ANIMAL WASTE COLLECTOR Field

The present invention relates to animal waste collectors of the kind adapted to scoop pet f eces , typically of a dog or cat, known generically under the name pooper scooper.

Background to the Invention

Pooper scoopers of many different configurations and features have been previously described in the patent literature. Representative examples are found in US patents 4,186,955; 4,272,116; 4,865,371; 4,878,703;

6,062,618 and Australian patent publication 2005100427. While several prior pooper scoopers have been designed to receive disposable bags to allow scooping of the waste directly into the bag, there is a need for alternative designs that are simple, durable, hygienic and easy to operate .

Summary of the Invention

According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided an animal waste collector, having a handle for a user to hold during collection and a frame attached to the handle at a distal end of the handle, wherein the frame comprises

a base;

a front opening for holding a bag open on its side on the base during collection so that the waste can be scooped into the bag through the front opening and rest inside the bag on the base; and a rear opening for allowing the bag to be dropped into a waste bin during disposal when the frame is held above the bin with the rear opening facing downwards . In one embodiment, the frame base is a flat rigid sheet of metal or plastic. The frame may be composed of sheet metal panels forming the base, two sides and a top in a box shape, and the handle may be attached, preferably rigidly, to the top panel . The frame may further comprise at least one attachment on the frame for holding the bag in place during collection, such as a hook.

In one embodiment, the animal waste collector further comprises a dedicated scoop and has a clip on the handle of the collector for storage of the scoop.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention from a front perspective, including frame, handle and scoop;

Figure 2 shows a rear perspective of the frame of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the frame of the embodiment of Figure 1 , with disposable plastic bag lining the opening.

Detailed Description of an embodiment Referring first to Figure 1, animal waste collector 1 includes a detachable steel scoop 2 that is clipped onto steel handle 4 by ring clip 3 when in storage. Steel handle 4 is bent to a right angle at a distal end, strengthened with a punch indent in the outside of the bend, and attached to frame 5 with two rivets 6 at an appropriate position on top panel 10 for good balance in use. Frame 5 comprises a front opening formed by front edges of top panel 10 , side panels 8 and 9 , and base 7. Outer face of side panel 8 contains a bag hook 11 to assist in securing a disposable bag.

Referring now to Figure 2, showing a rear perspective of frame 5, another hook 12 on the other side panel can be seen, together with rear opening 13 bounded by rear edges of the panels. The frame may be conveniently constructed from folding and welding a single panel of steel , and welding on hooks 11 and 12. Alternatively the hooks could be stamped out of the panel . Frame 5 has a powder coated finish.

Referring now to Figure 3, the front perspective of frame 5 is shown with a plastic disposable bag 14 held open by the front opening, and held in place by hooking the handles of the bag around the hooks. The bag may be specially sized and designed, but in this embodiment is one of the standard bag shopping bags commonly available. Paper or biodegradable bags are also clearly usable.

In use, scoop 2 is held in one hand by the user and collector handle 4 held in the other hand. Frame 5 may be rested on its base 7 next to the animal waste and the scoop 2 used to direct the waste through the front opening and onto base 7, inside plastic bag 14. When appropriate, bag 14 may be disposed of into a waste bin by the user simply lifting the collector so that the frame 5 is above the bin, with rear opening 13 facing down, and unhooking plastic bag 14 from hooks 11 and 12, whereby bag 14 may be dropped through rear opening 13 and into the bin. By ensuring that the only contact of the waste is the inside of the bag and detachment and disposal is convenient, hygiene is improved. Also, in this embodiment the top and side panels improve the aesthetic appeal and hide the waste from view as soon as collected.

Another or an alternative advantage of rear opening 13 is that the collector cannot be used without a bag,

preventing unhygienic spoiling of the collector with the animal waste.

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, although not preferred, in a broad aspect handle 4 may be non- hinged or otherwise non-rigid at its attachment point to frame 5 rather than rigidly attached. Further, attachment means other than hooks could be used to help secure the bag. Further still, the frame need not be made from solid panels and can in part or in whole have an open construction and not necessarily box-shaped. In a minimal configuration, the frame can be formed from a base and border elements to define an opening for holding the open bag, and the rear opening can be trivially defined by the base and absence of other panel edges at the rear. In the claims which follow and in the preceding

description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.