Patent ID: 12213635

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference toFIGS.1to5, reference numeral1indicates the generality of the exploded-view drawing of a utensil for collecting and pouring solid or liquid products according to the present invention.

The utensil1(FIG.4) comprises a main body10in the shape of a hollow cone formed by the closing upon itself of a sheet of foldable material2along two adjoining edges, means3for reversibly joining said two edges, grasping means4for handling said utensil, means5for reversibly closing the vertex of the main body.

In particular, the sheet2(FIG.1) has generally a diamond shape in a top view with four vertexes, a first vertex6opposite a second vertex7along a larger diameter D1, a third vertex8opposite a fourth vertex9along a smaller diameter D2. Preferably, each of said first6and second7vertices is rounded and acute.

The third8and fourth vertex9are instead preferably with an obtuse or rounded angle. In particular, the curve of the third vertex extends further with respect to the curve of the fourth vertex. Preferably, from the fourth vertex9extends an appendage5that forms the above-mentioned reversible closing means of the vertex of the main body10, when the sheet2is folded as shown inFIGS.2to5. In addition, the appendage5can be provided with notches11that facilitate bending to make it easier to close said vertex.

Advantageously, along two edges12of the sheet that branch off from the fourth vertex9are formed openings13for reversibly engaging the above-mentioned grasping means4. Preferably, there are two openings13for each one of said edges12.

In addition, along each of said two edges12, there is also a plurality of holes14adapted to be reversibly engaged by corresponding buttons3, as will be explained later. The buttons3represent the above-mentioned reversible joining means of the edges12.

Preferably, also, a slit15is made near the fourth vertex9near the appendage5to allow the engagement with the same upon closing said vertex of the cone, as will be described below.

The reversible joining means3of said two edges12of the sheet2, as already mentioned, will preferably consist of buttons having generally a mushroom shape with a disk-shaped head31and a rounded stem32for engagement with the holes14of said edges12.

The grasping means4of the utensil1preferably consist of a handle comprising a flat and elongate portion41from the ends of which branch off tabs42that engage the openings13of said edges12.

The utensil1of the present invention can also be provided with a conventional brush16for collecting dust, crumbs or other granular solid material.

As shown by the arrows ofFIG.2, the sheet2is folded upon itself so as to superimpose the two edges12so that both the holes14and the openings13of each edge coincide with each other.

In this position, the main hollow-cone body10of the utensil1is formed as shown inFIG.3. It is thus possible to lock the body10in position thanks to the insertion of the buttons3in the respective holes14of both edges12. The handle4can also be fastened to the body10by inserting the tabs42into the openings13of both edges12.

Finally, the appendage5is folded upon itself, as shown by the arrow ofFIG.3, to close the vertex of the cone of the body10and it is kept in position thanks to the engagement of the appendage with the slit15, while instead the base of the cone remains open.

The utensil1in accordance with the present invention is now ready for use (FIGS.4,5).

In accordance with a first variant embodiment, the utensil1(FIG.6) can advantageously comprise a partial lining17of the sheet2. In particular, the lining is provided with at least one edge18anchored to the surface of the sheet and, preferably, a gripping tab19to rotate the lining to the operative position. Preferably the anchoring edges18are two in number and extend from the third vertex8of the sheet2to converge near the fourth vertex9, so as to form a sort of triangle.

As illustrated inFIGS.7to9, if the tab19is gripped and the lining17is rotated as shown by the arrow ofFIG.7, that is, from the side of the inside wall opposite to the overlapping edges12toward said edges, the lining17is positioned to cover the overlying line of the edges. In this manner, the utensil1can also be used to collect and pour liquids.

In accordance with a second variant embodiment, the utensil1(FIG.10) comprises a funnel20or a glove that fits inside the utensil1. Preferably, the funnel20includes an annular edge21that folds over the first widened end22and a narrow drain tube23at the tapered second end29.

The funnel20is thus fit inside the utensil1, allowing the narrow tube23(FIGS.11and12) to protrude from the vertex of the cone of the main body10. At this point, the funnel is reversibly locked by folding the annular edge21around the edge of the base of the cone.

In this configuration, the utensil1can advantageously be used to pour liquids. Moreover, by bending the tube as shown inFIG.13it is possible to close the vertex of the cone of the main body10with the appendage5as previously explained. In this manner, at the same time, the drain tube is throttled (FIG.14) and it is possible to hold a liquid inside the utensil, which, thus can be used as a container, in addition to being a funnel for liquids or solids.

In accordance with a further variant embodiment, the utensil1(FIGS.16-17) can include a flat bottom24and a wall25that extends as a vault from said bottom. In particular, the bottom24has preferably generally the shape of a circular sector with an arcuate free edge26(FIGS.16-17) that protrudes with respect to the vaulted wall25to ease the collection of dust, crumbs or other particulate material.

The vaulted wall25is made up of two flaps27folded and joined on the respective edges12in the same manner as previously described. On said joined edges12is also present, in the same way as previously explained, a handle4.

This particular configuration is very useful in the case in which the utensil is to be used as a conventional scoop.

Advantageously, as shown inFIG.15, the configuration results from the previously described sheet2, which will be provided with two creases (or weakened segments)28shown inFIG.15, which run from the third edge8to near the fourth edge9. These creases allow the two flaps27to fold upon themselves to join each other as already described with reference to the previous variant embodiments.

From what was previously disclosed, it is evident that the utensil according to the present invention resolves the shortcomings previously reported and achieves advantages in particular in terms of user friendliness, ease of production and assembly, and versatility.

In fact, the utensil can be made in an extremely easy manner from a sheet of foldable material, such as for example a plastic material, a cardboard, an aluminum sheet, a wood product sheet properly adapted to be folded, leather.

This sheet can be easily repaired, as it is sufficient to form a series of holes, openings and an appendix by means of punching, die cutting and similar production processes.

The buttons for locking the two edges of the sheet are also easy to make (or to find on the market), as is also the handle, which is just as simple to install.

The utensil can also be disassembled and stored in a small place and rapidly reassembled as needed.

Most of all, however, the utensil is advantageously versatile because thanks to its structure it can be adapted as a container for collecting powdery solid or granular material or as a container for transferring liquids, thanks to the above-mentioned variant embodiments.

In particular, according to an example of use, as shown inFIGS.18and19, the utensil1of the invention can be used as a container for pellets to be charged into a stove. In fact, as can be seen, thanks to its ergonomic and practical design, it can be easily gripped to collect pellets from a conventional bag and can be folded so as to easily pour the pellets into the pellet charging opening on the stove without spilling any of them outside.

Another great advantage is the possibility of considerably reducing the packaging and so making it possible to ship large quantities with a minimum encumbrance, while cutting handling costs and facilitating their storage arrangement.

The materials with which the utensil can be produced also makes it possible to use it for handling food products (as for example to meter ingredients).

The utensil of the invention is then subject to many variants, all within the area of expertise of the skilled technician, without however departing from the scope of patent protection of the enclosed claims.

For example, the joining means of the two edges of the sheet can consist of a Velcro system, snap clips, tabs formed from a notch on said sheet that engage said holes or appropriate slots.

Said funnel can also be formed from a rigid plastic material or can be a sort of preformed latex that can be adapted to the utensil.

The appendage that closes the cone of the main body can be provided with fixing means to guarantee a closure that is different from the engagement with the slit previously described. For example, it is possible to use the same buttons described with reference to locking the edges of the sheet or Velcro systems can be used instead.

The general forms of the utensil may change to suit specific requirements or preferences although the characteristic structure can be maintained to allow it to be disassembled and reassembled in the manner previously described so as to preserve the advantages associated with it.

With reference toFIG.20, a further embodiment of the invention is shown in which the sheet2has a shape generally identical to the shape of the previous embodiments. Furthermore, identical reference numerals indicate identical parts.

In particular, the sheet2includes a first edge12A provided with a plurality of holes14adapted to be reversibly engaged by corresponding buttons3, and with openings13for the reversible engagement with gripping means4. A second edge12B preferably comprises only a plurality of holes14adapted to be engaged by the buttons3, but it is not provided with the openings13.

Moreover, the appendage5is provided with a hole14on its free end, in place of said cuts11, such that it can be engaged by a corresponding button3as will be explained below. A further hole14is also provided on the sheet2, near the fourth vertex9and proximal to the appendage, in place of the slit15.

Advantageously, the sheet2comprises two first creases28(or weakened segments) that run from the third vertex8and approach each other at the fourth vertex9, generally like the creases described previously. A second crease28C connects said two first creases transversally and divides them into a first portion28A and a second portion28B. Preferably, the first portions start from the third vertex8and are substantially parallel, while the second portions start from the joining point with the second crease and extend toward the fourth vertex9in a converging trend. As explained below, this arrangement of creases makes it possible to have a configuration of the utensil, when desired, such as to lean against a surface with the third vertex completely levelled, so as to favor the collection of any crumbs. Or else, the utensil can be used in its conical configuration.

The reversible joining means3are identical to those previously described and, therefore, will not be described further.

The gripping means4are generally similar to those previously described. Preferably, said means are a handle with a flat and elongate portion41at whose extremities the tabs42are each provided with at least one length-adjusting hole14, as will be explained later.

According to a further variant, the utensil1comprises a label70provided with a hole14made on a lateral portion71. This label can be fixed reversibly on the sheet2so as to rotate on the same plane as the sheet and be alternatively exposed or concealed when the sheet is folded upon itself. The label makes it possible to display commercial information and/or usage details of the utensil1, and can be imbued with essences to generate pleasant perfumes or absorb bad odors. For this purpose, the label can be made of absorbing material. In particular, the label can be fixed by means of said buttons3, that engage both the hole14on the label and a hole provided near the first6or second7vertex of the sheet2(FIG.21).

According to a still further variant, the utensil1can include hook means50adapted to suspend the utensil from a wall. Preferably, said means are made from a longitudinal strip having a first end51provided with a first hole14A and a second end52provided with a second hole14B (FIG.20). The first hole is such as to be engaged by a button3like those previously described, while the second hole is such as to form a slot to be engaged, for example, by a nail, as described below. In addition, and preferably, the second end52is provided with a slit53to facilitate the engagement with a nail or a pin when the spaces do not allow a frontal connection. Likewise, such a slit allows an easy detachment from the nail by simply pulling the utensil downward from the handle. It should be noted that in this variant, the gripping means4, the hooking means50and the label70are preferably and advantageously made with the same material as the sheet2, and are obtained preferably by means of a die cutting process or similar processes.

As an alternative to the brush16described earlier, the utensil1may include a collecting spatula60consisting, for example, of a piece of semi-rigid, plastic and/or elastic and/or spongy material like polyurethane and foam rubber, which is used as a collecting means. This spatula can also be provided with a cut61that makes it possible to fix it removably to the sheet2.

The elements that make up the utensil as presently described with reference toFIGS.20and21can be easily and quickly assembled. InFIG.21, in fact, is illustrated by means of arrows the position in which the handle4, the label70and the hook means50are fixed by means of the respective buttons3. In particular, as is shown inFIGS.22and23, the handle4is fixed to the first edge12A of the sheet2by the engagement of a button3on a hole14of each of the two tabs42overlying a hole14of the first edge12A, after the tabs have gone through the respective openings13and have been folded on the opposite side of the sheet2(FIG.23) with respect to the side where the flat portion41of the handle remains (FIG.22). The label70is fixed to the same folding face of the tabs42by a button that engages the hole14of its lateral portion71and the hole14of the sheet2on the second vertex7. Likewise, the hook means50are fixed to the hole14of the appendage5by means of a button3, after having superimposed said hole with the first hole14A of the first end51of the hook means.

At this point, as shown inFIG.24, the sheet2can be folded upon itself, overlying the two edges12A and12B and inserting the stem32of each button of the first edge in the corresponding holes14of the second edge. The utensil1has thus achieved its conic configuration as described previously (FIGS.25and26).

With reference toFIGS.27and28, the general conic shape of the device1can be reversibly modified so as to have a configuration such as to make dust collection easier. In fact, thanks especially to the arrangement of the second crease28C transversal to the two first creases28, it is possible to apply a pressure with a finger or against an edge or a corner, for example of a table, on such third crease, to obtain a collapse or a dipped deformation of the conic shape. The result is the formation of a first flat portion24A comprised between the fourth vertex8, the first portions28A of said two first creases28and said second crease28C, and a second flat portion24B comprised between said second crease28C and the second portions28B of said two first creases28.

Advantageously, this deformation creates a first flat portion24A such that the third vertex8is able to adapt perfectly to the surface to be cleaned (FIGS.29and30). In addition, said first portion forms a collecting ramp followed by a descending plane (second flat portion24B) which facilitates the holding of the collected dust. In fact, as can generally occur with the conventional scoops, the collecting plane is uniformly inclined upwards during the collection with a brush, with the risk of allowing the dust just collected to fall back out of the scoop by gravity.

It should also be remembered that the vaulted portion25of the utensil creates a lead-in for the dust toward said second portion24B, preventing it from being scattered upward and returned toward the first portion24A.

Advantageously, then, if the utensil1is provided with said label70, in its assembled configuration (FIG.31), said label is hidden inside the cone. As shown inFIG.32, with a slight push of the finger on the portion71projecting from the two overlapping edges12, the label rotates on the button3that fixes it to the cone and comes out at least partially from the cone so that it can be gripped and extracted (FIG.33). In this manner, the information printed on it can be displayed or the essence contained in it can be released, for example by removing a protective film.

Advantageously, moreover, the utensil1can be hung on a wall P, as shown inFIG.34. In fact, thanks to the hook50the tool can be hung from the wall P by engaging the second hole14B with, for example, a nail80(FIG.35). It is also possible to hide the hook50thanks to its rotation on the button3that fixes the cone of the utensil1, as shown inFIG.36, where it can be seen that the rotation shown by the arrow allows the utensil to lift from the horizontal line81on which the nail lies and to cover it with a pleasant effect of suspension in the air.

It should be remembered that all the variants previously described and illustrated in the figures enclosed with the present description can be combined with each other. By way of example, the label of the variant ofFIG.20can be applied with any of the embodiments previously described and illustrated inFIGS.1to19. In the same way, as a further non-limiting example, the funnel20can be applied to the embodiment ofFIG.20. As an alternative, the inside of the utensil can be lined with a common plastic bag for the collection of unsorted waste or with a biodegradable ecological bag for collecting organic household waste.

FIGS.39-40illustrate a composition99of all the components of the utensil1of the invention assembled and contained in a support100. In particular, the support100, the utensil1and its accessories are made from the same sheet of material and preferably by means of a die cutting process.

The utensil1and its accessories in this version are held on the support100by detaining points formed on the material along the lines and portions that delimit the geometrical shapes of the utensil and of its accessories. In this manner, a great convenience is guaranteed in the transportation of the utensil before the components are separated from the support, by breaking the detaining points, which are then to be mounted again, as well as a storage convenience, thanks to the prearrangement of a single preformed sheet.

Preferably, the support100is formed by a first portion101or main portion and a second portion102or secondary portion. The main portion101carries the sheet2which will form the body10of the utensil, while the secondary portion102carries the accessories of the utensil. The two portions are joined to each other along two respective first edges103and104preferably by means of bending bridges105.

In addition, preferably, at a second edge106of the first portion101, opposite the first edge103, is present a first holding hole107for carrying the support100by hand and a second hole108to engage a hook or a nail (not shown) that makes it possible to store it in the warehouse or shop.

As already mentioned, the first portion101comprises the sheet2that will form the body10of the utensil1. This sheet substantially corresponds to the one described earlies and, therefore it will not be detailed and in the figures it will have the same reference numerals. It should be noted that in this prearrangement the sheet2is provided with said buttons3already engaged in the corresponding holes14of its first edge12A. Moreover, the first edge12A comprises openings13A to engage the tabs42of the handle4, and the second edge12B comprises cuts13B to engage said tabs. Furthermore, the appendage5is connected with the fourth edge9of the sheet2by means of a crease line54that facilitates its bending. A set of creases55extend then from said fourth edge of the sheet: two toward the second portions28B of said creases28and one toward the second edge12bof the sheet (FIG.42).

The secondary portion102comprises, for example, the handle4previously described, one or more labels70and/or spatulas72, a hook50, a felt-tip pen holder90. The label corresponds to the one previously described; the spatula has a shape that is generally identical to the label and with its structure it is particularly adapted for collecting crumbs, debris, dust, or to be used as a scraper. The hook50also is the one previously described and is provided with the corresponding button3, while the pen holder90, as is better illustrated inFIG.42, consists of a flat portion generally having the shape of a T in which the stem is attached to the head through a weakened segment91, as well as the head is longitudinally divided by a weakened part92of the same.

InFIG.43is shown a first step of assembling the utensil of the invention. After having detached the sheet2from said support100, by breaking the detaining points or the weakened edging segments (FIG.42), the sheet2is bent along the second crease28C toward the face of the sheet from which the heads31of the buttons3protrude. This operation can be carried out by using, for example, the edge of a table.

After this, two more bendings are carried out along, respectively, the creases28A, and two more bendings are made along the creases28B toward the face of the sheet from which the stems32of the buttons protrude (FIG.44).

At this point, proceeding with along the arrow shown inFIG.45, the sheet2is linked to itself by engaging the stems32of the buttons3of the first edge12A with the holes14of the second edge12B, closing the body10of the utensil (FIG.46).

At this point, the various accessories can be applied. The hook50can be applied to the appendage5of the sheet2by inserting the stem32of its button3into the hole14of the appendage (FIGS.47-48). Finally, the appendage5is bent (this operation is facilitated thanks to the crease54) until the stem32of said button3engages the hole14formed near the fourth vertex9of the sheet itself (FIGS.49-50), this operation will join the base of the appendage (corresponding to the crease54) with the vertex9and cause a sort of sealing. This closing operation is facilitated not only by said crease line54but also by the creases55.

The handle4is mounted by inserting each of the respective tabs42first into an opening13A of the first edge12A of the sheet2and then into the cut13B of the second edge12B which now is superimposed on the first edge, bending them toward the flat portion41of the handle. Finally, the respective holes14are engaged with the stems32of the buttons3according to the desired lengths (FIG.51). It should be noted that the cut13B is not in a real hole, therefore it guarantees a sealing against any accidental escape of dust or other collected material.

The spatula72is applied internally to the body10of the utensil by engaging its hole14with the button3that is nearest to the opening of the cone (FIG.52).

With reference toFIG.53, a plan view is shown of a packaging200particularly suited to contain the support100that carries the utensil1and the respective accessories previously described.

In fact, the packaging200consists of a sheet divided in two identical and superimposable portions201thanks to a hinge element202. The hinge element connects the two portions201along a first edge203of the same that is transversal to the longitudinal extension of the open sheet in a plan view.

Preferably, the hinge element is made up of two parallel weakened segments that coincide with said two first transversal edges203.

In addition, near each of the two second transversal edges204of the sheet, opposite the respective first transversal edges, are formed a first central hole205and a second hole206formed on a first corner207of said edge with a first longitudinal edge208. The first hole corresponds to the second hole108of said support100for suspending the packaging. On the other hand, the second hole206corresponds to the first hole107of the support100as a gripping handle.

It should be noted that near a second corner209with a second longitudinal edge210of said second transversal edge204of each portion201is formed a window211.

As illustrated inFIGS.54to57, the packaging200in the open flat configuration presently described can receive as a prop the support100containing the utensil1with the accessories previously described. In particular, the support is set down on a portion201of the packaging so as to make the first hole107of the support coincide with the second hole206of the packaging and, at the same time the second holes108of the support with the central one205of the packaging (FIG.54). It should be noted that the first portion101of the support coincides substantially with a portion201of the packaging, except at said window211of the packaging.

At this point, the second portion102of the support100is bent at the first portion101thanks to said bending bridges105(FIG.55).

Now the other portion201of the packaging can be folded to close the support100(FIG.55). It should be noted that in the closed condition, the window211makes it possible to glimpse a piece of the support100that can have a certain color so that it is possible to choose the color of the sheet2of the utensil (FIGS.56-57).

The packaging can be closed with conventional closing means (not shown) such as tonguing, Velcro, adhesives present along its perimetric edge. In addition, the weakened segments203are distanced so as to form, when the packaging is folded, a sort of pocket to conveniently contain the thickness of the buttons3. It should also be noted that the creases203of the packaging200coincide with the edges103and104respectively of the first101and second portion102of the support100, and the hinge element202coincides with the separation distance of said edges103and104allowed by the bending bridges.105.

As is shown inFIG.58, the felt-pen holder90, once it is separated from the support100, is bent along said weakened segments91and92, respectively to insert the stem of the T into the first hole205of the packaging200and to receive a felt pen between the two halves of the head of the “T” (FIGS.59-60). The specific version with felt pen has been studied with the objective or re-using the packaging; in fact, thanks to an internal plasticization treatment (or with the use of an already prearranged material of the packaging), it is possible, by just overturning the packaging, to use it as a writing board (FIG.61), weekly planner or calendar, or a combination of the same by using both internal sides of the board. Moreover, or as an alternative, on the internal or external surface of the packaging can be printed various information relative, for example, to the instructions for assembling the utensil, to the uses of the same, or to the material.

Thanks to the great versatility of the support100of the utensil1of the invention, among the various accessories described previously, the second portion102can be provided with various combinations that include a label70, a spatula72, a handle4, a hook50and felt-pen holder90(FIG.62); as an alternative, there can be a combination with a label70, a spatula72, a handle4, a hook50and a business card73(FIG.63), or a handle4, a hook50, a spatula72and two glass coasters74(FIG.64), or again all the accessories previously indicated in a single support102(FIG.65).

It should also be noted that the components of the utensil can be, for example, split between said two portions101and102of the support100, or divided in two totally separate portions of the support or contained in a single support not split into separate portions. All these variants can however be adapted to different types of packaging, like for example an envelope, a bag or a box.

From the above description, it is evident that the support and the packaging of the utensil of the invention make it possible to achieve a great versatility of the product to allow considerable simplicity of production, storage, transportation and use, compared to any similar utensil on the market.

All the components (sheet2; handle4; hook50; label70; spatula72, as well as the possible accessories like business cards73; glass coasters74and felt-pen holder90) are now made (with the sole exception of the button-type joining means3) with the same material, and formed, preferably, from a single sheet, with all the resulting advantages: such as for example, the insertion of a support100(using what would have been waste material) and the optimization of the production costs since with a single “stroke” can be obtained all the components of the utensil1of the invention.

The specific button-type joining means also make it possible, among the closing of the utensil, to link and make, simply and quickly, any adjustment of all the components.

It is equally evident for a person skilled in the art that the combination of the accessories is not limited to the examples previously indicated but, again by using the principle of the single sheet of material from which to form the utensil, other accessories or compositions of accessories can be obtained.

The creases, or weakened segments (broken lines in the drawings indicated by numbers28;28A/B/C;54;55;91;92;203of the packaging, and also the parts connecting the joining means105with the edges103and104of the support100) have the function of facilitating bending. This result can also be obtained by using incisions, for example shallow cuts, or similar procedures.

Similarly, these variants can be used to facilitate the bending of the portions of the sheet where inclined planes or closures are to be created, as in the above case of the broken lines28that advantageously allow the easy and immediate deformation of parts of the cone into flat surfaces that facilitate the collection of material.