Abstract:
A feces pick-up device combined with a GPS unit. The device includes a handle and jaw configuration which allows the operator to pick up waste ahead and spaced from the operator.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to an animal feces pick-up device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved design which allows for a more comfortable pick-up of animal feces and also tracking of the path of pick-up so that spots are not missed.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     There are many types of methods of collecting animal feces such as dog feces, which collect when one owns a pet. These range anywhere from a simple shovel to more sophisticated devices which provide more of a closing jaw type of action for picking up the feces. These devices have drawbacks in one or more areas as follows.  
         [0003]     Some devices require two handed operation, which tends to be inconvenient. Many of these devices require being directly over the feces to be picked up. This is sometimes inconvenient. Therefore, it is a goal in the art to provide a method wherein the feces can be picked up without direct vertical engagement, i.e., standing over the feces to be collected.  
         [0004]     Additionally, it has been a problem in the art to provide complete collection of the feces over an area. Unless one is very careful when collecting feces, it seems to be a rather formidable task to cover an entire area without missing one or more dog feces. Typically, such mistakes are discovered by other members of the family stepping in the uncollected feces and reporting the breach to other members in the family. Therefore, there remains a need in the art to provide a collection device which allows one to be sure to cover all of a particular area, ensuring complete trackability and collection of the entire area at a particular time.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a feces collection device which includes a collection member for providing a way to pick up animal feces and, in the broader aspect, a positioning device allowing for tracking of movement of an operator of the device.  
         [0006]     The device of the present invention includes a handle member configured for extending in front of the operator of the apparatus and a jaw member which is attached to the handle. The jaw member is used for picking up feces and has a remote apparatus for allowing the operator to close the jaw member for picking up the feces. Preferably, the collection apparatus of the present invention allows one to collect feces spaced from and in front of the operator, and allows a handle member to be positioned from about 5° to about 85° in relationship to the operating position verses the ground.  
         [0007]     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a side view showing the overall device of the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the trigger apparatus taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a detailed view of the collection jaws, taken from the circle of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a detailed front view showing the apparatus of the present invention; and  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a GPS operating in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0015]     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0016]     In accordance with the present invention, there is shown a feces collection device generally shown at  10 . The feces collection device generally comprises a handle portion generally indicated at  12 , and a jaws portion generally indicated at  14 . A global positioning device generally shown at  14  is attached to the handle. The jaw portion  14  is typically angled with respect to the handle portion and the axis of the jaw A-A such that the place of the jaw edges generally engages the ground, substantially parallel to the ground, shown in the drawing by line G-G. Thus, the angle between the axis of the handle line B-B and the ground is typically from about 5° to about 85°, preferably from about 30° to 75°, and most preferred from 45° to 70°.  
         [0017]     An apparatus generally shown at  16  is provided for closing of the jaws. Apparatus  16  includes a trigger mechanism shown in detail in  FIG. 3 , indicated by numeral  18 . The trigger mechanism includes the trigger  20  attached to a U-shape hinge member  22 , which is attached to the handle  12  by way of a bolt or other hinge pin  24 . An actuation rod  26  is secured to the U-shaped member  22  through an orifice by way of a bent over portion  28 .  
         [0018]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown a detailed view of the collection jaws  14 . The jaws  14  include a hinge assembly  30  which attaches the jaw one to another. A first jaw member  32  is attached directly to the handle  12 , and a second jaw member  34  is hingedly attached at hinge  30  to the first jaw member  32 . A spring member  36  draws the rear end of members  32  and  34  together for opening of the jaws. A pair of feces collection attachments  38  and  40  are provided for collecting a feces matter, generally indicated at  42 , when the jaws are closed along arrows  44  and  46 . This is shown in phantom in  FIG. 4 . The actuation rod  26  is attached at a second end  48  adjacent the hinge  30 , for providing actuation movement of the jaw assembly for closing of the jaws in response to movement of the trigger  20 . The actuation rod  26  is guided by a plurality of guide members  60 , which are shown in detail in  FIG. 2 . The guide members provide guidance for the actuation shaft without flexing of the shaft, to provide proper actuation of the jaws  14 . It is within the scope of the invention that a push/pull cable or like device could also be used for actuating the jaws.  
         [0019]     With respect to the handle portion, the handle portion includes a first arm engaging portion  50 , a second handle portion  52  and a third extension portion  54 . Arm supporting members  56  and  58  are semi-circular in nature and allow support of the arm while gripping the handle  52 . The angle between first portion  50  and second portion  52  is generally from about 90° to about 170°, and preferably 100° to 130°. The angle between handle portion  50  and  52  is dependant on the parameters for the final angle of the handle as set forth above.  
         [0020]     Thus in operation, an operator grips the handle  52  and the device rests against arm engagement members  56  and  58  in the operator&#39;s hand. The operator may then scan in front of the operator for locating animal feces. Upon seeing a feces, the operator merely grips the trigger mechanism  20  to close the jaws and grip the feces, as shown in phantom in  FIG. 4 . Upon releasing of the trigger, the feces may be dumped in a suitable container, since the jaws automatically open up due to spring  36 .  
         [0021]     A Global Positioning System (GPS) mounting plate  62  provides a place for the mounting of a GPS  14 . The GPS may be a hand held unit attached with straps or hooks and loop fasteners or the like or integrated with the device. Using the GPS mechanism, the actual movements of the operator can be tracked and measured, such that complete coverage of an area is ensured. Of course, other positioning mechanisms such as loran or the like might be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a continuous track  64  can be provided such that missed spots  66  and coverage can be noticed.  
         [0022]     Thus, the present invention allows for a one arm pick-up of feces in front of the operator, providing improved identification and pick-up of animal feces. Additionally, using the GPS allows the operator to be more thorough in policing the area.  
         [0023]     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.