Abstract:
Described herein is a portable animal waste remover with an elongated handle, or two handle components attached to a tapered scoop. The tapered scoop easily fits between an animal&#39;s hind legs prior to that animal&#39;s defecation. The scoop can contain a notch into which the edges or handles of a disposable bag insert. The bag thereby acts as a liner for the scoop and traps the waste from the animal. The user removes the uppermost edges of the bag from the slot and removes the bag from the curved scoop while retaining the waste within the bag. In other embodiments the elongated handle has an adjustable handle length extension, comprises a wheel, or fits within the user&#39;s pocket.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     My invention relates to a portable device which is positioned under an animal while it defecates. The animal waste falls directly into a bag and is captured within without the person bending towards the ground, a litter box, or the collected waste. More particularly, my invention relates to a portable device fashioned as a scoop with a long handle. When an animal, such as a dog, defecates the scoop portion is slipped beneath the animal&#39;s posterior to hold the falling waste. The waste lands within a bag which wraps the curved scoop. The bag is then removed from the scoop portion in a manner which encloses the waste within the bag. The waste retrieval occurs without the person bending towards the ground, the person need not touch the waste, and the device need not be cleaned after every use. 
     The prior art field of devices for retrieval of animal waste discloses that these devices do not prevent the person from bending towards the ground or litter box, to retrieve the waste. The person must also carry the device in one hand, which leaves only one hand free for a leashed pet, or perhaps more than one animal. These two problems cause sufficient inconvenience and discomfort, so pet owners avoid these devices with which the tiresome process of “walking the dog” becomes more burdensome. 
     U.S. Design Pat. No. D483,159 S (Boyd) discloses an ornamental design for an animal waste scoop and bag combination. U.S. Design Pat. No. 316,315 (Elrod) discloses an ornamental design for an animal waste scoop, but there is no removable bag component. 
     U.S. Des. Pat. 418,261 (Betts et al.) also discloses an ornamental design for a scoop for dog waste. U.S. Design Pat. 262,943 (Schadler) discloses an ornamental design for a combined scoop and container for animal waste. There is no handle or detachable bag. None of the above designs include an elongated handle or removable bag. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,469 (Ockerman) discloses a circular scoop with a securing ring attached to a handle for manual rotation of the securing ring with a support hoop. A waste bag is positioned upon the support hoop so that the waste bag remains open during use. The waste bag has a lower pouch portion and an upper neck portion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,036 (Ring) discloses an animal waste scoop with a handle and shovel portion containing spaced fingers. The scoop is used with a disposable bag with spaced fingers which fit over the respective shovel fingers. The user pulls the bag over the shovel, grips the handle beneath the open end of the bag, and positions the shovel beneath the solid waste. The shovel is lifted so the waste remains on top of the fingers. The user then inverts the bag to remove it from the shovel and retain the waste within the bag. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,762 (Ring) discloses an animal waste assembly with an open ended container. A plastic bag with a closed end and an open end, and of a greater length than the container, inserts into the container as a liner. An integral exterior bag portion folds over the container exterior while it also covers the user&#39;s hand which holds the container. Waste is scooped into the bag over the open container end while the container and the person&#39;s hand are shielded by the bag. The bag&#39;s open end is then folded and inserted into the container. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,111 (Bohn) discloses a device which separates animal waste from unsoiled pet litter. The handle contains a grate and the grate has cross members with intervening spaces. The cross members retain animal waste while the intervening spaces allow unsoiled litter to pass between. U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,055 (Kohn) also discloses a scoop for removing solid animal waste from granular material such as litter. It includes a receptacle with apertures so that solid animal waste cannot fall within, although granular particulars are sufficiently small to pass through. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,575 (Parvaresh) discloses a scoop with an elongated handle and a flat tray with a center slot at the lower end. There is also a disposable plastic bag with a closed end. The closed end is inserted into a center slot in the flat tray with the open end flattened, so that waste is deposited into the disposable plastic bag. The disposable plastic bag is then positioned under the dog. The dog deposits waste directly into the bag and the user pulls upon attached strings to seal the bag. There is also a rake tool to push the waste over the tray and into the plastic bag if the waste missed the bag. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,148 (Brauatovich) discloses a flat folded configuration which the user folds into a z-shape with a cardboard stiffener. The folded device opens to a scoop configuration and a separate cardboard segment becomes a paddle which pushes waste into the scoop. Side flaps move fold over the top panel to seal the enclosed waste, and a rubber band retains the closed position of the device after use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,560 (Lordi) discloses a disposable waste scoop and scraper, but there is no removable attachable bag. U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,777 (Carns) discloses a device with an elongated handle and two pivoting scoop-shaped jaws which form a mouth. Each jaw has an adhesive pad for a cellophane sheet across the mouth and jaws, and which cellophane sheet holds animal waste. There is also a pull rod through the handle for spreading the jaws. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,146,260 (Carrington) discloses a leash holder scoop with a plastic disposable bag to position beneath a pet. The bag is reversibly secured to a bent tube attached to a handle with an attached pivoting leash latch. The bag holder is a narrow round sleeve with a flat segment which holds elastic fitting at the top of the bag and against the sleeve. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,015 (Jefferson) discloses two interfitting boxes made of biodegradable cardboard. The boxes are collapsible and can be carried in a pocket. Each box has an opening which is shaped as a scoop for the feces. The boxes then slide into each other to enclose the feces, and the device is then carried to a refuse container. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In the preferred embodiment of my invention, my portable animal waste remover comprises an elongated handle and a curved scoop which contacts the ground at the lower handle end. The lower handle end attaches at an angle to the scoop interior or exterior surface at the scoop posterior end, and approximately ⅙ of the handle length attaches to the scoop interior or exterior surface at the lower handle end. Preferably the lower handle end is enclosed within a hollow cylindrical indented portion of the scoop. The handle attaches to the interior scoop surface with a suitable chemical adhesive, screws, or a combination of both. Other mechanical fasteners and adhesives are satisfactory in other embodiments. 
     The curved scoop comprises a bottom floor which is flush with a level ground surface. The bottom floor tapers anterior where it converges with the first and second curved sides of the scoop. The posterior ends of each first and second curved side converge with the convex curved posterior wall of the scoop at angles. The scoop has an interior surface and an exterior surface, as well as a thickness. 
     The convex curved posterior wall has an upper edge which contains a slot. This slot is sufficiently deep to hold a bag handle, or bag uppermost edge, wherever a bag is placed over the scoop and held in place within the slot. To use the portable device, the scoop portion is held under the animal&#39;s hindquarters. The waste then falls into the bag which is attached to the interior surface by its insertion into the notch. When the waste process is complete, the user removes the bag edges from the slot, turns the bag over itself, and removes the enclosed waste from the scoop. The waste remains in the bag and is ready for disposal. Alternatively but less preferably the bag handles tie around the scoop handle. 
     Preferably the entire device is made of a lightweight material such as a cured rigid resin. In some embodiments the entire device is one integral device which is disposable, such as biodegradable cardboard. In other embodiments the elongated handle is extremely narrow and folds into segments, so the user can more easily carry the device in the same hand as the animal&#39;s leash. In still other embodiments, the handle comprises wheels at its lower end. With this wheel the user need not carry the device, but can pull or push it along the ground, much like a baby carriage or a child&#39;s wagon. In still other embodiments my portable animal waste removal device folds into a purse, pocket, or the user slings it over a shoulder or into a backpack. 
     With all embodiments of my portable animal waste remover, there is no need to bend toward the ground. This feature is a special benefit for persons with arthritis or excessive weight. Similarly, there is no need to manually remove waste with a bag, and my device is effective even if the animal has diarrhea. There is no requirement to clean the device after each use, and the anterior end of the curved scoop tapers to provide sufficient clearance for small animals. 
     The front portion also tapers on each side laterally for clearance between an animal&#39;s rear legs. There can be a removable shoulder strap and an adjustable handle length. My device is essential for indoor public environments such as pet shows, veterinarian facilities and pet stores. The elongated handle places the waste device properly on the ground and under the animal. 
     Accordingly, one goal of my invention is to provide a more convenient method of collecting animal waste. 
     Another goal of my invention is to eliminate bending of the consumer to manually scoop waste. 
     Another goal of my invention is to simplify the isolation of the waste with a disposable bag without touching the waste. 
     Another goal of my invention is to free at least one hand of the user and eliminate the burden of carrying the device. 
     These and other features of my portable animal waste removal device are illustrated and explained by the drawings and DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, infra. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an anterior perspective view of the preferred embodiment portable animal waste remover. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a top plan view of the portable animal waste remover with a hollow elongated handle. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates the portable animal waster remover of  FIG. 1A  through view line  1   b / 1   b  of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates an isolated lateral view of the scoop of the portable animal waste remover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a close up isolated view of the scoop of the portable animal waste remover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a posterior view of the portable animal waste remover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an isolated view of a stepped scoop embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an isolated lateral view of the  FIG. 4A  embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a portable animal waste remover with wheels. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a partial anterior view of the mold components in which the scoop portion of the invention is produced. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a partial anterior view of the portable animal waste remover of  FIG. 1  within an open bag. 
         FIG. 7B  is a partial anterior view of the portable animal waste remover of  FIG. 1  with one bag handle inserted within a slot. 
         FIG. 7C  is a partial anterior view of the scoop of  FIG. 1  with both bag handles inserted within the slot. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a partial anterior view of a portable animal waste remover with a spring biased adjustable two component handle. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates an isolated view of the spring button feature of the embodiment with an integral adjustable button of the hollow handle extension. 
         FIG. 8C  illustrates a lateral view of the spring button feature of the  FIG. 8A  embodiment. 
         FIG. 8D  illustrates a closeup isolated view of a spring-biased wire embodiment through view line  8 D/ 8 D of  FIG. 8C . 
         FIG. 8E  illustrates a closeup transverse sectional view of the  FIG. 8B  embodiment and designating directional movement in phantom. 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a lateral view of the assembled collect connector embodiment of the portable animal waste remover. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates the  FIG. 9A  embodiment through view line  9   a / 9   a  of a collet connector. 
         FIG. 9C  is an isolated closeup view of the collet connector and elongated handle end of the  FIG. 9A  embodiment. 
         FIG. 9D  illustrates the  FIG. 9A  embodiment through view line  9   d / 9   d  of  FIG. 9C . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a portable animal waste remover with a woven scoop. 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates a posterior partial prospective view of a wire mesh scoop with a wire notch. 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates a closeup view of the wire notch of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a top plan anterior view of a collapsed portable animal waste remover with an integral prong and button. 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates a lateral sectional view of a collapsed portable animal waste remover with an integral prong and button. 
         FIG. 12C  illustrates a top plan anterior view of a collapsed portable animal waste remover with a spring biased wire and button. 
         FIG. 12  D illustrates a cross-sectional lateral view of the collapsed portable animal waste remover with a spring biased wire and button. 
         FIG. 12E  illustrates a top plan anterior view of the collapsed portable animal waste remover with a collet connector. 
         FIG. 12F  illustrates a cross-sectional lateral view of the collapsed portable animal waster remover with a collet connector. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , my portable animal waste remover  1  comprises an elongated component handle  2  and a scoop  3  in the preferred embodiment. Elongated handle  2  has an upper handle end  2   c  and a lower handle end  2   b . Lower handle end  2   b  attaches to scoop  3  at an angle theta of approximately 65 degrees from the horizontal. Elongated handle  2  is approximately 37 and ½ inches in length and approximately ¾ inch in diameter for the preferred cylindrical handle shape. However, other cross-sectional shapes and lengths of elongated handle  2  are also within the scope of my invention. 
     Elongated handle  2  is preferably made of wood. Other satisfactory materials include fiberglass cloth, reinforced epoxy resin, and extruded or injection molded resin. Additional recommended materials include tough lightweight plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, or a lightweight metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. Materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass and heat-cured and/or molded resins are also within the scope of my invention. 
     The most preferred resin for mold production of the scoop  3  is DuPont Crastin® LW 9020 BK580 which is a black polybutylene terephthalate alloy containing 20% fiberglass. Please see  FIG. 6 . This specific resin exhibits the following physical properties (among others not listed herein) at 23° C. unless otherwise stated: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 (50) 
                 (a) 
                 Density 
                 1.35 grams per cubic 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 centimeter 
               
               
                   
                 (b) 
                 Tensile Modulus 
                 1015 kpsi 
               
               
                   
                 (c) 
                 Stress at Break 
                 15.5 kpsi 
               
               
                   
                 (d) 
                 Strain at Break 
                 2.5% 
               
               
                   
                 (e) 
                 Notched charpy impact strength 
                 7 kJ/m 2   
               
               
                   
                 (f) 
                 Unnotched charpy impact strength 
                 50 kJ/m 2   
               
               
                   
                 (g) 
                 Melting Point: 
                 225° C. 
               
               
                   
                 (h) 
                 Deflection temperature 
                 150° C. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 at 1.8 MPa (264 psi) 
               
               
                   
                 (i) 
                 Melting temperature 
                 225° C. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 at 10° C. per minute 
               
               
                   
                 (j) 
                 Mold temperature range 
                 30-130° C. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Other embodiments of one-piece integral portable animal waste removers are made of stamped stainless steel, aluminum, painted cold rolled steel or other lightweight metals. Die cast aluminum, die cast zinc or die cast magnesium are also satisfactory, as is cardboard which is detachable and disposable. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , scoop  3  has a first lateral scoop side  4 , a second lateral scoop side  5 , wide posterior scoop end  6  and narrow anterior scoop end  7 . As seen in  FIG. 1A  scoop  3  has a lowermost scoop floor  3   a  which is roughly triangular in two-dimensional shape and tapers toward narrow anterior scoop end  7 . Lowermost scoop floor  3   a  has a flat upper surface  3   b  and flat lower surface  3   c . At narrow anterior scoop end  7 , lowermost floor  3   a  converges with first lateral scoop side  4  and second lateral scoop side  5 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , each first and second lateral scoop side  4 , 5  respectively has a first and second anterior side end  4   a ,  5   a  respectively and a first and second posterior side end  4   b ,  5   b  respectively. Each first and second lateral scoop side  4 ,  5  also has a first and second sloping upper side edge  4   c ,  5   c  respectively. Each first and second sloping upper side edge  4   c ,  5   c  respectively slopes upwardly towards posterior scoop end  6  where each lateral scoop side  4 , 5  becomes posterior convex curved scoop side  8 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , each first and second sloping upper side edge  4   c ,  5   c  preferably converges with upper posterior convex curved scoop side edge  8   a  at an arc of approximately 35 degrees. When viewed posteriorly, scoop  3  comprises a semi-cylindrical outwardly protruding structure  12   a , which corresponds to scoop cylindrical indentation  12   b  within scoop interior surface  11 . Please see  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , each first and second anterior side end  4   a ,  5   a  respectively also converges with anterior scoop side  9 , thereby forming a round tapered v-shape in upper plan view. Please see  FIG. 1A . Anterior scoop side  9  is shorter in length and height than posterior convex curved scoop side  8 . Each first and second anterior side end  4   a ,  5   a  respectively is incrementally shorter in height than first and second posterior side ends  4   b ,  5   b  respectively, but are continuous and integral to ends  4   b ,  5   b . Preferably scoop  3  is one integral piece, but it consists of separate components in other embodiments, infra. In some embodiments scoop  3  also comprises an exterior layer of acrylic paint. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1C and 2 , scoop  3  has a curved exterior surface  10  and a curved interior surface  11 . Interior surface  11  is preferably smooth and may be lined with a material such as fiberglass which is easily cleaned. Scoop  3  has a thickness which is preferably approximately 3/32 inch. Preferably scoop  3  is approximately ten inches in length, approximately nine and one-quarter inches in width at its widest posterior width, and two and one-quarter inches at its narrowest anterior width. Scoop  3  preferably has a maximum depth of approximately five inches at posterior convex curved scoop side  8 . Scoop  3  has a maximum depth of approximately one and one-half inches at anterior scoop side  9  in the preferred embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , handle lower end  2   b  preferably attaches to curved scoop posterior side  8  at approximate center  8   e  of upper posterior side edge  8   a  along scoop interior surface  11 . Preferably approximately seven inches of lower elongated handle end  2   b  inserts within semi-cylindrical indentation  12   b  of interior surface  11 . Lowest elongated handle point  2   f  inserts within circular female part  13 . Circular female part  13  integrally attaches to (1) upper interior floor surface  3   b , and (2) lowermost semi-cylindrical indentation  12   b . In other embodiments, elongated handle end  2   b  attaches to semi-cylindrical indentation  12   b  (not seen in these views). 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , preferably elongated handle  2  adheres within semi-cylindrical indentation  12   b  and attaches with assembly screws  15  or rivets  15   a  to scoop curved posterior side  8 . Assembly screws  15  or rivets  15   a  insert through semi-cylindrical indentation  12   b  and into upper and lower screw threaded apertures  17   a ,  17   b  respectively within elongated handle  2 . In the preferred embodiment elongated handle  2  has a cylindrical shape, but other shapes are also within the scope of the invention  1 . Preferably there are two assembly screws or rivets  15 ,  15   a  respectively, but other numbers of screws or rivets  15 ,  15   a  are also within the scope of the invention  1 . 
     In embodiments in which scoop  3  and elongated handle  2  are produced separately, scoop  3  preferably attaches to elongated handle  2  with preferred chemical structural adhesive 3M® Scotch-Grip™ Plastic Adhesives. These adhesives are preferred in combination with assembly screws  15  or rivets  15   a , whenever scoop  3  and handle lower end  2   b  are made of wood, plastic or steel. These adhesives exhibit the following physical properties: 
     (i) heat curable 
     (ii) light-tan color 
     (iii) maximum bonding range—40 minutes 
     (iv) overlap shear (psi)—388 
     (v) heat resistance
         approximately 121° C. (cured)   approximately 71° C. (uncured)       

     In other embodiments there are additional diverse mechanical fasteners. In additional embodiments there is (1) adhesive with no mechanical fasteners, or (2) mechanical fasteners without adhesive. In still other embodiments there is no semi-cylindrical indentation  12   b  or circular female part  13 . Instead, elongated handle  2  attaches directly to exterior or interior scoop surfaces  10 ,  11  respectively. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 7A , preferably uppermost posterior side edge  8   a  comprises notch  19 . However, in other embodiments notch  19  is located at other points along scoop  3 . Notch  19  is preferably approximately ¾ inches in depth and located approximately one inch from scoop posterior side center  8   e . As seen in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , disposable bag  20  covers scoop exterior surface  10 , scoop interior surface  11  and scoop floor  3   a . As seen in  FIG. 7C , disposable bag first and second upper edges or handles  20   aa ,  20   bb  respectively wrap elongated handle  2  at scoop center  8   e  and insert within notch  19 . 
     OTHER EMBODIMENTS 
     Portable Animal Waste Remover  1  with Dowel  47   
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in other embodiments elongated handle  2  is hollow and made of materials such as plastic, polyvinyl chloride piping or metal tubing. Short wooden dowel  47  snugly inserts within lower handle end  2   b . Wooden dowel  47  attaches lower handle end  2   b  to a plastic, metal or carbon fiber scoop  3  with wood screws  50 . Screws  15  thereby insert into posterior scoop side  8 , and through handle wall  3   t  and into dowel  47  to attach elongated handle  2  to scoop  3 . 
     In other embodiments, a hand or shoulder strap is threaded through elongated handle  2 . A sufficiently small model can fit within a backpack or pocket, and in other embodiments scoop  3  is removable and disposable. 
     Portable Animal Waste Remover  1  with Spring Loaded Button  30   
     Referring to the embodiment of  FIG. 8A , hollow elongated handle  2  is preferably made of extruded aluminum tubing. This aluminum tubing is preferably approximately three-quarters of an inch in cross-sectional diameter and approximately twenty inches in length. Handle length extension  2   aa  inserts within hollow elongated handle  2  and is preferably made of plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber or metal. 
     As seen in  FIG. 8B , handle length extension  2   aa  is also hollow and preferably cylindrical. Handle length extension  2   aa  is of sufficiently small diameter to snugly insert and move vertically from lower elongated handle opening  2   d . Spring loaded button  30  fits within one of a linearly and axially aligned series of button adjustment apertures  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c , etc. (generically button adjustment apertures  32 ) within hollow elongated handle  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8B and 8D , inner spring aperture  33  within handle length extension wall  2   aa  congruently aligns with an adjustment aperture  32  whenever handle length extension  2   aa  slides within elongated handle  2 . As seen in  FIG. 8D , spring tempered wire  31  is soldered or staked to button  30 . Spring tempered wire  31  also lies within hollow handle length extension  2   aa  and presses against hollow handle extension inner wall  2   s . To change the protruding length of hollow handle length extension  2   aa , the user initially presses upon button  30 . Hollow handle length extension  2   aa  slides linearly upwardly or downward within hollow elongated handle  2 , while wire  31  remains compressed within hollow handle length extension. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 8B and 8D , inner spring aperture  33  congruently aligns with an adjustment aperture  32 . When the user&#39;s manual pressure is released, then button  30  protrudes from handle length extension  2   aa  and hollow elongated handle  2  through apertures  32 ,  33 . Button  30  thereby retains handle extension  2   aa  at a predetermined length which protrudes from elongated handle opening  2   d . Spring wire  31  is preferably made of metal wire or flexible plastic. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8D , when the user applies manual pressure to button  30 , spring tempered wire  31  tenses and button  30  moves below handle extension surface  2   s  and elongated handle wall  3   t . Handle extension  2   aa  then slides linearly upward or downward within elongated handle extension  2  until button  30  congruently aligns with another pre-selected adjustment aperture  32 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8B and 8E , in another embodiment button  30  attaches to uppermost prong end  32   j  of flexible prong  32   m . In this embodiment, flexible prong  32   m  is an integral component of upper handle length extension wall  2   s  of handle length extension  2   aa . Please see  FIG. 8E . In the FIGS.  8 B/ 8 E embodiment the preferred plastic polymer for elongated handle  2  is DELRIN® (acetal-homopolymer POMH) which exhibits the following physical properties (among others): 
                                                 (71) Dielectric constant @ 1 MHZ   3.7           Dielectric strength (kVmm-1)   20           Coefficient of friction   0.2-0.35           Tensile strength (MPa)   70           Density (g cm-3)   1.42           Limiting oxygen index (%)   15.0           Coefficient of thermal expansion   122           (× 10 −6 K −1 )           Specific heat (JK −1 kg −1 )   1500                        
In smaller versions of this embodiment, elongated handle  2  and handle extension length  2   a  reversibly collapse to fit within a shoulder bag or large pocket.
 
Portable Animal Waste Remover with Collet Connector  34   
     Referring now to  FIG. 9A , hollow elongated handle  2  contains handle length extension  2   aa , and both extension  2   aa  and elongated handle  2  are enclosed by collect connector  34 . Collet connector  34  is a cylindrical metal or plastic segment which reversibly encloses handle extension  2   aa  and overlapping threaded opening  2   d  of lower elongated handle  2 . As seen in  FIGS. 9C and 9D , collect connector  34  comprises interior collet threads  35  and exterior knurl  35   b . Exterior knurl  35   b  (upon exterior collet surface  34   a ) contains knurl facets  35   c . Interior collet threads  35  lie perpendicular to knurl facets  35   c , and interior collet threads  35  encircle interior collet surface  34   c.    
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9C and 9D , lower elongated handle opening  2   d  comprises adjacent discontinuous threads  35   e , and threads  35   e  form discontinuous arc segments  36 . Interior collet threads  35  tightly interlock corresponding discontinuous threads  35   e  whenever collet connector  34  engages elongated handle end  2   d . Adjacent discontinuous threads  35   e , with perpendicular elongated spaces  38  between discontinuous arc segments  36 , allow collet connector  34  to slightly compress lower handle extension end  2   d.    
     To change the protruding length of handle length extension  2   aa , the user loosens collet connector  34  which encloses and immobilizes elongated handle end  2   b  and handle length extension  2   aa . He or she then pushes handle length extension  2   aa  into, or from, hollow elongated handle end  2   b  until the predetermined handle length extension dimension protrudes from elongated handle end  2   d.    
     As best-illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the user now rotates and tightens collet connector  34  to interlock interior collect threads  35  with discontinuous adjacent threads  35   e . Once tightened, collet connector  34  maintains hollow elongated handle  2  and handle length extension  2   aa  in this predetermined position. In smaller versions of this embodiment, elongated handle  2  and handle extension length  2   a  reversibly collapse to fit within a shoulder bag or pocket. 
     Portable Animal Waste Removal Device  1  with Woven and Mesh Scoops  3   
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , basket weave scoop  3  is compatible with an elongated handle  2  made of materials such as fiberglass, cured resin, or hollow metal or plastic tubing. In other embodiments, handle length extension  2   a  attaches to basket scoop  3  with a wood dowel and wood screws at lower elongated handle end  2   iii . Notch  19  is not necessary in this embodiment, because bag handles  20   aa ,  20   bb  loop through spaces  3   g  between woven scoop ribs  3   h  and posterior basket rim  3   j.    
     In another embodiment, elongated handle  2  can be solid or hollow and made of wood, metal plastic, carbon fiber or fiberglass. Scoop  3  is made of wire mesh in an integral basket configuration. Scoop  3  now comprises a notch  19  made of welded wire  19   a . Alternatively, bag handles  20   aa ,  20   bb  loop through wire mesh of scoop  3 . Wire meshes scoop  3  attaches to elongated handle  2  with wood dowel  47  and wood screws  15  at elongated handle lower opening  2   d . Mesh scoop  3  attaches to handle length extension  2   aa  in other embodiments. 
     Portable Animal Waste Remover  1  with Stepped Scoop  3   
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , scoop  3  has a stepped configuration. With this embodiment, the user tips scoop  3  in a posterior direction for larger animals, but maintains scoop  3  flush with a horizontal surface  8   a  for a smaller animal. Scoop  3  comprises first and second upper stepped lateral edges  4   d ,  5   d  and third and fourth lower tapered stepped edges  4   m ,  5   m  respectively. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , first and second inclined edges  4   f ,  5   f  respectively integrally connect stepped edges  4   d ,  4   m , and edges  5   d ,  5   m  respectively. Third and fourth lower stepped edges  4   m ,  5   m  are tapered and easily slide beneath and between a smaller animal&#39;s hind legs. Lateral upper stepped sides  4   d ,  5   d  slide between the hind legs of a larger animal, while lower tapered stepped sides  4   m ,  5   m  lie towards the larger animal&#39;s anterior where they do not interfere. 
     Portable Animal Waste Remover  1  with Wheels  90   
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in another embodiment portable animal waste remover  1  is mobile. Elongated handle  2  is made of wood, metal or plastic. First and second large wheels  91  are preferably made of plastic, wood or polycarbonate, and large wheels  91  are available at hardware stores. Each wheel  91  is approximately 8.5 inches in diameter. Wheel brackets  91   a  are made of sheet metal or molded plastic, and wheel brackets  91   a  attach to elongated handle  2  with wheel screws  15 . Axle  92   b  is preferably made of a cold rolled steel rod. Although  FIG. 5  illustrates a preferred embodiment of scoop  3 , other embodiments of scoop  3  are also within the scope of this invention. 
     Method of Producing Portable Animal Waste Remover  1  with Wood Mold 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the preferred method of producing portable animal waste remover  1  is injection molding which is a well-known art. This method comprises an upper mold component  72  with a male portion  70 . There is also a lower mold component  73  with a depression  71  functioning as a female portion  71 . Details of mold design, size and source of mold equipment in part determine time intervals, temperatures and pressures in a manner well known in this particular art. 
     In other embodiments the production method incorporates vacuum molding or extrusion molding in well-known applications of the art. In still other embodiments, scoop  3  is produced by metal stamping, deep drawn or electro-magnetics. Another method for producing scoops  3  is as follows: 
     The operator assembles a mold from several blocks which are preferably made of wood and shaped to conform to pre-selected contours of scoop  3 . In particular, a separate handle block is added to create linear semi-circular indentation  12 . The operator attaches the blocks to each other in the appropriate configuration with assembly screws and adhesive. He or she applies putty as needed to smooth the adjoining surfaces of each block. 
     The operator next stretches fiber glass cloth over the assembled mold and staples the fiber glass cloth to the mold&#39;s uppermost surface. He or she then applies a layer of epoxy glaze to the stretched fiber glass cloth and allows the resin to air-cure at room temperature. The cloth remains as a component of scoop  3  where it reinforces the resin so no polishing is necessary. 
     Use of Portable Animal Waste Remover  1  in the Best Mode 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 7A , in the best mode the operator inserts curved scoop  3  into bag  20  while pulling a flexible container under scoop  3 . Preferably the flexible container is a flexible bag  20  is made of plastic or another biodegradable disposable material. Flexible bag  20  can comprises a first handle  20   aa  and a second handle  20   bb , or a first bag edge and a second bag edge. 
     The operator next wraps first bag handle  20   aa  around elongated handle  2  and pulls bag handles  20   aa  and  20   bb  through notch  19 . Please see  FIGS. 7B and 7C . The operator now slides scoop  3  under and between the pet&#39;s hind legs when the animal prepares to defecate. After the animal deposits waste into bag  20  lining curved scoop  3 , the operator pulls the first bag handle  20   aa  (or the corresponding uppermost bag edge) from notch  19  and over elongated handle  2 . He or she then pulls bag  20  in an anterior direction from under curved scoop  3 . He or she pulls second bag handle  20   bb  (or the corresponding uppermost bag edge) from notch  19 , thereby removing bag  20  from curved scoop  3 . Handles  20   aa ,  20   bb  (or corresponding uppermost bag edges) are then tied together and the operator discards the enclosed waste. 
     This procedure immediately supra, completes the best mode of the invention. However, other methods and modes of using the portable animal waste remover  1  and a waste container are also within the scope of the invention.