Portable device suitable for collecting waste

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable device (1) suitable for collecting waste (2), said portable device (1) comprising a container (5) comprising a hollow body having a flexible central part capable of receiving the collected waste (2). According to the invention, said hollow body comprises a circular rigid ring, said circular rigid ring being arranged at a first end of said hollow body to form a non-deformable opening allowing said waste to be introduced into the container (5). Furthermore, such a container (5) comprises a removable cover capable of being reversibly secured to said circular rigid ring of said hollow body. Abstract figure: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Portable device adapted for collecting waste

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of portable waste collection devices, i.e. intended to be carried by a natural person or an animal such as a dog. Hereinafter, the natural person carrying such a portable device or a natural person accompanying an animal carrying a portable device will be referred to hereinafter as a "carrier".

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a portable device intended to receive such objects collected by a wearer during a movement, for example during a walk, a hike or during a sporting activity in nature such as for example a race, a hike, a trail, etc. This movement can in particular be carried out, by the wearer, on foot or even using a vehicle, such as a bicycle.

[0003] The collected objects are then manually placed by the wearer into the portable device.

[0004] The collected objects may be at least partially solid waste or detritus, abandoned on the ground. In this use, the portable device helps to eliminate the visual pollution caused by this waste or detritus. It also helps to combat the physicochemical pollution of the soil that may be caused by this waste or detritus, such as, for example, cigarette butts or packaging.

[0005] Alternatively and for another use of these portable devices, the collected objects can also be fruits collected in nature for later consumption.

[0006] In a known manner, such portable devices have been described in documents FR 3125384 A1 and US 2022106109 A. These documents present portable devices suitable for collecting waste in nature and designed to adapt to the most common outdoor activities, such as for example walking, hiking or trail running.

[0007] The portable devices described thus comprise a pocket provided with an opening allowing the introduction of waste into the internal volume delimited by the pocket. Such an opening is also delimited by an opening edge provided with a deformable reinforcement. The deformable reinforcement is adapted so that, in a first state, the opening of the pocket is maintained in an open position by this deformable reinforcement, and in a second state, the opening of the pocket is not maintained in the open position but maintained in the closed position.

[0008] Further, US 2022106109 A discloses, at an upper opening, a tension cord and a spring steel system used to hold the opening in its open position to facilitate hands-free access to the interior of the handheld device.

[0009] However, the opening of these portable devices always presents a capacity for deformation with a possibility of wear and damage following the repetition of the operations of maintaining in the open position and in the closed position.

[0010] Furthermore, handling the deformable opening to place it in an open position can be complex to perform depending on the size of the opening, for a child, or more generally, for any person with weak or small fingers.

[0011] The present invention therefore aims to provide a portable device making it possible to overcome the limitations mentioned above. The invention thus makes it possible to provide a durable device, simple to use by any wearer.

[0012] The invention thus relates to a portable device suitable for collecting waste, the portable device comprising a container comprising a hollow body having a flexible central part capable of receiving the collected waste.

[0013] According to the invention, such a device is remarkable in that the hollow body comprises a circular rigid ring, the circular rigid ring being arranged at a first end of the hollow body to form a non-deformable opening allowing the introduction of waste into the container, and in that the container comprises a removable cover capable of being reversibly secured to the circular rigid ring of the hollow body, the removable cover forming a means for closing the opening of the hollow body.

[0014] In other words, the opening is not elastically deformed to move from its closed state to its open state. The operator operates the removable cover with one hand only to hide or leave free such a non-deformable opening. Such a non-deformable opening does not present or presents little risk of wear following repeated manipulation of the removable cover.

[0015] Access to the opening is simple to perform and does not require significant force from the wearer's fingers.

[0016] Furthermore, the reversible connection of the removable cover with the circular rigid ring can be implemented in different ways and in particular by means of complementary snap-on members, a quarter-turn or bayonet-type helical connection or even magnetic means capable of exerting an attractive magnetic force.

[0017] To do this, the removable cover can, for example, cover a flat face of the circular rigid ring facing the outside of the hollow body.

[0018] Such a hollow body can then have a substantially tubular shape extending between the circular rigid ring and a bottom closing a second end of the hollow body.

[0019] Advantageously, the removable cover may comprise a circular ring and a bar extending between two points distant from each other on the circular ring, the bar allowing the cover to be grasped with one hand of the wearer.

[0020] Such a bar can in fact be grasped by the wearer by making a pinching gesture, for example between the thumb and index finger of the same hand. It does not matter whether the wearer is right-handed or left-handed. Such a bar can advantageously extend along a diameter of the circular ring.

[0021] In practice, the lid may comprise a flexible sleeve having the shape of a mitten, the flexible sleeve comprising two pockets arranged on either side of the bar, a first pocket being capable of receiving a thumb of the wearer's hand and a second pocket being capable of receiving at least one of the other four fingers of the same hand of the wearer, the flexible sleeve being configured to allow the wearer to grasp the waste without direct contact with the wearer's hand and then to position the waste in an internal volume of the hollow body of the container.

[0022] In other words, such a flexible sleeve is deformable and can act as a barrier between the collected waste and the wearer's fingers. Such a flexible sleeve can advantageously be formed from a textile material having deformation characteristics making it possible to adapt, on the one hand, to the size of the wearer's hand and, on the other hand, to different sizes or shapes of waste.

[0023] Such a flexible sleeve may have a monolithic shape. In this case, the first pocket and the second pocket may, for example, be formed from the same textile fabric.

[0024] Alternatively, such a flexible sleeve may have several parts secured to each other. In this case, the first pocket and the second pocket may, for example, be formed from two textile fabrics sewn or glued together.

[0025] According to another possibility, the flexible sleeve can be elastically deformable. The first pocket and the second pocket can thus be formed by deformation during the introduction of the fingers of the wearer's hand axially through the circular ring and on either side of the bar.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover and the hollow body may comprise complementary ferromagnetic means configured to exert an attractive magnetic force between the removable cover and the hollow body.

[0027] Thus, placing the circular ring opposite the circular rigid ring makes it possible to automatically maintain the removable cover covering the opening. A gripping force exerted by the wearer in a direction opposite to the attractive magnetic force allows, when it is greater than that of the magnetic force, to leave the opening of the hollow body free. The wearer can then introduce the collected waste.

[0028] Such an attractive magnetic force can advantageously be oriented perpendicularly along a flat face of the rigid ring.

[0029] Furthermore, the complementary ferromagnetic means may comprise one or more permanent magnets arranged on the circular ring and / or the circular rigid ring.

[0030] Such permanent magnets may, for example, be made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, neodymium and boron alloys. These permanent magnets may furthermore each have a cylindrical shape of revolution and be inserted into complementary shaped bores provided respectively in the circular ring and / or in the circular rigid ring.

[0031] Advantageously, the complementary ferromagnetic means may comprise a first group of a plurality of first magnets arranged in the circular ring, the first magnets being equally distributed in azimuth around a first axis of revolution of the circular ring.

[0032] In other words, the attractive magnetic force can be the result of several forces distributed circularly around the periphery of the circular ring. Such an arrangement allows the use of magnets of small dimensions adapted so that the circular ring has a minimum radial width.

[0033] Similarly, the complementary ferromagnetic means may comprise a second group of a plurality of second magnets arranged in the circular rigid ring, the second magnets being equally distributed in azimuth around a second axis of revolution of the circular rigid ring.

[0034] Consequently, the attractive magnetic force can be the result of several forces distributed circularly at the periphery of the circular rigid ring. Such an arrangement allows the use of small-sized magnets making it possible to radially limit the width of the circular rigid ring.

[0035] In practice, the container may comprise, at a second end of the hollow body, a rigid bottom formed from a first material, the hollow body being formed from a second material different from the first material.

[0036] Such a rigid bottom is therefore non-deformable, solid and not intended to open. The first material may be of higher density than the second material. Thus, the rigid bottom makes it possible to ballast the portable device at the second end of the hollow body. Once the waste has been introduced into the container, gravity can then automatically cause this waste to slide along an internal wall of the hollow body. towards the rigid bottom arranged relatively lower than the first end provided with the opening.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, bristles or threads may partially obstruct the opening of the hollow body to prevent waste introduced into the container from exiting through this opening when the lid is grasped by the wearer. Such bristles may extend radially from the circular rigid ring while being oriented towards the second axis of revolution of the circular rigid ring.

[0038] According to another exemplary embodiment, the portable device may comprise links allowing a wearer to carry the container, the links being secured to the body.

[0039] Advantageously, the links may comprise a first link secured to the first end of the hollow body and a second link secured to a second end of the hollow body, the first and second links comprising complementary means of reversible securing by snap-fastening arranged at their respective free ends.

[0040] Such first and second links thus make it possible to attach the portable device, for example, around the wearer's waist and in particular by positioning the container in the lower back. The complementary reversible securing means then join at the wearer's stomach near their navel.

[0041] Each of the first and second links may comprise one or more attachment points with the hollow body. For example, two attachment points may be substantially diametrically opposed at the external surface of each end of the hollow body. Such an arrangement makes it possible in particular to achieve stabilization of the hollow body against the wearer's back.

[0042] Advantageously, the ties may comprise at least one adjustment means for adapting a total length of the ties to the waist size of the wearer.

[0043] In this way, the length of the first link and / or the second link can be modified according to the wearer and more precisely to his waist size. Such an adjustment means can, for example, be in the form of a loop secured to one end of a link.

[0044] The invention and its advantages will appear in more detail in the context of the description which follows with examples given for illustrative purposes with reference to the appended figures which represent:

[0045] [Fig.l], a perspective view illustrating a carrier equipped with a portable device according to the invention,

[0046] [Fig.2], a perspective view of a portable device according to the invention, and

[0047] [Fig. 3], a perspective view of a cover fitted to a portable device in accordance with the invention.

[0048] Elements present in several distinct figures are assigned a single and same reference.

[0049] The invention thus relates to a portable device intended to be worn by a wearer.

[0050] As shown in [Fig. 1], the portable device 1 can be worn by the wearer 3 over the shoulder or around the waist of the wearer 3. Such a portable device 1 comprises a container 5 which can advantageously be positioned in the lower back of the wearer 3.

[0051] Such a portable device 1 may in particular be used by the wearer 3 during an outdoor activity, such as when walking or running. The portable device 1 may thus be used by the wearer 3 to collect waste 2 present for example on a ground 4. Alternatively, such a portable device 1 may be used by a wearer 3 to collect wild fruits.

[0052] As shown in [Fig.2], the container 5 thus comprises a hollow body 6, for example of tubular shape, having a flexible central part 7 forming a storage space initially filled with air and capable of receiving the waste 2 collected by the carrier 3.

[0053] Furthermore, the portable device 1 is optionally provided with links 10, 11, 12, such as straps, allowing the wearer 3 to carry the container 5 around his waist or with one shoulder. Such links 10, 11, 12 are thus secured to the hollow body 6 of the container 5.

[0054] Furthermore, such a hollow body 6 comprises a circular rigid ring 8 allowing an opening of said hollow body 6 to be held in the open position. Such a hollow body 6 thus extends from a first open end 18 to a second closed end 19. The circular rigid ring 8 is therefore arranged at the first end 18 of the hollow body 6 so as to form a non-deformable opening 16 allowing, on the one hand, the introduction of the waste 2 into the container 5 and, on the other hand, the evacuation of the waste 2 from the container 5 to a bin once the outdoor activity is finished.

[0055] Such a circular rigid ring 8 can thus be secured to the flexible central part 7 of the hollow body 6, for example by gluing, welding or heat-sealing.

[0056] Alternatively, when the flexible central part 7 is formed from a textile material, the circular rigid ring 8 can be inserted into a flap sewn onto itself and forming a hem inside which the circular rigid ring 8 remains captive.

[0057] Furthermore, the flexible central part 7 may comprise at least one internal or external reinforcement making it possible to locally stiffen a tubular shape of the hollow body 6. Such a reinforcement may have a rod or blade shape extending longitudinally between the first end 18 and the second end 19 of the hollow body 6. Such an internal reinforcement may then be covered with the textile material of the flexible central part 7.

[0058] Furthermore, the material forming the flexible central part 7 may be waterproof and have laceration resistance properties obtained for example by means of high tenacity metallic or synthetic threads such as nylon, polyester.

[0059] In addition, the container 5 comprises a removable cover 20 capable of being reversibly secured to the circular rigid ring 8 of the hollow body 6. Such a removable cover 20 makes it possible, when it cooperates with the hollow body 6, to come in whole or in part to cover a flat face 13 of the circular rigid ring 8. The removable cover 20 then forms a means of closing the non-deformable opening 16 of the hollow body 6, and more generally of the internal space of the hollow body 6.

[0060] Furthermore, the removable cover 20 may comprise a circular ring 21 intended to come into contact with the circular rigid ring 8. Thus, the circular ring 21 and the circular rigid ring 8 each have a shape of revolution and substantially equal internal diameters.

[0061] The removable cover 20 may also comprise a bar 22 extending along a diameter of the circular ring 21. Such a bar 22 then allows the wearer 3 to grasp the cover 20 with one hand.

[0062] Furthermore, the circular ring 21 and the bar 22 can advantageously form a monolithic assembly.

[0063] Furthermore, the reversible connection of the removable cover 20 with the hollow body 6 can be implemented in various ways.

[0064] Advantageously, the circular ring 21 may comprise at least one first magnet 26 and the circular rigid ring 8 may comprise at least one second magnet 27. Such first and second magnets 26, 27 are of complementary polarity and make it possible to exert an attractive magnetic force F applied between the removable cover 20 and the circular rigid ring 8 of the hollow body 6. Such an attractive magnetic force F is thus oriented in a direction perpendicular to the flat face 13 of the circular rigid ring 8.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the illustrated example, such a first magnet 26 may belong to a first group having several first magnets 26.

[0066] The first magnets 26 can then be advantageously arranged in an equidistant manner in azimuth around a first axis of revolution RI of the circular ring 21.

[0067] Similarly, the second magnet 27 may belong to a second group formed by a set of several second magnets 27. The second magnets 27 may then advantageously be arranged in an equidistant manner in azimuth around a second axis of revolution R2 of the circular rigid ring 8.

[0068] Furthermore, the container 5 may advantageously comprise, at the level of the second closed end 19 of the hollow body 6, a rigid bottom 9 formed in a first material, the hollow body 6 being formed from a second material different from the first material.

[0069] For example, the rigid base 9 may be formed by a molding process in a polymer material. The hollow body 6 may be formed by extrusion or by weaving and bonding in another material.

[0070] In addition, the links 10, 11, 12 may comprise a first link 11 secured to the first end 18 of the hollow body 6 and a second link 12 secured to the second end 19 of the hollow body 6, the first and second links 11, 12 comprising complementary means 14, 15 for reversible securing, for example by snap-fastening, arranged at their respective free ends.

[0071] Finally, such ties 10, 11, 12 may comprise at least one adjustment means 17, such as a sliding buckle on the tie 11 to adapt a total length of the ties 10, 11, 12 to the waist size of the wearer 3 according to the example illustrated.

[0072] As shown in [Fig.3], such a cover 20 may advantageously comprise a flexible sleeve 23 having the shape of a mitten.

[0073] This flexible sleeve 23 in fact comprises two pockets 24, 25 arranged on either side of the bar 22. A first pocket 24 is thus capable of receiving a thumb 31 of the hand 30 of the wearer 3 and a second pocket 25 is capable of receiving the other four fingers 32-35 of the same hand 30 of the wearer 3.

[0074] Such a flexible sleeve 23 thus allows the wearer 3 to grasp the waste 2 without direct contact with the fingers of his hand 30 and then to position the waste 2 in an internal volume of the hollow body 6 of the container 5.

[0075] Furthermore, the flexible sleeve 23 can, for example, be secured to the circular ring 21 by gluing, welding or heat sealing.

[0076] In addition, the material forming the flexible sleeve 23 may be similar, or even identical, to the second material forming the hollow body 6.

[0077] The flexible sleeve 23 may in particular be formed from a textile material or from a plastic film, be monolithic or formed by several parts secured together in a substantially sealed manner. In addition, the material forming the flexible sleeve 23 may be waterproof and have laceration resistance properties obtained for example by means of high-tenacity metal or synthetic threads such as nylon, polyester.

[0078] Naturally, the present invention is subject to numerous variations as to its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is understood that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all possible modes. It is of course conceivable to replace a means described by an equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Portable device (1) adapted to collect waste (2), said portable device (1) comprising a container (5) comprising a hollow body (6) having a flexible central part (7) capable of receiving the collected waste (2), characterized in that said hollow body (6) comprises a circular rigid ring (8), said circular rigid ring (8) being arranged at a first end (18) of said hollow body (6) to form a non-deformable opening (16) allowing introduction of said waste (2) into said container (5), and in that said container (5) comprises a removable cover (20) capable of being reversibly secured to said circular rigid ring (8) of said hollow body (6), said removable cover (20) forming a means for closing said non-deformable opening (16) of said hollow body (6).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said removable cover (20) comprises a circular ring (21) and a bar (22) extending between two points distant from each other of said circular ring (21), said bar (22) allowing said cover (20) to be grasped with one hand of said wearer (3).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said cover (20) comprises a flexible sleeve (23) having a mitten shape, said flexible sleeve (23) comprising two pockets (24, 25) arranged on either side of the bar (22), a first pocket (24) being capable of receiving a thumb (31) of the hand (30) of said wearer (3) and a second pocket (25) being capable of receiving at least one of the four other fingers (32-35) of the same hand (30) of said wearer (3), said flexible sleeve (23) being configured to allow said wearer (3) to grasp said waste (2) without direct contact with the hand (30) of said wearer (3) and then to position said waste (2) in an internal volume of said hollow body (6) of said container (5).

4. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that said cover (20) and said hollow body (6) comprise complementary ferromagnetic means (28) configured to exert an attractive magnetic force (F) between said removable cover (20) and said hollow body (6).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said ferromagnetic means (28) comprise a first group of a plurality of first magnets (26) arranged in said circular ring (21), said first magnets (26) being equally distributed in azimuth around a first axis of revolution (RI) of said circular ring (21).

6. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that said ferromagnetic means (28) comprise a second group of a plurality of second magnets (27) arranged in said circular rigid ring (8), said second magnets (27) being equally distributed in azimuth around a second axis of revolution (R2) of said circular rigid ring (8).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said container (5) comprises, at a second end (19) of said hollow body (6), a rigid bottom (9) formed in a first material, said hollow body (6) being formed in a second material different from said first material.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said portable device (1) comprises links (10, 11, 12) allowing a carrier (3) to carry said container (5), said links (10, 11, 12) being secured to said body (6).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said links (10, 11, 12) comprise a first link (11) secured to said first end (18) of said hollow body (6) and a second link (12) secured to a second end (19) of said hollow body (6), said first and second links (11, 12) comprising complementary means (14, 15) for reversible securing by snap-fastening arranged at their respective free ends.

10. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that said ties (10, 11, 12) comprise at least one adjustment means (17) for adapting a total length of said ties (10, 11, 12) to the waist size of said wearer (3).

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