US20040256869A1

US20040256869A1 - Collecting device

Info

Publication number: US20040256869A1
Application number: US10/778,052
Authority: US
Inventors: Igal Avishay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-06-19
Filing date: 2004-02-17
Publication date: 2004-12-23
Also published as: IL156539A0

Abstract

A collecting device, comprising: a rigid frame; a cover which is connected to the frame in its upper side with rotating hinges; a handle which is connected to the upper part of the frame; and a bag which is connected to the frame and to the cover, in such a manner that the bag wraps the frame from its inner side, so that objects which pass through the frame will be gathered into the frame. The device may include means to open it manually.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to collecting devices and especially to manual devices which collect droppings or various other objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The device is used to manually collect droppings or various other objects, from the floor or the pavement, for example.

Dog owners, for example, would prefer their dog not to leave droppings on the pavement, however it is a problem to collect droppings in an easy and clean way.

Existing collecting devices have various disadvantages, for example:

Some of the devices are big and heavy and not comfortable for carrying.

Other devices are too short and small and it is not possible to elongate them.

The devices are confined to collecting droppings while they are in one pile. When the droppings are spread over the surface, collecting them is not easy.

It is hard or even impossible to collect additional droppings while there are already droppings in the device—because the opening of the device causes the already collected droppings to fall out.

Most of the devices either have a fixed volume, or they are too big or small for the required usage of them, and it is impossible to change the volume.

The user may prefer not to carry a device which is too big and uncomfortable, however sometimes a large volume is required for collecting droppings.

Other devices are made of cardboard and intended only for one-time usage. Another disadvantage of one-time usage devices is that they are relatively expensive.

Sometimes it is not easy to empty the droppings from the collecting device. A collecting device might become dirty while it is in contact with the droppings, and cleaning it might not be convenient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention relates to a convenient device which collects droppings and other various objects from the floor.

The device is small, it is possible to implement it in the size of a cigarette box, for example.

The device is light weighted and convenient for carrying, in a pocket or in a small bag.

In another preferred implementation, the device is equipped with a holder which enables to attach the device to the: belt, trousers, dog's leash etc.

Although the device is small, it is suitable to any desired amount of droppings. The size of the plastic (nylon) bag determines the volume capacity of the device—a longer bag will allow to collect more droppings.

It is possible to adjust the size of the device and the length of the bag, according to needs.

For example, an owner of a big dog would probably choose a bag having a bigger volume.

The droppings are collected with a sweeping motion. This allows a convenient gathering of the droppings, even when they are spread on the surface.

When the cover is closed, after gathering the droppings, they fall into the bag. This fact enables to open the cover without the danger that droppings would fall out. In that way, it is easy to gather more droppings in the same bag.

Means for holding the device with a longer handle are included. For example, such means may include two holes as a preparation for a place for screws.

This enables to attach a handle with the desired length, which will save the need for the user to bend down.

Along the handle there are convenient means for opening the cover. The opening means may include a wire of the applicable length.

The wire is tied at one of its ends to the upper part of the handle, and at its other end to the cover of the device.

When the wire is pulled the cover would open, while the user remains in a comfortable standing position, saving him/her the need to bend over.

After the droppings are collected, when the wire is released, the cover would be closed automatically.

In another preferred embodiment, the cover includes means for automatically closing the cover, such as a rubber or a spring.

In case the device does not include automatic closing means, it is possible to close the cover with a slight clasp, by hand or by foot.

The short handle can be coupled to a cane, with the addition of a tension wire to the back of the cover.

When the handle is folded, the device can be used as a convenient handle for holding the cane.

A cartridge may be added to the device, in which a roll of plastic bags is placed for future use.

A device with a bigger frame and a long fixed handle may be used for other purposes as well, such as:

1. The collection of objects which are spread on the floor, while standing in a comfortable position.

2. The collection of toys which are spread on the floor, in a children's room.

3. The collection of garbage such as: cans, boxes, bottles, etc.

4. The collection of droppings of horses, cattle, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the bigger frame will be equipped with holders, for example on the sides of the frame in its rear area.

In another embodiment, it may be equipped with tabs which will clasp the fringes of the plastic bag, which might be big and heavy, to the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 describes a collecting device and a way to use the device. [0040]
FIG. 2 details a side view of the collecting device. [0041]
FIG. 3 details a front view of the collecting device, with a longer handle which is attached to the handle of the device. [0042]
FIG. 4 details a back view of the collecting device, with a folded handle which is attached to a cane. [0043]
FIG. 5 details a front view of the collecting device, with a pulling wire. [0044]
FIG. 6[0045] a details a cross-sectional side view of the frame, when the handle and the cover are folded.
FIG. 6[0046] b details a side view of a closed device.
FIGS. 7, 8 detail a top and a side view of the collecting device, when the handle and the cover are open, respectively. [0047]
FIGS. 9, 10 detail a front and a cross-sectional side view of the collecting device with a spring for automatic closing of the cover, respectively. [0048]
FIGS. 11, 12 detail a top and a side view of a device with a spring for automatic closing of the cover, respectively. [0049]
FIGS. 13, 14, [0050] 15, 16, 17 detail the collecting device with a rubber band for automatic closing of the cover, and clasps which are connected to the sides of the frame.
FIGS. 18, 19, [0051] 20, 21 Detail the collecting device with a cartridge for plastic bags.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0052]
FIG. 1 describes a collecting device and a way to use the device. Droppings or lumps of other muck [0053] 11 are placed, for example, on a surface 12 such as floor or pavement.
The droppings collecting device includes a [0054] rigid frame 2 with a holding handle 3 and a cover 4 which is connected to a rotating hinge 41.
A [0055] bag 5 is clasped on a frame 2 with a cover 4. It is possible to use a plastic bag, a paper bag or a bag made from other materials.
A system to collect garbage includes: [0056]
a. Hold the device with the [0057] handle 3 and bring it near the droppings 11 in a movement in direction 61.
b. The droppings [0058] 11 pass above the edge of the frame 2 and incoming into the bag 5.
c. The [0059] cover 4 is closed by turning it in direction 62, in a way that the already collected muck is included in the bag 5—in the space between the frame 2 and the cover 4.
d. Empty the device by depleting the bag to the trash can or by replacing the [0060] bag 5 with a new one.
End. [0061]
Method for Using the Device [0062]
a. Insert the open side of the [0063] bag 5 into the back side of the frame 2. Wrap the frame 2 and the bottom of the cover 4 with the fringe of the bag. The holder 45 at the back of the cover 4 attaches the bag 5 to the cover 4.
b. Hold the [0064] handle 3 in open position and pull with the thumb the wire 42 which is tied to the back of the cover 4, in order to open it.
c. Rake the droppings into the [0065] frame 2, release the wire 42 and press with the thumb on the cover 4 towards the frame 2, in order to close the device. The droppings would fall into the plastic bag 5.
d. the cover is closed automatically, if the device includes automatic closing means of the cover, such as a spring—FIG. 9, or a rubber band—FIG. 13. [0066]
The spring or the rubber band press on the [0067] cover 4 in order to close it.
e. Release the plastic bag from the [0068] holder 45 on the back of the cover 4 and pull the bag with the droppings through the back side of the frame, fold the handle and the device remains clean and ready for future use.
End. [0069]
FIG. 2 details a side view of the collecting device, with: the hand of the [0070] user 63 which holds the device, a rigid frame 2 with a holding handle 3 and a cover 4 on a rotating hinge 46.
The [0071] wire 42 may be used to open the cover 4 by pulling it.
The [0072] droppings collecting bag 5 is clasped to the frame 2 and to the cover 4.
The [0073] frame 2 can be big or small, squared or rectangular.
It is advisable that the lower front part of the [0074] frame 2, will be at a slope of about 25 to 30 degrees, see angle 22 in FIG. 6.
The [0075] cover 4 should be placed inside the frame 2, in its front side.
The [0076] cover 4 rotates on hinges 46, which are connected to the upper part of the frame 2.
The handle can be fixed or foldable. [0077]
The [0078] handle 3 can be attached to the frame 2 in different locations. Another preferred implementation of the connection of the handle 3 to the frame 2, will be detailed below.
Another preferred structure of the device includes a [0079] handle 3 which is “L” shaped as described in FIG. 2. The handle 3:
rotates on a [0080] hinge 34,
connected to the upper part of the frame and [0081]
is folded to the back side of the frame. [0082]
On the side of the [0083] handle 3 near the corner, there is a rounded bulge 35 (or a pair of bulges: one on each side of the handle 3).
The [0084] bulge 35 inserts/attaches, when the handle is open, into holes 23 in the frame 2, The purpose of the holes is to lock the handle 3 when it is in the open position—see FIGS. 6,7.
FIG. 3 details a front view of the collecting device with a longer handle, see addition to the holding [0085] handle 32.
The handle can be fixed or foldable, long or short. [0086]
A handle with [0087] desirable length 32 can be attached to the short handle, with the addition of a wire 43 in the appropriate length which is connected to the back of the cover 4. The wire is used to open the cover 4, by pulling the wire.
A cover which does not close automatically can be closed by pushing the [0088] cover 4 with the leg, towards the rigid frame 2.
FIG. 4 details a back view of the collecting device, with a folded handle which is flat against a [0089] cane 33.
The short handle may be attached to the cane, with the addition of a [0090] wire 43 in the appropriate length which is connected to the back of the cover 4.
When the [0091] handle 3 is folded, the frame can be used as a holding handle of the cane.
FIG. 5 details a front view of the collecting device, with a pulling [0092] wire 42. The pulling wire 42 is attached to the cover 4.
Pulling the wire upwards with the thumb opens the [0093] cover 4. In order to close the device the wire 42 is released, and the cover is pressed with the thumb towards the frame 2.
On the back of the cover there is a [0094] holder 45, some of its purposes:
1. Attaching the fringe of the [0095] bag 5 to the back of the cover 4.
2. Holding the [0096] cover 4 in a 90 degrees angle with the frame, when the cover is opened.
3. Attaching the device to the: belt, trousers, dog's leash etc. [0097]
The drawing details a [0098] rotating hinge 46 of the cover 4, in relation with the frame 2. Also in the drawing is a rotating hinge 34 of the handle 3 in relation with the frame 2. A mean to attach the long handle 36 is also shown in the figure as holes 36 in the handle 3.
It is advised to leave a space between the [0099] frame 2 and the cover 4, in order to close the cover when the plastic bag 5 wraps the cover 4 and the frame 2.
FIG. 6[0100] a details a cross-sectional side view of the frame, when the handle and the cover are folded.
In a preferred structure an [0101] acute angle 22 of the lower part of the frame 2 is created—this part collects the droppings from the surface.
In a preferred structure the slope of [0102] angle 22 is about 25 to 30 degrees.
On the side of the [0103] handle 3 near the corner, there is a rounded bulge 35 (or a pair of bulges: one on each side of the handle 3).
The [0104] bulge 35 inserts/attaches, when the handle is open, into holes 23 in the frame 2, The purpose of the holes is to lock the handle 3 when it is in the open position.
It is preferable that the inner lower side of the [0105] cover 4 be at an acute angle 44, with a slope of about 25 to 30 degrees.
FIG. 6[0106] b Describes a side view of a closed device.
FIGS. 7, 8 detail a top and a side view of a collecting device, with a [0107] handle 3, and a cover 4 in open position, respectively.
FIGS. 9, 10 detail a front and a cross sectional side view of the collecting device with a spring for automatic closing of the [0108] cover 4, respectively.
Side view—when the [0109] handle 3 and the cover 4 are folded.
It is possible to add [0110] springs 24 on the hinge of the cover 46 to achieve an automatic closing of the cover 4. The spring presses the back of the cover.
A [0111] space 25 between the frame 2 and the cover 4, allows a plastic bag to pass through the inner part of the frame 2, to the other side of the frame 2.
FIGS. 11, 12 detail a top and a side view of a device with a spring for automatic closing of the [0112] cover 4, respectively.
Side view—when the [0113] handle 3 and the cover 4 are open.
FIGS. 13, 14, [0114] 15, 16, 17 detail the collecting device with a rubber band for automatic closing of the cover 4.
FIG. 13 Details a rear side view of the device. [0115]
FIG. 14 details a front side view of the device. [0116]
Another possibility to close the [0117] cover 4 automatically is to enclose the back of the cover 4 with a rubber band 26 or other elastic strap which is connected to the sides of the frame 2, on protuberance 28.
There is a possibility to add two [0118] holders 27 which are connected with a hinge, in the back side of the frame 2, in order to attach the fringe of the plastic bag to the sides of the frame.
In another preferred embodiment, the [0119] holders 27 are attached to the sides of the frame 2. Alternatively there is an option to use appropriate tabs instead of holders, for the same purpose.
FIGS. 18, 19, [0120] 20, 21 detail the collecting device with a cartridge 7 for plastic bags.
The [0121] cartridge 7 stores a roll of bags, each time a bag is drawn through hole 71. It is possible to add a cartridge 7 in the upper part of the frame 2, in order to store a roll of narrow plastic bags, which can be expanded.
The cartridge has a foldable cover, the [0122] foldable handle 3 is connected on the back of this cover.
At the bottom of the [0123] cartridge 7 there is an aperture 71, which is used to pulling the plastic bags downwards out of the cartridge 7. see FIG. 19.
The [0124] cover 4 consists in this implementation a rubber surface 47. In another preferred implementation, the width of the rubber 47 is about 2 mm, or more.
The [0125] cover 4, at its bottom part, can have a rubber band 47 or a brush or a sponge.
Various embodiments of the above device and method may be implemented. [0126]
It will be recognized that the foregoing is but one example of an apparatus and method within the scope of the present invention and that various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinbefore. [0127]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A collecting device, comprising:

a. a rigid frame;

b. a cover which is connected to the frame at its upper side, through rotating hinges;

c. a handle which is connected to the upper part of the frame; and

d. a bag which is connected to the frame and to the cover, in a manner that the bag wraps the frame from its inner side, so that objects which pass through the frame will be gathered into the frame.

2. The collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the cover also includes means to open it manually.

3. The collecting device according to claim 2, wherein the means to open the cover include a wire of the appropriate length, which is connected to the back of the cover.

4. The collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the cover also includes means for closing it automatically.

5. The collecting device according to claim 4, wherein the means for closing it automatically includes a spring or a rubber band, which push the cover towards the frame in order to close it.

6. The collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the handle is connected fixedly to the frame.

7. The collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the handle is connected to the frame through a rotating hinge, in such a way as to allow the handle two positions: a working position wherein the handle is open, and a storage position wherein the handle is folded.

8. The collecting device according to claim 7, wherein the handle also includes means for attaching it to the frame, either in the working or storage positions.

9. The collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes means for attaching a longer handle thereto.

10. The collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the handle is also a cane.

11. The collecting device according to claim 1, further including a cartridge for storing a roll of bags therein.

12. The collecting device according to claim 11, wherein the cartridge is installed at the upper part of the frame.

13. The collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the cover and the frame have such a size as to create a space between frame and the sides.

14. The collecting device according to claim 1, further including means for securing the bag, which means are installed on the frame.

15. The collecting device according to claim 1, further including clasps which are connected in a hinge to the frame, on the sides.

16. The collecting device according to claim 1, further including means for holding the bag, which are installed on the cover.

17. The collecting device according to claim 1, further including a clasp which is installed on back of the cover.

18. The collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the frame on its front side at its bottom part, has a sloping surface.

19. The collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the cover on its inner side at its bottom part, has a sloping surface.

20. The collecting device according to claim 1, where the cover on its lower part is eqiped with a rubber band, a brush or a sponge.