WO1997004642A1

WO1997004642A1 - Wrapping for a disposable material

Info

Publication number: WO1997004642A1
Application number: PCT/FR1996/001208
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Crocomo
Original assignee: William Crocomo
Priority date: 1995-07-31
Filing date: 1996-07-31
Publication date: 1997-02-13
Also published as: EP0932334A1; FR2737476A1; FR2737476B1

Abstract

A wrapping for a used disposable material such as pet litter, made from a continuous flexible plastic film (3) strong enough to contain and support the material. The film (3) is folded up and sealed or substantially sealed to form a tube. The opposite edges (5) forming the openings of the tube are rigidly connected to one another so that the wrapping (2) comprises two opposite surfaces with a generally parallelogram-shaped outline.

Description

TESTEVE ENVELOPE TO RECEIVE A JEEABIE FRCDUIT.

The invention relates to an envelope intended to receive a disposable product after use, a litter refill comprising such an envelope and a dose of litter, as well as the assembly comprising such a refill, or the envelope alone, and an animal container. domesticated.

The problem of producing containers intended to contain litter for domestic animals has already been the subject of numerous solutions.

For example, reference may be made to documents FR-A- 2 480 076, FR-A-2 608 012, FR-A-2 618 050, FR-A-2 706 243, EP-A-0 195 221 and US -A-5 347 950.

The invention aims to solve this problem by providing a solution which combines a high degree of hygiene, practicality of packaging, ease of handling, low cost of manufacture and use.

To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an envelope intended to receive a disposable product after its use - such as, for example, litter -, produced from a flexible and continuous film, having sufficient strength to contain and support the product.

According to the invention, the film is folded and closed, or substantially closed, on itself so as to form a tube, the facing edges forming the openings of the tube being rigidly fixed to each other substantially over their whole length, so that the envelope has two opposite faces presenting a general contour in the form of a parallelogram.

The envelope comprises, towards the middle zone of one of its faces, means of access to the interior of the envelope and means of closing the envelope, the access means and the means of closing s 'extending between the edges.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a litter refill intended for a container for domestic animals, disposable after use, comprising the flexible outer envelope, and a predefined dose of product forming litter placed in the envelope.

According to this embodiment, the envelope can be in one of the three situations corresponding respectively to the litter before, during and after use while having, in each of these three situations, the function of containing the dose of litter, whereby :

- before use, the envelope is folded and closed on itself and then ensures the conditioning of the new litter; - during use, the envelope is opened thanks to said access means and can be deployed so as to be placed in a tray by lining it, the litter resting towards the central and lower part of the envelope which then ensures the protection of the tank; - After use, the envelope is closed on itself, and capable of being thus maintained by the closing means, the envelope then ensuring the packaging of the vitiated litter for its evacuation. The envelope can thus be used alone or in combination with the litter, to form a refill.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a container for domestic animals of the type comprising a projecting bottom and peripheral edge and a refill as it has just been defined, or only 1 * envelope.

During use, the envelope lines the bottom and the peripheral border inside the container, the litter can rest on the bottom of the container. To this end, the envelope is secured or hung on the tray, in particular by jamming or folding or by an added member.

According to a possible embodiment, the assembly further comprises a removable cover cap.

Other characteristics of the invention will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of nonlimiting examples.

Figures 1 and 2 are two perspective views illustrating two variants of the envelope.

Figures 3 to 6 are four schematic cross-sectional views illustrating four variants of the envelope.

FIGS. 7A to 7D are four schematic views illustrating a mode of use of the refill. The litter refill 1 and the envelope 2 according to the invention are intended for a container 15 for domestic animals, such as cats or dogs.

Such a tray 15 comprises, according to a conventional embodiment, a flat bottom and a peripheral edge 15a projecting from the bottom, for example perpendicular to it or inclined relative to the perpendicular by being flared towards the opening of the tray opposite the bottom .

Such a bin 15 according to a typical embodiment is part of an outer envelope of generally parallelepipedal shape having a bottom with a long side 15b of the order of 55 cm and a short side 15c of the order of 45 cm and a peripheral border in projection 15a of the order of 10 to 15 cm, for example.

During use, such a container 15 is intended to rest with its horizontal or substantially horizontal bottom, the peripheral edge 15a being directed upwards.

If necessary, a removable cover cap is also provided which comes to rest on the edge of the peripheral edge.

The envelope 2 is produced from a flexible and continuous film 3, for example, made of plastic.

Before using the envelope 2, the film 3 is folded and closed, or substantially closed, on itself so as to form a tube. According to a first embodiment, shown in Figure 3, the film 3 initially has a tubular shape in one piece.

According to a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the film 3 initially has a shape of parallelogram, the free edges 8a, 8b on two opposite sides of the film 3 being folded back towards each other, so as to form a tube.

The facing edges 5 forming the openings of the tube are rigidly fixed to each other substantially over their entire length. The envelope 2 thus comprises, before its use, two opposite faces 16 having a general contour in the form of a parallelogram.

More particularly, each of the faces 16 has a rectangular outline, the short sides 7 of the rectangle corresponding to the edges 5.

Each face 16 has a large side 4 of the order of 2 to 2.5 times larger than the small side 7.

For example, the long side 4 has a length of the order of 70 to 90 cm and the short side 4, a length of the order of 35 cm.

The envelope 2 comprises, towards the middle zone of one of its faces 16, means 6 for accessing the interior of the envelope and means 9 for closing the envelope.

The access means 6 and the closing means 9 extend between the edges 5, substantially parallel to the long sides 4. The access means 6 can be the subject of different variant embodiments.

In the case where the film 3 is initially a tube, it may be a question of cutting or tearing the envelope 2 in its median zone, from one edge 5 to the other, or better, of a precut such as a frangible line 12 of less resistance, formed on the film 3, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the case where the film 3 initially has a shape of parallelogram, it may be an opening formed on the envelope 2, the free edges 8a, 8b not being for example fixed to one another (figure 4).

Or, as shown in Figure 5, it can be provided to detachably bond or glue the edges 8a, 8b opposite.

The access means 6 thus define a central opening 8 extending parallel to the long sides 4.

According to another embodiment, not shown, the access means 6 can be a removable closing attachment piece, for example in the form of a profiled rod pinching, trapping and closing the envelope 2.

The closure means 9 can also be the subject of different alternative embodiments. They can be integrated into the envelope 2 and consist of a flexible and relatively inextensible tightening cord 10, mounted to slide in a tunnel 11 of the envelope 2, located around its opening 8.

To this end, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the envelope 2 comprises, towards its median zone, around the access means 6, two longitudinal tunnels 11 extending between the edges 5.

These tunnels 11 are formed by folding over itself a part of the film 3 and rigid fixing, such as a weld, at the junction on itself of said part.

In the case where the film 3 initially has a tubular shape, two parts of the film 3, located towards the middle zone, are folded back on themselves so as to form a loop (FIG. 3). A bead can thus be positioned inside this loop, and a weld, or any other similar rigid fixing method, is carried out at the junction of said loop.

In the case where the film 3 is initially a parallelogram, the free edges 8a, 8b of the film 3 can be folded towards the long sides 4, that is to say on the side opposite to the opening 8 (FIGS. 4 and 5 ). And, as previously, a bead 10 is positioned inside the formed loops before making a rigid attachment, to close the loop.

In this case, it is also possible to fold a free edge 8a towards the corresponding long side 4 and fold over part of the film 3 located towards the other edge. 8b, by forming a loop, so that the part of the film situated between the loop and the corresponding edge 8b has the function of substantially closing the opening 8, as shown in FIG. 6.

In the embodiments which have just been described, it is preferable to make the tunnels there before rigidly fixing the edges 5, the attachments of the tunnels 11 and of the edges 5 can be carried out simultaneously.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, provision may be made to weld together the junctions of the two loops forming the tunnels 11 so that the tunnels 11 are superposed.

In the case of FIG. 1, the cord 10 is grasped at the location of two notches 13 of the two tunnels 11 located towards the center of the envelope 2 so that it can be grasped and pulled according to arrow G.

In the case of FIG. 2, the cord 10 projects from the peripheral edge 5 of the envelope 2.

The closure means 9 can also be added and consist of a strip, an elastic band or a bead of the type of those which, before being used, are associated with the casing 2 by one end and extend along the longitudinal direction D - substantially parallel to the long sides 4 - of the envelope 2.

It is also possible to provide a zipper bringing the edges 8a, 8b together. Finally, the closure means 9 can be formed by a knot or equivalent, formed by means of the edges 8a, 8b of the envelope 2 and closing it.

We will now describe the refill 1 comprising the envelope 2 and a dose of litter.

The refill 1 according to the invention is intended to be in three situations: - the situation before use;

- the situation during its use, in association with the tank 15 previously mentioned; and finally,

- the situation after use.

Whatever the situation considered, the refill 1 forms a whole that can be handled as such.

This is so true before use where the refill 1 can be packaged, stored, handled; during use where the refill 1 can be combined and placed on the tray 15; and, finally, after use where the refill 1, the litter of which is vitiated, can be removed.

The litter refill 1 considered is therefore of disposable type.

This refill 1 essentially comprises the flexible outer envelope 2, and a predefined dose of litter-forming product 14, placed in the envelope 2.

The film 3, constituting the envelope 2, must have the desired flexibility to allow its good conformation on the tray 15, during use. In this situation (FIG. 7B), the envelope 2 lines the bottom and the peripheral edge 15a inside the container 15, the litter 14 resting on the bottom of the container 15.

It is understood that the envelope 2 can be used empty, the user himself adding the litter 14, once the envelope 2 is positioned in the tray 15.

In addition, the envelope 2 is secured or attached to the tank 15 in particular by jamming or folding, or by an added member.

To allow this association of the envelope 2 on the tray 15, the long side 4 of the refill 1, and of the envelope 2 which it comprises, has a length of the order of the sum of the small and the large side 1 * opening of the tray

15.

The plastic film 3 must also have a resistance enabling it to contain and effectively support the dose of litter 14.

Such a dose can represent a weight of the order of 1 to 3 kg.

The film 3 must also have qualities making it compatible with an animal. In particular, it must reasonably resist the claws or bites of the animal. It must also not affect the health of the animal, even in the event of inadvertent ingestion of a piece of film. The film 3 can, as required, be transparent, translucent, colored, with or without a pattern.

The film 3 can also include components such as perfume, cleaning or sanitary product.

The litter product 14 is suitable for this use. It can be, for example, sawdust, gravel, etc.

It will be noted that the litter-forming product 14 being pre-dosed for recharging, litter wastage or alteration of the litter of a package that has been left open for too long is avoided.

Like the refill 1, the envelope 2 can be in one of its three possible situations. However, in each of these three situations, in the case of using the envelope 2 for a refill 1, the envelope 2 has the function of containing the dose of litter 14.

In this case, the introduction of the litter 14 into the envelope 2 is carried out during the design of the envelope.

One can for example provide to fill the envelope by an opening of the tube before sealing the corresponding edges 5, or when they are partially sealed, the other opening being previously closed.

Before use (Figures 1 and 2), the envelope 2 is folded and closed on itself, and has a rather flattened shape like a cushion. The envelope 2 then ensures the conditioning of the new litter, in the case of its use for a refill 1.

During use (FIG. 7B), the envelope 2 is opened by said means 6 allowing access to the interior and can be deployed so as to be placed in the container 15 by lining it, the litter 14 resting on the central and lower part of the envelope 2 which then protects the tank 15.

After use (FIGS. 7C, 76D), the envelope 2 is closed on itself, at least towards its opening 8, and capable of being thus maintained by the closing means 9, the envelope 2 then ensuring the conditioning of the contaminated litter for its evacuation.

FIGS. 7A to 7D illustrate the different stages of the implementation of the refill 1 shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 6A, the refill 1 is placed in a tray 15 and one begins its opening. The litter product 14 is clearly visible. The arrows G indicate the opening movement of the envelope 2.

In FIG. 7B, the refill 1 is presented in situation on the tray 15, the assembly being ready for use. The arrows H represent the folding movement of the envelope 2 on the edges 15a of the container 15.

In Figure 7C is shown the envelope 2 just after the use of the litter. Then pull in the direction of the arrows F on the cord 10 until the envelope 2 is closed, as shown in Figure 6D, and ready to be discarded.

It is understood that in the case where the envelope 2 is not pre-filled with litter, its use in relation to the tray 15 is identical to that of the refill 1, the litter being placed in the envelope after the step shown in Figure 7B.

Claims

1. Envelope intended to receive a disposable product after its use - such as for example litter - produced from a flexible and continuous film (3), having sufficient strength to contain and support the product, characterized in that than

- the film (3) is folded and closed, or substantially closed, on itself so as to form a tube, the facing edges (5) forming the openings of the tube being rigidly fixed to each other substantially on their entire length, so that the envelope (2) has two facing faces (16) having a general contour in the form of a parallelogram; - the envelope (2) comprises, towards the middle zone of one of its faces, means (6) for access to the interior of the envelope (2) and means (9) for closing the envelope (2), the means (6) of access and the means (9) of closure extending between the edges (5).

2. Envelope according to claim 1, characterized in that the film (3) has a tubular shape in one piece or a parallelogram shape.

3. Envelope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of its faces (16) has a rectangular outline, the short sides (7) corresponding to said edges (5).

4. Envelope according to claim 3, characterized in that each face (16) has a long side (4) of the order of 2 to 2.5 times larger than the short side (7).

5. Envelope according to claim 4, characterized in that the long side (4) has a length of around 70 to 90 cm and the short side (7), a length of around 35 cm.

6. Envelope according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the means (6) of access and the means (9) of closure extend substantially parallel to the long sides (4).

7. Envelope according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the means (6) for access to the interior of the envelope are chosen from means capable of cutting or tearing the envelope; a precut (12) formed on the film; an opening on the envelope; a removable insert for closing the envelope.

8. Envelope according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the closure means (9) are either integrated into the envelope (2), or attached to it, or formed by the envelope (2) it -even.

9. Envelope according to claim 8, characterized in that the closing means (9) are chosen from a cord device (10) sliding in a tunnel (11) of the envelope located around the access means (6) , a zipper, a strip, an elastic band or an attached cord, the envelope closed on itself by a knot or equivalent.

10. Envelope according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises, towards its median zone, two tunnels (11) extending between the edges, around the access means (6), the tunnels (11) being formed through folding in on itself of a part of the film (3) and rigid fixing at the junction on itself of said part.

11. litter refill (1) intended for a container for domestic animals, disposable after use, comprising a flexible outer envelope (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a predefined dose of litter-forming product (14) placed in the envelope (2); in which the envelope (2) can be in one of the three situations corresponding respectively to the litter before, during and after use while having, in each of these three situations, the function of containing the dose of litter, so that: - before use, the envelope (2) is folded and closed on itself and then ensures the conditioning of the new litter;

- during use, the envelope (2) is opened thanks to said access means (6) and can be deployed so as to be placed in a tray by lining it, the litter resting towards the central and lower part of the 'envelope (2) which then protects the tank;

- After use, the envelope (2) is closed on itself and capable of being thus maintained by the closing means (9), the envelope (2) then ensuring the conditioning of the vitiated litter in view of his evacuation.

12. Assembly comprising a container (15) for domestic animals, of the type comprising a bottom and a peripheral projecting border (15a), and a refill (1) according to claim 11.

13. Assembly comprising a container for a domestic animal, of the type comprising a bottom and a peripheral projecting border, and an envelope (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

14. The assembly of claim 12 or 13, characterized in that during use, the envelope (2) lines the bottom and the peripheral edge 1 * inside the tray (15), the litter can rest on the bottom of the bac.

15. The assembly of claim 14, characterized in that during use, the envelope (2) is secured or attached to the tray in particular by wedging or folding or by an insert.

16. An assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises a removable cover cap.

17. Assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the large side (4) of the envelope (2) has a length of the order of the sum of the small and the large side of the opening of the tank (15).