US 8,708,385 B2 · Reaching device

Abstract

A reaching device that in one embodiment comprises an elongated member, a jaw, and an actuator for opening and closing the jaw. The jaw includes a pair of holding members, one of which has a tapered lateral side edge. In one embodiment, the reaching device may allow a rural mail carrier to remain seated in the driver's side of a conventional (North American) vehicle, reach through the passenger's window, and perform the following tasks: open a mail box, retrieve mail from the mail box, place mail into the mail box, close the mail box, and raise or lower the indicator flag on the side of the mail box.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A reaching device comprising:

an elongated member extending between a first end and a second end;
a jaw at the first end;
a first actuator spaced from the jaw, and a second actuator at the second end;
each one of the first actuator and the second actuator for opening and closing the jaw;
wherein the first actuator comprises a first handle moveable to open and close the jaw, and the second actuator comprises a second handle moveable to open and close the jaw;
and wherein the first handle and the second handle pivot together around a common axis.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

13/490,583Filed 7 Jun 2012

Priority

CA 275323220 Sep 2011

Published

US 2013/0069382 A121 Mar 2013

Granted

29 Apr 2014

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

B60R 11/06
Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for: for tools or spare parts
B60R 2011/0071
Connection with the article: using latches, clips, clamps, straps or the like
F16B 2/10
External, i.e. with contracting action: using pivoting jaws
B60R
Vehicle fittings and parts

Reaching device

Life of this patent

Reaching device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17