Abstract:
A foldable hand held scoop which is particularly suitable for picking up animal fecal waste. The scoop is formed from a substantially flat semi-rigid material, such as, for example, cardboard which may be easily folded into a functional configuration by utilizing score lines. In the flat configuration, the scoop may be easily transported and/or stored. The scoop has a bottom panel, a rear panel, two side panels, a handle and an opening section. Further, the scoop has a removable section that aids the user in scooping up the waste into the opening section of the scoop. The scoop may be inexpensive to manufacture and, therefore, suitable for disposal after one or few uses.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention generally relates to a foldable frame for creating a scoop, and more particularly to a scoop which is ideal for picking up animal fecal waste. Further, the present invention relates to a scoop which is inexpensive and disposable. The foldable frame may be easy stored and/or transported in a flat configuration and subsequently folded into a functional scoop configuration prior to use.  
         [0002]     A large number of family households have cats, dogs and/or other pets. Despite the joy these families receive from their pet(s), they are often left with the chore of cleaning up the waste from the pet. If the pet created the waste in a public area, such as a park, it is common that city laws or ordinances require the proper disposal of the animal&#39;s waste. If the animal created the waste on the owner&#39;s property, failure to clean up after the pet usually results in a diminished enjoyment of the owner&#39;s property.  
         [0003]     People generally agree that cleaning up after a pet is not a pleasant experience. To accomplish this, people have implemented numerous devices, perhaps the most common of which is the standard shovel. A problem with using a standard shovel to clean up after a pet is that most people return the shovel to their garage or backyard with some remnants of the animal waste on the shovel. This practice may lead to an undesirable odor around the house as well as the creation of unhealthy living conditions. Further, if the owner decides to take the pet on a walk around the block, it is unpractical for the pet owner to bring a standard shovel along with a pet. Even further, the use of a standard shovel to clean up animal waste still leads to the problem of scooping the waste into the shovel without the shovel merely pushing the waste forward.  
         [0004]     Alternatively, people often resort to cleaning up after the pet with a plastic bag. This practice, however, is also undesirable. The use of a plastic bag requires the owner to come into close contact with the animal&#39;s waste. Again, this may result in odor or disease passing from the waste to the human.  
         [0005]     Further devices for picking up and disposing of an animal&#39;s waste include the use of plastic bags attached to scoops or thongs for picking up waste. However, these and other devices and methods are not convenient to use, fail to protect users from contamination by the waste, or have other disadvantages or drawbacks.  
         [0006]     A need, therefore, exists for a foldable frame which coverts into a scoop which overcomes the foregoing problems and disadvantages. Further, a need exists for an improved animal waste scoop which may be stored in a flat configuration and easily folded into a functional configuration. A still further need exists for a scoop which is disposable.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention is directed toward a scoop for picking up and disposing of animal waste. More specifically, the scoop may be easy stored and or transported in a flat configuration and folded into the functional scoop prior to use. Further, the scoop may be made from a single substantially flat structure.  
         [0008]     The scoop may be constructed from a semi-rigid material, such as, for example, cardboard, heavy duty paper or the like. The scoop may be inexpensively manufactured so as to allow disposal thereof after a single use. In a preferred embodiment, the scoop may be constructed of a biodegradable material.  
         [0009]     Ideally, the scoop may be transported in a flat configuration and may be generally likewise stored in the flat configuration prior to use. Because the scoop may be transported and/or stored in a flat configuration, the scoop may be suitable for sale in a vending machine, for example, at a rest area, in a park or at a pet store.  
         [0010]     The scoop may be easily folded into the functional configuration by almost anyone in under one minute. Further, to aid the user in the folding of the scoop, folding directions may be printed directly on the scoop. As a result, the user may not have to worry about loosing the folding directions. The folding of the scoop from the flat configuration into the functional configuration may be aided by numerous score lines in the semi-rigid material. The score lines allow the folding of the material without compromising the durability of the functional scoop.  
         [0011]     A removable front section of the scoop may be separated from the scoop and aid the user into pushing the waste into the main scoop opening. As a result, the user may easily move the waste into the scoop without directly contacting the waste. After the waste is in the scoop, the removable front section, the waste and the scoop may then be disposed of in the proper manner.  
         [0012]     The rear section of the functional scoop has a durable handle capable of supporting the scoop filled with waste. In addition, the handle has a hole for hanging the scoop in the flat or functional configuration. Still further, hole in the handle may be used to secure a plastic bag into the handle.  
         [0013]     The scoop is suitable for use not only outside in, for example, a yard, sidewalk or park, but also may be used indoors in, for example, a litter box. Further, the scoop may be made of a material suitable for scooping up liquids in, for example, a litter box. More specifically, the scoop may be treated with a chemical which resists the absorption of liquids.  
         [0014]     To this end, in an embodiment, a novel device is provided. The device is a foldable frame for forming a scoop. The foldable frame has a first section having a first edge, a second edge, a front edge and a back edge. The foldable frame also has a second section attached to the front edge of the first section wherein the second section is separated from the first section by a score line and wherein the second section has a top surface. Still further, the foldable frame has a main handle section attached to the back edge of the first section and a first side panel and a second side panel attached to the second section. Finally, the frame has a removable section attached to the second section wherein the removable section is separated from the second section by a score line and wherein the removable section is completely removed from the second section and is used to scoop material onto the top surface of the second section.  
         [0015]     In an embodiment, the foldable frame has an opening in the main handle section.  
         [0016]     In an embodiment, the foldable frame has an opening in the first section.  
         [0017]     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the foldable frame is made from a biodegradable material.  
         [0018]     In still another embodiment of the present invention, the foldable frame has a score line separating the handle from the back edge of the first section.  
         [0019]     In an embodiment, the foldable frame has been sprayed with a fragrance.  
         [0020]     In an embodiment, the foldable frame has an adhesive strip for securing the foldable frame.  
         [0021]     In still another embodiment, the first section of the foldable frame is rotated with respect to the second section.  
         [0022]     In another embodiment, the first side panel of the foldable frame rotates from a substantially planer configuration with the second section to a substantially perpendicular configuration with the second section.  
         [0023]     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second side panel rotates from a substantially planer configuration with the second section to a substantially perpendicular configuration with the second section.  
         [0024]     In an embodiment, the first section rotates from a substantially planer configuration with the second section to a substantially perpendicular configuration with the second section.  
         [0025]     In an embodiment, the second section is substantially square is shape.  
         [0026]     In yet another embodiment, the foldable frame is substantially planar.  
         [0027]     In still another embodiment, directions for folding the foldable frame are printed directly on the foldable frame.  
         [0028]     In an embodiment, the frame is resistant to the absorption of liquids.  
         [0029]     In another embodiment, the main handle section of the foldable frame has a length between three and eight inches.  
         [0030]     In an embodiment, the removable section has a smaller surface area than the second section.  
         [0031]     In yet another embodiment, the second section has a larger surface area than the first section.  
         [0032]     In yet another embodiment, the main handle section has a first subpanel and a second subpanel wherein the first subpanel and second subpanel are separated from the main handle section by a first score line and a second score line; respectively.  
         [0033]     Finally, in another embodiment, the main handle section has a first subpanel and a second subpanel and wherein the first subpanel and second subpanel are separated from the main handle section by score lines and further, wherein the first subpanel and second subpanel rotate from a position substantially planar with the main handle section to a position substantially perpendicular to the main handle section.  
         [0034]     It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a novel scoop device.  
         [0035]     A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a novel scoop device which may be transported and/or stored in a flat configuration prior to use.  
         [0036]     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a novel scoop device which is economical to produce and, therefore, may be used once and then discarded.  
         [0037]     An advantage of the present invention is to produce a scoop which is light-weight and small enough to be carried in, for example, a pocket or purse prior to use. The scoop may be carried easily in the folded configuration, in the flat configuration, or in a non-functional folded configuration.  
         [0038]     A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a scoop which may be dispensed in coin operated machines or the like.  
         [0039]     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a scoop which has a fragrance or fights unpleasant odors.  
         [0040]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame which converts into a functional scoop by the use of score lines.  
         [0041]     A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame, which converts into a functional scoop, that has folding directions printed on the foldable frame.  
         [0042]     For a more complete understanding of the above listed features and advantages of the scoop, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and to the accompanying drawings. Further, additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0043]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side perspective view of the scoop in a folded configuration.  
         [0044]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top flat view of the a foldable frame in a flat configuration.  
         [0045]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side perspective view of a partially folded scoop of the present invention.  
         [0046]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side perspective view of a partially folded scoop of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0047]     The present invention generally provides a foldable frame for creating a scoop. The foldable frame for creating a scoop may be constructed from a semi-rigid material, such as, for example, cardboard, which may be both durable and foldable. The scoop may be used once and discarded or used for as long as the person desires. The scoop further has a removable section which may aid the user in the picking up of, for example, animal fecal waste.  
         [0048]     Referring to the drawing wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIG. 1  illustrates a scoop  1  for picking up waste, for example, animal fecal waste. The scoop  1  has an opening  20  which receives the waste. The scoop  1  may be suitable for use outside in, for example, a park or backyard, or may be used indoors in, for example, a litter box. The scoop  1  is converted from a foldable frame  2  (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). In the preferred embodiment, the scoop  1  may be made from cardboard, however, the scoop  1  may be made from, for example, plastic, metal, wood, heavy paper or any other suitable material. The foldable frame  2  may be a single sheet which may be semi-rigid, yet still has flexibility and the capacity to be scored and folded.  
         [0049]     The foldable frame  2  is preferably light weight and, as such, suitable for carrying on walks. The foldable frame  2  or the functional scoop  1  may be small and may fit in most purses, backpacks or other common carrying devices. If the user has limited space in which to carry the scoop  1  while on, for example, a walk, the foldable frame  2  may be transported compactly in a non-functional folded configuration and later converted into the functional scoop configuration.  
         [0050]     In production of the foldable frame  2 , a fragrance or odor reducing chemical may be added to reduce the unwanted odor of, for example, the animal waste. Alternatively, a fragrance or odor reducing chemical may be added to the foldable frame  2  or functional scoop  1  after production. In addition, the invention may have folding directions  80  printed directly on the foldable frame  1  (As illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). The folding directions  80  may be, for example, written directions and/or a diagram(s). Printing the folding directions  80  directly on the foldable frame  2  may eliminate the problem of loosing the folding directions. Further, it may allow the user to give the foldable frame  2  to another person without the need to provide the person with a folding manual.  
         [0051]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , while in the substantially flat configuration ( FIG. 2 ), the foldable flame  2  has a top  3 , a bottom  4 , a first side  5 , a second side  6 , a front  7  and a back  8 . As visible in  FIG. 2 , the length of the foldable frame  2  may be greater than the width of the foldable frame  2 . The foldable frame  2  may be folded into the second configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0052]     The foldable frame  2  has a plurality of score lines which enable the numerous sections of the foldable flame  2  to be rotated into the functional second configuration. More specifically, the foldable flame  2  has a first section  11  which may be folded upward approximately ninety degrees toward the top  3  of the foldable frame  2  via a single score line  44  which separates the first section  11  from a second section  12 . After the first section  11  has been rotated upward toward the top  3  of the foldable frame  2  and is in the upright position, at least a pair of symmetrical side supports  10  may be rotated forward toward the front  7  of the foldable frame  2  around a first pair of symmetrical score lines  40 .  
         [0053]     Extending from the second section  12 , toward the first side  5  and the second side  6  of the foldable frame  2 ; respectively, may be a pair of symmetrical side panels  15 . The symmetrical side panels  15  may be located closer to the front  7  of the foldable frame  2  than the side supports  10 . The side panels  15  may be rotated approximately ninety degrees upward via a second pair of symmetrical score lines  60 . After being rotated upward toward the top  3  of the foldable frame  2 , the side panels  15  may lay flat against the side supports  10  which have previously been rotated toward the front  7  of the foldable frame  2 . A third pair of symmetrical score lines  43  and fourth pair of symmetrical score lines  41  may then allow a pair of symmetrical interior panels  14  to be folded over the side supports  10  and substantially cover the side supports  10 . More specifically, the interior side panels  14  may rotate approximately one hundred and eighty degrees with respect to the side panels  15 .  
         [0054]     A pair of tabs  17  on the outermost portion of the interior panels  14  may then be secured into a pair of symmetrical tab receivers  16  located within the second section  12 . More specifically, the tab receivers  16  may be located within the second section  12 , near the first side  5  and second side  6  of the foldable frame  2 . The tabs  17  may be secured into the pair of tab receivers  16  by, for example, friction. After the scoop  1  is properly folded and the tabs  17  are properly secured into the tab receivers  16 , the side supports  10 , the side panels  15  and the interior panels  14  align in a substantially parallel position to each other. The use of the tabs  17  and tab receivers  16  of the scoop  1  allow the securing of the scoop  1  into the functional configuration without the need for an adhesive or other securing devices. Preferably, the tab receivers  16  have the approximately the same, or a slightly larger, length than the tabs  17 . Further, the tabs  17  may be removed from the tab receivers  16  if the user wishes to change the scoop  1  from the functional configuration of  FIG. 1  into the flat configuration of  FIG. 2  for the purpose of, for example, storage.  
         [0055]     While the tabs  17  are inserted into the tab receivers  16 , the interior panels  14  act as the sides of the scoop  1  and help prevent the waste from falling out of the scoop  1 . In the preferred embodiment the tabs  17  allow the foldable frame  2  to be secured into the functional scoop  1  configuration without the need for an adhesive strip  77  or other securing device, such as, a wire. However, in alternative embodiments, an adhesive strip  77  or other securing device may be implemented.  
         [0056]     The scoop  1  may also have a handle  62  having a main handle section  18  which may be folded backward from the first section  11  at a back score line  50 . The back score line  50  may be substantially parallel to the single score line  44  while the scoop  1  is in either the flat or folded configurations. The main handle section  18  may have a first side panel  21  and a second side panel  22 . The first side panel  21  and the second side panel  22  may each be attached to the main handle section  18  by a pair of symmetrical score lines  45 . The main handle section  18  may have an opening  19  which may, for example, allow the scoop  1  to be hung from, for example, a hook in either the substantially flat or folded configurations. Alternatively, the opening  19  may be used to secure a plastic bag (not shown) into the scoop  1 .  
         [0057]     The first side panel  21  of the handle  62  may have an opening  61  and a wing  23 . The wing  23  may be located further away from the main handle section  18  than the first side panel  21  while the scoop  1  is in the substantially flat configuration. The wing  23  may be rotated downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the first side panel  21  via a score line  46 . A section of the score line  46 , specifically the section in which the opening  61  may be present, completely lacks any connection between the first side panel  21  and the wing  23 .  
         [0058]     The second side panel  22  of the handle  62  may have a wing section  24  attached thereto via a score line  64 . The score line  64  may allow the wing section  24  to rotate downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the second side panel  22 . The wing section  24  of the second panel  22  may have a first tab  25  and a second tab  26 . The first tab  25  may be located further away from the main handle section  18  than the wing  24  while the scoop  1  is in the substantially flat configuration. The first tab  25  may be separated from the wing section  24  by a score line  51 . More specifically, the score line  51  may allow the first tab  25  to rotate downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the wing section  24 .  
         [0059]     The second tab  26  of the wing section  24  may be located closer to the front  7  of the scoop  1  then the wing section  24  while the scoop  1  is in the substantially flat configuration. A substantially rectangular slot  29  may be present between the wing section  24  and the second tab  26 . Preferably, the long sides of the rectangular slot  29  are substantially parallel to the long sides of the second tab  26 .  
         [0060]     The second tab  26  may be attached to the wing section  24  by a pair of substantially similar connectors  70 . More specifically, the rectangular slot  29  may be located between the substantially similar connectors  70 .  
         [0061]     To fold the handle  62  into a functional configuration, the wing  23  may be folded approximately ninety degrees downward with respect to the first side panel  21 . The first side panel  21  may be itself then rotated approximately ninety degrees downward with respect to the main handle section  18 .  
         [0062]     The first tab  25  of the wing section  24  may be rotated downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the wing section  24  along the score line  51 . Following this, the wing section  24  may be rotated approximately ninety degrees downward with respect to the second side panel  22  along the score line  64 . Next, the second side panel  22  may be rotated downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the main handle section  18  along score line  45 . Upon rotating the second side panel  22  around the score line  45 , the first tab  25  of the wing section  24  will substantially align with the opening  61 . The first tab  25  may then be inserted into the opening  61  and secured by, for example, friction. While the first tab  25  is inside of the opening  61 , the first tab  25  will be substantially obscured from view by the first side panel  21 .  
         [0063]     To finally place the scoop  1  into the functional configuration, the second tab  26  of the wing section  24  may be inserted into an opening  27  within the first section  11 . To properly secure the second tab  26  of the wing section  24  within the opening  27  of the first section  11 , the opening  27  of the first section  11  may be divided by a center tab  28  which locks into the rectangular slot  29 .  
         [0064]     While in the functional configuration, the handle  62  acts as a sturdy means to support and carry the scoop  1 , either empty or filled with waste material. The handle  62  of the scoop  1  is preferable between three and eight inches long to comfortably accommodate the size of an average human hand; however the length of the handle  62  may vary depending on what purpose a particular scoop  1  is constructed for or may vary depending on the size of larger or smaller users.  
         [0065]     The front  7  of the scoop  1  has a removable section  13  attached to the second section  12  by a tear line  75 . When the user pulls on the removable section  13  of the scoop  1 , the force along the tear line  75  causes the tear line  75  to break and completely separate the removable section  13  from the second section  12 . The user may then scoop up waste, for example, animal fecal waste, by using the removable section  13  to push the waste into the opening  20  of the scoop  1 . Utilizing the removable section  13  to push the waste into the opening  20  of the scoop  1  may allow the user to avoid touching the waste with the user&#39;s own hand. The user may then discard the removable section  13 , the waste and the scoop  1 . Alternatively, the user may use the functional scoop  1  without removing the removable section  13  from the second section  12 . Still further, the user may use the functional scoop  1  to scoop up waste after removing the removable section  13  from the second section  12 , but without utilizing the removable section  13  to push the waste into the scoop  1 .  
         [0066]     Although steps for folding the foldable frame  2  into the functional scoop  1  are described above, it should be understood that other folding steps or other sequences of the same steps may be implemented to accomplish the same or a similar functional scoop. For example, the user may elect to fold the sections of the handle prior to the folding of the first section  11  with respect to the second section  12 .  
         [0067]     Although embodiments of the present invention are shown and described therein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.