Device and Method for Storing Articles
A device for storing articles on a tool, such as a gripper tool, allowing for subsequent use of the gripper without having to first discard or remotely store the article(s). The device may consist of a storage container, tubular support member, sealer/compactor, and ejector. The arm of a tool moves axially inside the inner diameter of the tubular member. The same tubular member allows for the container to slide axially on the outer diameter. The container and gripper tool's relative motion enables gripped articles to be moved into and out of the container thru the containers compliant pass-thru end. The seal/compactor is attached to the gripper side of the tool and manipulates the article for compaction within the container and seals the container pass-thru end to prevent loss of articles. The same relative motion of the container and the tubular member allows for the ejector to push articles through the pass-thru end, and out of the container.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/077,993 filed 14 Sep. 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCHNot Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, COMPUTER PROGRAMENot Applicable
BACKGROUNDHandheld mobile gripping/manipulating devices, such as a gripper tool, are designed to pick up a discrete article and deposit the article to some other location. In many situations, such as refuse pick up, for example, the mobile nature of the tool requires a separate waste container to accompany the tool for depositing of the refuse, or one must bring the refuse to a remote waste container for depositing.
In the case where a waste container accompanies the tool, the operator must carry this container typically by hand, tying up both hands—one for the tool and one for the waste container.
In the case of a stationary waste container, the tool becomes useless until the operator moves to the location of a waste container for depositing the article—which then frees up the tool for use again. Presently there is no solution for storing articles on-board a gripping/manipulating device.
SUMMARYThe present invention seeks to provide a solution to this problem by attaching a container to the arm of a gripping/manipulating device for the storage of articles. The device allows for deposit of multiple articles into the container, freeing up the tool for subsequent use. The device stores the articles and can eject the articles at a later time.
In the following description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the embodiments may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure.
Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices and methods for storing articles. Embodiments of the devices and methods for storing articles may include a container having a distal end for accepting articles, a structural member movably affixed to the container, and an ejector positioned within the container and affixed to the structural member for pushing articles out of the container. The devices and methods may also include a seal for sealing the container. The seal may be configured to compact articles in the container. It should be appreciated that devices and methods for storing articles on a tool are likewise applicable to other configurations, in addition to that described above.
The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive. The present disclosure is in no way limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Various modifications and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A device for storing articles comprising:
- a container having a distal end for accepting articles;
- a structural member movably affixed to the container; and
- an ejector positioned within the container and affixed to the structural member for pushing articles out of the container.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a seal for sealing the container.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the seal is configured to compact articles in the container.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 9, 2021
Publication Date: Mar 17, 2022
Inventors: Steven Scott Harrington (Oak Park, CA), Reed Nathaniel Harrington (Oak Park, CA)
Application Number: 17/469,893