Abstract:
A waste collection device and method of operation is described. The device has a handle, housing, and a collection mechanism. A trigger of the collection mechanism is pulled to actuate a rod to reposition a pair of hands adapted for the positioning of a bag. The pulling of the trigger drives the rod distally and extends a pair of levers to move the hands from a closed position to an open position. A method is included wherein the hands are adapted for use with a bag. The bag is inverted and positioned at least partially over the hands. The trigger is pivoted towards the handle and the hands open for the positioning of the distal ends of the hands on opposing sides of the waste. Releasing the trigger closes the hands and secures the waste within the bag. The edges of the bag can then be grasped by the user and the bag returned to a normal position with the waste secured therein.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    1. Technical Field  
           [0002]    The present disclosure relates to sanitary waste collection devices and, more particularly, to sanitary waste collection devices adapted for use with bags for the containment of objects such as animal waste.  
           [0003]    2. Background of Related Art  
           [0004]    Sanitary waste collector configurations typically include a handle connected to a collection device. The handles are often connected to an actuation mechanism for securing the sanitary waste between grasping elements of the collection devices. The grasping elements can be shaped as scoops or plates capable of securing the waste within the collector. Alternately waste collector configurations include boxes or bags connected to a portion of the actuation mechanism which act partially or completely as the grasping mechanism.  
           [0005]    In U.S. Pat. No. 3,446,525 to L. M. Jones, a sanitary pickup device for animal dropping is described including an elongate body portion having pickup means positioned at the lower end. The pickup means includes a pair of movable open frame pickup members adapted to carry a sanitary disposable wrapper or bag. The movable open frame members are configured for the ease of positioning and removal of the bag. A trigger, having a limited range of motion is positioned in proximity to the handle and is fixedly connected to an upper end of a rod. The bottom end of the rod is pivotally connected to a pair of transversely aligned and upwardly extending short links. Each short link is connected to a U-shaped crank arm portion of each pickup member. Each pickup frame member is fabricated of bent wires positioned in a first plane except for the shaped crank arm portion which extend transversely in a second plane from the plane. When the trigger is translated vertically or pulled into the handle raising the rod, the short links pivot outwardly and drive the crank arms from being in proximity to a center line of the device to an outward position thereby spreading the pickup members apart. The pickup members are resiliently urged to a closed position by a coiled spring positioned in the body part and through which the rod is positioned; when the handle is pulled vertically, the coil spring is compressed providing a bias to extend the rod to the closed position.  
           [0006]    While Jones provides an effective actuating mechanism, it is limited in the size of objects it can pick up by the downward extension of the rod, short links, and U-shaped crank arms extending into the area of collection of the pickup members and thereby potentially limiting the size of objects that can be removed. Additionally, the downward extension of the rod and corresponding length of the short links limits the angular range of motion of the pickup members. Further, the connections between the rod, short links, and crank arms as well as the pickup member and U-bracket are unnecessarily exposed to the weather conditions experienced by the user. This reduces the reliability and would require additional maintenance over time to keep the pickup device from difficult or inoperable to use.  
           [0007]    A sanitary waste collector is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,220 to Khoshnood and includes two substantially planar braces connected at their top by a hinge. The braces define aligned through holes abutting the hinge and a handle is positioned between the braces. The braces each have a U-shaped rod defining a downward edge opposing the hinge configured for collecting waste. The handle is connected to a first planar body centrally positioned between the planar braces defining a vertical longitudinal axis that is connected with a second pair of planar bodies at an angle transverse to the vertical on one end and to each of the braces on the other end. The braces are biased to a closed position. When the handle is pulled towards the hinge, the first planar body is moved vertically pushing the two second planar bodies outward opening the braces of the waste collector. A deformable and biodegradable enclosure is provided for use with the collector. The device is stated as being between one and two feet in length.  
           [0008]    Khoshnood is limited, however, by the first and second planar bodies which are configured similarly to the rod and short links of Jones and therefore have the shortcomings of size of objects to be picked up and range of motion of the combination of the planar braces and U-shaped rods as identified above. Thus, in this device, the size of the enclosure configured for attachment with the planar braces is limited by the downward extension of the first planar body. Khoshnood also uses a deformable biodegradable enclosure that requires a specialized purchase and would function marginally if at all in a heavy or downpour. Further, Khoshnood, can represent a safety risk by capturing portions of a user&#39;s hand between the planar braces in the vicinity of the hinge/handle as they close. Finally, the Khoshnood planar mechanism would not readily adapt to a walking stick sized device and is limited in length. This requires the user to bend over or kneel down to effectively use the device.  
           [0009]    A sanitary pickup device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,311 to G. K. Jones having a handle integrally formed with an opposing pickup means. The pickup means includes a pair of open frame pickup members or bail frames adapted to collect and carry sanitary waste in a flexible bag. The pickup means is operable by exercising a pivoting trigger associated with the handle move the control actuator means. The control actuator means includes an elongate rod connected to the bail frame. The bail frames are fabricated of wire defining a first plane with one of the bail frames having a V-shaped bend that connects with the rod. The V-shaped bend defines a second plane transverse to the first plane. The trigger only actuates the bail frame with the V-shaped bend, the other bail frame being fixed in position.  
           [0010]    Jones is limited in the size of objects it can pick up by the limited range of motion of the pivotal trigger and therefore limited downward extension of the rod. Further, the downward extension of the rod and V-shaped bend into the area of collection of the bail frames limits the size of objects that can be removed. Additionally, the downward extension of the rod and corresponding length of the V-shaped band limits the angular range of motion of the pickup members. Finally, the connections between the rod and V-shaped bend are unnecessarily exposed to the weather conditions experienced by the user. This reduces the reliability and would require additional maintenance over time to keep the pickup device from difficult or inoperable to use.  
           [0011]    A continuing need exists for a sanitary collection device adapted for use with a bag having a simplified actuation structure and a collection mechanism having an improved angular range of motion suitable for collecting a wide range of sizes of waste.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0012]    A waste collector configured for picking up waste materials is described that is adapted for use with a removably positionable bag for retaining the waste materials. The waste collector comprises a waste collection device having a handle. The handle is connected to a housing having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is connected to the handle. The housing includes a tubular shaft. A collection mechanism is at least partially positioned in the housing and handle and includes a means for extended pivoting. The means for extended pivoting is configured for moving the collection mechanism between a first position and a second position and is at least partially positioned in the handle. A bias means is positioned to urge the collection mechanism to the first position. The handle and the means for extended pivoting are adapted for use by the hand of a user, the trigger is configured for pivotal movement relative to the handle. A rod is positioned in the tubular shaft and the rod has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion of the rod is pivotally connected to means for extended pivoting. A pair of hands is included in the device with each hand having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The distal end portions of the hands are adapted for use with a bag suitable for collecting waste. The proximal end portions are pivotally connected and positioned in the housing. A pair of levers are pivotally connected to the distal end of the rod, the levers extending distally from the rod and being pivotally connected on their opposing ends with the proximal end portions of the hands such that the hands are driven between a closed position and an open position by the movement of the trigger between the first and second positions.  
           [0013]    The invention, together with attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention when used in conjunction with the figures below. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed three position headpiece are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a first partial cut away perspective view along a longitudinal axis of one preferred embodiment of the waste collection in a first position depicting portions of the hands and constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is a second partial cut away perspective view along the longitudinal axis of one preferred embodiment of the waste collection device of FIG. 1 in a second position constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional perspective view along the longitudinal axis of a handle of the waste collection device of FIG. 1 in the first position;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional perspective view along the longitudinal axis of a handle of the waste collection device of FIG. 1 in the second position;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5 is a partial cut away perspective view along the longitudinal axis of one preferred embodiment of the hands of the waste collection device of FIG. 1 in a first position depicting constructed in accordance with the present disclosure; and  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 is a second partial cut away perspective view along the longitudinal axis of one preferred embodiment of the hands of the waste collection device of FIG. 1 in a second position constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]    Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like referenced numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIGS. 1-2, a novel sanitary collection device  10  having a handle  20 , housing  40 , and a collection mechanism  60  is shown constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. Sanitary collection device  10 , hereinafter referred to as “device  10 ” is intended for use by a person as a waste collecting for waste such as, but not limited to, animal waste having a broad range of sizes. Device  10  defines a longitudinal axis-X.  
         [0022]    Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, handle  20  has a first portion  22  and a second portion  24 . First portion  22  is an elongate portion having a generally elliptical cross section. First portion  22  is configured at least partially as a gripping device ergonomically suitable for use by a hand of a user. A major axis of the elliptical first portion defines a second longitudinal axis-Y transverse to axis-X. First portion  22  is connected to second portion  24  being generally aligned with axis-X.  
         [0023]    Second portion  24  has a generally tubular shape with a tapered center section positioned between bulbous proximal end and distal end portions. Second portion  24  defines a rim  26  for an elongate hole or slot  28  and a cavity  30  therein. Slot  28  is directionally oriented towards first portion  22 . Rim  26  and hole  28  can also include a seal configured to at least partially seal hole  28  from inclement weather conditions. Second portion  24  of handle  20  is connected to housing  40 .  
         [0024]    Housing  40  includes a tubular shaft  42  and an axis housing  50 . Tubular shaft  42  is an elongate shaft having a distal end  44  and a proximal end  46 . Tubular shaft  42  is centered upon and aligned with longitudinal axis-X. Distal end  44  is connected to axis housing  50  and proximal end  46  is connected to handle  20 . Housing  40  provides structural support for collection mechanism  60 . In one preferred embodiment, shaft  20  has a tubular wall  48  defining a through hole. Tubular shaft  42  in one preferred embodiment has a length suitable to support an overall length of device  10  in a range of approximately one to four feet.  
         [0025]    Axis housing  50  has a distal end portion  52  and a proximal end portion  54 . Proximal end portion  54  is connected with distal end  44  of tubular shaft  42  and has in one preferred embodiment a rounded frustum of a right circular cone shape aligned with longitudinal axis-X. It is recognized, however, axis housing  50  can have any shape suitable for a housing. Axis housing  50  functions in cooperation with tubular shaft  42  and handle  20  to provide a protective cover or housing for collection mechanism  60  configured to provide a generally water resistant enclosure. Housing  40  can be fabricated from one or more plastics, composites, or metals.  
         [0026]    Collection mechanism  60  includes means for extended pivoting  70 , a rod  80 , and a pair of hands  90 . Collection mechanism  60  is configured to support the movement of device  10  between a first position and a second position by the actuation of means for extended pivoting  70 .  
         [0027]    Means for extended pivoting or trigger  70  is configured for extending the range of motion of hands  90  while using a minimal displacement along longitudinal axis-X. Means for extended pivoting  70  includes a first or trigger portion  72 , a pivoting portion  74 , an attachment means  76 , and a bias means  78 . First portion  72  in one preferred embodiment is a relatively short elongate tapered member having a plate shaped terminal end, but first portion  72  can be any shape or length suitably adapted for grasping by one or more fingers of the hand of the user. A shorter trigger portion  72  can advantageously accommodate a greater range of pivotal movement before being interrupted by first portion  22 . Trigger portion  72  is positioned in proximity to handle first portion  22  such that the fingers of a user can readily grasp and draw trigger portion  72  towards first portion  22 . Pivoting portion  74  is positioned between first portion  72  and attachment means  76 .  
         [0028]    In one preferred embodiment, second portion  24  is configured to accommodate an increased range of rotation by means for extended pivoting  70  within second portion  24 . The increased pivotal range of motion of means for extended pivoting  70  is enhanced by one preferred embodiment wherein means for extended pivoting  70  has a modified bellcrank configuration with trigger portion  72  and attachment means  76  defining a line. Pivoting portion  74  is positioned between trigger portion  72  and attachment means  76  and distal to the line defined by portion  72  and means  76 . Pivoting portion  74  pivots about a pivotal axis  25  positioned on second portion  24  distal to hole  28 . Thus, means for extended pivoting or trigger  70  has a generally triangular shaped bellcrank type configuration pivoting about pivoting portion  74 . This configuration accommodates an increased pivotal range of trigger  70 , which corresponds to an increased longitudinal displacement of rod  80 . The increased displacement of rod  80  equates to an increased transverse displacement of levers  96  relative to longitudinal axis-X which thereby increases the angular range of motion of hands  90 . The range of angular motion of trigger  70  is limited by the proximal and distal positions of rim  26 .  
         [0029]    Alternative means for extended pivoting  70  includes circular or elliptical configurations of pivoting portions  74  and attachment means  76 . When connected with rod  80 , such configurations can move attachment means  76  and rod  80  through a range of motion of up to approximately 180 degrees by the movement of an appropriately positioned trigger portion  72 .  
         [0030]    Trigger  70  is suitable for being at least partially positioned in hole  28  and cavity  30  of handle  20 . Second portion  74  is pivotally connected to second portion  24  and is configured to provide for the movement of trigger  70  between a first and a second position. In one preferred embodiment, pivot portion  74  is positioned between trigger portion  72  and attachment means  76  so as to define a generally triangular shape between the three portions. In a further preferred embodiment, second or pivoting portion  74  defines a hole and second portion  24  of handle  20  defines a cylindrical rod configured as an axis of rotation and for positioning in the hole defined in the second portion.  
         [0031]    Bias means  78  is configured to bias collection mechanism  60  to the first position. In one preferred embodiment, bias means  78  is a leaf spring positioned on the pivotal connection of trigger  70  with second portion  24  and suitable force for positioning collection mechanism  60  in the first position from the second position. Alternate embodiments of bias means  78  include coiled springs, other leaf spring configurations, or resilient materials configured to provide a bias having suitable force to return collection mechanism  60  to the first position. It is also envisioned bias means  78  could be positioned directly between trigger  70  and alternative positions in housing  40  or handle  20 .  
         [0032]    Attachment portion  76 , positioned opposing first portion  72 , provides a pivotal connection with rod  80 . It is readily envisioned that the configuration of trigger  70  could be positioned in a number of positions on or in handle  20  and housing  40  for manipulation by a user&#39;s palm, thumb, and/or fingers, for example. Trigger  70  is preferably a monolithically formed member fabricated of one or more plastics, composite materials, or metals.  
         [0033]    As shown in FIGS. 1-6, rod  80  is an elongate cylindrical member having a distal end portion  82  and a proximal end portion  84 . Rod  80  extends from handle  20  through tubular shaft  42 , axis housing  50 , and a predetermined minimized distance between hands  90 . Distal end portion  82  is pivotally connected to hands  90 . In one preferred embodiment distal end portion  82  includes a U-shaped portion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, a distal most arm of the U-shaped portion provides an axis for the pivotal movement of hands  90 . Proximal end portion  84  is pivotally connected with attachment means  76 . In one preferred embodiment, proximal end portion  84  has an inverted “L” shape and attachment means  76  defines a hole  79  configured for receiving and accommodating the pivoting of proximal end  84  during the movement of trigger  70  from the first position to the second position. Bias means  78 , in this one preferred embodiment, is configured as a leaf spring with a first spring end positioned against the proximal end  84  in the vicinity of trigger  70  and a second end positioned in direct contact handle  20  or housing  40 . Rod  80  is preferably made of one or metals, but it could be fabricated from any material having suitable structural integrity including plastics and composite materials.  
         [0034]    Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, hands  90  are adapted for use with a bag  100  and configured for retrieving waste. Hands  90  have a distally positioned first portion  92  and a proximally positioned second portion  96 . First portions  92  are elongate members defining a structure suitable for collecting waste. A proximal end  93  of first portion  92  has two elongate wire or rod shaped extensions connected with second portion  96  on one end and a flat edged distal end  91  on the opposing ends. Distal end  91  is approximately perpendicular to longitudinal axis-X and has a generally flat wire or rod type shape suitable for scooping waste.  
         [0035]    Second portions  96  have a generally flat plate shape at least partially enclosing the connection of rod  80  to hands  90 . Second portions  96  are pivotally connected at their proximal ends  97  and pivotally attached to distal end portion  44  of tubular shaft  42 . The distal ends  95  of second portions  96  are connected with first portions  92 . Proximal ends  97  of second portion  96  are at least substantially encapsulated by axis housing  50 .  
         [0036]    In one preferred embodiment, second portion  96  and first portions  92  are connected together at their respective distal ends  95  and proximal ends  93 . Second portions  96  have a flat planar shape with a tapered proximal end  97  and a distal end  95  having a U-shaped generally arcuate cut out defining two arms. First portions  92  include a U-shaped proximal end  93  such that first portions  92  define a through hole. The U-shaped proximal end  93  corresponds to the U-shape of distal end  95  such that the arms extend distally and are at least partially connected with the elongate extensions of first portion  92 . The length of the connection between the elongate arms of second portion  96  and the elongate extension of first portion  92  is a suitable distance to provide additional rigidity and structural integrity to the wire of distal end portion  92  for its waste collection function. Preferably first portion  92  is a metal, metal alloy, plastic, or composite wire and second portion  96  is a monolithically formed assembly fabricated of one or more metals, plastics, or composites.  
         [0037]    In another preferred embodiment, first portion  92  and second portion  96  are a monolithically formed assembly. This configuration can advantageously create a single inexpensive assembly having suitable structural integrity for functioning as a collector of waste. The monolithically formed hands  90  may be fabricated of one or more metals, plastics or composites.  
         [0038]    Thus, while first portion  92  and second portion  96  can be separate assemblies integrated together, it is also envisioned that first portion  92  and second portion  96  can be monolithically formed as a single assembly. In this additional embodiment, the first and second portions could be fabricated of one or more metals, plastics, or composites.  
         [0039]    Hands  90  are positioned in opposition with each other and proximal ends  93  are also pivotally connected to distal end  82  such that the distally directed displacement of rod  80  drives hands  90  apart to a predetermined angle. In a first position, hands  90  are preferably generally parallel and aligned with longitudinal axis-X. In one preferred embodiment, levers  98  extend distally from and are pivotally connected with distal end  82  to portions of proximal end portions  94 . Thus, rod  80  is connected to levers  98  and does not extend distally beyond levers  98  between the first and second positions.  
         [0040]    Levers  98  have a distal pair of arms  99 A and a proximal pair of arms  99 B. Distal arms  99 A are pivotally connected with proximal end  94  and proximal ends  99 B are pivotally connected to distal end  82 . In one preferred embodiment, levers  98  have a generally triangular frame shape wherein proximal ends  99 B are narrowly spaced and defining an apex of the triangular shape. Proximal arms  99 B are configured such that the arms of levers  98  can be alternately spaced on the axis of rotation defined by distal end  82 . Distal arms  99 A are spaced wider than proximal arms  99 B and define a base of the general triangular frame shape connected at proximal end  94 . In this one preferred embodiment, distal arms  99 A have a semicircular or arcuate shape connected along the arcuate shape with the pair of elongate tapered proximal arms  99 B.  
         [0041]    The angle defined by hands  90  in the second position is dependent upon factors such as the displacement of rod  80 , configuration of means for extended pivoting  70 , the position of the connection of lever  98  with proximal end  94 , and the length of lever  98 . For example, in one preferred embodiment, levers  98  have an equal length, are positioned at equivalent points along the longitudinal axis, and therefore spread each hand  90  an equivalent distance. It is envisioned, however, that levers  98  are configured for ease of removal and replacement and a range of lengths of lever  98  are included in device  10  so as to vary the range of movement of each hand from being fixed in position to a second position wherein one or both of hands  90  are approaching a 90 degree displacement from the first position.  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, in operation device  10  is adapted for use with bag  100 , preferably made of one or more plastic materials. Bag  100  is inverted and loosely positioned over distal ends  92 . The ends of bag  100  can be removably attached to device  10  using a rubber band positioned on distal end  46  or integrally positioned with a groove perpendicular to longitudinal axis-X positioned in axis housing  50 , for example. Bag  100  can be positioned over distal end  92  with device  10  at any point between the first and second positions.  
         [0043]    Device  10  collects waste by the user pivoting trigger  70  from the first position to the second position thereby extending rod  80  distally and driving levers  98  to extend outward from longitudinal axis-X to open hands  90  to a predetermined angle. The waste to be collected is positioned between hands  90  with the distal ends of the hands positioned against the surface upon which the waste is positioned. When trigger  70  is released, bias means  78  drives rod  80  and levers  98  proximally thereby moving the distal ends  91  of hands  90  from the second position to the first position of collection mechanism  60  securing the waste within bag  100 . The user then grasps and repositions the ends of bag  100  to secure the waste therein. The trigger may have to be actuated to open the hands to remove the bag and waste depending upon the size of the waste and the positioning of the bag; this can be done by the user directly manipulating hands  90  or by using trigger  70 . As required, another bag can then be inverted onto hands  90  and device  10  employed again as needed.  
         [0044]    Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.