Patent ID: 8403386
Filing Date: 2013-03-26
Classification: E01H

Abstract:
1. A collection device for pet waste comprising: a pair of opposing shells extending from a base and having respective shell ends, the pair of opposing shells being pivotally affixed at the base in a non-biasing relationship by a living hinge, the pair of opposing shells are pivotally movable between a closed shell state with the respective shell ends proximate each other and an open shell state wherein the shell ends are spaced from each other; each of the pair of opposing shells including an inner surface and an outer surface; respective opposing lips extending from an edge of each of the opposing shells, the opposing lips moving in a mandibular motion toward and away from each other to releasably grip a bag and contents thereof therebetween; a pair of pockets respectively coupled to each of the outer surfaces, each of the pair of pockets configured to accept a plurality of one or more fingers; each of the pair of the pockets includes a foldable flap that can fold substantially flat against the outer surface of its respective shell to a first position for compact storage, the foldable flap can open to a second position to accept the one or more fingers, and a distal end of the foldable flap is attached to a distal end of the shell with the living hinge at a proximal end of the shell; and each of the pair of the pockets includes a support member to support the foldable flap in the first and second positions and limit a distance that a proximal end of the foldable flap can travel away from the outer surface of the shell, and the support member is affixed to at least one of an edge of the foldable flap and its respective shell, the support member being affixed to the shell via a tab at one end of the support member that fits into a slot on the shell and the support member folds so that the foldable flap may move between the first and second positions.