Abstract
Disclosed is a kit of parts for forming a gripping tool. The kit of parts includes two arms shaped as sheets, each arm having a distal gripping section and a proximal handle section. The distal gripping section has a frame encompassing a window. The first and second arms each include a mobile connection at respective proximal ends, which is configured to connect the arms together such that they face each other. At least one of the arms, in the handle section, comprises an abutment feature protruding from a plane connecting a distal edge and a proximal edge of the arm and provided on a face of the arm intended to face the other arm. A gripping tool assembled from the kit of parts is intended to be used in connection with a bag, such as, for example, a bag commonly used for disposing animal feces.
Claims
1. A kit of parts for forming a gripping tool, the kit of parts comprising: a first arm shaped as a sheet; and a second arm shaped as a sheet, each of the first and second arms being provided as a separate, individual part and having a distal gripping section and a proximal handle section, wherein the distal gripping section of each of the first and second arms comprises a frame encompassing a window, wherein the first and second arms are configured to be connected to each other via a mobile connection at a respective proximal end of each of the first and second arms, such that, when connected to each other, the first and second arms face each other, and wherein at least one of the first and second arms comprises an abutment feature in the proximal handle section, the abutment feature being provided on a face of the arm, which is intended to face the other arm, and protruding from a plane that connects a distal edge and a proximal edge of the arm.
2. The kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein the mobile connection includes a center of rotation and the abutment feature of the at least one of the first and second arms is provided at no more than half of a distance from the center of rotation to a proximal edge of the window of the at least one of the first and second arms.
3. The kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein the abutment feature comprises a kink in a sheet forming the at least one of the first and second arms.
4. The kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein the abutment feature comprises a bulge protruding from a sheet forming the at least one of the first and second arms.
5. The kit of parts according to claim 4, wherein the bulge is off-center with respect to a proximal-distal axis of the at least one of the first and second arms.
6. The kit of parts according to claim 4, wherein the bulge comprises a ramp ramping up in a direction generally across a proximal-distal axis of the at least one of the first and second arms.
7. The kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein a pin extends generally across a proximal-distal axis of at least one of the first and second arms, wherein the pin is provided distant from a face of a sheet forming the arm.
8. The kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein a first one of the first and second arms comprises at least one hinge pin at a proximal edge thereof, wherein the at least one hinge pin extends substantially in a sheet-plane of the first one of the first and second arms and substantially perpendicular to a proximal-distal axis of the first one of the first and second arms, and wherein a second one of the first and second arms comprises at least one hinge knuckle at a proximal edge thereof, wherein the at least one hinge knuckle is dimensioned to receive the at least one hinge pin within the hinge knuckle, such that the at least one hinge pin and the at least one hinge knuckle are configured to jointly form a hinge connecting the first and second arms.
9. The kit of parts according to claim 8, wherein the at least one hinge knuckle forms a latch and is circumferentially open to be latched over the at least one hinge pin in a radial direction of the at least one hinge knuckle.
10. The kit of parts according to claim 8, wherein the at least one hinge knuckle and the at least one hinge pin are configured to be assembled to jointly form a hinge having play along an axis of the at least one hinge pin.
11. The kit of parts according to claim 8, wherein the at least one hinge pin has a free end configured to be received in the at least one hinge knuckle in a direction along an axis of the at least one hinge pin.
12. The kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein a pin extends from a first one of the first and second arms in a proximal region of the proximal handle section perpendicularly to a sheet plane of the first one of the first and second arms, and wherein a second one of the first and second arms comprises an opening formed through the second one of the first and second arms, the opening being sized and shaped to receive an axle of the pin such that the pin and the opening are configured to jointly form a hinge connecting the first and second arms.
13. The kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second arms is collapsible.
14. A gripping tool assembled from a kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein the first and second arms are connected to each other at the respective proximal ends by the mobile connection such that respective inner faces of the first and second arms face each other, and wherein the abutment feature is provided on the inner face of at least one of the first and second arms and faces the inner face of the other arm of the first and second arms.
15. A gripping tool comprising: first and second arms, each of the first and second arms comprising a planar, sheet-like body extending between a respective proximal end and a respective distal end of each of the first and second arms, the first and second arms being pivotably coupled together at the respective proximal ends, wherein each of the planar, sheet-like bodies of the first and second arms includes a distal gripping section and a proximal handle section, the distal gripping section of each body comprising a window, the first and second arms being coupled together such that the window in the first arm is parallel to and at least partially coincides with the window in the second arm, and wherein at least one of the first and second arms comprises an abutment feature in the proximal handle section, the abutment feature being provided on an inner face of the planar, sheet-like body and protruding from a plane that connects the proximal end and the distal end of the at least one of the first and second arms, the interior face being positioned opposite a corresponding inner face of the other planar, sheet-like body.
16. The gripping tool according to claim 15, wherein the abutment feature comprises a kink in the planar, sheet-like body.
17. The gripping tool according to claim 15, wherein the abutment feature comprises a bulge protruding from the planar, sheet-like body.
18. The gripping tool according to claim 17, wherein the bulge is off-center with respect to a proximal-distal axis of the at least one of the first and second arms.
19. The gripping tool according to claim 17, wherein the bulge comprises a ramp ramping up in a direction generally across a proximal-distal axis of the at least one of the first and second arms.
20. The gripping tool according to claim 15, wherein the first and second arms are pivotably coupled together via a hinge.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The subject matter of the present disclosure is now to be explained in more detail by means of selected exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The figures show:
[0023] FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a gripping tool assembled from the kit of parts in a functional configuration;
[0024] FIG. 2 the gripping tool of FIG. 1 in a stow-away configuration;
[0025] FIG. 3 a second embodiment of a gripping tool assembled from the kit of parts in a functional configuration;
[0026] FIG. 4 the gripping tool of FIG. 3 in a stow-away configuration;
[0027] FIG. 5 a third embodiment of a gripping tool assembled from the kit of parts in a functional configuration;
[0028] FIG. 6 the gripping tool of FIG. 5 in a stow-away configuration;
[0029] FIG. 7 a fourth embodiment of a gripping tool assembled from the kit of parts in a functional configuration;
[0030] FIG. 8 the gripping tool of FIG. 7 in a stow-away configuration;
[0031] FIG. 9 a fifth embodiment of a gripping tool assembled from the kit of parts;
[0032] FIG. 10 a detail outlining the mobile connection between the arms of the gripping tool of FIG. 9;
[0033] FIG. 11 a gripping tool with slidably collapsible arms in a stow-away configuration, with the arms in a collapsed state;
[0034] FIG. 12 the gripping tool of FIG. 11 with the arms in an extended state;
[0035] FIG. 13 a further embodiment of a gripping tool with slidably collapsible arms in a stow-away configuration, with the arms in a collapsed state;
[0036] FIG. 14 the gripping tool of FIG. 13 with the arms in an extended state and in a functional configuration;
[0037] FIG. 15 a gripping tool with foldable arms with the arms in a collapsed state; and
[0038] FIG. 16 the gripping tool of FIG. 15 with the arms in an extended state;
[0039] FIG. 17 another embodiment of a gripping tool in a functional configuration, with slidably collapsible arms in an extended state;
[0040] FIG. 18 the gripping tool of FIG. 17 in a stow-away configuration, with the slidably collapsible arms in the extended state.
[0041] It is understood that the drawings are schematic, and details not required for instruction purposes may have been omitted for the ease of understanding and depiction. It is further understood that the drawings show only selected, illustrative embodiments, and embodiments not shown may still be well within the scope of the herein disclosed and/or claimed subject matter.
EXEMPLARY MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE TEACHING OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0042] With the exemplary embodiments outlined below, the subject matter of the present disclosure is explained by virtue of gripping tools assembled from the herein disclosed kits of parts.
[0043] A first exemplary embodiment of a gripping tool is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Gripping tool 1 comprises arms 11 and 21. Each arm 11, 21 comprises a proximal handle section 12 and 22, respectively, and a distal gripping section. The distal gripping sections are provided as frames 13, 23 encompassing a respective window 14, 24. It will be appreciated that in the context of the present disclosure the term proximal is intended to designate the part of an element or an assembly which is intended to be located close to a user, when used as intended, while distal is intended to designate the part of an element or an assembly which is more distant from the user. At their proximal ends, arms 11 and 21 are connected by a hinge. The hinge is formed by hinge knuckles 18 and 19 provided at the proximal end of one of the arms. The hinge knuckles receive hinge pins 28, 29 provided at the proximal end of the other arm. Arm 21 extends from hinge pins 28, 29 between the knuckles 18 and 19. Hence, hinge pins 29 cannot be axially inserted into hinge knuckles 18, 19. To account for this fact, hinge knuckles 18 and 19 are formed as latches which are circumferentially open so as to be the radially latched over hinge pins 28, 29. Further, a bulge 16 is formed on an inner side of arm 11, and in the proximal part of the handle section. The width of arm 21 at the joint with hinge pins 28, 29 is smaller than the distance between hinge knuckles 18, 19. Hence, arms 11 and 21 can be laterally displaced with respect to each other, along the axis of hinge pins 28, 29. In FIG. 1, the assembled kit of parts is assembled as a gripping tool and is in the functional configuration. To this extent the proximal part of the handle section of arm 21 is placed over bulge 16 which thus acts as an abutment for arm 21. In applying pressure on the outside of the handle sections 12 and 22 of arms 11 and 21, and distal from bulge 16, the arms flex towards each other in the distal parts and hence perform a gripping action. The gripping functionality is further supported by bars 15 and 25 positioned on the inner side and at the distal edges of arms 11, 21. When the thus assembled gripping device is used to pick up and enwrap refuse, the distal gripping sections of the arms, or the distal gripping section of the gripping tool, respectively, which in turn is jointly formed by the distal gripping sections of the arms, is put inside a bag. The open gripping tool with the distal part placed inside the bag may then be held with the distal end downward and placed onto the ground with the distal ends of the arms placed on two sides of the refuse. Hence, the refuse is covered by the bag. In applying pressure on the outside of the handle sections 12 and 22, respectively, of the arms the distal ends of the arms, covered by the bag, are moved towards each other and perform a gripping motion. Windows 14 and 24 avoid squeezing the refuse. When the distal end of the gripping tool is closed, the refuse is placed inside the bag and may be lifted off the ground. The part of the bag which is placed outside of gripping tool 1 may then be flipped over and closed so as to enwrap the refuse, which may subsequently be disposed while contained inside the bag. In applying the gripping tool a tactile sensation from the refuse through the bag is avoided.
[0044] When not in use, arm 21 may, due to the above-described play of the connecting hinge along the axis of hinge pins 28 and 29, and be laterally displaced relative to arm 11, as shown in FIG. 2. The proximal section of arm 21 is shaped and sized so as to enable positioning the proximal part of arm 21 lateral of bulge 16. This allows the gripping tool to be stowed away flat and be placed in a pocket.
[0045] A second exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 defines over the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 mainly in that both arms the 11 and 21 comprise a bulge. 16 and 26, respectively, which are adapted and configured to serve as an abutment for their respective counterpart arm when the kit of parts is functionally assembled to form a gripping tool. Further, the hinge providing the mobile connection of the two arms at the proximal ends of the two arms is different than in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. The hinge comprises a single hinge pin 29 and a single hinge knuckle 19. Hinge knuckle 19 can be circumferentially closed, as single hinge pin 29 cantilevers and comprises a free axial end, so as to be inserted through hinge knuckle 19 along the axis of hinge pin 29. In a manner perfectly familiar to a skilled person, a thickening 291 is provided at the free axial end of hinge pin 29 and is axially slotted so as to allow thickening 291 to be radially compressed and to pass through the opening of hinge knuckle 19 when being compressed, but have a radial dimension larger than the opening of hinge knuckle 19 when being released. Thus, detachment of hinge pin 29 from hinge knuckle 19 is avoided if thickening 291 is not purposefully compressed. Thickening 291 hence secures the assembly of hinge pin 29 and hinge knuckle 19 to form a hinge connection, and the assembly of arms 11, 21. Hinge pin 29 is longer than the axial dimension of hinge knuckle 19. Thus, the assembled hinge has a play along the hinge axis, allowing arms 11 and 21 to be laterally displaced with respect to each other. The assembled gripping tool can thus easily be converted between a functionally functional configuration as shown in FIG. 3 and a stow-away configuration as shown in FIG. 4. In the functional configuration, arms 11 and 21 are arranged such that the proximal part of each arm faces a bulge on the other arm, such that, when pressure is applied on the arms distal from the bulges, the bulges serve as abutments for the respective counterpart arm and thus enable the gripping motion of the gripping sections of the arms as described in connection with FIG. 1. In the stow-away configuration shown in FIG. 4, the arms are arranged such that each arm is placed lateral of the bulge on the counterpart arm, thus forming a compact, flat, space-saving configuration for being stowed away.
[0046] In a further exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 the mobile connection at the proximal end of the arms 11, 21 is provided by a hinge pin 30 extending from arm 11 and perpendicular to the sheet plane of arm 11, wherein hinge pin 30 is received in a through hole provided in counterpart arm 21. The thus formed hinge connection allows pivoting of the arms relative to each other as indicated by arrow 300 in FIG. 6. Each of arms 11, 21 comprises a bulge 16, 26. Bulges 16 and 26 have a ramp-shaped configuration, such that the respective counterpart arm can easily slide onto the bulge upon a movement of arm 21 relative to arm 11 in the direction designated by 301 in FIG. 6, and may thus assume the functional configuration outlined in FIG. 5. Each arm 11, 21 is, in the configuration outlined in FIG. 5, placed over a counterpart bulge 26 and 16, respectively, which then in turn serves as an abutment for the respective counterpart arm, allowing the gripping action as outlined above. By rotating arm 21 relative to arm 11 along the direction designated by 302 in FIG. 6, the arms can be placed lateral of the bulges, such that the assembled gripping tool assumes a flat stow-away configuration as shown in FIG. 6.
[0047] In the embodiment outlined in FIGS. 7 and 8, hinge pin 30 extends from arm 11 and is received in a through opening in arm 21. Hinge pin 30 comprises pin axle 31 and flattened pin head 32. Pin head 32 serves as an end stop so as to avoid detachment of arm 21 from hinge pin 30. However, pin axle 31 is dimensioned so as to allow an axial play of the proximal end of arm 21 along pin axle 31. A transverse pin 35 is attached to arm 11 and extends across the proximal part of handle section 12 of arm 11. Transverse pin 35 extends at a distance from arm 11 which allows arm 21 to be placed between arm 11 and transverse pin 35. In a functional configuration, arm 21 is, in the proximal part of handle section 22, captured between arm 11 and transverse pin 35. Further, arm 21 comprises bulge 26 distal from transverse pin 35. Bulge 26 is adapted and configured to serve as an abutment for arm 11 when the gripping tool is in the functional configuration as shown in FIG. 7. With reference to FIG. 8, it will be appreciated that hinge pin 30 received within a through opening in arm 21 allows pivoting of arms 11 and 21 relative to each other along the arrow indicated at 300. The length of pin axle 31 may in particular at least essentially equal twice the sheet thickness of arm 21 plus the diameter of transverse pin 35. Starting from the stow-away configuration shown in FIG. 8, arm 21 may first be rotated relative to arm 11 in the direction designated by 302. The proximal end of arm 21 may then be displaced along pin axle 31 towards the proximal end of arm 11, and arm 21 may subsequently be rotated relative to arm 11 in the direction indicated by arrow 301. Thus, the proximal part of handle section 22 of arm 21 will be placed between arm 11 and transverse pin 35, while bulge 26 slides onto arm 11 so as to serve as an abutment for arm 11. The gripping tool, or the assembled kit of parts, respectively, is then in the functional configuration as shown in FIG. 7. After use, arm 21 may again be rotated relative to arm 11 in the direction designated by arrow 302 in FIG. 8 until arm 21 is released from transverse pin 35. The proximal end of handle section 22 of arm 21 may then be displaced along pin axle 31 towards pin head 32, and arm 21 may subsequently again be rotated in the direction designated by 301, whereby it is placed over transverse pin 35. The gripping tool then assumes the flat stow-away configuration shown in FIG. 8.
[0048] It may in embodiments not explicitly shown, but, by virtue of the present description, being apparent to a person having skill in the art, be provided that axle 31 is dimensioned such that the proximal part of handle section 22 of arm 21 is received between the proximal part of handle section 12 of arm 11 and pin head 32 with no or minimal play. Bulge 26 is omitted in said embodiment. Arm 21 may then be placed between the handle section of arm 11 and transverse pin 35 in the stow-away configuration, while being placed above transverse pin 35 in the functional configuration, whereby transverse pin 35 serves as the abutment protrusion which enables the gripping action.
[0049] In certain embodiments, axle 31 may comprise a cam 33, while the through opening of arm 11, through which axle 31 is received, comprises a lateral recess 34 which is sized to allow cam 33 to pass through, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Cam 33 is arranged and dimensioned such that the sheet forming arm 21 can be located between cam 33 and pin head 32 as well as between cam 33 and arm 11. Lateral recess 34 is arranged such as to match cam 33 in essentially only one angular position in which any abutment features provided on either of arms 11, 21 are not positioned in abutment with the respective counterpart arm. When arms 11 and 21 are rotated with respect to each other such that cam 33 and recess 34 match each other, the proximal part of handle section 22 may be displaced along pin axle 31 to be placed either adjacent the proximal part of arm 11 or adjacent pin head 32. The arms may then be mutually rotated back into a mutually coinciding position, wherein they may assume either a functional configuration in which they may jointly serve as a gripping tool, or a flat stow-away configuration.
[0050] The additional features outlined in connection with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 through 16 may be used in combination with any of the embodiments shown in the preceding figures and serve to further enhance the compactness of the gripping tool in the stow-away configuration.
[0051] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively, arms 11 and 21 are provided as telescopic arms. Handle sections 12 and 22 are provided with linear guides 121 and 221, respectively, in which frames 13 and 23 are displacably received so as to be displaceable in a proximal-distal direction of the arms. FIG. 11 shows the collapsed, stow-away configuration of gripping tool 1. FIG. 12 shows a configuration in which the gripping device is flat, but frames 13 and 23 are extended from handle sections 12 and 22, so as to encompass windows 14 and 24. The skilled person will readily appreciate that, when lifting arm 21 from arm 11 and shifting arm 21 relative to arm 11 towards hinge knuckle 19 the proximal part of handle section 22 will abut bulge 16, such that gripping tool 1 assumes the functional configuration.
[0052] FIGS. 13 and 14 depicts an embodiment which is largely similar to that shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Frames 13 and 23 are slidably extendable from handle sections 12 and 22. Frame 23 is linked to handle section 22 by mushroom-shaped linking pins 231 which are guided in guiding slots 222, thus enabling displacability of frame 23 relative to handle section 22 in a proximal-distal direction of arm 21. Although not explicitly shown, the person having skill in the art will appreciate that frame 13 is displacably linked to handle section 12 in a similar manner. FIG. 13 depicts a collapsed, flat stow-away configuration of gripping tool 1, whereas FIG. 14 depicts a functional configuration with frames 13 and 23 extended from handle sections 12 and 22 and encompassing windows 14 and 24.
[0053] FIGS. 15 and 16 outline an embodiment in which the arms 11 and 21 are foldable. Frames 13 and 23 are linked to handle sections 12, 22, respectively, by living hinges. Handle section 22 is provided with abutments 223 on the outside surface at the distal end. Frame 23 is provided with abutments 233 arranged such that the abutments are located at the proximal end of frame 23 and on the outer surface of arm 21 when frame 23 is extended. As becomes apparent by virtue of FIG. 16, abutments 223 and 233 are arranged and configured to abut each other when frame 23 is extended, so as to avoid overextension of frame 23 with respect to handle section 22. Abutments 223 and 233 thus stabilize frame 23 with respect to handle section 22 when frame 23 is extended and experiences a mechanical load from a direction between arms 11 and 21, as will be exerted upon gripping refuse with the gripping tool. While not explicitly outlined in the drawings, the skilled person will appreciate that also handle section 12 and frame 13 of arm 11 are provided with abutments for avoiding hyperextension of frame 13 relative to handle section 12.
[0054] FIGS. 17 and 18 show a further example similar to the one shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Guiding slots 222 are equipped with elastically supported hooks 225. A linking pin 231 may be pushed over a hook 225. Due to the elastic support of the hooks, the hooks retreat and allow the pins to pass. After the pin has passed, the hook rebounds and may retain the pin in a fixed position. Thus, the extendable frames may be locked in a fully retreated and a fully extended position. The hinge at which the arms are connected to each other allows displacement of the hinge knuckles 18, 19 on hinge pin 29, so that the arms may be shifted sideways with respect to each other. This allows abutment feature 16 to be selectively placed opposite counter abutment 161, such that abutment feature 16 abuts counter abutment 161 to form a functionally assembled gripping tool, or be placed lateral of counter abutment 161 such that the gripping tool may be stowed away flat when not in use. Tongue 226 facilitates handling of the gripping tool and is intended to be used to shift the arms sideways and move the abutment features 16 and 161 into a functional position with respect to each other. The frames may be provided with scales, for instance one metric scale and one inch scale. The gripping tool may thus be provided as a multi-purpose tool.
[0055] It will be appreciated that the herein disclosed subject matter provides for an inexpensive and reusable tool for gripping, picking up and disposing animal feces and other refuse. The device can be easily converted between a functional configuration and a space-saving flat and/or collapsed stow-away configuration. Said conversion can be easily effected by hand and without the use of tools. In the stow-away configuration, the gripping tool can be transported for instance in a pocket of a piece of clothing, which facilitates taking the gripping tool when for instance walking a dog.
[0056] The gripping tool can be made, for instance, from metal, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic or bio-sourced plastic, or any other suitable material, like, while not limited to, thermoplastics. By using the gripping tool in connection with a bag, like, for instance, commonly available bags for disposing animal feces, animal feces and other refuse can be picked up, wrapped and disposed while avoiding the unpleasant tactile sensation of touching the refuse through the bag. Further, the tool will not be in direct contact with the refuse and thus stay clean. The kit of parts, and the gripping tool, are in specific embodiments sized to fit inside a commonly available bag for disposing dog feces.
[0057] While the subject matter of the disclosure has been explained by means of exemplary embodiments, it is understood that these are in no way intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. It will be appreciated that the claims cover embodiments not explicitly shown or disclosed herein, and embodiments deviating from those disclosed in the exemplary modes of carrying out the teaching of the present disclosure will still be covered by the claims.
