Field of the invention

The invention relates to a container for collecting an object from the ground, including at least four flat central panels separated by and foldably connected through at least three parallel sides of the central panels , the parallel sides defining a "north- south" ("front-rear") direction; and side panels , arranged laterally about the "north" ("front") and "south" ("rear") of the central panels and foldably connected to them; the side panels comprising at least four pairs of side panels, wherein the panels of each pair are fastened together, or wherein a panel of each pair is fastened with at least one central panel, so that there are at least four groups of side panels, each group fastened or connected to at least two central panels, and at least two groups of central panels (56) connected together by their "north" ("front") and "south" ("rear") sides .

The obj ect to be collected from the ground may for instance be an undesirable object, such as animal feces or more particularly dog feces .

The invention also relates to an actuating device for actuating a container for collecting an object from the ground, the container being provided with handling openings, wherein the actuating device includes two members rotatably connected to each other about a rotation axis ; each member including a distal end, arranged away from the rotation axis in such a manner that the distal ends can be substantially brought together or moved apart from each other by rotation of the members about the rotation axis .

The invention also relates to an assembly for collecting an object from the ground, including such a container and an actuating device for cooperating therewith .

Description of prior art

Such a container, actuating device and assembly are known in the art .

For instance, U . S . patent 3, 733, 098 solves the same general problem as the invention, i . e . providing a sanitation apparatus for collecting an obj ect from the ground, such as an excrement, wherein the apparatus does not involve the use of a bag . The bag involves tasks which are "not acceptable to the maj ority of persons faced with such problems" . Thus the general problem is to provide an inexpensive device, acceptable for users and effective in collecting the excrement in a facile manner, which "permits the disposal of the collected excrement in a closed disposable container" .

More specifically, US 3, 733, 098 provides an apparatus consisting of a cane-like handle at the bottom of which a pair of j aws which are biased to the open position are located. A hand- operated actuator at the top of the handle is connected to the j aws by a rod or cable for closing the j aws . A disposable cardboard container, constructed from a single flat piece of cardboard, is releasably held open in the open j aws by magnetic means on the j aws in cooperation with metal strips on the walls of the container . When the j aws close, the container is closed and locked in the closed position by a tab latching mechanism. When the j aws are subsequently opened, the closed container is released from the j aws .

The prior art apparatus is expensive in that the cane-like handle involves complex j aws . The container which is disclosed is not environment-friendly since it includes metal strips . In addition, when ready to use, the container is rather voluminous .

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to solve at least partially the problems of the known container, assembly and actuating device .

To this end, it further includes two additional sets of at least one edge panel about the "west" and "east" ends of the central panels, each additional set being foldably connected to a central panel ; and in that each of the at least four groups of side panels includes a folding line, hingedly connecting two subgroups of at least one side panel of said group; in such a manner that (i) the container is capable of being nondestructively arranged in a flat configuration; and (ii) the container is capable of being unfolded from said flat configuration to form at least two hingedly connected parts of a volume .

The container according to the invention is compact since it may be stored in a folded, flat, ready-to-use configuration . Each group of side panels , or flaps , includes a folding line allowing the container to be unfolded from said flat configuration by handling or pulling the west and east additional sets of edge panels (or first external edge panels and second external edge panels respectively) . The additional set of edge panels may either be handled directly by hand or may be operated with an actuating device for operating the container . The folding line and the edge panels functionally cooperate to provide the solution of the invention .

For a simple and efficient use of the container, during manufacture at least four side panels are fastened together and the container folded upon itself is provided to the end users . This is made possible since each group of fastened or connected side panels forms an unfoldable wall thanks to the folding line or seam.

The container can be unfolded thanks to the edge panels . When the edge panels are pulled by hand or by an actuating device, the central panels unfold, i . e . they rotate with respect of each other about their parallel sides . This causes the side panels to unfold as well and, since each group of side panels is connected to at least two central panels, the rotation of the central panels which are connected by their "north" (of "front") and "south" (or "rear") sides is blocked in a certain configuration . At this stage, at

least two parts of a volume are hingedly connected together and face each other . For instance two halves of a volume are hingedly connected together and face each other . The volume is where the obj ect is to be collected .

The container is then arranged on the ground, the two halves (or at least two parts) of the volume arranged upon the obj ect to collect . The container can be closed upon the obj ect by actuating the edge panels so that the two halves (or at least two parts) are brought together to form a complete volume to collect and contain the obj ect . Finally the container can be sealed, i . e . the two halves (or at least two parts) can be fastened together, and the container can be disposed of .

The container may be made of cardboard, from a flat single piece of cardboard, e . g . biodegrable cardboard . Further embodiments are recited in the description and in the claims .

The actuating device according to the invention is characterized in that each member is provided near its distal end with a recess for receiving a handling opening of the container; and in that when the distal ends are substantially brought together, the members form an aperture extending from their distal end towards the rotation axis, for receiving at least a portion of the container; and each recess is arranged so as to be separated from the aperture by its member .

The actuating device configuration is simple and compact . In use, each recess cooperates with an opening of the container in order to actuate the container, for instance for unfolding it and for closing two halves of the container upon an obj ect to collect .

Variant of the invention

A variant of the invention relates to a container for collecting an object from the ground, including at least two nonadj acent edges ; and two elongated chambers respectively arranged near the two nonadj acent edges .

The variant of the invention solves the same problem as the invention and provides an alternative solution to the same problem. The description of the variant also helps to understand the invention and the issues at stake . However, the container according to the variant involves the use of an actuating device provided with thin elongated members , which are actually quite dangerous for domestic use .

The variant also relates to an assembly for collecting an object from the ground, including such a container and an actuating device for cooperating therewith .

Description of prior art regarding the variant

Such a container, assembly and actuating device are known from the prior art .

For instance, the German published patent application DE 40 07 051 Al discloses a device for picking up dog excrement including connected scissors members at the end of which are arranged two parallel gripping arms projecting transversely on one side and movable between an open and a shut positions . It also discloses a bag with a downwards opening . The bag includes elongated openings that can be arranged on the gripping arms . The bag can be initially folded up before use .

When the bag is arranged on the arms , it can be placed on the ground above a dog ' s excrement so that under the operation of the scissors members , the excrement is caught into the bag which may be disposed of in a refuse bin . The whole process can be executed without any contact between the excrement and the user' s hands .

The container of the prior art, even when folded, is rather voluminous . The volume occupied by the container before use is an important issue, since often many containers need to be carried by the user, for instance the dog' s owner when the obj ect is a dog' s feces .

Furthermore, when operated by the actuating device, the container is not efficient enough for smoothly collecting certain kinds of objects from the ground. The container efficiency is important for collecting the obj ect easily without undue effort .

Summary of the variant of the invention

The present invention (variant) aims to solve at least partially the problems of the known container, assembly and actuating device .

To this end, the container according to the variant of the invention is characterized in that it further includes a surface capable to collapse from an extended configuration, to roll-up and to form a spiral section; and the chambers are each arranged near one extremity of the surface, so that they are also capable to collapse near the centre of the spiral .

The container according to the variant can thus be configured to be more compact before use . Indeed, since it comprises a surface capable to collapse, to roll-up and to form a spiral section, the container can be provided before use to the user in such a rolled- up configuration, for instance with temporarily fastening means to keep the container in such a compact configuration as long as necessary .

Even when rolled-up in such a spiral configuration, with one of the elongated chambers in the centre of the spiral and the other at its periphery, the container can still be smoothly unrolled by two elongated arms . For instance, the arms, of an actuating device for instance, are introduced into the elongated chambers, which should be provided with at least one opening at an extremity . When the arms are moving away from each other, for instance while staying parallel to each other, they are unrolling the container surface and the container itself . In the process, at least one of the elongated chambers rotates round an arm.

The nature of the arm surface and the profile of the arm section should be adapted to the nature and shape of the internal sides of the elongated chambers in order not to unduly hinder the rotation .

Once unrolled, the container surface exhibits a curve semi- cylindrical or similar shape . At this stage, the container may be arranged above and round the object . The container nonadj acent edges may contact with the ground on which the object stands .

The two substantially parallel arms are then brought together, and so are the two nonadj acent edges of the container, which move near the ground or slide thereon . The object is thus easily caught into the container . Experiments have shown that at this stage the curved semi-cylindrical or similar shape of the container according to the invention is particularly advantageous to smoothly collect the obj ect, without undue effort . The leading angle of the container nonadj acent edges is indeed very suitable for collecting the obj ect . As a result, the container can efficiently, smoothly and easily collect an object .

Furthermore, the container according to the invention can be configured before use to be compact and elegant . With adapted dimensions, it looks like a cigar and can be discreetly hold in a pocket without making its intended purpose directly clear and obvious .

In a particular embodiment, the container according to the invention is provided with closing means operable for closing the lateral sides of the container when the surface is unrolled from a rolled-up configuration . This is advantageous to hold the collected obj ect firmly within the container in order to prevent the obj ect from leaving the container .

The closing means may for instance include a couple of articulated panels j oined by a resilient member such as a rubber band. When the container is rolled-up, the articulated panels are

also rolled-up and the rubber band is stretched . Once the container is unrolled to a certain extent, the articulated panels are able to pivot freely away from the surface, to fold down and to close the container lateral sides .

The invention also relates to an assembly for collecting an obj ect from the ground including a container according to the invention; and an actuating device for cooperating with the container, including two elongated members rotatably articulated about an axis and two arms, respectively attached to each one of the members ; and capable of being configured so that the arms are substantially parallel to the axis .

The assembly is thus efficient for collecting an obj ect from the ground. In one embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, at least one arm of the actuating device has a rounded section, which is more suitable for cooperating with the container of the invention .

Short description of the drawings

These and further aspects of the invention and its variant will be explained in detail by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which Fig. 1 to 38 generally relate to the subj ect- matter of claims 26 to 40 but also helps to understand the subj ect- matter of claims 1 to 25, and Fig. 39 to 75 generally relate to the subj ect-matter of claims 1 to 25, and in particular :

Fig . 1, 3, 5, 7 , 9 and 11 show schematic views in perspective of an embodiment of the container according to the invention at different stages of its process of operation; Fig . 2, 4 , 6, 8 , 10 and 12 shows schematic side views of the container shown in Fig . 1, 3, 5, 7 , 9 and 11 ;

Fig . 13 shows a schematic detailed side view of an embodiment of the container according to the invention, wherein the container is rolled-up;

Fig . 14 shows a schematic detailed side view of the container of Fig . 13, wherein the container is arranged above and round an object to collect; Fig . 15 and 16 show schematic interior view of an embodiment of the container according to the invention, wherein the container includes closing means for closing its lateral sides ; Fig . 17 , 18 and 19 show schematic perspective views of the main elements of an embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, at different stages of its process of operation; Fig . 20 and 21 show isometric views of an embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, at two distinct stages of its process of operation; Fig . 22 and 23 show respectively front and side views of the actuating device of Fig . 20 and 21 ; Fig . 24 and 25 show isometric views of another embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, at two stages of its process of operation; Fig . 26 and 27 show respectively front and side views of the actuating device of Fig . 24 and 25 ; Fig . 28 shows different schematic views of an embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, comprising a sleeve capable of being used as a leash handle; Fig . 29 shows different schematic views of an embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, with a removable handle; Fig . 30 shows different schematic views in perspective of an embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, the actuating device being provided with a connecting member; Fig . 31 shows other views of the actuating device of Fig . 30, namely, in the middle, a section view of the actuating device where members are coupled, and, on the left and on the right, two side views of the device members ; Fig . 32 to 37 show side views of the actuating device of Fig .

30, at different operation steps ;

Fig . 38 shows a schematic view of the principle of cooperation between a pin and a guide slot of an embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention; Fig . 39 shows a schematic view of a substantially prismatic container according to an embodiment of the invention, in an initial, collapsed, flattened form; Fig . 40 shows the initial folding operation of the container of Fig . 39, during its manufacturing phase; Fig . 41 shows the unfolding and closing operation of the container of Fig . 39, during the phase wherein it is handled, for instance by a user, to collect an object from the ground; Fig . 42 shows a substantially prismatic, hand-actuated container according to an embodiment of the invention, in an initial, collapsed, flattened form; Fig . 43 shows the initial folding operation of the container of Fig . 42, during its manufacturing phase; Fig . 44 shows the unfolding and closing operation of the container of Fig . 42, during the phase wherein it is handled, for instance by a user, to collect an object from the ground; Fig . 45 and 46 show details of a side panel of an embodiment of the container according to the invention; Fig . 47 shows three views of an embodiment of an actuating device according one aspect of the invention; Fig . 48 to 54 show seven isometric views of the embodiment of the actuating device represented in Fig . 47 , at successive stages of its operation, when it cooperates with an embodiment of a container according to the invention; Fig . 55 to 57 show three views of the actuating device represented in Fig . 47 , that is, a view of the inner face of the first elongated member, a section view of both elongated members and a view of the inner face of the second elongated member; Fig . 58 shows an exemplary embodiment of a control rod of the actuating device represented in Fig . 55 to 57 ;

Fig . 59 to 66 show eight isometric views of an embodiment of the actuating device according one aspect of the invention, comprising telescopic elongated members, the actuating device being shown at successive stages of its operation, when it cooperates with an embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Fig . 67 shows one front view and one side view of an embodiment of the actuating device as shown in Fig . 59 to 66, wherein its telescopic members are extended, one front view and one side view of the embodiment, wherein its telescopic members are collapsed, and one top view of the device;

Fig . 68 shows a schematic view of the actuating device as shown in Fig . 59 to 66, in a folded and collapsed configuration; and

Fig . 69 to 75 show schematic views of an embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, made of plastic material and with telescopic members .

The figures are not drawn to scale . Generally, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures .

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Fig . 1 shows a schematic view in perspective of an embodiment of the container 10 according to the invention . In Fig . 1 to 12, the elongated chambers 20 of the container 10 are not represented for the sake of clarity. However, in reality the chambers 20 are provided near the two nonadj acent edges 14 of the container 10.

The surface 12 of the container 10 is rolled-up in the configuration of Fig . 1. Fig . 2 shows a side view of the container 10 in the same rolled-up configuration . In addition, two arms 8 are represented in section . The arms 8 of an actuating device 2 may be used in cooperation with the container 10 to collect the obj ect . One of the two arms 8 is located at the outer periphery of the spiral-shaped container 10 near one nonadj acent edge 14 of the

container 10 and is introduced into one elongated chamber 8 (not represented) of the container 10, while the other one is located inside the spiral near the other nonadj acent edge 14 and is introduced into the other elongated chamber 8 (not represented) .

In such a configuration, the container 10 is very compact . It forms substantially a cylinder, which may for instance have a section diameter of less than 30 millimeters . It may further have for instance a length of less than 250 millimeters . In a particular embodiment, the rolled-up container 10 has a section diameter of about 20 millimeters and a length of about 18 millimeters .

The container 10 may be provided with fastening means (not represented) to fasten, in this rolled-up configuration, the outer nonadj acent edge 14 with the surface 12 portion located in the nearest interior layer of the spiral . The fastening means may be for instance a tear strip .

This configuration of the container is illustrated in a more detailed schematic side view in Fig . 13, this time with the representation of the elongated chambers 20.

When the elongated chambers 20 of the container 10 move away from one another, for instance under the action of arms 8 of an actuating device 2 , the surface 10 unrolls and opens , as illustrated in Fig . 3 and 4. During this stage, the interior elongated chamber 20 rotates , for instance round the arm 8 of the actuating device 2. In an embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, the arm 8 has a rounded section . This helps and makes smoother the rotation of the elongated chamber 20 round the arm 8.

At the end of the unrolling process, as illustrated in Fig . 5 and 6, the surface 12 has a semi-cylindrical or similarly curved form, with the nonadj acent edges 14 on one side, capable of being arranged above and round the obj ect 16 to collect from the ground 18.

In a particular embodiment, the container 10 according to the invention is provided with a couple of articulated panels 22 j oined by a resilient member, such as a rubber band 24. When the container 10 is rolled-up, the articulated panels 22 are rolled-up as well and are arranged onto the interior of the surface 12. The rubber band 24 is then stretched . As soon as the container 10 is unrolled to a certain extent, the articulated panels 22 are able to freely pivot away from the surface under the rubber band 24 action, to fold down and to close the container 10 lateral sides .

Fig . 7 and 8 illustrate this particular embodiment of the container 10 in the unrolled configuration already discussed with respect to Fig . 5 and 6. Fig . 7 and 8 show the articulated panels 22 after release and pivoting .

Fig . 15 and 16 further illustrate the particular embodiment of the container 10 including articulated panels 22. Fig . 15 shows a schematic interior view of the container 10 wherein the articulated panels 22 have not yet pivoted. The rubber band 24 is then fully stretched. Fig . 16 shows the container 10 with unfolded articulated panels 22. The pivoting direction is illustrated by the four straight arrows .

This particular embodiment may actually include any number of articulated panels 22, for instance one articulated panel 22, two articulated panels 22, forming a couple, four articulated panels 22 , forming two couples (as represented in Fig . 15 and 16) , or more articulated panels 22.

Furthermore, before pivoting, the articulated panels 22 may extend laterally further than the actual limit of the surface 12, as illustrated in Fig . 15. This does not affect the efficiency of container 10 , and increases the actual volume for collecting the obj ect 16.

The articulated pivotable panels 22 may be shaped like half almond, i . e . they may be semi-amygdaloidal . They may further be integral with the surface 12, making the container 10 more robust .

In an embodiment of the container 10 according to the invention, the articulation of the panel 22 with the surface 12 is concavely curved, as shown in Fig . 15. The articulation curvature, with a concavity turned towards the lateral side of the surface 12, prevents the panel 22 from pivoting further than a given angle with respect to the surface 12. By suitably selecting the curve, a desired maximum pivoting angle is obtained, such as an angle of 90 degrees .

As explained above, at the end of the unrolling process , as illustrated in Fig . 5, 6, 7 and 8, the surface 12 is capable of being arranged above and round an object 16 to collect from the ground 18. Fig . 14 illustrates this arrangement, with the optional articulated panels 22.

When arranged above and round an obj ect 16, the container 10 can be closed to actually collect the object 16 as illustrated in Fig . 9 to 12. For instance, under the action of arms 8 introduced into the elongated chambers 20, the nonadj acent sides return close to each other, and the container 10 can be easily closed to collect the obj ect 16.

When unrolled but closed, the container 10 may form a cylinder or the like, as illustrated on Fig . 11 and 12. The cylinder may for instance have a section diameter comprised between 80 millimeters and 120 millimeters , or more particularly a section diameter of 100 millimeters . It may further for instance be 180 millimeters long . The two nonadj acent sides 14 of the container 10 may be fastened by fastening means such as a sticking band, hooks and loops or any other suitable mechanism. The same fastening means may serve both for tightening the container 10 in a rolled-up configuration and for j oining the nonadj acent sides 14 in the unrolled but closed configuration .

In the unrolled, closed and optionally fastened configuration, the container 10 may be disposed of along with the collected object 16, for instance in a refuse bin .

In an embodiment of the container 10 according to the invention, the two elongated chambers 20 are arranged on opposite sides of the surface 12 , as shown in Fig . 13 and 14, and, in dashed lines, in Fig . 15 and 16. This offers a yet more compact rolled-up container 10.

The container 10 according to the invention may be used in cooperation with an actuating device 2 , forming an assembly or system for collecting an object 16 from the ground 18. The invention also relates to such an assembly of a container 10 and an actuating device 2.

In one embodiment of the assembly, the actuating device 2 for cooperating with the container 10 includes two elongated members 4 rotatably articulated about an axis 6 and two arms 8, respectively attached to each one of the members 4 ; and is capable of being configured so that the arms 8 are substantially parallel to the axis 6.

Such an actuating device 2 is schematically illustrated in Fig . 17 , 18 and 19. The published patent application DE 40 07 051 Al discloses such an actuating device 2. However the prior art actuating device would poorly work or would not work at all in cooperation with the container 10 according to the invention . The profile in "L" of the arms of the prior art actuating device are unsuitable to allow the elongated chambers 20 to rotate round the prior art arms .

In one embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, at least one arm 8 of the actuating device 2 has a substantially rounded section .

In a further embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, the arms have an acute or rounded free end . This makes the container setting easier .

The actuating device 2 of the assembly according to the invention may form a cane or may be integral with a cane . Fig . 20, 21, 22 and 23 show different views of an embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, wherein when the arms 8 are folded along the elongated members 4. The device may be used as a cane, for instance by elderly persons . The cane may for instance have a section diameter comprised between 30 millimeters and 50 millimeters .

The cane further for instance includes means for attaching a leash thereto .

The actuating device 2 of the assembly according to the invention may instead have the form of a shorter stick. Fig . 24, 25, 26 and 27 shows different views of an embodiment of this kind of actuating device 2 according to the invention . The stick may for instance be less than 600 millimeters long .

In both embodiments , respectively illustrated in Fig . 20 to 23 and in Fig . 24 to 27 , the actuating device 2 includes handling means operable for separating the elongated members 4 for one another, or bringing them together, so that the arms 8 open or close . The handling means may be handled and operated by a person, and may actually be a handle or a couple of handles . The handling means may further include an electric motor coupled with controlling means for opening and closing the arms 8. In one embodiment, the handling means includes a return spring 26.

In one embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, the arms 8, or prongs, have a section diameter of less than 10 millimeters , and for instance of about 6 millimeters .

In a further embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, the arms 8 are capable of being folded along the elongated members 4. The folded arms 8 may be arranged along the elongated members 4 for instance one above the other or side by side . The elongated members 4 may each further be provided with a groove to receive the folded arms 8.

The invention also relates to an actuating device 2 for use in an assembly according to the invention . The actuating device 2 may be configured so that it is capable of including a stock of containers 10.

The actuating device 2 may be operable by a person with one hand only, to let the other hand free to hold the dog ' s leash for instance, and may be operable by a person standing and slightly bending towards the ground 18.

It will be clear for the man skilled in the art that the container 10 may be a pocket, reusable or not, disposable or not, and manufactured by folding, sizing or stitching for instance .

It will be further clear for the man skilled in the art that the obj ect 16 may be for instance an animal dejection such as a dog ' s feces , or a piece of food, which would inadvertently have fallen on the ground .

The closing means operable for closing the lateral sides of the container 10 may include articulated panels 22 , integrally part of the surface 12 , with a rubber or plastic band, a spring or any resilient member . The surface may be resilient itself so that it tends to fold at its sides when unrolled .

In a further embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, said actuating device 2 is provided with a handle 30 (Item B2 ) or a telescopic handle 32 ( Item B3) as schematically illustrated on Fig . 29, showing a side view (on the left hand side) as well as a rear view (on the right hand side) . When the actuating

device 2 according to this embodiment is closed, it may have a length of 30 centimeters with the simple handle 30 extensible up to 80 centimeters with the telescopic handle 32. In one embodiment, the actuating device 2 is cylindrical and has a diameter of 22 millimeters .

The handle 30 or telescopic handle 32 may be removable or not . When the handle 30 or telescopic handle 32 are removable, the user may advantageously change the handle according to his/her needs .

In a further embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, said assembly is provided with a sleeve 34 ( Item C) , a sheath or an enveloping structure, for receiving the elongated members 4 of the actuating device 2 ( Item B) or collecting item, when the device is not in use . The sleeve 34 is further capable of being used as a protective sheath or, in one embodiment, as a leash handle . In the latter embodiment, the sleeve 34 may be provided with a ring where a leash can be fastened. This is schematically illustrated on Fig . 28, showing a perspective view of the actuating device 2 coupled with the sleeve 34, as well as side views of the actuating device 2 (on the right hand side) and of the sleeve 34 (on the top left corner) .

In a further embodiment of the actuating device 2 according to the invention, the actuating device 2 further comprises a connecting member 36, a guide slot 42 and a torsion spring 38. The connecting member 36 is rotatably mounted at one end on one of the two elongated members 4 and is provided at the other end with a sliding pin 40 arranged for sliding in the guide slot 42 at the surface of the other elongated member 4.

The rotation axis of the connecting member 36 with respect to the first elongated member 4 may for instance be located 2 centimeters away from the main axis 6.

The torsion spring 38 is arranged near the axis 6 for urging the elongated members 4 in an aligned configuration . Any other suitable spring or urging means may be used for urging the elongated members 4 in an aligned configuration, or for keeping the elongated members in an aligned configuration as shown in Fig . 30 ("Closed" position Steps 2 & 5) , in Fig . 32 and Fig . 37.

Fig . 30 shows different schematic views in perspective of an actuating device 2 provided with a connecting member 36 with a sliding pin 40 (not shown) , a guide slot 42 arranged in one of the elongated members 4 and a torsion spring 38.

Fig . 31 shows more detailed views of an embodiment of the actuating device 2. More specifically, the view in the center shows a cross section of the complete actuating device 2 while the two other views are side views of the elongated members 4 of the actuating device 2.

In one embodiment, the guide slot 42 is an elliptical groove or the like as shown in Fig . 38. The guide slot 42 includes a recess 44 for keeping the actuating device 2 in an opened position . The sliding pin 40 moves in a counterclockwise sense in the guide slot 42. However clockwise symmetrical embodiments are also possible .

Fig . 32 to 37 shows the different operating steps of the actuating device 2. The mechanical operation of the actuating device 2 can be split up in two main operations, namely the opening operation and the collecting or closing operation . Fig . 32 to 34 represent views of the opening action while Fig . 35 to 37 represent views of the collecting action (the container 10 is not shown for the sake of clarity) .

The opening and collecting operations require using the ground 18 as an abutment . After removing the actuating device 2 and more precisely its arms 8 from the sleeve 34 (in embodiments where this is applicable) , the opening operation can be carried out . The

opening operation is a preliminary operation occurring prior to collecting the object 16 from the ground 18. The opening operation may be performed near the obj ect 16 to collect but should not be performed on the obj ect 16 itself .

As illustrated in Fig . 33, applying a continuous forward pressure on the top of one elongated member 4 (see rounded dashed arrow on top of Fig . 33) while the other elongated member 4 abuts on the ground 18 enables the opening of the device 2 (see rounded dashed arrow on the bottom of Fig . 33) . The operation causes the container 10 to open provided that it was properly arranged on the arms 8 prior to the opening operation, as explained above .

At the end of the opening operation, the sliding pin 40 is blocked in the recess 44 of the guide slot 42. This is illustrated in Fig . 34. The opening angle of the elongated members 4 may for instance be 50 degrees in the opened position .

The collecting operation can subsequently be carried out, as illustrated in Fig . 35 and 36, once the actuating device 2 and the container 10 are arranged on top of the object 16 to collect . The collecting operation is triggered by pressing on the top of the actuating device 2 while the bottom of both elongated members 4 abut on the ground 18. A brief pressure is sufficient . The applied pressure releases the sliding pin 40 from the recess 44, the torsion spring 38 urges the elongated members 4 and the arms 8 close together, the sliding pin 40 moves away from the recess 44 in the guide slot and the object 16 is collected in the container 10.

During the collecting operation, a slight continuous pressure on the ground 18 enables to slow down the closing operation and to keep the container 10 in contact with the ground 18.

At the end of the closing operation, as illustrated in Fig . 37 , the actuating device 2 and the container 10 are closed. The container 10 containing the object 16 can then be disposed in a

trash bin or the like, and the actuating device arms 8 can be arranged in the sleeve 34 (when applicable) .

The main advantages of the actuating device 2 and the assembly according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig . 30 to 38 in comparison to the prior art devices are its operational (functional) and mechanical (structural) simplicity .

In one embodiment, the connecting member 36 is provided with a torsion spring 46, or more generally with spring or urging means, for urging said member to return in its "aligned position" (see Fig . 32 and 37) . The torsion spring 46 makes the sliding of the pin 40 easier .

In one embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, the length of the actuating device 2 arms 8 is smaller than the container 10 width . For instance, provided that the container 10 is made of a sufficiently rigid material and depending of its rigidity, the arms 2 length may represent 1/2 to 4/5 of the container 10 width .

The invention further relates to a container 50 , presenting a substantially prismatic shape, when folded as described below, and made for instance of paper, paperboard, or recycled paperboard. The container 50 is designed for collecting an obj ect 16 from the ground 18, for instance dogs ' feces . The container 50 is capable of being operated by an actuating device 2 as described above, which may for instance be a telescopic cane .

The container 50 will now be described in three distinct configurations :

The first configuration corresponds to the blank, i . e . the initial, collapsed, flattened form, j ust after the raw paperboard material has been trimmed .

The second configuration corresponds to the manufactured, prepared folded container 50 ready to be operated. The container 50 may advantageously be sold in this configuration .

Finally, the third configuration corresponds to the container 50 after it was unfolded from the second configuration and operated to collect an obj ect 16 from the ground 18. In this third configuration, the container 50 has a substantially prismatic shape . Once the object 16 has been collected from the ground 18, the container 50 , configured according to this third configuration, may be disposed of in a trash bin along with the obj ect 16 enclosed therein .

The first configuration of the container 50 is illustrated in Fig . 39, wherein a trimmed one-piece paperboard blank is schematically illustrated . The blank includes a series of sixteen adj acent panels G' , F' , E' , 1-2-3, A, B, C, D, l ' -2' -3' , E, F, G, separated by and foldably connected through substantially parallel sides or folding lines . The first six panels G' , F' , E' , 1-2-3, i . e . the edge panels (on the west) , form the first external edge panels 52 or west additional set 52 of at least one edge panel, and the last six panels l ' -2' -3' , E, F, G, i . e . the edge panels (on the east) , form the second external edge panels 54 or east additional set 54 of at least one edge panel . The four central panels A, B, C, D form the core walls 56.

In addition, eight side panels a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h prolong the central panels A, B, C, D and are foldably connected to them. Side panels a, b, c, d respectively prolong the central panels A, B, C, D about what is hereby arbitrarily called the front 58 or north 58 of the container 50, while side panels e, f, g, h respectively prolong the central panels A, B, C, D about what is arbitrarily called the rear 60 or south 60 of the container 50.

Generally speaking, the side panels a, b, c, d and e, f, g, h are designed in such a way as to be capable, after being suitably folded as exemplarily described hereinafter, to respectively form a

front or north automatic bottom closure 62 on the front 58 or north 58 of the container 50 , and a rear or south automatic bottom closure 64 on the rear 60 or south 60 of the container 50.

Now referring back to the embodiment illustrated in Fig . 39, side panels a, c, e, g have each a substantially right-angled triangular shape, the right angle being adj acent to the corresponding central panel A or C and the triangular shape being substantially rounded or trimmed about its non-adj acent corner . Side panels b, d, f, h have each a triangular shape provided with a relatively small prominent abutment portion extending outwardly from the triangular shape, as illustrated in Fig . 39.

Finally, four additional panels a' , c' , e' , g' prolong side panels a, c, e, g and are foldably connected to them.

Fig . 45 and 46 illustrate an embodiment of the container 50, wherein side panels e and g and additional panels e' and g' are shown in a more detailed, schematic view . It must be understood that side panels a and c and additional panels a' and c' , which are not shown, may be symmetric to the above-mentioned panels .

In this embodiment, side panels a, c, e, f and additional panels a' , c' , e' , g' are respectively shaped, arranged and foldably connected to each other so that notches 70 are provided about the distal end of the folding line 71 connecting each one of the side panels a, c, e, f and its corresponding additional panel a' , c' , e' , g' . In this context, the word "distal" should be understood with respect to distance from the central panels A, B, C , D in the flattened configuration . Providing notches 70 enables to lock the automatic bottom closures 62, 64. This will be described in more details with reference to Fig . 41.

In order to turn the trimmed blank according to the first configuration into the folded container 50 according to the second configuration, a few manufacturing operations are necessary as

illustrated in the successive portions of Fig . 40, from top to bottom.

The first operation consists in folding, at 180 degrees, side panels a, b, c, d and e, f, g, h over central panels A, B, C, D, while inversely folding additional panels a ' , c ' , e ' , g ' at 180 degrees over the corresponding side panel . Glue is applied on additional panels a ' , c ' , e ' , g ' , more precisely on the side of each additional panel a ' , c ' , e ' , g ' which is not intended to contact the corresponding side panel . Alternatively, glue may be applied on a portion of panels b, d, f, h, or on both surfaces .

Central panel D is then folded over central panel C while edge panels E, F, G are inversely folded on panel D . Central panel A is folded over central panel B while edge panels E' , F' , G' are inversely folded on panel A. Since glue has been provided on additional panels a ' , c ' , e ' , g ' (or alternatively on a portion of panels b, d, f, h or on both surfaces) , said additional panels a ' , c ' , e ' , g ' are respectively glued together with a portion of side panels b, d, f, h . Consequently there are four groups (a, a' , b) , (c, c' , d) , (e, e' , f) , (g, g' , h) of side panels fastened or connected to at least two central panels 56, here two central panels 56. Two groups (A, B) , (C, D) of central panels 56 are connected together by their "north" 58 (or front 58) and "south" 60 (or rear 60) sides . The first (a, a' , b) and second (e, e' , f) groups of side panels are then connected or fastened to the first group of central panels (A, B) , and the third (c, c' , d) , and fourth (g, g' , h) groups of side panels are connected or fastened to the first group of central panels (C, D) .

At this stage, the container 50 includes two unfolded automatic bottom closures 62, 64, a front or north automatic bottom closure 62 and a rear or south automatic bottom closure 64. The automatic bottom closures 62 , 64 each comprise two groups of sides panels , group (a, a' , b) and group (c, c' , d) on the north 58, and group (e, e' , f) and group (g, g' , h) on the south 60.

A folding line 71 within a group is defined as a line about which one or some side panels of one group can rotate with respect to one or some other side panels of the same group . Each group includes a folding line 71, hingedly connecting two subgroups of at least one side panel :

- group (a, a' , b) includes a folding line 71 hingedly connecting subgroup (a) and subgroup (a' , b) ;

- group (c, c' , d) includes a folding line 71 hingedly connecting subgroups (c) and (c' , d) ;

- group (e, e' , f) includes a folding line 71 hingedly connecting subgroups (e) and (e' , f) ; and

- group (g, g' , h) includes a folding line 71 hingedly connecting subgroups (g) and (g' , h) .

Glue is also provided on the reverse side of panels E and E' (or alternatively on a portion of panels D and A respectively) so that when edge panels E, F, G and E' , F' , G' are respectively inversely folded on panels D and A, panel E is glued together with panel D and panel E' is glued together with panel A.

In other words , the lateral first and second external edge panels 52, 54, or additional sets 52 , 54 of at least one edge panel, are folded, glued and turned upon themselves . A handle 66 is integrally formed with these external edge panels 52, 54 or additional sets 52, 54.

During these operations , panels 1-2-3 and l ' -2' -3' , included at both ends of the central panels 56, are also folded so that they make up elongated chambers 20. As a result, they are capable of receiving actuating device' s 2 arms 8. In other words, panels 1-2-3 and l ' -2 ' -3' are prefolded ridges for making up the elongated chambers 20.

In the second configuration, both illustrated in the bottom right corner of Fig . 40 and in the top left corner of Fig . 41 , the folded container 50 includes two folded automatic bottom closures

62 , 64, a front or north automatic bottom closure 62 and a rear or south automatic bottom closure 64.

In order to collect the object 16 from the ground 18 while turning the folded container 50 according to the second configuration into the substantially prismatic container 50 according to the third configuration, a few successive handling operations are necessary as illustrated in Fig . 41, from right to left and top to bottom.

First, the container 50 is oriented so that the elongated chambers 20 formed by panels 1-2-3 and l ' -2 ' -3' are oriented towards the ground 18 and the actuating device' s 2 arms 8 are then introduced into the chambers 20. By moving the arms 8 away from each other, the container 50 is gradually unfolded up to the point where side panels a, a' , b, c, c' , d, e, e' , f, g, g' , h are almost perpendicular to central panels B, C . The container 50 may then be gradually closed upon the object 16 to be collected by moving the arms 8 close to each other . Side panels a, a' , b and e, e' , f are such that they respectively interlock with side panels c, c' , d and g, g' , h to close the north 62 and south 64 automatic bottom closures .

The container 50 may then be held by the handle 66 in a safe and clean manner, and it may be thrown in a trash bin, without any contact with the collected object 16. In one embodiment, both sides of the handle 66 may be locked together .

In a particular embodiment, as illustrated in Fig . 44 and 45, side panels a, b and e, f respectively interlock with side panels c, d and g, h to close the automatic bottom closures 62, 64. This is made possible, on the one hand, thanks to the inversed symmetrical arrangement of the panels, i . e . respectively panels [a, a' and b and c, c' and d] , and [e, e' and f and g, g' and h] , which are capable of engaging with each other, and, on the other hand, thanks to the notches 70, which lock the flanges or groups of side panels together .

In this context, the word "flange" should be understood as one of the following four groups of assembled panels : group of side panels a, a' and b, group of side panels c, c' and d, group of panels e, e' and f and group of side panels g, g' and h . The first two flanges or groups make up the front or north automatic bottom closure 58 and the latter two flanges make up the rear or south automatic bottom closure 60.

The interlocking mechanism works because the container 50 is configured so that, in an open position and in particular when the container 50 is gradually folded and closed upon the object 16 to collect, the flanges keep a slight angular inclination towards the central panels A, B, C, D . This inclination towards the interior of the container 50 is the result of the fact that, during the manufacturing operation, as illustrated in Fig . 40, the side panels a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h are folded over central panels A, B, C, D, while the additional panels a ' , c ' , e ' , g ' are inversely folded at 180 degrees over the corresponding side panels . As a result of this initial folding, the flanges retain a "memory" of the initial fold causing a subsequent trend to the interior angular inclination . This may be explained by the resilient character of folds in paperboards .

Fig . 44 shows that the container 50 can be unfolded from the flat configuration, by unfolding the two groups of central panels 56 to form two hingedly connected parts, here two halves, of a volume . The parts, here halves , are connected through the hinge 69.

The invention further relates to a substantially prismatic container 68, made for instance of paper, paperboard, or recycled paperboard, as illustrated in Fig . 42 , 43 and 44. The container 68 illustrated is almost identical to the container 50 illustrated in Fig . 39, 40 and 41 and described above, but the container 68 does not contain panels 1-2-3 and l ' -2' -3' . The container 68 is intended to be hand-actuated . No actuating device 2 is involved in the

process of unfolding the container 68 and closing it upon the obj ect 16 to collect .

As illustrated in Fig . 42, a first common side 73 foldably connects the outward west central panel A and an edge panel E ' of the first external edge panels 52 (or west additional set 52 of at least one edge panel) ; and another first common side 73 foldably connects the outward east central panel D and an edge panel E of the second external edge 54 (or east additional set 54 of at least one edge panel) . A second common side 75 foldably connects two edge panels G ' , F ' of the west additional set 52 and another second common side 75 foldably connects two east edge panels G, F of the east additional set 54. The distance between the first 73 and second 75 common sides of the same additional edge 52, 54 and the distance between the first common side 73 and the closest parallel side (connecting A and B, and C and D respectively) are respectively substantially equal . This configuration makes easy the handling of the container 68, as illustrated in Fig . 41 , and the actuating of the container 158 , as illustrated in Fig . 59 to 66.

The invention further relates to the process of manufacturing the substantially prismatic container 50, 68 as described above and as illustrated in Fig . 40 and 43.

The invention further relates to the process of operating the substantially prismatic container as described above and as illustrated in Fig . 41 and 44.

Other embodiments of the invention include containers 50 , 68 with a prismatic shape of triangular, pentagonal or hexagonal base, respectively with three, five or six core walls 56. There may actually be any number of core walls 56, provided that there are at least three of them.

It will be clear for the person skilled in the art that the glue can be replaced by any other fastening means , suitable for paper or paperboard .

The invention further relates to an actuating device for actuating a container for collecting an object from the ground, the container being provided with handling openings , wherein the actuating device includes two members rotatably connected to each other about a rotation axis ; each member including a distal end, arranged away from the rotation axis in such a manner that the distal ends can be substantially brought together or moved apart from each other by rotation of the members about the rotation axis ; wherein each member is provided near its distal end with a recess for receiving a handling opening of the container; and wherein, when the distal ends are substantially brought together, the members form an aperture extending from their distal end towards the rotation axis, for receiving at least a portion of the container; and each recess is arranged so as to be separated from the aperture by its member, that is, the member on which said recess is provided .

This actuating device according to one aspect of the invention does not need to be provided with distal perpendicular arms that would fit into elongated chambers of a container . Instead, the configuration of the actuating device according to this aspect of the invention is simpler than the above-described actuating device (see for instance Fig . 17 to 27 , Fig . 30) , while, at the same time, being cheaper to manufacture and easier to use .

In use, the members are first brought together and a container provided with handling openings is partially inserted in the aperture formed by the members . The container handling openings are positioned to fit and engage in the member recesses so that, when the actuating device is positioned with the member distal ends towards the ground, the container does not fall under normal conditions of operation . The handling openings cooperate with the recesses to hold the container .

The member distal ends are then moved apart so as to open the container, which can be arranged upon the object to collect,

for instance an animal dej ection . The member distal ends are subsequently partially brought together to close the container upon the object . Finally, the container handling openings are disengaged from the recesses and the container may be disposed of .

In one embodiment, spring means or resilient compressible material urging the distal ends apart are provided. The spring means may for instance be a helical compression spring . The compression spring applies a resistive force as it is compressed and tends to move the member distal ends apart . The provision of spring means or resilient compressible material allows easy and convenient handling of the actuating device for cooperating with the container .

The user may adjust the distance between the member distal ends with his or her hand so as to control the actuating device . The actuating device may alternatively be provided with blocking means , such as a control rod with one or more recesses, in order to better control the distance between the distal ends .

Spring means are optional : the actuating device may be manually controlled to suitably adjust the member distal ends in operation .

In one embodiment, the members are elongated and hingedly connected to each other by a hinge arranged about the rotation axis . In this embodiment, the members may form a "v" shape when moved apart, provided that the rotation axis is arranged near the proximal ends of the elongated members .

A particular embodiment of the actuating device 102 according to the invention will now be described in more details with reference to Fig . 47, which shows three views of the embodiment, a side view on the left hand side, a front view on the right hand side, and a top view below the side view.

The two members 104 of the actuating device 102 are rotatably connected to each other about a rotation axis 106. Hingedly connecting means, such as a hinge, may be arranged between the members 104 to allow the rotation between them.

The members 104 each comprise a proximal end 182 and a distal end 184. The rotation axis 106 may be arranged near the proximal ends 182 (as illustrated) , but in other embodiments the members 104 may extend beyond the rotation axis 106 (not illustrated) . Recesses 174 are arranged near the distal ends 184. The recesses 174 are outwardly inclined towards the rotation axis 106.

The distal ends 184 can be brought together or moved apart when the elongated members 104 rotate about the rotation axis 106. When the members 104 are brought together, as illustrated in Fig . 47 , an aperture 180, or slot, is formed between the members 104, about their distal ends 184. The aperture 180 extends from the distal ends 184 towards the rotation axis 106. Optional abutment means 196, for instance an insert, may be provided to form a side of the aperture 180. The fact that the members 104 can be brought together means that they can be brought in contact with each other at at least one point which is distinct from the rotation axis 106, or that they can be brought close to each other without contact between them.

Optionally, a handle 130 with a leash hole 172 may be provided to be fastened to the actuating device 102. This adds a function to the device 102, that is , fastening a leash to restrain an animal . Any type of leash may be used, e . g . a retractable leash .

The members 104 may have a rounded cross-section, for instance a semicylindric, that is half cylindrical, cross-section, so that, when the elongated members 104 are brought together, the actuating device 102 has a cylindrical cross-section . The diameter of the cylindrical cross-section may for instance be comprised

between 10 and 50 millimeters . A 25 millimeter diameter has proven to be advantageous for handling .

The length of both elongated members 102 may be equal (as illustrated) or not (not illustrated) . Their length may for instance be comprised between 200 millimeters and 600 millimeters . A 360 millimeter length has proven to be advantageous for handling and carrying .

The embodiment of the actuating device 102 illustrated in Fig . 47 also comprises a compression spring 178 urging the distal ends 184 apart, and blocking or control means for temporarily preventing the distal ends 184 from being brought together closer than at least one separating distance . Their role will be explained in details with reference to Fig . 48 to 54 , which illustrate the operation of the actuating device 102 in cooperation with the container 168.

The invention also relates to a container 168 adapted to be used with the actuating device 102. The container 168 may be substantially similar to the above-described hand-actuated, unfoldable container 68 or envelope, exemplarily illustrated in Fig . 39 to 46, except that each handle 166 includes a handling opening 176 for cooperating with actuating means of an actuating device 102. The opening 176 may be the sole opening arranged in the handle 166. It may also coexist with one, two or more finger openings arranged in the handle 166.

An embodiment of the container 168 according to this aspect of the invention is illustrated in Fig . 48 to 54, when cooperating with the actuating device 102.

Fig . 48 illustrates the introduction of the prepared folded container 168 (second configuration as hereinabove referred to) within the aperture 180 of the actuating device 102. In particular, the central panels 56 of the container 168 are introduced until it abuts against an abutment point, for instance an insert 196, while

the handles 166 stay behind . The handles 166 are not introduced or only partially introduced within the aperture 180.

During this operation, the device 102 may be held by a user' s hand near the rotation axis 106, and another user' s hand may be used to introduce the container 168.

Once the container 168 has been introduced, both handles 166 are folded, as illustrated in Fig . 49. The top edge of the openings 176 thus engages in the member recesses 174. In other words, the openings 176 are clipped to the distal ends 184.

The optional leash handle 172 is then optionally removed, as illustrated in Fig . 50, and the actuating device 102 cooperating with the container 168 is turned upside down, as illustrated in Fig . 51. A blocking mechanism is then unlocked so as to release the compression spring 178, which operates to open the container 168, as illustrated in Fig . 52. Unlocking the blocking means may for instance be actuated by the user via a control lever provided on the actuating device 102.

The container 168 is then arranged on the ground 18 above the obj ect 16 to collect and closed upon it, as illustrated in Fig . 53. Finally, the assembly is turned upside down, the handles 166 are disengaged from the recesses 174 , and folded. They may further be sealed or fastened to each other . Finally, the filled container 168 may be disposed of in a trash bin, and the actuating device 102 may be operated to return in its initial "closed" configuration .

Fig . 55 to 57 illustrate a particular embodiment of the blocking or control means for temporarily preventing the distal ends 184 from being brought together closer than at least one separating distance . In particular, Fig . 55 shows a first semicylindric elongated member 104 provided near its proximal end 182 with a control rod 186, extending outwardly perpendicularly from the inner flat surface of the member 104.

The rod 186 is shown in more details in Fig . 58. It has a rounded end 192 and is provided with a first recess 188 and a second recess 190. The second recess 190 may be "V"-shaped with one branch being perpendicular to the rod axis , the other branch forming an angle of 45 degrees with said axis . Furthermore, the rod 186 may for instance have a cylindrical cross-section . In that case, the diameter of the rod 186 may for instance be comprised between 3 millimeters and 12 millimeters . A 6 millimeter diameter has proven to be advantageous in operation .

A locking member 194 is pivotably mounted about a pivoting axis 198 on the surface of the other elongated member 104. The locking member 194 is further provided with a receiving opening 197 and spring means , for instance a compression spring 199, the locking member 194 cooperating with the control rod 186 to prevent the elongated members 104 from rotating beyond a particular position . The pivoting of the locking member 194 may be triggered by the operation by a user of a control lever . The lever may for instance be integrally formed with the locking member .

As illustrated in Fig . 48 to 51 , in the preparation stage or first stage, the locking member 194 is engaged in the first recess 188 for retaining the elongated members 104 close to each other .

In the second stage, as illustrated in Fig . 52 , the member distal ends 184 have been moved apart from each other and the locking member 194 is beyond the control rod 186, that is the locking member 194 is neither engaged in the first recess 188 nor in the second recess 190.

In the third stage, as illustrated in Fig . 53 and 54, the locking member 194 is engaged in the second recess 190, so that the distal ends 184 are at intermediary distance from each other .

Finally, after the container 168 has been disposed of, the locking member 194 returns to the first stage while the distal ends 184 of the members 104 are brought together .

The person skilled in the art would recognize that other type of blocking or control means may be used .

In one embodiment of the actuating device 102 according to the invention, the recess 174 is not a slot as illustrated in Fig . 47 but a recess 174 with a right angle for clipping the openings 176 of the container 168 (not illustrated) . The recess 174 may also be formed by a clipping head slightly protruding outwardly from or a clipping portion slightly offset outwardly from the elongated member 104 for forming a clipping angle, a corner, or an abutting corner, i . e . a recess 174.

The invention also relates to an assembly for collecting an obj ect 16 from the ground 18 including an above-described container 168 , an embodiment of which is illustrated in Fig . 48 to 54 ; and an above-described actuating device 102 , an embodiment of which is illustrated in Fig . 47 to 57 , for cooperating with the container 168 ; wherein the aperture 180 formed by the actuating device 102 is adapted to receive the core panels 56 of the container 168 , when folded; and wherein the actuating device 102 is further adapted so that the openings 176 of the container 168 can be arranged around the distal ends 184 of the members and fit with and engage in their recesses 174.

In one embodiment of the actuating device 102 according to the invention, as described above and specifically illustrated in Fig . 59 to 68, the actuating device 102 comprises telescopic elongated members 104. This may be achieved by providing each elongated member 104 with at least two parts capable of collapsing within or outside each other . The parts may consist in tube sections, for instance tube sections having a substantially semielliptical or semi-ovoidal transversal section, as illustrated for instance in Fig . 67. The transversal sections may also be hemi-amygdaloidal or the like .

In one embodiment, each telescopic elongated member 104 is provided with two parts , a first part being able to slide inside a second part . Thus the elongated members 104 may collapse, in order to be arranged in a compact manner, or they may be extended when necessary for being easily operated .

The members 104 telescopic mechanism may be mechanically, electrically or electromagnetically controlled .

In one embodiment, the telescopic elongated members 104 are manually extended and collapsed. They are provided with locking means for locking the members 104 in the extended or collapsed configurations . Unlocking means may similarly be provided. The user may manually extend or compress the members 104. Alternatively, spring means such as a compression, helicoidal, torsion spring may be provided and the spring means may triggerable by a knob or control lever to automatically extend the telescopic members 104 or at least to make it easier . An automatic or semi-automatic triggerable telescopic mechanism used for some umbrellas or the like may be adapted for the actuating device 102 of the invention .

The dimensions as indicated in millimeters in Fig . 67 represents a particular embodiment of the actuating device 102. In this embodiment, the members 104 have a length of approximately 360 millimeters when extended (left side of Fig . 67 ) and a length of approximately 215 millimeters when collapsed (right side of Fig . 67) . The transversal section of the members 104 has dimensions of approximately 37 millimeters by 18 millimeters .

The actuating device 102 may be made of plastic material .

Fig . 69 to 75 show schematic views of an embodiment of the actuating device 102 according to the invention, made of plastic material and with telescopic members 104. This embodiment is particularly compact, safe and of relatively little weight . It can be operated with one hand only .

The embodiment illustrated in Fig . 69 to 75 differs from the one described in Fig . 67 in that the outward part of each member 104 slides around the inside part of the corresponding members 104 which does not slide (as illustrated in Fig . 70 ) . This embodiment reduces the length of the folded actuating device 102 (as illustrated in Fig . 69 and 75) by about 2 centimeters because the inside part may slide within the outward member portion beyond the recess 174 (so that the length of the folded actuating device 102 may be about 21 to 22 centimeters ) . The embodiment illustrated in Fig . 67 does not allow any such sliding beyond the recess 174.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove . The invention resides in each and every novel characteristic feature and each and every combination of characteristic features . Reference numerals in the claims do not limit their protective scope .