Abstract:
A novel pet care device for walking a dog is provided. The device integrates many pet care items that are necessary while walking a dog into a unitary device that is simple to operate and provides a new convenience to the dog owner. In certain embodiments, the device includes an integrated retractable leash, a flashlight, fluid spraying to dispose of pet waste, a source of fresh drinking water, and a water bowl from which a dog may drink the water.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to devices for the care of animals, and more particularly, relating to novel device for caring for a pet while walking the pet that includes a system for cleaning up pet waste. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pet owners are often burdened with difficulties when talking a dog out for a walk. These difficulties include having to clean up the dog&#39;s waste and providing a clean source of drinking water for the dog. Frequently, owners must carry a leash for restraining the dog, plastic bags or a waste scope device, and a water bottle to provide water to the dog. Additionally, there are safety concerns when walking a dog at night with the visibility of the owner and dog to operators of motor vehicles sharing the road way. Thus, owners will also carry a flashlight when walking the dog at night. Further is generally undesirable to pick up and carry the dog&#39;s waste either by a plastic bag or scope device. 
     There exist many pet care devices that are constructed with the aim of solving some of these problems. While the devices heretofore fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, they do not provide a complete pet care solution as such there exists and need for a novel pet care device, which substantially departs from the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of reducing an owner&#39;s burden while walking a dog. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of pet care devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new pet care device construction wherein the same can be used for walking a dog. 
     In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for walking a dog that combines many of the necessary care items together into a unitary device that is simple to operate and carry is provided. 
     In general, in one aspect, a pet care device is provided. The device includes a housing having a handle that is graspable by a user to hold the housing. A retractable leash assembly is integrated with the housing. A spray wand is pivotally attached to a bottom of the housing and is rotatable between extended and retracted positions. A pump is carried by the housing and one or more fluid nozzles positioned at an end of the spray wand and are fluidically connected to the outlet of the pump. A chemical concentrate container carried by the housing and a fresh water container carried by the housing are fluidically connected to the inlet of the pump. A proportional valve is fluidically connected to the inlet of the pump, the fresh water container, and the chemical concentrate container and operates to proportion an amount of chemical concentrate from the chemical concentrate container with an amount of fresh water from the fresh water container. A water bowl is pivotally attached to a rearward end of the housing and is rotatable between a retracted and extended position. A fresh water valve is fluidically connected to the fresh water container and is operated to fill the water bowl with fresh water from the fresh water container when the water bowl is in the extended position. 
     In general, in another aspect, a pet care device is provided. The pet care device includes a housing having handle that is graspable by a user to hold the housing. A retractable leash assembly is integrated with a forward end of the housing. A spray wand is pivotally attached to a bottom of the housing and is rotatable between extended and retracted positions. A first pump is carried by the housing and is fluidically connected at its outlet to a first nozzle that is disposed at an end of the spray wand. A fresh water container that carried is the housing is fluidically connected to the inlet of the first pump. A second pump is carried by the housing and is fluidically connected at its outlet to a second fluid nozzle disposed at an end of the spray wand. And a chemical concentrate container that is carried by the housing is fluidically connected to the inlet of the second pump. 
     In general, in yet another aspect, a pet care device is provided. The pet care device includes a housing having a handle that is graspable by a user to hold the housing. A retractable leash assembly is integrated with a forward end of the housing. A spray wand is pivotally attached to a bottom of the housing and is rotatable between extended and retracted positions. A fluid nozzle disposed at an end of the spray wand and is fluidically connected with a container of fluid located within the housing. An operator is operatively connected to the container to dispense a fluid from the container and the nozzle. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. 
     Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate a similar feature of a feature with similar functionality. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an embodiment of the present invention, and shown in-use with a dog connected to a leash of the device; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 1 , showing several components in alternative positions; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 1 , showing the device in a first mode of operation for treating animal waste; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 1 , showing the device in a second mode of operation for clearing the treated animal waste from a surface; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 1 , showing the device in another mode of operation in connection with an integrated water bowl; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic exploded view of the pet care device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 8 , showing the device in-use in connection with an integrated water bowl; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 23 , showing the device in an alternative configuration; 
         FIG. 25  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 23 , showing an integrated water bowl in-use; 
         FIG. 26  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 23 , showing the device in-use with a dog attached to a leash of the device; 
         FIG. 27  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 23 , showing the device in a mode of operation treating pet waste; 
         FIG. 28  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 23 , showing the integrated water bowl in-use; 
         FIG. 29  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 23 , showing the device received by a charging dock; 
         FIG. 30  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 33  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 33 , showing the device in a mode of operation treating pet waste; 
         FIG. 35  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 33 , showing the device being carried on the back of a user; 
         FIG. 36  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 36 , showing the device in a mode of operation treating pet waste; 
         FIG. 38  is a diagrammatic view of a pet care device constructed in accordance with the principles of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 39  is a diagrammatic view of the pet care device of  FIG. 38 , showing the device in a mode of operation treating pet waste; 
         FIG. 40  is a diagrammatic view of a module housing of the pet care device of  FIG. 38 , showing a water bowl in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 41  is a diagrammatic view of a module housing of the pet care device of  FIG. 38 , showing a water bowl in an extended position; 
         FIG. 42  is a diagrammatic view of a module housing of the pet care device of  FIG. 38 , showing a fresh water container being filled with water; 
         FIG. 43  is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of the module housing of the pet care device of  FIG. 38 , showing a spout in a retracted position; and 
         FIG. 44  is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of the module housing of the pet care device of  FIG. 38 , showing the spout in an extended position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Initially with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a new pet care device  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As will be described in detail below, device  100  provides a pet owner with necessary pet care items when walking the pet, for example, on a roadway or in a park. Device  100  includes a casing or housing  102  that contains the various components of the device and which is configured to be grasped at handle  104  and carried by a user while walking a pet ( FIG. 1 ). 
     A conventional retractable leash assembly  106  is contained within a forward portion of housing  102  and includes a retractable leash  108  that is fitted with a coupling  110  for attachment to a collar and a control lever or the like  112  for operating the extension and refraction of the leash  108 . Lever  112  is disposed approximate handle  104  and includes a finger grip  114  permitting a user to operate lever  112  by a finger while grasping handle  104 . 
     A flash light  116  is also positioned at the forward end of housing  102  and is operated by a button or switch  118  to turn the flash light on-and-off as desired by the user. A source of electrical power, such as rechargeable battery  120  provides the necessary electrical power to operate the flash light  116 . 
     A water bowl  122  is pivotally attached to a rearward end of housing  102  and is rotatable toward and away from the housing between a stored position ( FIG. 2 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 6 ). In the stored position the water bowl  122  is configured to partially wrap-around or enclose a portion of the rearward end of housing  102 . In the extended position the water bowl  122  is positioned such that a user, while grasping handle  104 , is able to present the water bowl to the pet for drinking. 
     A quantity of fresh water  124  is contained or held within fresh water container  126  that may be integral with housing  102  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) or removably received by housing  102  ( FIG. 7 ). Container  126  includes a fill opening or neck  128  for filling the container with fresh water ( FIG. 3 ). A lid  130  is removably attachable to container  126  to seal the fill opening  128 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 6 , a valve  132  is fluidically connected to container  126  and is operated to dispense fresh water  124  into the extended water bowl  122 . An operator  134  is operatively connected to valve  132  to open and close the valve to fill the water bowl. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-7 , device  100  further includes a spray wand  136  pivotally attached to a bottom end of housing  102  and rotatable in a direction toward and away from the housing between a retracted position ( FIG. 2 ) and an extended position ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). A pair of nozzles  138 ,  140  are disposed at the end of the spray wand  136  and are configured to selectively spray fluid from the spray wand at a target  142 , such as, for example, animal excrement left by the user&#39;s pet. Nozzle  138  is low pressure nozzle configured to saturate the target with a fluid and nozzle  140  is a high pressure nozzle configured to wash away the target. Alternatively, nozzles  138 ,  140  could be replaced by a single nozzle. 
     Nozzles  138 ,  140  are fluidically connected to the outlet of pump  144  (carried by housing  102 ) by fluid conduit  146 . Valve  148  may be provided to selectively connect either nozzle  138  or nozzle  140  to fluid conduit  146  to spray fluid flowing through the conduit. 
     The inlet of pump  144  is fluidically connected to a selector or proportional valve  150  by conduit  152 . The proportional valve  150  is fluidically connected to fresh water container  126  by conduit  154  and anti-siphon valve  166  and is fluidically connected to a chemical concentrate container  156  by conduit  158 . It is to be understood that all fluid conduits  146 ,  152 ,  154 ,  158  may be flexible or ridged pipes or hoses or could be integrally formed and defined by housing  102 . Proportional valve  150  is operated to proportion the quantity of chemical concentrate  160  is mixed with fresh water  124  when pump  144  is operated to spray fluid from the spray wand  136 . The proportional valve  150  can be configured to have predestinated positions that correspond to various mixing ratios. And the proportional valve  150  is further configured to allow only pumping of fresh water  124 . 
     The chemical concentrate container  156  is removably received by housing  102  and can include a seal that is punctured when received by the housing to fluidically connect the chemical concentrate container to conduit  158  to receive the chemical concentrate  160  for pumping and dispensing. 
     Pump  144  is electrically powered by battery  120  and pump switch or button  162  is operated by the user to turn the pump off and on. A safety switch may be included to prevent operation of the pump  144  unless the spray wand  136  is fully extended. Battery  120  may be recharged by connecting a power cable (not shown) to device  100  by known methods. 
     Device  100  may also include a ultra-violet lamp  164  disposed at the end of the spray wand  136 . The U.V. lamp  164  is powered by battery  120  and will only operate when the spray wand  136  is fully extended as detected by a sensor or switch (not shown). An additional manual switch may also be provided to permit the user to turn the U.V. lamp  164  off or on when the spray wand  136  is extended. 
     In more advanced embodiments, device  100  may include a fluid sensor  168  that detects when chemical concentrate is available and a fluid sensor  170  that detects when fresh water is available. In certain embodiments, a PLC or the like is connected to fluid sensors  168  and  170  and will prevent the operation of the spray function when sensor  168  does not detect chemical concentrate or when sensor  170  does not detect fresh water. In such as instance, pump  144  is prevented from being operated. Device  100  may also include an LCD display or other suitable indicator display to provide a visual indication to the user of the status of the device, for example battery power, whether there is supply of fresh water  124  or chemical concentrate  160  available, and when certain functions of the device are available for operation. 
     Additionally, valves  132 ,  148 ,  150  may be electrically operated valves as opposed to manually operated valves. The valves and pump could be operated according to preprogrammed modes of operation. For example, the device  100  could be programmed to operate in a disinfection mode where the device would operate valves  148  and  150  and pump  144  according to a desired timed sequence to disinfect and flush waste from a surface. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , device  100  is shown in a first mode of operation where a mixture of chemical concentrate  160  and fresh water  124  is being sprayed onto target  142  through nozzle  138  to soak the target with the mixture to deodorize and kill bacteria and related pathogens. In embodiments, device  100  may be manually configured to operate in this first mode by manual control of valves  148  and  150 . In other embodiments, device  100  is programmed to electrical control valve  148  and  150  to configure the device for this mode of operation and according to a particular time sequence. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , device  100  is shown in a second mode of operation where fresh water  124  is being sprayed onto the target  142  through nozzle  140  to forcible wash the target from the surface. Again, in embodiments, device  100  may be manually configured to operate in this first mode by manual control of valves  148  and  150 . In other embodiments, device  100  is programmed to electrical control valve  148  and  150  to configure the device for this mode of operation and according to a particular time sequence. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8 through 10 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  200  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  200  includes an alternative housing  202  from housing  102  and which illustrates but one of possible alternative configurations while remaining within the scope of the invention. Additionally, device  200  includes valve  204  that replaces valve  132  of device  100 . Valve  204  includes a ball  206  and related seat  208  and elastomeric seal  210  and related seat  212 . An operator  214  is operatively connected to valve  204  to open and close the valve to fill the water bowl  122 . Device  200  also includes an alternative spray wand  216  the replaces spray wand  136  and which is telescopic to permit adjusting its length once extended. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  300  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  300  is a somewhat simplified embodiment that does not include a water bowl  122  or a separate chemical concentrate container  156 . Rather device  300  includes an alternative housing  302  that defines a fluid container  304  for receiving fresh water  124  and a chemical concentrate  306  (shown as a tablet but could be a liquid) for creating chemical concentrate solution  308 . Additionally, valve  150  is eliminated and the inlet of pump  144  is fluidically connected to container  304  by fluid conduit  310 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , there is diagrammatically illustrated pet care device  400  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  400  is most similar to device  300  in construction and demonstrates an alternative spray nozzle possibility that may be incorporated into any one of the embodiments discussed herein. Particularly, device  400  includes a single adjustable pattern spray nozzle  402  that replaces spray nozzles  138  and  140 . Spray nozzle  402  is fluidically connected to the outlet of pump  144  by conduit  404 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  500  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  500  is similar to device  300  in that it is a somewhat simplified embodiment of device  100  and does not include a water bowl. Device  500  includes a housing  502  that defines an integral fresh water container  504  and an integral liquid chemical concentrate container  506 . Container  506  includes a fill opening or neck  508  for filling the container with a liquid chemical concentrate  160 . A lid  510  is removably attachable to container  506  to seal the fill opening  508 . Chemical concentrate container  506  is fluidically connected to proportional valve  150  by fluid conduit  512 . Device  500  may further include a cover  514  that is hingedly connected to housing  502  and operable to cover lids  510  and  130 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  600  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  600  includes housing  602  and a double pump configuration as opposed to the single pump configuration of the other embodiments. Particularly, device  600  includes spray nozzles  604  and  606  disposed at the end of spray wand  136 . Spray nozzle  604  is fluidically connected to the outlet of a first pump  608  by conduit  610 . The inlet of pump  608  is fluidically connected to fresh water container  126  by conduit  612 . Spray nozzle  606  is fluidically connected to the outlet of a second pump  614  by conduit  616 . The inlet of pump  614  is fluidically connected to the chemical concentrate container  156  by conduit  618 . 
     Pumps  608  and  614  are electrically powered by battery  120  and pump switches or buttons  620  and  622 , respectively, are operated by the user to turn the pumps off and on. Similarly, a safety switch may be included to prevent operation of the pumps  608  and  614  unless the spray wand  136  is fully extended. Pumps  608  and  614  may be manually operated by switches  620  and  622 , respectively, or automatically operated according to a programmed control sequence. Particularly, pump  608  and  614  are concurrently operated to spray both fresh water  124  and chemical concentrate  160  on the target  142 . And pump  608  is operated independently to spray only fresh water  124  on the target to flush and wash the target away  142 . Of course switches  620  and  622  could be replaced by single switch that is operated to begin a preprogrammed control sequence to operate device  600  according to desired modes of operation. 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  700  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  700  includes housing  702  and a powder or granular chemical concentrate dispenser. Particularly, device  700  includes fluid spray nozzle  704  disposed at the end of spray wand  136  and that is fluidically connected to the outlet of pump  144  by conduit  706 . The inlet of pump  144  is fluidically connected to fresh water container  126  by conduit  708 . A solids nozzle  710  also disposed at the end of spray wand  136  and that is fluidically connected to the outlet of a conveyor  712  by conduit  714 . The inlet of conveyor  712  is fluidically connected to a solids concentrate container  716  containing a supply of powered or granular chemical concentrate  718  by conduit  720 . 
     Conveyor  712  is either manually operated or electrically operated via switch  722  to convey the powered or granular chemical concentrate  718  from its container  716  through delivery conduit  714  and out of nozzle  710  where it is dispensed upon a target  142 . 
     Pump  144  and conveyor  712  may be manually operated by switches  162  and  722 , respectively, or automatically operated according to a programmed control sequence. Particularly, pump  144  and conveyor  712  may be concurrently operated to both spray fresh water  124  and dispense chemical concentrate  718  on the target  142 . And pump  144  may be operated independently to spray only fresh water  124  on the target to flush and wash the target away  142 . Of course switches  162  and  722  could be replaced by single switch that is operated to begin a preprogrammed control sequence to operate device  700  according to desired modes of operation. 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  800  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  800  includes housing  802  that defines of contains a mix container  804 . The inlet of pump  144  is fluidically connected to the mixing chamber  804  by conduit  806  and the fresh water container  126  is fluidically connected to the mixing chamber by conduit  810 . An injector pump  812  is fluidically connected at its outlet to the mixing chamber  804  and at its inlet to chemical concentrate container  156 . In this embodiment, initial operation of pump  144  automatically causes injector pump  812  to inject a predetermined quantity of chemical concentrate  160  into the mixing chamber  804  and causes fresh water  124  to be drawn into the mixing chamber where is it mixed with the chemical concentrate and dispensed through spray nozzle  138 , as illustrated. 
     Continued operation of pump  144  clears the mixing chamber of chemical concentrate  160  such that only fresh water  124  is disposed within the mixing chamber and sprayed, for example, through nozzle  140 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 17 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  900   a  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device  900   a  provides a pet owner with necessary pet care items when walking the pet, for example, on a roadway or in park. In doing so, device  900  includes a casing or housing  902  that contains the various components of the device and which is configured to be grasped at handle  904  and carried by a user while walking a pet. 
     A conventional retractable leash assembly  906  is contained within a forward portion of housing  902  and includes a retractable leash  908  that is fitted with a coupling  910  for attachment to a collar and a control lever or the like  912  for operating the extension and refraction of the leash  908 . Lever  912  is disposed approximate handle  904  and includes a finger grip  914  permitting a user to operate lever  912  by a finger while grasping handle  904 . 
     A flash light  916  is also positioned at the forward end of housing  902  and is operated by a button or switch  918  to turn the flash light on-and-off as desired by the user. A source of electrical power, such as rechargeable battery  920  provides the necessary electrical power to operate the flash light  916 . 
     Device  900  further includes a spray wand  922  pivotally attached to a bottom end of housing  902  and rotatable in a direction toward and away from the housing between a retracted position and an extended position (as shown). A nozzle  924  is disposed at the end of the spray wand  922  and is configured to spray a fluid from the spray wand at a target  926 , such as, for example, animal excrement left by the user&#39;s pet. 
     Housing  902  defines a chamber or area  928  that is configured to removably receive and retain therein a container of fluid, such as a conventional aerosol container  930  having a conventional spray or dispensing valve  932 . Container  930  contains a fluid under pressure, such as, for example, a deodorizer, sanitizer, or a combination of both for dispensing through nozzle  924 . Container  930  is removable disposed within chamber  928  such that dispensing valve  932  is received by a complementary recess  934  defined by housing  902 . Once the dispensing valve  932  is received by recess  934  the dispensing valve is placed in fluidic communication with nozzle  924  by conduit  936 . 
     Device  900  further includes an operator mechanism  938  that is configured to engage the bottom of the container  930 , opposite of valve  932 , and that is operated to reciprocate the container within chamber  928  to urge the container  930  inwardly against recess  934 , thereby causing the valve to operate and dispense a quantity of fluid contained within the container into conduit  936  and through nozzle  924 . An electric motor  940  is operatively connected to the operator mechanism  938  and is powered by battery  920  by operation of switch  942 . Motor  940  drives the operator mechanism  938  to facilitate the dispensing of fluid contained within container  930 . The operation of device  900  is apparent from the above description and thus operation of the device does not require a detailed explanation herein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 18 , there is diagrammatically illustrated device  900  with container  930  replaced by conventional container  950  that is fitted with a conventional reciprocating manual pump  952 , such as those frequently used in dispensing hand soap. Pump  952  is fitted with valve or nozzle  954  that is similar to valve  932 . Container  950  contains a fluid, such as, for example, a deodorizer, sanitizer, or a combination of both for dispensing through nozzle  924 . Container  950  is removable disposed within chamber  928  such that dispensing valve  954  is received by the complementary recess  934 . Once the dispensing valve  954  is received by recess  934  the dispensing valve is placed in fluidic communication with nozzle  924  by conduit  936 . Motor  940  is operated to drive the operator mechanism  938  to reciprocate the container  950  within the chamber  928  and thus drive pump  952  to dispense fluid from the container. 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  900   b  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  900   b  includes housing  960  and is similar to device  900   a  illustrated in  FIG. 17  with the exception of being manually operated. Particularly, device  900   b  includes a lever or trigger  962  that is operatively connected to a cap  964  that is disposed within recess  966  defined by housing  960 . Cap  964  is free to reciprocate within recess  966  and is configured to removable receive, in a sealed fluidic relationship, the valve  932  of container  930 . Cap  964  is also connected to conduit  936  and is configured to fluidically connect valve  932  to conduit  936  when the valve is received by the cap. Operating trigger  962  reciprocates the cap  964  and operates valve  932 , dispensing a quantity of fluid contained within the container into conduit  936  and through nozzle  924 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 20 , there is diagrammatically illustrated device  900   b  with container  950  that is fitted with a conventional reciprocating manual pump  952  similar to  FIG. 18 . Here nozzle  954  is removably received, in a sealed fluidic relationship with cap  964 . Operating trigger  962  reciprocates the cap  964  and operates pump  952 , dispensing a quantity of fluid contained within the container into conduit  936  and through nozzle  924 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 21 , there is diagrammatically a pet care device  1000   a  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  1000  includes housing  1002  that defines an integral fluid container  1004  holding a quantity of fluid  1006 , such as, for example, water, a deodorizer, sanitizer, or a combination thereof for dispensing through nozzle  924 . Container  1004  includes a fill opening or neck  1008  for filling the container with fluid  1006 . A lid  1010  is removably attachable to container  1004  to seal the fill opening  1008 . 
     Nozzle  924  is fluidically connected to the outlet of electric pump  1012  by conduit  1014  and the inlet of the pump is fluidically connected to container  1004  by conduit  1016 . Pump  1012  is electrically powered by battery  920  and pump switch or button  1018  is operated by the user to turn the pump off and on. Operating pump  1012  pumps fluid  1006  from container  1004  through nozzle  924  as illustrated. 
     With reference to  FIG. 22 , there is diagrammatically a pet care device  1000   b  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  1000   b  includes housing  1030  and manual pump  1032  that replaces the electric pump  1012  of device  1000   a . Pump  1032  includes a trigger or pump handle  1034  that is operated by a user&#39;s hand while grasping handle  904 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 23 through 28 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  1100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  1100  is essentially, device  100  of  FIGS. 1 through 8  with a modified housing  1102  that positions the retractable leash assembly  106  at a position between the front and rear ends of the housing, as opposed to being positioned at the front end of housing  102  as in device  100 . Locating the retractable leash assembly  106  at this intermediate position may serve to balance the weight of the device  1100  while an animal is attached to the leash  108 . Device  1100  also exemplifies the many different possible configurations of its housing and component placement that are possible while remaining within the scope of the invention. 
     Device  1100  is illustrated with the spray wand  136  retracted in  FIG. 23  and illustrated with the spray wand extended in  FIG. 24 .  FIG. 25  illustrates device  1100  with the water bowl  122  extended and being filed with water  124  from container  126  by operating valve  132  by operator  134 .  FIG. 26  illustrates device  1100  in-use with a pet attached to the leash  108 .  FIG. 27  illustrates device  1100  in-use with the spray wand  136  extended and treating a target  142 . Finally,  FIG. 28  illustrates device  1100  in-use with the water bowl  122  extended and a pet drinking water from the bowl. 
     With reference to  FIG. 29 , there is diagrammatically illustrated device  1100  received by storage/charging dock  1104  for storing the device and for charging the rechargeable battery  120 . Dock  1104  is connected to a standard electrical outlet  1106  by a power cable  1108 . Dock  1104  is configured to removably receive and retain device  1100  when not in use. Although device  1100  is illustrated in connection with dock  1104 , it is to be understood that any of the embodiments of the present invention may also be used in connection with dock  1104 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 30 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  1200  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  1200  includes housing  1202 , a shoulder strap  1204  that is connected at opposite ends to housing  1202 , and a leash holder  1206 . Device  1200  eliminates the retractable leash assembly  106  and replaces valve  132  and valve operator  134  by an alternatively configured valve  1208  that includes a lever  1210 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 31 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  1300  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  1300  replaces water bowl  122  of device  1100  with a spout  1302  that is pivotally attached to housing  1102  for rotation toward and away from the housing between retracted and extended positions. Spout  1302  is fluidically connected to container  126  and valve  132  is operated to allow water  124  to flow from the container and through spout  1302 . To this end, a pet could drink water directly from spout  1302  or a secondary bowl or dish could be filed for the pet to drink from. 
     With reference to  FIG. 32 , device  1300  is diagrammatically illustrated with an alternative spout  1302 ′ and an alternative valve  132 ′. In this configuration, valve  132 ′ is integrated with spout  1302 ′ such that rotating the spout from its retracted position into its extended position operates valve  132 ′ from a closed position into an open position, respectively. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 33 through 35 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  1400  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device  1400  provides a pet owner with necessary pet care items when walking the pet, for example, on a roadway or in park. Device  1400  includes a casing or housing  1402  that contains the various components of the device and which is configured to be grasped at handle  1404  and carried by a user while walking a pet ( FIG. 34 ). 
     A conventional retractable leash assembly  1406  is contained within a top portion of housing  1402  and includes a retractable leash  1408  that is fitted with a coupling  1410  for attachment to a collar and a control lever or the like  1412  for operating the extension and retraction of the leash  108 . Lever  1412  is disposed approximate handle  1404  and includes a finger button  1414  permitting a user to operate lever  1412  by a finger while grasping handle  1404 . 
     A flash light  1416  is positioned at bottom end of housing  1402  and is operated by a button or switch  1418  to turn the flash light on-and-off as desired by the user. A source of electrical power, such as rechargeable battery  1420  provides the necessary electrical power to operate the flash light  1416 . 
     A quantity of fresh water  1424  is contained or held within fresh water container  1426  that may be integral with housing  1402  or removably received by the housing. A pair of nozzles  1438 ,  1440  are disposed at the bottom of housing  1402  and are configured to selectively spray fluid from the spray wand at a target  1442 , such as, for example, animal excrement left by the user&#39;s pet. Nozzle  1438  is low pressure nozzle configured to saturate the target with a fluid and nozzle  1440  is a high pressure nozzle configured to wash away the target. Alternatively, nozzles  1438 ,  1440  could be replaced by a single nozzle. 
     Nozzles  1438 ,  1440  are fluidically connected to the outlet of pump  1444  (carried by housing  1402 ) by fluid conduit  1446 . Valve  1448  may be provided to selectively connect either nozzle  1438  or nozzle  1440  to fluid conduit  1446  to spray fluid flowing through the conduit. 
     The inlet of pump  1444  is fluidically connected to a selector or proportional valve  1450  by conduit  1452 . The proportional valve  1450  is fluidically connected to fresh water container  1426  by conduit  1454  and anti-siphon valve  1466  and is fluidically connected to a chemical concentrate container  1456  by conduit  1458 . It is to be understood that all fluid conduits  1446 ,  1452 ,  1454 ,  1458  may be flexible or ridged pipes or hoses or could be integrally formed and defined by housing  1402 . Proportional valve  1450  is operated to proportion the quantity of chemical concentrate  1460  is mixed with fresh water  1424  when pump  1444  is operated to spray fluid. The proportional valve  1450  can be configured to have predestinated positions that correspond to various mixing ratios. And the proportional valve  1450  is further configured to allow only pumping of fresh water  1424 . 
     The chemical concentrate container  1456  is removably received by housing  1402  and can include a seal that is puncture when received by the housing to fluidically connect the chemical concentrate container to conduit  1458  to receive the chemical concentrate  1460  for pumping and dispensing. The fresh water container  1426  may similarly operate in the removable container configuration, as illustrated. 
     Pump  1444  is electrically powered by battery  1420  and pump switch or button  1462  is operated by the user to turn the pump off and on. A safety switch may be included to prevent operation of the pump  1444  during undesired periods. Battery  1420  may be recharged by connecting a power cable (not shown) to device  1400  by known methods. 
     Device  1400  may also include a ultra-violet lamp  1464  disposed at the bottom of housing  1402 . The U.V. lamp  1464  is powered by battery  1420  and will only operate during desired periods, such as, for example when treating waste. 
     In more advanced embodiments, device  1400  may include a fluid sensor  1468  that detects when chemical concentrate is available and a fluid sensor  1470  that detects when fresh water is available. In certain embodiments, a PLC or the like is connected to fluid sensors  1468  and  1470  and will prevent the operation of the spray function when sensor  1468  does not detect chemical concentrate or when sensor  1470  does not detect fresh water. In such as instance, pump  1444  is prevented from being operated. Device  1400  may also include an LCD display or other suitable indicator display to provide a visual indication to the user of the status of the device, for example battery power, whether there is supply of fresh water  1424  or chemical concentrate  1460  available, and when certain functions of the device are available for operation. 
     Additionally, valves  1432 ,  1448 ,  1450  may be electrically operated valves as opposed to manually operated valves. The valves and pump could be operated according to preprogrammed modes of operation. For example, the device  1400  could be programmed to operate in a disinfection mode where the device would operate valves  1448  and  1450  and pump  1444  according to a desired timed sequence to disinfect and flush waste from a surface. The operation of device  1400  is apparent from the above description and thus operation of the device does not require a detailed explanation herein. 
     Device  1400  may also include a shoulder strap  1470  that is attached at opposite ends to housing  1402  to permit a user to carrier the device by his/her shoulder, as best seen in  FIG. 35 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 36 and 37 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  1500  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. Device  1500  includes housing  1502  that defines an integral water container  1504  that replaces the removable water container  1426  of device  1400 . Container  1504  includes a fill opening or neck  1506  for filling the container with fresh water. A lid  1508  is removably attachable to container  1504  to seal the fill opening  1506 . Additionally, device  1500  does not include the retractable leash assembly  1406  of device  1400 .  FIG. 37  illustrates device  1500  in-use treating waste. The operation of device  1500  is apparent from the above description and thus operation of the device does not require a detailed explanation herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 38 through 42 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a pet care device  1600  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device  1600  provides a pet owner with necessary pet care items when walking the pet, for example, on a roadway or in park. Device  1600  includes a casing or housing  1602  that contains the various components of the device and which is configured to be grasped at handle  1604  and carried by a user while walking a pet. 
     A flash light  1606  is positioned at bottom end of housing  1602  and is operated by a button or switch  1608  to turn the flash light on-and-off as desired by the user. A source of electrical power, such as rechargeable battery  1610 , provides the necessary electrical power to operate the flash light  1606 . 
     A quantity of fresh water  1612  is contained or held within fresh water container  1614  that may be integral with module housing  1616  that is removably received by housing  1602 . A pair of nozzles  1618 ,  1620  are disposed at the bottom of housing  1602  and are configured to selectively spray fluid from the housing at a target  1622 , such as, for example, animal excrement left by the user&#39;s pet. Nozzle  1618  is low pressure nozzle configured to saturate the target with a fluid and nozzle  1620  is a high pressure nozzle configured to wash away the target. Alternatively, nozzles  1618 ,  1620  could be replaced by a single nozzle. 
     Nozzles  1618 ,  1620  are fluidically connected to the outlet of pump  1624  (carried by housing  1602 ) by fluid conduit  1626 . Valve  1628  may be provided to selectively connect either nozzle  1618  or nozzle  1620  to fluid conduit  1626  to spray fluid flowing through the conduit. 
     The inlet of pump  1624  is fluidically connected to a selector or proportional valve  1630  by conduit  1633 . The proportional valve  1630  is fluidically connected to fresh water container  1614  by conduit  1632  and anti-siphon valve  1634  and is fluidically connected to a chemical concentrate container  1636  by conduit  1639 . It is to be understood that all fluid conduits  1626 ,  1632 ,  1633 , and  1639  may be flexible or ridged pipes or hoses or could be integrally formed and defined by housing  1602 . Proportional valve  1630  is operated to proportion the quantity of chemical concentrate  1638  is mixed with fresh water  1612  when pump  1624  is operated to spray fluid. The proportional valve  1630  can be configured to have positions that correspond to various mixing ratios. And the proportional valve  1630  is further configured to allow only pumping of fresh water  1612 . 
     The chemical concentrate container  1636  is removably received by housing  1602  and can include a seal that is puncture when received by the housing to fluidically connect the chemical concentrate container to conduit  1630  to receive the chemical concentrate  1638  for pumping and dispensing. 
     Pump  1624  is electrically powered by battery  1610  and pump switch or button  1640  is operated by the user to turn the pump off and on. A safety switch may be included to prevent operation of the pump  1624  during undesired periods. Battery  1610  may be recharged by connecting a power cable (not shown) to device  1600  by known methods. 
     Device  1600  may also include a ultra-violet lamp  1642  disposed at the bottom of housing  1602 . The U.V. lamp  1642  is powered by battery  1610  and will only operate during desired periods, such as, for example when treating waste. 
     As discussed above, module housing  1616  is removable from housing  1602 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 39 , and may be used separately to provide a water bottle during outings. Module housing  1616  includes a handle  1644  for user to grasp to hold the module housing. 
     Fresh water  1612  is contained or held within fresh water container  1614  that is integral with module housing  1616 . Container  1614  includes a fill opening or neck  1646  for filling the container with fresh water ( FIG. 42 ). A lid  1648  is removably attachable to container  1614  to seal the fill opening  1646 . 
     Module housing  1616  further includes an automatic valve  1660  that operates to fluidically connect the fresh water container  1614  to conduit  1632  when the module housing is received by housing  1602 . And valve  1660  further operates to seal the fresh water container  1614  when the module housing is removed from the housing  1602 . 
     A water bowl  1650  is pivotally attached to an end of module housing  1616  and is rotatable toward and away from the housing between a stored position ( FIG. 40 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 41 ). In the stored position the water bowl  1650  is configured to partially wrap-around or enclose a portion of the end of module housing  1616 . In the extended position the water bowl  1650  is positioned such that a user, while grasping handle  1644 , is able to present the water bowel to the pet for drinking. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 41 , a valve  1652  is fluidically connected to container  1614  and is operated to dispense fresh water  1612  into the extended water bowl  1650 . An operator  1654  is operatively connected to valve  1652  to open and close the valve to fill the water bowl. 
     In more advanced embodiments, device  1600  may include a fluid sensor  1654  that detects when chemical concentrate is available and a fluid sensor  1656  that detects when fresh water is available. In certain embodiments, a PLC or the like is connected to fluid sensors  1654  and  1656  and will prevent the operation of the spray function when sensor  1654  does not detect chemical concentrate or when sensor  1656  does not detect fresh water. In such as instance, pump  1624  is prevented from being operated. Device  1600  may also include an LCD display or other suitable indicator display to provide a visual indication to the user of the status of the device, for example battery power, whether there is supply of fresh water  1612  or chemical concentrate  1638  available, and when certain functions of the device are available for operation. 
     Additionally, valves  1628 ,  1630  may be electrically operated valves as opposed to manually operated valves. The valves and pump could be operated according to preprogrammed modes of operation. For example, the device  1600  could be programmed to operate in a disinfection mode where the device would operate valves  1628  and  1630  and pump  1624  according to a desired timed sequence to disinfect and flush waste from a surface. The operation of device  1600  is apparent from the above description and thus operation of the device does not require a detailed explanation herein. 
     Device  1600  may also include a shoulder strap  1658  (not shown in  FIG. 39 ) that is attached at opposite ends the device to permit a user to carrier the device by his/her shoulder. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 43 and 44 , an alternative module housing  1660  is illustrated, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements previously discussed. In this embodiment, the water bowl  1650  is replaced by a spout  1662 . Spout  1662  is pivotally attached to module housing  1660  for rotation between a stored position ( FIG. 43 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 44 ). Spout  1662  is fluidically connected to the water container  1614 , and when in the extended position, valve  1652  may be operated to permit water  1612  to flow from the water container and through the spout to dispense the water. 
     A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.