PET WASTE COLLECTION DEVICE WITH ARTICULATED RECTANGULAR

FRAME

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to pet waste collection systems for use with dogs, cats, and other pets to collect their solid waste. The present invention system includes a main housing having a hollow inside and has a top, a bottom, a front, and a back and at least one sidewall, and has an opening accessible to the hollow inside area. There is also a telescopically or moveable, extendable and contractible pole attached that allows opening and closing of a collapsible frame at a first end to the hollow inside area of the main housing and attached to a collapsible frame at its second end. The collapsible articulated rectangular frame unfolds for a waste receptacle, i.e. a "pooper" bag, and is spaced behind the pet during defecation. In some embodiments, an attachment hook is located on said main housing for attachment thereof to a leash, a belt, or other attachable area or item. In some embodiments, the present invention system devices allow for extension and retraction of the pooper bag frame without that end being touched by the user.

BACKGROUND ART

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention.

U.S. Patent No. 6,554,335 issued to the present inventor herein describes a pet waste collection system for use with dogs, cats, and other pets to collect their solid waste. The present invention system includes a main housing having a hollow inside and having a top, a bottom, a front, and a back and at least one sidewall, and having an opening accessible to the hollow inside area. There is also a telescopically extendable and contractible pole attached at a first end to the hollow inside area of the main housing and attached to a collapsible frame at its second end. The collapsible frame unfolds for a waste receptacle, i.e. a "pooper" bag, and is spaced behind the pet during defecation. In some embodiments, an attachment hook is located on said main housing for attachment thereof to a leash, a belt, or other attachable area or item. U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,330 describes a device for scooping up and containing dog excreta for later removal comprising two engaging parts one part of which serves as a scoop for use in scraping and excreta into the hollow interior of the other part. A handle comprising two parts is provided which parts individually serve to each support a different one of the parts and when the parts are moved into engagement interlock to form a single handle for supporting the assembled device.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,232, 165 describes a portable pet waste collection and disposal device. The portable device comprises a nested wand, where the nested wand has an actuator, a lower end and an upper end. The nested wand has a normal tendency to fully extend itself upon activation by the actuator during deployment of the portable device. The portable device also comprises a prong unit, where the prong unit has a pair of prongs, a first hinge and a second hinge. The first hinge has a normal tendency to spread the prongs, with the second hinge normally tending to rotate the prong unit away from the lower end of the nested wand. The first hinge and second hinge controllably rotate in substantially perpendicular relation to each other. The portable device further comprises a slider coupled to the prong unit, with the slider controllably causing the second hinge to rotate back toward the lower end when the slider is released by the actuator on the nested wand at a first end. The slider has a retainer bracket at a second end for retaining the spreading of the pair of prongs during deployment of the portable device. The portable device further has a disposable bag with a folded rim around the bag's opening, where the folded rim is adapted to receive the prongs. The disposable bag has a drawstring around its opening for controllably tightening the opening upon collection of the pet waste.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,659 describes a system for picking up solid objects, such as pet debris and pet waste, and automatically sealing such pet waste within a disposable liner. The liner is installed on a hand-held scooper device by an automatic applicator. The liners are design specifically for the system and comprise a self-sealing feature adapted to assist in encapsulating the waste. The applicator also functions as a storage holder for the hand-held scoop. A kit comprising the hand-held scoop device, the storage automatic applicator, and disposable liners is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,303 describes an extendible lead with an integrated excrement collector, with the lead including a casing with a collection drum. The excrement collector includes a tubular body having telescopic sections and having a flexible wire inside. One end of the wire is disposed in an opening of the tubular body and forms a lasso. A second end of the wire extends through the tubular body and out of the other end of the body and is connected to a handle.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,695 describes a waste collection device that includes a sweep that includes a plate and a first handle, and a scoop that includes a receptacle and a second handle.

The first handle is attached to the plate and the second handle is attached to the receptacle. The disclosure also describes a method of picking up animal waste that includes contacting the waste with the plate of a sweep and sweeping the waste into a receptacle of a scoop through an opening of the receptacle.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,455 describes an animal waste collection system designed for sanitary use consists of a hollow shaft, handle, light, a pair of resilient, curved arms and a plurality if self sealing bags. The operator of the device initially loads a plastic bag onto arms before walking the dog. When the animal shows signs of excreting, the bag is placed under the rear of the animal to intercept the feces. Once the animal is finished excreting, the operator partially retracts the arms, closing the bag, and walks to a disposal receptacle where the arms are then fully retracted and the sealed bag is released.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,292,339 describes a system for picking up objects-such as pet waste, debris, and similar noxious materials-and automatically sealing objects within a disposable liner. The liner is installed on a hand-held scooper device by an automatic applicator. The liners comprise a self-sealing feature adapted to assist in encapsulating the waste. The applicator also functions as a storage holder for the hand-held scoop.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,511 describes a portable apparatus for extracting and properly disposing of refuse such as, for example, excrement. The apparatus includes a storage chamber for storing extracted refuse wherein the storage chamber is distinct from the extraction mechanism for extracting the refuse. The apparatus further includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid from a fluid source through a fluid conduit and into the storage chamber.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,382,679 describes a portable apparatus of component parts aligned and detachable from one another in such a way as to allow for sanitary and ergonomic collection, hands-free transportation, and environmentally optimal disposal of pet waste. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical container that when assembled with a removable base and removable lid creates an airtight container enhanced with a disposable, flushable liner that fits in the interior of the waste collection container. The top of the lid incorporates a, telescoping handle, while the underside of the lid incorporates a shovel unit that fits inside the container and is offset and aligned in close proximity to the walls of the container to ensure ample room for both the shovel unit and collected pet waste when the removable lid and base are both attached to temporarily seal the container. The apparatus also comprises a removable base cap that when attached to the base of the closed container creates a compartment separate from the collected pet waste. The apparatus is designed for portability with a clip or tether means for attaching it to the user's articles of clothing or mode of transportation.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,683 describes embodiments of a foldable scooper for use in picking up animal waste. The scooper can be folded and configured to attach to a leash or be inserted into a user's pocket, thereby making it hands free. In some embodiments, the foldable scooper can be wrapped by a waste bag, thereby allowing a user to pick up animal waste without ever coming in contact with the waste.

U.S. Pending Patent Application Publication. No. 2006/0181091 describes a portable pet waste collection and disposal device. The portable device comprises a nested wand, where the nested wand has an actuator, a lower end and an upper end. The nested wand has a normal tendency to fully extend itself upon activation by the actuator during deployment of the portable device. The portable device also comprises a prong unit, where the prong unit has a pair of prongs, a first hinge and a second hinge. The first hinge has a normal tendency to spread the prongs, with the second hinge normally tending to rotate the prong unit away from the lower end of the nested wand. The first hinge and second hinge controllably rotate in substantially perpendicular relation to each other. The portable device further comprises a slider coupled to the prong unit, with the slider controllably causing the second hinge to rotate back toward the lower end when the slider is released by the actuator on the nested wand at a first end. The slider has a retainer bracket at a second end for retaining the spreading of the pair of prongs during deployment of the portable device. The portable device further has a disposable bag with a folded rim around the bag's opening, where the folded rim is adapted to receive the prongs. The disposable bag has a drawstring around its opening for controllably tightening the opening upon collection of the pet waste.

U.S. Pending Patent Application Publication. No. 2009/0152884 describes an animal waste collection system designed for sanitary use consists of a hollow shaft, handle, light, a pair of resilient, curved arms and a plurality if self-sealing bags. The operator of the device initially loads a plastic bag onto arms before walking the dog. When the animal shows signs of excreting, the bag is placed under the rear of the animal to intercept the feces. Once the animal is finished excreting, the operator partially retracts the arms, closing the bag, and walks to a disposal receptacle where the arms are then fully retracted and the sealed bag is released.

U.S. Pending Patent Application Publication. No. 2013/0062895 describes a pet waste collection apparatus includes a main frame body including a loop portion, a frame handle attached to the loop portion, and a pair of opposed hooks extending outwardly from the frame handle near an area thereof where it attaches to the loop portion. The main frame body may be formed from solid or coated wire. In use, bag handles of a disposable handled bag are placed over the hooks, and the upper edge of the main bag body is then placed over the loop portion where it fits tightly. The bottom portion of the bag is then fed through the loop portion, and a unit of pet waste is moved through the loop portion and into the plastic bag.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pet waste collection system, which includes: a main housing, a sliding pole, and a collapsible frame. The main housing has a hollow inside area with top, bottom, front and back walls and at least one sidewall, and has an opening accessible to the hollow inside area. The main housing further includes a recessed wall area adapted for nesting of a collapsible frame, and at least one orifice on the back wall for movement of a portion of a sliding pole. The sliding pole has a proximal end positioned backwardly away from the mentioned at least one orifice, and it has a distal end positioned forwardly away from the at least one orifice, such that the sliding pole rests within the at least one orifice, the sliding pole distal end is connected to a section of a slidable, collapsible frame for extension and contraction thereof, and has an extended position wherein the pole distal end and the collapsible frame are located outside of the hollow inside area and the collapsible frame is open and extended, and has a contracted position wherein the distal end of the pole is contracted into the hollow inside area and the collapsible frame is collapsed and located inside of and nested in the hollow inside area. The collapsible frame is for a holding a waste receptacle, such as a pooper bag, and is formed of at least two unconnected frame sections, and movably related to movement of the pole, at least a first frame section being a frame section connected to the pole distal end for movement therewith, and at least a second frame section that is positioned to be pushed by the movement of the pole and to be pulled by opposite movement of the pole with the first frame section. These at least two unconnected frame sections have a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a collapsed position, being a retracted, closed position within the main housing hollow inside area, and the second position is an extended, open position outside of the main housing hollow inside area, and further wherein one frame section of the at least two

unconnected frame sections is a leading straight linear frame section for positioning closest to the rear of a pet to create a wide linear edge area for efficient pet waste collection. The straight linear frame section provides the widest span of the bag edge that is placed under the pet behind during use to minimize target error.

In some embodiments of the present invention pet waste collection system, all of the frame sections are linear and when in the open position are in the shape of a rectangle from a top view.

In some embodiments of the present invention pet waste collection system, the main housing includes a waste receptacle storage area for storing a plurality of unused waste receptacles. In some of these embodiments of the present invention pet waste collection system, the main housing includes a waste receptacle storage area which is located in a position on the main housing which is below the recessed wall area. In some of these embodiments, the storage area is an enclosed area with open and close access.

In some embodiments of the present invention pet waste collection system, there are at least four linear frame sections, including one leading frame section, one trailing frame section, at least one left frame section and at least one right frame section, the leading frame section and the trailing frame section being parallel to one another.

In some embodiments of the present invention pet waste collection system, the slidable pole has a two-pronged distal end connected to the at least one frame section and the back wall has two corresponding orifices, each of which hold one the two prongs. In some of these embodiments, there is a rear frame section and a front frame section, wherein the rear frame section has at least one passageway for the pole and the at least one passageway has a smaller size that the at least one orifice and the pole has two sections, a rear section and a front section, and the cross-section size of the front section is less than the cross-section size of the rear section.

In some embodiments of the present invention pet waste collection system, the main housing is made of a plastic material.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention pet waste collection system, there is a main housing, a handle, a telescopic pole, and a collapsible frame. The main housing has a hollow area inside and has a top, a bottom, a front, and a back and two sidewalls, and has an opening accessible to the hollow inside area located at the front. The handle is connected to and extends backwardly from the main housing. The telescopically extendable and contractible pole is located within the main housing, and has a distal end connected to an articulated, foldable rectangular frame. In some preferred embodiments, the handle is hollow and the telescopically extendable and contractable pole is at least partially within the hollow handle when in its contracted position. This decreases the overall length of the device without shortening the pole itself. The rectangular frame has a rear frame section, at least two left side frame sections, at least two right side frame sections, and a front frame section, wherein the rear frame section is connected to the pole and the front frame section is hingedly connected to the rear frame section via the side frame sections, and wherein the rectangular frame has a first, closed position in which the front frame section is folded over to the rear frame section, and has an open position in which the front frame section is unfolded and away from the rear frame section, and further wherein the front frame section includes a linear frame portion for positioning closest to the rear of a pet to create a wide linear edge area for efficient pet waste collection. In some of these embodiments there are two left side frame sections and two right side frame sections. In some of these, all of the two left side frame sections and the two right side frame sections are the same length.

In some of these embodiments, the rectangular frame is in its first, closed position and the pole is retracted and the closed frame is positioned in the main housing. In some of these embodiments, the main housing has a hinged front door connected thereto. In some of these embodiments, the main housing includes a waste receptacle storage area for storing a plurality of unused waste receptacles. In some of these, the main housing includes a waste receptacle storage area which is located in a position on the main housing which is below the recessed wall area. In some of these embodiments, the waste receptacle storage area is an enclosed area with open and close access. In some of these embodiments, the main housing is made of a plastic material.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims.

Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of some general features and details of one version of a present invention pet waste collection device with articulated rectangular frame;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of some general features and details of another version of a present invention pet waste collection device with articulated rectangular frame;

Figure 3 shows an oblique side view of one embodiment of a present invention pet waste collection device in a collapsed position, and Figures 4 and 5 show top and side views thereof, respectively;

Figure 6 shows an oblique side view of the present invention pet waste collection device shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, but in an extended position, and Figure 7 shows a top view thereof in an extended position;

Figure 8 shows a partially cut top view of the present invention pet waste collection device wherein the handle is a slidable handle that has movement to open and collapse/store the collapsible support frame; Figures 9, 10 and 11 show partial cut top views of the Figure 8 present invention pet waste collection device embodiment but with the collapsible support frame being more and more extended toward fully open; and,

Figure 12 shows an oblique side view of the present invention pet waste collection device shown in Figure 8, but fully opened and ready for use.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a novel pet waste collection device that relies upon extension and contraction of a frame to support a receptacle (pooper bag), and uniquely has a slider component that either moves in and out or telescopes in and out for deployment and storage of the frame while providing maximum width.

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of some general features and details of one version of a present invention pet waste collection device with articulated rectangular frame. This pet waste collection system 1 includes a main housing 3 having a hollow inside area and having a top, a bottom, a front, and a back wall and at least one sidewall, and having an opening accessible to the hollow inside area, the main housing further including a recessed wall area adapted for nesting of a collapsible frame, and at least one orifice on the back wall for movement of a sliding pole. The sliding pole 5 both a slider for deploying the frame 9, and is a handle. The sliding pole 5 has a proximal end positioned backwardly away from the at least one orifice and has a distal end 7 positioned forwardly away from the at least one orifice such that the sliding pole rests within the at least one orifice, the sliding pole distal end being connected to section 11 of a slidable, collapsible frame 9 for extension and contraction thereof. There is an extended position wherein the pole distal end and the collapsible frame are located outside of the hollow inside area and the collapsible frame is open and extended, and there is a contracted position wherein the distal end of the pole is contracted into the hollow inside area and the collapsible frame 9 is collapsed and located inside of and nested in the hollow inside area. The collapsible frame 9 for holding a waste receptacle, is formed of at least two unconnected frame sections, and movably related to movement of the pole, at least a first frame section being a frame section connected to the pole distal end for movement therewith, and at least a second frame section that is positioned to be pushed by the movement of the pole and to be pulled by opposite movement of the pole with the first frame section, wherein the at least two unconnected frame sections has a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a collapsed position, being a retracted, closed position within the main housing hollow inside area, and the second position is an extended, open position outside of the main housing hollow inside area, and further wherein one frame section of the at least two unconnected frame sections is a leading linear frame section for positioning closest to the rear of a pet to create a wide linear edge area for efficient pet waste collection.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of some general features and details of another version of a present invention pet waste collection device with articulated rectangular frame. This version of the present invention pet waste collection system 15 includes a main housing 17 having a hollow area inside and having a top, a bottom, a front, and a back and two sidewalls, and having an opening accessible to the hollow inside area located at the front. It further includes a hollow handle 19 connected to and extending backwardly from the main housing 17, and a telescopically extendable and contractible pole 21 located within the hollow handle 19 and the main housing 17, and having a distal end 23 connected to an articulated, foldable rectangular frame 25. The foldable rectangular frame 25 has a rear frame section, at least two left side frame sections, at least two right side frame sections, and a front frame section, wherein the rear frame section is connected to the pole and the front frame section is hingedly connected to the rear frame section via the side frame sections, and wherein the rectangular frame has a first, closed position wherein the front frame section is folded over to the rear frame section, and has an open position wherein the front frame section is unfolded and away from the rear frame section, and further wherein the front frame section includes a linear frame portion for positioning closest to the rear of a pet to create a wide linear edge area for efficient pet waste collection.

Figure 3 shows an oblique side view of one embodiment of a present invention pet waste collection device 30A in a collapsed position, and Figures 4 and 5 show top and side views thereof, respectively. These three Figures are now discussed collectively, with each component appearing in at least one of Figures 3, 4 and 5. Identical parts in each of these three Figures are identically numbered. (In some of these Figures, some components are hidden and thus, not shown or numbered.) Device 30A includes a main housing 31 having a hollow area inside and having a top 32, a bottom 34, a front 38, and a back 35 and two sidewalls 28 and 36, and having an opening 33 accessible to the hollow inside area located at the front 38 and top 32 via swing- down lid 39, with bag holder 59. Hollow handle 37 (with optional wrist strap 41) is connected to and extending backwardly from the main housing 31 and may contain a significant portion of a telescopically extendable and contractable pole. This pole and the rectangular receptacle (pooper bag) holder are hidden in these Figures and these are revealed in the Figures that follow.

Now referencing Figure 6 that shows an oblique side view of the present invention pet waste collection device 30A shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, but now as device 30B in an extended position, and Figure 7 that shows a top view thereof in an extended position, it is noted that these two Figures 6 and 7 are now discussed collectively, with each component appearing in at least one of Figures 6 and 7. Further, identical parts in each of these two Figures and the previous three Figures are identically numbered. Hence, a telescopically extendable and contractible pole comprised here of three sections 45, 47 and 49, when contracted are located within the main housing 31 and hollow handle 37, are now shown extended. The pole has a distal end connected to an articulated, foldable rectangular frame, shown generally, as frame 50. Frame 50 requires a rectangular front piece to achieve maximum poop capturing width, but, otherwise, could have many configurations. Here it has two opposing U-shaped components that are hingedly connected to one another. The rectangular frame thus has a rear frame 52 with two side frame sections, such as side 51. Front frame section 53 likewise has side sections, as shown. The front frame 53 and rear frame 52 are connected by symmetrically situated hinges 55 and 57. Further, rear frame section 50 is connected to pole section 49 at its distal end. The rectangular frame 50 has a first, closed position wherein the front frame section 53 is folded over to the rear frame section 51, and has an open position wherein the front frame section 53 is unfolded and away from the rear frame section 51. A pooper bag (receptacle) 60 is stretched over the frame 50 for receiving the pet poop.

A user deploys these present invention devices by opening the lid, extending the telescoping pole, unfolding the frame, attaching the bag and then placing it at the behind of the about-to-be-defecating pet. Alternatively, the bag can be attached at a prior time and the device can be in its contracted position until the pet is ready to defecate, at which time it may be opened, extended, and used to capture the waste. The front frame section includes a linear frame portion for positioning closest to the rear of a pet to create a wide linear edge area for efficient pet waste collection. Figure 8 shows a partially cut top view of another version of the present invention pet waste collection device that is similar to the foregoing, except that a sliding handle creates a telescoping effect. Thus, here, instead of a telescoping pole, as previously described, the handle is a slidable handle that has movement to open and collapse-store the collapsible support frame. Figures 9, 10 and 11 show partial cut top views of the Figure 8 present invention pet waste collection device embodiment but with the collapsible support frame being more and more extended toward fully open. Figure 12 shows an oblique side view of the present invention pet waste collection device shown in Figure 8, but fully opened and ready for use. All of these Figures 8 through 12 are now discussed collectively, with each numbered component appearing in at least one of these Figures, and wherein identical parts in each of these Figures are identically numbered.

This present invention pet waste collection device uses the numeral 80 with sequential letters to designate different positionings (extension) of the pooper bag frame. In Figure 8, the device is device 80A, in Figure 9 it is 80B, etc. Thus, it is generally referred to here as the device. The device has a handle 81 that has stops, but moves further into and partially out of main housing 93. This main housing 93 has a hollow inside area and has a top, a bottom, a front wall, a back wall 97 and at least one sidewall, and has an opening accessible to the hollow inside area at or near its front wall (shown as open). The main housing 93 further including a recessed wall area adapted for nesting of a collapsible frame, and at least one orifice on the back wall for movement of a portion of a sliding pole, which is handle 81. Here, there are two orifices on back wall 97.

The sliding handle 81 has a proximal end positioned backwardly away from the two orifices of back wall 97 and a distal end positioned forwardly away from and on the other side of the two orifices such that the sliding pole rests within and passes through the two orifices. In these Figures, handle 81 has a mid-section that yokes into two parallel, thick segments 83 and 85. Sections 83 and 85 terminate to smaller diameter or cross-section segments 87 and 89. Larger segments 83 and 85 are moveable within the two orifices 84 and 86 (Figure 8), but stop at the top of the yoke 88 when pushed as forward as possible. Smaller segments 87 and 89 are slideably positioned in orifices of receptacle frame back wall 95 and the far ends of smaller segments 87 and 89 are fixedly attached to frame front wall 91. As can be seen at device 80A, this is a fully contracted position wherein the distal end of the pole (segments 87 and 89 and front wall 91) is contracted into hollow inside area of main housing 93 and the collapsible frame is collapsed and located inside of and nested in the hollow inside area, as well. Figure 9 shows that segments 87 and 89 of device 80B have been pushed forward so that front wall 91 is partially extended but back wall 95 has not yet moved; Figure 10 shows device 80C with the back wall 95 engaged and moving by the forward motion of the now-touching segments 83 and 85; Figure 11 shows device 80D with segments 87 and 89, front wall 91 and back wall 95 in the form of a rectangle to support a pooper bag, and with the handle 81 pushed significantly forward. Figure 12 shows device 80E with all components fully extended and supporting bag 103 for use.

In these embodiments, it can be seen that the sliding pole distal end being connected to a section of a slidable, collapsible frame for extension and contraction thereof, and having an extended position wherein the pole distal end and the collapsible frame are located outside of the hollow inside area and the collapsible frame is open and extended. Also, in these embodiments, the collapsible frame for a holding a waste receptacle (pooper bag), is formed of at least two unconnected frame sections, and movably related to movement of the pole, at least a first frame section being a frame section connected to the pole distal end for movement therewith, and at least a second frame section that is positioned to be pushed by the movement of the pole and to be pulled by opposite movement of the pole with the first frame section, wherein the at least two unconnected frame sections has a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a collapsed position, being a retracted, closed position within the main housing hollow inside area, and the second position is an extended, open position outside of the main housing hollow inside area, and further wherein one frame section of the at least two unconnected frame sections is a leading linear frame section for positioning closest to the rear of a pet to create a wide linear edge area for efficient pet waste collection.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be made therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the actual shape of the main housing may be any of numerous possibilities as long as its functionality as described is not affected adversely.