GB2307635A

GB2307635A - Dog excrement removing device

Info

Publication number: GB2307635A
Application number: GB9625054A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Fendick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-12-01
Filing date: 1996-12-02
Publication date: 1997-06-04
Also published as: GB9625054D0

Abstract

A dog excrement removing device comprises a lever operated grab 20 mounted on a shaft 16, for picking up the excrement and transferring it to a bag (25) temporarily attached to the device. The grab 20 consists of rear and front jaws 18, 19 of generally semicircular cross-section hinged together and operated by a lever 13 pivotally mounted on the shaft 16. One side of the grab 20 has a circular band for attachment of the bag (25). The shaft 16 may extend beyond the grab so that the device can be used as walking stick. The method of removal of the excrement involves grasping it with the grab 20, which is then turned to tip the excrement in to the bag (25) for later disposal. A link 17 loops round the shaft 16 and is fixed to the rear jaw 18 and hinged to a rod 14 that runs along the top of the shaft and is secured to the lever 13.

Description

Dog ER:xcremcot Remooring Device e m 0 V i fl D e V I C The present invention relates to a device for the removal and disposal of dog excrement from the ground.

Courtesy, and increasingly law, dictate that when a dog fouls on public footpaths the dog's owner should remove the excrement. The usual method for doing this is to stoop down, and with a disposable bag over the hand, grab the dog's stool and turn the bag inside out, encapsulating the stool.

Many people find the proximity and contact with the stool that this method requires unpleasant, and some people, especially the elderly, and park workers who may have to repeat the process many times, find the act of stooping difficult.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device which enables the operator to remove dog excrete from the ground, and lessens the contact necessary for the stool's disposal.

According to the present invention there is provided a lever-operated grab mounted on a shaft and having means for attachment of a bag for receiving the stool for later disposal.

A dog excrement removing device embodying the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure I is a perspective view of the system from above left; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the grab unit and the waste bag from below right.

Referring to Fig. 1, the device comprises a lever-operated grab 20 mounted at one end of a shaft 16. At the opposite end to the grab, there are two handles, one handle 11 formed from a continuation of the shaft, and the other handle 12 located further down the shaft, both approximately perpendicular to the shaft. These serve to position the device during operation, as well as for carrying the device when not in use.

The grab comprises two jaws, the front jaw 19 being fixed to the shaft and the rear jaw 18 being hinged to the front jaw. A link 17, which loops round the shaft, is fixed to the rear jaw and hinged to a rod 14 that runs along the top of the shaft. The other end of the rod is secured to a lever 13 pivotally mounted on the shaft. The rod is constrained close to the shaft by a number of hoops 15 on the top of the shaft.

Pushing the lever forward, away from the user, pushes the rod and thus opens the rear jaw. Conversely, pulling the lever backwards closes the rear jaw.

Referring to Fig. 2. the rear jaw of the grab is a sheet of generally semicircular section, and the front jaw is similar except for a band of circular section extending beyond the semicircular section. (If desired, a similar band can be provided at the other end as well.) When the jaws are closed, one side edge of the rear jaw is either flush to or overlapping the circular band of the front jaw. A plastic bag 25 with a suitably elasticated neck is attached around the circular band before removal of the stool is attempted. (Alternatively, if desired, a plain plastic bag can be used in conjunction with an elastic band.) Removal of the dog's stool is effected in two stages. For the first stage, the grab's jaws are opened and positioned around the stool and flush to the ground, and the device is pulled towards the user and the jaws are closed. This gathers the stool up from the ground. After removal from the ground, rotation of the device causes the stool to fall into the bag 25. The bag can then be removed from the device and closed up and disposed of; if the elastication around the neck of the bag is sufficient, the closing up of the bag will be automatic.

The invention may contain additional features to offer a combination of uses. In particular, by extending the shaft beyond the grab unit, and ensuring that the shaft is of sufficient structural strength, the device may also be used as a walking stick.

Claims

1 A dog excrement removing device comprising a lever-operated grab mounted on a shaft and having means for attachment of a bag for receiving the stool for later disposal.

2 A device according to claim 1 wherein the grab comprises two members of generally semicircular cross-section hinged together, one of the members having a circular band at one end for the bag attachment.

3 A device according to either previous claim wherein the shaft which extends beyond the grab.

4 A dog excrement removing device substantially as herein described.

5 A method of removing dog excrement comprising encircling and grasping the stool with a lever-operated grab and tipping it into a bag attached to one side of the grab.

6 A method of removing dog excrement substantially as herein described.

7 Any novel and inventive feature or combination of features specifically disclosed herein within the meaning of Article 4H of the International Convention (Paris Convention).