Abstract:
The present invention relates to a connecting assembly which releasably mounts a waste collection device to one of a pet leash assembly and a clothing article worn by an operator of the waste collection device. The connecting assembly includes an engagement member having first and second spaced apart projections. The first projection is resiliently displaceable relative to the second projection such that a distance between the first and second projections is variable. The first and second projections selectively engage spaced apart apertures located in a wall of the waste collection device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS ANS APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/662,745 filed Mar. 17, 2005 and is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0002]     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/811,103 entitled “WASTE COLLECTION DEVICE”, commonly owned and expressly incorporated herein by reference, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/458,594, filed Mar. 28, 2003, and 60/476,686, filed Jun. 6, 2003, both also expressly incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/662,832, filed Mar. 17, 2005, entitled “WASTE COLLECTION DEVICE” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/662,698, filed Mar. 17, 2005, entitled “MOTORIZED PET LEASH ASSEMBLY”, both applications being expressly incorporated herein by reference and filed concurrently with the present application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates to a combination pet leash assembly and waste collection device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connecting assembly for releasable attaching the pet leash assembly to the waste collection device.  
         [0004]     Retractable pet leashes generally enable the user having a pet tethered to a leash cord to fluidly adapt to changing spatial relationships between the user and the pet. Conventionally, retractable leash assemblies generally operate in two modes. A first mode provides a spring loaded tension on the retractable leash cord. The spring-loaded tension causes the leash cord to retract as slack develops, extends as the owner allows the pet to roam at a further distance, and stops the leash from dragging on the ground. A second, locking, mode removes the spring-loaded tension and stops the leash from either retracting or extending.  
         [0005]     Waste collection devices of the type disclosed in the applications mentioned above employ a liner bag, such as a disposable liner bag, to mechanically remove waste or debris (which can be liquid, solid or semi-solid) from a surface to be cleaned.  
         [0006]     However, conventional retractable pet leashes do not include features which would allow a user to mount the pet leash to the waste collection device. Such a feature would be beneficial to the user as both units can be combined and held by the user with one hand, leaving the other hand free.  
         [0007]     In light of the foregoing, it becomes evident that there is a need for a retractable pet leash assembly which includes a connecting assembly that would allow for the easy connection of the pet leash assembly to a waste collection device, or the like.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a connecting assembly is provided.  
         [0009]     More particularly, in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, a connecting assembly releasably mounts a waste collection device to one of a pet leash assembly and a clothing article worn by an operator of the waste collection device. The connecting assembly comprises an engagement member including first and second spaced apart projections. The first projection is resiliently displaceable relative to the second projection such that a distance between the first and second projections is variable. The first and second projections selectively engage spaced apart apertures located in a wall of the waste collection device.  
         [0010]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a connecting assembly is mounted to a housing of a pet leash assembly for releasably mounting the pet leash assembly to a waste collection device. The connecting assembly comprises an engagement member including first and second spaced apart, generally L-shaped fingers projecting from the pet leash assembly. The first finger is biased away from the second finger. The fingers selectively engage spaced apart apertures located in a wall of the waste collection device.  
         [0011]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a connecting assembly releasably mounts a waste collection device to an article of clothing. The connecting assembly comprises a housing and an engagement member located in the housing. The engagement member includes first and second spaced apart fingers projecting from the housing. The first finger is moveably mounted in the housing and is biased away from the second finger. The second finger is rigidly attached to the housing.  
         [0012]     The first and second fingers selectively engage spaced apart apertures located in a wall of the waste collection device.  
         [0013]     Still other non-limiting aspects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading and understanding of the description of the preferred embodiments hereinbelow. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The invention may take physical form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a right side perspective view of a pet leash assembly including a connecting assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the pet leash assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of a fold-up waste collection device in a fully folded-closed position, showing a lower wall adapted to allow the pet leash assembly of  FIG. 1  to be releasably mounted thereto.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the pet leash assembly of  FIG. 1  mounted to the fold-up waste collection device of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded perspective view of the connecting device of the pet leash assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative connecting device for the pet leash assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of a pet leash assembly with a housing half removed, including a connecting assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a right side perspective view of the pet leash assembly of  FIG. 6  being mounted to the fold-up waste collection device of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the pet leash assembly of  FIG. 6  mounted to the fold-up waste collection device of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is a left side cross-sectional view of the fold-up waste collection device of  FIG. 3  to which is mounted a connecting assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the fold-up waste collection device and the connecting assembly of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of a connecting assembly for use with the fold-up waste collection device of  FIG. 3  assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the connecting assembly of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  is a rear elevational view of the connecting assembly of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  is a left side cross-sectional view of the connecting assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating several embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1 and 2  show a pet leash assembly  10  including a connecting assembly  12  according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]     The pet leash assembly  10  generally includes a length of leash (not shown), such as a cord, rope, chain, and/or a webbing strip, and a housing  14 . The housing  14  includes an ergonomically shaped handle or hand grip portion  16  which can be integrally fabricated with the housing. Although not illustrated, the pet leash assembly  10  further includes a spool which houses a portion of a spooling mechanism. Such spooling mechanism enables the extension and retraction of the leash. The features of the spool and spooling mechanism will be discussed in greater detail with reference to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]     The housing  14  can be a plastic molded component and includes first and second halves  18  and  20  that may be secured together by suitable fasteners. Each housing half includes a raised portion  22  defining an opening which is closed by a generally planar cover  23 . A somewhat circular aperture  24  defined in the cover  23  is closed by a plate  30 . Extending outward from the plate  30  is a first finger  26 . Each finger includes a downwardly extending tab  28 . In the present embodiment, the first fingers  26  are integrally formed with a plate  30  dimensioned to cover the apertures  24 . However, it should be appreciated that the apertures  24  and plates  30  are not germane to the present embodiment and that the first fingers  26  can be integrally formed with the raised portions  22 .  
         [0033]     A leash opening  32  is provided in a forward facing portion  34  of the housing  14  to enable unhindered movement of the leash between the interior and exterior of the housing. An anti-wear ring  36 , which can be made from a lubricious material, such as nylon, can be mounted in the leash opening  32  for buffering the leash through the leash opening to reduce the frictional wear on the leash due to the leash rubbing against the portion of the housing  14  defining the opening  32 . The anti-wear ring  36  can also inhibit the leash (not shown) from forcing the housing halves  18  and  20  apart during extension and retraction of the leash.  
         [0034]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing  14  further includes an opening  38  provided for passage of a trigger assembly  40  that can engage the spool. The trigger assembly includes a cap button  42  operatively mounted to the housing  14 . The location of the trigger assembly  40  enables a user to actuate the trigger assembly with a thumb, while using the remaining fingers of the grasping hand to hold onto the grip portion  16 . Actuating the trigger assembly  40  inhibits the leash from extending from the housing  14 .  
         [0035]     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , a leash stop lock button  46  can be mounted to the housing  14 , adjacent the trigger assembly  40 . The spatial relationship of these two elements is more clearly illustrated in the embodiment disclosed by  FIG. 6 . The leash stop lock button can be located proximate to the handle grip portion  16  and operates in a first locked position to lock the spool  18 , and in a second unlocked position that enables the spool to freely rotate. The trigger assembly  40  and the leash stop lock button  46  can be positioned proximate to each other so that the same hand can grasp the grip portion, actuate the trigger assembly with one finger, and operate the leash stop lock button. The location of the leash stop lock button  46  enables easy operation with the thumb of the grasping hand, thereby leaving the user&#39;s other hand completely free. The feature of the trigger assembly  40  and the leash stop lock button  46  will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to a second embodiment of the motorized pet leash assembly  10 .  
         [0036]     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a waste collection device, generally designated by reference numeral  50 , is shown in a fully folded-up position. The waste collection device  50  includes a body having a handle assembly  52  and a housing  54  defining an opening or open end  56  of the device  50 . The handle assembly can include a gripping portion which can be contoured and/or formed of a rubberized material so that a user is better able to hold and operate the waste collection device.  
         [0037]     In  FIG. 3 , the waste collection device  50  is shown in the fully folded-up position wherein the handle  52  is pivotally moved against a lower wall  60  of a base portion  58  for compact storage. It should be appreciated that the device includes a fully unfolded position wherein the device is able to remove waste. In the fully unfolded position, the handle  52  is pivoted relative to the base portion  58  so that the handle is angled in relation to a plane of the housing  54 , which allows the handle to be grasped by a user. For example, the handle can be oriented normal or at an obtuse angle relative to the plane of the lower wall  60 .  
         [0038]     In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion  58  is U-shaped or channel-shaped. It has a substantially flat lower wall  60  and a pair of spaced apart side walls  62  and  64  extending upward from the lower wall  60 . The lower wall  60  includes spaced apart apertures  70  for enabling the device  50  to be connected to the connecting assembly  12  of the pet leash assembly  10  ( FIG. 4 ).  
         [0039]     The body of the device  50  also includes a frame member or frame  72  pivotally mounted adjacent the open end  56  of the housing  54 . The frame  72  is also U-shaped and can, together with the housing, completely form the opening  56 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the frame member  72  is pivotally connected to housing  54  by suitable bearing members  74  and pivot pins  76 .  
         [0040]     In many respects, the waste collection device  50  is like the waste collection devices shown and described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/811,103, expressly incorporated herein by reference. To the extent possible, other features discussed in reference to one or more of the embodiments of the above-referenced &#39;103 application can also be optionally included on the device  50 .  
         [0041]     With reference now to  FIG. 5A , a part of the connecting assembly  12  for releasably attaching the pet leash assembly  10  to the waste collection device  50  is illustrated. The connecting assembly  12  generally includes first and second engagement members extending from the first and second halves  18  and  20 , respectively, of the housing  14 . It is apparent that only one of these is illustrated. In this embodiment, the each engagement member includes a generally L-shaped part  90 , having a first portion  92  and a second portion  94 . A second finger  96  including an upwardly extending tab  98  extends outwardly from the first portion  92 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, second finger  96  and spaced apart first finger  26  can be selectively secured in the apertures  70  of the lower wall  60  of the waste collection device  50  thereby enabling the pet leash assembly  10  to be connected to the waste collection device  50 .  
         [0042]     With continued reference to  FIG. 5A , the second portion  94  includes a generally C-shaped shelf  100  having a base portion  102  and a pair of arms  104  and  106 . A cap  108  extends upwardly from the shelf. The shelf  100  further includes a pin  110  extending laterally from one arm and an aperture  112  located in the other arm. The L-shaped parts  90  of the first and second engagement members are secured to each other by inserting the respective pins  110  of the parts into in the respective apertures  112  of the parts. Once secured together, a cap button  118  can be mounted over the caps  108  thereby further securing the L-shaped parts to each other.  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 5A , the first half  18  of the housing  14  includes a first extension  120  dimensioned to receive the second portion  94  of the L-shaped part  90  and a portion of the cap button  118 . A pair of L-shaped tabs  122  extend into the housing  14  adjacent the first extension  120 . They define a channel dimensioned to receive a plate  124 . The plate includes a cylindrical hollow projection  126  for receiving thereon a spring  130 . The spring is positioned in a compressed state between an inner top surface of the cap  108  and the plate  124 . Thus, the spring outwardly biases the cap  108  and the cap button  118 . It should be apparent that the second housing half  20  is similarly constructed.  
         [0044]     The first housing half  18  further includes a socket  136  having an opening  138  dimensioned to receive the first portion  92  of the L-shaped part  90 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the socket  136  extends downward into the opening defined by the raised portion  22  from a top portion of the housing  14 . Thus, the finger  96  of the L-shaped member  90  projects outward from each half  18  and  20  of the housing  14  and through a slotted aperture  142  located in the cover  23  ( FIG. 1 ). A pair of support ribs  144  and  146  extend, in a cross configuration, across the opening defined by the raised portion  22 . The plate  30  can also be attached to support member  146 . A shaft  148  can extend from the intersection of the support members for rotatably supporting the spool (not shown) thereby allowing the spool to freely rotate in the housing  14 .  
         [0045]     With reference to  FIG. 5B , an alternative connecting assembly  12   b  for releasably attaching the pet leash assembly  10  to the waste collection device  50  is illustrated. In this embodiment, an engagement member of the connecting assembly  12   b  is also generally L-shaped part  90   b , having a first portion  92   b  and a second portion  94   b . Extending from an end of the first portion  92   b  is a generally L-shaped tab  150 . A second finger  96   b  including an upwardly extending tab  98   b  extends outwardly from the L-shaped tab  150 . The second portion  94   b  includes a generally C-shaped shelf  100   b  having a base portion  102   b  and a pair of arms  104   b  and  106   b . A cap  108   b  extends upwardly from the shelf.  
         [0046]     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the first half  18   b  of the housing  14  includes a first extension  120   b  dimensioned to receive the second portion  94   b  of the L-shaped part  90   b  and a portion of a cap button  118   b . A pair of C-shaped slots  152  extends into the housing  14  adjacent the first extension  120   b . They define a channel dimensioned to receive a plate  124   b . The plate includes a cylindrical projection  126   b  for receiving thereon a spring  130   b.    
         [0047]     With continued reference to  FIG. 5B , the first housing half  18   b  includes a raised portion  22   b  and a socket  136   b  formed on an inner surface  154  of the raised portion. An opening  156  in the raised portion  22   b  adjacent the socket is dimensioned to receive the first portion  92   b  of the L-shaped part  90   b . Thus, the finger  96   b  of the L-shaped member  90   b  projects outward from the housing  14  and through a slotted aperture  142  located in a cover. To secure the L-shaped part  90   b  in the socket  136   b , the tab  150  is first in inserted in the socket, a portion of the tab  150  extending out of the opening  156 . The L-shaped part  90   b  is then rotated upward into the extension  120   b  and the plate  124   b  is then inserted into the channel defined by the C-shaped tabs  152 .  
         [0048]     A shaft  148   b  can extend from the raised portion  22   b  for rotatably supporting the spool (not shown). A pair of apertures  158  is located in the raised portion  22   b  for receiving corresponding tabs (not shown) on a cover, the tabs securing the cover to the raised portion.  
         [0049]     To attach the pet leash assembly  10  to the waste collection device  50 , the user depresses the cap button  118  which, in turn, depresses the first and second L-shaped parts  90  into the housing  14  of the leash assembly  10 . This downward movement of the L-shaped parts  90  decreases the spacing between the second, movable finger  96  and first fixed finger  26 . As the spacing between the fingers decreases, the both fingers can be inserted into the apertures  70  of the lower wall  60  of the waste collection device  50 , the tabs  28  and  98  of the fingers  26  and  96 , respectively, engaging an inner surface (not shown) of the lower wall  60 . Once inserted, the user releases the cap button  118 , the spring  130  biasing the first and second L-shaped parts  90  back to their original position. As the L-shaped parts  90  move upward, the spacing between the fingers  26  and  96  increases thereby locking the fingers in the apertures  70  of the waste collection device  50 . Detaching the leash assembly  10  from the waste collection device  50  requires a reversal of the steps outlined above.  
         [0050]     Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, a second embodiment of the connecting assembly is shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . Since most of the structure and function is substantially identical, reference numerals with a single primed suffix (′) refer to like components (e.g. the pet leash assembly is referred to by reference numeral  10 ′), and new numerals identify new components in the additional embodiment.  
         [0051]     With reference to  FIG. 6 , a pet leash assembly  10 ′ includes a housing  14 ′ having an ergonomically shaped handle  16 ′ which can be integrally fabricated with the housing and a spool  170  which houses a portion of a spooling mechanism  172 . The spooling mechanism enables a leash (not shown) to extend and retract from the housing  14 ′.  
         [0052]     The housing  14 ′ can be a plastic molded component and includes first and second halves  18 ′ and  20 ′ that may be secured together by suitable fasteners. In this embodiment, a plurality of corresponding bosses  178  extend outwardly from the two halves, each boss including an aperture  180  for receiving a fastener (not shown) which threadingly engages the aperture from the exterior of one of the first and second halves  18 ′,  20 ′. A leash opening  32 ′ is provided in a forward facing portion  34 ′ of the housing. An anti-wear ring  36 ′, which can be made from a lubricious material, such as nylon, can be mounted in the leash opening  32 ′.  
         [0053]     The housing  14 ′ further includes an opening  38 ′ provided for passage of a trigger assembly  40 ′ that can engage the spool  170 . The trigger assembly includes a cap button  42 ′ operatively mounted in the housing  14 ′. A compression spring (not visible) can be secured in the cap button to outwardly bias the cap button. Actuating the trigger assembly  40 ′ inhibits the leash from extending from the housing  14 ′.  
         [0054]     In particular, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , the spooling mechanism includes a power spring (not shown) and a spool cover  184 . A stationary axle  186  extends from the housing half  20 ′. A radially outer end (not shown) of the power spring attaches to the spool  170  to fasten the power spring in a rotatable spool cavity (not shown). The spool  170  and the attached power spring fit onto the axle  186 . When mounted on the axle, a radially inner end (not shown) of the power spring is secured to a portion of the axle  186 . The spool cover  184  fastens over the power spring to secure the power spring in the spool cavity. The power spring is initially coiled to spring bias the spool  170  to retract the leash. Additionally, as the spool rotates to extend the leash out of the housing  14 ′, the power spring coils further, thereby providing additional retracting bias as the extended portion of the leash increases. The outer surface  190  of the spool  170  is adapted for spooling the leash.  
         [0055]     The spool  170  includes several teeth  192  spaced around the circumference of an outer facing portion and the circumference of an inner facing portion of the spool. The teeth  192  are adapted for engaging a first rotation inhibitor portion  196  of the trigger assembly  40 ′.  
         [0056]     With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , a leash stop lock button  46 ′ can be mounted to the housing  14 ′, adjacent the trigger assembly  40 ′ such that when a user is gripping the handle portion  16 ′, the stop lock button may be activated by a finger of the same hand holding the handle portion. The leash stop lock button  46 ′ is connected to a post  200  extending through a slotted opening  202  in the housing  14 ′. A base  204  is secured to the post and an arm  206  including a tab  208  extends from the base. A compressed spring  210  is secured at one end to a portion of the housing  20 ′ and at the otherend to the base  204 . In an unlocked position, the tab  208  is located adjacent the cap button  42 ′. As the cap button  42 ′ is depressed, an opening  212  in the cap button  42 ′ will be aligned with the tab  208  and the spring  210  will cause the tab to engage the opening  212 . Thus, the leash stop lock button  46 ′ can automatically lock the cap button in the depressed state thereby locking the rotation inhibitor portion  196  into engagement with the teeth  192  which restricts the rotation of the spool  170 .  
         [0057]     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the pet leash assembly  10 ′ further includes a connecting assembly  220  housed in a compartment  222  located in a bottom portion  224  of the housing  14 ′. The connecting assembly  220  includes a socket  226  fixed to the housing  14 ′ and a movable member  228  received within the housing  14 ′. In the present embodiment, the movable member has a barrel-like configuration, however, it should be appreciated that other configurations, such as a hexagonal configuration, can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The movable member  228  can include a pair of diametrically opposed guides  230  that are received in corresponding slots (not shown) of the housing  14 ′ for guiding movement of the movable member. A spring  232  is disposed between a first end wall  234  of the socket  226  and an end of the movable member  228 . The spring  232  urges the movable member  228  against a second end wall  236  of the compartment.  
         [0058]     A finger  240  including a tab  242  extends downward from an end portion of the movable member  228 , the finger projecting through a slotted opening  244  in the bottom portion  224  of the housing  14 ′. A second finger  248  including a second tab  250  also extends downward from the bottom potion  224  of the housing  14 ′. The second finger is fixed, being integral with the bottom portion.  
         [0059]     Similar to the first embodiment, the spacing between the fingers  240  and  248  is larger than the spacing between the apertures  70 ′ of the lower wall  60 ′ of the waste collection device  50 ′. Thus, and as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in order to mount the pet leash assembly  10 ′ to the waste collection device  50 ′, the first finger  240  is inserted into one of the apertures  70 ′, the tab  242  of the first finger engaging an inner surface (not shown) of the lower wall  60 ′. To insert the second finger  248 , the user can pull the pet leash assembly  10 ′ by the handle  16 ′ which will compress the spring  232  and slidingly move the finger  240  in the slotted opening  244  towards the second finger  248  thereby decreasing the spacing between the fingers  240  and  248 . This decreased spacing allows the second finger  248  to be inserted in the other aperture  70 ′, the tab  250  of the second finger also engaging the inner surface of the lower wall  60 ′. As the user releases the handle  16 ′, the first finger  240  biases back against the end wall  236 . As the first finger moves, the spacing between the fingers  240  and  248  increases thereby locking the fingers into the apertures  70 ′ of the waste collection device  50 ′.  
         [0060]     Similar to the aforementioned embodiments, a third embodiment of the connecting assembly is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Since some of the structure and function is substantially identical, reference numerals with a double primed suffix (″) refer to like components (e.g. the waste collection device is referred to by reference numeral  50 ″), and new numerals identify new components in the additional embodiment.  
         [0061]     With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the connecting assembly  270  includes a housing  272 , which can be a plastic molded component, including a tub-shaped portion  274  and a plate portion  276 . These two portions can be secured together by suitable fasteners. A pair of spaced loop members  280  extends outward from a pair of slots  282  located in the plate portion  276 . The loop members  280  can be integrally formed with one of the plate portion and bottom tub-shaped portion. The loop members  280  are adapted to receive a conventional belt (not shown) worn by the user of the waste collection device  50 ″. Thus, once the connecting assembly  270  is attached to the belt by threading the belt through the loop members  280 , the waste collection device can be mounted to the connecting assembly  270  (in a manner to be discussed in greater detail below).  
         [0062]     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the connecting assembly  270  includes a compartment  286  which houses an engagement member  288 . Similar to the second embodiment, the engagement member can have a barrel-like configuration. The barrel member includes an integral first finger  290  having a tab  292  at one end and a projection  294  extending axially from the other end. The projection is adapted to slidingly receive a spring  296 . The spring  296  is positioned in a compressed state between a first end wall  300  of the compartment  286  and the barrel member  288 . Thus, the spring biases the barrel member  288  against a second end wall  302  of the compartment.  
         [0063]     The first finger  290  extends through a slotted opening  304  located in the tub-shaped portion  274  thereby allowing the finger to selectively move relative to a second finger  310  integrally formed in the top portion. Similar to the first finger  290 , the second finger  310  also extends outward from the top portion and includes a tab  312 .  
         [0064]     Similar to the second embodiment, the spacing between the fingers  290  and  310  is larger than the spacing between the apertures  70 ″ of the lower wall  60 ″ of the waste collection device  50 ″. Thus, and as shown in  FIG. 9 , in order to mount the connecting assembly  270  to the waste collection device  50 ″, the first finger  290  is inserted into one of the apertures  70 ″, the tab  292  engaging an inner surface  314  of the lower wall  60 ″. A user can then pull the waste collection device upward thereby compressing the spring  296  and slidingly moving the first finger  290  in the slotted opening  304  towards the second finger  310  thereby decreasing the spacing between the fingers  290  and  310 . This decreased spacing allows the second finger  310  to be inserted in the other aperture  70 ″, the tab  312  also engaging the inner surface  314  of the lower wall  60 ″. The user then releases the waste collection device which then biases the first finger  290  back against the end wall  302 . As the first finger moves, the spacing between the fingers  290  and  310  increases thereby locking the fingers into the apertures  70 ″ of the waste collection device  50 ″.  
         [0065]     Similar to the aforementioned third embodiment, a fourth embodiment of the connecting assembly is shown in  FIGS. 11-14 . Since most of the structure and function is substantially identical, reference numerals with a triple primed suffix (′″) refer to like components (e.g. the connecting assembly is referred to by reference numeral  270 ′″), and new numerals identify new components in the additional embodiment.  
         [0066]     As shown in  FIGS. 11-14 , the connecting assembly  270 ′″ includes a housing  272 ′″, which can be a plastic molded component, including a tub-shaped portion  274 ′″ and a plate portion  276 ′″ which may be secured together by suitable fasteners. A button  320  extends from the housing  272 ′″. A pair of spaced loop members  280 ′″ extends outward from the plate portion  276 ′″.  
         [0067]     The connecting assembly  270 ′″ further includes a compartment  286 ′″ which houses an engagement member  330 . The engagement member includes an integral finger  332  having a tab  334  at one end and a projection  335  extending axially from the other end. The projection is adapted to slidingly receive a spring  336  positioned in a compressed state between an end wall  338  of the compartment  286 ′″ and the engagement member  330 . Thus, the spring biases the engagement member  330  against an end  340  of the button  320 . In use, the button  320  assists the user in actuating the connecting assembly  270 ′″. As the button is depressed, the end  340  will contact the engagement member  330  and move the engagement member including the finger  332  towards the end wall  338 .  
         [0068]     As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the fourth embodiment, the same should be apparent from the above description relative to the third embodiment. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.  
         [0069]     The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the present invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.