Patent Publication Number: US-9422683-B2

Title: Foldable scooper

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present disclosure relates to devices and methods related to a foldable scooper, such as a scooper used to clean after a dog. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many varieties of scoopers for animal waste exist, employing a variety of configurations. However, such systems and certain components thereof have various limitations and disadvantages. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein is a portable scooping system, said system can comprise a scoop portion comprising, a back wall section, at least two side wall sections connected to the back wall section, and at least one base section connecting the back wall section and the at least two side wall sections, a guard portion configured to extend at least partially over the scoop portion to create a pocket formed between the sidewall sections and base section of the scoop portion and the guard portion, and a handle portion configured to rotatably connect with the back wall section, wherein the handle portion is configured to extend generally away from the scoop portion in an open position, and is configured to nest generally in the scoop portion in the closed position. 
     In some embodiments, the system further can further comprise a bag configured to at least partially surround the scoop portion and the guard portion such that the bag is at least partially within the scoop pocket. In some embodiments, the bag can comprise at least one slit. In some embodiments, the bag can comprise a pair of slits on opposite sides of the bag. In some embodiments, the bag can comprise at least one connector connecting both sides of the slit. In some embodiments, the bag can be configured to fit closely with the scoop portion, guard portion, and handle portion. 
     In some embodiments, the bag can comprise a first, second, and third portion each having a width and height, the third portion being closest to an opening of the bag, and the second portion being between the first and third portions, wherein the width and height of the second portion is greater than the widths and heights of the first and third portions. In some embodiments, the bag can touch the base section proximate to where the base section and guard portion connect when in the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the side wall sections can be rotated inward toward the base section of the scoop portion. In some embodiments, the sidewall sections can be configured to be releasably attached with the back wall section. In some embodiments, the back wall section can be rotated inward toward the base section of the scoop portion. 
     In some embodiments, the handle portion can comprise a clasp, the clasp configured to releasably attach to the base section of the scoop portion when in the closed position. In some embodiments, the handle portion and the back wall section can be configured to releasably attach in the open configuration so that the handle portion can rotate into the closed position. In some embodiments, the guard portion can be configured to bend inwards in the closed position. 
     In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the scooping system in the closed position can be the thickness of the base section and the thick ness of the handle portion. In some embodiments, the handle portion can be configured to be hollow, and wherein the hollow handle portion is configured to retain a roll of animal waste bags. In some embodiments, the length of the scooping system in the closed position can be approximately ½ of the length of the scooping system in the open position. In some embodiments, the system in the closed position can be configured to attach to a leash. In some embodiments, the sidewall sections can be generally triangular in shape. 
     Also disclosed herein is a foldable scooper, said foldable scooper can comprise a scoop, the scoop having a pocket at least partially formed from a flexible guard and a base and configured to accept and retain animal waste, and a handle configured to be rotatably attached to the scoop, wherein the handle is configured to extend away from the scoop in an open position and extend towards the scoop in a closed position, wherein, when in the closed position, the foldable scoop is configured to be less than 75% of the length of the scoop in the open position. 
     In some embodiments, when in the closed position, the foldable scoop can be configured to be 50% or less of the length of the scoop in the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the foldable scooper can further comprise a bag configured to fit around the foldable scooper. In some embodiments, the bag can be configured to have a varying diameter, wherein the diameter of the bag surrounding the guard is greater than the diameter of the bag surrounding the handle. In some embodiments, the bag can comprise at least one slit from an open end and a retention portion configured to at least partially seal the at least one slit to form two slit portions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-B  illustrate viewpoints of an embodiment of a foldable scooper in an opened position. 
         FIGS. 2A-B  illustrate viewpoints of an embodiment of a foldable scooper in a closed position. 
         FIGS. 3A-B  illustrate viewpoints of an embodiment of a foldable scooper where all sides are foldable. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a foldable scooper with an attached bag. 
         FIGS. 5A-B  illustrate viewpoints of an embodiment of a bag configured for use on a foldable scooper. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are embodiments of a foldable scooper for use in cleaning up waste matter from an animal, such as a dog or cat. Embodiments of the scooper can be configured to fit with a user&#39;s pocket, such as when the user is out walking their animal. 
     The disclosed foldable scooper can be advantageous as it desirably is a “no touch” scooper, where a user will not come in contact with any animal waste during pick up. The walls and guards disclosed in some embodiments prevent a user from coming into contact with animal waste. Further, the disclosed scooper allows for ease of sanitary waste removable, thereby helping comply with nationwide laws regarding sanitary issues of animal waste in public areas. 
     Further, as the disclosed scooper is foldable, it can be compact and easily moved around, providing a portable folding scooper. In fact, in some embodiments, the disclosed scooper can fit in a user&#39;s pocket. Further, embodiments of the scooper can hold onto waste bags directly in the scooper, thus making one less item for a user to carry. In some embodiments, the disclosed scooper may not be foldable. 
       FIGS. 1A-B  illustrate two viewpoints of an embodiment of a foldable scooper in an open position. As shown, the scooper can have a handle  102  for a user to grip. The handle  102  can be connected to a back wall  108 . The back wall  108  can connect to two sidewalls  106  and a bottom  104 . Accordingly, the combination of the back wall  108 , sidewalls  106 , and bottom  104  can form a pocket, a lining for a pocket, or a lining for a cavity  103 , which can be used to retain animal waste. In some embodiments, the back wall  108 , sidewalls  106  and bottom  104  can be non-releasably attached to one another. In some embodiments, the back wall  108 , sidewalls  106  and bottom  104  can come together in generally curved joints. In some embodiments, the back wall  108 , sidewalls  106  and bottom  104  can come together in generally angled joints. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can be generally rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can be generally curved to create a deeper lining for a cavity  103 . In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can have a generally flat leading edge. This could be advantageous for ease of picking up animal waste. In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can have a generally pointed leading edge. 
     In some embodiments, a guard  110  can also be attached to the scooper. The guard  110  can further increase the size of the lining for the cavity  103 . The guard  110  can extend to form an approximately 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140° angle with the bottom  104  in an open position, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-B . In some embodiments, the guard  110  can attach to one or more portions of the scooper. For example, in some embodiments the guard  110  can attach to the sidewalls  106  and back wall  108 . The attachment can be, for example, friction, clasps, or Velcro, and the attachment means does not limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, the guard  110  can attach directly to the bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the guard  110  can be removable and replaceable. 
     In some embodiments, the guard  110  can be made of up of a back portion  204  extending generally in an angle away from the bottom  104 , and two side or arm portions  206  extending in a direction transverse to the back portion  204 , the back portion  204  and arm portions  206  connected by a transition surface  208 . In some embodiments, the back portion  204  can be generally straight. In some embodiments, the back portion  204  can be generally curved. In some embodiments, the curved back portion  204  can curve towards the bottom  104 . The transition surface  206  can be generally curved or can be straight. In some embodiments, the arm portions  206  can start from a maximum height of the guard  110  and have a progression surface  210  extending towards the bottom  104 . In some embodiments, this progression surface  210  can be curved. In some embodiments, this progression surface  210  can be straight. The arm portions  206  can be configured to accommodate the nesting of the guard  110  into the scooper when in the closed position. 
     In some embodiments, the guard  110  can be made of the same material as the walls  106 / 108  and bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the guard  110  can be made of a different material. For example, the guard  110  can be made of a generally softer and/or more pliable material so the guard  110  can be configured to bend and flex. For example, the guard  110  can be made of foam, rubber, or plastic, though the type of material does not limit the disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be connected to the back wall  108  by a hinge  116 . The hinge  116  can allow the handle  102  to rotate around the scooper, as further discussed in detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B . In some embodiments, in the open position the handle  102  can abut the back wall  108  so that it cannot rotate any farther away from the scooper. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be figured to releasably lock with the back wall  108  through an engagement mechanism, such as an opening and spring-loaded pin, so that the handle  102  remains in the open position unless a user decides to rotate the handle  102 . The engagement mechanism does not limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be generally hollow. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be solid. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be generally cylindrical. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be a half cylinder, having a rounded portion on one side and a flat portion on the opposite. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can contain grooves, roughness, or other patterns for a user to grip onto the handle  102 . In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be configured to be generally angled away from the back wall  108 . In some embodiments, the handle  102  can extend no higher than the maximum height of the back wall  108 . In some embodiments, the handle  102  can extend from the back wall  108  generally parallel to the bottom  104 . 
     The handle  102  can also comprise at least one aperture  114  on its surface. In some embodiments, the aperture  114  can extend fully through the handle  102  from one end to the opposite end. In some embodiments, the aperture  114  only extends through one surface of the handle  102  if the handle  102  is hollow. In some embodiments, the aperture  114  extends through two surfaces of the handle  102  if the handle  102  is hollow. 
     In some embodiments, the handle  112  can contain a clasp  112 , or other attachment mechanism, on its surface. The clasp  112  can be configured to attach the handle  102  to the bottom  104  in the closed position, as further described in detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be hollow and sized to accept a waste bag, or a roll of waste bags. The waste bag or roll of waste bags may be received within an open end of the handle  118  (shown in  FIG. 2B ) and positioned so that the waste bags can extend through aperture  114  so that a user can pull them out of the handle. Alternatively, the waste bags could be withdrawn through the open end of the handle  118 . 
     In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be less than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be greater than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be generally round and have a radial thickness of about 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 inches. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be generally round and have a radial thickness of less than about 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 inches. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be generally round and have a radial thickness of greater than about 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 inches. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be rectangular and have sides having widths of approximately 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 inches. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be rectangular and have sides having widths of less than approximately 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 inches. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be rectangular and have sides having widths of greater than approximately 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can be approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in length. In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can be greater than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in length. In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can be less than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in length. In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can be approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in width. In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can be greater than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in width. In some embodiments, the bottom  104  can be less than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in width. 
     In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be approximately the same length as the length of the bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be longer than the length of the bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be about 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches longer. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be greater than about 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches longer. In some embodiments, the handle  102  can be less than about 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches longer. In some embodiments, the ratio between the lengths of the handle  102  to the length of the bottom  104  can be about 1:1, 1.1:1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1, 1.4:1, 1.5:1, 1.6:1, 1.7:1, 1.8:1, 1.9:1 or 2:1. 
     In some embodiments, the back wall  108  can be approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in width. In some embodiments, the back wall  108  can be greater than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in width. In some embodiments, the back wall  108  can be less than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in width. In some embodiments, the back wall  108  can be approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 inches in height. In some embodiments, the back wall  108  can be greater than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 inches in height. In some embodiments, the back wall  108  can be less than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 inches in height. 
     In some embodiments, the sidewalls  106  can be approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 inches in length the maximum height. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  106  can be greater than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 inches in length at the maximum height. In some embodiments, the back wall  108  can be less than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 inches in length. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  106  can be approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in length. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  106  can be greater than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in length. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  106  can be less than approximately 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches in length. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  106  can be generally rectangular. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  106  can be generally triangular in shape, wherein the larges height is connected to the back wall  108 . In some embodiments, the sidewall  106  can attach to the back wall  108  at approximately the same height. In some embodiments, the sidewall  106  can attach to the back wall  108  at a different height. In some embodiments, the triangular sidewalls  106  can end at the front end of the bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the triangular sidewalls  106  can extend to about 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 inches from the front end of the bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the triangular sidewalls  106  can extend to greater than about 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 inches from the front end of the bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the triangular sidewalls  106  can extend to less than about 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 inches from the front end of the bottom  104 . In some embodiments, both sidewalls  106  can extend approximately the same distance. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  106  can extend different distances. 
     In some embodiments, the ratio between the height of the bottom  104  to the height of the back wall  108  is 1:1; 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, 3.5:1, 4:1, 4.5:1, 5:1, 5.5:1, 6:1, 6.5:1, or 7:1. In some embodiments, the ratio between the height of the bottom  104  to the maximum height of the sidewalls  106  is 1:1; 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, 3.5:1, 4:1, 4.5:1, 5:1, 5.5:1, 6:1, 6.5:1, or 7:1. In some embodiments, the ration between the length of the sidewall  106  to the width of the back wall  108  is 0.5:1; 0.7:1, 1:1, 1.3:1, 1.5:1; 1.7:1, or 2:1. 
     In some embodiments, the back wall  108 , sidewalls  106 , and bottom  104  can have a thickness of approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 inches. In some embodiments, the back wall  108 , sidewalls  106 , and bottom  104  can have a thickness of greater than approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 inches. In some embodiments, the back wall  108 , sidewalls  106 , and bottom  104  can have a thickness of less than approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the aperture  114  can be generally circular or oval-shaped. In some embodiments, the aperture  114  can have a radius of about 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, or 3 inches. In some embodiments, the aperture  114  can have a radius of greater than about 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, or 3 inches. In some embodiments, the aperture  114  can have a radius of less than about 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, or 3 inches. In some embodiments, the aperture  114  can contain different sized radii. 
     In some embodiments, the guard  110  can have a back portion  304  with a width of approximately, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches. In some embodiments, the guard  110  can have a back portion  304  with a width of greater than approximately, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches. In some embodiments, the guard  110  can have a back portion  304  with a width of less than approximately, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches. In some embodiments, the guard  110  can have a back portion  304  with a width approximately the same as the back wall  108 . In some embodiments, the guard  110  can have a back portion  304  with a height of approximately, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches. In some embodiments, the guard  110  can have a back portion  304  with a height of greater than approximately, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches. In some embodiments, the guard  110  can have a back portion  304  with a height of less than approximately, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches. In some embodiments, the guard  110  can have a back portion  304  with a height approximately the same as the length of bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the arms portions  206  can extend about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches from the back portion  304 . In some embodiments, the arms portions  206  can extend greater than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches from the back portion  304 . In some embodiments, the arms portions  206  can extend less than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches from the back portion  304 . In some embodiments, the back portion  304  of the guard can have a height of about 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% less than the length of the bottom  104  in the closed position. In some embodiments, the back portion  304  of the guard can have a height of about 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% greater than the length of the bottom  104  in the closed position. In some embodiments, the back portion  304  of the guard  110  can have a height of about 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 300%, 350%, 400%, 450%, or 500% greater than the height of the back wall  108  when the scooper is in the open position. 
       FIGS. 2A-B  illustrate embodiments of the foldable scooper described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-B  in a closed position. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the guard  110  can be configured to be flexible, and thus be bent inwards toward the bottom  104  when an outside force, such as a user&#39;s hand, is applied. The guard  110  can be configured to maintain the bent position, or can be configured to return to the original position once a force is lifted from the guard  110 . In some embodiments, the guard  110  can be folded completely flat. In some embodiments, the guard  110  can have portions that extend above the sidewalls  306 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the handle  102  can be rotated over the scooper so that it can face the front edge of the bottom  104  through the use of hinge  116 . In some embodiments, the flipping of the handle  102  can press exert the external force and push down the guard  110 , and so no addition force may be needed. The clasp  112  of the handle can be used to attach the handle  102  to the bottom  104 , and therefore the handle  102  can remain in the closed position until a user releases the handle  102 . The clasp  112  can be generally flexible so that it can be clipped onto the bottom  104  and remain in position. In some embodiments, the clip  112  can be a male or female engagement element, and the bottom  104  can contain the opposite male or female engagement element. Therefore, the two engagement elements can attach to one another in the closed position. The type of attachment does not limit the disclosure. The clasp  112  can also be configured to releasably attach a leash, so the foldable scooper can be hands free. 
     The disclosed closed position can reduce the length of the scooper by about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70% from the open position. The disclosed closed position can reduce the length of the scooper by more than about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70% from the open position. 
       FIGS. 3A-B  illustrate an embodiment of a foldable scooper with additional folding features. The scooper can be sized and configured similar to the scooper described with respect to  FIGS. 1A-B . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , in some embodiments, the sidewalls  306  and back wall  308  can be configured to rotatably attach to bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the sidewalls  306  and back wall  308  can be attached to the bottom  104  through, for example, a hinge. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  306  and back wall  308  can be flexibly attached to the bottom  104  so that they can be configured to flexibly rotate inwards towards the bottom  104 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the sidewalls  306  and or back wall  308  can be configured to rotate into the same plane as the bottom  104 . In some embodiments, the sidewalls  306  and the bottom  104  can be configured to form a rotatable angle of about 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, or 190°. In some embodiments, the back wall  308  and the bottom  104  can be configured to form a rotatable angle of about 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, or 190°. 
     In some embodiments, the sidewalls  306  can be releasably attached to the back wall  308 . For example, the sidewalls  306  can have an engagement mechanism  302  that attaches to an engagement mechanism  304  on the back wall  308 . The engagement mechanisms  302 / 304  can be configured to be male/female engagement mechanisms. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  306  and back wall  308  each have one engagement mechanism  302 / 304 . In some embodiments, the sidewalls  306  and back wall  308  each have more than one engagement mechanism  302 / 304 . In some embodiments, the sidewalls  306  and back wall  308  each have 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 engagement mechanisms  302 / 304 . In some embodiments, the engagement mechanisms  302 / 304  can be on the inside of the scooper. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanisms  302 / 304  can be on the outside of the scooper. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a closed configuration of the foldable scooper shown in  FIG. 3A . As shown, the sidewalls  306  can rotate inwards towards the bottom  104 . The sidewalls  306  can be above or below the guard  110  in the closed position. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  306  can compress the guard  110  along with the handle  102 . The back wall  308  and the handle  102  can both rotate towards the bottom  104  as well, either separately or together. 
     Accordingly, the closed configuration of the scooper can have a minimal height, thereby increasing the ease in putting the scooper in a user&#39;s pocket. In some embodiments, the scooper can have a total height of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the scooper can have a total height of greater than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the scooper can have a total height of less than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches in the closed configuration. 
       FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of a foldable scooper with a bag  402  surrounding the scooper. As shown, the bag  402  can fit around the bottom  104 , the guard  110 . The bag  402  can fit at least partially around the handle  102 . Accordingly, a user can hold onto the edge of the bag  402  around the handle. A user can then press in the bag to form a lining for cavity  103  between the bottom  104  and guard  110 . A user can then scoop up animal waste so that the animal waste falls within the lining for the cavity  103 . When the scooper is lifted up, the guard  110  and bottom  104  can prevent the waste from moving. A user can then pull the edge of the bag  402  away from the handle, thus encasing the waste in the bag  402 . Accordingly, the user will not come into contact with the animal waste. In some embodiments, the bag  402  can be custom sized to fit over the foldable scooper. In some embodiments, the bag  402  can be about ¼, ½, or ¾ of the length of the scooper when opened. Further, the guard  110  and sidewalls  106 / 306  allow for a user to go from a horizontal position to a vertical position while preventing rolling of any waste over the sides. A user can move the scooper with one hand and pull the bag  402  over the waste with the other hand. 
     In some embodiments, a Velcro strap can be attached to a portion of the scooper. Accordingly, the strap can circumscribe a leash and attach the scooper to the leash, allowing it to be hands free. 
       FIGS. 5A-B  show an embodiment of a bag  402  sized and configured to fit on the foldable scooper. In some embodiments, the bag  402  can be custom fit over the scooper. As shown, the bag  402  can have closed end  401  and an open end  403 . In some embodiments, the bag  402  can fit closely over the foldable scooper. For example, in some embodiments, the bag  402  can have a cross-sectional area about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% greater than the largest portion of the cross sectional area of guard  110  around the guard when the foldable scooper is in the open position. In some embodiments, the bag  402  can have a cross-sectional area less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% greater than the largest portion of the cross sectional area of guard  110  when the foldable scooper is in the open position. In some embodiments, the bag  402  can vary in dimensions. For example, in some embodiments, at the handle  102 , the bag  402  can have a cross-sectional area about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% less than the largest portion of the cross sectional area of guard  110  and/or the largest cross-sectional area of the bag when the scooper is generally in the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the bag  402  can contain at least one slit  404 . The slit  404  can extend from the open end  403  towards the closed end  401 . In some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 slits  404  can be used. In some embodiments, a pair of slits  404  on opposite sides of the bag can be used  402 , so that the closed end  401  is divided into a first, or upper, portion and a second, or lower, portion. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the bag  402  can be slightly larger than the guard  110  and the bottom portion of the bag  402  can be slightly larger than the bottom  104  when the foldable scooper is in the open position. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the bag  402  can have a cross-sectional width of about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% greater than the largest cross sectional width of guard  110  when the foldable scooper is in the open position. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the bag  402  can have a cross-sectional width of less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% greater than the largest cross sectional width of guard  110  when the foldable scooper is in the open position. In some embodiments, the lower portion of the bag  402  can have a cross-sectional width of about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% greater than the largest cross sectional width of bottom  104  when the foldable scooper is in the open position. In some embodiments, the lower portion of the bag  402  can have a cross-sectional width of less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% greater than the largest cross sectional width of bottom  104  when the foldable scooper is in the open position. 
     The use of slits  404  in the bag  402  can be advantageous over other bags. This can allow for some give when maneuvering the bag, thus preventing some tears. In some embodiments, the slit  404  can allow a user to swing the bag  402  over the scooper without restriction with one hand. Further, this can clear any debris on the bottom  104 . The slit  404  can be advantageous as it can ease the difficulty of opening the bag  402 , which is a common problem. A user can pull the bag  402  at the portions next to the slit  404  around the scooper, thus easily surrounding any animal waste in the scooper without coming into contact with it. In addition, the slit  404  can make it easier to tie off the bag  402  once used. In some embodiments, the slit  404  can be about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 inches in length. In some embodiments, the slit  404  can be greater than about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 inches in length. In some embodiments, the slit  404  can be less than about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 inches in length. 
     In some embodiments, the slit  404  can have a seal, retention portion, or strip  406 . This seal can be located approximately midpoint of the slit  404 , though this does not limit the disclosure. The seal  406  can be about ⅛, ⅙, ¼, or ½ inch in thickness. The seal  406  can be greater than about ⅛, ⅙, ¼, or ½ inch in thickness. The seal  406  can be less than about ⅛, ⅙, ¼, or ½ inch in thickness. The seal  406  can be used to hold the slit  404  together until a user wants to use the bag  402 . The seal  406  can then be broken, thereby forming a larger slit  404 . 
     In a number of embodiments, the portable scooping system′ utility is desirably not restricted to pet usage. There are various forms of waste that a no touch portable scooping system would aide in disposing. For example, in a household/commercial setting, while cleaning, rather than scooping waste into an ordinary dust pan, a larger s portable scooping system would desirably maintain cleanliness and avoid contamination due to remains. In a household/commercial kitchen, for example, a mid-size version could scoop excess food (meat, poultry, vegetables etc.) encase it in the bag and toss. In a hospital or laboratory, hazardous waste could desirably be contained without touch. Generally, the portable scooping system desirably allows the user to easily isolate waste. The ability to isolate waste has several advantages such as the sanitary containment to avoid contaminant of rot, smell, toxicity, germs, hazardous/human/animal waste, fluids etc. Furthermore, this containment helps separate contamination and therefore becomes an advocate of recycling, hazard, sanitary and earth conscious laws, expectations and safety precautions set in various industries of businesses, public applications including human/animal health safety. In addition to the guard safety feature, the appropriate fit of the bag on the scoop desirably provides containment in the selected application. 
     The scoop device can be made in various materials such as plastic, stainless steel, carbon fiber and other metals. These materials may be perforated to reduce weight or to create a design relative to pet identification or household, commercial, medical identification or application. The portable scooping system may have various colors, patterns, textures, clear, opaque, etc. 
     Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination. 
     Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. 
     Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. 
     Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, within less than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, and within less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount. 
     Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps. 
     Although the foregoing description has shown, described, and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the present teachings, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the apparatus as illustrated, as well as the uses thereof, may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Consequently, the scope of the present teachings should not be limited to the foregoing discussion, but should be defined by the appended claims.