Abstract:
A device for removing canine fecal matter includes a lobed knob connected by concentric tubes to a dual housing, the inner of which holds a set of panels that are opened or closed by the linear movement of the smaller tube in combination with a panel actuating ring affixed to the inner shaft. The panels are extended by holding the larger tube and pushing the knob toward the panel housing. When a release button is actuated, the panels close around the fecal matter and, with the panels closed, a protective collection bag is secured by a clamp on the outer housing. With the collection bag inside the cavity formed by the closed panels. The knob can be rotated in either direction to turn the collection bag which causes the collection bag to pull away from the clamp for the purpose of disposal.

Description:
The benefits under 35 U.S.C. 119 are claimed of provisional patent application 60/965,316 filed Aug. 20, 2007. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to the collection and disposal of animal waste, and more particularly to an apparatus for collection and disposing of canine fecal matter without human contact. 
   BACKGROUND ART 
   Each day, in complete disregard of county health ordinances, condominium rules, or park regulations, dog owners fail to pick up fecal matter deposited by their pets. Because of the unpleasantness and potential health risk of retrieving such matter there is a natural aversion to this odious chore and as a result, there have been innumerable devices invented to help minimize this problem. 
   The most popular and most portable retrieval device is the simple plastic bag such as those found in most pet related stores or the plastic grocery bag, both of which require the user to stoop and physically touch the droppings while the hand is protected by the integrity of the thin plastic. The primary problem with this method is that a second bag must be used to hold the contained drooping until a proper container can be found; not to mention the development of a threshold for the task. 
   The scoop and handle design, such as the “S.A.S.I. Scoop” has the convenience of using plastic grocery bags, but does not work well in taller grasses or plant beds. If the waste is not firm, removing the bag can be a very messy proposition. 
   Those devices using separated fingers operated by a squeeze handle, including the “Poop Hound” are often difficult to use with one hand and have the disadvantage of having the moving set of fingers come in direct contact with the fecal matter. 
   The rake and scoop products, such as the “FlexRake Scoop”, while effective and easy to use, come in direct contact with the fecal matter and require the additional step of bagging the waste before depositing it in the trash. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention solves significant problems in the art by providing a canine fecal matter collection device where neither the operator nor the device is in direct contact with the animal waste. 
   Generally described, the present invention provides a means for holding a simple plastic bag over a plurality of fingers or panels that fully encompass the waste material during the retrieval process in a manner similar to that of the human hand. 
   The collection mechanism includes a lobed knob connected by a combination of concentric tubes of a specified length to a dual housing arrangement, the inner housing of which holds a set of panels that can be opened or closed by the linear movement of the smaller of the two tubes in combination with a panel actuating ring affixed to this inner shaft. The operation of the panels can best be described as that of a collapsible vegetable steamer. 
   The unit is spring loaded and is latched in the operating position—panels extended—by holding the larger tube and pushing the knob linearly toward the panel housing. This feature allows the unit to be operated by one hand when collecting the waste material. 
   When a release button, located in the side of the knob, is actuated, the complimenting panels close around the fecal matter in such a manner that no material is extruded between the individual panels. 
   With the panels closed, and the protective collection bag secured by a simple clamp on the side of outer housing, the knob can be rotated in either direction. This action causes the waste filled collection bag inside the cavity formed by the closed panels to turn while the portion of the bag outside of the panels remains fixed to the outer housing until the wrapping action pulls the bag from the clamp. 
   The fecal material, secured in the disposable collection bag, can then be disposed of, when desired, by simply cocking the apparatus as described above and releasing it into an appropriate waste container. 
   Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1 . is a sectioned view of the apparatus showing individual part location. 
       FIG. 2A . is an exploded view of the elements of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2B . is a top view of the outer housing shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2C . is a bottom view of knob shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 3A . is a sectioned view showing a portion of the apparatus with the panels in the open, or extended position. 
       FIG. 3B . is a sectioned view showing a portion of the apparatus with the panels in the closed position. 
       FIG. 4A . is a pictorial view of the protective collection bag. 
       FIG. 4B . is an isometric view of the apparatus in the closed position. 
       FIG. 4C . is a depiction of the apparatus with the collection bag positioned over the closed panels and under the retention clamp. 
       FIG. 4D . is a diagrammatic view of the installed collection bag with the apparatus panels extended. 
       FIG. 5A . is a diagrammatic view depiction a post collection view of the apparatus and the result of rotating the lobed knob after waste collection with a portion of the collection bag still under the retention clip. 
       FIG. 5B . is a diagrammatic view depicting the collection bag free of the retention clip as a result of continued knob rotation. 
       FIG. 5C . is a bottom view of  FIG. 5B . 
       FIG. 5D . is a diagrammatic view of the waste collection bag as it is ejected from the apparatus. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to the drawing, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 C show a housing  15  into which a cylindrical outer tube  13  of a specified length having preformed end tabs  24  which are inserted into corresponding openings  25  in the housing  15  top for the purpose of securing the housing  15  to the outer tube  13  by twisting the tabs  24 . A spring cover  9  is installed over the outer tube  13  prior to installing the locating bushing  8  in the open end  26  of the outer tube  13 . 
   A cylindrical inner tube  12  of a specified length having two small through holes  27  and  28  for the insertion of retaining pins  11  and  19 , a larger through hole  29  at 90 degrees to holes  27  and  28 , and a rectangular hole  30  at 90 degrees to holes  27  &amp;  28 , is installed over a centrally located protrusion  31  of the actuating ring  18  and is affixed to the ring  18  by aligning tube hole  27  and the corresponding hole  32  in the actuating ring  18  and installing a spring pin  19 . 
   A latch  10  is installed in the open end  33  of the inner tube  12  and positioned so that a small tab  35  located on an edge of the latch  10  is aligned with the rectangular opening  30  in the wall of the inner tube  12 . A cylindrical pin  11  is directed through the first side of the tube hole  28  and through the hole  36  located at the base of the latch  10 ; the pin  11  is then extended through the tube  12 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the pin  11  now becomes a pivot point for the latch  10  and that the edge tab  35 , when properly positioned, may extend through the rectangular opening  30 . 
   Referring FIGS.  1  and  2 A., the inner tube assembly  70  shown in  FIG. 2A , can now be inserted vertically through the housing  15 , through the outer tube  13 , and guided through the locating bushing  8 . 
   A compression spring  5  is installed over the open end  33  of the inner tube  12 , part of the inner tube assembly  70 , and is seated in a shallow recess  37  in top of the locating bushing  8 . A simple flat washer  6  having a center hole  38  of sufficient size to fit over the inner tube  12  is placed on the top of compression spring  5 . Compressing the compression spring  5  and guiding the washer  6  over the open end  33  of the tube  12  exposes the through hole  29  in the top end of the inner tube  12  and a portion of the top end  39  of the latch  10 . 
   A short cylindrical tube  2  having a narrow slot  40  the full length of the part is orientated such that the slot  40  is in a position that when the tube  2  is inserted into the hole  29 , the tip  39  of the latch  10  will pass through the slot  40 . Extending the tube  2  fully through the hole  29  secures the compression spring  5  and the washer  6 . 
   As depicted in FIG.  2 A., a small compression spring  4 , of sufficient length, when inserted into the left end of the short tube  2  and confined by the lobed knob  1  will act to rotate the latch  10  about the pivot pin  11  causing the edge tab  35  of the latch  10  protrude through the rectangular opening  30  in the side of the inner tube  12 . Inversely, a cylindrical button  3  of proper length, when inserted in the right end of the tube  2 , and extended through a hole  41  in the side of the lobed knob  1  will, with sufficient force, rotate the latch  10  in the opposite direction and cause the edge tab  35  to move away from the rectangular opening  30  in the side of the inner tube  12 . 
   Referring to FIG.  2 C., two protrusions  42  extending from the inside of the lobed knob  1  and two similar saddle like forms  43  extending from the flanged portion  44  of the spring cover  9  provide a means of securing the cylindrical tube  2  to the lobed knob  1  when the spring cover  9  and the lobed knob  1  are joined by fasteners  7 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  3 A &amp; B, the equally spaced alignment ribs  45  extending inward and vertically from the cylindrical inside wall of the panel mounting housing  17  when aligned with the identically positioned “v” grooves  46  located on the perimeter of the actuating ring  18 , part of assembly  70 , allows the panel mounting housing  17  to be inserted into the open bottom of the outer housing  15 . The panel mounting housing  17  is captured by equally spaced tabs  48  which are part of the housing  15  and by a circular retaining plate  22  that is connected to a multiple of bosses  61  at the bottom of the housing  15  by a like number of threaded fasteners  21  installed through equally spaced slots  49  in the perimeter of the retaining plate  22 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , those skilled in the art will recognize the advantage of having the alignment ribs  45  of the panel mounting housing  17  pass through the “v” grooves  46  in the actuating ring  18 . More specifically, any rotational movement of the actuating ring  15 , is coupled directly to the panel mounting housing  17  and therefore any part attached to the housing  17 . This coupling feature is effective whether the driving force of the actuating ring  18  is at the bottom of the alignment ribs  45 , FIG.  3 A., or at the top of each rib  45 ,  FIG. 3B . 
     FIG. 2A , shows a multiple of rectangular openings  50  in the perimeter of the actuating ring  18  through which the triangular lever arm  51  of a panel  23  is inserted before positioning the opening  52  in the panel  23  over a panel mounting tab  53  which projects inwardly from the inner wall of the panel mounting housing  17 . Each successive panel  23  is installed in a clockwise direction (as viewed from the bottom) to insure that the extended side  54  of each panel  23  overlaps the previously installed panel  23 . Upon the installation of all panels  23  a retaining ring  20  is inserted into a lateral groove  55  located at the inside base of the panel  23  lever arm  51 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3B , inward movement of each panel  23  is prevented by retaining ring  20 , upward movement of the retaining ring  20  and thus each panel  23  is prevented by the overlapping of the retaining ring  20  by an extension  62  of each alignment rib  45 . All downward movement of the panels is prevented by the panel mounting tabs  53  of the panel mounting housing  17 . 
   Referring to FIGS.  3 A and  3 B., it can be demonstrated that the tip  56  of the triangular protrusion  57  located on the lower side of the panel lever arm  51  and touching the upper curved surface  59  of the actuating ring  18 , will, with any vertical movement of the actuating ring  18 , cause the panel  23  to rotate on the radial surface  58 , which is a feature of the opening  52  of each panel  23 . It can also be shown that the rate of rotation of the panel  23  is increased due the movement of tip  56  as it moves upward over the curved surface  59  of the actuating ring  18 . This increased rate diminishes as the tip  56  reaches the apex  60  of the curved surface  59 . This feature allows the panel  23  to rotate further when the compressed spring  5  is at is maximum potential. Additional vertical movement of the actuating ring  18  causes the tip  56  to descend from the apex  60  and this ramp action of the tip  56  on the curved surface  59  increases the mechanical advantage of the lever arm  51  when the compression spring  5  is at a lower potential. 
     FIG. 1  shows the compression spring  5  locked in a compressed position which causes actuating ring  18  to move to its lowest position and the panels  23  to open as depicted due to the force exerted on the lever arm  51  by the perimeter of the actuating ring  18 . This locked position is attained by holding the large outer tube  13  and pressing the lobed knob  1  linearly toward the housing  15  (arrow  67   FIG. 4D ). As the knob  1  is pushed, the angled portion of the latch tab  35 , a feature of the latch  10 , is eventually forced against the inside surface of guide bushing  8  which causes the latch  10  to rotate about pin  11  and the latch tab  35  to move inside the rectangular opening  30  located in the side of the inner tube  12 . This action likewise compresses the button return spring  4 . When the latch tab  35  clears the bottom  68  of the guide bushing  8 , it immediately returns to its initial position due to the action of spring  4 , and the now extended tab  35  is fixed against the bottom edge  68  of the guide bushing  8 , thus holding the mechanism in this position until the release button  3  is pressed and the action is reversed. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , a geometrically shaped collection bag  64 , constructed of a thin, typically plastic, material and having a single opening  66 , is placed over the housing assembly  65 , and under the retention clamp  14  to which is affixed, through a hole  47  at the free end of the clamp  14 , a friction bumper  16  which is constructed of a material that when deformed has the ability to recover. 
     FIG. 4D , shows the apparatus and collection bag  64  with the panels in the extended position in preparation of the collection of waste material. This action is accomplished by holding the outer shaft  13  and pushing the knob  1  approximately 1¼ inches in the direction of the arrow  67 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5D ,  FIG. 5A  depicts the apparatus in the panel closed position after the release button  3  has been depressed, and the knob  1  turned in the direction of the arrow  68  until such time the collection bag  64  is about to pull free of the retention clamp  14 . 
     FIGS. 5B and 5C , depict the apparatus with the collection bag free of the retention clamp  14 . 
     FIG. 5D , depicts the ejection of the waste filled collection bag  64  as a result of a partial or full extension of the collection panels  23 . 
   While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several 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 of ordinary skill 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.