WO2017039441A1

WO2017039441A1 - Device for picking up a target object

Info

Publication number: WO2017039441A1
Application number: PCT/NL2016/050602
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendrik Arend VAN DER PLAS
Original assignee: Van Der Plas Hendrik Arend
Priority date: 2015-08-28
Filing date: 2016-08-29
Publication date: 2017-03-09
Also published as: NL1041447B1

Abstract

Clamp comprising: -two frames, each frame comprising an elongated element curved to substantially form a loop, each frame having a scraping portion for scraping over a target surface, and bearing means for attachment to the clamp; -a connection element having holding means for holding the bearing means of each frame to allow at least one frame to rotate with respect to the connection element; wherein each frame is having an engagement means for operating the at least one frame to rotate with respect to the connection element; -a spring system having at least one torsion spring, a coil portion of the at least one torsion spring being arranged at the connection element, a first end of the torsion spring engaged to the engagement means of the one frame, and a second end of the torsion spring engaged to the engagement means of the other frame.

Description

DEVICE FOR PICKING UP A TARGET OBJECT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for picking up a target object, such as waste supported on a rough area, the device being constructed as a clamp which is suitable to apply a flexible container, such as a plastic bag, to store the target object to be picked up from the rough area.

The target object to be picked may be dog waste locating on the rough area such as the ground, grass, earth, pavement or the like. The target object needs to be surrounded by the flexible container before the device is operated to scrape the flexible container between the rough surface and the target object, thereby enclosing the target object in which enclosed state of the container the target object is disposable. Such a device for picking up the target object to be removed requires to remain unaffected by the target object or at least stay clean after being used so that it can be used over and over without severe cleaning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most municipalities have laws that relate to the cleanup and disposal of pet waste, such as dog waste. The use of bags to collect the pet waste is often mandatory, especially in urban areas. Because picking up the waste, even with the aid of a bag is quite uncomfortable and in many cases not very effective, a number of prior art devices have been disclosed for use in picking up pet waste. The following patents and patent applications are showing examples of these devices.

USA patent application US2013/0082470A1 discloses an all-in one functional, hygienic, user/pet/environment secure (no contact with pet waste), highly user and pet adaptable pet waste catch, carry, and dispose tool kit with several unique features including its compact size for portability, ease of use for any size or physically limited user, adaptable to pet size and habits, usable with any kind of plastic bag, economically built with minimal parts and assembly, and hands free carrying of the tool, soiled plastic bags, and small items such as keys, gate keys, unused plastic bags, and treats in a multipurpose carry bag that can be attached to leashes, belts, clothing, backpacks, purses, and wrists.

USA patent application US2009/0079211A1 discloses a portable device for picking up dog waste. The scoop and paddle stay clean because they are protected by used, or recycled grocery, newspaper or produce plastic bags. The waste scoop, paddle, and bag can be attached to and carried on a person's belt or can even be attached to the dog collar. The device always hangs vertically because the dip contains a swivel mechanism that allows the scoop and bag to flow freely while walking or jogging. There is a nylon bag attached that temporarily holds the disposable plastic bag until disposed. The paddle and scoop are reusable endlessly and always sanitary. One does not have to replace any part of this unit after use except the disposable bags.

UK patent Application GB2313291A discloses an excrement collector comprising a pair of arms connected to a pair of looped head assemblies which can be moved together and apart. In a preferred embodiment, the arms are slidably mounted within a sleeve and the head assemblies are biased away from each other so that they move apart as the arms slide out of the sleeve. Each head assembly may be a rectangle formed from a single piece of bent wire, and may be formed integrally with its respective arm, preferably from stainless steel. In use, a plastic bag is placed over the head assemblies, which are then moved together to entrap and remove items of excrement. The sleeve is preferably of sufficient length to prevent significant bending by the user.

French patent application FR2803311A1 discloses a collecting device which has a plate to which cylindrical sleeve is fixed. A tube fitted in sleeve has a handle at its end. There are scrapers which are pulled by a U-shaped wire pieces. Bases of wire pieces are fixed on a runner which moves on sleeve against a compression spring. A clamping ring is installed at end of a sleeve and a stop ring is provided between clamping ring and spring.

As such, many devices are known in the field of application. In particular, the Belgian publication BE 1001377 A discloses a pair of tongs, especially for picking up dog's excrement, consisting of two triangular frames, joined by a spring-loaded pivot through lugs, and with one frame having its tip bent outwards relative to the other one to enable their bases to be opened when pressure is applied to the tips. With a plastics bag fitted over the bases of the two frames, the tongs can be used to pick up a dog's droppings and then enclose them in the bag without any physical contact.

This device for picking up and enclosing the target object comprises two frames, the dimensions of which are basically determined by design conditions like the size and the weight of the target objects to be picked up. It is a drawback of these devices that due to these design conditions, the large dimensions of the frames and thus the device cause a structure of the device being inconvenient to be carried by a user to a site where the target object needs to be picked up.

It is an object of the invention to provide a more compact device for picking up a target object supported on a rough area in order to lower a barrier for a user to actually bring the clamp to the site to pick up the target object. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a clamp comprising:

- a pair of two frames, each frame comprising an elongated element curved in such a way to substantially form a loop, each frame having a scraping portion for scraping over a target surface, and bearing means for attachment to the clamp;

- a connection element having holding means for holding the bearing means of each frame to allow at least one frame to rotate with respect to the connection element; wherein each frame is having an engagement means for operating the at least one frame to rotate with respect to the connection element;

- a spring system having at least one torsion spring, a coil portion of the at least one torsion spring being arranged at the connection element, a first end of the torsion spring engaged to the engagement means of the one frame, and a second end of the torsion spring engaged to the engagement means of the other frame;

wherein each of the engagement means is locating between the scraping portion of its frame and the connection element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a clamp according to claim 1. In this way, the engagement means of the one frame are locating within the interior of the loop formed by the one frame, and the engagement means of the other frame are locating within the interior of the loop formed by the other frame, as such causing a more compact structure of the clamp.

In an embodiment, a frame's scraping portion extends along a first axis locating at a first distance of and being substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the connection element, and wherein the frame's engagement means extends along an second axis locating at a second distance of and being substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the connection element, wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance. In this way, the clamp allows one degree of freedom for moving the one frame relative to the other frame allowing a smooth operation of the clamp, both during a movement of the scraping portion of the one frame away from the other frame when opening the clamp, as well as during a movement of the scraping portion of the one frame towards the other frame when closing the clamp.

In an embodiment, both the connection element, the first axis and the second axis are locating in substantially one planar surface. In this way, a thickness dimension of the clamp having one degree of freedom for operating, is reduced resulting in an optimal minimal thickness thereby allowing a user to easily bring the clamp in his pocket when bringing the clamp to site of operation. In an embodiment, a ratio defined by the second distance divided by the first distance is within a range of 0, 1 to 0,4. In this way, a force needed to operate the clamp becomes within a range suitable for applying a force by a hand of the user in combination with the stiffness of the spring system used to bias the clamp and to increase the biasing of the spring when the clamp is opened and to decrease the biasing of the spring when the clamp is closed by the user.

In an embodiment, a first handle is arranged to engage with the engagement means of the one frame and a second handle is arranged to engage with the engagement means of the other frame. In this way, the first handle forms an operating element to apply a force on the engagement means of the one frame to cause a movement of the one frame relative to the other frame, and the second handle forms an operating element to apply a force on the engagement means of the other frame to cause a movement of the other frame relative to the one frame, thereby moving the one frame and the other frame from a closed position of each other, away from each other to an open position.

In an embodiment, the first and the second handle are pivotally connected with the engagement means of the one frame and the other frame respectively. In this way, the first and the second handle can be stowed in an orientation in which the clamp is having its minimal thickness dimension in the case the handles are maintained with the clamp.

In an embodiment, the first and the second handle extends from the

engagement means of its frame to a tip portion of the handle in such a way that when the first or second handle is rotated into a stowed position wherein the handle is substantially locating within the loop formed by its frame, the tip is locating near the scraping portion of the frame. In this way, the first and the second handle can be stowed within the interior of the loops formed by the one frame and the other frame of the clamp, in which orientation of the first and the second handle the clamp is having its minimal thickness dimension in the case the handles are maintained.

In an embodiment, the first and the second handle are capable of moving from the stowed position wherein the one frame abuts the other frame, to an operational position for moving the one frame relative to the other frame, by rotating the first handle towards the bearing means of the first frame and by rotating the second handle towards the bearing means of the second frame until meeting a part of the clamp locating between the engagement means and the connection element. In this way, the first and the second handle can be positioned from a compact and retracted structure of the clamp to an operating mode wherein a force may be applied to operate the clamp. In an embodiment, the first and/or the second handle is equipped with stopper means that is, in the operational position, in abutment with the part of the one frame and/or other frame respectively to cause a leverage of an operating force exerted on the first and/or the second handle. In this way, a force applied by the user on the tip of the first handle causes an leveraged and amplified reaction force exerted on the engagement means of the one frame to move the one frame relative to the other frame, wherein the force applied by the user causes a pressing force of the one frame to the connection element preventing the one frame from releasing the connection element.

In an embodiment, the connection element has an elongated form comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the holding means comprise a first holding portion locating at the first end of the connection element and a second holding portion locating at the second end of the connection element; wherein each bearing means comprise a first bearing portion to cooperate with the first holding portion of the holding means, and a second bearing portion to cooperate with the second holding portion of the holding means, and wherein the coil portion of the spring system is locating between the first holding portion and the second holding portion of the connection element. In this way, a balanced mechanism is provided wherein a force applied on the engagement means is distributed via the first bearing portion to the first holing portion and via the second bearing portion to the second holing portion causing a strong structure for operating the clamp.

In an embodiment, the connection element has an elongated form comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the engagement means comprise a first engagement portion facing the first end of the connection element and a second engagement portion facing the second end of the connection element;

wherein the coil portion of the one torsion spring is arranged at the first end of the connection element, the first end of the torsion spring being engaged to the first engagement portion of the one frame, and the second end of the torsion spring being engaged to the first engagement portion of the other frame, and wherein the spring system comprises a further torsion spring having a further coil portion that is arranged at the second end of the connection element, a first end of the further torsion spring being engaged to the second engagement portion of the engagement means of the one frame, and a second end of the torsion spring being engaged to the second engagement portion of the engagement means of the other frame; and wherein both the holding means and the bearing means are locating between the one torsion spring and the further torsion spring. In this way, a balanced mechanism is provided wherein a force applied on the engagement means is distributed via the first engagement portion to the first end of the connection element and via the second engagement portion to the second end of the connection element causing an alternative strong structure for operating the clamp.

In an embodiment, the first handle is pivotally connected to both the first and the second engagement portion of the engagement means of the one frame; and the second handle is pivotally to both the first and the second engagement portion of the engagement means of the other frame. In this way, a strong first handle is provided distributing the operation force of the user via the first and the second engagement portion of the engagement means of the one frame, and a strong second handle is provided distributing the operation force of the user via the first and the second engagement portion of the engagement means of the other frame, wherein the first and the second handle both bridging the length of the bearing means and the holding means providing the interior of the loops formed by the one frame and the other frame to be filled up by the first and the second handle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspects of embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention in open position;

FIGURE 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of figure 1 ;

FIGURE 3A shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention in closed position;

FIGURE 3A shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention in closed position wherein a handle is provided with a stopper element;

FIGURE 4 shows a side view of the embodiment of figure 3A;

FIGURE 5 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a spring system of the device according to the invention;

FIGURE 6 shows an isometric view of the device according to the invention in a stowed position and connected to a holder;

FIGURE 7 shows a use example of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the device is connected to the holder;

FIGURE 8 shows a use example of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the device is connected to the holder and wherein the holder is connected to a retractable dog leash;

FIGURE 9A schematically shows a side view of the device according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the side view is taken transverse to a plane of a loop formed by a frame;

FIGURE 9B schematically shows a side view of the device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the side view is taken transverse to a plane of a loop formed by a frame.

It should be noted that items which have the same reference numbers in different figures, have the same structural features and the same functions, or are the same signals. Where the function and/or structure of such item has been explained, there is no necessity for repeated explanation thereof in the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The device 100 according to the invention is a clamp depicted in FIGURES 1-9. The clamp 100 comprises a pair of two frames 3, 4, each frame 3, 4 comprising an elongated element 102a, 102b curved in such a way to substantially form a loop. Each frame 3, 4 has a scraping portion 30, 40 for scraping over a target surface. Each frame 3, 4 has a bearing means 35, 45 for attachment to the clamp 100. The clamp 100 comprises a connection element 5 having holding means 55 for holding the bearing means 35, 45 of each frame to allow at least one frame 3, 4 to rotate with respect to the connection element 5. Each frame is having an engagement means 6 for operating the at least one frame 3, 4 to rotate with respect to the connection element 5. The clamp 100 comprises a spring system 7 having at least one torsion spring 200, a coil portion of the at least one torsion spring 200 being arranged at the connection element 5, a first end 201 of the torsion spring 200 engaged to the engagement means 63 of the one frame 3, and a second end 202 of the torsion spring 200 engaged to the engagement means 64 of the other frame 4. Each of the engagement means 6, 63, 64 is locating between the scraping portion 30, 40 of its frame 3, 4 and the connection element 5. According to the invention, the engagement means of the one frame are locating within the interior of the loop formed by the one frame, and the engagement means of the other frame are locating within the interior of the loop formed by the other frame, as such causing a more compact structure of the clamp.

FIGURE 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device 100 according to the invention in open position. When first handle 101a is moved towards second handle 101 b, preferably by a pinching action of a user's hand, first edge 102a which is connected to first handle 101 a and pivoting around axis 103a, is moved away from second edge 102b which is connected to the second handle 101 b which is pivoting around axis 103b. The edges 102a,b may be used as scraping means for scraping off waste from the ground. The pinching action is needed to overcome a spring force exerted by a spring connecting the first edge 102a and the second edge 102b. Because of the spring force the default position of the device is closed as depicted in figure 3.

The handles 101 a,b are preferably designed such that a user may easily bend over or kneel down just a little in order to pick up the waste. The angles in the handles are therefore chosen to point the handles toward the hand of a user and to align the handles to the arm of a user. The first handle 101a and the second handle 101 b are substantially form fitting in order to take up a minimum space when moved toward each other either when operating the device (pinching the handles 101a,b) or when stowing the device 100 as depicted in figure 6.

FIGURE 2 shows a side view of the embodiment 100 of figure 1. First handle 101 a is connected to first edge 102a. A preferred holding position of the device is wherein first handle 101 a is held to the inside of the fingers of one hand other than the thumb. For this purpose first handle is provided with ribs 105 which prevent slipping of the device out of the user's hand. Second handle 101 b is connected to second edge 102b. Second handle 101 b is preferably held by the inside of the user's thumb. Spring 200 is connecting first handle 101 a and first edge 102a to second handle 101 b and second edge 102b. Spring 200 is preferably a coil spring which is biased to close the device to a position as depicted in figure 3.

FIGURE 3 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device 100 according to the invention in closed position. By releasing the handles 101 a,b the edges 102a,b are forced towards each other by spring 200. The figure shows anti-slip ribs 105 at the bottom of first handle 101 a. Optionally similar ribs may be provided at the top surface of second handle 101 b. Reinforcing ribs 106 assure that handle 101 a is sufficiently robust to withstand the forces exerted on the handle in daily use. Similar ribs may be provided preferably at a comparable position of the second handle 101 b.

FIGURE 4 shows a side view of the embodiment 100 of figure 3. Handles 101 a,b, are moved apart and edges 102a,b are moved towards each other because of spring force exerted by spring 200.

FIGURE 5 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a spring construction of the device according to the invention 100. First handle 101 a is connected to first edge 102a and to spring 200 by first end part 104a. First edge 102a is pivotable around axis 103a. Second handle 101 b is connected to second edge 102b and to spring 200 by second end part 104b. Second edge 102b is pivotable around axis 103b.

FIGURE 6 shows an isometric view of the device according to the invention 100 in a stowed position and connected to a holder 300. The device is shown in a stowed position. Handles 101 a,b are swiveled to be stored away in the space between edges The holder 300 is invented to hold the device 100 and therefore comprises measures to secure device 100 in a connected position. The measures comprise raised edge 302, a first holder lip 303 and second and third holder lips 304a, b on opposite side of holder 300. Holder 300 is further preferably provided with a base plate 301 which may be attached to for example a retractable dog leash. For this purpose one or more holes 301 a may be provided to screw the device 300 to the (retractable) dog leash. Alternatively the holder may be glued to the (retractable) dog leash or attached by using Velcro.

FIGURE 7 shows a use example of an embodiment of the device 100 according to the invention, wherein the device is in a stowed position and connected to holder 300. Dog leash 402b is wrapped around a middle part of the device 100. The device 100 together with connected holder 300 is held by user's hand 500.

FIGURE 8 shows a use example of an embodiment of the device 100 according to the invention, wherein the device 100 is in a stowed position and connected to holder 300 and wherein holder 300 is connected to a (preferably retractable) dog leash 401. In this example the (retractable) dog leash 401 is held by user's hand 500. A retractable dog leash typically comprises a box with an inside mechanism to automatically roll-up a dog leash 402. The dog leash is released by pressing a button which allows a dog connected to the leash to walk away from the user as long as the dog leash is rolled-out from the retractable dog leash.

To allow one degree of freedom during operating the clamp 100, a frame's scraping portion 30, 40 extends along a first axis 91 locating at a first distance D1 of and being substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction 90 of the connection element 5, and wherein the frame's engagement means 6, 63, 64 extends along an second axis 92 locating at a second distance D2 of and being substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction 90 of the connection element 5, wherein the second distance D2 is smaller than the first distance D1.

To achieve a minimum thickness of the clamp 100, both the connection element 5, the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are locating in substantially one planar surface.

Referring to figures 9A and 9B, a ratio defined by the second distance D2 divided by the first distance D1 is within a range of 0,1 to 0,4. In this way, a force needed to operate the clamp becomes within a range suitable for applying a force by a hand of the user in combination with the stiffness of the spring system used to bias the clamp and to increase the biasing of the spring when the clamp is opened and to decrease the biasing of the spring when the clamp is closed by the user. Figures 1 - 8 show a first handle 101 a is arranged to engage with the engagement means 6, 63 of the one frame 3 and a second handle 101 b is arranged to engage with the engagement means 6, 64 of the other frame 4. As a result, the first handle forms an operating element to apply a force on the engagement means of the one frame to cause a movement of the one frame relative to the other frame, and the second handle forms an operating element to apply a force on the engagement means of the other frame to cause a movement of the other frame relative to the one frame, thereby moving the one frame and the other frame from a closed position of each other, away from each other to an open position.

Figure 6 shows the first and the second handle 101a,b being pivotally connected with the engagement means 6, 63 of the one frame 3 and the other frame 4 respectively to achieve a possibility to stow the first and the second handle in an orientation in which the clamp is having its minimal thickness dimension in the case the handles are maintained with the clamp.

Figure 6 shows the first and the second handle 101a, b extending from the engagement means 6, 63, 64 of its frame 3, 4 to a tip portion 109a,b of the handle 101 a,b in such a way that when the first or second handle 101 a,b is rotated into a stowed position wherein the handle 101a, b is substantially locating within the loop formed by its frame 3, 4, the tip 109a,b is locating near the scraping portion 30, 40 of the frame 3, 4. In this way, the first and the second handle can be stowed within the interior of the loops formed by the one frame and the other frame of the clamp, in which orientation of the first and the second handle the clamp is having its minimal thickness dimension in the case the handles are maintained.

The clamp 100 according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and the second handle 101 a,b are capable of moving from the stowed position wherein the one frame 3 abuts the other frame 4, to an operational position for moving the one frame 3 relative to the other frame 4, by rotating the first handle 101a towards the bearing means 35 of the first frame 3 and by rotating the second handle 101 b towards the bearing means 45 of the second frame 4 until meeting a part of the clamp 100 locating between the engagement means 6, 63, 64 and the connection element 5. This measure achieves to position the first and the second handle from a compact and retracted structure of the clamp to an operating mode shown in figures 1 - 6, wherein a force may be applied to operate the clamp.

Figure 3B shows the clamp 100, wherein the first and/or the second handle 101 a,b is equipped with stopper means 69 that is, in the operational position, in abutment with the part of the one frame 3 and/or other frame 4 respectively to cause a leverage of an operating force exerted on the first and/or the second handle 101a, b. In this way, a force applied by the user on the tip of the first handle causes an leveraged and amplified reaction force exerted on the engagement means of the one frame to move the one frame relative to the other frame, wherein the force applied by the user causes a pressing force of the one frame to the connection element preventing the one frame from releasing the connection element.

In an example depicted in figure 9A, the connection element 5 has an elongated form comprising a first end 51 and a second end 52 opposite to the first end 51. The holding means 55 comprise a first holding portion 551 locating at the first end 51 of the connection element 5 and a second holding portion 552 locating at the second end 52 of the connection element 5. Each bearing means 35, 45 comprise a first bearing portion 351 , 451 to cooperate with the first holding portion 551 of the holding means 55, and a second bearing portion 352, 452 to cooperate with the second holding portion 552 of the holding means 55. The coil portion 205 of the spring system 7 is locating between the first holding portion 551 and the second holding portion 552 of the connection element 5. In this way, a balanced mechanism is provided wherein a force applied on the engagement means is distributed via the first bearing portion to the first holing portion and via the second bearing portion to the second holing portion causing a strong structure for operating the clamp.

In an example depicted in figure 9B, the connection element 5 of the clamp 100' has an elongated form comprising a first end 51 and a second end 52 opposite to the first end 51. The engagement means 6, 63, 64 comprise a first engagement portion 6,

631 facing the first end 51 of the connection element 5 and a second engagement portion 6, 632 facing the second end 52 of the connection element 5. The coil portion 205 of the one torsion spring 200 is arranged at the first end 51 of the connection element 5, the first end 201 of the torsion spring 200 being engaged to the first engagement portion 6, 631 of the one frame 3, and the second end 202 of the torsion spring 200 being engaged to the first engagement portion 6, 641 of the other frame 4. The spring system 7 comprises a further torsion spring 210 having a further coil portion 215 that is arranged at the second end 52 of the connection element 5, a first end 211 of the further torsion spring 210 being engaged to the second engagement portion 6,

632 of the engagement means 6 of the one frame 3, and a second end 212 of the torsion spring 210 being engaged to the second engagement portion 6, 642 of the engagement means 6 of the other frame 4. Both the holding means 55 and the bearing means 35, 45 are locating between the one torsion spring 200 and the further torsion spring 210. In this way, a balanced mechanism is provided wherein a force applied on the engagement means is distributed via the first engagement portion to the first end of the connection element and via the second engagement portion to the second end of the connection element causing an alternative strong structure for operating the clamp.

According to the example depicted in figure 9B, the first handle 101 a is pivotally connected to both the first and the second engagement portion 6, 631 , 632 of the engagement means 6, 63 of the one frame 3. And the second handle 101 b is pivotally to both the first and the second engagement portion 6, 641 , 642 of the engagement means 6, 64 of the other frame 4. In this way, a strong first handle is provided distributing the operation force of the user via the first and the second engagement portion of the engagement means of the one frame, and a strong second handle is provided distributing the operation force of the user via the first and the second engagement portion of the engagement means of the other frame, wherein the first and the second handle both bridging the length of the bearing means and the holding means providing the interior of the loops formed by the one frame and the other frame to be filled up by the first and the second handle.

The pair of two frames 3, 4 are formed of an elongated element 102a, 102b made from steel, preferably stainless steel, alternatively from a chromed steel rod.

Since the clamp according to the invention needs to be from a rigid material suitable to withstand the forces to apply for grasping the target object, it is conceivable to made the frames 3, 4 from a similar plastic.

The first and the second handle 101a, b are preferable made from polyamide of polyethylene, being at least a material which is convenient to hold by human hands even under cold ambient temperature. Preferably, the first and the second handle 101 a,b are reinforced by glass fibers.

The torsion spring is made from spring steel, preferably indicated by type number "302".

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for picking up waste located on the ground and collecting the waste in a bag, wherein the default position is aimed at closing the bag which is held by edges of the device. An opening action is needed from the user to pick up the waste. Releasing the device leads to closing of the bag by the edges. In this way a user may easily pick up waste without getting dirty fingers. Furthermore the device may be operated single handedly. When the waste is picked up, the bag is easily carried and easily disposable, again without getting dirty. A bag is easily attached to the device by entering the device into the bag until sufficient part of the edges of the device is covered by the bag. When opening the bag a surface of the bag is usable to cover the waste and grab it subsequently by closing the edges of the device.

The construction of the preferred embodiment is such that a user needs to kneel down only a little in order to reach the ground and pick up the waste. The invention is in more detail described by the following examples. In an example, a device for picking up waste located on the ground and collecting the waste in a bag, comprises:

a scraping means comprising a first edge and a second edge;

- the first edge arranged substantially parallel to the second edge;

the first and the second edge arranged for being inserted into the bag; an operating means arranged for moving the edges in a translational movement from a first position wherein the edges are substantially in abutment against each other, and a second position wherein the edges are away from each other, wherein the operating means comprises a first handle arranged for operating the first edge and a second handle arranged for operating the second edge, said first handle pivotable around a first axis, and said second handle pivotable around a second axis, said first handle arranged for being pivoted in opposite direction of the second handle, the device further comprising a spring arranged for biasing the edges to the first position.

In an example, the first handle comprises an upper handle arranged for being pressed by a thumb of a user of the device and the second handle comprises a lower handle arranged for being pressed by any other finger but the thumb of the user.

In an example, the upper handle is hooked towards the second handle and the lower handle is hooked away from the upper handle.

In an example, the upper handle comprises an upper cavity running at least partially along the length of the upper side of the upper handle.

In an example, the lower handle comprises a lower bulge running at least partially along the length of the lower side of the lower handle.

In an example, the first axis and the second axis are the same.

In an example, the first and/or the second handle is arranged for being swiveled from a stowed position, positioned towards the first or second edge respectively, to an operational position, positioned away from the first or second edge respectively.

In an example, the upper handle comprises a cross-section wherein the material of the upper handle and the material of the lower handle both comprise a bulged part, bulged in upward direction when in stowed position, wherein the bulged part of the upper handle forms a cavity at the lower side of the upper handle and wherein the outside of the bulged part of the lower handle is arranged for fitting into the cavity of the upper handle.

In an example, the upper handle and the lower handle comprise a hooked shape arranged such that, when in stowed position, the lower handle is arranged for fitting into the hooked shape of the upper handle. In an example, the first and/or second edge is arranged for forming a loop running from and to the first and/or second axis respectively.

In an example, the loop comprises an interruption, wherein the interruption facilitates the insertion of the edge into a fastening hole of the bag.

In an example, the spring comprises a spring of the group comprising: a tension/extension spring; a compression spring; a torsion spring; a coil spring; a leaf spring; a rubber band.

In an example, the first and/or second handle protrude beyond the first and/or second axis respectively.

In an example, the device further comprises a light device, the light device comprising:

a light source;

a battery arranged for providing power to the light source; a switch for switching the light source on or off.

In an example, the holder comprises an enclosure arranged for at least partially enclosing the first and/or second edge.

In an example, the holder comprises a fastening means arranged for fastening the holder to a leash casing.

In an example, the holder comprises a cut out arranged for looping and fastening of a leash.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugates does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A clamp (100) comprising:

- a pair of two frames (3, 4), each frame (3, 4) comprising an elongated element (102a, 102b) curved in such a way to substantially form a loop, each frame (3, 4) having a scraping portion (30, 40) for scraping over a target surface, and bearing means (35, 45) for attachment to the clamp (100);

- a connection element (5) having holding means (55) for holding the bearing means (35, 45) of each frame (3, 4) to allow at least one frame (3, 4) to rotate with respect to the connection element (5);

wherein each frame (3, 4) is having an engagement means (6, 63, 64) for operating the at least one frame (3, 4) to rotate with respect to the connection element (5);

- a spring system (7) having at least one torsion spring (200), a coil portion (205) of the at least one torsion spring (200) being arranged at the connection element (5), a first end (201) of the torsion spring (200) engaged to the engagement means (63) of the one frame (3), and a second end (202) of the torsion spring (200) engaged to the engagement means (64) of the other frame (4);

wherein each of the engagement means (6, 63, 64) is locating between the scraping portion (30, 40) of its frame (3, 4) and the connection element (5).

2. The clamp (100) according to claim 1 , wherein a frame's scraping portion (30, 40) extends along a first axis (91) locating at a first distance (D1) of and being substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction (90) of the connection element (5), and wherein the frame's engagement means (6, 63, 64) extends along an second axis (92) locating at a second distance (D2) of and being substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction (90) of the connection element (5), wherein the second distance (D2) is smaller than the first distance (D1).

3. The clamp (100) according to claim 2, wherein both the connection element (5), the first axis (91) and the second axis (92) are locating in substantially one planar surface.

4. The clamp (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a ratio defined by the second distance (D2) divided by the first distance (D1) is within a range of 0, 1 to 0,4.

5. The clamp (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein a first handle (101a) is arranged to engage with the engagement means (6, 63) of the one frame (3) and a second handle (101 b) is arranged to engage with the engagement means (6, 64) of the other frame (4).

6. The clamp (100) according to claim 5, wherein the first and the second handle (101 a,b) are pivotally connected with the engagement means (6, 63) of the one frame

(3) and the other frame (4) respectively.

7. The clamp (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first and the second handle (101 a,b) extends from the engagement means (6, 63, 64) of its frame (3, 4) to a tip portion (109a,b) of the handle (101 a,b) in such a way that when the first or second handle (101 a, b) is rotated into a stowed position wherein the handle (101a, b) is substantially locating within the loop formed by its frame (3, 4), the tip (109a,b) is locating near the scraping portion (30, 40) of the frame (3, 4).

8. The clamp (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and the second handle (101 a,b) are capable of moving from the stowed position wherein the one frame (3) abuts the other frame (4), to an operational position for moving the one frame (3) relative to the other frame (4), by rotating the first handle (101 a) towards the bearing means (35) of the first frame (3) and by rotating the second handle (101 b) towards the bearing means (45) of the second frame (4) until meeting a part of the clamp (100) locating between the engagement means (6, 63, 64) and the connection element (5).

9. The clamp (100) according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the first and/or the second handle (101a,b) is equipped with stopper means (69) that is, in the operational position, in abutment with the part of the one frame (3) and/or other frame (4) respectively to cause a leverage of an operating force exerted on the first and/or the second handle (101a, b).

10. The clamp (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the connection element (5) has an elongated form comprising a first end (51) and a second end (52) opposite to the first end (51),

wherein the holding means (55) comprise a first holding portion (551) locating at the first end (51) of the connection element (5) and a second holding portion (552) locating at the second end (52) of the connection element (5);

wherein each bearing means (35, 45) comprise a first bearing portion (351 , 451) to cooperate with the first holding portion (551) of the holding means (55), and a second bearing portion (352, 452) to cooperate with the second holding portion (552) of the holding means (55), and wherein the coil portion (205) of the spring system (7) is locating between the first holding portion (551) and the second holding portion (552) of the connection element (5).

11. The clamp (100') according to anyone of the preceding claims 1 - 9, wherein the connection element (5) has an elongated form comprising a first end (51) and a second end (52) opposite to the first end (51),

wherein the engagement means (6, 63, 64) comprise a first engagement portion (6, 631) facing the first end (51) of the connection element (5) and a second engagement portion (6, 632) facing the second end (52) of the connection element (5);

wherein the coil portion (205) of the one torsion spring (200) is arranged at the first end (51) of the connection element (5), the first end (201) of the torsion spring (200) being engaged to the first engagement portion (6, 631) of the one frame (3), and the second end (202) of the torsion spring (200) being engaged to the first engagement portion (6, 641) of the other frame (4), and

wherein the spring system (7) comprises a further torsion spring (210) having a further coil portion (215) that is arranged at the second end (52) of the connection element (5), a first end (211) of the further torsion spring (210) being engaged to the second engagement portion (6, 632) of the engagement means (6) of the one frame (3), and a second end (212) of the torsion spring (210) being engaged to the second engagement portion (6, 642) of the engagement means (6) of the other frame (4); and

wherein both the holding means (55) and the bearing means (35, 45) are locating between the one torsion spring (200) and the further torsion spring (210).

12. The clamp (100) according to claim 11 , wherein the first handle (101a) is pivotally connected to both the first and the second engagement portion (6, 631 , 632) of the engagement means (6, 63) of the one frame (3); and the second handle (101 b) is pivotally to both the first and the second engagement portion (6, 641 , 642) of the engagement means (6, 64) of the other frame (4).

13. The clamp (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims 5 - 12, wherein the first handle (101a) and the second handle (101 b) both comprise a bulged part, bulged in upward direction when in stowed position, wherein the bulged part of the second handle (101 b) forms a cavity at the lower side of the second handle (101 b) and wherein the outside of the bulged part of the first handle (101a) is arranged for fitting into the cavity of the second handle (101 b).

14. The clamp (100) according to claim 13, wherein the first handle (101a) and the second handle (101 b) comprise a hooked shape arranged such that, when in stowed position, the first handle (101 a) is arranged for fitting into the hooked shape of the second handle (101 b).