ANIMAL FECES RETRIEVER WITH BIODEGRADEABLE BAGS

Abstract

An animal feces retrieval apparatus that is configured to facilitate the removal of animal feces for either disposal or re-use. The animal feces retrieval apparatus includes a frame that is secured to a user's back utilizing nylon shoulder straps. Operably coupled to the frame is the motor assembly wherein the motor assembly is operably coupled to a hose assembly. A controller is secured to the hose assembly and provides a user interface for control and operation of the animal feces retrieval apparatus. The controller provides a first mode and a second mode of operation of the animal feces retrieval apparatus. The motor assembly includes a motor that can be either combustible or electric. The animal feces retrieval apparatus includes a receiving receptacle having a liner configured to receive and retain incoming matter. The hose assembly includes a flexible section that facilitates directional manipulation of the nozzle of the hose assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to animal care, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an animal feces retriever wherein the present invention is embodied in a portable backpack style device that includes a vacuum motor and biodegradable bags.

BACKGROUND

Millions of homeowners have pets such as dogs or cats. A great number of pet owners utilize areas such as their backyard or parks to exercise and engage with their pet animals. Dog owners in particular will often use their backyard or a park to exercise and play with their dog. Many dogs will spend a significant portion of their time in the backyard or park and all will defecate and urinate while outside.

It is the responsibility of the pet owner to clean up the fecal matter in public areas such as but not limited to parks. The most common method is to utilize a plastic bag wherein the pet owner will have to bend down and use the plastic bag to capture the feces. Once placed in the bag the feces and bag are typically placed in the trash, which will ultimately wind up waste landfills. While the aforementioned is effective, the current method contributes to the accumulation of materials in landfills, which is undesirable. Furthermore, a more automated user-friendly device would improve the ability to execute the task of animal feces retrieval and disposal.

Accordingly, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide an animal feces retrieval and disposal apparatus that is provided in a backpack style device wherein the present invention includes the utilization of vacuum technology and biodegradable bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an animal feces retriever that is operable to retrieve and facilitate disposal of animal feces wherein the present invention includes a backpack unit that is worn by a user utilizing adjustable padded nylon straps.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable animal fecal retrieval device configured to utilize vacuum suction to retrieve and dispose of animal feces wherein the present invention a universal electric motor powering the vacuum and includes at least one inlet and outlet portal.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an animal feces retriever that is operable to retrieve and facilitate disposal of animal feces wherein the power for the device can be either electric, battery powered or a combustible fuel source.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable animal fecal retrieval device configured to utilize vacuum suction to retrieve and dispose of animal feces wherein the present invention further includes a mulching feature that would allow the fecal matter to be utilized in mulching of flower beds or other similar areas.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an animal feces retriever that is operable to retrieve and facilitate disposal of animal feces wherein the air duct components of the present invention are configured to reduce odors and can include filtration.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to a portable animal fecal retrieval device configured to utilize vacuum suction to retrieve and dispose of animal feces wherein the fecal matter is deposited into an area that is lined with a biodegradable material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an animal feces retriever that is operable to retrieve and facilitate disposal of animal feces wherein the device can be altered between an intake mode and an exhaust mode utilizing a switch on the housing of the present invention.

Still an additional object of the present invention is to a portable animal fecal retrieval device configured to utilize vacuum suction to retrieve and dispose of animal feces wherein the housing can include wheels or similar elements to assist with the mobility of the device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an animal feces retriever that is operable to retrieve and facilitate disposal of animal feces wherein the present invention includes a control panel providing a user interface to control operation thereof and wherein the control panel includes indication lights such as but not limited to amount of battery power.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a portable animal fecal retrieval device configured to utilize vacuum suction to retrieve and dispose of animal feces wherein the duct system includes a check valve and backflow preventer and wherein the system includes various flow rates.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an animal feces retriever that is operable to retrieve and facilitate disposal of animal feces wherein the present invention utilizes corrugated flexible hose and can further accommodate a fluid flushing process.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention secured to a user; and

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the present invention secured to a user; and

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the present invention secured to a user; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated an animal feces retriever 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to the Figures submitted as a part hereof, the animal feces retriever 100 includes a frame 10 wherein the frame 10 is configured to provide support for and be operably coupled to the motor assembly 20. The frame 10 is manufactured from a rigid lightweight material such as but not limited to plastic and is configured to be adjacent a user's back subsequent the user donning the animal feces retriever 100. The frame 10 is secured to a user via straps 12,14. The straps 12, 14 are secured to the frame 10 utilizing suitable durable techniques and are manufactured from a padded nylon or similar material. The straps 12,14 are adjustable so as to permit an ability to accommodate user's of alternate sizes. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the straps 12,14 could be provided in alternate materials and sizes in order to achieve the desired objective herein. A chest strap member 15 is present wherein the chest strap member 15 is secured intermediate the straps 12,14 on the front side of the user and is configured to ensure proper position of the straps 12,14. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the animal feces retriever 100 could be provided without the chest strap member 15.

Releasbly secured to the frame 10 utilizing suitable techniques is the motor assembly 20. The motor assembly 20 is releasably secured to the frame 10 so as to allow a user to utilize the animal feces retriever 100 in a first mode or in a second mode. In the first mode the animal feces retriever 100 is worn on the shoulders as illustrated herein. In the second mode the motor assembly 20 is released from the frame 10 and is transported by the user via handle 27. This provides two techniques for carrying and utilization of the animal feces retriever 100. The motor assembly 20 includes a housing 21 wherein disposed within the housing 21 is a motor 22. The motor 22 is a reverse cycle motor wherein the motor 22 can be operated so as to provide suction to provide an air stream out from the hose assembly 40. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the motor 22 could be either a combustible engine or a battery-powered electric motor. For the latter configuration, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that an electric version of the motor 22 could be powered by a rechargeable battery and/or include photovoltaic cells to provide charging of the power supply. The motor 22 is operable to be switched between a first mode and second mode via controller 30. In the first mode the animal feces retriever 100 is configured to suction exemplary items 99 into the receiving receptacle 50 via the hose assembly 40. In the second mode, the animal feces retriever 100 is operable to eject exemplary items 99 disposed in the receiving receptacle 50 onto a desired area. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the second mode is operable to provide dispersion of exemplary items 99, animal feces, into a compost pile or similar natural fertilizer material. The hose assembly 40 is manufactured from plastic or other suitable tubular material and includes a flexible section 43 that allows directional manipulation of the nozzle 44. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the motor 22 is operable in various speeds so as to provide the required suction or discharge as needed. Wheels 92, 93 are secured proximate the receiving receptacle and are foldably mounted(as illustrated herein) thereto. The wheels 92.93 can be deployed to be utilized to assist in transportation of the animal feces retriever either during use or movement thereof.

Integrated into the motor assembly 20 is the receiving receptacle 50. The receiving receptacle 50 is operably coupled to the hose assembly 40 and is configured to either receive items therefrom or pass items therethrough in the second mode as discussed herein. The receiving receptacle 50 is manufactured from a durable material such as but not limited to plastic and includes interior volume 51. The receiving receptacle 50 includes opening 52 that is secured with cap 53. The receiving receptacle 50 has disposed therein a liner 55. The liner 55 is configured to be disposed within the interior volume 51 and capture the exemplary items 99 introduced into the receiving receptacle 50. The liner 55 is removable through opening 52 so as to be replaced upon filling of the receiving receptacle 50. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the liner 55 is a biodegradable liner manufactured from suitable biodegradable or recycled materials.

It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the controller 30 is configured to provide operation of the animal feces retriever 100. More specifically but not by way of limitation, variable speed, emergency shut-off and mode selection. Furthermore, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the animal feces retriever 100 could be employed to handle wet or dry materials. Additionally, while not particularly illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the animal feces retriever 100 would further include an air filtration member so as to eliminate odors when retrieving animal feces. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the hose assembly 40 is releasably secured so as to be removed in order to provide easier cleaning thereof. Additionally, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the animal feces retriever 100 could include a separation screen in the hose assembly 40 or in an alternate location so as to separate large solids from the incoming material. While the animal feces retriever 100 is illustrated herein as being configured to be worn on a user's back, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the animal feces retriever 100 could be provided on a frame with wheels or other elements to assist in the transportation thereof. Additionally, while the animal feces retriever 100 is disclosed and discussed herein being operable to retrieve animal feces, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the animal feces retriever 100 could be utilized to retrieve/remove alternate bio-hazardous material.

Referring in particular to FIG. 4 an alternative handheld embodiment of the animal feces retriever 100 is illustrated herein. The alternative embodiment the aforementioned elements such as but not limited to the receiving receptacle 50, motor 22, power switch 127 and liner 55. Further included is a photovoltaic power support 122 as well as an extendible leash 125. The leash 125 is configured to be detached from the animal feces retriever 100. Alternatively, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the leash 125 could be provided separately from the animal feces retriever 100.The alternative embodiment executes the same tasks/function previously discussed herein in a smaller handheld version.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces wherein the animal feces retrieval apparatus comprises: a frame, said frame being manufactured from a lightweight rigid material, said frame operable to be adjacent a user's back during utilization of the animal feces retrieval apparatus;a motor assembly, said motor assembly being secured to said frame, said motor assembly having a motor, said motor assembly being operably in a first mode and a second mode;a receiving receptacle, said receiving receptacle being operably coupled to said motor assembly, said receiving receptacle having an interior volume, said interior volume being of sufficient size to receive and retain fecal matter therein; anda hose assembly, said hose assembly being manufactured from rigid tubular material, said hose assembly operably coupled to said motor assembly and configured to have matter pass therethrough.

2. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 1, wherein in said first mode the animal feces retrieval device is operable to provide suction so as to remove animal feces from a desired area.

3. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 2, and further including a controller, said controller being operably coupled to said hose assembly and said motor assembly, said controller providing an interface to operate the animal feces retrieval apparatus.

4. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 3, and further including a liner, said liner being releasably secured within said receiving receptacle, and said liner being operable to receive and retain fecal matter.

5. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 4, wherein said liner is manufactured from biodegradable material.

6. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 5, wherein said second mode the animal feces retrieval apparatus is operable to provide discharge of material disposed within said receiving receptacle.

7. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 6, wherein said hose assembly further includes a flexible section, said flexible section being integrally formed with said hose assembly.

8. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 7, wherein said flexible section provides directional manipulation of a nozzle of said hose assembly.

9. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 8, wherein the animal feces retrieval apparatus is configured to retrieve wet and dry material.

10. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 9, and further including a separation screen, said separation screen disposed in said hose assembly, said separation screen operable to inhibit large materials from passing therethrough.

11. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 10, wherein said motor of said motor assembly is electric.

12. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 11, and further including a plurality of photovoltaic cells, said photovoltaic cells operably coupled to said motor so as to provide electrical current thereto.

13. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 12, wherein the animal feces retrieval apparatus includes a first mode and a second mode of utilization wherein in the first mode the animal feces retrieval apparatus is secured to the back of a user using shoulders straps secured to said frame.

14. The animal feces retrieval apparatus that is operable to retrieve and dispose of animal feces as recited in claim 13, wherein in said second mode of use, the animal feces retrieval apparatus is released from said frame and transported by a user employing a handle secured to said motor assembly.