Waste Collection System and Method

Abstract

A waste collection system. The waste collection system may include a collection bin handle, the collection bin handle may include a first end; a second end; a water inlet; and a water outlet, wherein the water inlet may be in fluid communication with the water outlet. The waste collection system may further include a collection bin disposed at the second end of the collection bin handle, the collection bin may include a water outlet interface, wherein the water outlet interface is configured to allow water from the water outlet of the collection bin handle to enter the collection bin.

Claims

1. A waste collection system, comprising: a. a collection bin handle, the collection bin handle comprising: i. a first end; ii. a second end; iii. a water inlet; and iv. a water outlet, wherein the water inlet is in fluid communication with the water outlet; and b. a collection bin disposed at the second end of the collection bin handle, the collection bin comprising a water outlet interface, wherein the water outlet interface is configured to allow water from the water outlet of the collection bin handle to enter the collection bin.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the water inlet is disposed at the first end of the collection bin handle and the water outlet is disposed at the second end of the collection bin handle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the collection bin further comprises a first side wall, a second side wall opposing the first side wall, a floor panel extending between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a back wall extending vertically upward from a back edge of the floor panel.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the water outlet interface is disposed in the back wall of the collection bin.

5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a spray nozzle disposed at and in fluid communication with the water outlet of the collection bin handle.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the spray nozzle is positioned and configured to spray water in a general direction of the floor panel of the collection bin.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the water inlet comprises a quick connect/disconnect hose connection.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the water inlet comprises an on/off actuator.

9. The system of claim 3, wherein the collection bin further comprises a top wall spaced above the floor panel and extending between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the top wall extends over at least a portion of the floor panel.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a back stand, wherein the back stand is disposed and configured to hold the system in an up-right self-standing state.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the collection bin handle further comprising a lift handle, wherein the lift handle is disposed at about a mid-point of the collection bin handle and extends generally perpendicular outward from the collection bin handle.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the collection bin further comprises a connection point for attaching a waste collection tool thereto.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the connection point comprises one or more magnets, a friction fitting, or a clip for attaching the waste collection tool thereto.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a waste collection tool, comprising: a. a tool handle; and b. a utility head, wherein the utility head comprises one or both of a rake portion and a blade portion disposed at a distal end of the tool handle.

15. The tool of claim 14, wherein the utility head comprises both the rake portion and the blade portion, and wherein the rake portion and the blade portion extend generally outward from the tool handle and are disposed opposite one another.

16. The tool of claim 14, wherein the utility head is shaped and configured to hold the waste collection tool in an up-right self-standing state.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the tool handle of the waste collection tool comprises a connection mechanism generally aligned with a connection point of a collection bin.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the connection mechanism comprises one or more magnets, a friction fitting, or a clip.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cleaning dock, comprising: a. docking bay, wherein the docking bay is configured to receive the collection bin of the waste collection system; and b. a cleaning dock water valve disposed in the docking bay.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the cleaning dock water valve is disposed in a floor of the docking bay.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the cleaning dock water valve is configured to engage with a second water inlet disposed in the second end of the collection bin handle of the waste collection system to permit passage of water through the cleaning dock water valve into the second water inlet and out through the water outlet of the collection bin handle.

22. A waste collection tool, comprising: a. a tool handle; and b. a utility head, wherein the utility head comprises one or both of a rake portion and a blade portion disposed at a distal end of the tool handle.

23. The tool of claim 22, wherein the utility head comprises both the rake portion and the blade portion, and wherein the rake portion and the blade portion extend generally outward from the tool handle and are disposed opposite one another.

24. The tool of claim 22, wherein the utility head is shaped and configured to hold the waste collection tool in an up-right self-standing state.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein the tool handle of the waste collection tool comprises a connection mechanism generally aligned with a connection point of a collection bin.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the connection mechanism comprises one or more magnets, a friction fitting, or a clip.

27. A cleaning dock, comprising: a. docking bay, wherein the docking bay is configured to receive a collection bin of a waste collection system; and b. a cleaning dock water valve disposed in the docking bay.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the cleaning dock water valve is disposed in a floor of the docking bay.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein the cleaning dock water valve is configured to engage with a second water inlet disposed in a second end of a collection bin handle of the waste collection system to permit passage of water through the cleaning dock water valve into the second water inlet and out through the water outlet of the collection bin handle.

30. A method of using a waste collection system, the method comprising: a. providing a waste collection system, comprising: i. a collection bin handle, the collection bin handle comprising: 1. a first end; 2. a second end; 3. a water inlet; and 4. a water outlet, wherein the water inlet is in fluid communication with the water outlet; and ii. a collection bin disposed at the second end of the collection bin handle, the collection bin comprising, a water outlet interface, wherein the water outlet interface is configured to allow water from the water outlet of the collection bin handle to enter the collection bin; b. collecting waste into the collection bin; and c. washing out the collected waste from the collection bin.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein collecting waste into the collection bin comprises using a waste collection tool to direct and collect the waste into the waste collection bin, wherein the waste collection tool comprises a tool handle; and a utility head, wherein the utility head comprises one or both of a rake portion and a blade portion disposed at a distal end of the tool handle.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein washing out the collected waste from the collection bin, comprises connecting a water source to the water inlet of collection bin handle; and activating the water source to permit water to pass through the water inlet of collection bin handle, out the water outlet of collection bin handle, and into the collection bin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Having thus described the subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0010] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate example components of a waste collection system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

[0011] FIGS. 2A-2C and 3A and 3B illustrate various views of an example waste collection device of the waste collection system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a close up view of a rear portion of a waste collection bin of the waste collection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an example spray nozzle of the waste collection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates another example spray nozzle of the waste collection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an additional example of a waste collection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate additional examples of a waste collection system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIGS. 9, 10A-10C, and 11A-11D illustrate various views of an example waste collection tool of the waste collection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a waste collection tool and waste collection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIGS. 13A-13C and 14A-14C illustrate an example docking station for use with the waste collection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0020] FIGS. 15A-15C and 16A-16C illustrate additional example waste collection devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0022] The subject matter of the invention provides a waste collection system, such as for picking up animal waste, for example animal fecal matter. However, the waste collection system of the invention is not limited to animal waste, but may be used for collection of other types of waste including biological and/or non-biological waste material.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 1-16C, is a waste collection system 100. Waste collection system 100 may include a waste collection device 105 and a waste collection tool 110.

[0024] The waste collection device 105 may include a handle 115 connected to a waste collection bin 120. Handle 115 may be a vertically extending handle, and further may include a first water connection 125 disposed at an upper portion of the handle 115, a water on/off switch 130, and a T-handle 135. First water connection 125 may be a quick connect/disconnect water attachment, and may be disposed at first upper end of handle 115. T-handle 135 may extend generally perpendicular outward from about a mid-portion of the shaft of handle 115, and may also be adjustable to slide up and down. T-handle 135, provides for ergonomic lifting and dumping of waste material collected in the waste collection bin 120. Handle 115 may further include a back stand 140 disposed at its lower end, to hold the waste collection device 105 in an upright self-standing position. Back stand 140 may extend generally perpendicular outward, and in an opposite direction of collection bin 120, from a second end most portion of the of handle 115. Handle 115 may further include a water outlet, e.g., spray nozzle 145, disposed at the second lower end portion of thereof. The spray nozzle 145 may be positioned such that it discharges water inside the waste collection bin 120 to allow for washing out waste material collected therein. Handle 115 may be substantially hollow, or include some other channel, providing a fluid pathway extending from water connection 125 to spray nozzle 145, thereby allowing water introduced at water connection 125 to pass therethrough and out spray nozzle 145 and into waste collection bin 120. Handle 115 may further include a second water connection 150 disposed at the second lower end portion of the handle 115, whereby water may be introduced therethrough, and into waste collection bin 120 through spray nozzle 145. In one example, second water connection 150 is disposed at the very end of the second lower end portion of handle 115. Second water connection 150 may be a quick connect/disconnect water attachment. In one example, spray nozzle 145 may be a spray head with a plurality of holes to form water jets when in use, or any other suitable type of spray head or nozzle. In one example, spray nozzle 145 may be positioned such that water exiting the spray nozzle 145 is directed in the general direction of a floor region of the waste collection bin 120. In one example, spray nozzle 145 may include one or more openings 147.

[0025] Waste collection bin 120 may include a splash shield 155, a waste collection tool dock 160 for holding the waste collection tool 110 during cleaning or when not in use, and an interface, e.g., port 165, to allow spray nozzle 145 to introduce water from a water inlet, e.g., first water connection 125, through spray nozzle 145 and into the waste collection bin 120. In one example, spray nozzle 145 may be positioned inside the waste collection bin 120. Waste collection bin 120 may further include a mounting mechanism, such as one or more mounting brackets 170, for attaching the handle 115 to the waste collection bin 120. Waste collection bin 120 may further include one or more wheels 175 for ease of moving the waste collection device 105 around. Waste collection tool dock 160 of waste collection bin 120 may include one or more magnets or other mechanism (not shown) to facilitate retention of the waste collection tool 110 in place.

[0026] Waste collection tool 110 of waste collection system 100 may include a handle 180 and a collection head 185. Handle 180 may include one or more magnets or other mechanism (not shown) to help retain the waste collection tool 110 in place with waste collection bin 120, e.g., in waste collection tool dock 160. Collection head 185 may be generally arched, or other suitable shape, to support itself in an upright self-standing position. Collection head 185 may include a blade side portion 190 and a rake side portion 193. In one example, the blade side portion 190 may be used for soft material and/or smooth surfaces and the rake side portion 191 may be used for solid material and/or grass and/or rough surfaces.

[0027] Waste collection system 100 may further include a docking cleaning station 193. Docking cleaning station 193 may include a docking bin 195 and a water connection 197. Water connection 197 may be operatively connected to a water source and may also be adapted to releasable engage with, for example, second water connection 150 of waste collection device 105, such that when the second water connection 150 is engaged with the water connection 197 of docking cleaning station 193, water is delivered from the water source through water connection 197 and water connection 150, and into the waste collection bin 120. In one example, water connection 197 is a quick connect/disconnect water attachment. In one embodiment, water connection 197 may be pressure activated, such that pushing down on the waste collection device 105 engages water connection 150 with water connection 197 and activates water from the water sources to travel through water connection 197 and water connection 150, and into the waste collection bin 120. Docking cleaning station 193 may further have an angled design, such that the floor of the docking bin 195 angles downward to allow for easy drainage.

[0028] Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms a, an, and the refer to one or more when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to a subject includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.

[0029] The terms comprise, comprises, comprising, include, includes, and including, are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that may be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0030] Terms like preferably, commonly, and typically are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments or to imply that certain features are critical or essential to the structure or function of the claimed embodiments. These terms are intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The term substantially is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation and to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0032] Various modifications and variations of the disclosed methods, compositions and uses of the invention will be apparent to the skilled person without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the subject matter has been disclosed in connection with specific preferred aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that the subject matter as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific aspects or embodiments.

[0033] For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about even though the term about may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter. For example, the term about, when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments 100%, in some embodiments 50%, in some embodiments 20%, in some embodiments 10%, in some embodiments 5%, in some embodiments 1%, in some embodiments 0.5%, and in some embodiments 0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.

[0034] Further, the term about when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.

[0035] Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.