Patent ID: 7552957
Filing Date: 2009-06-30
Classification: E01H

Abstract:
1. A device for removing animal excrement from a surface, said device comprising: a cylindrical inner member adapted to act as a handle, said cylindrical inner member having end portions with one of said end portions being tubular; a collar attachable to said tubular end portion of said cylindrical inner member; a plurality of gripping members each being pivotably attachable to said collar; a torsion spring engagable with each of said gripping members and said collar and positioned to provide an outwardly-biased force on said gripping members respectively; a hollow outer member adapted to move over said cylindrical inner member from a first position to at least one second position, said first position being in which said gripping members are enclosed within said outer member, said second position being in which said gripping members are exposed from said outer member; a coil compression spring incorporated in said tubular end portion of said cylindrical inner member, said compression spring being adapted to bear on said outer member so as to urge said outer member from said second position to said first position; a means for compressing said compression spring as said outer member is moved initially from said first position to said second position; and a trigger means for releasably retaining said outer member in said second position; wherein a distal end of said outer member has a diameter which is greater than that of a proximal end of said outer member and there is included a damping means adapted to restrain the rate of relaxation of said compression spring when said trigger means is operated so as to release said compression spring from its compressed state.