JOINTED SANITARY SYSTEM AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of co pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/746,435, filed 12 December 2012 (Agent Docket No. JAS2(P)), and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/765,271, filed 15 February 2013 (Agent Docket No. JAS3(P)), each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The disclosure relates to the field of sanitary systems.

[0003] Generally, sanitary systems attempt to improve the conditions that aid in protecting the health of an individual and/or group. More in particular, sanitary systems address precautions against disease, cleanliness, and/or the like.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, a system may include a scoop, and a handle including a cavity to carry a bag. The system may also include a user-positioned joint to join the handle to the scoop.

[0005] The bag may be deployed for use out of the handle's end closest to the user-positioned joint. The user-positioned joint may comprise a hinged joint, a snap joint, a hook and loop joint, and/or a sliding joint.

[0006] The handle may be joined to the scoop by the user at the user-positioned joint. The handle may be positioned into the scoop by the user manipulating the user-positioned joint.

[ 0007 ] The user-positioned joint may fixedly position the handle with respect to the scoop in a deployed position, and positions the handle adjacent the scoop in a storage position. The bag may be positioned over the scoop without the bag being separated from the handle.

[ 0008 ] The bag may comprise a plurality of bags, and one of the plurality of bags being used may exit the plurality of bags from the plurality of bags' center. The scoop and/or the bag are sized based upon a user selected job requirement.

[ 0009 ] Another aspect is a method, which may include fixedly positioning a scoop in relation to a handle via a user-positioned joint. The method may also include covering the scoop with a bag deployed from the handle.

[ 0010 ] The method may further include deploying the bag for use out of the handle's end closest to the user- positioned joint. The method may additionally include positioning the handle into the scoop by the user manipulating the user-positioned joint.

[ 0011 ] The method may also include positioning the bag over the scoop without the bag being separated from the handle. The bag may comprise a plurality of bags, and the method may further include arranging one of the plurality of bags to exit the plurality of bags from the plurality of bags' center.

[ 0012 ] The method may additionally include providing a user different sized scoop and bag to match a user selected job requirement. The method may also include fixedly positioning the handle with respect to the scoop via the user-positioned joint in a deployed position, and positioning the handle adjacent the scoop in a storage position.

[ 0013 ] The method may further include joining the handle to the scoop by the user at the user-positioned joint. The method may additionally include making the user-positioned joint from at least one of a hinged joint, a snap joint, a hook and loop joint, and a sliding joint.

[ 0014 ] In another embodiment, the system may include a scoop, and a handle. The system may also include a user- positioned joint to join the handle to the scoop during use, and where the scoop is removed from the handle after use. The scoop may be disposed of after use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[ 0015 ] FIG. 1 is a top-view illustration of a sanitary system in accordance with various embodiments.

[ 0016 ] FIG. 2 is a top-view illustration with the end cap of FIG. 1 installed.

[ 0017 ] FIG. 3 is a top-view illustration of FIG. 1 with the handle rotating with respect to the scoop.

[ 0018 ] FIG. 4 is a top-view illustration of FIG. 1 where the handle is adjacent the scoop.

[ 0019 ] FIG. 5 is a top-view illustration of an example of how bags are loaded into the handle of FIG. 1.

[ 0020 ] FIG. 6 is an end-view illustration of FIG. 1 including a clip loop. [ 0021 ] FIG. 7 is a top-view illustration of the user- positioned joint attaching the handle to the scoop of FIG. 1.

[ 0022 ] FIG. 8 is a top-view illustration of FIG. 1 including the bag.

[ 0023 ] FIG. 9 is a top-view illustration of FIG. 8 where the handle is adjacent the scoop.

[ 0024 ] FIG. 10 is a side-view illustration of an alternative sanitary system in accordance with various embodiments.

[ 0025 ] FIG. 11 is a top-view illustration of the sanitary system of FIG. 10 with the bag partially deployed.

[ 0026 ] FIG. 12 is a side-view illustration of FIG. 10 with the bag deployed.

[ 0027 ] FIG. 13 is a top-view illustration of FIG. 10 with the scoop manipulating the target.

[ 0028 ] FIG. 14 is a top-view illustration of FIG. 13 with the scoop lifting the target.

[ 0029 ] FIG. 15 is a top-view illustration of FIG. 14 with a user being to cover the target with the bag.

[ 0030 ] FIG. 16 is a top-view illustration of FIG. 15 with the target inside the bag.

[ 0031 ] FIG. 17 is a top-view illustration of FIG. 16 with the bag removed from the sanitary system.

[ 0032 ] FIG. 18 is a side-view illustration of an alternative sanitary system in accordance with various embodiments. [ 0033 ] FIG. 19 is a side-view illustration of Fig. 18 being used to approach a target .

[ 0034 ] FIG. 20 is a front-view of Fig. 18 illustrating the handle being ;joined to the scoop.

[ 0035 ] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to various embodiments.

[ 0036 ] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 21.

[ 0037 ] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 21.

[ 0038 ] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 21.

[ 0039 ] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 21.

[ 0040 ] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 21.

[ 0041 ] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 21.

[ 0042 ] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 21.

[ 0043 ] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[ 0044 ] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[ 0045 ] With reference now to Figs. 1-7, a sanitary system 10 is initially described. In one embodiment, the system 10 includes a scoop 12, and a handle 14 including a cavity 16 to carry a bag 18. The system 10 also includes a user-positioned joint 20 to join the handle 14 to the scoop 12.

[0046] In one embodiment, the handle 14 includes an end cap 15, a clip hook 13, and/or an eyelet 17. In another embodiment, the eyelet 17 controls how the bag 18 exits the handle 14.

[0047] With additional reference to Figs. 8-11 and in one embodiment, the bag 18 is deployed for use out of the handle's 14 end closest to the user-positioned joint 20. In another embodiment, the user-positioned joint 20 comprises a hinged joint (exemplarily shown in Figs. 1- 9) , a snap joint (exemplarily shown in Figs. 10-11), a hook and loop joint (not shown) , and/or a sliding joint (exemplarily shown in Figs. 18-20) .

[0048] With additional reference to Figs. 18-20 and in one embodiment, the handle 14 is joined to the scoop 12 by the user 22 at the user-positioned joint 20. In another embodiment, the handle 14 is positioned into the scoop 12 by the user 22 manipulating the user-positioned joint 20.

[0049] In one embodiment, the user-positioned joint 20 fixedly positions the handle 14 with respect to the scoop 12 in a deployed position, and positions the handle adjacent the scoop in a storage position. With additional reference to Fig. 12 and in another embodiment, the bag 18 is positioned over the scoop 12 without the bag being separated from the handle 14. [ 0050 ] With additional reference to Figs. 10-17 and in one embodiment, the deployment of the bag 18 and one use of system 10 is illustrated. In other words, Figs. 10-17 are a sequence of related figures starting at Fig. 10 and ending at Fig. 17.

[ 0051 ] In one embodiment, the bag 18 comprises a plurality of bags 24, and one of the plurality of bags being used may exit the plurality of bags from the plurality of bags' center. In another embodiment, the scoop 12 and/or the bag 18 is sized based upon a user 22 selected job requirement. In other words, a small scoop 12 and bag 18 for a small dog, a large scoop and bag for a large dog, and so on, for example.

[ 0052 ] Another aspect is a method, which is now described with reference to flowchart 30 of FIG. 21. The method begins at Block 32 and may include fixedly positioning a scoop in relation to a handle via a user- positioned joint at Block 34. The method may also include covering the scoop with a bag deployed from the handle at Block 36. The method ends at Block 38.

[ 0053 ] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 40 of FIG. 22, the method begins at Block 42. The method may include the steps of FIG. 21 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include deploying the bag for use out of the handle's end closest to the user-positioned joint at Block 44. The method ends at Block 46.

[ 0054 ] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 48 of FIG. 23, the method begins at Block 50. The method may include the steps of FIG. 21 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include positioning the handle into the scoop by the user manipulating the user-positioned joint at Block 52. The method ends at Block 54.

[0055] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 56 of FIG. 24, the method begins at Block 58. The method may include the steps of FIG. 21 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include positioning the bag over the scoop without the bag being separated from the handle at Block 60. The method ends at Block 62.

[0056] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 64 of FIG. 25, the method begins at Block 66. The method may include the steps of FIG. 21 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include the bag comprising a plurality of bags, and the method may further include arranging one of the plurality of bags to exit the plurality of bags from the plurality of bags' center at Block 68. The method ends at Block 70.

[0057] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 72 of FIG. 26, the method begins at Block 74. The method may include the steps of FIG. 21 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include providing a user different sized scoop and bag to match a user selected job requirement at Block 76. The method ends at Block 78. [0058] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 80 of FIG. 27, the method begins at Block 82. The method may include the steps of FIG. 21 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include fixedly positioning the handle with respect to the scoop via the user-positioned joint in a deployed position, and positioning the handle adjacent the scoop in a storage position at Block 84. The method ends at Block 86.

[0059] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 88 of FIG. 28, the method begins at Block 90. The method may include the steps of FIG. 21 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include joining the handle to the scoop by the user at the user-positioned joint at Block 92. The method ends at Block 94.

[0060] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 96 of FIG. 29, the method begins at Block 98. The method may include the steps of FIG. 21 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include making the user-positioned joint from at least one of a hinged joint, a snap joint, a hook and loop joint, and a sliding joint at Block 100. The method ends at Block 102.

[0061] With additional reference to Figs 18-20 and in another embodiment, the system 10 includes a scoop 12, and a handle 14. The system 10 also includes a user- positioned joint 20 to join the handle 14 to the scoop 12 during use, and where the scoop is removed from the handle after use. In one embodiment, the scoop 12 is disposed of after use.

[ 0062 ] In one embodiment, the scoop 18 is used to aid in moving a target 19 into the bag 18. The target 19 comprises food products, medical products, animal waste, medical waste, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the scoop 12 includes a shovel edge to aid in loading the target 19. In other words the scoop 12 has a shape similar to a shovel such as square edge, pointed edge, and/or the like.

[ 0063 ] In one embodiment, the bag 18 and/or the scoop 12 comprises a liquid resistant material. For example, the bag 18 and/or the scoop 12 comprises plastic, waxed paper, coated fiberboard, and/or the like.

[ 0064 ] In one embodiment, the scoop 12 is at least 1 inch to 16 inches long. In another embodiment, the scoop 12 is able to at least withstand 3 inch-pounds of applied force before deflecting. In other words, the scoop 12 is rigid enough to be free standing on its edge. In another embodiment, the scoop 12 deflects under 50 foot-pounds of applied force.

[ 0065 ] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects may be embodied as a system and/or method. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly

indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising, " when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,

operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0066] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as

specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and the practical

application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0067] While the preferred embodiment has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the embodiments first described.

[ 0068 ] Aspects of the embodiments are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods and systems (apparatus) according to the embodiments. The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[ 0069 ] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising, " when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,

operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. [ 0070 ] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as

specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and the practical

application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[ 0071 ] While the preferred embodiment has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the embodiments first described.