Abstract:
A pet waste vacuum and disposal device is disclosed herein. The device advantageously takes the form of a walking stick fabricated using phosphorescent plastic materials to aid a pet owner taking a pet for a walk at night. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device integrally includes a vacuum which is operable via a button located conveniently on the outside of the walking stick. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device further includes a waste collection compartment adapted to receive a bag. During use, the pet owner positions a mouth of a waste intake over pet waste, activates the vacuum, and the waste is collected inside the bag for clean and sanitary disposal thereof.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/340,472 filed May 23, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. Field of the Invention 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of pet waste disposers and more specifically relates to a pet waste disposal device employing a vacuum. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0004]    Pet waste cleanup is a relatively unpleasant chore for pet owners; yet, failure to clean up pet waste poses environmental hazards due to polluted ground water. Typical devices for waste collection have included shovels, scoopers and bags. These devices can, however, be difficult to use, may require stooping, and become contaminated with waste during use. 
         [0005]    Frequently, bag dispensers are sold to facilitate the release of a bag and to minimize the space occupied by the bags during the walk. Unfortunately, nearly all of the bag dispensers or bag set-ups still require the pet owner to physically pick up the pet&#39;s waste with his or her hand, the only protection on the hand being the bag. Many pet owners find the warmth of pet waste one of the larger drawbacks to collecting pet waste in this fashion. A claw or “Pooper Scooper” type of product can help to eliminate this, however it would require frequent cleaning, and the user is still required to remove the excrement from the claw, and place it into a bag. This process may cause the user to spill the bag, exacerbating the process, and potentially soiling the hands of the user. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0114433 to Oluyinka C. Rivadeneira relates to an animal waste vacuum disposal and bagging device. The described animal waste vacuum disposal and bagging device includes a canister, collection receptacle, collection chute, vacuum motor, and a bag sealer. The device employs the vacuum motor to collect pet waste within the collection receptacle via the collection chute. The collection receptacle is lined with a plastic bag, which is sealed and released from the collection receptacle within the canister upon activation of a dispose button by the user. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known pet waste disposal art, the present disclosure provides a novel pet waste vacuum and disposal device. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a pet waste vacuum and disposal device. 
         [0008]    Many individuals have pets. The present invention collects pet waste in a convenient and sanitary manner It prevents strain on the body from bending over and picking up waste, offering a much simpler and more convenient solution. The device includes a release button that drops the full interior waste bag into a trash can once pet waste has been suctioned off the ground. It eliminates the need to carry around bagged waste when trying to find a trash can for disposal. It saves time and frustration while taking pets on walks. The present invention glows in the dark for enhanced visibility at night. 
         [0009]    For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a pet waste vacuum and disposal device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device showing the pet waste vacuum and disposal device being carried over a shoulder of a user via a shoulder strap, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  is an up-close perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device during an ‘in-use’ condition showing pet waste being suctioned into an intake end of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device via a vacuum, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an elongated cylindrical housing of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device joined together via a hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an interior view of the elongated cylindrical housing of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device of  FIGS. 1-3  comprising a vacuum assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a pet waste disposer, and more particularly to a pet waste vacuum and disposal device as used to improve an ability to collect and dispose pet waste in a safe, sanitary, and hands-free manner for user convenience. 
         [0019]    Generally, the pet waste vacuum and disposal device is configured to collect pet waste in a convenient and sanitary manner. It prevents strain on the body from bending over and picking up waste, offering a much simpler and more convenient solution. The device includes a release button that drops the full interior waste bag into a trash can once pet waste has been suctioned off the ground. It eliminates the need to carry around bagged waste when trying to find a trash can for disposal. It saves time and frustration while taking pets on walks. The present invention glows in the dark for enhanced visibility at night. 
         [0020]    The pet waste vacuum and disposal device may provide a simple and convenient disposal of pet waste. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device may comprise a walking stick with an integrated vacuum to suction pet waste. A plastic bag may be located in the interior of the vacuum to store the suctioned waste. A release button may release the bagged waste into a trashcan for quick and easily disposal. The walking stick may further be telescopic to comfortably accommodate people of all heights. 
         [0021]    A user may simply place a bag within the device and wait for their pet to use the bathroom. Once the pet is finished, the user may utilize the vacuum to suction up the pet waste, directly into the disposal bag within the vacuum. The vacuum may be opened once a trash can is reached, and the waste bag may be disposed of properly. 
         [0022]    The pet waste vacuum and disposal device may be fabricated using plastic and other suitable materials. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device may be designed in a wide range of colors to suit user preference, and may have various embellishments and enhancements for personal customization. Further, the walking stick may comprise a phosphorescent glow-in-the-dark material to enhance visibility at night. 
         [0023]    Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , various views of a pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100 .  FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  showing the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  being carried over a shoulder of a user  140  via a shoulder strap  170 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated cylindrical housing  110  is structured and arranged as a walking stick. The walking stick is useful for aiding a user  140  when walking a pet  5  (such as a dog). Further, the elongated cylindrical housing  110  may comprise phosphorescent plastic for glowing in dark ambient environments. This may be useful for helping the user  140  see at night. Further, the glow emitted from the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  may be easily detected by motorists, thereby minimizing accidents from occurring. As may be appreciated, the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  is multi-beneficial for use by the user  140  by providing a device useful for collecting and disposing pet waste  10  that is also a walking stick that glows and is easy to carry about the shoulder of the user  140 . 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 1B  illustrating an up-close perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  during an ‘in-use’ condition  150  showing pet waste  10  left by a pet  5  being suctioned into a waste intake  114  of a distal end  112  of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  via a vacuum  126  of a vacuum assembly  124 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  may be beneficial for use by a user  140  by providing a device useful for collecting and disposing pet waste  10  in a sanitary manner. 
         [0025]    In continuing to refer to  FIG. 1B , the waste intake  114  of the distal end  112  of the elongated cylindrical housing  110  may comprise a mouth  116 . Preferably, the mouth  116  may comprise a wider circumference than a diameter of the elongated cylindrical housing  110 . In such a manner, the waste intake  114  may better envelope the pet waste  10  and receive a greater volume of the pet waste  10  during the ‘in-use’ condition  150  of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100 . 
         [0026]    Referring now  FIG. 2  showing a perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  may include elongated cylindrical housing  110 , vacuum assembly  124 , waste capture compartment  132 , and disposal module  134 . 
         [0027]    The elongated cylindrical housing  110  may have a distal end comprising a waste intake  114 , a proximal end  118  comprising a handle  120 , and an inner volume  122 . The vacuum assembly  124  may be securely housed within the inner volume  122  of the elongated cylindrical housing  110 . In one embodiment, the vacuum assembly  124  may include a vacuum  126 , at least one control button  128  for operating the vacuum  126 , and a power source  130  providing operating power to the vacuum assembly  124 . 
         [0028]    In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handle  120  of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  is telescopic such that the elongated cylindrical housing  110  is length-adjustable. In such a manner, the handle  120  may be extendable and retractable to accommodate the particular height of the user  140 . Further, the handle  120  may comprise a grip for handling by the user  140 . 
         [0029]    In continuing to refer to  FIG. 2 , the waste capture compartment  132  may be housed within the inner volume  122  of the elongated cylindrical housing  110 . Further, the waste capture compartment  132  may be configured to receive pet waste  10  suctioned into the waste intake  114  via the vacuum  126 . The disposal module  134  may also be located within the inner volume  122  of the elongated cylindrical housing  110 . The disposal module  134  may be configured to allow the user  140  to release the pet waste  10  from the waste capture compartment  132  for sanitary disposal of the pet waste  10 . 
         [0030]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the waste capture compartment  132  is configured to receive at least one bag for collecting the pet waste  10  for sanitary disposal thereof. The bag may be inserted into the waste capture compartment  132  by the user  140 . During use, the vacuum  126  may suction pet waste  10  from the ground via a mouth  116  of the waste intake  114  located at the distal end  112  of the elongated cylindrical housing  110  and into the bag for sanitary disposal thereof. Once the bag is removed, another bag may be inserted. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated cylindrical housing  110  may comprise a first-tubular-section  154 , a second-tubular-section  156 , and a third-tubular-section  158 . In this embodiment, the first-tubular-section  154  and the second-tubular-section  156  may be joined together via an attacher. Further, the second-tubular-section  156  and the third-tubular-section  158  may be removably-coupleable via a plurality of threads  210 . Preferably, the third-tubular-section  158  is structured and arranged to house the vacuum  126  of the vacuum assembly  124 , the vacuum  126  being accessible to the user  140  by unscrewing the third-tubular-section  158  from the second-tubular-section  156 . This may be necessary for cleaning and maintenance purposes of the vacuum  126 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  illustrating a perspective view of the elongated cylindrical housing  110  of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  coupleable via the attacher comprising a hinge  160  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hinge  160  may be configured as part of the disposal module  134  for allowing access to the waste capture compartment  132  situated within the inner volume  122  of the elongated cylindrical housing  110 . During use, once the pet waste  10  has been collected into the bag, the elongated cylindrical housing  110  may swing open via the hinge  160  thereby allowing the user  140  access to the waste capture compartment  132  such that the bag is able to be disposed. 
         [0033]    It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the disposal module  134  may comprise a door and a release button. The door may be positioned about the waste capture compartment  132  along the elongated cylindrical housing  110 , and the release button may also be disposed nearby the door on the outside of the elongated cylindrical housing  110 . The release button may be configured to open the door, giving the user  140  access to the waste capture compartment  132  for sanitary disposal of the bag containing the pet waste  10 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is an interior view of the elongated cylindrical housing  110  of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  of  FIGS. 1-3  comprising the vacuum assembly  124  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the vacuum assembly  124  may comprise the vacuum  126 , at least one control button  128  for operating the vacuum  126 , and the power source  130  for providing operating power to the vacuum assembly  124 . 
         [0035]    In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one control button  128  may comprise a power button. The power button is configured to activate and deactivate the vacuum  126 . Further, at least one control button  128  may comprise a suction control button. The suction control button may be configured to control a rate of suction force of the vacuum  126 . It should be noted that the control button(s)  128  as described may be located on an exterior section of the proximal end  118  of the elongated cylindrical housing  110 . 
         [0036]    In continuing to refer to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power source  130  may comprise at least one battery. The battery may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Alternatively, the power source  130  may comprise a wireless power source. The power source  130  is in communication with the vacuum  126  and the control button(s)  128  and provides operating power to the vacuum assembly  124 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 5  showing a flow diagram  550  illustrating a method of use  500  of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the method of use  500  of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  may include the steps of: step one  501 , placing a bag within the waste capture compartment  132  of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100 ; step two  502 , positioning the mouth  116  of the waste intake  114  of the elongated cylindrical housing  110  over the pet waste  10 ; step three  503 , activating the vacuum  126  via at least one control button  128 ; step four  504 , suctioning the pet waste  10  into the mouth  116  of the waste intake  114 ; step five  505 , collecting the pet waste  10  in the bag of the waste capture compartment  132 ; step six  506 , deactivating the vacuum  126  via at least one control button  128 ; step seven  507 , releasing the bag containing the pet waste  10  via the disposal module  134 ; and step eight  508 , disposing the bag. 
         [0038]    The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for pet waste vacuum and disposal device  100  (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein. 
         [0039]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.