Patent Document

A portion of the invention of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent invention, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of the following patent application(s) which is/are hereby incorporated by reference: 
     N/A 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a mechanical arm. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a mechanical arm including at least one gear configured to rotate a respective grip member about an axis. 
     Mechanical arms of varying types are known in the art. For instance, grabber arms that are children&#39;s toys or reaching tools for disabled individuals are available. These types of mechanical arms, however, are not designed to be robust and do not support the wrist of the user. 
     Robotic arms for industrial purposes such as manufacturing vehicles are also known. While these arms are precise and prevent a user from encountering dangerous environments, they can be prohibitively expensive. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a mechanical arm that is robust, ergonomic, and providing of at least some protection to a user. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, the present invention relates, in one embodiment, to a mechanical arm. The mechanical arm may include a frame. The frame may have a gripping end and a receiving end opposite the gripping end. A handle may be disposed on the frame between the gripping end and the receiving end. The handle may include a stationary element connected to the frame and an actuation element translatable relative to the stationary element. The actuation element may be translatable between an actuated position and an unactuated position. At least one elongate member may be connected to the actuation element and extend toward the gripping end. The elongate member may also include a row of gear teeth. First and second opposed grip members may be disposed on the frame. The first grip member may be rotatable about a first axis relative to the frame. At least one first gear may be connected to the first grip member. The first gear may include teeth complementary to the row of gear teeth and may engage the row of gear teeth. The first gear may be configured to rotate the first grip member about the first axis upon translation of the actuation element. 
     An alternative embodiment of a mechanical arm may further include third and fourth opposed grip members disposed on the frame. The third grip member may be rotatable about the first axis relative to the frame. 
     Still another embodiment may include a first shaft rotatably mounted to the frame. The first grip member and the at least one first gear may be connected to the first shaft. 
     Yet another embodiment may include the elongate member further including a second row of gear teeth. The second grip member may be rotatable about a second axis relative to the frame. At least one second gear may be connected to the second grip member. The second gear may include teeth complementary to the second row of gear teeth and may engage the second row of gear teeth. The second gear may be configured to rotate the second grip member about the second axis upon translation of the actuation element. 
     Another embodiment may include the first axis and second axis oriented parallel to each other. 
     A further embodiment may include a second shaft rotatably mounted to the frame. The second grip member and the at least one second gear may be connected to the second shaft. 
     A further still embodiment may include the frame configured to cover at least a portion of a user&#39;s hand and forearm during use. 
     Yet another embodiment may include the frame including at least one support portion configured to at least partially support a user&#39;s wrist during use. 
     Still another embodiment may include at least one resilient member configured to bias the actuating element toward the unactuated position. 
     An even further embodiment may include the frame further including a gear cover. The gear cover may be configured to at least partially cover the at least one first gear. 
     Another embodiment may include the frame further including a user cover. The user cover may be configured to cover all portions of a user&#39;s hand and arm placed interior to the frame. 
     One embodiment may include one of a plurality of article engagement elements connected to each of the first and second opposed grip members. The article engagement elements may be configured to engage an article to be manipulated by the mechanical arm. 
     A further embodiment may include each of the article engagement elements including an elongate finger portion. 
     A further still embodiment may include each of the article engagement elements including an arcuate portion. 
     An even further embodiment may include each of the article engagement elements including an engagement surface having at least one protrusion to aid in gripping the article. 
     Another embodiment may include the article engagement elements removably connected to the first and second opposed grip members to allow for attachment of a variety of different article engagement elements. 
     The present invention also relates, in one embodiment, to a mechanical arm including a frame having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end. At least one gear may be rotatably connected to the frame. The gear may include a series of projections along a circumference of the gear. A pair of opposing jaw members may extend beyond the distal end of the frame. At least one jaw member may be connected to a corresponding gear of the at least one gear. An elongate member may be slidably disposed on the frame. The elongate member may include a row of teeth configured to operatively mesh with the series of projections of the gear and may cause rotation of the gear upon translation of the elongate member. A handle may be disposed on the frame nearer the distal end than the proximal end. The handle may include an actuator connected to the elongate member. The actuator may be configured to translate the elongate member upon actuation. 
     In a further embodiment, the frame may have at least one support portion extending from the handle to the proximal end. The support portion may be configured to at least partially support a user&#39;s wrist during use. 
     In another embodiment, a pair of opposing jaw members may be configured to removably receive a variety of interchangeable article engagement elements adapted for varying functions. 
     The present invention also relates, in an embodiment, to a method of using a mechanical arm. The method may include actuating an actuator disposed on a handle of the mechanical arm; translating a row of teeth; rotating a gear in operative contact with the row of teeth, the gear connected to a corresponding jaw member of a pair of opposing jaw members; and bringing the opposing jaw members closer to each other. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mechanical arm in the open position. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the mechanical arm of  FIG. 1  in the closed position. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the mechanical arm of  FIG. 1  with alternative article engagement elements connected thereto. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the mechanical arm of  FIG. 1  with further alternative engagement elements connected thereto. 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed partial perspective view of the mechanical arm of  FIG. 1  in the open position without the frame. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed partial perspective view of the mechanical arm of  FIG. 1  in the closed position without the frame. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the mechanical arm of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the mechanical arm of  FIG. 1  including a gear cover. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the mechanical arm of  FIG. 1  including a user cover. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present invention and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. 
     Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a mechanical arm  100  is shown. The mechanical arm  100  may include a frame  102 . The frame  102  may be made of any appropriate material including, but not limited to, any sufficiently strong metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof. The frame  102  may be of any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an elongate flat beam, an elongate beam that curves along the lateral portions, a plurality of connected elongate beams, a prismatic frame with a cross-section perpendicular to the axis that is square (or circular, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and the like), a lattice of elongate sections of an appropriate material, one or more pipes of any given cross-sectional geometry (hollow or solid), and the like. The frame  102  may have a gripping end  104  and a receiving end  106  opposite the gripping end. The frame  102  may be of any appropriate geometry. In embodiments forming a passageway interior to the frame  102 , the passageway may be of a constant or varying cross-sectional area. 
     A handle  108  may be disposed on the frame  102  between the gripping end  104  and the receiving end  106 . The handle  108  may be of any shape including, but not limited to, a flat beam, a rounded beam, a pistol grip, an arcuate member, any ergonomic shape known in the art, a cantilevered beam, a connected beam, and the like. The handle  108  may include a stationary element  110  connected to the frame  102 . The stationary element  110  may be connected to the frame  102  in any manner including, but not limited to, through the use of fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts; welding of any kind; gluing; being formed as one part with the frame; and the like. The stationary element  110  may also be connected to the frame  102  in one or more locations. 
     The handle  108  may also include an actuation element  112  translatable relative to the stationary element  110 . The actuation element  112  may be translatable between an actuated position (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and an unactuated position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The translation of the actuation element  112  can be any appropriate motion including, but not limited to, linear translatable motion toward and away from the stationary element  110 , rotatable motion about an attachment point to the frame  102  or the stationary element, and the like. The actuation element  112  may be translatably attached to the stationary element  110  (along rails, telescoping rods, springs, any combination thereof, and the like), translatably attached to the frame  102 , pivotably connected to the frame, pivotably connected to the stationary element, and the like. 
     At least one elongate member  114  may be connected to the actuation element  112 . The elongate member  114  may be attached to the actuation element  112  in any manner including, but not limited to, fastened with any fastener, welded in any way, through the use of adhesives, molded as one part with the actuation element, any combination thereof, and the like. The elongate member  114  may extend from the actuation element  112  toward the gripping end  104  of the frame  102 . The elongate member  114  may also include a row of gear teeth  116 . The elongate member  114  may be of any appropriate shape and size so as to translate a row of gear teeth. The elongate member  114  may be a plate, a bar, a row of gear teeth thick enough to be attached to the actuation element and maintain its orientation, any combination thereof, and the like. 
     A first grip member  118  and a second grip member  120  may be disposed on the frame  102 . The first grip member  118  and second grip member  120  may oppose each other directly or indirectly including, but not limited to, an orientation anywhere between more than 0 and up to 180 degrees relative to each other. The first grip member  118  may be rotatable about a first axis A 1  relative to the frame  102 . Any number of grip members may be included in an embodiment of the mechanical arm  100 . Each grip member  118 ,  120  may be of any suitable size and shape. Each grip member  118 ,  120  may be thicker than what would normally be used in order to be sufficient for industrial applications and the like, or each grip member may be made of stronger or otherwise different material for the same purpose. The grip members  118 ,  120  may be made of any appropriate material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof. 
     At least one first gear  122  may be connected to the first grip member  118 . The first gear  122  may be connected to the first grip member  118  in any method of attaching two objects discussed above. The first gear  122  may include teeth  124  complementary to the row of gear teeth  116  and engaging the row of gear teeth. The first gear  122  may also be configured to rotate the first grip member  118  about the first axis A 1  upon translation of the actuation element  112 . Any number of gears may be used, and each gear may be of any appropriate dimension. The first gear  122 , for instance, may be an elongate gear so as to span from one side of the frame  102  to the other side of the frame in one embodiment. 
     Third grip member  126  and fourth grip member  128  may also be disposed on the frame  102 . The third grip member  126  may be rotatable about the first axis A 1  relative to the frame  102 . The third grip member  126  may move with the first grip member  118 , in a different timing than the first grip member, independently of the first grip member, and the like. A first shaft  130  may be rotatably mounted to the frame  102 . The first grip member  118  may be connected to the first shaft  130  in any connection manner contemplated above. The first gear  122  may also be connected to the first shaft  130  in any manner. 
     The elongate member  114  may also include a second row of gear teeth  132  in any configuration as contemplated above with respect to the first row of gear teeth  116 . The second grip member  120  may be rotatable about a second axis A 2  relative to the frame  102 . At least one second gear  134  may be connected to the second grip member  120  in any manner contemplated above with regard to the first gear  122  and first grip member  118 . The second gear  134  may include teeth  136  complementary to the second row of gear teeth  132  and engaging the second row of gear teeth. The second gear  134  may be configured to rotate the second grip member  120  about the second axis A 2  upon translation of the actuation element  112 . In some embodiments, the first axis A 1  and the second axis A 2  may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. A second shaft  138  may be rotatably mounted to the frame  102 . The second grip member  120  may be connected to the second shaft  138  in any manner of connection contemplated above. The second gear  134  may also be connected to the second shaft  138  in any manner of connection. 
     In some embodiments, the frame  102  is configured to cover at least a portion of a user&#39;s hand and forearm (not shown) during use. The frame  102  may cover one side of a user&#39;s hand and forearm that comes into contact with the frame. The frame  102  may include at least one support portion  140  configured to at least partially support a user&#39;s wrist (not shown) during use. The support portion  140  may be an integral part of the frame  102  or may be attached to the frame in any manner of attachment as contemplated above. The frame  102  may also include multiple support portions  140  such as 2, 3, 4, or more support portions. 
     At least one resilient member  142  may be configured to bias the actuation element  112  toward the unactuated position (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The resilient member  142  may be any component or components configured to bias the actuation element  112  toward the unactuated position including, but not limited to, any type of spring, dimensions of the respective parts that biases toward a certain configuration, elastic members, resilient material between the components such as polymers or air bags, and the like. Any number of resilient members  142  may be included, and any combination of resilient members may be used. 
     The frame  102  may further include a gear cover  144 . The gear cover  144  may be configured to at least partially cover the at least one first gear  122 . The gear cover  144  may also be configured to cover at least a portion of all the gears  122 ,  134  of the mechanical arm  100 . In one embodiment, the gear cover  144  may substantially cover all the gears  122 ,  134  and prevent the gears from interacting with any exterior item (such as articles to be manipulated by the mechanical arm  100 , a user&#39;s finger, foreign contaminants, and the like). 
     The frame  102  may include a user cover  146 . The user cover  146  may be configured to at least partially cover a user&#39;s hand and arm (not shown) placed interior to the frame  102 . The user cover  146  may also be configured to cover all portions of a user&#39;s hand and arm (not shown) placed interior to the frame  102 . The user cover  146  may be configured to protect any portion of a user&#39;s hand and forearm shrouded by the user cover from unwanted interaction with outside contaminants and forces. The user cover  146  may be any appropriate flexible material that is simply intended to prevent liquid or bacterial contamination of a user&#39;s hand and forearm. The user cover  146  may also be any appropriate rigid material to prevent a user&#39;s hand from being crushed by articles to be manipulated by the mechanical arm  100  or other objects and machines. The user cover  146  may be a separate part from the frame  102  and attached in any manner contemplated above, integral to the frame, or may be the same portion of the frame as the support portion  140 . 
     At least one of a plurality of article engagement elements  148  is connected to the first grip member  118 . At least one of the plurality of article engagement elements  148  is also connected to the second grip member  120 . In embodiments including a third grip member  126  and fourth grip member  128 , the article engagement elements  148  may also be attached thereto. The grip members  118 ,  120 ,  126 ,  128  may be made of any appropriate material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof. 
     The article engagement elements  148  may be configured to engage an article (not shown) to be manipulated by the mechanical arm  100 . In one embodiment, each of the article engagement elements  148  may include an elongate finger portion  150 . In another embodiment, each of the article engagement elements  148  may include an arcuate portion  152 , as best seen on  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 4  in still another embodiment, each of the article engagement elements  148  may include an engagement surface  154  having at least one protrusion  156  to aid in gripping an article (not shown). The engagement surface  154  may also include any surface feature that is configured to accomplish a specific function or variety of functions. The engagement surface  154  may include, but is not limited to including, one or more recesses, dimples, bumps, grooves, holes, needles, pins, channels, hooks, and the like. The article engagement elements  148  may include any appropriate attachment to accomplish a specific function or a variety of functions. Some additional article engagement attachments  148  may include, but are not limited to, cutting members, hole punching members, embossing members, piercing members, and the like. 
     The article engagement elements  148  may be connected to the grip members  118 ,  120 ,  126 ,  128  in any manner contemplated above. In one embodiment, the article engagement elements  148  may be removably connected to the first grip member  118  and the second grip member  120  (and third grip member  126  and fourth grip member  128  in embodiments including them). This removable connection may allow for attachment of a variety of different article engagement elements  148 . Any combination of article engagement elements  148  may be used in order to accomplish desired functions with the mechanical arm  100 , including mixing and matching varying article engagement elements. The article engagement elements  148  may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof. Some article engagement elements  148  may be made of a different material than others to be suitable for different purposes. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 
     Although embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are words of description rather than limitation. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. While specific uses for the subject matter of the invention have been exemplified, other uses are contemplated. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the versions contained herein.

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