Patent Application
20240175222
This invention relates generally to the field of waste collection, and in particular to a portable device for collecting solid and semi-solid animal waste, or other miscellaneous items.
The invention described herein pertains to an animal waste collection system that can be used to gather and eliminate animal waste and other miscellaneous objects in a simple and sanitary manner. Many municipalities have ordinances requiring that animal owners remove waste from public and private spaces. One of the most common ways to collect animal waste requires the pet owner to carry around a plastic bag that needs to be inverted and worn as a glove to scoop the waste for disposal. Another solution includes manual devices specifically designed to hold a bag that the pet would defecate in.
Many of these devices require the bending, scooping, lifting, and transporting the waste material for disposal, any of which can result in soiling the hands or clothing of the user or only partially removing the waste. Indeed, many of these devices require setup and operation that may be more of an inconvenience than help.
Due to the large number of pet lovers who want to properly care for their pets and observe the rules of their residential and public areas, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a convenient easy-to-use and sanitary animal waste disposal device.
One aspect of the current invention includes a waste collection assembly configured to capture and transmit waste, such as animal waste and other miscellaneous objects, into a detachable receptacle for later disposal. In one preferred aspect, a waste collection assembly of the invention includes a collector, having a body portion that forms a channel to transmit waste from a front position to a terminal position securing a detachable receptacle, such as a plastic bag. In this preferred aspect, the waste can be collected and then deposited in the plastic bag receptacle which can further be detached from the collector and discarded and replaced with a fresh bag.
Another aspect of the waste collection assembly of the invention includes a collector, having a forked surface including a plurality of tines positioned along the bottom front surface of the collector. In this preferred aspect, the plurality of tines allows the extended forked surface to slide underneath the waste to more efficiently capture and transmit waste through the channel of the collector to the detachable receptacle positioned at the terminal end.
Another aspect of the waste collection assembly of the invention includes a collector, having a pole adaptor configured to secure a pole. In this preferred aspect, an extendable pole can be used to manually direct the collector to capture the waste by sliding the forked surface beneath the waste using a forward-directed force on the pole which is transmitted to the collector. The pole may further assist in transmitting the waste to the detachable receptacle by allowing a user to apply a torque force to the pole causing the collector to lift upward allowing the waste to be transmitted to the detachable receptacle through the action of gravity.
Another aspect of the waste collection assembly of the invention includes a collector, having at least one notch and catch position on the upper and/or lower portions of the body of the collector, respectively. In this preferred aspect, the notch and/or catch positions can be adapted to secure a receptacle to the rearward portion of the body of the collector to more efficiently transmit waste to the secured receptacle.
Additional aspects of the invention may be evident from the detailed descriptions, figures and claims provided herein.
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, all of which are given by way of illustration only, and are not limiting the presently disclosed embodiments. Moreover, the Applicants reserve the right to apply for additional coverage over the instant invention through continuing design patent applications. As such, in certain embodiments, the broken lines are for environmental purposes only and form no part of the claimed design.
The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.
The invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for a waste collection assembly (1) configured to allow a user to easily collect waste, and preferably animal waste in the form of excrement, or other miscellaneous items such as litter and the like, without coming into physical contact with the waste such that the system is entirely sanitary.
The waste collection assembly (1) of the invention may include a collector (2) device configured to facilitate the collection and transmission of animal waste to a receptacle (12) as detailed below. In the preferred embodiment shown in
Again, referring to
The collector (2) of the invention may include a lower extension (9), sometimes also referred to as a lower guide extension (9). In this preferred embodiment, the lower extension (9) of the invention may be positioned on the bottom portion of the body (3) of the collector (2) and further be configured to extend beyond the terminal plane (17) and into the receptacle (12). As also shown in the figures, the lower extension (9) of the invention may be formed in a semi-circular arrangement such that it is positioned in-line with the channel (6) of the body (3) forming a continuous aperture to transmit waste to the receptacle (12) as detailed below.
The collector (2) of the invention may further include an upper extension (10), sometimes also referred to as an upper guide extension (10). In this preferred embodiment, the an upper extension (10) of the invention may be positioned on the top portion of the body (3) of the collector (2) and further be configured to extend beyond the terminal plane (17) and into the receptacle (12). As also shown in the figures, the upper extension (10) of the invention may be formed in a semi-circular arrangement such that it is positioned in-line with the channel (6) of the body (3) forming a continuous aperture to transmit waste to the receptacle (12) as detailed below.
The waste collection assembly (1) of the invention may include a receptacle (12) configured to receive and secure waste passing from the channel (6) of the collector (2). In the preferred embodiment shown in the
The receptacle (12) of the invention may further be secured to the terminal portion of the collector (2). In one embodiment, the collector (2) of the invention may include a one or more couplers positioned on the body (3) and configured to secure the receptacle (12) to the terminal portion of the collector (2) fully or partially covering the channel (6). Notably, the number and type of couplers that fall within the scope of the invention is variable. For example, the invention may include one, or a plurality of catches positioned on the body (3) and configured to secure the receptacle (12) to the terminal portion of the collector (2). Moreover, a variety of couplers may fall within scope if the invention, and may include couplers selected from the group consisting of: slide couplers, catch couplers, snap couplers, quick connect couplers, spring-loaded coupler, friction couplers or a combination of the same.
In the preferred embodiment shown in
In another embodiment, incorporated by reference from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/285,290, the invention may include at least two flexible push couplers positioned on opposing sides of the upper portion of the body (2) and configured to secure a plastic bag receptacle (12) to the terminal portion of the body (3) of the collector (2). In an alternative embodiment, the flexible push couplers may include a plurality of tractable flanges configured such that a portion of a plastic bag receptacle (12) may be pushed through the coupler and held in place by the frictional force of the tractable flanges on the plastic bag receptacle (12). Notably, in this configuration, a user may pull on the plastic bag receptacle (12) and overcome this friction force allowing a quick and easy method of attaching and removing the plastic bag receptacle (12) to the collector (2).
The receptacle (12) of the invention may further be secured to the terminal portion of the collector (2) through one or more catch(s) (11). In the preferred embodiment shown in
The waste collection assembly (1) of the invention may include a pole (13) configured to be secured to the collector (2). Referring to
In certain embodiments, a coupler, pole adaptor and pole may comprise a unitary integral component, while in alternative embodiments the components are separable. In still further embodiments, the pole (13) of the invention may include a plurality of separable pieces that can be adjusted in length, as well as embodiment where the pole (13) is a telescoping pole. In still further embodiments, the pole adaptor (14) of the invention may be adjustable. For example, in one embodiment the pole adaptor (14) may be jointed so that it may be adjusted relative to the position of the collector (2). Whether adjustable or static, in a preferred embodiment a pole (13) is secured with the pole adaptor (14) and positioned at approximately a 30° to 60° degree angle relative to the collector (2) when positioned along a horizontal axis.
In this preferred embodiment, the pole (13) of the invention can manually direct the collector (2) to capture the waste by sliding the forked surface beneath the waste, which in this case may include animal excrement or other miscellaneous objects, using a forward-directed force on the pole (13) which is transmitted to the collector (2). The pole (13) may further assist in transmitting the waste to the detachable receptacle (12) by allowing a user to apply a torque force to the pole (13) causing the collector (2) to lift upward causing the waste to be transmitted to the detachable receptacle (12), such as a plastic bag secured to the body (3) or the collector (2) through one or more notches (16) and/or catches (11), through the action of gravity. The waste, having been deposited in the receptacle (12) may be further disposed of by removing the receptacle (12), which in this embodiment comprises a plastic bag, by disengaging the receptacle (12) from the notches (16) and/or catches (11) and optionally replacing it with a separate receptacle (12).
All embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of the inventive technology consistent with the broader inventive principles disclosed. As may be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present inventive technology may be embodied in a variety of ways. It generally involves apparatus, systems, methods, and techniques as well as devices to accomplish a waste collection assembly having as generally claimed herein. In this application, the improved techniques, including novel and unique methods and apparatus for a waste collection assembly and the like are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.
The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the inventive technology and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the inventive technology is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the inventive technology and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.
It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the inventive technology. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this inventive technology. A broad disclosure encompassing the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the inventive technology both independently and as an overall system.
Further, each of the various elements of the inventive technology and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the inventive technology, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this inventive technology is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “coupler” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “coupling”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “coupling”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “coupling method and/or technique, and or device.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the methods, improvements and/or devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiii) all inventions described herein.
With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.
Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like.
Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the inventive technology, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
This U.S. National Phase Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/285,290, filed Dec. 2, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
