Gravity lockable tongs

Abstract

A set of locking tongs comprising a first arm and a second arm each comprising a hinge end and a grasping end. Hinge members are provided for pivotably connecting the first and second arms together at the hinge ends, so that the arms can pivot between an open position and closed position. Spring members are included for biasing the arms in an open position. The locking member comprises a captured pin attached to the first arm and an aperture member attached to the second arm. The captured pin has a pin that moves under the effects of gravity within a contained range of motion, limited by a bracket. The second arm has an aperture located on a surface. When the tongs are held in an attitude such that gravity can act upon the pin, the pin will engage the aperture and prevent the tongs from opening. The outward force applied by the spring acts to retain the pin in its locked position through frictional forces thus resisting opening. When the arms are depressed thereby relieving the force felt by the sides of the pin against the aperture, and oriented such that the pin can move under the affect gravity, the lock may be disengaged.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.