NL2010099C2

NL2010099C2 - Portable device for grabbing waste.

Info

Publication number: NL2010099C2
Application number: NL2010099A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Engelbrecht Rodenburg; Eduard Salome
Original assignee: Clear Ambitions B V
Priority date: 2013-01-09
Filing date: 2013-01-09
Publication date: 2014-07-10

Description

Portable device for grabbing waste.

Field of invention 5 The present invention relates to a portable device for grabbing waste and to a container for use in such a portable device.

Background 10 From the prior art portable devices are known for grabbing waste from terrain, in particular from public areas.

US 3,929,363 discloses such a portable device that is particularly suited for grabbing waste from a pet such as a dog. The portable device comprises a handgrip coupled through an operating rod with a pair of tongs and is arranged to cooperate with a 15 closeable plastic container. The closeable container comprises two sections that are connected over a hinge. Each tong is provided with a curved plate piece that can hold a section of closeable container, the curved plate piece having a shape corresponding with the shape of the container section. The hinge of the container is resilient and biases the sections in the curved plate pieces.

20 Disadvantageously, due to the relatively low clamping bias the container may come apart from the portable device and require installing the container once more in the portable device.

It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages from the prior art.

25 Summary of the invention

The object is achieved by a portable device as defined by the independent claim.

The present invention relates to a portable device for grabbing objects, such as waste, comprising a holding tool and a container; the holding tool comprising a handgrip, a 30 pair of tongs and a displacement mechanism for displacing distal ends of the tongs relative to each other; a proximal end of each tong coupled to the displacement mechanism; the container comprising two sections coupled to each other at one common edge of the two sections, the common edge providing a hinge between the two 2 sections; a distal end of each tong being in a releasable connection with an outer surface of a respective one section of the container; the displacement mechanism arranged for closing the container by causing the tongs to move towards each other and moving the two sections together by pivoting around the hinge; in each releasable 5 connection: the distal end of the tong having a elongated connecting rod extending parallel to the hinge of the container, the outer surface of the section of the container having a elongated recess running parallel to the hinge for transversely receiving the elongated connecting rod, with the recess having a resilient constriction for holding the rod in the 10 corresponding recess, wherein for each section, the outer surface has between the recess and the hinge an outward protruding container region, each tong has an inward protruding region substantially at level with and facing the outward protruding container region of the corresponding section of the container, and wherein in closed position of the sections of the container a distance between the surfaces of the outward 15 protruding container regions of the two sections is substantially equal to a distance between the surfaces of the inward protruding regions of the pair of tongs. Advantageously, the arrangement of portable device and container provides an improved connection between the portable device and the container by accommodating the connection rod on each tong in the corresponding recess on the respective container 20 section. Due to the resilient constriction of the recess the connection rod is securely kept in the recess. During closure of the container the contact between the protruding regions between each tong and the respective outer surface of the container section deforms the recess so as to open the resilient constriction and release the connection rods from the recesses.

25 According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above wherein in the closed position while the outward protruding container regions of the two sections touch the inward protruding regions of the pair of tongs, a distance between the centers of the connecting rods of the pair of tongs is substantially equal or slightly larger than a distance between the recesses in the two sections of the container. 30 According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above wherein the connecting rod is pivotable in the recess.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above wherein the container consists of a thin-walled resilient material.

3

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above, wherein the material is selected from a group comprising cardboard, paper, plastic or metal.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described 5 above, wherein the material is biodegradable.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above, wherein each section of the container has a convex outer surface.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above, wherein in closed position of the container the inner surfaces of two sections 10 define a closed volume.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above wherein each section comprises a number of sub surfaces.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above ,wherein each section comprises on his outer surface one or more ribs extending 15 over the respective outer surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hinge of the container.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above, wherein the device is arranged for attaching to a dog leash or a housing of a retractable dog leash.

20 According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above, wherein the holding tool comprises at least one connector, and the dog leash or its housing comprises at least one coupling element for coupling with the corresponding at least one connector.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described 25 above, wherein the portable device comprises an elongated strip element; the elongated strip element being arranged for attaching to the dog leash or its housing and provided with said at least one coupling element for coupling with the holding tool.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above, wherein the elongated strip element is a tubular element through or along which 30 the dog leash can be guided.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above, wherein the portable device is attached lengthwise along the length of the dog leash or along its housing.

4

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device as described above, wherein the elongated connecting rod on each tong has a substantially circular cross-section and the elongated recess has a corresponding cross-section, wherein an opening of the recess is defined by resilient recess edges that make the recess opening 5 smaller than the diameter of the connecting rod, and the resilient recess edges are arranged to open under deformation of the outer surfaces due to pressure of the surfaces of the inward protruding regions of the tongs on the surfaces of the outward protruding regions of the outer sections of the container.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a container comprising a pair 10 of sections coupled to each other at one common edge of the sections, the common edge providing a hinge between the sections; an outer surface of each section of the container having a elongated recess for transversely receiving a elongated connecting rod with the length of the rod being parallel to the outer surface; 15 the recess having a resilient constriction for holding the connecting rod in the corresponding recess, and wherein for each section, the outer surface has an outward protruding region between the recess and the common edge.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a holding tool comprising a 20 handgrip, a pair of tongs, and a displacement mechanism for displacing distal ends of the tongs relative to each other; the tongs being connected to the handgrip by the displacement mechanism, a distance between the distal ends of the tongs being adaptable by a rotation around at least one pivot point in the holding tool; 25 a proximal end of each tong coupled to the displacement mechanism; the distal end of each tong having a elongated connecting rod extending parallel to the rotation axis of the pivot point, and each tong having an inward protruding region between the connecting rod and the displacement mechanism.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a combination of a holding 30 tool as described above and a container as described above, wherein each elongated recess in the outer surface of the container is arranged for receiving an elongated connecting rod of the respective tong of the tool, with the connecting rod running parallel to the recess, and 5 wherein during connection of the container with the holding tool, the inward protruding portion of each tong is at level with the outward protruding region of the respective outer surface on which the tong is coupled by the connecting rod received in the recess.

5 According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a container as described above for use in a portable device as defined above.

Brief description of drawings 10 The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings are intended exclusively for illustrative purposes and not to restrict the inventive concept, which is defined by the appended claims.

Figure 1 shows schematically a portable device according to the invention; 15 Figure 2 shows schematically a tong of the holding tool as part of the portable device according to the invention;

Figure 3a shows a top view of the outer surfaces of the container in opened position; Figure 3b shows a detail of an edge of the container;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the container in closed position; 20 Figure 5 shows schematically a side-view of the portable device with the container in the closed position;

Figures 6a, 6b, 6c show a detailed view of the arrangement of the distal end of the tong and the outer surface of a container section at different opening angles;

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the portable device.

25

Description of embodiments

In the following figures, the same reference numerals refer to similar or identical components in each of the figures.

30 Figure 1 shows schematically a side view of a portable device 1 according to the invention.

The portable device 1 comprises a holding tool 2 and a container 3. The holding tool is arranged for releasably holding the container.

6

The holding tool 2 comprises a handgrip 4, a pair of tongs 5a, 5b and a displacement mechanism 6. The displacement mechanism 6 is coupled to a proximal end 51 of each tong 5a, 5b and is designed for displacing the distal ends 52 of the tongs 5a, 5b relative to each other.

5 In an embodiment the displacement mechanism 6 provides the displacement by at least one pivot point 7a, 7b around which the tongs 5a, 5b can rotate. In a further embodiment, each tong 5a; 5b is provided with a dedicated pivot point 7a; 7b that is positioned at a distance 8 from the pivot point of the other tong.

The container 3 comprises two sections 10a, 10b that are coupled to each other at one 10 common edge 11 of the two sections. The common edge is arranged as a hinge 11 between the two sections, in such a way that an opening angle between the sections can be varied. In a closed position the two sections 10a, 10b provide the container 3 with a closed volume in which waste such as pet waste like dog excrements, can be held.

In the portable device 1 the holding tool 2 is in a releasable connection with the 15 container 3. The distal end 52 of each tong 5a; 5b is in a releasable connection with an outer surface 12a; 12b of a respective one section 10a; 10b of the container 3. This will be illustrated in more detail with reference to figures 6a - 6d.

In the portable device 1, the displacement mechanism 6 can close the container 3 by causing the distal ends 52 of the tongs 5a, 5b to move towards each other by rotation 20 around the at least one pivot point 7a, 7b. By their movement the tongs move scoop edges 23 (i.e., the edges of the sections opposite the common edge) of the two sections 10a, 10b together in a closed position while the sections pivot around the common edge hinge 11. In this manner the portable device 1 can grab waste from a surface such as a pavement.

25 In an embodiment, the holding tool 2 comprises on the displacement mechanism 6 at least one connector 14 which can couple the holding tool to a leash. Preferably the one connector 14 is positioned on the displacement mechanism 6 substantially at the center of gravity of the portable device In this manner, the portable device 1 can be balanced and carried by the leash.

30 Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a tong 5a; 5b of the holding tool 2 as part of the portable device 1 according to the invention.

7

The tong 5a; 5b is arranged as a elongated body with a curved shape. Each tong 5a; 5b comprises a curved distal end 52 and a proximal end 51 that includes a linking portion 53, pivoting portion 54.

Within the holding tool both curved distal ends 52 are directed towards each other.

5 The linking portion 53 is arranged for connecting to the displacement mechanism 6, while the pivoting portion 54 is arranged to receive a pivot axis 71 of the at least one pivot point 7a, 7b of the displacement mechanism 6.

The displacement mechanism 6 can displace the linking portion 53, in such a way that it causes a rotation of the tong 5a; 5b around the pivot axis of the pivot point.

10 Each tong 5a; 5b is provided with a inward protruding tong region 56 that is positioned between the distal end 52 and the corresponding at least one pivot point and that is directed inward towards the other tong.

The distal end 52 of the tong 5a; 5b is provided with an elongated connecting rod 55. The connecting rod 55 extends parallel to the pivot axis 71, and is arranged to 15 releasably couple to a recess 13 with substantially corresponding shape in the outer surface of one section of the container 3.

Figure 3 a shows a top view of the outer surfaces of the container 3 in opened position. The container 3 has two sections 10a, 10b that are hingeably connected by the common 20 edge hinge 11 with hinge axis 11a directed along the common edge.

In each of the outer surfaces 12a, 12b of the container 3, a recess 13 is arranged with a elongated shape that is parallel to the common edge hinge 11 of the container 3.

The elongated recess 13 is arranged for transversely receiving the connecting rod 55 of the tong 5a; 5b.

25 The recess 13 is equipped with a resilient constriction for releasably holding the connecting rod 55 in the recess 13. While residing in the recess 13, the connecting rod 55 is pivotable in the recess 13 and functions as a pivot allowing rotation of the outer surface relative to the tong 5a; 5b. This allows to bring the container sections 10a, 10b from an opened position to a closed position in which the two container sections 10a, 30 10b form a container 3 with closed volume.

The skilled in the art will note that when the container 3 is held in the holding tool 2, the common edge hinge 11 of the container 3 will be parallel to the pivot axis 71 of the at least one pivot point 7a, 7b, thus allowing the movement of the sections 10a, 10b 8 around the common edge hinge 11 while the distal ends 52 of the tongs 5a, 5b move relative to each other.

In each section 10a; 10b , the outer surface 12a; 12b has between the recess 13 and the common edge hinge 11 an outward protruding region 21. The outward protruding 5 region 21 is in closed position of the container 3 located on the exterior surface of the container section and directed outwards.

When the container 3 is in releasable connection with the holding tool 2, the outward protruding region 21 of each container section 10a; 10b is substantially at level with and faces the inward protruding region 56 of the corresponding tong 5a; 5b.

10 Figure 3b shows a side view of the scoop edges of the container section according to an embodiment.

Each scoop edge 23 can comprise a undulating pattern that is complementary to the undulating pattern of the other scoop edge. It is observed that by providing such patterns the use of the portable device and in particular the closure of the container in a 15 patch of grass is enhanced.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the container 3 in closed position.

The container 3 which can be used in the portable device 1 comprises a pair of container sections 10a, 10b that coupled to each other at one common edge 11 of the sections, that provides a hinge between the sections 10a, 10b.

20 In an outer surface 12a; 12b of each section 10a; 10b of the container 3 an elongated recess 13 is present that is arranged for receiving an elongated connecting rod 55 with the length of the rod 55 being parallel to the outer surface 12a; 12b.

The outer surfaces 12a, 12b may include a number of sub surfaces that are joined over a respective intermediate jagged edge.

25 The recess 13 has a resilient constriction for holding the connecting rod 55 in the corresponding recess 13. Further, for each section 10a; 10b, the outer surface 12a; 12b has an outward protruding region 21 between the recess 13 and the common edge 11. Figure xx shows a side view of the holding tool.

The holding tool comprises the handgrip, the pair of tongs, and the displacement 30 mechanism 6 for displacing distal ends 52 of the tongs relative to each other.

The tongs are connected to the handgrip by the displacement mechanism 6. The tongs can be moved relative to each other: the distance between the distal ends of the tongs is adaptable by a rotation of the tongs around at least one pivot point 7a, 7b. Further, a 9 proximal end 51 of each tong 5a; 5b is coupled to the displacement mechanism 6. The distal end of each tong 5a; 5b has an elongated connecting rod 55 that extends parallel to the rotation axis of the at least one pivot point, and each tong 5a; 5b has an inward protruding region 56 between the connecting rod 55 and the displacement mechanism 5 6. The connecting rod 55 of each tong 5a; 5b can be coupled to one elongated recess 13 in the outer surface 12a; 12b of the container 3.

Figure 5 shows schematically a side-view of the portable device 1 with the container 3 in the closed position, while the holding tool is still holding the container.

10 In the closed position the edges of the each container section 10a; 10b are in contact with the corresponding edges on the other container section 10a; 10b so as to form a closed volume within the two container sections 10a; 10b.

In an embodiment, the edge of one container section 10a; 10b comprises a small hook 19 and the edge of the other container section 10a; 10b comprises a receiving cavity 20 15 at a corresponding position, in such a way that the hook 19 locks into the cavity 20 thus locking the two container sections 10a, 10b.

In the closed position of the container 3 the outward protruding container regions 21 on the container 3 are in contact with the inward protruding tong regions 56. According to the invention, the distance 25 between the inward protruding tong regions 56 on the 20 two tongs 5a, 5b is substantially equal to or smaller than the distance between the outward protruding container regions 53 on the outer surface 12a; 12b of the container 3 in closed position. In this position, a distance 26 between the centers of the connecting rods 55 is at least equal or slightly larger than a distance 27 between the edges of the recesses 13 in the outer surfaces 12a, 12b of the container 3. The wording 25 “at least equal or slightly larger” should be understood as that each of the connecting rods is still partially located within the corresponding recess but with the connecting rod’s diameter outside the outer edge of the recess.

By bringing the tongs 5 a, 5b towards each other, in a final stage of the movement the inward protruding tong regions 56 touch the outward protruding container regions 21 30 and exert some force on the outward protruding container regions 21. This force causes the recesses 13 in the container surface to release the connecting rods 55 of the holding tool 2 and let them displace from the recesses. While the inward protruding tong regions 56 touch the outward protruding container regions 21, the connecting rods are 10 displaced from the center of the recesses in a manner that they are still partially positioned in the recesses. In this manner, the container in its closed position is held in the holding tool.

During the holding position, the tongs 5a, 5b are latched in their position by the 5 displacement mechanism 6.

The container 3 consists of a thin-walled resilient material, preferably a resilient material.

In a preferred embodiment, the material of the container 3 allows an elastic deformation of the container surface(s). The material can be plastic, cardboard, paper or 10 metal.

Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d show a cross-sectional view of the connecting rod 55 while engaged in the recess 13 in the outer surface 12a; 12b of the container section 10a; 10b under different opening angles of the container sections.

15 The connecting rod 55 on each tong 5a; 5b has a circular diameter. The recess 13 that receives the connecting rod 55 has a corresponding cross-section.

The opening of the recess 13 is wider than the circular diameter of the connecting rod 55 to allow the connecting rod 55 to pivot within the recess 13. This provides that the container sections 10a, 10b can rotate around the connecting rod 55 while bringing the 20 container sections from an opened position of the container to the closed position of the container 3.

The recess 13 is arranged with an opening of the recess 13 that is defined by resilient recess edges or a resilient constriction 22 that make(s) the recess opening smaller than the diameter of the connecting rod 55.

25 As shown in figures 6a, 6b, 6c the distance between the outward protruding container regions and the inward protruding tong regions, decreases as a function of the opening angle of the container 3.

In figure 6a the container 3 is in opened position with an opening angle that is relatively large.

30 Figure 6b shows the arrangement with the container 3 in closed position. Arrow A

indicates the direction of movement of the tongs 5a, 5b during closing of the container 3. Rotation takes place around the elongated connecting rod 55.

11

Figure 6c shows the container in closed position during the holding position as described with reference to figure 5 above. Arrow B indicates a direction of movement of the tongs during the closing of the container to the holding position.

In figure 6c, during the final stage of closing, the container 3 is in closed position while 5 a force by the tongs 5a, 5b is exerted on the outer surfaces 12a, 12b of the container 3. Due to this force or due to an associated deformation of the outer surfaces, the resilient opening of the recess 13 can deform to widen the opening of the recess 13 for partially releasing the connecting rod 55 from the recess 13. During this final stage, rotation (arrow B) of the tong 5a; 5b takes places around a contact area of the respective 10 protruding regions 21, 56 of the container outer surface 12a; 12b and the tong 5a; 5b. Figure 6d shows the container in closed position during release of the holding tool 2 from the container 3. During the release the tongs are set free from the latched position for returning (arrow C) to the opened position (see figure 1)

Figure 7a shows an embodiment of the portable device 1. In this embodiment, the 15 portable device 1 is equipped with a connector 14 on the holding tool, the present invention additionally provides that the connector is arranged for coupling to a dog leash, in a preferred embodiment, the connector 14 is placed substantially at the center of gravity of the portable device 1.

In an embodiment, the coupling elements and connectors are arranged to couple by 20 means of for example a Velcro type fastener.

In an alternative embodiment, one coupling element 18 and the corresponding connector 14 are arranged for magnetic coupling. By providing magnetic coupling the holding tool 2 can be easily attached to or removed from the leash, which simplifies operation of the portable device 1.

25 In yet a further alternative embodiment, the dog leash comprises an elongated strip element 15 fastened to the dog leash and provided with coupling elements that can couple to the connector(s) on the portable device 1. The use of the strip element which is typically relatively stiff compared to the leash, provides a stable connection between the portable device 1 and the dog leash.

30 In a further embodiment, the elongated strip element is a tubular element along which a dog leash 16 is guided. The tubular element comprises a fastening element 17 (for example a Velcro fastener strip) that fastens the dog leash to the tubular element 15. Additionally the tubular element 15 comprises a spacer that can couple to the connector 12 14 on the displacement mechanism 6. The spacer is arranged to provide, during use, a separation between the dog leash and the portable device.

In an embodiment, the strip element or tubular element is arranged for coupling with a 5 housing of retractable dog leash.

It will be appreciated that the present invention encompasses a combination that can be formed between the container of figure 4 and the holding tool 2 of figure 5. In such combination each recess 13 in the outer surface 12a; 12b of the container is arranged for receiving a connecting rod 55 of the respective tong 5a; 5b of the tool, with the 10 connecting rod 55 running parallel to the recess 13. During connection of the container with the holding tool 2, the inward protruding portion of each tong 5a; 5b is at level with the outward protruding container region 21 of the respective outer surface 12a; 12b on which the tong 5a; 5b is coupled by the connecting rod 55 received in the recess 13.

15 Additionally, the present invention encompasses a combination of the portable device 1 with a dog leash or a housing of a retractable dog leash arranged with coupling elements for coupling to connectors on the holding tool 2. Also a combination of the portable device 1 with an elongated strip or tubular element arranged with coupling elements for coupling to connectors on the holding tool 2 and with a further connector 20 to connect to a dog leash or a housing of a retractable dog leash is provided by the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the invention be construed as including any combinations as described above insofar as they come within the scope of the invention.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obvious 25 modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

30

Claims

A portable device (1) for picking up objects such as waste comprising a holder tool (2) and a container (3); 5 wherein the holding tool comprises a handle (4), a pair of arms (5a, 5b) and a displacement mechanism (6) for displacing the distal ends (52) of the arms relative to each other; a proximal end (51) of each arm is coupled to the displacement mechanism; the container comprises two sections (10a, 10b) coupled together at a common edge (11) of the two sections, the common edge providing a hinge between the two sections; the distal end of each arm is in a releasable connection to an outer surface (12a, 12b) of a respective section of the container; the displacement mechanism is adapted to close the container by causing the arms to move toward each other and that the two sections move toward each other by rotation about the hinge; wherein in each releasable connection: the distal end (52) of the arm has an elongated connecting bar (55) extending parallel to the hinge of the container; the outer surface of the container section has an elongated slot (13) running parallel to the hinge (11) for transversely receiving the elongated connecting bar (55), the slot having an elastic narrowing (22) for retaining the rod in the corresponding slot, wherein for each section, the outer surface between the slot and the hinge has an outwardly protruding container area (21), each arm has an inwardly protruding area (56) that is substantially level with and oriented is to the outwardly projecting container area of the corresponding section of the container, and wherein in a closed position of the sections of the container a distance (25) between the surfaces of the outwardly projecting container areas of the two sections is substantially equal to one distance between the surfaces of the inwardly projecting areas of the pair of arms.

A portable device according to claim 1, wherein in the closed position while the outwardly protruding container areas of the two sections touch the inwardly protruding areas of the pair of arms, a distance (26) between the centers of the connecting bars of the pair of arms is equal to or slightly larger than a distance (27) between the slots in the two sections of the container. 10

The portable device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connecting rod is rotatable in the slot.

4. Portable device as claimed in any of the claims 1-3, wherein the container consists of a thin-walled elastic material.

A portable device according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the material is selected from a group comprising cardboard, paper, plastic and metal.

A portable device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the material is (biodegradable).

A portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each section of the container has a convex outer surface. 25

A portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed position of the container the inner surfaces of the two sections define a closed volume.

The portable device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each section comprises a plurality of sub-surfaces.

A portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each section on the outer surface has one or more ribs that extend over the respective outer surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the hinge of the container. 5

A portable device according to any of the preceding claims 1-10, wherein the portable device is adapted to be connected to a dog leash or to a housing of a retractable dog leash.

The portable device of claim 11, wherein the holding tool comprises at least one connector, and the dog leash or housing thereof comprises at least one coupling element for coupling to the corresponding at least one connector.

A portable device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the portable device comprises an elongated strip element; wherein the elongated strip element is adapted to attach to the dog leash or the housing thereof and which is provided with the at least one coupling element for coupling to the holding tool.

The portable device of claim 13, wherein the elongated strip member is a tubular member through which or along which the dog leash can be guided.

15. Portable device according to any of claims 11-14, wherein the portable device is fixed in its longitudinal direction along the length of the dog leash or along its housing.

16. Portable device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the elongated connecting bar on each arm has a substantially round cross-section and the elongated slot has a corresponding cross-section, wherein an opening of the elongated slot is defined by elastic slot edges which making the slot smaller than the diameter of the connecting rod, and the elastic edges of the slot are adapted to further open the opening under the influence of a deformation of the outer surfaces due to a pressure on the surfaces of the inwardly projecting regions of the arms on the surfaces of the outwardly projecting areas of the external surfaces of the sections of the container.

A container comprising a pair of sections coupled together at a common edge of the sections, wherein the common edge provides a hinge between the sections; an outer surface of each section of the container comprises an elongated slot for receiving an elongated connecting bar transversely, the length of the bar being parallel to the outer surface; the slot has an elastic narrowing for holding the corresponding connecting rod in the slot, and wherein for each section, the outer surface has an outwardly protruding region between the slot and the common edge. 15

A holding tool comprising a handle, a pair of arms, and a displacement mechanism for displacing distal ends of the arms relative to each other; wherein the arms are connected to the handle by means of the displacement mechanism, a distance between the distal ends of the arms being adjustable by a rotation of the arms around at least one pivot point in the holding tool; a proximal end of each arm is coupled to the displacement mechanism; the distal end of each arm comprises an elongated connecting rod that extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one pivot, and each arm has an inwardly protruding region between the connecting rod and the displacement mechanism.

A combination of a holding tool according to claim 18 and a container 30 according to claim 17, wherein each elongated slot in the outer surface of the container is adapted to receive an elongated connecting bar from a respective arm of the holding tool, the connecting bar parallel runs on the slot, and wherein during connection of the container to the holding tool, the inwardly projecting area of each arm is level with the outwardly projecting area of the respective outer surface to which the arm is coupled by the connecting rod received in the slot . 5

Container according to claim 17 for use in a portable device according to one of the preceding claims 1-16. 10