WO2006072469A1

WO2006072469A1 - Container for collecting an object from the ground, assembly and actuating device therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2006072469A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/050081
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Roig
Original assignee: Jacques, Dominique; Janssens De Varebeke, Jean-Jacques
Priority date: 2005-01-10
Filing date: 2005-01-10
Publication date: 2006-07-13

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (10) for collecting an object (16) from the ground (18), including at least two nonadjacent edges (14); and two elongated chambers (20) respectively arranged near the two nonadjacent edges (14). It further includes a surface (12) capable to collapse from an extended configuration, to roll-up and to form a spiral section; and the chambers (20) are each arranged near one extremity of the surface (12), so that they are also capable to collapse near the centre of the spiral. The invention also relates to an assembly for collecting an object (16) from the ground (18), including such a container (10) and an actuating device (2) for cooperating with the container (10). The invention further relates to an actuating device (2) for use in such an assembly.

Description

CONTAINER FOR COLLECTING AN OBJECT FROM THE GROUND, ASSEMBLY AND ACTUATING DEVICE THEREFOR

Field of the invention The invention relates to a container for collecting an object from the ground, including at least two nonadjacent edges; and two elongated chambers respectively arranged near the two nonadjacent edges .

The object to be collected from the ground may for instance be an undesirable object, such as animal feces or more particularly dog feces .

The invention also relates to an assembly for collecting an object from the ground, including such a container and an actuating device for cooperating therewith.

The invention further relates to an actuating device for use in such an assembly.

Description of prior art:

Such a container, assembly and actuating device are known from the prior art .

For instance, the German published patent application DE 40 07 051 Al discloses a device for picking up dog excrement including connected scissors members at the end of which are arranged two parallel gripping arms projecting transversely on one side and movable between an open and a shut positions . It also discloses a bag with a downwards opening. The bag includes elongated openings that can be arranged on the gripping arms . The bag can be initially folded up before use .

When the bag is arranged on the arms, it can be placed on the ground above a dog' s excrement so that under the operation of the scissors members, the excrement is caught into the bag which may be disposed of in a refuse bin. The whole process can be executed without any contact between the excrement and the user' s hands .

The container of the prior art, even when folded, is rather voluminous . The volume occupied by the container before use is an important issue, since often many containers need to be carried by the user, for instance the dog' s owner when the object is a dog' s feces .

Furthermore, when operated by the actuating device, the container is not efficient enough for smoothly collecting certain kinds of objects from the ground. The container efficiency is important for collecting the object easily without undue effort .

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to solve at least partially the problems of the known container, assembly and actuating device .

To this end, the device according to the invention is characterized in that it further includes a surface capable to collapse from an extended configuration, to roll-up and to form a spiral section; and the chambers are each arranged near one extremity of the surface, so that they are also capable to collapse near the centre of the spiral . The container according to the invention can thus be configured to be more compact before use . Indeed, since it comprises a surface capable to collapse, to roll-up and to form a spiral section, the container can be provided before use to the user in such a rolled-up configuration, for instance with temporarily fastening means to keep the container in such a compact configuration as long as necessary.

Even when rolled-up in such a spiral configuration, with one of the elongated chambers in the centre of the spiral and the other at its periphery, the container can still be smoothly unrolled by two elongated arms . For instance, the arms, of an actuating device for instance, are introduced into the elongated chambers, which should be provided with at least one opening at an extremity. When the arms are moving away from each other, for instance while staying parallel to each other, they are unrolling the container surface and the container itself. In the process, at least one of the elongated chambers rotates round an arm.

The nature of the arm surface and the profile of the arm section should be adapted to the nature and shape of the internal sides of the elongated chambers in order not to unduly hinder the rotation .

Once unrolled, the container surface exhibits a curve semi-cylindrical or similar shape . At this stage, the container may be arranged above and round the object . The container nonadjacent edges may contact with the ground on which the object stands . The two substantially parallel arms are then brought together, and so are the two nonadjacent edges of the container, which move near the ground or slide thereon . The object is thus easily caught into the container .

Experiments have shown that at this stage the curved semi- cylindrical or similar shape of the container according to the invention is particularly advantageous to smoothly collect the object, without undue effort . The leading angle of the container nonadjacent edges is indeed very suitable for collecting the object . As a result, the container can efficiently, smoothly and easily collect an object .

Furthermore, the container according to the invention can be configured before use to be compact and elegant .

With adapted dimensions, it looks like a cigar and can be discreetly hold in a pocket without making its intended purpose directly clear and obvious .

In a particular embodiment, the container according to the invention is provided with closing means operable for closing the lateral sides of the container when the surface is unrolled from a rolled-up configuration. This is advantageous to hold the collected object firmly within the container in order to prevent the object from leaving the container .

The closing means may for instance include a couple of articulated panels joined by a resilient member such as a rubber band. When the container is rolled-up, the articulated panels are also rolled-up and the rubber band is stretched. Once the container is unrolled to a certain extent, the articulated panels are able to pivot freely away from the surface, to fold down and to close the container lateral sides .

The invention also relates to an assembly for collecting an object from the ground including a container according to the invention; and an actuating device for cooperating with the container, including two elongated members rotatably articulated about an axis and two arms, respectively attached to each one of the members; and capable of being configured so that the arms are substantially parallel to the axis .

The assembly is thus efficient for collecting an object from the ground. In one embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, at least one arm of the actuating device has a rounded section, which is more suitable for cooperating with the container of the invention .

Short description of the drawings

These and further aspects of the invention will be explained in detail by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which :

Fig. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 show schematic views in perspective of an embodiment of the container according to the invention at different stages of its process of operation; Fig. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 shows schematic side views of the container shown in Fig. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11;

Fig. 13 shows a schematic detailed side view of an embodiment of the container according to the invention, wherein the container is rolled-up; Fig. 14 shows a schematic detailed side view of the container of Fig. 13, wherein the container is arranged above and round an object to collect;

Fig. 15 and 16 show schematic interior view of an embodiment of the container according to the invention, wherein the container includes closing means for closing its lateral sides;

Fig. 17, 18 and 19 show schematic perspective views of the main elements of an embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, at different stages of its process of operation;

Fig . 20 and 21 show isometric views of an embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, at two distinct stages of its process of operation;

Fig. 22 and 23 show respectively front and side views of the actuating device of Fig. 20 and 21;

Fig. 24 and 25 show isometric views of another embodiment of the,, actuating device according to the invention, at two stages of its process of operation; and

Fig. 26 and 27 show respectively front and side views of the actuating device of Fig. 24 and 25.

The figures are not drawn to scale. Generally, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures .

Detailed description of preferred embodiments Fig. 1 shows a schematic view in perspective of an embodiment of the container 10 according to the invention . In Fig. 1 to 12, the elongated chambers 20 of the container 10 are not represented for the sake of clarity. However, in reality the chambers 20 are provided near the two nonadjacent edges 14 of the container 10.

The surface 12 of the container 10 is rolled-up in the configuration of Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the container 10 in the same rolled-up configuration. In addition, two arms 8 are represented in section . The arms 8 of an actuating device 2 may be used in cooperation with the container 10 to collect the object . One of the two arms 8 is located at the outer periphery of the spiral-shaped container 10 near one nonadjacent edge 14 of the container 10 and is introduced into one elongated chamber 8 (not represented) of the container 10, while the other one is located inside the spiral near the other nonadjacent edge 14 and is introduced into the other elongated chamber 8 (not represented) .

In such a configuration, the container 10 is very compact . It forms substantially a cylinder, which may for instance have a section diameter of less than 30 millimeters . It may further have for instance a length of less than 250 millimeters . In a particular embodiment, the rolled-up container 10 has a section diameter of about 20 millimeters and a length of about 18 millimeters .

The container 10 may be provided with fastening means (not represented) to fasten, in this rolled-up configuration, the outer nonadjacent edge 14 with the surface 12 portion located in the nearest interior layer of the spiral . The fastening means may be for instance a tear strip. This configuration of the container is illustrated in a more detailed schematic side view in Fig. 13, this time with the representation of the elongated chambers 20.

When the elongated chambers 20 of the container 10 move away from one another, for instance under the action of arms 8 of an actuating device 2, the surface 10 unrolls and opens, as illustrated in Fig. 3 and 4. During this stage, the interior elongated chamber 20 rotates, for instance round the arm 8 of the actuating device 2. In an embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, the arm 8 has a rounded section . This helps and makes smoother the rotation of the elongated chamber 20 round the arm 8.

At the end of the unrolling process, as illustrated in Fig. 5 and 6, the surface 12 has a semi-cylindrical or similarly curved form, with the nonadjacent edges 14 on one side, capable of being arranged above and round the object 16 to collect from the ground 18.

In a particular embodiment, the container 10 according to the invention is provided with a couple of articulated panels 22 joined by a resilient member, such as a rubber band 24. When the container 10 is rolled-up, the articulated panels 22 are rolled-up as well and are arranged onto the interior of the surface 12. The rubber band 24 is then stretched. As soon as the container 10 is unrolled to a certain extent, the articulated panels 22 are able to freely pivot away from the surface under the rubber band 24 action, to fold down and to close the container 10 lateral sides . Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate this particular embodiment of the container 10 in the unrolled configuration already discussed with respect to Fig. 5 and 6. Fig. 7 and 8 show the articulated panels 22 after release and pivoting .

Fig. 15 and 16 further illustrate the particular embodiment of the container 10 including articulated panels 22. Fig. 15 shows a schematic interior view of the container 10 wherein the articulated panels 22 have not yet pivoted. The rubber band 24 is then fully stretched. Fig. 16 shows the container 10 with unfolded articulated panels 22. The pivoting direction is illustrated by the four straight arrows .

This particular embodiment may actually include any number of articulated panels 22, for instance one articulated panel 22 , two articulated panels 22, forming a couple, four articulated panels 22, forming two couples (as represented in Fig. 15 and 16) , or more articulated panels 22.

Furthermore, before pivoting, the articulated panels 22 may extend laterally further than the actual limit of the surface 12, as illustrated in Fig. 15. This does not affect the efficiency of container 10, and increases the actual volume for collecting the object 16.

The articulated pivotable panels 22 may be shaped like half almond, i. e . they may be semi-amygdaloidal . They may further be integral with the surface 12 , making the container 10 more robust . In an embodiment of the container 10 according to the invention, the articulation of the panel 22 with the surface 12 is concavely curved, as shown in Fig. 15. The articulation curvature, with a concavity turned towards the lateral side of the surface 12, prevents the panel 22 from pivoting further than a given angle with respect to the surface 12. By suitably selecting the curve, a desired maximum pivoting angle is obtained, such as an angle of 90 degrees .

As explained above, at the end of the unrolling process, as illustrated in Fig. 5, 6, 7 and 8, the surface 12 is capable of being arranged above and round an object 16 to collect from the ground 18. Fig. 14 illustrates this arrangement, with the optional articulated panels 22.

When arranged above and round an object 16, the container 10 can be closed to actually collect the object 16 as illustrated in Fig. 9 to 12. -.i.For instance, under the action of arms 8 introduced into the elongated chambers 20, the nonadjacent sides return close to each other, and the container 10 can be easily closed to collect the object 16.

When unrolled but closed, the container 10 may form a cylinder or the like, as illustrated on Fig. 11 and 12. The cylinder may for instance have a section diameter comprised between 80 millimeters and 120 millimeters, or more particularly a section diameter of 100 millimeters . It may further for instance be 180 millimeters long . The two nonadjacent sides 14 of the container 10 may be fastened by fastening means such as a sticking band, hooks and loops or any other suitable mechanism. The same fastening means may serve both for tightening the container 10 in a rolled-up configuration and for joining the nonadjacent sides 14 in the unrolled but closed configuration.

In the unrolled, closed and optionally fastened configuration, the container 10 may be disposed of along with the collected object 16, for instance in a refuse bin .

In an embodiment of the container 10 according to the invention, the two elongated chambers 20 are arranged on opposite sides of the surface 12, as shown in Fig. 13 and 14, and, in dashed lines, in Fig. 15 and 16. This offers a yet more compact rolled-up container 10.

The container 10 according to the invention may be used in cooperation with an actuating device 2, forming an assembly or system for collecting an object 16 from the ground 18. The invention also relates to such an assembly of a container 10 and an actuating device 2.

In one embodiment of the assembly, the actuating device 2 for cooperating with the container 10 includes two elongated members 4 rotatably articulated about an axis 6 and two arms 8, respectively attached to each one of the members 4 ; and is capable of being configured so that the arms 8 are substantially parallel to the axis 6.

Such an actuating device 2 is schematically illustrated in Fig. 17, 18 and 19. The published patent application DE 40 07 051 Al discloses such an actuating device 2. However the prior art actuating device would poorly work or would not work at all in cooperation with the container 10 according to the invention . The profile in "L" of the arms of the prior art actuating device are unsuitable to allow the elongated chambers 20 to rotate round the prior art arms .

In one embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, at least one arm 8 of the actuating device 2 has a substantially rounded section .

In a further embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, the arms have an acute or rounded free end. This makes the container setting easier .

The actuating device 2 of the assembly according to the invention may form a cane or may be integral with a cane . Fig. 20, 21, 22 and 23 show different views of an embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, wherein when the arms 8 are folded along the elongated members 4. The device may be used as a cane, for instance by elderly persons . The cane may for instance have a section diameter comprised between 3.0 millimeters and 50 millimeters .

The cane further for instance include means for attaching a leash thereto .

The actuating device 2 of the assembly according to the invention may instead have the form of a shorter stick. Fig. 24 , 25, 26 and 27 shows different views of an embodiment of this kind of actuating device 2 according to the invention . The stick may for instance be less than 600 millimeters long.

In both embodiments , respectively illustrated in Fig. 20 to 23 and in Fig. 24 to 27, the actuating device 2 includes handling means operable for separating the elongated members 4 for one another, or bringing them together, so that the arms 8 open or close . The handling means may be handled and operated by a person, and may actually be a handle or a couple of handles . The handling means may further include an electric motor coupled with controlling means for opening and closing the arms 8. In one embodiment, the handling means includes a return spring 26.

In one embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, the arms 8, or prongs, have a section diameter of less than 10 millimeters, and for instance of about 6 millimeters .

In a further embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, the arms 8 are capable of being folded along the elongated members 4. The folded arms 8 may be arranged along-.,the elongated members 4 for instance one above the other or side by side . The elongated members 4 may each further be provided with a groove to receive the folded arms 8.

The invention also relates to an actuating device 2 for use in an assembly according to the invention . The actuating device 2 may be configured so that it is capable of including a stock of containers 10.

The actuating device 2 may be operable by a person with one hand only, to let the other hand free to hold the dog' s leash for instance, and may be operable by a person standing and slightly bending towards the ground 18. It will be clear for the man skilled in the art that the container 10 may be a pocket, reusable or not, disposable or not, and manufactured by folding, sizing or stitching for instance .

It will be further clear for the man skilled in the art that the object 16 may be for instance an animal dejection such as a dog' s feces, or a piece of food, which would inadvertently have fallen on the ground.

The closing means operable for closing the lateral sides of the container 10 may include articulated panels 22 , integrally part of the surface 12, with a rubber or plastic band, a spring or any resilient member . The surface may be resilient itself so that it tends to fold at its sides when unrolled.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove . The invention resides in each and every novel characteristic feature and each and every combination of characteristic features . Reference numerals in the claims do not limit their protective scope .

Claims

1. Container (10) for collecting an object (16) from the ground (18) , including at least two nonadjacent edges (14) ; and two elongated chambers (20) respectively arranged near the two nonadjacent edges (14) ; characterized in that it further includes a surface (12 ) capable to collapse from an extended configuration, to roll-up and to form a spiral section; and the chambers (20) are each arranged near one extremity of the surface (12) , so that they are also capable to collapse near the centre of the spiral .

2. Container (10) according to claim 1, further including lateral sides; and closing means operable for closing the lateral sides of the container (10_') when the surface (12) is unrolled from a rolled-up configuration.

3. Container (10) according to claim 2, wherein the closing means includes at least two articulated panels (22 ) joined by a resilient member (24) .

4. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chambers (20) are arranged on opposite sides of the surface (12) .

5. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, formed into a biodegradable material .

6. Container (10) according to claim 5, wherein the biodegradable material is selected from a cardboard material and a plastic material .

7. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when rolled-up, the container (10) has a section diameter of less than 30 millimeters .

8. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two non-adjacent edges (14) have a length of less than 250 millimeters .

9. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, including fastening means operable for fastening the two nonadjacent edges (14) together when they are near each other .

10. Assembly for collecting an object (16) from the ground (18) including a container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; and an actuating device (2) for cooperating with the container (10) , including two elongated members (20) rotatably articulated about an axis (6) and two arms (8) , respectively attached to each one of the members (4) and capable of being configured so that the arms (8 ) are substantially parallel to the axis (6) .

11. Assembly according to claim 10, wherein at least one arm (8) of the actuating device (2) has a rounded section .

12. Assembly according to claim 11, wherein both arms (8) of the actuating device (2 ) have a rounded section and wherein the arms (8) have a section diameter of less than 10 millimeters .

13. Assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, when the arms (8) of the actuating device (2) are configured to be substantially parallel to the axis (6) , one of the arms (8) is closer to the axis (6) than the other one .

14. Assembly according to claim 13, wherein the actuating device (2) is capable of being configured so that the axis (6) and the two arms (8) are located substantially in a same plane .

15. Actuating device (2) for use in an assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 14.