container

Abstract

A container (1) is provided, defining a main axis (1a) and comprising an open first chamber (2) defining a first housing (20) suitable for containing at least soil and including at least a first bottom (21) extending transversely to the main axis (1a), first side walls (22) delimiting the first bottom (21) and extending around the main axis (1a), and a first access (23) arranged at a side of the first chamber (2) opposite the first bottom (21); a second chamber (3) defining a second housing (30) and including at least a second bottom (31) extending transversely to the main axis (1a), second side walls (32) delimiting the second bottom (31) and extending around the main axis (1a), and a second access (33) arranged at the second side walls (32); a membrane (4) providing an adhesive surface facing the second housing (30) and configured to trap attractable animals, wherein the first bottom (21) is arranged at a side of the second chamber (3) opposite the second bottom (31) so as to also partially delimit the second housing (30).

Description

[0001] DESCRI PTION

[0002] CONTAINER

[0003] The present invention relates to a container of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0004] In particular, the present invention pertains to a container, preferably a pot, integrating within it the function of a trap for animals, such as insects or rodents.

[0005] As is known, containers, especially pots, are generally open vessels used for holding liquids, solids, or for decorative purposes, such as flowers or other items. The materials used for manufacturing containers can be multiple and include, for instance, terracotta, porcelain, ceramic, metal, wood, glass, and plastic.

[0006] Normally, containers do not have functions beyond the containment function.

[0007] Therefore, if the object is to trap animals, particularly insects, it is necessary to use other devices or substances.

[0008] Currently, the elimination of harmful insects to humans and animals is achieved by the use of pesticides or specific traps. The latter are tools designed solely for the purpose of capturing insects, making such traps visually unappealing in the surrounding environment.

[0009] The known technique thus described therefore comprises some significant drawbacks.

[0010] In particular, the containers of the known art do not incorporate any functionality other than containment.

[0011] Similarly, traps are solely intended for capturing and are often visually unappealing, with trapping surfaces that are exposed and highly visible.

[0012] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to design a container capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0013] Within this technical task, an important objective of the invention is to obtain a container that integrates multiple functions within itself, in particular at least a containment function for flowers, plants, or similar, and a trapping function for insects.

[0014] Another significant object of the invention is to create a container that is versatile and can thus be placed in any place, remaining aesthetically integrated with the surrounding environment.

[0015] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a container, as claimed in the attached claim 1 .

[0016] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0017] The features and advantages of the invention are made clear below throughout the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a container according to the invention;

[0019] Fig. 2a illustrates a schematic lateral sectional view of a container according to the invention;

[0020] Fig. 2b is a front view of a container according to the invention;

[0021] Fig. 3a represents a detailed view of the coupling area between the second and third chamber wherein the second slot connected to the conduit is arranged in a container according to the invention;

[0022] Fig. 3b shows a detailed view of the coupling area between the first and second chamber wherein the first slot connected to the conduit is arranged in a container according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. 3c illustrates a detailed view of the coupling area between the second and third chamber wherein the second access is arranged in a container according to the invention;

[0024] Fig. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the second chamber adjacent to the second bottom of a container according to the invention wherein the slots on the second bottom of the second chamber are shown;

[0025] Fig. 4b represents a cross-sectional view of the second chamber adjacent to the first bottom of a container according to the invention wherein the membrane developing parallel to the second bottom or resting on it is shown; and

[0026] Fig. 5 represents a view of a container according to the invention wherein the container separability is shown, without the below mentioned lid, in the three main modules that constitute the same container.

[0027] In this document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "about" or similar terms like "approximately" or "substantially", are to be understood as including slight deviations due to measurement or production errors and, above all, as allowing a minor deviation from the value, measurement, shape, or geometric reference associated. For example, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not exceeding 10% of that value.

[0028] Furthermore, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “upper”, “lower”, “main”, and “secondary” do not necessarily denote an order, relationship priority, or relative position but may simply be used to distinguish between them different components.

[0029] The measurements and data reported in this text are considered, unless otherwise indicated, as taken in the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0030] Referring to the Figures, the container according to the invention is globally denoted by number 1.

[0031] The container 1 is essentially suitable for containing one or more objects; in particular, the container 1 is suited for housing at least one plant-based object, specifically a plant.

[0032] In general, the container 1 defines at least one main axis 1a.

[0033] The main axis 1 a is essentially a virtual reference axis. It may correspond to a central, possibly barycentric axis. Preferably, the main axis 1 a is designed to be positioned, when the container 1 is in use, perpendicular to the ground or a support surface. Preferably, the main axis 1 a lies, in use, parallel to the gravitational gradient.

[0034] The container 1 thus comprises at least a first chamber 2.

[0035] The first chamber 2 is a vessel within which at least one object can be housed. In this respect, the first chamber 2 defines a first housing 20. The first housing 20 is defined by a region of space confined within the first chamber 2 wherein one or more objects can be stably housed. Preferably, the first housing 20 is capable of containing at least one object or at least soil (which may also be seeded or serve as a support and / or growth base for a plant).

[0036] The first chamber 2 therefore includes at least a first bottom 21.

[0037] The first bottom 21 extends transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the main axis 1a. Thus, when the container 1 is in use, the first bottom 21 is designed to lie at the lower part of the first chamber 2.

[0038] Furthermore, the first chamber 2 also includes one or more first side walls 22.

[0039] The one or more first side walls 22 essentially appropriately delimit the first bottom 21 , preferably perimetrically. Moreover, they extend, preferably from the first bottom 21 , around the main axis 1 a. Thus, the first bottom 21 and the first side walls 22 essentially define an open container. Indeed, the first chamber 2 is preferably open.

[0040] Hence, the first chamber 2 also includes a first access 23.

[0041] The first access 23 is arranged at one side of the first chamber 2 opposite the first bottom 21. Therefore, when the container 1 is in use, the first access 23 faces upward and lies on the top of the container 1 .

[0042] The aforementioned features are common to nearly all containers.

[0043] The first chamber 2 may also include a closure body for the first access 23. This closure body can be securely and releasably attached to the rest of the chamber 2 at the first access 23.

[0044] However, unlike typical containers, the container 1 also includes a second chamber 3.

[0045] Similarly to the first chamber 2, the second chamber 3 is a vessel within which an object can be housed. To this end, the second chamber 3 defines a second housing 30. The second housing 30 is defined by a region of confined space within the second first chamber 3 wherein one or more objects can be stably housed. Preferably, the second housing 30 is intended to contain at least one animal, such as an insect or rodent.

[0046] The second chamber 3 may thus include at least a second bottom 31.

[0047] The second bottom 31 extends transversely, for instance perpendicularly, to the main axis 1a. Therefore, when the container 1 is in use, the second bottom 31 is positioned at the lower part of the second chamber 3.

[0048] Additionally, the second chamber 3 includes one or more second side walls 32. The one or more second side walls 32 substantially delimit the second bottom 31 , preferably perimetrically. Furthermore, they extend, preferably from the second bottom 31 , around the main axis 1 a. Consequently, the second bottom 31 and the second side walls 32 essentially define an open container. However, the second chamber 3 is preferably closed, at least when the container 1 is used in at least one primary configuration.

[0049] In this regard, it is preferable that the second chamber 3 is closed by the first bottom 21 of the first chamber 2. Therefore, the second chamber 3 is preferably arranged below the first chamber 2.

[0050] Moreover, in detail, it is advantageous for the first bottom 21 to be arranged at one side of the second chamber 3 opposite the second bottom 31 . Consequently, the first bottom 21 partially delimits also the second housing 30.

[0051] Since the second chamber 3 is also designed to house objects, it comprises at least one second access 33. Specifically, it may comprise a single second access 33 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 ) or multiple second accesses 33 (for instance, two as illustrated in Fig. 5).

[0052] The second access 33, however, is arranged at one or more second side walls 32. Therefore, the second access 33 is accessible from one side of the container 1 . It may remain free, and thus always accessible, or the second chamber 3 may include an additional element. For example, the second chamber 3 may additionally comprise a lid 34.

[0053] If the case, the lid 34 is removably attached to the one or more second side walls 32. Therefore, the lid 34 at least overlaps the second access 33, concealing it.

[0054] To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the container 1 , the second side walls 32 may also feature a shaped seat matching the lid 34, and designed to contain the lid in such a way as to integrate it with the second side walls 32.

[0055] As previously mentioned, the second housing 30 is preferably designed to contain animals.

[0056] In fact, advantageously, the container 1 also includes a membrane 4.

[0057] The membrane 4 is positioned within the second housing 30.

[0058] It provides an upper surface, that is, facing the second housing 30, which is adhesive and configured to trap unwanted animals, i.e. annoying animals for people such as insects or rodents, upon their entry into the second housing 30. Therefore, the membrane 4 is preferably adhesive so as to trap such animals within the second housing 30. For example, the membrane 4 may comprise a base layer made of paper material and an adhesive layer, thereby providing the aforementioned adhesive upper surface.

[0059] To further enhance the attraction capacity of the container 1 , said upper surface of the membrane 4 may be dark, for example black, and appropriately opaque.

[0060] Furthermore, the membrane 4 may be configured to attract animals, such as insects or rodents, and may suitably include substances that are attractive to these animals. For example, such substances may include pheromones or other similar agents intended to attract animals.

[0061] More specifically, the membrane 4 may be superimposed on or develop parallel to one or more of the second bottom 31 , second side walls 32, and first bottom 21 .

[0062] Therefore, the membrane 4 may serve as a form of coating for one or more of the second bottom 31 , second side walls 32, and first bottom 21 within the second housing 30. Preferably, the membrane 4 covers at least the second bottom 31 . In certain cases, the membrane 4 and the second bottom 31 coincide (in this case, they may be supported by the third bottom 51 , appropriately spaced from it using spacer means arranged below).

[0063] To position the membrane 4, it could be divided into a plurality of different sections. Additionally, the membrane 4 could include a removable film to be removed when the container 1 is in use.

[0064] Preferably, though not necessarily, the membrane 4 is not adhered, in a nonpermanent manner, and is simply resting on one or more of the second bottom 31 , second side walls 32, and first bottom 21 (and optionally the third bottom 51 ), making it replaceable.

[0065] Moreover, in a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the membrane 4 develops parallel to the second bottom 31. Furthermore, the second bottom 31 includes spacer means. If present, these spacer means are configured to keep the membrane 4 stably spaced from the second bottom 31. In this regard, the second bottom 31 could feature projections extending transversely from the second bottom 31 , for example parallel or transverse to the main axis 1 a, and intended to support the membrane 4 as it rests upon them. Alternatively, the second side walls 32 could include a perimeter edge on which to rest the membrane 4.

[0066] To further enhance the attraction capacity of the container 1 , at least one or more of the second side walls 32, possibly also the first bottom 21 , at least on the side of the second housing 30, may be dark, for instance black, and opaque. For example, they may be coated (i.e. , have a particular surface finish facing the second housing 30) with a coating that preferably includes a dark, for instance black, opaque paint. Preferably, all surfaces delimiting and thus facing said second housing 30 feature this coating.

[0067] The container 1 may also include an additional component.

[0068] Preferably, the container 1 further includes a third chamber 5. If the case, the third chamber 5 is a vessel designed to hold a liquid. In this regard, the third chamber 5 defines a third housing 50. The third housing 50 is defined by a region of confined space within the third chamber 5 wherein a liquid can be stably housed. Preferably, the third housing 50 is designed to hold, in particular, water. The third chamber 5 therefore includes at least a third bottom 51.

[0069] The third bottom 51 extends transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the main axis 1 a. Thus, when the container 1 is in use, the third bottom 51 is designed to lie at the lower part of the third chamber 5. More specifically, the third bottom 51 is preferably arranged to rest directly on a ground or other support surface.

[0070] Moreover, the third chamber 5 also includes one or more third side walls 52.

[0071] The one or more third side walls 52 substantially delimit the third bottom 51. Additionally, they extend, preferably from the third bottom 51 , around the main axis 1 a. Hence, the third bottom 51 and one or more third side walls 52 essentially form an open container.

[0072] The one or more third side walls 52 (and optionally the third bottom 51 ) feature the internal surface facing the third housing 50, which is dark, for example black, and appropriately opaque. This colouring may be achieved by coating this internal surface.

[0073] Preferably, however, the third chamber 5 is closed by the second bottom 31 of the second chamber 3. Indeed, preferably in at least one preferred configuration of use of the container 1 , the third chamber 5 is arranged below the second chamber 3. Thus, the second bottom 31 is preferably arranged at a side of the third chamber 5 opposite the third bottom 51 , thereby also partially delimiting the third housing 50. Additionally, advantageously, the second bottom 31 includes one or more slots 31a. The one or more slots 31 a are designed to allow the passage of a liquid, for example even through evaporation only, from the third housing 50 to the second housing 30, or vice versa. Thus, the one or more slots 31a are essentially incisions or through- holes made on the second bottom 31 with a draining function.

[0074] Naturally, liquid can pass through the slots 31 a in both directions. For example, liquid may flow from the external environment, passing through the second housing 30, to the third housing 50. Furthermore, if the third housing 50 reaches a state of fullness, or if the ambient heat creates a vapor condition, the liquid in the third housing 50 can flow through the one or more slots 31 a towards the second housing 30. Advantageously, this feature allows the humidity in the second housing 30 to be increased or maintained, thereby enhancing the attraction capacity of the second chamber 3.

[0075] The third chamber 5 may also be configured to collect liquid originating from the first chamber 2.

[0076] In fact, the container 1 may further include, advantageously, a conduit 6.

[0077] If present, the conduit 6 provides fluid passage connection between the first chamber 2 and the third chamber 5. Thus, the conduit 6 is configured to channel liquid from the first chamber 2 to the third chamber 5 by gravity, at least when the container 1 is in use.

[0078] Specifically, the first bottom 21 may include a first slot 21a.

[0079] If present, the first slot 21a is essentially a through-hole through which liquid, for example water, can flow from the first housing 20 downward.

[0080] Similarly, the second bottom 31 may include a second slot 31b.

[0081] The second slot 31 b is also essentially a through-hole through which liquid, such as water, can flow from the second housing 30 downward.

[0082] However, preferably and advantageously, the conduit 6 is positioned within the second housing 30, thus being concealed from the exterior of the container 1 , and establishes fluid passage connection between the first slot 21a and the second slot 31 b.

[0083] In this way, the liquid present in the first housing 20 can flow into the third housing 50 and be collected there.

[0084] The conduit 6 may be integrated within the second chamber 3 or be removable in relation to it. Additionally, the slots 21a and 31 b may be configured to allow for the interlocking attachment of the conduit 6 and its subsequent removal.

[0085] The membrane 4 may be perforated, and thus include one or more holes to facilitate the passage of liquid (for example, liquid vapor) through it.

[0086] Moreover, the container 1 may be made as a single piece, and chambers 2, 3, and 5 can thus be formed as a single unit.

[0087] Alternatively, the chambers 2, 3, and 5 can be mutually removably connected to each other in such a way as to allow mutual assembly and disassembly (as shown in Fig. 5). Specifically, if the chambers 2, 3, and 5 are disassemblable, the first chamber 2 and the third chamber 5 are preferably and advantageously configured to be mutually connected without the second chamber 3.

[0088] It should be noted that such assembly and disassembly can be achieved by providing chambers 2, 3, and / or 5 with known releasable fastening means, such as interlocking joints or threaded couplings.

[0089] Thus, the container 1 can be configured to allow at least one alternative assembly configuration wherein the first bottom 21 is arranged at a side of the third chamber 5 opposite the third bottom 51 , thereby also partially delimiting the third housing 50. This embodiment can be adopted, for example, when the use of the second chamber 3 is not desired, and it is preferred to employ the container 1 as a conventional container.

[0090] To facilitate these configurations, the container 1 and thus the chambers 2, 3, and 5 may generally have a cylindrical shape with a central axis corresponding to the main axis 1a. Alternatively, each chamber 2, 3, and 5 may have a substantially truncated cone shape converging downward when the container 1 is in use.

[0091] The material from which the container 1 is made may generally include a polymer or even a metal.

[0092] The functioning of the container 1 as previously described in structural terms is as follows.

[0093] Essentially, the container 1 can be used either solely for containing a plant in an alternative use configuration, as above described, or for trapping animals in the second chamber 3. The access 33 of the second chamber 3 can be left visible or covered by the lid 34.

[0094] The liquid flowing from the first housing 20 (for example, from the soil therein) can be channelled into the third housing 50, where it can contribute to maintain humidity in the second housing 30 via vapor passage through one or more slots 31a in the second bottom 31 . Consequently, animals attracted by the environment within the second chamber 3 are advantageously trapped by the membrane 4, which draws them onto itself. In case of the third housing 50 is full, the slots 31a allow for the gradual emptying of the third housing 50, further humidifying the second housing 30.

[0095] The container 1 according to the invention thus achieves significant advantages. Indeed, the container 1 integrates multiple functions within itself, specifically the containment of flowers, plants, or similar items and the trapping of insects.

[0096] Additionally, the container 1 is versatile, being placeable in any location while aesthetically integrating with the surrounding environment, and allows for the closure of the access to the second trapping chamber when it is no longer needed, such as during winter periods.

[0097] The invention is susceptible to variations falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0098] Within this scope, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements, and the materials, shapes, and dimensions may be any.

Claims

C LAI M S1. Container (1 ) defining a main axis (1 a) and comprising:- an open first chamber (2) defining a first housing (20) suitable for containing at least one object or at least soil, and including at least:- a first bottom (21 ) extending transversely to said main axis (1a),- at least one first side wall (22) delimiting said first bottom (21 ) and extending around said main axis (1 a), and- a first access (23) arranged at one side of said first chamber (2) opposite said first bottom (21 ); characterized in that it further comprises- a second chamber (3) defining a second housing (30) and including at least:- a second bottom (31 ) extending transversely to said main axis (1a),- at least one second side wall (32) delimiting said second bottom (31 ) and extending around said main axis (1a), and- a second access (33) arranged at said second side walls (32);- a membrane (4) providing an upper surface, oriented towards said second housing (30), which is adhesive and configured to trap unwanted animals, such as insects or rodents;- said first bottom (21 ) being arranged at one side of said second chamber (3) opposite said second bottom (31 ), so as to also partially delimit said second housing (30).

2. Container (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said attractive substances include pheromones.

3. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said membrane (4) is superimposed or extends parallel to one or more of said secondbottom (31 ), said second side walls (32), and said first bottom (21 ).

4. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said membrane (4) extends parallel to said second bottom (31 ), and said second bottom (31 ) includes spacer means configured to maintain said membrane (4) stably spaced from said second bottom (31 ).

5. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a third chamber (5) defining a third housing (50) and including at least a third bottom (51 ) extending transversely to said main axis (1 a) and third side walls (52) delimiting said third bottom (51 ) and extending around said main axis (1 a), said second bottom (31 ) being arranged at one side of said third chamber (5) opposite said third bottom (51 ), so as to also partially delimit said third housing (50), and including one or more slots (31 a) configured to allow liquid passage between said third housing (50) and said second housing (30), or vice versa.

6. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said third side walls (52) have an internal surface oriented towards said third housing (50) that is dark and appropriately opaque.

7. Container (1 ) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a conduit (6) providing fluid passage connection between said first chamber (2) and said third chamber (5), and configured to channel a liquid from said first chamber (2) to said third chamber (5) by gravity.

8. Container (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first bottom (21 ) includes at least a first slot (21 a), said second bottom (31 ) includes a second slot (31 b), and said conduit (6) is arranged within said second housing (30) and connects said first slot (21 a) in fluid passage with said second slot (31 b).

9. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein saidsecond chamber (3) has dark surfaces delimiting and oriented towards said second housing (30).

10. Container (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second chamber (3) has dark and opaque surfaces delimiting and oriented towards said second housing (30).

11. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second chamber (3) further comprises a lid (34) removably attached to said at least one second side wall (32), covering at least said second access (33) to conceal it.

12. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said chambers (2, 3, 5) are removably interconnected to allow mutual assembly and disassembly, and wherein said first chamber (2) and said third chamber (5) are configured to be mutually connected without said second chamber (3) in at least one alternative assembly configuration, wherein said first bottom (21 ) is arranged at a side of said third chamber (5) opposite said third bottom (51 ), so as to also partially delimit said third housing (50).

13. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said upper surface of said membrane (4) is dark-coloured and opaque; wherein said membrane (4) comprises a base layer made of paper material and an adhesive layer forming said adhesive upper surface; and wherein said membrane (4) is not adhered and simply rests on at least one of said second bottom (31 ), said at least one second side wall (32), and said first bottom (21 ), making it replaceable.

14. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second chamber (3) comprises a plurality of said second accesses (33).

15. Container (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first chamber (2) comprises a closure body for said first access (23).

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