Abstract:
An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to alter the configuration of a hand operated device allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device. The device has a hingedly connected first and second elongated member each with a finger engaging member, a working head, and an indicator for identifying if the clamp is setup for left or right handed operation. At least two inter-engaging latching members are removably attachable to the first and the second elongated members. The latching members are symmetrical, interchangeable, and reversible, allowing a user to change the configuration of the ambidextrous device. The latching members can be retained to the elongated members by a rotatably lever, a removable retaining cap, or a removable retaining pin. Additionally, the latching members can be incorporated into removable finger engaging members, thereby allowing the entire finger engaging member and latching member to be removed, interchanged or reversed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/909,623, filed Aug. 2, 2004. All prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an ambidextrous locking clamp system for use in connection with clamping instruments, such as surgical clamps, forceps, or hemostats. The ambidextrous locking clamp system has particular utility in connection with manipulating objects with a tool having removable and interchangeable locking assemblies. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Ambidextrous locking clamps, forceps or hemostats are desirable for allowing a right or left-handed user to use a single hand operated clamp, forceps or hemostat device. These hand operated devices have been manufactured in the past for either a right hand or left hand user. This manufacturing process has some disadvantages in that the manufacturer would have to make a decision to how many right handed and left handed devices to fabricate. In most cases the decision is made to manufacture more right-handed devices than left handed devices. Therefore, it is well known that it is very difficult for a left-handed user to operate a right-handed device. 
     Hand operated locking clamps, forceps, and hemostats are well known. These devices include a pair of elongated members joined by a hinge. The hinge is usually a hinge pin extending through both elongated members. One end of the elongated members features a working head, usually a griping jaw or cutting edges. The other end of the elongated members feature a finger engaging loop, with a set of ratchet teeth extending out therefrom towards the ratchet teeth of the finger loop of the second elongated member. The ratchet teeth are orientated so that they engage each other when the finger loop ends are brought together. These devices are mainly used in the medical industry for a wide variety of uses, but they are also used in the fly fishing, model building, and electrical industries. 
     During operation of a standard right handed hand operated device, the user inserts his or her thumb into one loop, the middle finger in the opposite loop, and the index finger would rest on the top of the middle finger loop for support and control of the device. To engage the working head the user squeezes the thumb and middle finger together guided by the index finger. The device is locked in the close position by further squeezing the loops together until the ratchet teeth members engage each other. To release, the thumb pushes away from the palm of the hand and the middle finger pulls toward the palm of the hand. This motion makes the ratchet teeth members flex away from each other and disengage. 
     The difficulty lies when a left-handed user tries to operate a right-handed device. It is difficult for a left-handed user to pull with the thumb and push with the middle finger. This is not a natural hand motion. 
     The use of locking clamps is known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,478 to Jose Carlos Mario Bornancini; U.S. Pat. No. 3,978,584 to John Mayer; U.S. Pat. No. 3,913,586 to Baumgarten; U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,440 to Rashman; United States Patent Application Publication 2004/0106947 to Propp et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,608 Cuny et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,702 to Bales et al. 
     While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe an ambidextrous hand operated device that allows the use of the device by a right or left handed user through the interchanging of components. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved ambidextrous locking clamp system that can be used for manipulating objects with a tool having removable and interchangeable components. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the ambidextrous locking clamp system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of manipulating objects with a tool having removable and interchangeable locking assemblies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of hand operated locking devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved ambidextrous locking clamp system, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved ambidextrous locking clamp system and method which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a ambidextrous locking clamp system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises an ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to alter the configuration of a hand operated device allowing a right hand or left hand user to operate the device, wherein the ambidextrous locking clamp system has a first elongated member including a working head and a finger engaging member including an indicator for identifying a first side, a second elongated member including a working head and a finger engaging member including an indicator for identifying a second side, wherein the second elongated member is hingedly connected to the first elongated member, and at least two latching members having notches for viewing the indicators, wherein the latching members are removably attachable to the first and second elongated members. 
     Additionally, the present invention may comprise an ambidextrous locking clamp system having a first elongated member including a finger engaging member receiving assembly and a working head opposite of the finger engaging member receiving assembly, a second elongated member including a finger engaging member receiving assembly and a working head opposite of the finger engaging member receiving assembly, at least two finger engaging members removably attachable to the finger engaging member receiving assemblies of the first and second elongated members, and at least two retaining caps for retaining the finger engaging members to the finger engaging member receiving assemblies. The second elongated member is hingedly connected to the first elongated member. Furthermore, the finger engaging member receiving assemblies have an indicator and the finger engaging members have a notch that is positionable over the indicator. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. 
     The invention may also include a variety of means to retain the latching members to the first and second elongated members, such as, but not limited to, rotating levers, removable retaining caps, and removable retaining pins. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached. 
     Numerous embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     It is therefore an embodiment of the present invention to provide a new and improved ambidextrous locking clamp system that has all of the advantages of the prior art locking clamps and none of the disadvantages. 
     It is another embodiment of the present invention to provide a new and improved ambidextrous locking clamp system that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     An even further embodiment of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ambidextrous locking clamp system that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such ambidextrous locking clamp system economically available to the buying public. 
     Still another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a new ambidextrous locking clamp system that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
     Lastly another embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ambidextrous locking clamp system for manipulating objects with a tool having removable and interchangeable locking assemblies. This allows the use of the hand operated device by either a right or left handed user. 
     These together with other embodiments of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific embodiments attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of the ambidextrous locking clamp system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded side plane view of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view the locking assembly of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of a second alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded side plane view of the second alternate embodiment of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of a third alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded front elevational view of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of the fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of the fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a front elevational view of a fifth alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fifth alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of the fifth alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the fifth alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded side elevational view of the locking assembly of the alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  26 - 26  in  FIG. 24  of the alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the second embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 28  is an exploded side elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  29 - 29  in  FIG. 27  of the alternate embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the third embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded side elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  32 - 32  in  FIG. 30  of the alternate embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the fourth embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 34  is an exploded front elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  35 - 35  in  FIG. 33  of the alternate embodiment of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the fifth embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 37  is an exploded front elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 38  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  38 - 38  in  FIG. 36  of the alternate embodiment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to  FIGS. 1-38 , a first embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , a new and improved ambidextrous locking clamp system  10  of the present invention for allowing the use of a hand operated device by a right or left handed user is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the ambidextrous locking clamp system  10  has a first elongated member  12  and a second elongated member  14  each having a working head  13 , wherein the working heads can be, but not limited to, a gripping jaw or a cutting edge. The second elongated member  14  is connected to the first elongated member  12  via a hinge  15 . The first and second elongated members  12  and  14  each have a finger engaging member  17  and  18  located opposite of the working heads  13 . A first lever  30  and second lever  50  are pivotally attachable to the finger engaging members  17  and  18 , and are orientated so that the levers are facing each other. Additionally, a first latching member  20  is removably attachable to the finger engaging member  17  and a second latching member  40  is removably attachable to the finger engaging member  18 . The first and second elongated members  12  and  14  can be made from any suitable material having reflex memory. 
     The levers  30  and  50  have an extended portion for easy operation by the fingers of a user, and are contoured to conform to the shape of the finger engaging members  17  and  18 . A pivot pin  32  and  52  extend from the finger engaging members  17  and  18 , and through levers  30  and  50 , allowing the levers to rotate. The levers  30  and  50  have an extension  31  and  51  for retaining the first and second latching members  20  and  40  on the finger engaging members  17  and  18  when the levers are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members  12  and  14 . When the levers  30  and  50  are rotated to a position perpendicular to the first and second elongated members  12  and  14 , the extensions  31  and  51  are able to be moved out of engagement with the first and second latching members  20  and  40 , thereby allowing the first and second locking members to slide past the extensions  31  and be removed from finger engaging members  17  and  18 . This is best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     The first and second latching members  20  and  40  each have an elongated base  22  and  42  and a latch arm  24  and  44  extending out from each elongated base. The latch arms  24  and  44  feature a plurality of teeth  26  and  46 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  26  and  46  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  12  and  14  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  17  and  18 . 
     The elongated base  22  and  42  of the first and second latching members  20  and  40  each have a channel  28  and  48  running the length of the elongated base. The channels  28  and  48  are adapted to slide on and be retained by a protrusion  21  and  41  extending out from the finger engaging members  17  and  18  and adjacent to the levers  30  and  50 . The configuration of the channels  28  and  48  and the protrusions  21  and  41  allow the first and second latching members  20  and  40  to slide over the protrusion, but at the same time not allowing the latching members to be pulled off the protrusions in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion.  FIGS. 4 and 5  best illustrate one possible example of the channel and protrusion configuration. 
     The first and second latching members  20  and  40  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  10 . Furthermore, other configurations of the first and second latching members  20  and  40  maybe used in place of the above described latching members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a second alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  60 . More particularly, the ambidextrous locking clamp system  60  has a first elongated member  62  and a second elongated member  64  each having a working head  63 , wherein the working heads can be, but not limited to, a gripping jaw or a cutting edge. The second elongated member  64  is connected to the first elongate member  62  via a hinge. The first and second elongated members  62  and  64  have a finger engaging member  65  and  66  located opposite of the working heads  63 . A first lever  80  and second lever  100  are pivotally attachable to the finger engaging members  65  and  66 , and are orientated so that the levers are facing each other. Additionally, a first latching member  70  is removably attachable to the finger engaging member  65  and a second latching member  90  is removably attachable to the finger engaging member  66 . 
     The levers  80  and  100  have an extended portion for easy operation by the fingers of a user, and are contoured to conform to the shape of the finger engaging members  65  and  66 . A pivot pin  67  and  68  extend from the finger engaging members  65  and  66 , and through levers  80  and  100 , allowing the levers to rotate. The levers  80  and  100  have an extension  82  and  102  for retaining the first and second latching members  70  and  90  on the finger engaging members  65  and  66  when the levers are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members  62  and  64 . A notch  84  and  104  is defined in the levers  80  and  100  for allowing the first and second latching members  70  and  90  to pass therethrough. When the levers  80  and  100  are rotated so they are perpendicular to the first and second elongated members  62  and  64 , the extensions  82  and  102  are moved out of engagement with the first and second latching members  70  and  90 , and the notches  84  and  104  are exposed to the first and second latching members, thereby allowing the first and second locking members to slide through the notches and removed from finger engaging members  65  and  66 . This is best illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     The first and second latching members  70  and  90  each have an elongated base  72  and  92  and a latch arm  74  and  94  extending out from each elongated base. The latch arms  74  and  94  feature a plurality of teeth  76  and  96 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  76  and  96  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  62  and  64  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  65  and  66 . 
     The elongated base  72  and  92  of the first and second latching members  70  and  90  each have a channel  78  and  98  running the length of the elongated base. The channels  78  and  98  are adapted to slide and be retained by a protrusion  71  and  91  extending out from the finger engaging members  65  and  66  and adjacent to the levers  80  and  100 . The configuration of the channels  78  and  98  and the protrusions  71  and  91  allow the first and second latching members  70  and  90  to slide over the protrusion, but at the same time not allowing the latching members to be pulled off the protrusions in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion.  FIGS. 9 and 10  best illustrate one possible example of the channel and protrusion configuration. 
     The first and second latching members  70  and  90  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  60 . Furthermore, other configurations of the first and second latching members  70  and  90  may be used in place of the above described latching members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a third alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  110 . More particularly, the ambidextrous locking clamp system  110  has a first elongated member  112  and a second elongated member  113  each having a working head  115 , wherein the working heads can be, but not limited to, a gripping jaw or a cutting edge. The second elongated member  113  is connected to the first elongate member  112  via a hinge. The first and second elongated members  112  and  113  have a finger engaging member  114  and  116  located opposite of the working heads  115 . A first retaining cap  140  and second retaining cap  160  are threadably attachable to the finger engaging members  114  and  116 , and are orientated so that the centerline of the caps are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members  112  and  113 . The retaining caps  160  can also be orientated in any alternate position to the first and second elongated members  112  and  113 . Additionally, a first latching member  120  is removably attachable to the finger engaging member  114  and a second latching member  150  is removably attachable to the finger engaging member  116 . 
     The retaining caps  140  and  160  have an internal threaded bore  141  and  161 . The caps  140  and  160  are adapted to secure the first and second latching members  120  and  150  to the finger engaging members  114  and  116 . The caps  140  and  160  are removably attachable to the finger engaging members  114  and  116  by screwing the caps onto a threaded stud  142  and  162  which extends out from a protrusion  117  and  118  of the finger engaging members, and adjacent the first and second latching members  120  and  150 . This is best illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 14 . The caps  140  and  160  may have a smooth or textured surface, or a fastener driving configuration, such as a screw driver or alien wrench head. 
     The protrusions  117  and  118  extend out from the finger engaging members  114  and  116 , and are adapted to slidably receive the first and second latching members  120  and  150 . The threaded studs  142  and  162  extend out from the distal ends of protrusions  117  and  118 . 
     The first and second latching members  120  and  150  each have an elongated base  122  and  152  and a latch arm  124  and  154  extending out from each elongated base. The latch arms  124  and  154  feature a plurality of teeth  126  and  156 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  126  and  156  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  112  and  113  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  114  and  116 . 
     The elongated base  122  and  152  of the first and second latching members  120  and  150  each have a channel  128  and  158  running the length of the elongated base. The channels  128  and  158  are adapted to slide on and be retained by the protrusions  117  and  118  extending out from the finger engaging members  114  and  116  and adjacent to the threaded studs  142  and  162 . The configuration of the channels  128  and  158  and the protrusions  117  and  118  allow the first and second latching members  120  and  150  to slide over the protrusions, but at the same time not allowing the latching members to be pulled off the protrusions in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion.  FIG. 13  best illustrate one possible channel and protrusion configuration. 
     The first and second latching members  120  and  150  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  110 . Furthermore, other configurations of the first and second latching members  120  and  150  may be used in place of the above described latching members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a fourth alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  200 . More particularly, the ambidextrous locking clamp system  200  has a first elongated member  202  and a second elongated member  204  each having a working head  205 , wherein the working heads can be, but not limited to, a gripping jaw or a cutting edge. The second elongated member  204  is connected to the first elongate member  202  via a hinge. The first and second elongated members  202  and  204  each have a finger engaging member  206  and  208  located opposite of the working heads  205 . Additionally, a first latching member  220  is removably attachable to the finger engaging member  206  and a second latching member  240  is removably attachable to the finger engaging member  208 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the first and second latching members  220  and  240  are illustrated in their assembled configuration. The first and second latching members  220  and  240  each have a base  222  and  242  and a latch arm  224  and  244  extending out from each base. The bases  222  and  242  each have an aperture  225  and  245  defined therethrough. A pair of threaded retaining pins  230  and  250  are insertable through a pair of threaded apertures  232  and  252  of the finger engaging members  206  and  208 , and through the apertures  225  and  245  of the bases  222  and  242  of the latching members  220  and  240 . 
     A more detailed illustration of the first latch member  220  and finger engaging member  206  assembly is shown in  FIG. 17 , whereby the second latch member  240  and finger engaging member  208  assembly is a mirror image thereof and therefore not shown. The threaded retaining pins  230  and  237  have a threaded end  231  featuring a driving head or detent, and a non-threaded section  234 . The non-threaded section  234  is adapted to be received through a threaded aperture  232  and  252  of the finger engaging members  206  and  208 , and through the apertures  225  and  245  of the latching members  220  and  240 . The threaded end  231  engages the threaded apertures  232  and  252  to secure the retaining pins  230  and  250  in the finger engaging members  206  and  208 , thereby securing the latching members  220  and  240  in a notch  236  located in each of the finger engaging members. The latching members  220  and  240  are slidably insertable into notches  236  so that the bases  222  and  242  rest in the notches. The bases  222  and  242  of the latching members  220  and  240  have a pair of channels  228  running the length of the base parallel with the longitudinal axis of the latch arms  224  and  244 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the channels  228  are adapted to receive a set of protrusions  238  which extend into the notch  236 . The channel  228  and protrusion  238  connection is configured to retain the latching members  220  and  240  in the notch  236  and flush with the outer surface of the finger engaging members  206  and  208 . Additionally, the channel  228  and protrusion  238  connection prevents the latching members  220  and  240  from rotating out of alignment with the notch  236 .  FIG. 18  best illustrate one possible channel and protrusion configuration. 
     The latch arms  224  and  244  feature a plurality of teeth  226  and  246 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  226  and  246  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  202  and  204  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  206  and  208 . The first and second latching members  220  and  240  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  200 . Furthermore, other configurations of the first and second latching members  220  and  240  may be used in place of the above described latching members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , a fifth alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  300 . More particularly, the ambidextrous locking clamp system  300  has a first elongated member  302  and a second elongated member  342  each having a working head  303 , wherein the working heads can be, but not limited to, a gripping jaw or a cutting edge. The second elongated member  342  is connected to the first elongate member  302  via a hinge. The first and second elongated members  302  and  342  each have a removable finger engaging member  320  and  360  located opposite of the working heads  303 . Each removable finger engaging member  320  and  360  has a latching arm  326  and  346  extending out and towards each other. A first retaining cap  330  and second retaining cap  370  are threadably attachable to the first and second elongated members  302  and  342 , and are orientated so that the centerline of the caps are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members. The retaining caps  330  and  370  can also be orientated in any alternate position to the first and second elongated members  302  and  342 . The first and second retaining caps  330  and  370  are adapted to secure the finger engaging members  320  and  360  to the first and second elongated members  302  and  342 . 
     The first and second elongated members  302  and  342  each have a finger engaging member receiving assembly  304  and  344 . The finger engaging member receiving assemblies  304  and  344  each have a protrusion  306  and  346 , and a retaining rod  308  and  348 . The retaining rods  308  and  348  include a stem  310  and  350  extending out therefrom, each with a threaded end  312  and  352 . The first and second retaining caps  330  and  370  have internally threaded bores  332  and  372  able to be threaded on to the treaded ends  312  and  352  of the stems  310  and  350 . 
     The finger engaging members  320  and  360  each have a bore  322  and  362  adapted to receive the protrusions  306  and  346  of the finger engaging member receiving assemblies  304  and  344 . The finger engaging members  320  and  360  also have an aperture  324  and  364  running parallel with the bores  322  and  344 , which correspond to the configuration of the stems  310  and  350 , and to the retaining rods  308  and  348 . The finger engaging members  320  and  360  are positioned on to the protrusions  306  and  346 , and to the retaining rods  308  and  348 , and are then secured to the finger engaging member receiving assemblies  304  and  344  by securing the retaining caps  330  and  370  on to the threaded ends  312  and  352  of stems  310  and  350 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 23 . 
     The latching arms  326  and  366  each have a plurality of teeth  328  and  368 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  328  and  368  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  302  and  342  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  320  and  360 . The first and second finger engaging members  320  and  360  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  300 . Furthermore, other configurations of the first and second finger engaging members  320  and  360  may be used in place of the above described latching members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 24  which illustrates an alternate embodiment  400  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . This alternate embodiment has a first elongated member  12  hingedly connected to a second elongated member  14 . Both the first and second elongated members  12  and  14  each have a working head  13  and a finger engaging member  17  and  18  located opposite of the working head (not shown). A first lever  30  and second lever  50  are pivotally attachable to the finger engaging members  17  and  18 , and are orientated-so that the levers are facing each other. Additionally, latching members  402  are removably attachable to the finger engaging members  17  and  18 . Each latching member  402  has a notch  408  for viewing an indicator located on the finger engaging members  17  and  18 . The first and second elongated members  12  and  14  can be made from any suitable material having reflex memory. 
     The levers  30  and  50  have an extended portion for easy operation by the fingers of a user, and are contoured to conform to the shape of the finger engaging members  17  and.  18 . A pivot pin  32  extends from the finger engaging members  17  and  18 , and through levers  30  and  50 , allowing the levers to rotate. The levers  30  and  50  have an extension  31  for retaining the latching members  402  on the finger engaging members  17  and  18  when the levers are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members  12  and  14 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 25 . When the levers  30  and  50  are rotated to a position perpendicular to the first and second elongated members  12  and  14 , the extensions  31  are able to be moved out of engagement with the latching members  402 , thereby allowing the latching members to slide past the extensions  31  and be removed from finger engaging members  17  and  18 . 
     The latching members  402  each have an elongated base  404  and a latch arm  406  extending out from each elongated base. The latch arms  406  feature a plurality of teeth  410 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  410  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  12  and  14  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  17  and  18 . 
     The elongated base  404  of the latching members  402  each have a channel  409  running the length of the elongated base. The channels  409  are adapted to slide on and be retained by protrusions  412  extending out from the finger engaging members  17  and  18  and adjacent to the levers  30  and  50 . The protrusions  412  each have an indicator  414  and  416  located on opposite sides of the protrusion. The indicators  414  and  416  have a marking or indicia thereon to indicate a right or left hand use. The marking or indicia can be, but not limited to, the letter “R” and “L”. The arrangement of indicators  414  and  416  are opposite for finger engaging members  17  and  18 , so that not similar indicators are facing the user. This allows the user to view, from either side, through the notch  408  what orientation the ambidextrous locking clamp  400  is set for, as best shown in  FIG. 24  which illustrates a right and left handed orientation. 
     The notch  408  is located on the elongated base  404  on the same side as the teeth  410 . The notch  408  extends into the channel  409 . When the latching members  402  are positioned on the protrusions  412 , the notch  408  is located over either the indicator  414  or  416 , depending on what orientation the latching members are set at for use either by a left or right handed user. The configuration of the channel  409  and the protrusions  412  allow the latching members  402  to slide over the protrusions, but at the same time not allowing the latching members to be pulled off the protrusions in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion.  FIGS. 25  and  26  best illustrate one possible example of the channel, notch, indicator, and protrusion configuration. The latching members  402  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  400 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 27  which illustrates an alternate embodiment  450  of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6 . This alternate embodiment has a first elongated member  62  hingedly connected to a second elongated member  64 . Both the first and second elongated members  62  and  64  each have a working head (not shown) and a finger engaging member  65  and  66  located opposite of the working head  63 . A first lever  80  and second lever  100  are pivotally attachable to the finger engaging members  65  and  68 , and are orientated so that the levers are facing each other. Additionally, latching members  452  are removably attachable to the finger engaging members  65  and  66 . Each latching member  452  has a notch  458  for viewing an indicator located on the finger engaging members  65  and  66 . The first and second elongated members  62  and  64  can be made from any suitable material having reflex memory. 
     The levers  80  and  100  have an extended portion for easy operation by the fingers of a user, and are contoured to conform to the shape of the finger engaging members  65  and  66 . A pivot pin  67  extends from the finger engaging members  65  and  66 , and through levers  80  and  100 , allowing the levers to rotate. The levers  80  and  100  have an extension  82  and  102  for retaining the first and second latching members  452  on the finger engaging members  65  and  66  when the levers are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members  62  and  64 . A notch  84  and  104  is defined in the levers  80  and  100  for allowing the latching members  452  to pass therethrough. When the levers  80  and  100  are rotated so they are perpendicular to the first and second elongated members  62  and  64 , the extensions  82  and  102  are moved out of engagement with the latching members  452 , and the notches  84  and  104  are exposed to the latching members, thereby allowing the latching members to slide through the notches and be removed from finger engaging members  65  and  66 . This is best illustrated in  FIG. 28 . 
     The latching members  452  each have an elongated base  454  and a latch arm  456  extending out from each elongated base. The latch arms  452  feature a plurality of teeth  462 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  462  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  62  and  64  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  65  and  66 . 
     The elongated base  454  of the latching members  452  each have a channel  460  running the length of the elongated base. The channels  460  are adapted to slide on and be retained by protrusions  464  extending out from the finger engaging members  65  and  66  and adjacent to the levers  80  and  100 . The protrusions  464  each have an indicator  468  and  466  located on opposite sides of the protrusion. The indicators  468  and  466  have a marking or indicia thereon to indicate a right or left hand use. The marking or indicia can be, but not limited to, the letter “R” and “L”. The arrangement of indicators  468  and  466  are opposite for finger engaging members  65  and  66 , so that not similar indicators are facing the user. This allows the user to view, from either side, through the notch  458  what orientation the ambidextrous locking clamp  450  is set for, as best shown in  FIG. 27  which illustrates a right and left handed orientation. 
     The notch  458  is located on the elongated base  454  on the same side as the teeth  462 . The notch  458  extends into the channel  460 . When the latching members  452  are positioned on the protrusions  464 , the notch  458  is located over either the indicator  468  or  466 , depending on what orientation the latching members are set at for use either by a left or right handed user. The configuration of the channel  460  and the protrusions  464  allow the latching members  452  to slide over the protrusions, but at the same time not allowing the latching members to be pulled off the protrusions in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion. The latching members  452  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  450 .  FIGS. 28 and 29  best illustrate one possible example of the channel, notch, indicator, and protrusion configuration. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 30  which illustrates an alternate embodiment  500  of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 11 . This alternate embodiment has a first elongated member  112  hingedly connected to a second elongated member  113 . Both the first and second elongated members  112  and  113  each have a working head (not shown) and a finger engaging member  114  and  116  located opposite of the working head. Retaining caps  140  are threadably attachable to the finger engaging members  114  and  116 , and are orientated so that the centerline of the caps are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members  112  and  113 . Additionally, latching members  502  are removably attachable to the finger engaging members  114  and  116 . Each latching member  502  has a notch  508  for viewing an indicator located on the finger engaging members  114  and  116 . The first and second elongated members  112  and  113  can be made from any suitable material having reflex memory. 
     The retaining caps  140  have an internal threaded bore  141 . The caps  140  are adapted to secure the first latching members  502  to the finger engaging members  114  and  116 . The caps  140  are removably attachable to the finger engaging members  114  and  116  by screwing the caps onto a threaded stud  514  which extends out from a protrusion  516  of the finger engaging members  114  and  116 , and adjacent the latching members  502 . This is best illustrated in  FIGS. 31 . The caps  140  may have a smooth or textured surface, or a fastener driving configuration, such as a screw driver or allen wrench head. 
     The elongated base  504  of the latching members  502  each have a channel  512  running the length of the elongated base. The channels  512  are adapted to slide on and be retained by the protrusions  516  extending out from the finger engaging members  114  and  116  and adjacent to the threaded studs  514 . The configuration of the channels  512  and the protrusions  516  allow the latching members  502  to slide over the protrusions, but at the same time not allowing the latching members to be pulled off the protrusions in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion. 
     The protrusions  516  extend out from the finger engaging members  114  and  116 , and are adapted to slidably receive the latching members  502 . The threaded studs  514  extend out from the distal ends of protrusions  516 . The protrusions  516  each have an indicator  518  and  520  located on opposite sides of the protrusion. The indicators  518  and  520  have a marking or indicia thereon to indicate a right or left hand use. The marking or indicia can be, but not limited to, the letter “R” and “L”. The arrangement of indicators  518  and  520  are opposite for finger engaging members  114  and  116 , so that not similar indicators are facing the user. This allows the user to view, from either side, through the notch  508  what orientation the ambidextrous locking clamp  500  is set for, as best shown in  FIG. 31  which illustrates a right and left handed orientation. 
     The latching members  502  each have an elongated base  504  and a latch arm  506  extending out from each elongated base. The latch arms  506  feature a plurality of teeth  510 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  510  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  112  and  113  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  114  and  116 . The latching members  502  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  500 . 
     The notch  508  is located on the elongated base  504  on the same side as the teeth  510 . The notch  508  extends into the channel  512 . When the latching members  502  are positioned on the protrusions  516 , the notch  508  is located over either the indicator  518  or  520 , depending on what orientation the latching members are set at for use either by a left or right handed user.  FIGS. 31 and 32  best illustrate one possible example of the channel, notch, indicator, and protrusion configuration. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 33  which illustrates an alternate embodiment  550  of the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 15 . This alternate embodiment has a first elongated member  202  hingedly connected to a second elongated member  204 . Both the first and second elongated members  202  and  204  each have a working head (not shown) and a finger engaging member  206  and  208  located opposite of the working head. Additionally, latching members  552  are removably attachable to the finger engaging members  206  and  208 . Each latching member  552  has a notch  558  for viewing an indicator located on the finger engaging members  206  and  208 . The first and second elongated members  202  and  204  can be made from any suitable material having reflex memory. 
     The latching members  552  each have a base  554  and a latch arm  556  extending out from the base. The base  554  each have an aperture  562  defined therethrough. Threaded retaining pins  230  are insertable through threaded apertures  569  of the finger engaging members  206  and  208 , and through the apertures  562  of the bases  554  of the latching members  552 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 34 . 
     The threaded retaining pins  230  have a threaded section  231  featuring a driving head or detent, and a non-threaded section  234 . The non-threaded sections  234  are adapted to be received through the threaded apertures  569  of the finger engaging members  206  and  208 , and through the apertures  562  of the latching members  552 . The threaded ends  231  engage the threaded apertures  569  to secure the retaining pins  230  in the finger engaging members  206  and  208 , thereby securing the latching members  552  in notches  564  located in each of the finger engaging members. The latching members  552  are slidably insertable into notches  564  so that the base  554  rest in the notches and receives therein indicator ledges  568  located in the notches  564 . The base  554  of the latching members  552  have a pair of channels  570  running the length of the base parallel with the longitudinal axis of the latch arms  552 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 34 , the channels  570  are adapted to receive a set of protrusions  566  which extend into the notches  564 . The channel  570  and protrusion  566  connections are configured to retain the latching members  552  in the notches  564  and flush with the outer surface of the finger engaging members  206  and  208 . Additionally, the channel  570  and protrusion  566  connections prevent the latching members  552  from rotating out of alignment with the notches  564 . 
     The indicator ledges  568  have a marking or indicia thereon to indicate a right and left hand use. The markings or indicia can be, but not limited to, the letter “R” and “L”. The markings are located at either end of the indicator ledge  568  and on both sides of the indicator ledge so that both sides are mirror images. The indicator ledges  568  are mirrored for finger engaging members  206  and  208 , so that similar indicator ledges are facing the user. This allows the user to view, from either side, through the notches  558  what orientation the ambidextrous locking clamp  550  is set for, as best shown in  FIG. 33  which illustrates a right and left handed orientation. 
     The notch  558  is located on one corner and on both sides of the base  554 . The notch  558  extends through one channel  570  of the base  554 . When the latching members  552  are positioned in the notches  564 , the notches  558  are located over the indicator ledges  568  thereby exposing one of the markings on that side. The marking that is exposed depends on what orientation the latching members  552  are set at, for use either by a left or right handed user. The configuration of the channels  570 , the protrusions  566 , retaining pins  230 , and the indicator ledges  568  allow the latching members  552  to slide into the notches  564  of the finger engaging members  206  and  208 , but at the same time not allowing the latching members to be pulled out of the notches  564  in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion. The latching members  552  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  550 .  FIGS. 34 and 35  best illustrate one possible example of the channel, retaining pin, notches, and indicator ledge configuration. 
     The latch arms  556  feature a plurality of teeth  560 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  560  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  202  and  204  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  206  and  208 . The latching members  552  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  550 . Furthermore, other configurations of the first and second latching members  552  may be used in place of the above described latching members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 36  which illustrates an alternate embodiment  600  of the fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 20 . This alternate embodiment has a first elongated member  302  hingedly connected to a second elongated member  342 . Both the first and second elongated members  302  and  342  each have a working head (not shown) and a finger engaging member  602  located opposite of the working head. The first and second elongated members  302  and  342  each has a removable finger engaging member  602  located opposite of the working heads. Each removable finger engaging member  602  has a latching arm  604  extending out and towards each other. Retaining caps  330  are threadably attachable to the first and second elongated members  302  and  342 , and are orientated so that the centerline of the caps are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members. The retaining caps  330  can also be orientated in any alternate position to the first and second elongated members  302  and  342 . The first and second retaining caps  330  are adapted to secure the finger engaging members  602  to the first and second elongated members  302  and  342 . The first and second elongated members  302  and  342  can be made from any suitable material having reflex memory. 
     The first and second elongated members  302  and  342  each have a finger engaging member receiving assembly  304  and  344 . The finger engaging member receiving assemblies  304  and  344  each have a protrusion  306 , and a retaining rod  308  and  348 . The retaining rods  308  and  348  include a stem  614  extending out therefrom, each with a threaded end  620 . The stems  614  have indicators  616  and  618  located on both sides of the stem. The indicators  616  and  618  have a marking or indicia thereon to indicate a right or left hand use. The marking or indicia can be, but not limited to, the letter “R” and “L”. The indicators  616  and  618  are located between the threaded end  620  and the retaining rods  304  and  308 , so that similar indicators are facing the user. The indicators  616  and  618  are mirrored on both sides of the stem  614 . This allows the user to view, from either side, through the notches  608  what orientation the ambidextrous locking clamp  500  is set for, as best shown in  FIG. 36  which illustrates a right and left handed orientation. The retaining caps  330  have internally threaded bores  332  able to be threaded on to the treaded ends  620  of the stems  614 . This is best illustrated in  FIG. 37 . 
     The finger engaging members  602  each have a bore  606  adapted to receive the protrusions  306  of the finger engaging member receiving assemblies  304  and  344 , and a notch  608  for viewing an indicator located on the stem  614 . The finger engaging members  602  also have an aperture  612  running parallel with the bores  606 , which correspond to the configuration of the stems  614 , and to the retaining rods  308  and  348 . The finger engaging members  602  are positioned on to the protrusions  306  and  346 , and to the stems  614 , and are then secured to the finger engaging member receiving assemblies  304  and  344  by securing the retaining caps  330  on to the threaded ends  620  of stems  614 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 37 . 
     The latching arms  604  each have a plurality of teeth  610 , which are adapted to join and lock together when engaged. The teeth  610  are able to disengage when pulled apart by the flexing of the first and second elongated members  302  and  342  when an opposing force is applied to the finger engaging members  602 . The finger engaging members  602  are symmetrical so that they may be removed, inverted and then replaced, thereby changing the orientation of the latching members and allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device  600 . Furthermore, other configurations of the first and second finger engaging members  602  may be used in place of the above described latching members. 
     The notches  608  are located on both sides of the finger engaging members  602 , adjacent the latching arms  604 . The notches  608  extend through the aperture  612 . When the finger engaging members  602  are positioned on the stems  614 , the notches  608  are located over either the indicators  616  or  618 , depending on what orientation the finger engaging members are set at for use either by a left or right handed user. The configuration of the bores  606 , the protrusions  306 , apertures  612 , and stems  614  allow the finger engaging members  602  to slide against the finger engaging member receiving assemblies  304 , but at the same time not allowing the finger engaging members  602  to be pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion.  FIGS. 37 and 38  best illustrate one possible example of the channel, retaining pin, notches, and indicator ledge configuration. 
     In use, it can now be understood that either a right hand or left hand user can use the ambidextrous locking clamp system while having the ability to view through the use of indicators what the orientation the clamp is configured for, either right or left handed use. The user would remove and reverse the orientation of the removable latching member or the removable finger engaging member which features a latching arm. By doing this, the user can change the operational configuration of the ambidextrous locking device. The ambidextrous locking clamp system can use a variety of retaining means, such as, but not limited to, a rotating lever, a threaded cap, or a retaining pin. All of these retaining means can be used to secure the removable latching member or the removable finger engaging member from the elongated members. 
     While a preferred embodiment of the ambidextrous locking clamp system has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. For example, any suitable sturdy material may be used for the manufacture of the ambidextrous locking clamp system. And although manipulating objects with a tool having removable latching members have been described, it should be appreciated that the ambidextrous locking clamp system herein described is also suitable for all types of hand operated locking tools having a at least two hingedly connected arms. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.