the vent. As the hot grease is entrained in surrounding air, the grease cools. With enough cooler air drawn in and mixed therewith, the grease and food matter condenses from the air stream onto adjacent surfaces, which without other precautions would be onto the vent pipe or conduit. Unfortunately, such an accumulation of grease presents a fire and health safety hazard that is unacceptable. 
     To prevent this undesirable accumulation of grease, filters have been devised that keep the vent pipes and conduits from becoming coated in grease. These filters provide a surface upon which the grease will selectively condense, and more elaborate filters even include grease drains to remove and collect the grease in a safe collector. 
     Due to health and safety concerns and codes, grease filters need to be cleaned or replaced periodically. However, such filters are often out of reach and not easily replaced or cleaned. At the end of the work day, employees attempting to remove the filter have been known to stand on the grill surface to reach the filter, leaving the grill unsanitary and, in some situations, leaving melted rubber from the soles of the shoes on the grill. Ladders are not ideal to reach the filters either, due to the obstruction caused by the vent hood and grill. Consequently, filter removal tools are highly desired. However, removal tools of the prior art have typically been unstable and difficult to handle. The net result has been damage to expensive filters. 
     An exemplary prior art filter tool is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,889 by Fithen et al, entitled “Filter Tongs,” the contents and teachings which are incorporated herein by reference. This patent describes a single pair of tongs that spread apart to grapple the filter. The mechanism that controls the spread is a scissors-like handle that is manually grasped, with one hand on each moveable member of the scissors. While this invention by Fithen et al advances the state of filter removal, there remain several limitations, drawbacks or deficiencies that will desirably be overcome. One drawback is the risk of pinching in the hand region, and adjacent the scissors pivot. Further, the use of a single pair of tongs in some filter designs presents undesirable opportunity for the filter to spin or rotate relative to the tongs. Finally, this invention does not incorporate a locking mechanism, and so requires careful holding and handling to avoid unintentional release of a filter from the tongs. 
     Other filter tool patents, the contents and teachings which are incorporated by reference herein, include 4,019,769 by Filion, entitled “Screen Gripper”; 6,477,758 by Krebel, entitled “Grease Filter Remover”; 6,507,987 by Price, entitled “Grease Filter Remover for Restaurant Hoods”; and 7,465,332 by Randinelli, entitled “Disposable Grease Filter for Air Filtration System and Method of Manufacturing Same”. Unfortunately, these patents fail to remedy the deficiencies of Fithen et al described herein above. 
     Other patents disclosing grabbing devices with various locking members, the contents and teachings which are incorporated by reference herein, include U.S. Pat. No. 64,285 by Collins, entitled “Leak Stopper”; U.S. Pat. No. 127,212 by Aylworth, entitled “Improvement in Stalk Holders”; 3,120,847 by Cavaness, entitled “Surgical Needle Holder”; 5,014,578 by Flentge, entitled “Pipe Tongs”; 5,575,518 by Payne, entitled “Gripper Tool for Handling Lumber”; and Des 152,478 by Hutchinson et al., entitled “Fish Mouth Opener or Similar Article”. Additionally, a lever action grabber without locking member, the contents and teachings which are incorporated by reference herein, is shown in 5,354,110 by Licata, entitled “Fireplace Tongs”. 
     In addition to the aforementioned patents, Webster&#39;s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition copyright 1983, is incorporated herein by reference in entirety for the definitions of words and terms used herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first manifestation, the invention is a baffle tool that permits a baffle, such as may be used to filter an airstream passing through a hood, to be safely and reliably manually removed and installed by a person who may remain standing on the floor. The baffle tool has a longitudinally extensive handle and a pair of filter plates, each filter plate pivotal with respect to each other and to the handle. Filter-engaging prongs protrude from the filter plates distal to the handle. An actuator is moveable with respect to the handle, and a means is provided linking the actuator to the filter plates such that movement of the actuator effects pivotal movement of the filter plates relative to the handle. 
     In a second manifestation, the invention is, in combination, a filter suitable for use with a grill and a longitudinally extensive and transversely collapsible filter baffle tool operatively engaging therewith. The filter has a plurality of baffles separated by empty spaces therebetween; and a frame retaining the baffles at distal ends. The longitudinally extensive and transversely collapsible filter baffle tool has a longitudinally extensive handle and a pair of filter plates, each filter plate pivotal with respect to each other and to the handle. Filter-engaging prongs protrude from the filter plates distal to the handle. An actuator is moveable with respect to the handle, and a means is provided linking the actuator to the filter plates such that movement of the actuator effects pivotal movement of the filter plates relative to the handle. 
     In a third manifestation, the invention is a commercial grill filter installation and removal tool that comprises a longitudinally extensive handle, first and second filter plates pivotally attached to the handle and operative to couple with the commercial grill filter; an actuating handle moveable relative to the longitudinally extensive handle; a means for selectively locking the actuating handle to the longitudinally extensive handle and preventing motion therebetween; and first and second linking rods. The first linking rod extends between the first filter plate and the actuating handle and the second linking rod extends between the second filter plate and the actuating handle. The first and second linking rods transmit motion of the actuating handle relative to the longitudinally extensive handle to the first and second filter plates and cause the first and second filter plates to move relative to the longitudinally extensive handle. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention solve inadequacies of the prior art by providing a commercial grill, restaurant hood or similar baffle filter installation and removal tool that permits the grill filter to be safely and reliably removed and installed while still remaining standing on the floor. A lock is provided to ensure that the tool holds the filter, until intentionally released, to further reduce the chances of an accidental drop. 
     A first object of the invention is to facilitate manual installation and removal of a vent baffle. A second object of the invention is to provide a manual installation and removal tool that is both intuitive and safe to manually operate. Another object of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism to ensure that the tool remains securely coupled to a vent baffle or filter, even without a person grasping the tool. A further object of the invention is the provision of a generally symmetrical tool that is functional with a wide variety of baffles or filters, thereby reducing the number of unique parts required and associated manufacturing expense. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a light-weight and yet durable tool that may readily be used by many diverse people, while still retaining sufficient size and reach to permit use in a variety of diverse installations or work areas. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention can be understood and appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment baffle tool designed in accord with the teachings of the invention from side plan view. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the filter end of the preferred embodiment baffle tool of  FIG. 1  from a slightly projected and enlarged, or close-up, generally top view, at a perspective somewhat closer than that of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the preferred embodiment baffle tool of  FIG. 1  from side plan view in further combination with a filter, with the preferred embodiment baffle tool opened to a release position just prior to or subsequent to grasping the filter. 
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate the preferred embodiment locking mechanism of the preferred embodiment tool in an open position from top and side views, respectively. 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate the preferred embodiment locking mechanism of the preferred embodiment tool in a locked position from top and side views, respectively. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the preferred embodiment filter end in a locked position from a bottom slightly projected view. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the preferred embodiment baffle tool of  FIG. 1  in combination with a filter from a top and slightly projected view. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Manifested in the preferred embodiment baffle tool  1 , the present invention provides a commercial grill or vent hood baffle filter installation and removal tool that permits a baffle or filter to be safely and reliably removed and installed by a person who may remain standing on the floor in front of the grill. 
     In a most preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 , baffle tool  1  is comprised of a handle  10 , locking mechanism  60 , filter plates  20 ,  30 , and prongs  40 ,  50 . Handle  10  is cylindrical in the preferred embodiment, though any suitable geometry and cross-section may be used. 
     As visible in  FIG. 2 , handle  10  is rigidly affixed at an angle to base plates  12 . In this preferred embodiment, base plates  12  are provided with a triangular portion  13  extending longitudinally with and adjacent to handle  10 , allowing bolt-on attachment of handle  10 . The provision of triangular portion  13  facilitates ready removal and replacement of handle  10 , but any suitable means of connection is contemplated herein. 
     An additional tab  11  extends down on the side distal to handle  10  for connection to filter plates  20 ,  30 . Base plates  12  most preferably extend generally symmetrically to each other from and about handle  10 . In the preferred embodiment, base plates  12  are most preferably pivotally attached at tab  11  to filter plates  20 ,  30 , using a locking pin, rivet, screw, shoulder bolt or other similar pivotal fastener  18  known to one in the art of rotational attachment or couplers. 
     Filter plates  20 ,  30  have tabs  22 ,  32  cut out of each base which fold toward handle  10 , leaving behind holes  21 ,  31 . Most preferably, tabs  22 ,  32  function as anchor points for linking rods  14 , which extend between filter plates  20 ,  30  and locking mechanism  60 . Linking rods  14  most preferably are anchored to filter plates  20 ,  30  by passing through a hole  24 ,  34  in tabs  22 ,  32 , wherein they may be retained using combinations of pins and washers, clips or other suitable couplings  34  such as have already been described elsewhere in this application or known to those in the art of fasteners or couplers. Prongs  40 ,  50  are attached to the underside of filter plates  20 ,  30  using screws or other suitable fasteners  28 ,  38 . While plates  20 ,  30  and prongs  40 ,  50  are preferably attached using removable fasteners, so that they may be removed or replaced at will, this is a matter of design choice, and so they may alternatively be permanently affixed if so desired. 
     Preferred embodiment plates  20 ,  30  are fabricated from sheet metal stock. In order to reduce the required thickness of the plates and resultant weight of baffle tool  1 , reinforcing ridges  25 ,  35  are preferably formed in plates  20 ,  30 , respectively, such as by stamping to deform the plates in the region identified by the ridges. As will be appreciated, other techniques or materials may be used to achieve suitable strength and rigidity. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , when locking mechanism  60  is opened by pivoting locking handle  61  away from handle  10 , filter plates  20 ,  30  have an approximately 120 degree angle between them. As the locking mechanism  60  is moved into the closed, locked position as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , filter plates  20 ,  30  extend into a co-planar or 180 degree position. This process allows the prongs  40 ,  50  to engage with filter  200  in such a manner that filter  200  may be readily grasped and removed. In use, locking mechanism  60  is first opened as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and tool  1  is engaged with filter  200 . As tool  1  is pressed against the filter surface, filter plates  20 ,  30  will move to the position of  FIG. 1 , and locking mechanism  60  may then be locked to the position of  FIG. 1  by pivoting locking handle  61  towards handle  10 . Due to locking mechanism  60 , preferred embodiment baffle tool  1  will remain engaged with filter  200  until the user desires to release locking mechanism  60 . This reduces the risk of accidental damage to filter  200 , and also permits easier manipulation, since the user may focus on holding and manipulating filter  200  without worrying about also ensuring positive engagement between tool  1  and filter  200 . 
       FIGS. 4   a - 5   b  illustrate the operation and features of locking mechanism  60  in more detail. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, locking mechanism  60  is located within easy reach of the proximal end of handle  10 . For the purposes of this disclosure, the proximal end of handle  10  is to be understood as the end farthest from filter plates  20 ,  30 , most proximal to a user&#39;s likely holding position. Preferred embodiment locking mechanism  60  is comprised of locking handle  61 , linking rods  14 , pivoting latch  64  fixedly attached to locking handle  61 , and locking catch  62 . As can be seen particularly from  FIG. 4   b , linking rods  14  attach to pivoting latch  64  in such a manner that as pivoting latch  64  pivots between open and closed position, the motion is carried through to filter plates  20 ,  30 . The motion of closing pivoting latch  64  and locking handle  61 , which is illustrated in the change from the unlatched or open position shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  to the latched or closed position shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , most preferably causes filter plates  20 ,  30  to pivot until they are co-planar such as shown in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, when in a closed position shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , pivoting latch  64  adjacent to locking handle  61  most preferably engages with catch  62 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, pivoting latch  64  has a slot  66  through which catch  62  passes, before engaging with pivoting latch  64 . Catch  62  is preferably designed in such a manner, such as through appropriate spring loading, to allow pivoting latch  64  to slide into place against handle  10 , at which point catch  62  physically holds pivoting latch  64  in place until manually released. This type of catch is known in the coupling and fastening arts, and it will be appreciated that other known catches that provide similar or suitable operation will be understood to be incorporated herein as suitable alternatives. 
       FIG. 6 , which illustrates baffle tool  1  form a bottom and slightly projected view, provides a better view of prongs  40 ,  50 . In the preferred embodiment, prongs  40 ,  50  are solid C-shaped plates which extend from plates  20 ,  30 . As a result of having multiple tips, filter  200  may be held more stable, with reduced force on any specific part of the filter. As can be seen, prongs  40 ,  50  are removable and replaceable by provision of holes through which fasteners  28 ,  38  may pass. In such a manner, if prongs  40 ,  50  are damaged in use or storage, they can be readily replaced. Additionally, different styles of prongs  40 ,  50  may be needed in some instances to connect with the various commercially available filters, so having removable and replaceable prongs  40 ,  50  allows for more versatility. It is noteworthy here that the preferred embodiment prongs  40 ,  50  hold a filter  200  at four points, which provides a very stable and secure connection to the filter. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates preferred embodiment baffle tool  1  in combination with a filter  200 . As can be seen in these figures, prongs  40 ,  50  lock in place under frame  210  of filter  200 , allowing for the removal and maneuvering of filter  200  from a vent. 
     From these figures and description, several additional features and options become more apparent. First of all, baffle tool  1  may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including metals, resins and plastics, ceramics or cementitious materials, or even composites, laminates or other combinations of the above or other suitable materials. The specific material used may vary, though special benefits are attainable if several important factors are taken into consideration. Firstly, baffle tool  1  will preferably be sufficiently light to enable even a relatively frail individual to maneuver the baffle tool  1  into place with filter  200  as well as the combination of the baffle tool  1  and filter  200  safely to a surface. For lighter materials, this is of less consequence, but the difficulty holding and adjusting baffle tool  1  increases greatly with denser, heavier materials. Most preferably, baffle tool  1  will also be corrosion resistant, temperature resistant, and sufficiently durable to withstand the forces found in the intended application, including any forces or temperatures that may be applied that could tend to bend or disfigure prongs  40 ,  50 . Additionally, resistance to abrasion or fracture that could otherwise occur from dropping or contact with other objects during handling and storage may be beneficial, and heat resistance to endure accidental or momentary contact with a hot surface may also be beneficial. 
     Handle  10  may optionally be extendable, which permits the center of gravity to be lowered when trying to reach shorter distances, while handle  10  could still be extended to reach greater distances where necessary. 
     The actual engagement between prongs  40 ,  50  and a filter  200  is, as already noted, dependent somewhat upon the materials and application. The most preferred materials for prongs  40 ,  50  are metals, which may or may not include various alloys, characteristic-altering fibers or particles, and other ingredients known to enhance the properties of the composition and resulting product. Where metals are used and a tighter fit is desired between prongs  40 ,  50  and a filter  200 , additional features may be provided to either prongs  40 ,  50  or filter  200  to ensure tight engagement. These additional features may include interlocking tapers, textured or special composition grips, or other such features as may be known in the art of coupling and which may be desired herein. For nearly all applications, however, there will not be a need for tighter coupling than would be achievable from ordinary production tolerances and material compliance. 
     While filter plates  20 ,  30  are designed to pivot relative to handle  10  and thereby increase or decrease extension in a direction transverse to handle  10 , it will further be appreciated that other mechanism are contemplated herein for effecting this transverse change. For exemplary purposes only, and not limiting thereto, filter plates  20 ,  30  might be actuated to move towards each other or away therefrom, rather than or in addition to pivoting, either which would still preferably vary the transverse extension of these filter plates. The preferred embodiment is designed to pivot, both for ease of fabrication and also because of the natural ease of insertion into filter  200  that is achieved therefrom. 
     In the preferred embodiment, wherever reasonably possible, like parts are dimensioned to be identical. So, for exemplary purposes, both linking rods  14  are preferably of identical dimension. Similarly, filter plates  20  and  30  may be manufactured identically. The symmetry found in the present invention permits the stocking of fewer parts and higher volumes of production per individual part, both which are beneficial to the overall cost of fabrication of the present invention. 
     While the foregoing details what is felt to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, no material limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are intended. Further, features and design alternatives that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be incorporated herein. The scope of the invention is set forth and particularly described in the claims herein below.