BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to devices for collecting animal litter. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispenser of bags for collecting animal litter. The rapid increase of urban population coupled with the increasing popularity of dogs and other pets has created a serious sanitary problem in connection with the disposal of animal litter, and particular canine litter. Because many animal pet owners have permitted their animals to deposit solid excrement on both private and public property, a number of communities have enacted ordinances requiring pet owners, under penalty of fine, to retrieve and dispose of lifter created by their pets.

It has been found that the willingness of pet owners to retrieve and properly dispose of animal litter is related to the ease, convenience and economy with which the litter may be handled in a clean and sanitary manner. While a number of devices have been proposed for the purpose of disposing of animal litter, they have suffered from various shortcomings. Some devices are not completely disposable and, therefore, require some degree of cleanup. Other types of devices, both of the disposable and reusable varieties, are awkward and/or conspicuous to carry. Moreover, some prior animal lifter collection devices are too expensive for everyday use.

One commonly accepted method for collecting and storing animal litter until a proper disposal site can be found involves the use of a disposable plastic bag. Some pet owners will simply place a plastic bag, such as a plastic grocery bag, in a clothing pocket for retrieval when needed. This method of collecting animal lifter presupposes, however, that the pet owner will always have access to and remember to grab a plastic bag prior to walking the pet. There have been proposals to provide devices which would store plastic bags within a container that may be worn by the owner or the

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^X PCT APP

pet. Each of these prior devices, however, suffers several disadvantages which the present invention is intended to overcome.

The retractable leash has been gaining popularity for the last twenty years and has taken its place as a permanent pet product. Some have recognized the desirability of providing an easy way to carry pet waste cleanup bags when going for a walk utilizing such a retractable leash. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,540,469 discloses a retractable leash placed into an animal waste collecting device which incorporates its own handle, bag holder and flashlight. It is believed, however, that such an assembly involves apparatus and associated costs which are undesirable.

Accordingly, there is a need for a bag dispenser which provides access to bags when needed. There is a further need for a bag dispenser which provides a scooper for use in conjunction with the bags. There is also a need for a bag dispenser with a scooper that is modular to increase the ease of collecting waste. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a bag dispenser which provides access to bags when needed. A bag dispenser embodying the present invention provides a scooper for use in conjunction with the bags. The scooper and bag dispenser of the present invention are modular to increase the ease of collecting waste.

A bag dispenser embodying the present invention includes a housing for storing a plurality of bags within an inner cavity thereof. The bag dispenser also includes a scooper associated with the housing. The scooper is configured to provide a frame with which a bag is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag.

The housing includes an aperture which permits access to the inner cavity, the bags being individually removable from the housing through the aperture.

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In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the scooper pivotally moves relative to the housing between a storage position and an operative position. The scooper is disposed about the housing in the storage position and extends outwardly from the housing in the operative position. In another embodiment of the invention, the housing includes means for retaining the scooper in the storage position. This storage position retaining means includes an interference-fit detent in the housing for receiving a portion of the frame.

In an additional embodiment of the invention, the housing includes means for retaining the scooper in the operative position. The operative position retaining means includes at least one interference-fit detent in the housing for receiving a portion of the frame.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the scooper comprises a curved flange enveloping a portion of the housing in the storage position. The housing includes means for limiting pivotal movement of the scooper beyond the operative position. The pivotal movement limiting means includes at least one stop extending away from the housing, abutting against the scooper in the operative position. The bag dispenser includes a hinge connecting the housing and fraYne which allows pivotal movement of the housing and flange relative to one another between the storage position and the operative position.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the frame defines a central aperture. Placement of the bag over the frame allows waste to be positioned on a portion of the bag over the central aperture. This waste bears down on the bag and causes the bag to invert as the bag moves through the central aperture.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the housing and frame of the bag dispenser are connected by a hinge having two apertures for receiving opposite ends of the frame. The hinge includes a stop for limiting pivotal movement of the frame. The stop includes a flange extending outwardly from the hinge that abuts against the housing in the operative position.

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PCT APP

In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a pair of interference-fit detents for retaining the frame in the operative position. The housing includes at least one stop for limiting pivotal movement of the frame.

In yet still another embodiment of the invention, the bag dispenser includes means for folding the frame into two portions. The frame pivotally moves relative to the housing, the frame being movable (e.g., pivotable) to an intermediate position between a storage position and an operative position, and wherein the folding means provides pivot movement of the frame between the intermediate and operative positions. The housing includes means for retaining the frame in the intermediate position. The housing includes means for retaining the frame in the operative position, the frame being removable from housing and subsequently unfolded and connected to the retaining means. The retaining means includes at least two interference-fit detents in the housing for retaining the frame, the frame held within the detents being pivotally movable relative to the housing.

In an even further embodiment of the invention, the bag dispenser includes a removable lid for enclosing an open end of the housing. The lid includes an attachment means extending outwardly therefrom for connecting the dispenser to a leash. The lid includes means for retaining the scooper in a storage position. The retaining means includes a detent associated with the housing for receiving a portion of the scooper in friction-fit engagement.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the scooper is integrally formed with the housing. The housing includes a closure, and the i scooper extends outwardly from an end of the housing opposite the closure.

The bag dispenser includes a means for attaching the bag dispenser to a leash. The bag dispenser includes a window formed through a side wall of the housing for removal of bags therethrough. The housing includes a removable lid over an open end of the housing, and the scooper extends outwardly from a side wall of the of the housing. The bag dispenser includes a window formed through the side wall of the housing for removal of bags therethrough.

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Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation view of a bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper shown in a storage position;

FIGURE 2 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 1 ;

FIGURE 3 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 1 showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to an operative position;

FIGURE 4 illustrates a user placing their hand and the bag dispenser of FIG. 1 into a plastic bag;

FIGURE 5 illustrates the user positioning the bag dispenser of FIG. 1 within the plastic bag;

FIGURE 6 illustrates the user pushing a portion of the plastic bag through an aperture of the scooper of the bag dispenser to create a receptacle for receiving waste;

FIGURE 7 illustrates the user scooping up waste into the receptacle;

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FIGURE 8 illustrates the user inverting the plastic bag so that the weight of the waste pulls the inverted bag through the aperture of the scooper;

FIGURE 9 illustrates the user gripping the inverted plastic bag with their free hand and pulling the bag free from the bag dispenser scooper;

FIGURE 10 is a front elevation view of another bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper shown in a storage position;

FIGURE 11 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 10;

FIGURE 12 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 10 showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to an operative position;

FIGURE 13 is a rear perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 10 showing the scooper in the operative position;

FIGURE 14 is a rotated front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 10 showing the scooper in the operative position;

FIGURE 15 is a front elevation view of yet another bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper shown in a storage position;

FIGURE 16 is a rear elevation view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15;

FIGURE 17 is a top plan view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15 showing the scooper in the storage position;

FIGURE 18 is a top plan view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15 showing the scooper in an operative position;

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° PGT APP

FIGURE 19 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15 showing the scooper in the storage position;

FIGURE 20 is a rear perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15 showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to the operative position;

FIGURE 21 is a rotated rear perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15 showing the scooper in the operative position with the bag dispenser placed within a plastic bag;

FIGURE 22 is a front perspective view of an additional bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper shown in a storage position;

FIGURE 23 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 22 showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to an operative position;

FIGURE 24 is a rotated front perspective view of the bag dispenser of

FIG. 22 showing the scooper in the operative position;

FIGURE 25 is a front perspective view of still another bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a folded scooper shown in a storage position;

FIGURE 26 is a front elevation view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 25;

FIGURE 27 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG.25 showing the folded scooper being pivotally moved from the storage position to an intermediate position;

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FIGURE 28 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 25 showing the folded scooper being pivotally unfolded from the intermediate position to an operative position where the scooper is unfolded;

FIGURE 29 is a rotated rear perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 25 showing the unfolded scooper in the operative position;

FIGURE 30 is a front perspective view of yet still another bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a folded scooper shown in a storage position;

FIGURE 31 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 30 showing the folded scooper being pivotally moved from the storage position to an intermediate position;

FIGURE 32 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 30 showing the folded scooper being disconnected from a housing of the bag dispenser.

FIGURE 33 is a front perspective view of the folded scooper of FIG. 32 being pivotally unfolded from the intermediate position to an operative position, where the scooper is unfolded;

FIGURE 34 is a rotated front perspective view of the bag dispenser of

FIG. 25 showing the unfolded scooper being connected to the housing in the operative position;

FIGURE 35 is a front perspective view of a leash assembly including a bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper shown in a storage position;

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FIGURE 36 is front perspective view of the leash assembly of FIG. 35 showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to an operative position;

FIGURE 37 is a front perspective view of another leash assembly including a bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper shown in a storage position where a handle of the scooper is connected to a housing of the leash assembly;

FIGURE 38 is front perspective view of the leash assembly of FIG. 37 showing the scooper being disconnected from the housing of the leash assembly for operational use;

FIGURE 39 is a front perspective view of yet another leash assembly including a bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper shown in a storage position within a holster receptacle of a housing of the leash assembly where a handle of the scooper extends from the holster;

FIGURE 40 is front perspective view of a bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper that extends outwardly from an end of a housing of the bag dispenser;

FIGURE 41 is a front elevation view of another bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper that extends outwardly from a side of a housing of the bag dispenser; and

FIGURE 42 is a rotated front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 41.

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^ ^" PCT APP

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 1-42 for purposes of illustration, the present invention resides in bag dispensers 50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320, 500, 530 with associated respective scoopers 76, 136, 186, 246, 296, 346, 526, 556 and leash assemblies 380, 420, 460.

A bag dispenser 50 embodying the present invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1 -9, includes a generally cylindrical housing 52 defining an inner cavity 54 for holding a roll 56 of plastic bags 58 within. The bags 58 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 52 has an aperture 60 in a sidewall of the housing 52 which permits access to the inner cavity 54. The roll 56 of plastic bags 58 is disposed within the inner cavity 54 of the housing 52 such that the bags 58 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 60 in the housing 52. The roll 56 of plastic bags 58 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 54 through an upper open end (not shown) of the housing 52.

A closure 62, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to the housing 52. The closure 62 encloses the upper open end of the housing 52. The closure 62 includes a generally circular flange 64 having a loop or bracket 66 extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 50 to a leash (not shown) or the like.

The housing 52 includes an upper annular flange 68 and a lower annular flange 70. Portions 72, 74 of the upper and lower annular flanges 68, 70 extend outwardly from the housing 52 in the same direction. A scooper frame 76 is pivotally connected to the housing 52 at the upper and lower annular flanges 68, 70 and is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 58 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 58. Ends 78, 80 of the frame 76 extend into apertures 82, 84 on the respective portions 72, 74 of the upper and lower annular flanges 68, 70. The scooper frame 76 is generally U-shaped with the ends 78, 80 directed towards each other to form a partially open-sided rectangle. The scooper frame 76 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g.,

-i _n _ ^' EDWARD-47218 ^{x υ} PCT APP

steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like. The frame 76 is preferably made of circular metal wire bent into the generally rectangular shape.

The scooper frame 76 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 52, between a storage position where the frame 76 is disposed about the housing 52 and an operative position where the frame 76 extends outwardly from the housing 52. The housing 52 retains the scooper frame 76 in the storage position using an interference-fit groove or detent 86 located on the closure 62 that is sized and shaped for receiving a portion 88 of the frame 76. Likewise, the housing 52 retains the scooper frame 76 in the operative position using a pair of interference-fit grooves or detents 90, 92 located elsewhere on the housing 52 that receive other portions 94, 96 of the frame 76. The interference-fit detents 90, 92 for holding the frame 76 in the operative position are positioned at the distal end of flanges 98, 100 that extend outwardly from the portions 72, 74 of the upper and lower annular flanges 68, 70. The flanges 98, 100 extend outwardly from the upper and lower annular flanges 68, 70 in opposite directions away from the bag dispenser 50. As shown, there is only a single detent 86 on the closure 62 on one side of the loop 66 but, alternatively, there could another detent on the opposite side of the loop 66 on the closure 62 to create an alternative storage position if the frame 76 is pivoted in the direction of the alternative storage position from the operative position.

In the storage position, the frame 76 is interference-fit retained by the detent 86 when the frame 76 being disposed about the housing 52. When the user is pivoting the frame 76 about the housing 52, the loop 66 extending away from the closure 62 prevents the frame 76 from pivoting completely around the housing 52. A user pulls on the frame 76 to release the portion 88 of the frame 76 from the detent 86 and pivots the frame 76 about the housing 52 approximately one-hundred eighty degrees to the operative position where the user pivots the frame 76 to where the portions 94, 96 of the frame 76 engage the detents 90, 92 for holding the frame 76 in the operative position. The detents 90, 92 are located away from the upper and lower annular flanges 68, 70 a sufficient distance such that the detents 90, 92 extend slightly more away from the center of the dispenser 50 than the

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respective portions 94, 96 of the frame 76 which the detents 90, 92 engage such that there is an interference-fit between the portions 94, 96 and the detents 90, 92. The scooper frame 76 is moved from the operative position to the storage position by reversing the steps described above. FIGS. 4-9 illustrate a user employing the bag dispenser 50 to pick up animal waste 102. A user removes a bag 58 from the bag dispenser 50, opens the bag 58, and places a hand 104 holding the bag dispenser 50 into the plastic bag 58 being held in the user's other hand 106 (FIG.4). The user then positions the bag dispenser 50 within the plastic bag 58, preferably near a central portion of a closed end of the bag 58 (FIG. 5). Using the hand 106 that had been holding the plastic bag 58, the user pushes a portion of the plastic bag 58 through an aperture 108 of the scooper frame 76 to create a receptacle 109 for receiving waste 102 (FIG. 6). A user then scoops the waste 102 into the receptacle 102 formed by the bag 58 and frame aperture 100 (FIG. 7). With the waste 102 in the receptacle 109, the user inverts the plastic bag 58 so that the weight of the waste 102 pulls the inverted bag 58 through the aperture 108 (FIG. 8). The user then grips the inverted plastic bag 58 with their free hand 106 and pulls the bag 58 free from the scooper frame 76 (FIG. 9). In another embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a bag dispenser 110, similar to the bag dispenser 50 described above. The bag dispenser 110 includes a generally cylindrical housing 112 defining an inner cavity 114 for holding a roll 116 of plastic bags 118 within. The bags 118 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown). The housing 112 has an aperture 120 in a sidewall of the housing 112 which permits access to the inner cavity 114. The roll 116 of plastic bags 118 is disposed within the inner cavity 114 of the housing 112 such that the bags 118 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 120 in the housing 112. The roll 116 of plastic bags 118 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 114 through an upper open end (not shown) of the housing 112.

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PCT APP

A closure 122, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to the housing 112. The closure 122 encloses the upper open end of the housing 112. The closure 122 includes a generally circular flange 124 having a loop or bracket 126 extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 110 to a leash (not shown) or the like.

The housing 112 includes an upper annular flange 128 and a lower annular flange 130. Portions 132, 134 of the upper and lower annular flanges 128, 130 extend outwardly from the housing 112 in the same direction. A scooper frame 136 is pivotally connected to the housing 112 by a hinge 138 located on an elongated flange 140 extending from the housing 112 between the upper and lower annular flanges 128, 130. The scooper frame 136 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 118 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 118. The hinge 138 includes a hollow elongated tube 142 with two apertures 147, 149 on opposite ends of the tube 142 for receiving opposite ends 144, 146 of the frame 136 where the ends 144, 146 are held within the apertures 147, 149 by interference-fit. The scooper frame 136 is generally U-shaped with the ends 144, 146 directed towards each other to form a partially open-sided rectangle. The scooper frame 136 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like.

The frame 136 is preferably made of circular metal wire bent into the generally rectangular shape.

The scooper frame 136 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 112, between a storage position where the frame 136 is disposed about the housing 112 and an operative position where the frame 136 extends outwardly from the housing 112. The housing 112 retains the scooper frame 136 in the storage position using an interference-fit groove or detent 148 located on the closure 122 that is sized and shaped for receiving a portion 150 of the frame 136. The scooper frame 136 is not able to pivot beyond the operative position due to a stop 152 including an flange 154 extending outwardly from the hinge 138 and abutting against the elongated flange 140 extending from the housing 112 when the scooper frame 136 is in the operative position. As shown, there is only a single detent 148 on the closure

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^J PCT APP

122 on one side of the loop 126 but, alternatively, there could another detent on the opposite side of the loop 126 on the closure 122 to create an alternative storage position.

In the storage position, the frame 136 is interference-fit retained by the detent 148 when the frame 136 being disposed about the housing 112.

When the user is pivoting the frame 136 about the housing 112, the loop 126 extending away from the closure 122 prevents the frame 136 from pivoting completely around the housing 112. A user pulls on the frame 136 to release the portion 150 of the frame 136 from the detent 148 and pivots the frame 136 about the housing 112 approximately one hundred eighty degrees to the operative position where the user pivots the frame 136 to where the flange 154 of the stop 152 abuts the elongated flange 140. The scooper frame 136 is moved from the operative position to the storage position by reversing the steps described above. FIGS. 15-21 illustrate yet another embodiment ofthe present invention in the form of a bag dispenser 160, similar to the bag dispensers 50, 110 described above. The bag dispenser 160 includes a generally cylindrical housing 162 defining an inner cavity 164 for holding a roll 166 of plastic bags 168 within. The bags 168 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 162 has an aperture 170 in a sidewall of the housing 162 which permits access to the inner cavity 164. The roll 166 of plastic bags 168 is disposed within the inner cavity 164 of the housing 162 such that the bags 168 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 170 in the housing 162. The roll 166 of plastic bags 168 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 164 through an upper open end (not shown) of the housing 162.

A closure 172, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to the housing 162. The closure 172 encloses the upper open end of the housing 162. The closure 172 includes a generally circular flange 174 having a loop or bracket 176 extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 160 to a leash (not shown) or the like.

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~ ^{± l±} ~ PCTAPP

\

The housing 162 includes an upper annular flange 178 and a lower annular flange 180. Portions 182, 184 of the upper and lower annular flanges 178, 180 extend outwardly from the housing 162 in the same direction. A scooper frame 186 is pivotally connected to the housing 162. Each of the flanges 178, 180 includes a hook 188, 190 extending outwardly away from the flanges 178, 180. Each hook 188, 190 appears on the surface to be a closed loop but there is a small space 192 between each end 194, 196 of the hook 178, 180 and the respective flange 178, 180 to allow the hooks 188,

190 to engage openings 198, 200 on the scooper frame 186. The hooks 178, 180 are resilient enough to enlarge the space 192 sufficiently to allow thin portions 202, 204 of the scooper frame 186 disposed between the openings 198, 200 and an edge 206 of the scooper frame 186 to pass through the space 192 to the interior of a respective hook 178, 180 and then return the space 192 to its original size once the portions 202, 204 of the scooper frame 186 have passed through.

The scooper frame 186 is in the form of a curved flange. The scooper frame 186 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 168 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 168. The scooper frame 186 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like.

The scooper frame 186 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing

112, between a storage position where the scooper frame 186 is disposed about and envelopes a portion of the housing 162 and the closure 172, and an operative position where the frame 186 extends outwardly from the housing 162. The scooper frame 186 is not able to pivot beyond the operative position due to a side 208, 210 of each annular flange 178, 180 acting as a stop to limit pivotal movement of the scooper frame 186 beyond the operative position when the scooper frame 186 abuts against the flange edges 208, 210 in the operative position. The scooper frame 186 is moved from the operative position to the storage position by reversing the steps described above.

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^ ³ PCT APP

FIGS.22-24 illustrate still another embodiment of the present invention in the form of a bag dispenser 220, similar to the bag dispensers 50, 110, 160 described above. The bag dispenser 220 includes a generally cylindrical housing 222 defining an inner cavity 224 for holding a roll 226 of plastic bags 228 within. The bags 228 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 222 has an aperture 230 in a sidewall of the housing 222 which permits access to the inner cavity 224. The roll 226 of plastic bags 228 is disposed within the inner cavity 224 of the housing 222 such that the bags 228 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 230 in the housing 222. The roll 226 of plastic bags 228 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 224 through an upper open end (not shown) of the housing 222.

A closure 232, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to the housing 222. The closure 232 encloses the upper open end of the housing 222. The closure 232 includes a generally circular flange 234 having a loop or bracket 236 extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 220 to a leash (not shown) or the like.

The housing 222 includes an upper annular flange 238 and a lower annular flange 240. A pair of aligned, spaced apart side flanges 242, 244 are positioned on a side of the housing 222 between the upper and lower annular flanges 238, 240. The flanges 242, 244 extend outwardly from the housing 222 in the same direction. A scooper frame 246 is pivotally connected to the housing 222 by the flanges 242, 244. Each flange 242, 244 includes a snap- fit detent 248 engaging a side 250 of the scooper frame 246. The retention of the scooper frame 246 within the detents 248 allows the scooper frame to pivot relative to the housing 222. The scooper frame 246 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 228 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 228. The scooper frame 246 is generally rectangular. The scooper frame 246 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic

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^{± O} PCTAPP

^• or the like. The frame 246 is preferably made of circular metal wire bent into the generally rectangular shape.

The scooper frame 246 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 222, between a storage position where the frame 246 is disposed about the housing 222 and an operative position where the frame 246 extends outwardly from the housing 222. The housing 222 retains the scooper frame 246 in the storage position using an interference-fit groove or detent 252 located on the closure 232 that is sized and shaped for receiving a portion 254 of the frame 246. The scooper frame 246 is not able to pivot beyond the operative position due to a stop 256 that extends from each side flange 242,

244. Each stop 256 includes an L-shaped flange 258 extending outwardly from side flange 242, 244 towards and beyond the annular flanges 238, 240 with a short leg 260 of the L-shape extending outwardly from the housing 222. The L-shape of the stop 256 matches the general shape and location of a portion 262, 264 of the frame 246 with the frame 246 abutting against the

L-shaped flanges 258 when the scooper frame 246 is in the operative position. As shown, there is only a single detent 252 on the closure 232 on one side of the loop 236 but, alternatively, there could another detent on the opposite side of the loop 236 on the closure 232 to create an alternative storage position. In another alternative, each L-shaped flange 258 may include a snap-fit detent located at the end of the short leg 260 for retaining the frame 246 in the operative position.

In the storage position, the frame 136 is interference-fit retained by the detent 252 when the frame 246 being disposed about the housing 222. When the user is pivoting the frame 246 about the housing 222, the loop 246 extending away from the closure 232 prevents the frame 246 from pivoting completely around the housing 222. A user pulls on the frame 246 to release the portion 254 of the frame 246 from the detent 252 and pivots the frame 246 about the housing 222 approximately one hundred eighty degrees to the operative position where the frame 246 abuts the stop 256. The scooper frame 246 is moved from the operative position to the storage position by reversing the steps described above.

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^X ' PCT APP

As shown in FIGS. 25-29, a further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the form of a bag dispenser 270, similar to the bag dispensers 50, 110, 160, 220 described above. The bag dispenser 270 includes a generally cylindrical housing 272 defining an inner cavity 274 for holding a roll 276 of plastic bags 278 within. The bags 278 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 272 has an aperture 280 in a sidewall of the housing 272 which permits access to the inner cavity 274. The roll 276 of plastic bags 278 is disposed within the inner cavity 274 of the housing 272 such that the bags 278 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 280 in the housing 272. The roll 276 of plastic bags 278 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 274 through an upper open end (not shown) of the housing 272.

A closure 282, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to the housing 272. The closure 282 encloses the upper open end of the housing 272. The closure 282 includes a generally circular flange 284 having a loop or bracket 286 extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 270 to a leash (not shown) or the like.

The housing 222 includes an upper annular flange 288 and a lower annular flange 290. A portion 292 of the lower annular flange 290 extends outwardly away from the housing 272. A side flange 294 extends outwardly from the housing 272 on a side of the housing 272 between the upper and lower annular flanges 288, 290.

A scooper frame 296 is pivotally connected to the housing 272 at the portion 292 of the lower annular flange 290. The scooper frame 296 is movable between a folded position (FIGS. 25-27) and an unfolded position (FIGS. 28-29). When the scooper frame 296 is in the unfolded position, the scooper frame 296 is, overall, generally rectangular in shape if not a perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 296 shown in FIGS. 25-29 is hexagonal). The scooper frame 296 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like.

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^{X O} PCT APP

The frame 296 is preferably made of circular metal rods bent into the desired shape.

The scooper frame 296 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 272, between a storage position where the frame 296 is disposed about the housing 272 and an operative position where the frame 296 extends outwardly from an end of the housing 272. The housing 272 retains the scooper frame 296 in the storage position using a pair of interference-fit grooves or detents 300 located on the closure 282, on either side of the loop 286, that are sized and shaped for receiving portions 302, 304 of the frame 296.

The side flange 294 includes a pair of snap-fit interference detents 306 engaging portions 308 of the scooper frame 296 when the scooper frame is pivoted from the storage position, where the scooper frame 296 is folded, to an intermediate position where the scooper frame 296 extends away from the housing 272 and the detents 306 engage portions 308 of the scooper frame

296 to hold the scooper frame 296 in the intermediate position so that the scooper frame 296 may be unfolded. A pair of spring-loaded pins (not shown), located on a flange portion 298 of the scooper frame 296, extend through a respective pair of apertures (not shown) within the portion 292 of the lower annular flange 290 in order to allow the scooper frame 296 to pivot between the storage and intermediate positions. The scooper frame 296 includes two mirror image halves 312, 314 connected by hinges 316, 318 at each end of the halves 312, 314. An end of one of the hinges 318 is connected to the flange portion 298 of the scooper frame 296. In the storage position, the frame 296 is interference-fit retained by the detents 300 when the frame 296 being disposed about the housing 272. A user pulls on the frame 296 to release the portions 302 of the frame 296 from the detents 300 and pivots the frame 296 about the housing 272 approximately one hundred eighty degrees to the intermediate position where the scooper frame 296 engages the detents 306 of _t the side flange 294.

The retention of the scooper frame 296 within the detents 306 of the side flange 294 allows the scooper frame 296 to be unfolded. The user pivots the halves 312, 314 of the housing 272 relative to each other until the

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PCT APP

scooper frame 296 is in the unfolded, operative position. The scooper frame 296 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 278 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 278. The scooper frame 296 is moved from the operative position to the storage position by reversing the steps described above.

The construction of the hinges 316, 318 prevents the halves 312, 314 of the scooper frame 246 from being able to pivotally unfold beyond the operative position.

An additional embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIGS. 30-34, is in the form of a bag dispenser 320, similar to the bag dispensers 50,

110, 160, 220, 270 described above. The bag dispenser 320 includes a generally cylindrical housing 322 defining an inner cavity 324 for holding a roll 326 of plastic bags 328 within. The bags 328 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown). The housing 322 has an aperture 330 in a sidewall of the housing 322 which permits access to the inner cavity 324. The roll 326 of plastic bags 328 is disposed within the inner cavity 324 of the housing 322 such that the bags 328 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 330 in the housing 322. The roll 326 of plastic bags 328 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 324 through an upper open end (not shown) of the housing 322.

A closure 332, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to the housing 322. The closure 332 encloses the upper open end of the housing 322. The closure 332 includes a generally circular flange 334 having a loop or bracket 336 extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 320 to a leash (not shown) or the like.

The housing 322 includes an upper annular flange 338 and a lower annular flange 340. A portion 342 of the lower annular flange 340 extending outwardly away from the housing 322 includes a slot 344 for receiving a scooper frame 346 that detachably connects to the housing 272 at the portion

342 of the lower annular flange 340. The scooper frame 346 is movable between a folded position (FIGS. 30-33) and an unfolded position (FIGS. 33- 34). When the scooper frame 346 is in the unfolded position, the scooper

90 EDWARD-røiβ

^{Z U} ~ PCTAPP

frame 346 is, overall, generally rectangular in shape if not a perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 346 shown in FIGS. 30-34 is hexagonal). The scooper frame 346 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like. The frame 346 is preferably made of circular metal rods or wire bent into the desired shape.

The scooper frame 346 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 272, between a storage position where the frame 346 is disposed about the housing 322 and an operative position where the frame 346 extends outwardly from an end of the housing 322. The housing 322 retains the scooper frame 346 in the storage position using a pair of interference-fit grooves or detents 348 located on the closure 332, on either side of the loop 336, that are sized and shaped for receiving portions 350, 352 of the frame 346. A pair of side flanges 354, 356 extend outwardly from the housing 322 on a side of the housing 232 between the upper and lower annular flanges 338, 340. Each side flange 354, 356 includes a snap-fit interference groove or detent 358 engaging portions 360, 362 of the scooper frame 346 when the scooper frame 346 is pivoted from the storage position, where the scooper frame 346 is folded, to an intermediate position where the scooper frame 346 extends away from the housing 322 and is detached from the housing 322 so that the scooper frame 346 can then be unfolded and the user positions portions 360, 362 of the scooper frame 296 to engage the detents 358 to hold the unfolded scooper frame 346 in the operative position. A pair of pins 366 located on sides of a flange portion 364 of the scooper frame 346 slidingly engage a respective pair of grooves 368 within the slot 344 of the portion 342 of the lower annular flange 340 when the scooper frame 346 is inserted into the slot 344. Conversely, the pins 366 disengage from the grooves 368 when the scooper frame 346 is slidingly disengaged from the slot 344. The scooper frame 346 includes two mirror image halves 370, 372 connected by hinges 374, 376 at each end of the halves 370, 372. An end of one of the hinges 374 is connected to the flange portion 364 of the scooper frame 346. In the storage position, the frame 346 is interference-fit retained by the

9 1 _ EDWARD-47218

^ ^x PCTAPP

detents 348 when the frame 346 being disposed about the housing 322. A user pulls on the frame 346 to release the portions 350, 352 of the frame 346 from the detents 348 and pivots the frame 346 about the housing 322 approximately one hundred eighty degrees to the intermediate position where the scooper frame 346 can be disengaged from the housing 322.

After the scooper frame 346 is released from the housing 322, the scooper frame 346 is unfolded. Alternatively, the scooper frame 346 can be unfolded while still engaging the housing 322. The user unfolds the scooper frame 346 by pivoting the halves 370, 372 of the housing 322 relative to each other until the scooper frame 346 is unfolded. The user then engages the portions 360, 362 of the scooper frame 346 to the snap-fit interference detents 358 of the side flanges 354, 356 to place the scooper frame 346 in the operative position. The scooper frame 296 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 278 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 278. The scooper frame 346 is moved from the operative position to the storage position by reversing the steps described above.

The construction of the hinges 374, 376 prevents the halves 370, 372 of the scooper frame 346 from being able to pivotally unfold beyond the unfolded position.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36, a leash assembly 380 comprises the combination of a retractable leash device 382 with a pet refuse bag dispenser 390. The leash device 382 includes a leash housing 384 from which a retractable leash 386 extends. A handle 388 is formed with the leash housing

384 as is the bag dispenser 390. The dispenser 390 includes a generally cylindrical housing 392 defining an inner cavity 394 for holding a roll 396 of plastic bags 398 within. The bags 398 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown). The housing 392 has an aperture 400 in a sidewall of the housing 392 which permits access to the inner cavity 394. The roll 396 of plastic bags 398 is disposed within the inner cavity 394 of the housing 392 such that the bags 398 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 400 in the

9 o EDWARD-47218

^{Λ Λ} PCTAPP

housing 392. The roll 396 of plastic bags 398 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 394 through an open end (not shown) of the housing 392.

A closure 402, in the form of a threaded removable cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to the housing 392. The closure 402 encloses the upper open end of the housing 392 but provides access to the inner cavity 394 of the bag dispenser 390 when removed. A cord 404 or the like is interconnected between the closure 402 and the handle 388 so that the closure 402 does not fall to the ground when the closure 402 is removed to install a replacement roll 396 of bags 398.

The tubular axle (not shown) is insertable into one end of the inner cavity 394 through the upper open end (not shown)covered by the closure 402 and supported within the cavity 394 by an axle guide (not shown). A spring-loaded pin (not shown) is also provided within the inner cavity 394 and supported by the closure 402 to engage the tubular axle. This spring-loaded system keeps the roll 396 in place and allows the bag roll 396 to spin when removing a bag 398 through the aperture 400 formed in the side wall of the housing 392. The particular construction of the dispenser 390 facilitates easy removal of the bags 398 therefrom by maintaining the axis of rotation of the roll 396 in a central position within the inner cavity 394.

In the alternative, the bag dispenser 390 can be removably attached to the base of the handle 388. For example, a clamp (not shown) having an open faced channel (not shown) and grooves (not shown) opposing one another on lateral sides of the channel which is attached to or formed with the base of the handle 388. A rail (not shown) configured to mate with the open faced channel and grooves is formed or otherwise attached to the top portion of the bag dispenser 390. More particularly, the rail comprises a segment (not shown) extending upwardly from the top of the bag dispenser 390 and having flanges (not shown) extending outwardly at opposing lateral sides of the segment. The flanges are configured to slide into the grooves of the clamp, resulting in the upper face of the segment lying flush within the open faced channel of the clamp. The rail is frictionally fit within the clamp and is

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^ ^J ~ PCTAPP

slidable into or slidable out of the clamp so as to attach or remove the dispenser 390 from the retractable leash handle 388.

A scooper frame 406 is pivotally connected to a side of the leash housing 384. The scooper frame 406 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 384, between a storage position where the frame 406 is disposed within a recess 408 of the housing 384, sized and shaped to interference-fit engage the sides of the frame 406, and an operative position where the frame 406 extends outwardly from the side of the housing 384. The scooper frame is, overall, generally rectangular in shape if not a perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 406 shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 is octagonal). The scooper frame 406 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like. The frame 406 is preferably made of circular metal rods or wire bent into the desired shape. The scooper frame 406 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 398 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 398.

The scooper frame 406 includes a cylindrical base 410 having a central cylindrical bore 412. The base 410 of the scooper frame 406 is held within a section 414 of the recess 408 by a pin 416 extending through the central bore 412 of the base 410 of the scooper frame 406. The pin 416 engages apertures (not shown) located on opposite sides of the section 414 of the recess 408. The engagement of the pin 416 and bore 412 allows the scooper frame 406 to pivot relative to the leash housing 384.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, a leash assembly 420 comprises the combination of a retractable leash device 422 with a pet refuse bag dispenser 430. The leash device 422 includes a leash housing 424 from which a retractable leash 426 extends. A leash handle 428 is formed with the leash housing 424 as is the bag dispenser 430. The dispenser 430 includes a generally cylindrical housing 432 defining an inner cavity 434 for holding a roll

436 of plastic bags 438 within. The bags 438 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

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^ ^ PCTAPP

The housing 432 has an aperture 440 in a sidewall of the housing 432 which permits access to the inner cavity 434. The roll 436 of plastic bags 438 is disposed within the inner cavity 434 of the housing 432 such that the bags

438 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 440 in the housing 432. The roll 436 of plastic bags 438 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 434 through an open end (not shown) of the housing 432. A closure 442, in the form of a threaded removable cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to the housing 432. The closure 442 encloses the upper open end of the housing 432 but provides access to the inner cavity 434 of the bag dispenser 430 when removed. A cord 444 or the like is interconnected between the closure 442 and the leash handle 428 so that the closure 442 does not fall to the ground when the closure 442 is removed to install a replacement roll 436 of bags 438.

The tubular axle (not shown) is insertable into one end of the inner cavity 434 through the upper open end (not shown)covered by the closure 442 and supported within the cavity 434 by an axle guide (not shown). A spring-loaded pin (not shown) is also provided within the inner cavity 434 and supported by the closure 442 to engage the tubular axle. This spring-loaded system keeps the roll 436 in place and allows the bag roll 436 to spin when removing a bag 438 through the aperture 440 formed in the side wall of the housing 432. The particular construction of the dispenser 430 facilitates easy removal of the bags 438 therefrom by maintaining the axis of rotation of the roll 436 in a central position within the inner cavity 434.

In the alternative, the bag dispenser 430 can be removably attached to the base of the handle 428. For example, a clamp (not shown) having an open faced channel (not shown) and grooves (not shown) opposing one another on lateral sides of the channel which is attached to or formed with the base of the handle 428. A rail (not shown) configured to mate with the open faced channel and grooves is formed or otherwise attached to the top portion of the bag dispenser 430. More particularly, the rail comprises a segment

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^{3 "} PCT APP

(not shown) extending upwardly from the top of the bag dispenser 430 and having flanges (not shown) extending outwardly at opposing lateral sides of the segment. The flanges are configured to slide into the grooves of the clamp, resulting in the upper face of the segment lying flush within the open faced channel of the clamp. The rail is frictionally fit within the clamp and is slidable into or slidable out of the clamp so as to attach or remove the dispenser 430 from the retractable leash handle 388.

A scooper frame 446 is detachably connected to a side of the leash housing 424. The scooper frame 446 detachable from a storage position on the leash housing 424 where a recess (not shown) on a rectangular base handle 448 of the frame 446 is sized and shaped to interference-fit a rectangular flange 450 extending from a side of the leash housing 424 so that the engagement of the base 448 and the flange 450 retains the scooper frame 446 on the housing 424. When the frame 446 is disengaged from the side of the housing 424, the user holds the freed frame 446 by the base handle 448 in an operative position as the scooper frame 446 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 438 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 438. The scooper frame 446 may be placed back in the storage position by engaging the recess of the base 448 with the flange 450. The scooper frame 446 is, overall, generally rectangular in shape if not a perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 446 shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 is octagonal). The scooper frame 446 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like. The frame 446 is preferably made of circular metal rods or wire bent into the desired shape.

In accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 39, a leash assembly 460 comprises the combination of a retractable leash device 462 with a pet refuse bag dispenser 470. The leash device 462 includes a leash housing 464 from which a retractable leash 466 extends. A leash handle 468 is formed with the leash housing 464 as is the bag dispenser 470. The dispenser 470 includes a generally cylindrical housing 472 defining an inner cavity 474 for holding a roll 476 of plastic bags

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^ ^D PGT APP

478 within. The bags 478 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 472 has an aperture 480 in a sidewall of the housing 472 which permits access to the inner cavity 474. The roll 476 of plastic bags 478 is disposed within the inner cavity 474 of the housing 472 such that the bags

478 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 480 in the housing 472. The roll 476 of plastic bags 478 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 474 through an open end (not shown) of the housing 472. A closure 482, in the form of a threaded removable cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to the housing 472. The closure 482 encloses the upper open end of the housing 472 but provides access to the inner cavity 474 of the bag dispenser 470 when removed. A cord 484 or the like is interconnected between the closure 482 and the leash handle 468 so that the closure 482 does not fall to the ground when the closure 482 is removed to install a replacement roll 476 of bags 478.

The tubular axle (not shown) is insertable into one end of the inner cavity 474 through the upper open end (not shown) covered by the closure 482 and supported within the cavity 474 by an axle guide (not shown). A spring-loaded pin (not shown) is also provided within the inner cavity 474 and supported by the closure 482 to engage the tubular axle. This spring-loaded system keeps the roll 476 in place and allows the bag roll 476 to spin when removing a bag 478 through the aperture 480 formed in the side wall of the housing 472. The particular construction of the dispenser 470 facilitates easy removal of the bags 478 therefrom by maintaining the axis of rotation of the roll 476 in a central position within the inner cavity 474.

In the alternative, the bag dispenser 470 can be removably attached to the base of the leash handle 468. For example, a clamp (not shown) having an open faced channel (not shown) and grooves (not shown) opposing one another on lateral sides of the channel which is attached to or formed with the base of the handle 468. A rail (not shown) configured to mate with the open faced channel and grooves is formed or otherwise attached to the top portion of the bag dispenser 470. More particularly, the

0 7 _ EDWARD-47218

^ ' PCTAPP

rail comprises a segment (not shown) extending upwardly from the top of the bag dispenser 470 and having flanges (not shown) extending outwardly at opposing lateral sides of the segment. The flanges are configured to slide into the grooves of the clamp, resulting in the upper face of the segment lying flush within the open faced channel of the clamp. The rail is frictionally fit within the clamp and is slidable into or slidable out of the clamp so as to attach or remove the dispenser 470 from the retractable leash handle 468.

A scooper frame 486 is holstered in a side pocket 488 of the leash housing 464. The scooper frame 486 is removable from a storage position within the side pocket 488 on the leash housing 464 that is sized and shaped to receive the scooper frame 486. A rectangular base handle 490 of the frame 486 extends from the side pocket 488 so that the scooper frame 486 may be grabbed by a user. When the frame 486 is removed from the side pocket 488 of the housing 464, the user holds the freed frame 486 by the base handle 490 in an operative position as the scooper frame 486 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 478 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 478. The scooper frame 486 may be placed back in the storage position sliding the scooper frame 486 into the side pocket 488. The scooper frame 486 is, overall, generally rectangular in shape if not a perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 486 shown in FIG.

39 is octagonal with the side pocket 488 sized and shaped to match the shape of the frame 486). The scooper frame 486 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like. The frame 486 is preferably made of circular metal rods or wire bent into the desired shape.

An additional embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 40, is in the form of a bag dispenser 500, similar to the bag dispensers 50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320 described above. The bag dispenser 500 includes a generally cylindrical housing 502 defining an inner cavity 504 for holding a roll 506 of plastic bags 508 within. The bags 508 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

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^Λ ° PCT APP

The housing 502 has an aperture 510 in a sidewall of the housing 502 which permits access to the inner cavity 504. The roll 506 of plastic bags 508 is disposed within the inner cavity 504 of the housing 502 such that the bags 508 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 510 in the housing 502. The roll 506 of plastic bags 508 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 504 through an upper open end (not shown) of the housing 502.

A closure 512, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to an end 514 of the housing 502. The closure 512 encloses the upper open end of the housing 502. The closure 502 includes a generally circular flange

516 having a pair of loops or brackets 518 extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 500 to a leash (not shown) or the like using a tie 520.

A scooper frame 526 is connected to, and extends away from, an end 522 of the housing 502 opposite the end 514 that the closure 512 is located on. The scooper frame 526 is, overall, generally rectangular in shape if not a perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 526 shown in FIG. 40 is octagonal). The scooper frame 526 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like. The frame 526 is preferably made of circular metal rods or wire bent into the desired shape. The scooper frame 526 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 508 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 508.

In an alternative embodiment, the scooper frame 526 may be connected to an end of an elongated handle instead of the bag dispenser

500. The pair of loops or brackets 518 may extending upwardly and outwardly from an opposite side of the elongated hand to provide a means of connecting the handle to a leash (not shown), harness (not shown) or the like using a tie 520. In another alternative, only a single loop may extend from the end of the handle for connecting the handle to a leash (not shown), harness (not shown) or the like. The handle may be generally rectangular, cylindrical or the like in shape. The handle may also include a rubber grip to aid a user in holding the handle.

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^ PCTAPP

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 41 and 42, a bag dispenser 530, similar to the bag dispensers 50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320, 500 described above. The bag dispenser 530 includes a generally cylindrical housing 532 defining an inner cavity 534 for holding a roll

536 of plastic bags 538 within. The bags 538 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 532 has an aperture 540 in a sidewall of the housing 532 which permits access to the inner cavity 534. The roll 536 of plastic bags 538 is disposed within the inner cavity 534 of the housing 532 such that the bags

538 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 540 in the housing 532. The roll 536 of plastic bags 538 may be inserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 534 through an upper open end (not shown) of the housing 532. A closure 542, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fit connected to an end 544 of the housing 532. The closure 542 encloses the upper open end of the housing 532. The closure 542 includes a generally circular flange 546 having a loop or bracket 548 extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 530 to a leash (not shown) or the like.

The housing 532 includes an upper annular flange 550 and a lower annular flange 552. A generally U-shaped scooper frame 556 is of unitary construction with the annular flanges 550, 552 and the curve of the U-shaped scooper frame 556 extends outwardly from the housing 532. The scooper frame 556 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 538 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 538. The scooper frame 556 may be made from a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like.

The bag dispensers 50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320, 500, 530, leash assemblies 380, 420, 460, and their various components may be made of a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal, plastic or the like.

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PCT APP

The bag dispenser 50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320, 500, 530 is intended to be utilized in connection with a collar, harness or a leash device (not shown) commonly utilized when walking one's pet. The bag dispenser 50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320, 500, 530 may also be attached to a key chain (not shown) or the like. The leash device may be simple leather or chain leash or a leash device that incorporates a retractable leash that extends from a housing.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

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^{O X} PCT APP