Pet Waste Collection System

Abstract

A pet waste collection device for collecting and discarding pet waste. The device comprises an extendable support pole comprising a first pole portion and a second pole portion, each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second pole portion is slidably receivable within the second end of the first pole portion A securing mechanism releasably secures the first pole portion relative to the second pole portion. A spring-biased catching component is mounted to the second end of the second pole portion. A spring-biased switch mechanism is located at the first end of the first pole portion. A cable connects the catching component to the switch mechanism. Upon pulling the switch mechanism in a general direction away from the catching component, the catching component closes. Upon releasing the switch mechanism, the switch mechanism biases back toward the catching component and the catching component biases back to an open position.

Claims

1. A pet waste collection device for collecting and discarding pet waste, the pet waste collection device comprising: an extendable support pole comprising: a first pole portion having a first end and a second end; and a second pole portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second pole portion is slidably receivable within the second end of the first pole portion; a securing mechanism for releasably securing the first pole portion relative to the second pole portion; a catching component mounted to the second end of the second pole portion, the catching component spring-biased into an open position; a switch mechanism located at the first end of the first pole portion, the switch mechanism spring-biased toward the first pole portion; and a cable connecting the catching component to the switch mechanism, wherein upon pulling the switch mechanism in a general direction away from the catching component, the catching component closes and wherein upon releasing the switch mechanism, the switch mechanism biases back toward the catching component and the catching component biases back to an open position.

2. The pet waste collection device of claim 1 wherein the securing mechanism is a plurality of apertures formed in the first pole portion and a button formed on the second pole portion, the button releasably receivable within one of the apertures thereby releasably securing the first pole portion to the second pole portion and maintaining the desired length of the extendable support pole.

3. The pet waste collection device of claim 1 wherein the second pole portion substantially and completely enters the first pole portion providing the extendable support pole with telescoping functionality.

4. The pet waste collection device of claim 1 and further comprising: a handle mounted to the first end of the first pole portion of the extendable support pole, beyond the switch mechanism.

5. The pet waste collection device of claim 4 wherein the handle is ergonomically shaped and rubberized to facilitate a comfortable, secure grip.

6. The pet waste collection device of claim 1 wherein the catching component is an oval-shaped, claw-like component.

7. The pet waste collection device of claim 1 and further comprising: at least one pet waste bag having an open end and a closed end wherein the pet waste bag is positionable over the catching component, the opening of the pet waste bag positioned nearingly adjacent the second end of the second pole portion.

8. The pet waste collection device of claim 7 wherein upon the centering the catching component the pet waste and, as the switch mechanism is manipulated to close the catching component, the open end of the pet waste bag moves away from the second end of the second pole portion with the pet waste entering the pet waste bag.

9. The pet waste collection device of claim 1 and further comprising: a hook mechanism mounted to the first pole portion.

10. The pet waste collection device of claim 1 and further comprising an adjustable light source mounted to the first pole portion.

11. A method for collecting and discarding pet waste, the method comprising: providing an extendable support pole comprising: a first pole portion having a first end and a second end; and a second pole portion having a first end and a second end; slidably inserting the first end of the second pole portion within the second end of the first pole portion; releasably securing the first pole portion relative to the second pole portion: mounting a catching component to the second end of the second pole portion: spring-biasing the catching component biased into an open position; locating a switch mechanism at the first end of the first pole portion; spring-biasing the switch mechanism biased toward the first pole portion; connecting the catching component to the switch mechanism with a cable; pulling the switch mechanism in a general direction away from the catching component; closing the catching component; releasing the switch mechanism; biasing the switch mechanism back toward the catching component; and biasing the catching component back to an open position.

12. A pet waste collection device for collecting and discarding pet waste, the pet waste collection device comprising: an extendable support pole comprising: a first pole portion having a first end and a second end; and a second pole portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second pole portion is slidably receivable within the second end of the first pole portion; a securing mechanism for releasably securing the first pole portion relative to the second pole portion: a catching component mounted to the second end of the second pole portion, the catching component spring-biased into an open position; a handle mounted to the first end of the first pole portion of the extendable support pole, beyond the switch mechanism; a switch mechanism located at the first end of the first pole portion, the switch mechanism spring-biased toward the first pole portion; a cable connecting the catching component to the switch mechanism; at least one pet waste bag having an open end and a closed end; wherein the pet waste bag is positionable over the catching component, the opening of the pet waste bag positioned nearingly adjacent the second end of the second pole portion; wherein upon pulling the switch mechanism in a general direction away from the catching component, the catching component closes and the open end of the pet waste bag moves away from the second end of the second pole portion with the pet waste entering the pet waste bag; and wherein upon releasing the switch mechanism, the switch mechanism biases hack toward the catching component and the catching component biases back to an open position.

13. The pet waste collection device of claim 12 wherein the securing mechanism is a plurality of apertures formed in the first pole portion and a button formed on the second pole portion, the button releasably receivable within one of the apertures thereby releasably securing the first pole portion to the second pole portion and maintaining the desired length of the extendable support pole.

14. The pet waste collection device of claim 12 wherein the second pole portion substantially and completely enters the first pole portion providing the extendable support pole with telescoping functionality.

15. The pet waste collection device of claim 12 wherein the handle is ergonomically shaped and rubberized to facilitate a comfortable, secure grip.

16. The pet waste collection device of claim 12 wherein the catching component is an oval-shaped, claw-like component.

17. The pet waste collection device of claim 12 and further comprising: a hook mechanism mounted to the first pole portion.

18. The pet waste collection device of claim 12 and further comprising: an adjustable light source mounted to the first pole portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a sectional perspective view illustrating the pet waste collection device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a handle in an extended state, a hook for hanging collection bags, an adjustable light fixture, a claw component for holding a pet and collecting waste, and a squeezable switch mechanism on the handle for operating the claw component.

[0016] FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating the pet waste collection device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the handle in a retracted state, the hook for hanging collection bags, the adjustable light fixture the claw component for holding a pet and collecting waste, and the squeezable switch mechanism on the handle for operating the claw component.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the pet waste collection device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the handle in the extended state, the hook for hanging collection bags, the adjustable light fixture, the claw component for holding a pet and collecting waste, and the squeezable switch mechanism on the handle for operating the claw component.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an elevational side view of the pet waste collection device, constructed in accordance with the present invention showing the handle in the retracted state, the squeezable switch mechanism on the handle, the hook for hanging collection bags, and the adjustable light fixture.

[0019] FIGS. 5a and 5b are perspective views illustrating the pet waste collection device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the attachment of the bag over the claws prior to and subsequent to collecting the pet waste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Pet Waste Collection Device, indicated generally at 10, is an animal waste collection device configured to provide users with an easy, hassle free means of collecting and discarding animal waste from an upright position and in a completely hands free manner. The Pet Waste Collection Device 10 is preferably constructed from a lightweight and sturdy plastic material to facilitate easy transport and use.

[0021] The Pet Waste Collection Device 10 of the present invention includes an extendable support pole 10. The extendable support pole 10 has a first pole portion 12 having a first end and a second end and a second pole portion 14 having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second pole portion 16 is slidably receivable within the second end of the first pole portion 14 and releasably securable in a desired position. In this manner the length of the extendable support pole 12 can be lengthened or shortened depending on the desires and needs of the user.

[0022] The length of the extendable support pole 12 of the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 of the present invention is maintained by releasably securing the first pole portion 14 to the second pole portion 16 with a securing mechanism. In an embodiment of the present invention, the securing mechanism is a plurality of apertures 18 formed in the first pole portion 14 and a button 20 or the like formed on the second pole portion 16. The button 20 on the second pole portion 16, which can be, but not necessarily, spring-biased in a direction into the apertures 18 is releasably receivable within one of the apertures 18 thereby releasably securing the first pole portion 14 to the second pole portion 16 and maintaining the desired length of the extendable support pole 12.

[0023] The extendable support pole 12 of the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 of the present invention preferably measures approximately twenty two (22) inches in a retracted length and thirty five (35) inches in extended length, and one (1) inch in circumference. Preferably, the second pole portion 16 can substantially and completely enter the first pole portion 14 providing the extendable support pole 12 with telescoping functionality, enabling the user to compact the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 when transporting or storing it.

[0024] In addition, the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 of the present invention includes a handle 22 mounted to the first end of the first pole portion 14 of the extendable support pole 12. Preferably, the handle 22 is ergonomically shaped and rubberized to facilitate a comfortable, secure grip.

[0025] Additionally, the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 of the present invention includes a catching component 24 mounted to the second end of the second pole portion 14. Preferably, the catching component 24 is spring-biased into an open position. Furthermore, preferably, the catching component 24 is an oval-shaped, claw-like component with a wide egress opening that can be opened and closed by a spring-loaded, squeezable switch mechanism 26 located at the first end of the first pole portion 14 and connected to the catching component 24 by a cable 28 or the like. The squeezable switch mechanism 26 dually functions to secure and release the catching component 24 such that as the switch mechanism 26 is moved in a general direction toward the handle 22 and away from the catching component 24 against the bias of the spring, the catching component 24 closes. As the switch mechanism 26 is released, the switch mechanism 26 is biased back toward the catching component 24 and the catching component 24 is biased to an open position, thereby opening the catch component 24.

[0026] Furthermore, the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 of the present invention includes plastic, resealable drawstring pet waste bags 30 positionable over the catching component 24. A single pet waste bag 30 is positionable over the catching component 24 with the opening of the pet waste bag 30 positioned nearingly adjacent the second end of the second pole portion 16. The catching component 24 is then centered over the pet waste and, as the squeezable switch mechanism 26 is manipulated to close the catching component 24, the open end of the pet waste bag 30 moves away from the second end of the second pole portion 16 with the pet waste entering the pet waste bag 30. The dosed catching component 24 isolates the pet waste in the pet waste bag 30. The user can then grab the pet waste bag 30 adjacent the open end and seal the pet waste bag 30 per normal. Conventional pet waste bags 30 can be used or disposable pet waste bags specifically constructed and manufactured for use with the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 can be used, as desired by the user.

[0027] The Pet Waste Collection Device 10 of the present invention further includes a hook mechanism 32 mounted to the first pole portion 14 suspending a pet waste bag collection so a fresh pet waste bag 30 is quickly accessible. Also, an adjustable light source 34 is mounted to the first pole portion 14 to illuminate both the owner and pets way after dark. Additionally, the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 is preferably provided in a variety of colors to appeal to individual tastes.

[0028] Using the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 of the present invention is simple and straightforward. A user adjusts the extendable support pole 12 to a desired length using a proximally located, pin lock button and then lines the catching component 24 with a plastic pet waste bag 30. Carrying the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 by its handle 22, the user walks their dog per usual routine. After the pet has eliminated its waste, the user compresses the switch mechanism 26 adjacent the handle 22 to open the catching component 24 at the second end of the second pole portion 16 of the present invention and conveniently collect the waste matter within the plastic pet waste bag 30. The user then draws the strings of the pet waste bag 30 closed or ties the open end in a knot, walks to the closest garbage receptacle, and releases the switch mechanism 26 to release the pet waste bag 30 for quick and easy disposal.

[0029] Using the catching component 24 and pet waste bag 30 combination of the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 enables a user to dispose of their pet's waste without n taking direct contact. The extendable support pole 12 enables a user to gather pet waste without having to bend over or stoop on their knees, important functionality for pet owners with limited mobility due to injury, arthritis knee problems, or back pain. Durably constructed of high quality material and components, the Pet Waste Collection Device 10 will withstand many years of continued use.

[0030] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to e limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.