GB2255492A

GB2255492A - A faecal collecting walking stick

Info

Publication number: GB2255492A
Application number: GB9110228A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Ransoui; Noel Devos
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-05-10
Filing date: 1991-05-10
Publication date: 1992-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2011-05-10
Also published as: GB9110228D0; GB2255492B

Abstract

A faecal collecting walking stick combines the function of a conventional walking stick with that of a trigger operated 8 multi arm grabbing mechanism (17) and a suction mechanism (21), housed within the body of the walking stick, which mechanism serves to automatically collect the faeces into a self-sealing bag, which is subsequently drawn into the body of the walking stick, until the excrement can be disposed of aptly. <IMAGE>

Description

A FAECAL COLLECTING WALKING STICK This invention relates to a device for the convenient removal and disposal of excrement faeces from public thoroughfares, parks and private gardens.

The problem of dog excrement is particularly obnoxious, both environmentally and as a health hazard. Existing devices for removing the excrement are both messy and cumbersome, requiring shovelling into containers.

According to the present invention, the faeces are scooped up automatically, by means of a combined grabbing, and suction action, into a self-sealing plastic bag, which is drawn out of sight into an unobtrusive receptacle. The whole device is in the form of a walking stick, which even when filled with the collected excrement, can be used in a conventional manner to transport the excrement to a suitable depository, where it can be ejected from the "walking stick", by a pump action of the handle.

The operation of the invention is such that no excrement is deposited on the device itself, being performed entirely at arms length. Further collections can be made by the simple process of reloading the walking stick with a fresh plastic bag.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings: Fig 1. shows the faecal cleaner walking stick in the unloaded position, in which state the invention is used as a conventional walking stick.

Fig 2. shows the walking stick in the loaded position ready to collect faeces. The end plug (14) has been removed, the plastic gag (9) has been fitted, the trigger has been cocked by depressing the handle (3) and the claws are extended (10) inside the plastic bag.

Fig 3. shows the main body of the invention in cross section, in the unloaded position. The configuration of the internal parts is illustrated diagramatically.

Fig 4. shows the main body of the invention in cross section, in the loaded position. The configuration of the internal parts is illustrated diagramatically corresponding to the loaded position.

Fig 5. shows diagramatically in plain view the configuration and operation of the claw mechanism.

Fig 6. shows in cross section a diagramatic view of the internal configuration of the claws in the open position and the suction pump valve.

Refering to the drawings Fig 1. and Fig 2. the faecal cleaner walking stick comprises a main body cylindrical tube, in three sections, (1), (13) and (11), the top section (1) and the bottom section (11), screwing into the threaded spacer (13). The bottom section (11) having a detachable end plug (14) restrained to the tube by a flexible chain (15) to prevent loss when the plug is removed during the operation of the invention, and air vent holes (12) near the spacer (13). These vent holes provide an exhaust exit for air during the suction pump action of the invention.

Emerging from the top section (1) via an end bearing (8) is a piston rod (2), which after a right angle bend, terminates in the walking stick handle (3). Set in the handle (3) is a spring loaded trigger (4), which operates a ratchet catch (7) via a pivot (6).

In the loaded position as shown on Fig 2. the end plug (14) has been removed, a self-sealing plastic bag (9) has been placed over the end of the tube (11). The handle of the walking stick is depressed until the ratchet (7) engages, the grabbing claws have opened (10) inside the bag which can then be placed over the faece to be collected.

A detailed description of the action of the invention can be seen from Fig 3. and Fig 4. showing cross section of the component parts in the unloaded and the loaded positions. Inside the top section, (1) of the main body tube, a compression spring, (18) is retained between the threaded spacer, (13) and the retaining ring (16) which is integral with the piston rod, (2). When the walking stick handle is depressed, the spring. (18) is compressed until the ratchet catch, (7) engages in the slot (5) in the end bearing, (8).

Attached to the end of the piston rod, (2) as it protrudes through the threaded spacer, (13) into the bottom section, (11) of the main tube, is a pump valve, (21) comprising a rubber, leather or plastic U shaped cup, closely fitting the inside wall of the tube section (11).

Below the pump valve cup (21), the piston rod is terminated with a multi-arm grabbing mechanism (17). The example shown illustrates a four arm arrangement, (22), (23), (24) and (25).

These arms are spring loaded such that the normal unrestrained position is fully open (Fig 4.). In the unloaded position the grabbing arms are drawn up inside the tube (11) and are closed.

When the handle is depressed, the arms slide down the tube and finally emerge from the end of the tube (11) at which point the arms open out about the pivot (20), the internal spring (18) is compressed and the ratchet (7) engages in the slot (5). Pulling the trigger (4) releases the spring, (18) and the grabbing arms are rapidly drawn into the tube (11) closing as they go.

Simultaneously with this action the pump action of the valve (21) sucks air into the tube, (11).

To--prepare this invention for the collection of faeces a self sealing bag of plastic or rubber is fitted over the neck of the tube (11), the neck of the bag is such that it forms an air tight seal with the tube Fig 2. (9) and as the handle is depressed the grabbing arms open out inside the bag Fig 2. (10). The bottom of the bag depresses as shown by the dotted line, to cover the faeces. On releasing the trigger, the arms grab the faeces whilst simultaneously the bag is sucked inside out into the jaws and up the tube. When the jaws are closed the piston continues to pull the bag into the tube pulling the neck of the bag off the tube (11) as it goes. The elasticated neck of the bag closes and the complete bag including its faece contents is now enclosed out of sight up the tube (11). Replacingfthe end plug (14) facilitates the use of the invention as a conventional walking stick. On reaching a suitable depository, the plug (14) is removed, and the handle depressed, the plastic bag with its contents is ejected wthout being manhandled.

Fig 5. and Fig 6. shows one embodiment of the invention whereby the spring loaded claws (22), (23), (24) and (25) are arranged in quadrative on the circular bracket (17) and restrained by tension springs (28), (29), (30) and (31). Each arm supported by their respective pivot (20). A similar arrangement can be used with any number of arms.

Claims

CLAIMS:-

1. A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick for the simple,hygienic and arms length collection of animal excrement or other unpleasant materials from public or private thoroughfares.

2. A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick As per Claim. 1.

whereby the faecal matter is collected automatically by a combined grabbing and suction action into a self sealing bag.

3. A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick as per Claim. 2, comprising a piston suction pump energised by a compression spring mechanism integral with the main body of the walking stick.

4. A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick as per Claim. 2, comprising a collection chamber integral with the main body of the walking stick.

5. A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick as per Claim. 2 comprising a multi-armed, spring loaded grabbing jaw, operated simultaneously with the suction pump action described in Claim. 3

6. A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick as per Claim. 2, comprising a replaceable self sealing container bag into which the faecal material is deposited by a simultaneous suction and grabbing action.

7. A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick as per Claim. 2, comprising a trigger mechanism integral with the handle of the walking stick, which initiates the automatic operation of this invention.

8. A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick as per Claim. 2, comprising a captive end plug which facilitates easy and discreet transportation of the collected material, by use of the invention as a conventional walking stick.

1) A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick uniquely incorporating a simultaneous grabbing and suction action, thus providing a highly efficient hygienic and arms length method for the collection of animal excrement into a self sealing bag.

2) A dual purpose faecal collectng walking stick device as per claim 1, comprising a pston suction pump eneigised by a trigger operated compression spring mechanism integral with the main body of the walking stick.

3) A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick as per claim 1, comprising a modesty collection chamber integral with the walking stck, facilitating easy and unobtrusive hygienic transportation of the offending material.

4) A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick as per claim 1, comprising rigid multi armed definitavely sprng loaded grabbing action jauis operated simultaneously wth suction pump action.

5) A dual purpose faecal collecting walking stick as per claim 1, with plug attached to facilitate walking.