Retractable device for collecting objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a retractable device (1) in a first position, called closed, in which an object recovery net (2) is folded, and a second position, called open, in which said object recovery net (2) is unfolded, comprising a tube (3) having a first end (31) and a second opposite end (32) that can be closed, in which a longitudinal slot (33) and a shuttle (7) for sliding inside the tube (3) from the first position, called closed, to the second position, called open, and vice versa, said shuttle (7) comprising a projecting element (6) arranged on a first end (71) of said shuttle (7), said first end (71) of the shuttle (7) is oriented towards the second end (32) of the tube (3), said projecting element (6) is for being guided through the longitudinal slot (33) provided in the tube (3),said shuttle (7) comprises, on a second end (72) opposite the first (71), at least two flexible arms (8) extending at least partially beyond the second end (32) of the tube (3) when the retractable device (1) is in the second position and on which the object retrieval net (2) is arranged, the flexible arms (8) being further apart when the retractable device (1) is in the second position, and said flexible arms (8) being predominantly inserted into the tube (3) when the retractable device (1) is in the first position. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Retractable device for collecting objects technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of object collection, more particularly waste collection, especially floating and / or aquatic waste. Prior art

[0002] Generally, devices for collecting objects and more particularly floating waste are necessary in order to collect floating objects to prevent users of a watercraft, for example, from having to perform risky maneuvers, such as having to lean out of the watercraft, risking falling overboard.

[0003] To minimize these risks, it is known to use a net or a landing net. The use of these devices can lead to a loss of time, particularly in preparing to collect floating objects. Indeed, the vessel may continue moving away from the floating objects. It then becomes impossible for the user to collect the floating object(s) if the vessel moves too far away from them.

[0004] In addition, the available space in a navigating vehicle or automobile is limited, which reduces the space available for embarking tools for collecting objects that may be floating.

[0005] Therefore, in order to optimize the tool and in particular the space it occupies, there is a need to reduce the size of the device, while remaining easy to use, reliable and resistant.

[0006] Similarly, the device can be associated with another tool fulfilling a different function, frequently necessary in a navigable vessel in order to avoid the multiplication of tools present in a vehicle with limited space.

[0007] Moreover, there is a need for a device that can be easily disassembled by a user in order to allow the latter to quickly change the parts composing said device.

[0008] The invention therefore falls within this context and seeks to resolve all of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0009] Thus, the invention seeks to propose a retractable device, which occupies only a small space when not operational and stored in the boat, optimizing the space available on a navigable boat, whose parts are resistant and durable to wear. Presentation of the invention

[0010] The invention relates to a reliable, robust, practical retractable device, allowing optimization of available space on a navigable vessel, while being able to perform a function of collecting floating objects, all while being resistant and durable.

[0011] To this end, a retractable device has been developed according to the invention, in a first position, called closed, in which an object retrieval net is folded, and a second position, called open, in which said object retrieval net is unfolded, comprising a tube having a first end and a second opposite end that can be closed, in which a longitudinal slot and a shuttle for sliding inside the tube from the first position, called closed, to the second position, called open, and vice versa, said shuttle includes a projecting element arranged on a first end of said shuttle, said first end of the shuttle is oriented towards the second end of the tube, said projecting element is for being guided through the longitudinal slot formed in the tube, said shuttle includes on a second end opposite to the first,at least two flexible arms extending at least partially beyond the second end of the tube when the retractable device is in the second position and on which the object retrieval net is arranged, the flexible arms being further apart when the retractable device is in the second position, and said flexible arms being mostly inserted into the tube when the retractable device is in the first position.

[0012] Thus, the device is retractable between two distinct positions, which makes it possible to optimize the space in a navigable vessel so that when the retractable device is not in use, the latter is in a configuration where the retractable device is in its first position, called closed, and therefore folded, which reduces the space occupied by the latter.

[0013] Similarly, the retractable device is therefore intended to be in a second unfolded position when the user needs to collect objects.

[0014] In addition, the transition from one position to another is facilitated by the presence of a protruding element, which allows the user to activate the transition from one position to another at will and manually.

[0015] In addition, the arrangement of the flexible arms on the shuttle allows for an automatic divergence of the flexible arms from each other as soon as they exit the tube in order to delimit the landing net, which allows for a quick and reliable deployment of the object recovery net when passing into the second position of the retractable device.

[0016] The flexible arms also move closer together without difficulty when the shuttle is reintroduced deeper into the tube, the wall forming the opening of the tube pressing the flexible arms towards each other.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the first end of the tube of the retractable device is closed.

[0018] Preferably, the protruding element is in the form of a handle connected to a rod moving through the longitudinal light, the rod and handle assembly exiting the longitudinal light of the tube.

[0019] In another embodiment, the protruding element is a nipple not protruding from the longitudinal lumen of the tube.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the flexible arms are made of lightweight materials and are designed to withstand high pressures, which makes it possible to reduce the weight of the retractable device, while still performing the function of collecting objects.

[0021] Similarly, the fact that the arms are flexible allows the passage from one position to another because the arms in the closed position can resist the pressure exerted by the walls of the tube forcing them to take a non-rectilinear position.

[0022] Indeed, the flexible arms are designed to move closer together when the retractable device moves from the second position to the first position, the wall of the tube pressing the flexible arms towards each other.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the retractable device includes at least one modular sleeve arranged on one end of the tube, said sleeve includes at least one hook curved inwards towards said retractable device.

[0024] The term modular means that the sleeve can be mounted or dismounted from the retractable device without degrading the physical integrity of the retractable device.

[0025] Similarly, the modular sleeve is easily removable and interchangeable by the user.

[0026] Thus, the presence of at least one hook can serve as an element of a gaff, giving the retractable device a second gaff function, particularly when the retractable device is in its first position. This new function complements the retractable device's primary function of retrieving objects.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the hook includes a shoulder arranged on the base of the hook. A portion of the base of the hook is intended to fit into the longitudinal opening of the tube, and said shoulder is intended to abut one of the ends of the longitudinal opening of the tube.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the modular sleeve comprises two tabs arranged opposite each other, defining a space in which the hook is intended to be fixed.

[0029] Preferably, the two tabs are formed in a deformable material, intended to compress the hook in order to fix said hook on one of the ends of the tube of the retractable device.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the two tabs include male / female fastening means for attaching the hook against said tabs. Furthermore, in this same embodiment, the hook includes openings for the male fastening means to pass through.

[0031] Preferably, the modular sleeve includes a toroidal element arranged against the walls of the recess of the modular sleeve against which the second end of the tube butts.

[0032] Thus, when moving from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, the retractable device, the flexible arms come against this toroidal element, which reduces the friction of the flexible arms against the wall of the tube, improving the lifespan of said flexible arms when moving from one position to another of the retractable device.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the protruding element is abutted against a second end of the longitudinal light when the retractable device is in the second position, said second end being oriented towards the second end of the tube, and abutted against a first end of the longitudinal light when the retractable device is in the first position, said first end being oriented towards the first end of the tube.

[0034] Thus, the fact that the protruding element comes against the ends of the longitudinal guide light makes it possible to carry out an easy operation of changing the position of the retractable device from folded position to unfolded position, and vice versa, by pushing or pulling the protruding element in one direction or the other until it reaches the stops formed by said ends of the longitudinal guide light.

[0035] Preferably, the longitudinal guide light includes on its second end, a transverse recess in which the protruding element is intended to fit in order to lock the second position of the retractable device.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the longitudinal guide light of the tube of the retractable device includes on its second end a recess forming an inverted U, one of whose branches is the longitudinal light.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the protruding element is connected to an elastic return member, intended to return the retractable device to the first position.

[0038] Preferably, the elastic return member is fixed to the protruding element of the shuttle at a first end and is fixed to the first end of the tube at a second end.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the shuttle is in the form of a solid cylinder comprising on its free end at least two chamfers arranged symmetrically with respect to a median axis of the shuttle, said chamfers comprising a fastening means intended to fix the flexible arms in said shuttle.

[0040] Preferably, the fastening means are of the male / female type, more particularly the male fastening element is a headless screw.

[0041] In a particular embodiment, the tube includes at least one shoulder, arranged on the second end of the tube, against which at least one of the chamfers of the shuttle is intended to come into contact when the retractable device is in the second position.

[0042] Thus, the tube shoulders also serve as a limiting element for the movement of the shuttle inside the tube.

[0043] Preferably, the ends of the two flexible arms are connected to each other by a flexible element allowing the two flexible arms to be held in position when the retractable device is in the second position.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, the flexible element is connected to a shutter element at the second end of the tube and said shutter element is capable of allowing the passage from the first to the second position, and vice versa, of the retractable device.

[0045] Thus, the flexible element is also capable of allowing the passage from the first to the second position of the retractable device, in particular by pulling said shutter element, which complements the unfolding action of the flexible arms of the retractable device.

[0046] The ends of the flexible arms connected together by a flexible element define the maximum gap between the two ends of the flexible arms when the retractable device is in the second position.

[0047] Preferably, the sealing element is a plug that closes the tube of the retractable device when the latter is in the first position, known as closed, in order to prevent the entry of liquid, in particular water, when the retractable device is not in use.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible element is a flexible rope or a flexible third arm or even a rigid fabric seam of the object recovery net connecting the two free ends of the two flexible arms connected to the shuttle.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the shutter element includes a traction means, preferably in the form of a ring. Such a ring can thus be easily used by an operator to complete the deployment action, or to move the retractable device from its first to its second position. Similarly, the operator can easily press on the shutter element to fold or move the retractable device from its second to its first position.

[0050] In a particular embodiment, the object retrieval net forms a concave volume, said volume being defined by a second flexible cord or a fourth flexible arm, arranged so that the end of the second flexible rope or a fourth flexible arm forms the top of a base formed by the free ends of the two flexible arms.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the shuttle comprises at least two recesses opening on one side into the second end of the shuttle and on the other side, respectively, into one of the sides of the shuttle, the openings of the second end of the shuttle forming an angle between 15° and 45° with the median axis of the shuttle, said recesses are provided so as to receive at least a part of the flexible arms.

[0052] Thus, the two recesses, distinct from each other, each receive a flexible arm.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the two orifices of the recesses are positioned on said second end of the shuttle, so as to be one above the other, so as to be each equidistant from the median axis.

[0054] In other words, the orifices of the recesses positioned on the face of the shuttle are symmetrically positioned with respect to the median axis of the shuttle.

[0055] Thus, in this embodiment, the two flexible arms extend symmetrically with respect to the median axis of the shuttle. Consequently, the object retrieval net extends substantially symmetrically with respect to this median axis of the shuttle, which makes it possible to balance the retractable device when it is in its second position.

[0056] Advantageously, the flexible arms, part of which is arranged in the recesses of the shuttle, are arranged so that the flexible arms cross at a point positioned on the median axis of the shuttle, said point being positioned on the orifices of the recesses positioned on the face of the shuttle oriented towards the second re-closable end of the tube.

[0057] Preferably, the tube is made of metallic material or high-density plastic. More preferably, the material composing the tube is resistant to a saline marine environment, such as anodized aluminum or stainless steel.

[0058] Preferably, the flexible arms are made of plastic such as high-density polyethylene, metal, fiberglass or carbon fiber.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, all the materials composing the retractable device are made from recycled materials. Brief description of the figures

[0060] Other advantages and features of the present invention are now described by means of examples which are purely illustrative and in no way limiting in scope of the invention, and based on the attached drawings, drawings in which the various figures represent:

[0061] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a perspective view of the retractable device according to the invention, in the second so-called open position.

[0062] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a perspective view of the retractable device of [Fig.1], the tube being transparent.

[0063] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a perspective view of the retractable device according to a particular embodiment.

[0064] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of an exploded perspective view of the retractable device of [Fig.1].

[0065] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective representation of the shuttle, taken in isolation.

[0066] In the following description, identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing on different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references. Description of the implementation methods

[0067] With reference to [Fig.1] to [Fig.5], the present invention relates to a retractable device 1 in a first position called closed in which an object recovery net 2 is folded and a second position called open in which said object recovery net 2 is unfolded.

[0068] The object recovery net 2 can thus recover various objects such as floating waste, aquatic plants or even animals.

[0069] As illustrated by [Fig.1], the retractable device 1 comprises a tube 3 having a first end 31 and a second opposite end 32 which can be closed, in which is provided a longitudinal opening 33, in which a projecting element 6 is intended to be guided.

[0070] The longitudinal light 33 includes a first end 331 against which the projecting element 6 is intended to come to a stop when the retractable device 1 is in the first position.

[0071] Similarly, the longitudinal light 33 includes a second end 332 against which the projecting element 6 is intended to come to a stop when the retractable device 1 is in the second position.

[0072] The tube 3 includes a modular sleeve 9 arranged on its second end 32, said modular sleeve 9 includes a hook 10 curved inwards towards said retractable device 1.

[0073] The hooks 10 can serve as an element of a gaff, giving the retractable device 1 a second gaff function, particularly when the device is- camotable 1 is in first position.

[0074] The flexible arms 8, when the retractable device 1 is in the second position, are deployed, in other words, are further apart from each other than when the retractable device 1 is in the first position and define the object recovery net 2.

[0075] The ends of the flexible arms 8 are connected to each other by a flexible element 11, said flexible element 11 is in the form of a rope, which defines the maximum gap between the two ends of the flexible arms 8 when the retractable device 1 is in the second position.

[0076] Furthermore, said flexible element 11 is fixed to a shutter element 5 of the second reclosable end 32 of the tube 3, said shutter element 5 taking the form of a plug including a pull ring (not shown), which allows easy passage by the operator from the first position to the second position of the retractable device 1 in particular by pulling the pull ring.

[0077] Of course, the reverse action of moving from the second position to the first position is also feasible by a push action of said stopper by the operator in order to fold the net of object recovery 2 into the tube 3.

[0078] Another example of an embodiment of the retractable device 1 is shown in [Fig.2] in which the object recovery net 2 is defined by a third flexible arm.

[0079] The retractable device 1 also includes a shuttle 7 intended to slide inside the tube 3 from the first position, called closed, to the second position, called open, and vice versa.

[0080] The protruding element 6 is arranged on a first end 71 of the shuttle 7, said first end 71 is oriented towards the second end 32 of the tube 3.

[0081] The protruding element 6 is intended to be guided through the longitudinal light 33 provided in the tube 3.

[0082] The shuttle 7 includes a second end 72 opposite the first 71, on which are fixed three flexible arms 8 extending at least partially from the second end 32 of the tube 3 when the retractable device 1 is in the second position.

[0083] Thus, the flexible arms 8 are further apart from each other when the retractable device 1 is in the second position, and said flexible arms 8 are mostly inserted into the tube 3 when the retractable device 1 is in the first position.

[0084] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the modular sleeve 9 arranged on the second end 32 of the tube 3.

[0085] Furthermore, said modular sleeve 9 comprises two tabs 91 arranged opposite each other, defining a space 92 in which the hook 10 is intended to be fixed by male / female type fixing means such as for example a screw and a tapped hole.

[0086] The shuttle 7, illustrated in [Fig. 5], is in the form of a solid cylinder comprising on second end 72 two chamfers 73 arranged symmetrically with respect to a median axis 74 of the shuttle 7, said chamfers 73 include a male / female type fixing means, more particularly a headless screw, intended to fix the flexible arms 8 in said shuttle 7.

[0087] In order to reduce wear on the shuttle 7 and the tube 3, the latter includes at least one shoulder (not shown), arranged on the second end 32 of the tube 3, against which the chamfers 73 of the shuttle 7 are intended to come into contact when the retractable device 1 is in the second position.

[0088] The shuttle 7 includes at least two recesses 75 opening on one side into the second end 72 of the shuttle and on the other side, respectively, into one of the sides of the shuttle 7, the openings of the second end 72 of the shuttle 7 forming an angle between 15° and 45° with the median axis 74 of the shuttle 7, said recesses 75 are provided so as to receive at least a part of the flexible arms 8.

[0089] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically operative combination of these means.

Claims

Claims

1. Retractable device (1) in a first so-called closed position in which an object recovery net (2) is folded and a second so-called open position in which said object recovery net (2) is unfolded comprising: - a tube (3) comprising a first end (31) and a second end (32) opposite closable, in which a longitudinal slot (33) is provided; and - a shuttle (7) intended to slide inside the tube (3) from the first so-called closed position to the second so-called open position, and vice versa, said shuttle (7) comprises a projecting element (6) arranged on a first end (71) of said shuttle (7), said first end (71) of the shuttle (7) is oriented towards the second end (32) of the tube (3), said projecting element (6) is intended to be guided through the longitudinal slot (33) provided in the tube (3),said shuttle (7) comprises on a second end (72) opposite the first (71), at least two flexible arms (8) extending at least partially beyond the second end (32) of the tube (3) when the retractable device (1) is in the second position and on which the object recovery net (2) is arranged, the flexible arms (8) being further apart from each other when the retractable device (1) is in the second position, and said flexible arms (8) being mostly inserted into the tube (3) when the retractable device (1) is in the first position.,

2. Retractable device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one modular sleeve (9) arranged on one of the ends (31, 32) of the tube (3), said sleeve (9) comprises at least one hook (10) curved towards the inside of said retractable device (1).

3. Retractable device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the modular sleeve (9) comprises two tabs (91) arranged opposite each other, defining a space (92) in which the hook (10) is intended to be fixed.

4. Retractable device (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the modular sleeve (9) comprises a toric element arranged against the walls of the recess of the modular sleeve (9) against which the second end (32) of the tube (3) abuts.

5. Retractable device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projecting element (6) abuts against a second end (332) of the longitudinal light (33) when the retractable device (1) is in the second position, said second end (332) being oriented towards the second end (32) of the tube (3), and abuts against a first end (331) of the longitudinal light (33) when the retractable device (1) is in the first position, said first end (331) being oriented towards the first end (31) of the tube (3).

6. Retractable device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the longitudinal light (33) comprises on its second end (332), a transverse recess in which the projecting element (6) is intended to be housed in order to lock the second position of the retractable device (1).

7. Retractable device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the projecting element (6) is connected to an elastic return member, intended to return the retractable device (1) to the first position.

8. Retractable device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shuttle (7) is in the form of a solid cylinder comprising on its second end (72) at least two chamfers (73) arranged symmetrically with respect to a median axis (74) of the shuttle (7), said chamfers (73) comprise a fixing means intended to fix the flexible arms (8) to said shuttle (7).

9. Retractable device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube (3) comprises at least one shoulder, arranged on the second end (32) of the tube (3), against which at least one of the chamfers (73) of the shuttle (7) is intended to come into abutment when the retractable device (1) is in the second position.

10. Retractable device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shuttle (7) comprises at least two recesses (75) opening on the one hand onto the second end (72) of the shuttle and on the other hand, respectively, onto one of the sides of the shuttle (7), the orifices of the second end (72) of the shuttle (7) forming an angle of between 15° and 45° with the median axis (74) of the shuttle (7), said recesses (75) are arranged so as to receive at least part of the flexible arms (8).

Images