GB2380389A

GB2380389A - Pet refuse bag dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2380389A
Application number: GB0123957A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Samantha Bentley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-10-05
Filing date: 2001-10-05
Publication date: 2003-04-09
Anticipated expiration: 2021-10-05
Also published as: GB0123957D0; GB2380389B

Abstract

The dispenser comprises a main body 200 defining an inner cavity for housing a plurality of refuse bags. The main body has an aperture through which the bags are dispensed and at least one fastening 104 for securing the bag dispenser to a leash. The body has at least one guide 400 to interface with the refuse bags 202. The guide may be formed from rubber or be spring mounted (Fig 5). The guide may also comprise a series of spikes for engagement with the bags. Also disclosed in a dispenser with an expandable compartment which in use expands within the inner cavity (Fig 6). The expandable compartment may be inflatable.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO PET REFUSE SYSTEMS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in the disposal of pet refuse, in particular, the dispensing of refuse bags.

Background to the Invention As a result of pet owners requiring to exercise their pet in urban areas, in particular, on footpaths, streets or in parks, animal litter is frequently deposited in such areas posing a potential health hazard to the general public. It is known for pet owners to carry with them, when exercising their pet, suitable pet refuse bags to remove the animal refuse from, for example, the footpath. The refuse bag and its contents can then be safely discarded in a waste bin.

Additionally, it is known in the art to transport the pet refuse bags in a suitable bag dispenser, commonly such refuse bag dispensers being attachable to a pet leash, thereby providing the pet owner with easy access to the refuse collection bags within. Such a pet refuse bag dispenser is disclosed in US 6,076, 717, EP 0619944 and US 5,441, 017 However, pet owners are at a disadvantage when purchasing conventional pet refuse bag dispensers, in that such prior art bag dispensers utilize a specific type of refuse bag, for example, a roll of refuse bags wound around a central hollow cylinder, or simply wound around one another. This presents the user with two fundamental problems. Firstly, if the user purchases the incorrectly sized bags and/or the refuse bags are incorrectly formatted (being wound around themselves or a central hollow cylinder) the user will experience difficulty when trying to extract a single refuse bag from the dispenser. Secondly, as refuse bags are removed from the bag dispenser over a period of time access to the limited number of remaining bags within the dispenser may be difficult due to

these bags being poorly positioned within the bag dispenser as a result of refuse bag and refuse bag dispenser incompatibility.

Accordingly, there is a need for a refuse bag dispenser which is operable for use with a plurality of different sized refuse bags and the different pre-packed form taken by the refuse bags. Additionally, what is required is a refuse bag dispenser that allows easy access to remaining refuse bags without difficulty or inconvenience to the user.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is concerned with the efficient and controlled dispensing of pet refuse bags usable by a pet owner to remove animal litter from footpaths, parks, streets and the like. The applicant provides a pet refuse bag dispenser configured for use with a plurality of different sized refuse bags and/or different forms of pre-packed refuse bags, for example, bags wound around one another or individual refuse bags subsequently wound around a central hollow cylinder. In realizing the problems associated with prior art refuse bag dispensers, the applicant also provides a bag dispenser configured to assist a user to gain access to limited remaining bags within the bag dispenser.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pet refuse bag dispenser comprising: a main body defining an inner cavity for housing a plurality of refuse bags, said main body having an aperture to allow access to said inner cavity of said main body; at least one fastening for securing said bag dispenser to a leash ; and at least one displaceable guide to interface with said refuse bags;

wherein said guide is configured to control a dispensing of said refuse bags from said inner cavity through said aperture.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a pet refuse bag dispenser comprising: a main body defining an inner cavity for housing a plurality of refuse bags, said main body having an aperture to allow access to said inner cavity of said main body; at least one fastening for securing said bag dispenser to a leash ; a first and second spring mounted refuse bag interface being positioned at substantially opposed regions of said inner cavity; and a first axle guide being displaceably mounted on said first spring mounted interface, and a second axle guide being displaceably mounted on said second spring mounted interface.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a pet refuse bag dispenser comprising: a main body defining an inner cavity for housing a plurality of refuse bags, said main body having an aperture to allow access to said inner cavity of said main body; at least one fastening for securing said bag dispenser to a leash ; and at least one expandable compartment being positioned within said inner cavity, said compartment being operable to expand within said inner cavity;

wherein said compartment is configured to control a dispensing of said refuse bags from said inner cavity through said aperture.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates the pet refuse bag dispenser according to the present invention, attached to a pet leash ; Fig. 2 illustrates a single pet refuse bag being dispensed from the bag dispenser; Fig. 3a illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention having an orifice through which to insert refuse bags; Fig. 3b illustrates, according to a further embodiment of the present invention having an orifice through which to insert refuse bags; Fig 4 illustrates the refuse bag dispenser being used with a roll of refuse bags, the roll of refuse bags being mounted on guide axles ; Fig. 5a illustrates a spring mounted refuse bag interface to engage with a roll of refuse bags; Fig. 5b illustrates a displaceable axle guide for interfacing with a roll of refuse bags wound around a suitable hollow cylinder ;

Fig. 5c illustrates a combination of the features of Figs. 5a and 5b according to one aspect of the present invention; Fig. 6 illustrates the refuse bag dispenser having an expandable compartment being operable to assist a user to gain access to the refuse bags.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrvina Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1 there is illustrated a pet refuse bag dispenser 100 according to a specific implementation of the present invention. The bag dispenser 100 housing suitable disposable refuse bags, is configured for connection to a suitable pet leash 101, leash 101 being connected to a suitable pet collar 102 on pet 103. According to the specific implementation of the present invention bag dispenser 100 is secured to leash 101 via at least one fastening 104. Fastenings 104 being, for example, clips, split rings or even springs configured to wind around the pet leash 101. Fastenings 104 are configured to allow the dispenser 100 to be releasably secured to a plurality of different types of leash, including by way of example, a rope leash, a chain leash, an extendable leash, or simple leather or synthetic strap type leashes.

Individual disposable animal refuse bags are removed from the dispenser 100 through an aperture 105. A user of the bag dispenser simply pulls a refuse bag through aperture 105. According to the specific implementation of the present invention bag dispenser 100 is constructed from a suitable water resistant or weather proof material, being, for example, a polymer based material.

Referring to Fig. 2 there is illustrated the bag dispenser 100 according to the specific implementation. The bag dispenser 100 is configurable to house or store refuse bags in various pre-packed formats, for example, the bag dispenser 100 can house a roll of refuse bags 202, the roll comprising individual refuse bags wound around one another in an outwardly direction. Alternatively, the roll of refuse bags 202 may comprise bags wound around a central hollow cylinder.

According to the specific implementation of the present invention bag dispenser 100 comprises a substantially cylindrical main body defining an inner cavity for housing a plurality of refuse bags. The inner cavity is defined by end portions 201 and cylindrical section 200 of the main body of bag dispenser 100.

When in use, a user of the bag dispenser accesses the refuse bags 202 through the aperture 105 thereby pulling out an individual refuse bag 203 from within the inner cavity through aperture 105.

The bag dispenser 100 is configured with at least one fastening for securing to a suitable pet leash 101. According to the specific implementation of the present invention the bag dispenser 100 comprises two fastenings 104, these fastenings being simple clips which can be opened and closed around the leash 101. According to further specific embodiments of the present invention fastening 104 is a spring being configured to wind around the pet leash, this form of clip being particularly useful when the bag dispenser 100 is secured to a rope leash. According to yet further specific implementations of the present invention fastening 104 comprises a split ring, such a ring being found on a well known key ring, for example, in that objects may be secured and removed from the ring by the nature of the split.

Referring to Fig. 3a there is illustrated the bag dispenser 100 according to the present specific implementation. The bag dispenser comprises a further aperture 300 in the region of the end portion 201. This further aperture 300 is operable to allow the refuse bags to be inserted into the inner cavity, the refuse

bags being in cylindrical form or simply individual loose bags. The further aperture 300, following the insertion of disposable bags into the inner cavity, is closed via the lid 301. The lid 301 may be secured in place by the use of, for example, a zip 302 extending the circumference of the further aperture 300. If the bag dispenser 100 is usable with a roll of disposable bags being formed on a central hollow cylinder further aperture 300 may be used to remove the hollow cylinder following use of all the disposable bags.

The bag dispenser 100 according to a further specific implementation is illustrated in Fig. 3b having a further aperture 300 extending substantially the full length of the inner cavity of the main body being defined by regions 200 and 201. Further aperture 300 as detailed with reference to Fig. 3a is operable to allow disposable bags to be inserted or removed from the inner cavity. According to this further specific implementation as detailed with reference to Fig, 3b the further aperture 300 is salable by use of a zip 303, as an example of suitable sealing means, other examples include VELCRO seals, snap-fit seals or the like.

With reference to Fig. 4 there is illustrated the bag dispenser 100 comprising at least one displaceable guide 400 to interface with refuse bags 202 according to the specific implementation of the present invention. The bag dispenser 100 is illustrated having two displaceable guides 400 each displaceable guide being configured to interface with the refuse bags 202 such that the guides 400 control the dispensing of the refuse bags from the inner cavity of the main body through aperture 105. According to the specific implementation of the present invention each displaceable guide 400 is displaceably secured to region 201 of the inner cavity being defined by the main body 200 and 201. The securing of each displaceable guide to region 201 is via a suitable fastener 401 being, for example, a VELCRO backed disc which interfaces with a corresponding VELCRO region secured to region 201. The displaceable guide 400 is then secured to the disc 401.

Displaceable guide 400 and disc 401 may then be removed or displaced from the inner cavity by simply tearing apart the VELCRO interface. According to a further specific implementation of the present invention displaceable guide 400 may be secured to region 201 using suitable press studs, snap-fit connections, or any other suitable fastening means.

Referring to Fig. 5a there is illustrated displaceable guide 400 according to the specific implementation of the present invention. Guide 400 comprises a cylindrical member 500 being attached to a disc like fastener 401 as detailed with reference to Fig. 4. Fastener 401 and accordingly the displaceable guide 400 is secured to region 201 of the inner cavity by any suitable securing means as detailed above. Cylindrical member 500, being affixed to securing means 401, forms a displaceably secured axle guide for interfacing with an end of a roll of refuse bags 501. The cylindrical member 500 is configured to slot into an end portion of the hollow central cylinder 501 such that rotation of the disposable bags 202 is possible. The bags 202 are rotated on the axle guide 400 by a user pulling a disposable bag 203 through the aperture 105. According to the specific implementation of the present invention there are provided a first and a second axle guide being positioned in a first and a second region of the inner cavity, these regions being substantially opposed 201.

In order to fully control the dispensing of refuse bags from the inner cavity through aperture 105, the bag dispenser 100 is provided with a first displaceably secured axle guide 400, being displaceably secured to a first region 201 of the inner cavity of the main body, and a second displaceably secure axle guide for positioning at the opposite end of the roll of bags 202, this second axle guide being displaceably secured to a second region of the inner cavity 201.

Cylindrical member 500 may comprise a rubber material so as to be flexible in a direction transverse to the central axis of the refuse bags 202.

Referring to Fig. 5b there is illustrated a further specific implementation of the present invention having at least one displaceable guide 400. The displaceable guide 400 comprises a spring mounted refuse bag interface 502, 503,504, 505 and 401. A disc 502 is attached to a ball 503, this ball being secured within a looped end portion of a spring 504 connected directly to securing means 401, securing means 401 being displaceably secured to region 201 as detailed with reference to Fig. 4. On the upper face of disc 502 there is positioned a series of spikes 505 for interfacing with an end portion 506 of refuse bags 202. Spikes 505 are configured to embed into a portion of region 506 such that rotation of the roll of refuse bags 202 is possible due to the ability of the ball 503 to rotate within the looped end portion of spring 504. Through the utilization of spring 504, a displaceable guide is provided that is free to move firstly in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the roll of bags 202, and a direction substantially transverse to this central axis, while still allowing the roll of bags 202 to rotate. This particular embodiment allows a user of the bag dispenser 100 to insert into the inner cavity a plurality of different sized bag rolls such that any size of roll can be secured by the displaceable guide 400 and allowed to rotate. For example, a roll of bags 202 having a substantially long length, along its main axis, would be usable with the spring mounted refuse bag interface where the spring 504 was compressed. Conversely, in order to secure bag rolls of short length the spring 504 would be in an extended orientation. In order to fully control the dispensing of refuse bags from the inner cavity through the aperture 105, the bag dispenser 100 is provided with a first spring mounted bag interface 502,503, 504,505 and 401 being displaceably secured to a first region 201 of the inner cavity of the main body, and a second spring mounted bag interface for positioning at the opposite end of the roll of bags 202, this second spring mounted interface being displaceably secured to a second region of the inner cavity 201.

Referring to Fig. 5c there is illustrated a further specific implementation of the present invention whereby the displaceably secured axle guide as illustrated in Fig. 5a is configurable for positioning over the spring mounted refuse bag

interface as detailed with reference to Fig. 5b. This allows a user of the bag dispenser 100 to use rolls of bags 202 which are both configured with and without a central hollow cylinder. According to a first mode of operation the displaceably mounted axle guide having member 500 is configured for interfacing with an end portion of a bag roll 501, thereby allowing rotation of a roll of bags within the inner cavity. According to a second mode of operation the displaceably mounted axle guide can be removed from region 202 thereby exposing the underlying displaceably mounted spring interface 502,503, 504,505 and 401. This spring mounted interface may then be utilized with a roll of bags 202 not having the centralized hollow cylinder 501. To control the rotation and dispensing of disposable bags 202 within the inner cavity there are provided first and second spring mounted interfaces positioned directly underneath first and second displaceably mounted axle guides being located in a first and second portion of the inner cavity 201. The axle guide is secured on top of the spring mounted interface via securing means 401 with suitable VELCRO portions as detailed with reference to Fig. 4. Both the spring mounted interfaces and the axle guides can be removed from and reattached to the inner cavity by a user of the bag dispenser 100.

In a further embodiment of the present invention disc 502 and spikes 505 may be displaceably affixed to the top of cylindrical member 500, cylindrical member being made of a suitable rubber material. Depending upon the form of the pre-packed refuse bag rolls 202, a user may utilize disc 502 and spikes 505 on member 500 using a suitable VELCRO fastening, such an embodiment negating the requirement for a spring.

Referring to Fig. 6 there is illustrated a pet refuse bag dispenser 100 according to a further specific embodiment of the present invention. According to this further embodiment, the bag dispenser 100 comprises a main body (200 and 201) defining an inner cavity for housing a plurality of refuse bags, the main body is configured with an aperture 105 to allow access to the inner cavity of the main body. At least one fastening 104 is provided to secure the bag to a suitable pet

leash 101. Disposable bags 202, possibly in the pre-packed form of a roll may be inserted within the inner cavity of the main body via a further aperture as detailed with reference to Figs. 3a and 3b. A disposable bag 203 may be accessed and removed from the inner cavity via aperture 105 as detailed with reference to Fig.

2.

The dispensing of bags from within the inner cavity through the aperture 105 may be controlled by suitable displaceable guides as illustrated with reference to Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c, such guides controlling the dispensing and rotation of bags 202. In addition, disposable bags 202 may simply be inserted into the inner cavity as loose bags not being formed in a cylindrical shape.

The bag dispenser 100 comprises at least one expandable compartment 600 positioned within the inner cavity of the main body. The expandable compartment is operable to expand within the inner cavity as bags are removed from the bag dispenser. The expansion of compartment 600 forces the remaining refuse bags towards the region of the aperture 105. According to a specific implementation of the present invention compartment 600 comprises a removable wedge being a foam, sponge or any suitable material capable of expansion following an initial compression. The removable wedge may be secured to the inner cavity with a suitable velcro or similar fastenings so as to hold the wedge in a region substantially opposed to aperture 105.

In a further specific implementation of the present invention expandable compartment 600 comprises an inflatable compartment operable to inflate within the inner cavity using a suitable valve 601. Inflatable compartment 600 may be removable from within cavity 600. Air is introduced through the valve 601 and into the compartment 600 thereby reducing the available free volume within the inner cavity. This has the effect of pushing the disposable bags 202 towards the aperture 105 for the purpose of dispensing. As such, the expandable compartment is configured to control the dispensing action of refuse bags from within the inner cavity through the aperture 105, this being particularly apparent

when only a few disposable bags remain within the cavity. When a roll of disposable bags are utilized within the bag dispenser 100 the expandable compartment, when expanded, is operable to abut up to the refuse bags 202.

Access to the bags, by a user, is thereby improved due to the bags being located in close proximity to aperture 105.

Valve 601 may be configured with a suitable stopper 602 to prevent air within the cavity 600 from escaping. Valve 601 is configurable to allow air to be transferred into compartment 600 by the valve being placed in a user's mouth such that the air is blown into compartment 600 from the user's lungs. Alternatively, valve 601 may be configured to interface with a suitable pump or compressed air device.

Expandable compartment 600 is useable with refuse bags being formed on a roll or being loosely distributed within the inner cavity. Compartment 600 when useable with a roll of refuse bags is operable to stop the roll from moving or slipping inside the inner cavity so as to control the dispensing action.

Expandable component 600 may be configured to extend substantially half way around region 200 and possibly region 201, such that when expanded the compartment directs any remaining refuse bags 202 towards the region of the aperture 105. The compartment 600 is configured for contracting following the use of any remaining refuse bags, thereby allowing a fresh supply of refuse bags to be inserted into the cavity.

Claims

Claims :

1. A pet refuse bag dispenser comprising: a main body defining an inner cavity for housing a plurality of refuse bags, said main body having an aperture to allow access to said inner cavity of said main body; at least one fastening for securing said bag dispenser to a leash ; and at least one displaceable guide to interface with said refuse bags; wherein said guide is configured to control a dispensing of said refuse bags from said inner cavity through said aperture.

2. The bag dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one displaceable guide comprises: a first spring mounted refuse bag interface, said first interface being displaceably secured to a first region of said inner cavity; and a second spring mounted refuse bag interface, said second interface being displaceably secured to a second region of said inner cavity.

3. The bag dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one displaceable guide comprises: a first displaceably secured axle guide for interfacing with a first end of a roll of said refuse bags, said first axle guide being secured to a first region of said inner cavity; and

a second displaceably secured axle guide for interfacing with a second end of said roll of refuse bags, said second axle guide being secured to a second region of said inner cavity; wherein said first and said second axle guides are configured to control a rotation of said roll of refuse bags within said inner cavity.

4. The bag dispenser as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said main body further comprises a further aperture being operable to allow said refuse bags to be inserted in said inner cavity of said main body.

5. The bag dispenser as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein said at least one fastening comprises a clip.

6. The bag dispenser as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein said at least one fastening comprises a spring configured to wind around said leash.

7. The bag dispenser as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein said at least one fastening comprises a split ring.

8. The bag dispenser as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein said main body is substantially cylindrical, whereby said inner cavity is substantially cylindrical.

9. A pet refuse bag dispenser comprising: a main body defining an inner cavity for housing a plurality of refuse bags, said main body having an aperture to allow access to said inner cavity of said main body; at least one fastening for securing said bag dispenser to a leash ;

a first and second spring mounted refuse bag interface being positioned at substantially opposed regions of said inner cavity; and a first axle guide being displaceably mounted on said first spring mounted interface, and a second axle guide being displaceably mounted on said second spring mounted interface.

10. The bag dispenser as claimed in claim 9 wherein in a first mode of operation said first axle guide is configured for interfacing with a first end of a roll of said refuse bags and said second axle guide is configured for interfacing with a second end of said roll of refuse bags; wherein said first and second axle guide are configured to control a rotation of said roll of refuse bags within said inner cavity.

11. The bag dispenser as claimed in claim 9 wherein in a second mode of operation said first spring mounted interface is configured for interfacing with a first end of a roll of said refuse bags; and said second spring mounted interface is configured with interfacing with a second end of said roll of refuse bags; wherein said first and second spring mounted interface are configured to control a rotation of said roll of refuse bags within said inner cavity.

12. The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 9 to 11 wherein said main body further comprises a further aperture being operable to allow said refuse bags to be inserted in said inner cavity of said main body.

13. The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 9 to 12 wherein said at least one fastening comprises a clip.

14. The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 9 to 12 wherein said at least one fastening comprises a spring configured to wind around said leash.

15. The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 9 to 12 wherein said at least one fastening comprises a split ring.

16. The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 9 to 15 wherein said main body is substantially cylindrical, whereby said inner cavity is substantially cylindrical.

17. A pet refuse bag dispenser comprising: a main body defining an inner cavity for housing a plurality of refuse bags, said main body having an aperture to allow access to said inner cavity of said main body; at least one fastening for securing said bag dispenser to a leash ; and at least one expandable compartment being positioned within said inner cavity, said compartment being operable to expand within said inner cavity; wherein said compartment is configured to control a dispensing of said refuse bags from said inner cavity through said aperture.

18. The bag dispenser as claimed in claim 17 further comprising a first displaceable guide and a second displaceable guide to interface with said refuse bags.

19. The bag dispenser as claimed in claim 18 wherein said first displaceable guide comprises a first spring mounted refuse bag interface, said first interface being displaceably secured to a first region of said inner cavity; and

said second displaceable guide comprises a second spring mounted refuse bag interface, said second interface being displaceably secured to a second region of said inner cavity; wherein said expandable compartment is operable to be expanded to abut up to a said refuse bags.

20. The bag dispenser as claimed in claim 18 wherein said first displaceable guide comprises a first axle guide for interfacing with a first end of a roll of said refuse bags; and said second displaceable guide comprises a second axle guide for interfacing with a second end of said roll of refuse bags; wherein said first and said second axle guide are configured to control a rotation of said roll of refuse bags within said inner cavity, said expandable compartment being operable to be expanded to abut up to a region of a length of said roll of refuse bags.

21 The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 17 to 20 wherein said main body further comprises a further aperture being operable to allow said refuse bags to be inserted in said inner cavity of said main body.

22. The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 17 to 21 wherein said at least one fastening comprises a clip.

23. The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 17 to 21 wherein said at least one fastening comprises a spring configured to wind around said leash.

24. The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 17 to 21 wherein said at least one fastening comprises a split ring.

25. The bag dispenser as claimed in claims 17 to 24 wherein said main body is substantially cylindrical, whereby said inner cavity is substantially cylindrical.

26. A pet refuse bag dispenser as substantially illustrated with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.