Gripping apparatus and method of use

Abstract

A grasping device for grasping structures such as, for example, containers and bottles. The device facilitates the dexterous handling of these structures that otherwise would often require significant strength, gross and fine motor skill to manage, and especially to dispense the contents of in a controlled manner. The device may also facilitate one-handed operation, and may leave the second hand free to perform other tasks, such as, for example, securing a target container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a grasping device and more particularly to a device for grasping structures such as, for example, containers and bottles.BACKGROUNDBottles continue to be the most cost effective way to buy (and sell) many liquids, such as soft drinks, detergents, and the like. Yet, as most commonly sized, shaped, and manufactured, such bottles are often unwieldy and easily mishandled, spilled during use, etc. This is especially (but not solely) so with regard to larger bottles, such as the common two-liter plastic bottle.The problem of handling bottles and containers, particularly large containers, is exacerbated when handled by children, the elderly, or people with a disability, such as, for example, stroke, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, injury, or other debilitating or impairing conditions. Gross and fine motor limitations can make it especially difficult to lift, grasp, and pour bottles and containers.Even for individuals without disabilitie...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

In some embodiments, the grasping device may include a neck section adapted to grasp or abut an outer portion of a bottle or container, such as a narrowed neck on the upper portion. In some embodiments, such a neck section may aid in locating and securing the grasping device in the desired position on the bottle or container.

In some embodiments, the grasping device can be durable and long lasting; and in some embodiments, the grasping device may be made partially or entirely of lightweight, resilient material such as plastic.

Problems solved by technology

Yet, as most commonly sized, shaped, and manufactured, such bottles are often unwieldy and easily mishandled, spilled during use, etc.

The problem of handling bottles and containers, particularly large containers, is exacerbated when handled by children, the elderly, or people with a disability, such as, for example, stroke, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, injury, or other debilitating or impairing conditions.

Gross and fine motor limitations can make it especially difficult to lift, grasp, and pour bottles and containers.

Even for individuals without disabilities, the task of pouring from many types of bottles and containers is not simple.

The material that comprises the body of these bottles and containers is typically thin.

As a result, it can often be difficult to grasp a bottle or container without crushing it, dropping it, or mishandling it in other ways.

Many people resort to the two handed method of pouring, one consequence of which is that the target, for example, a beverage cup, is not gripped and left unsecured.

In situations where a number of bottles are present (for example, at a party or on a buffet table), users will typically require a number of facilitating devices due to the complexity of affixing such devices to a specific bottle.

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