Patent Description:
Many people in many societies enjoy keeping , raising and caring for pet animals, such as dogs. However, it has become necessary to clean up after their pets, in particular this means removal and disposal elsewhere of faeces from their animal and it can be problematic and unpleasant to collect and dispose.

Some devices have been developed to make such tasks easier, but they have shortcomings. The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

<CIT> relates to an animal excrement collector device including a handle having a first internal cavity; a spring-loaded extension assembly disposed therein, that extends an extension rod from the handle upon activation of an extension button disposed on the handle; a trigger-lock mechanism, which is continuously disposed within the first internal cavity and an extension rod second internal cavity, includes a trigger grip member that activates a trigger button which, in turn, extends first and second cables that extend claw members hingedly attached to the second cables, which, in turn, expand a waste collection bag attached thereto. The claw members retract to pick up an object, such as animal excrement, and scoop the object into the waste collection bag for containment. The used waste collection bag may be hung from a J-hook disposed on a handle lower end. A bag dispenser disposed within the second internal cavity holds unused bags.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pet litter pickup device comprising: a first proximate end and a hand grip at the first proximate end, a second distal end and a picker at the second distal end, the picker having three or more arms; and telescopic members, the telescopic members being arranged to extend from a first retracted transport length to a second usage length and/or a third usage length longer than the second usage length, the hand grip comprising a picking mechanism, wherein: the picking mechanism is arranged to control movement of the three or more arms; the picking mechanism is activated by a trigger; and the picking mechanism is designed to function by being arranged to control movement of the three or more arms from a first open position to a second closed position in any of the first retracted transport length, the second usage length and/or the third usage length of the telescopic members, wherein: the picking mechanism comprises a spring loaded pulley and a ball chain that is wrapped around the spring loaded pulley to keep the ball chain under tension no matter the telescoped position; and the trigger is configured to pull the ball chain when pulled on to open the three or more arms to the first open position, wherein the trigger is configured to only engage with the ball chain when pulled on, and to allow the chain to pass freely through when the trigger is not pulled, the three or more arms defining an internal volume in the second closed position adapted for receiving a pet faeces, and the three or more arms including catches adapted to catch and hold a top elastic litter bag within the internal volume in the second closed position and the first open position.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the pet litter pickup device comprises four arms.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the catches comprise reversed hooks.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the catches are located towards the distal side of the three or more arms from the internal volume.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the pet litter pickup device comprises a member locking collar or a member locking mechanism configured to lock a length extension of the telescopic members at the first retracted transport length, the second usage length, and/or the third usage length.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the pet litter pickup device comprises the member locking mechanism configured to lock the length extension of the telescopic members, wherein the member locking mechanism is a spring-loaded pin mechanism configured on the telescopic members such that a centre region of the telescopic members is unoccupied by the member locking mechanism.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the member locking mechanism comprises: a flat spring lock element, the flat spring lock element comprising: a flat spring plate; and a spring-loaded pin provided towards a pin end of the flat spring plate, wherein: the flat spring plate is fixed towards a fixing end, opposite to the pin end, to a first one of the telescopic members such that a centre region within the telescopic members is unoccupied by the flat spring lock element; and the member locking mechanism further comprises: an orifice, the orifice being provided on a second one of the telescopic members, the orifice being configured to receive the spring-loaded pin.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the hand grip comprises the trigger for the picking mechanism.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the pet litter pickup device comprises a light source.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the pet litter pickup device comprises a bag holder.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the catches are adapted to catch and hold an elastic top of the top elastic litter bag when the elastic top rests against the catches.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising the pet litter pickup device according to the first aspect, and a handle comprising a lead, the apparatus further comprising a connection mechanism for connecting the pet litter pickup device to the handle.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the handle comprises a retractable lead.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the handle comprises a lanyard attachment point.

In some embodiments according to the second aspect, the connection mechanism comprises a dock on the handle.

With reference to the figure there is shown an embodiment of a pet litter pickup device <NUM> generally comprising an elongate member <NUM> with a handgrip <NUM> at a first proximate end, and a picker <NUM> at the second distal end, the picker having three or more arms <NUM>, the handgrip comprising a picking mechanism activated by the trigger <NUM> and the elongate member <NUM> is arranged to extend from a first retracted transport length to a second longer usage length, the picking mechanism arranged to control movement of arms <NUM> from a first open position to a second closed position, the arms defining an internal volume in the second position adapted for pet faeces, and the arms including catches <NUM> adapted to catch and hold a litter bag (not shown) within the internal volume in the first and second position.

With the reference to the embodiment of the device shown in the figures, the embodiment comprises a moulded plastic handgrip for example formed in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In other examples, the handgrip may comprise another material such as metal, or other polymeric material.

The handgrip <NUM> is formed similar to a gun, with trigger <NUM> to a lower part and the elongate member <NUM> extends from such handgrip in front and above the trigger <NUM>.

At the distal second end, the embodiment comprises the picker <NUM> which is formed of four splayed arms <NUM> in the first position, the arms having anchors for cords on an outer edge, which cords are connected to a plate traveling in a housing <NUM> at the second end of the member. For example, the first open position is a position in which the ends of the arms <NUM> are spread apart from one another, and the second closed position is a position in which the ends of the arms <NUM> are closer to one another. For example, an amount of pet faeces may be held within the internal volume of the arms in the second closed position.

In the examples of the Figures, the litter picker features catches <NUM> that comprise four hooks on the end of the arms to allow attachment of an elastic top bag to the picker.

Internally, the handgrip includes a pulley reel <NUM> , which reel is controlled by the trigger <NUM> to reel in a ball chain <NUM>, which chain passes through a member that is formed by two coaxially telescopic lengths of aluminium cylindrical tubes to a distal second end. In these examples, aluminium cylindrical tubes are described. However, examples are not limited to two tubes. In addition, examples are not limited to aluminium tubes. For example, the telescopic members may comprise two or more cylindrical tubes (or members of another shape) comprising other suitable materials (e.g., steel, plastic, other metal alloy, 3D printing material, and the like).

In some examples, the pulley reel <NUM> helps keep the ball chain in position and the trigger <NUM> pulls this chain down when compressed, opening the arms <NUM> to open the internal volume wherein the trigger <NUM> hooks on one of the balls on the ball chain <NUM> and pull the arms <NUM> open. For example, the ball chain connects to (either directly, or via other components such as the previously described plate and cords) the anchors on the outer edges of the arms <NUM>. When the ball chain is pulled by the action of the trigger <NUM>, the arms <NUM> are pulled by the anchors on their outer edges to open to the first open position. This is an example, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that other specific mechanisms may be implemented to cause the arms <NUM> to open when the ball chain is pulled. In these examples, the arms <NUM> may be biased towards the second closed position.

In other examples, the trigger <NUM> being compressed pulls the ball chain, causing the arms <NUM> to close the internal volume, wherein the trigger <NUM> hooks on one of the balls on the ball chain <NUM> to cause the arms <NUM> to close. In other words, the mechanism comprising the ball chain may be configured with the arms <NUM> to function in the opposite manner to that described above. For example, the arms <NUM> may comprise anchors on the inner edges of the arms <NUM> (in other words, the edges which face the internal volume defined by the arms <NUM>). For example, the ball chain connects to (either directly, or via other components such as the previously described plate and cords) the anchors on the inner edges (not shown) of the arms <NUM>. When the ball chain is pulled by the action of the trigger <NUM>, the arms <NUM> are pulled by the anchors on their inner edges to close to the second closed position. This is an example, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that other specific mechanisms may be implemented to cause the arms <NUM> to close when the ball chain is pulled. In these examples, the arms <NUM> may be biased towards the first open position.

In some examples, the tubing (which may be aluminium tubing) has a twist friction locking collar <NUM> to allow for easy telescoping and retracting of the litter picker. For example, the twist friction locking collar <NUM> is used to secure a particular telescoped position of the telescopic members. In other examples, other member locking mechanisms may be used to secure a particular telescopic position.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of an example first member locking mechanism <NUM> for locking together telescopic members at a particular telescoped position. <FIG> is a schematic side view of the example first member locking mechanism <NUM>. For example, the first locking mechanism <NUM> comprises a curved spring lock element <NUM>. The curved spring lock element <NUM> comprises a spring-loaded pin <NUM> and a curved spring element <NUM>. The curved spring element <NUM> comprises a fixing end, a pin end (towards which the spring-loaded pin <NUM> is provided) and a bend between these two ends. There is a spring force when these two ends are brought closer together, which spring force urges them apart. In these examples, the curved spring element <NUM> may be fixed to a first one of the telescopic members (not shown) at the fixing end <NUM> opposite to the pin end <NUM>. The first one if the telescopic members is hereafter referred to as the first telescopic member. For example, where the telescopic members are tubes, one tube inserting into the other, the fixing end <NUM> may be fixed to the inner surface of the first telescopic member. In this case, the curved spring element <NUM> extends across the inner diameter of the first telescopic member. For example, the first locking mechanism <NUM> comprises an orifice <NUM> provided on a second one <NUM> of the telescopic members (hereafter referred to as the second telescopic member <NUM>). When the telescopic members are locked together using the locking mechanism <NUM>, the pin <NUM> is received into the orifice <NUM>. For example, the first telescopic member with the curved spring lock element <NUM> may be inserted in the second telescopic member <NUM> comprising the orifice <NUM>. There may be provided one or more orifices located appropriately depending on the desired telescoped positions.

However, if the example first member locking mechanism <NUM> of <FIG> is placed between the handgrip <NUM> and the arms <NUM>, the curved spring lock element <NUM> may obstruct the ball chain which would pass from the handgrip <NUM> to the arms <NUM> within the tubular telescopic members. To address this, there may be provided a member locking mechanism to lock length extension, wherein the member locking mechanism is a spring-loaded pin mechanism configured on the telescopic members such that a centre region of the telescopic members is unoccupied by the member locking mechanism. Such an example second member locking mechanism described in the following may be deployed.

<FIG> is a first schematic perspective view of the example second member locking mechanism <NUM>, according to examples, for locking together telescopic members at a particular telescoped position. <FIG> is a second schematic perspective view of the example second member locking mechanism <NUM>. The second member locking mechanism <NUM> comprises a flat spring lock element <NUM>. The flat spring lock element <NUM> comprises a flat spring plate <NUM>. There is a spring-loaded pin <NUM> provided towards a pin end <NUM> of the flat spring plate <NUM>. The flat spring plate <NUM> is fixed towards a fixing end <NUM> to the first telescopic member (no shown). The fixing end <NUM> is opposite to the pin end <NUM>. The flat spring plate <NUM> is fixed to the first telescopic member such that a centre region within the telescopic members is unoccupied by the flat spring lock element <NUM>. In these examples, the flat spring plate <NUM> can deflect. For example, when a force is applied at the pin <NUM>, the flat spring plate <NUM> may flex, supported by its connection to the first telescopic member.

In these examples, the second member locking mechanism <NUM> also comprises an orifice <NUM> configured to receive the spring-loaded pin <NUM>. The orifice <NUM> is provided on the second telescopic member <NUM>. For example, the orifice <NUM> is provided at a location (and the spring lock element <NUM> fixed to the first telescopic member at a location) according to the telescopic position desired to be locked. For example, there may be provided two or more orifices on the second telescopic member <NUM> according to the desired telescopic positions.

<FIG> is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the example second member locking mechanism <NUM>, according to examples. In these examples, the pin <NUM> is shown received in the orifice <NUM> of the second telescopic member <NUM>. For example, the height H of the pin <NUM> may be chosen such that the flat spring lock element <NUM> does not interfere with the ball chain (represented as dotted line <NUM>) in the centre region of the telescopic members, even when the pin <NUM> is fully pushed down to disengage from the orifice <NUM>, for example. For example, the pin <NUM> may be pushed down, causing the flat spring plate <NUM> to flex. For example, the flat spring plate <NUM> is biased towards a flat configuration so that when the pushing force on the pin <NUM> is removed/reduced, the flat spring plate <NUM> returns to the flat configuration. Advantageously, a convenient telescoping locking mechanism may be provided which functions together with the ball chain to provide a telescoping litter picker which can function to open/close the arms <NUM> at any telescoped position.

In some examples, the handgrip may screw together and may have bosses and bearings for keeping the pulleys in place and for ensuring low friction within the ball chain mechanism.

The internal recoil pulley <NUM> keeps the ball chain rolled up and under tension no matter the telescoped position.

The trigger <NUM> only engages with the chain when pulled on. This allows the chain to pass freely through it when telescoping the end out. For example, the trigger <NUM> comprises a structure which catches one of the balls on the ball chain when pulled, but does not catch any of the balls of the ball chain when not pulled.

The litter picker can be used in a retracted position and the picker remains compact, also when needed, the litter picker can be telescoped. The litter picker may be telescoped to one or more telescoped positions longer than the retracted position. In some examples, the picker is in naturally closed state (in other words, biased towards the second closed position), and pulling on the trigger opens the three or more (e.g., four) arms and releasing the trigger shuts them. In other examples, the picker is in naturally opened state (in other words, biased towards the first open position), and pulling on the trigger closes the arms <NUM> and releasing the trigger opens them. For example, the arms <NUM> may be arranged with springs and the like to bias them as desired.

As illustrative examples (to illustrate the nature of the mechanism) not forming part of the claimed invention, an elastic cord may be used. This would attach to the trigger and be stretched to tension when the telescopic tube is extended to ensure the arms do not automatically open , torsion springs may be used to keep them closed.

In some examples, the telescopic tubular member is a sourced aluminium tube that extends to a certain length so in that way the embodiment provides a compact telescopic litter picker that can either be integrated into or attached to a retractable dog leash and handle <NUM> as shown in the figures so as to allow for hands-free picking up of dog faeces.

The litter picker could be integrated into a retractable dog lead to create a single product or nay be connected to an existing dog lead handle in other embodiments. For example the device may comprise a connection means for a dog lead. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various mechanism for attaching one component to another, for example, friction fit, screws, bolts, clipping mechanisms, strap mechanisms and the like.

With reference to the embodiment shown in <FIG> there is shown a handle <NUM> having a plastic (although the handle <NUM> may comprise other materials) body <NUM> and extendable dog lead <NUM> for the embodiment of the device <NUM> shown in the figures, so as to form the embodiment of the apparatus <NUM> according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Moulded finger grips aid in the handle and could be over-moulded in rubber for a more tactile grip. With the reference of <FIG> a dock <NUM> receives the device with a friction or tolerance fit.

The following is a further description of certain examples.

In some examples there is provided a pet litter pickup device comprising an elongate member with a handgrip at a first proximate end, and a picker at the second distal end, the picker having three or more arms, the handgrip comprising a picking mechanism, and the elongate member is arranged to extend from a first retracted transport length to a second longer usage length, the picking mechanism arranged to control movement of arms from a first open position to a second closed position, the arms defining an internal volume in the second position adapted for receiving a pet faeces, and the arms including catches adapted to catch and hold a plastic bag within the internal volume in the first and second positions. The device may comprise four arms.

The catches may comprise reversed hooks.

The device may comprise catches located to the distal side of the arms from the internal volume.

The device may comprise a member locking collar to lock length extension.

The handgrip may comprise a trigger for the mechanism. The trigger may be configured to activate the picking mechanism.

In all embodiments, the mechanism comprises a ball chain.

The mechanism may, in non-claimed examples, comprise an elastic cord.

In some example, there is provided an apparatus may comprise a pet litter pickup device and a handle comprising a lead, the apparatus comprising a connection mechanism for the device to the handle.

A handle for the apparatus may comprise a retractable lead.

The handle may comprise a lanyard attachment point.

The connection mechanism may comprise a dock on the handle.

The telescopic members may be arranged to extend from a first retracted transport length to a second usage length or a third usage length. The second usage length and the third usage length are longer than the first retracted transport length. The second usage length and the third usage length are different lengths. In other words, the telescopic members may be arranged in a retracted position, a partially extended position, or a fully extended position.

The picking mechanism is configured to function when the telescopic members are in any position. In other words, the picking mechanism is designed to function when the telescopic members are in any one of the first retracted transport length, the second usage length, or the third usage length. For example, the picker mechanism is configured to function whether the telescopic members are retracted, partially extended, or fully extended. In this way, the device may be used whether the telescopic members are retracted, partially extended, or fully extended.

Each arm may comprise a catch located at an end of the arm distal to the telescopic members. In other words, a catch may be formed at the end of one or more arms.

The picking mechanism is configured to control movement of the arms from a first open position to a second closed position. In the first open position the arms define an opening for enclosing or receiving a pet faeces. In the first open position, the distal ends of the arms, namely the ends of the arms with the reversed hooks, are apart from each other. In the second closed position the arms are arranged to capture and hold the pet faeces. In the second closed position, the arms are positioned such that the reversed hooks are brought together. The arms define an internal volume.

A litter bag may rest against the catches at the end of the arms and be kept in position during use. The litter bag may include an elastic top, such that the elastic top rests against the catches. The catches may be adapted to catch and hold the elastic top of the litter bag. The litter bag may line the internal volume when the arms are in the first open position and in the second closed position. The catches may be configured to hold the litter bag within the internal volume when the arms are moved between the first open position and the second closed position.

The catches may comprise hooks configured to prevent the litter bag from disengaging from the arms of the device.

In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a pet litter pickup device comprising a hand grip at a first proximate end, a picker at a second end and telescopic members, the picker having three or more arms. The telescopic members are arranged to extend from a first retracted transport length to a second usage length and/or a third usage length longer than the second usage length. The hand grip comprises a picking mechanism, wherein: the picking mechanism is arranged to control movement of the arms; the picking mechanism is activated by a trigger; and the picking mechanism is designed to function by being arranged to control movement of the arms from a first open position to a second closed position in any position of the telescopic members such as at the first retracted transport length, the second usage length and/or the third usage length. The picking mechanism comprises a spring loaded pulley and a ball chain that is wrapped around the spring loaded pulley to keep the ball chain under tension no matter the telescoped position. The trigger is configured to pull the ball chain when pulled on to open the arms to the first open position, wherein the trigger is configured to only engage with the ball chain when pulled on, and to allow the chain to pass freely through when the trigger is not pulled. The arms define an internal volume in a closed position adapted for receiving a pet faeces, the arms include catches adapted to catch and hold a top elastic litter bag within the internal volume in the closed and open position.

In some examples of the embodiments, the device may comprise four arms. In some examples of the embodiments, the catches may comprise reversed hooks. In some examples of the embodiments, the device may comprise catches located to the distal side of the arms from the internal volume. In some examples of the embodiments the device may comprise a member locking collar or a member locking mechanism to lock a length extension of the telescopic members at the first retracted transport length, the second usage length, and/or the third usage length. In some examples of the embodiments, the device may comprise the member locking mechanism to lock length extension, wherein the member locking mechanism is a spring-loaded pin mechanism configured on the telescopic members such that a centre region of the telescopic members is unoccupied by the member locking mechanism. In some examples of the embodiments, the member locking mechanism may comprise: a flat spring lock element, the flat spring lock element comprising: a flat spring plate; and a spring-loaded pin provided towards a pin end of the flat spring plate, wherein: the flat spring plate is fixed towards a fixing end, opposite to the pin end, to a first one of the telescopic members such that a centre region within the telescopic members is unoccupied by the flat spring lock element; the member locking mechanism further comprises: an orifice, provided on a second one of the telescopic members, configured to receive the spring-loaded pin. In some examples of the embodiments, the hand grip may comprise a trigger for the mechanism. In some examples of the embodiments, the device may comprise a light source. In some examples of the embodiments, the device may comprise a bag holder. In some examples of the embodiments, the catches may be adapted to catch and hold an elastic top of the top elastic litter bag, which elastic top rests against the catches.

In some examples of the embodiments, there may be provided an apparatus comprising the described pet litter pickup device according to any embodiment, and a handle comprising a lead, the apparatus comprising a connection mechanism for connecting the device to the handle. In some examples of the embodiments, the handle may comprise a retractable lead. In some examples of the embodiments, the handle may comprise a lanyard attachment point. In some examples of the embodiments, the connection mechanism may comprise a dock on the handle.

Claim 1:
A pet litter pickup device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first proximate end and a hand grip (<NUM>) at the first proximate end,
a second distal end and a picker (<NUM>) at the second distal end, the picker having three or more arms (<NUM>); and
telescopic members, the telescopic members being arranged to extend from a first retracted transport length to a second usage length and/or a third usage length longer than the second usage length,
the hand grip (<NUM>) comprising a picking mechanism, wherein:
the picking mechanism is arranged to control movement of the three or more arms (<NUM>);
the picking mechanism is activated by a trigger (<NUM>); and
the picking mechanism is designed to function by being arranged to control movement of the three or more arms (<NUM>) from a first open position to a second closed position in any of the first retracted transport length, the second usage length and/or the third usage length of the telescopic members, wherein:
the picking mechanism comprises a spring loaded pulley and a ball chain that is wrapped around the spring loaded pulley to keep the ball chain under tension no matter the telescoped position; and
the trigger is configured to pull the ball chain when pulled on to open the three or more arms to the first open position, wherein the trigger is configured to only engage with the ball chain when pulled on, and to allow the chain to pass freely through when the trigger is not pulled,
the three or more arms (<NUM>) defining an internal volume in the second closed position adapted for receiving a pet faeces, and the three or more arms (<NUM>) including catches (<NUM>) adapted to catch and hold a top elastic litter bag within the internal volume in the second closed position and the first open position.