IP Library Granted Patent US 10,342,736
Granted Patent B2
US 10,342,736 · App. 15/656,215 · Granted Jul 9, 2019

Vial gripper

Inventors: Gary L. Sharpe (Naples, FL); Brian Dutro (Columbus, OH)
Assignee: Gary L. Sharpe
A61J1/16B01L9/06F16M13/02B01L9/50B01L2200/023
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,342,736
App. No.
15/656,215
Granted
Jul 9, 2019
Kind
B2
Abstract

A vial gripper and gripper assembly having a base and a clamp extending therefrom made from an elastomeric material. The clamp adapted to retain a vial, ampoule, or other containers therein typically used in the hospital or clinical setting. The gripper assembly includes an elevated body having a guide wherein a gripper is insertable, and wherein the assembly may be further securely stored within a unit tray.

Claims (19)

1. A device for gripping and holding a vial comprising:

a gripper molded from an elastic, shock absorbing material comprising:

a base that is substantially flat, thereby forming a top surface and a bottom surface; and

a clamp extending outwardly and orthogonally away from the top surface of the base comprising:

an aperture defined by a wall;

a ridge extending from the wall of the aperture, wherein the ridge is located entirely within the aperture and is adapted for complementary engagement with the vial to be held in the clamp; and

a slot extending inward from an edge of the clamp and terminating at the aperture in the clamp.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the base is sized to be coextensive with the vial when held by the gripper.

3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the clamp is a first clamp, the gripper further comprising a second clamp extending outwardly from the base comprising:

an aperture; and

a slot extending inward from an edge of the second clamp and terminating at the aperture in the clamp.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the apertures are circular and each have a diameter and center axis.

5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the center axis of the first clamp is aligned with the center axis of the second clamp.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the top and bottom surfaces are rectangular in shape.

7. The device of claim 6 , further comprising a means for removably securing the bottom surface of the gripper to a work surface or a storage surface.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the gripper is a molded rectangular shape having the slot at a first end of the gripper and clamp extending from the base at a second end of the gripper, whereby the first and second ends of the gripper are opposing ends.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the elastic, shock absorbing material is silicone.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the elastic, shock absorbing material is thermoplastic elastomer.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the elastic, shock absorbing material is hydrocarbon gel.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 10, 2017
From: DUTRO, BRIAN
To: SHARPE, GARY L.
Reel/Frame 043260/0654 →
Continuity (5)
Continuation 14120360 · May 14, 2014
Continuation In Part 14067251 · Oct 30, 2013
Provisional Application 61823245 · May 14, 2013
Provisional Application 61720200 · Oct 30, 2012
Related Publication 20170319436A1 · Nov 9, 2017
Cited By (1)
US 1,141,159