Abstract:
The present invention discloses a dispenser and carrier for bags, and, more specifically, to a device for use in a method for dispensing unused animal waste bags and also to a device and method for carrying both unused animal waste bags and used animal waste bags. The device may be constructed so as to be either permanently affixed, such as a sewn connection, or removably affixable to a strap, such as a leash.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present general inventive concept relates generally to a dispenser and carrier for bags, and, more specifically, to a dispenser for dispensing unused animal waste bags and also carrying used animal waste bags. The dispenser is constructed so as to be removably affixable to a strap, such as, for one example, a leash. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    A wide variety of potential embodiments will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments, read together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in an open position; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in a closed position; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in a dosed position and removably affixed to a chain; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in use; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in a closed position and removably affixed to a strap. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The following detailed description may recite various descriptive terms such as horizontal, vertical, top, bottom, upward, downward, left, right, etc., when referring to the exemplary figures, but the present general inventive concept is not limited to any such terms or physical orientations. Such terms are used for convenience of description only, and could be reversed, modified, or interchanged without departing from the broader scope and spirit of the present general inventive concept. 
         [0011]    The present general inventive concept, in some of its embodiments, can include a chamber having an inner surface, an outer surface, an enclosed bottom and an attached top. In some embodiments, the attached top removably closes upon the outer surface of the chamber. In some exemplary embodiments, the attached top contains an opening integrated into the attached top, such as, for one example, a slit. The outer surface of the chamber can contain at least two attachment points—the first attachment point for removably attaching the apparatus onto a strap, chain, leash, lead line, harness line, or similar device for restraining a pet, and the second attachment point for removably attaching a used animal waste bag to the chamber so as to minimize the need for human interaction with the used animal waste bag, i.e., there is no need to carry the used animal waste bag in one&#39;s hand. In some embodiments, the attached top is closeable; in such embodiments, the means of closure can be any of a number of devices (known in the art) such as, for example, a snap, a button, or hook and loop closure material. 
         [0012]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , chamber  101  includes an inner surface  101   a  and an outer surface  101   b,  a bottom  111  and a top  102 . Top  102  is further defined to have an inner surface  102   a  and an outer surface  102   b.  In some embodiments, top  102  is removably attachable to chamber  101 , by means known in the art, such as, for one example, hook  107  and loop  108  material. In some embodiments, optional pull tab  109  is attached to top  102  to enhance ease of opening top  102  from chamber  101 . In some exemplary embodiments, opening  103  is throughcut through top  102 , thus providing a means of threading an individual, unused waste bag off roll  110  of unused waste bags through opening  103  for ready access when top  102  is in a closed (removably attached) position upon outer surface  101   b  of chamber  101 . Clip  105  is attached to outer surface  101   b  of chamber  101  and provides a means of removably attaching the present general inventive concept to a strap, such as a leash. Clip  104  is attached to outer surface  101   b  of chamber  101  and provides a means of removably attaching a used waste bag to outer surface  101   b  chamber  101 . Optional panel  106  may be attached to outer surface  101   b  of chamber  101  to provide ornamentation, such as, for one example, a panel of color contrasting material, or, for another example, a brand logo. 
         [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in a closed position, where top  102  is removably attached to (closed upon) outer surface  101   b  of chamber  101 . Unused waste bag  110  is threaded through opening  103  for ready dispensing. Clip  105  is ready to attach the present general inventive concept to a strap  201 , such as a leash. Optionally, clip  105  may be attached to outer surface  101   b  of chamber  101  by use of a contrasting patch  205 , for ornamental purposes or, alternatively, for reinforced structural integrity and extended wear and use of the device. 
         [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in a closed position, where clip  105  is removably attached to a chain  301 , such as, for one example, a chain leash. Unused waste bag  110  is exposed via opening  103  (see  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 ) in top  102  for ease of access. 
         [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in use. Here, the device is removably attached to a strap  201 , such as a leash. A used bag  410  can be tied and inserted through clip  104 , thus providing a hands-free means of transporting animal waste until such time as proper, permanent disposal is available. 
         [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates illustrating an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in a closed position and removably affixed to a strap  201 , such as leash. Optional additional clip  510  serves to provide a means of attachment between the present general inventive device and strap  201 . 
         [0017]    Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-cited detailed description in view of all the drawings. It is noted that the simplified diagrams do not illustrate all the various connections and assemblies of the various components, however, those skilled in the art will understand how to implement such connections and assemblies, based on the illustrated components, figures, and descriptions provided herein. 
         [0018]    While the present general inventive concept has been illustrated by description of some embodiments, and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept. 
         [0019]    It is also noted that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and, accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. For example, regardless of the content of any portion of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Accordingly, while the present general inventive concept has been illustrated by description of several embodiments, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the inventive concept to such descriptions and illustrations. Instead, the descriptions, drawings, and claims herein are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and additional embodiments will readily appear to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description and drawings.