Patent ID: 9332732
Filing Date: 2016-05-10
CPC Classification: A01K

Claim Text:
1. An indirect hands-free method of handling animal waste comprises the steps of: providing an attachable waste-collecting apparatus, wherein the waste collecting apparatus comprises a support structure, a disposable waste receptacle, and a manipulating tool; wherein the manipulating tool comprises a user interface; securing the support structure to an animal in order to receive and support the waste receptacle; switching the manipulating tool from a storage configuration to an in-use configuration by actuating the user interface; coupling the disposable waste receptacle to the support structure by engaging the manipulating tool to the disposable waste receptacle; waiting for an interval of time in order to allow the waste receptacle to receive waste from the animal; decoupling the disposable waste receptacle from the support structure by engaging the manipulating tool to the disposable waste receptacle; sealing the disposable waste receptacle with the manipulating tool by actuating the user interface; disengaging the disposable waste receptacle from the manipulating tool in order to discard the disposable waste receptacle; switching the manipulating tool from an in-use configuration to a storage configuration by actuating the user interface; the manipulating tool being switched to the in-use configuration by flipping a telescope switch a first direction, thereby extending a telescoping portion of the manipulating tool; the manipulating tool being switch to the storage configuration by flipping the telescope switch a second direction, thereby retracting the telescoping portion of the manipulating tool; wherein the manipulating tool comprises a user interface and a second latching mechanism; wherein the user interface engages and disengages the second latching mechanism; when said second latching mechanism is engaged, a switch is in a first position; said disengaging comprises flipping the switch to a second position; said engaging comprises flipping the switch to a first position; grasping the disposable waste receptacle with the second latching mechanism by actuating the user interface; coupling the disposable waste receptacle to the support structure by moving the disposable waste receptacle adjacent to the support structure with the manipulating tool and by grasping the disposable waste receptacle with the second latching mechanism, said grasping being performed by actuating the user interface of the manipulation tool; moving the disposable waste receptacle next to the support structure; and releasing the disposable waste receptacle with the second latching mechanism by oppositely actuating the user interface, if the disposable waste receptacle is attached to the support structure.