GB2433691A

GB2433691A - A waste disposal device

Info

Publication number: GB2433691A
Application number: GB0623438A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Felisberto Manuel Rodrig Matos
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-31
Filing date: 2006-11-24
Publication date: 2007-07-04
Also published as: GB0623438D0; GB0526639D0

Abstract

A waste disposal device 2 adapted to be attached to an animal for collecting animal waste. The device comprises a waste receiving section (8, fig 1) having at least two leg holes (18, fig 1) each being adapted to receive a leg of the animal during use. The waste receiving section comprises a lining 26 having an inner skin 28 adapted to lie adjacent the leg of the animal, an outer skin 30 and a waste receiving cavity 32 there between. A pouch 20 for holding animal waste is provided on the waste receiving section. The device can contain desiccant or fragrant material. The device can be attached to an animal such as a dog using a harness (6, fig 1).

Description

1 2433691 A Waste Disposal Device The invention relates to a waste

disposal device for collecting animal waste. Particularly, the invention relates to a waste disposal device for collecting dog excrement.

It is a known problem that people walking their dogs do not always clean up excrement left on the pavement by their pet. This is sometimes due to the person having no tissue or bag in which to put the excrement. As a consequence, the pavement is left unsightly and unhygienic. Further, if the person is caught allowing their dog to foul the pavement, they are liable to be fined.

For those dog owners who do pick up the excrement, in order to dispose of the waste, they either have to carry the excrement with them in a bag until they get home, or find a suitable dog litter bin in which to put it.

However, dog litter bins are often placed in infrequent intervals along a path, or in a park, and tend to be full to capacity.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a waste disposal device for an animal which aims to overcome the aforementioned problems.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a waste disposal device for collecting animal waste, the waste disposal device being adapted to be attached to an animal, said device comprising a waste receiving section adapted to receive the animal waste, wherein the waste receiving section comprises at least two leg holes, each being adapted to receive a leg of the animal during use.

The waste disposal device is adapted to be fitted on to the animal by placing a leg of the animal through a leg hole of the device. In this manner, the waste disposal device can be easily and quickly pulled into position on the animal. Advantageously, the device can be fitted by a person with limited dexterity, for example a child, or the elderly.

Preferably, the device is adapted to receive each one of the hind legs of the animal, through each one of the leg hole thereof. This arrangement ensures that the waste disposal device covers the anus, and thus enables collection of animal waste with a reduced risk of excrement falling outside of the device and to the pavement.

Preferably, the waste disposal device is large enough to trap both solid and liquid waste from the animal.

Preferably, the waste disposal device, preferably the waste receiving section, has fitting means which are adapted to fit the waste receiving section to the animal during use.

Preferably, the waste receiving section extends below the knee of the animal. Advantageously, waste from the animal is able to fall down into the waste receiving section.

The length of said section allows for easy collection of both solid and liquid waste. Further, the length of the section enables the animal to move freely when wearing the waste disposal device.

Preferably, the waste receiving section extends to approximately the ankle of the animal. Advantageously, the arrangement provides a greater freedom of movement for the animal. The animal is not hindered by wearing the device. Also, the waste receiving section is large enough to hold a quantity of animal waste before needing to be removed and/or replaced.

Preferably, the waste receiving section has an aperture for receiving a tail of an animal. The aperture is dimensioned so that the tail fits therethrough but is positioned close to the anus of the animal. In this way, excrement from the animal is prevented from exiting the aperture.

Preferably, the waste receiving section includes a lining, the lining comprising at least an inner skin and an outer skin. Preferably, a cavity is provided between the inner skin and the outer skin. Preferably, the inner skin is adapted to lie adjacent the leg of the animal in a close fitting manner such that waste excreted from the animal is collected in the cavity. Preferably, a part of the lining comprises an absorbent material. Preferably, the inner skin comprises plastics material.

Provision of the lining helps to prevent animal waste coming into contact with the fur of the animal. Most preferably, the inner skin fits around the leg of the animal in a close or tightly fitting manner. Such a close fitting substantially prevents any animal waste soiling the fur.

Preferably, a desiccant material is provided in the waste receiving section. Preferably, the desiccant material is provided in the lining. Preferably, the desiccant material comprises a plurality of silica gel sachets.

The desiccant material is adapted to absorb moisture from the animal waste. Advantageously, when the waste is drier than normal, it is easier to dispose of in an efficient and hygienic manner. The rate of absorption of moisture is increased when the desiccant is placed in close proximity to the waste. Therefore, it is preferred that the desiccant is placed in the lining of the waste disposal device, preferably between the waste receiving section and the outer lining. In this position, the desiccant does not contact the fur of the animal and so does not present a health risk.

preferably, a fragrant material is provided in the waste receiving section. Preferably, the fragrant material is placed between the waster receiving section and the outer lining. The fragrant material may preferably be placed in a number of positions throughout the waste disposal device. Most preferably, the fragrant material is a deodorising material which helps to neutralise odours.

Alternatively, the fragrant material may be perfumed to mask any odours.

Preferably, the waste disposal device further comprises a harness, the harness having securing means which are adapted to secure the harness to the body of the animal.

The harness is dimensioned to fit on to the back of an animal, preferably, the securing means comprise a belt and buckle arrangement which preferably come together around the waist of the animal to secure the harness in position.

Preferably, attaching means are provided on the harness for attaching a lead thereto. The attaching means preferably comprise a loop or eyelet which is sufficient in size to allow a lead to the clipped or threaded therethrough. Advantageously, the provision of the attaching means negates the need for the animal to also wear a collar. The harness preferably further comprises an identification means for incorporating the details of the animal. Preferably, the harness is manufactured from leather or rigid polymeric material.

preferably, fastening means are provided on said device, the fastening means being adapted to fasten the waste receiving section to the harness. Preferably, the fastening means comprises a zip fastening. Alternatively, the fastening means may comprise hook and loop fasteners.

Provision of fastening means enables the animal owner to simply remove the waste receiving section from the waste disposal device. The owner has minimal handling contact with said device which decreases the likelihood of exposure to germs and so disease.

Preferably, a pouch is located on the waste disposal device, Preferably, the pouch is located on the waste receiving section, or alternatively, the pouch is preferably located on the harness. Preferably, the pouch is removably attached to either the waste receiving section or the harness by a press fastening. Preferably, the pouch is adapted to carry at least one waste receiving section which may be full or empty.

Advantageously, the pouch is adapted to carry a replacement waste receiving section or a full waste receiving section. In so doing, the pet owner has access to a replacement clean waste receiving section when out walking their pet. When full, the dirty section can be removed from the harness and placed in the pouch. The clean section may then be attached to the harness.

Advantageously, the provision of the pouch enables the quick and effective change of waste receiving section without the pet owner having to come into immediate contact with animal waste. The owner does not require any tissues or additional cleaning resources. Further, because the waste is contained in said section and carried in the pouch, the owner does not need to carry the waste or locate a dog litter bin. The waste receiving section containing the waste is carried by the animal in the pouch until the owner finds a suitable bin in which to dispose of it.

Preferably, the waste receiving section is manufactured from plastic material. Advantageously, the plastic material allows increased flexibility of movement and acts as a weatherproof guard. Preferably, the plastic material is patterned.

The waste disposal device serves a dual purpose. Said device provides an effective means of containing and collecting animal waste, whilst simultaneously acting as a weatherproof to protect the animal in wet weather conditions.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a waste disposal device on an animal according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a waste disposal device according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic exploded side view of a waste disposal device according to the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic front view of a waste disposal device according to the invention; Figure 5 is a schematic rear view of a waste disposal device according to the invention; and Figure 6 is a schematic sectional side view of a waste disposal device according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a waste disposal device 2 in a fitted position on an animal 4. The animal 4 is shown as a dog but it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to use with only dogs and is equally suitable for use with other types of animals, for example, rabbits.

The waste disposal device 2 comprises a harness 6 and a waste receiving section 8. The harness 6 is arched to fit across the back of the animal 4. The harness 6 is positioned around the middle of the animal 4, in a similar manner to a saddle. Securing means 10 are provided on the harness 6 to hold the harness 6 on the animal 4. The securing means 10 are shown to comprise a belt and buckle assembly but it will be appreciated that any suitable fitting would be equally appropriate. Lead attaching means or a loop 9 is located on the harness 6.

The waste receiving section 8 has a perimeter that is rectangular in shape and is substantially equal in length to the length of the leg of the animal 4 on which it is to be used. As shown in Figure 3, the waste receiving section 8 has a mouth 12 which comprises a zip fastening 14. The zip fastening 14 marries with an opposing fastening 16 on the harness 6 to attach the waste receiving section 8 and the harness 6 together during use.

When fitted to the harness 6, the waste receiving section extends perpendicularly therefrom as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the waste receiving section 8 comprises two leg holes 18 which are located at an end of said section 8. The leg holes 18 are dimensioned to allow the foot of the animal to be placed therethrough but are sufficiently small in size to create a close fitting either at the area below the knee of the animal 4 or at the ankle as shown in Figure 1. Said section further comprises an aperture 19 through which the tail of the animal 4 is threaded during use.

A pouch 20 is located on the waste receiving section 8, at an upper end, above the aperture 19. The pouch 20 is generally rectangular in shape and has a cover 22 with a button fastening 24. The pouch 20 is secured to the waste receiving section 8 by a removable fastening, for example, a Velcro fastening.

Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the waste receiving section 8. A lining 26 is provided on said section 8.

The lining 26 comprises an inner skin 28, an outer skin 30 and a cavity 32. The lining 26 further comprises a hole which marries with the aperture 19. The inner skin 28 lies adjacent the leg of the animal in a close or tight fitting manner. The outer skin 30 lies adjacent the waste receiving section 8. The cavity 32 is formed in between said skins 28,30. Due to the arrangement of the inner skin 28 being fitted next to the animal skin, any waste from the animal is collected in the cavity 32.

In use, the hind legs of the animal are threaded through the leg holes 18 of the waste receiving section 8. The said section 8 is then pulled onto the rear of the animal and the tail of the animal is placed through the aperture 19. In order to secure the waste disposal device 2 to the animal, the harness 6 is fitted around the waist and secured in place by the belt and buckle fastening 10. The harness 6 and the waste receiving section 8 are attached by the zip fastening 14, 16. In this position, the inner skin 28 of the lining 26 fits snugly against the legs of the animal like a sleeve. Any excrement from the animal is delivered into the cavity 32. The skin 28 prevents excrement from corning into contact with the fur of the animal. Furthermore, the outer skin 30 comprises absorbent material which helps to absorb moisture in the S waste.

Desiccant material and/or fragrant material may be located in the device 2. The desiccant material is preferably provided in the cavity 32 or in the lining 30. Such close contact of desiccant with excrement ensures rapid moisture absorption from the excrement. This makes handling the excrement much simpler and thus more hygienic.

In order to remove the waste receiving section 8, the zip fastening 14,16 is undone. The pouch 20 is removed from said section 8. The waste receiving section 8 containing the waste is simply rolled up and placed in the pouch 20.

The cover 22 on the pouch 20 prevents the waste receiving section 8 from falling out. Although it is not shown in the figure, the pouch 20 may be clipped to the harness 6 so that the animal carries the excrement.

The waste disposal device 2 provides a simple but effective means of collecting animal waste without a person having to come into direct contact with the waste.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLhIMS 1. A waste disposal device for collecting animal waste, the

waste disposal device being adapted to be attached to an animal, said device comprising a waste receiving section, wherein the waste receiving section comprises at least two leg holes, each being adapted to receive a leg of the animal during use.

2. A waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waste receiving section extends below the knee of the animal.

3. A waste disposal device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the waste receiving section extends to approximately the ankle of the animal.

4. A waste disposal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waste receiving section comprises a lining having an inner skin, an outer skin and a cavity therebetween, the inner skin being adapted to lie adjacent the leg of the animal in a close fitting manner such that waste excreted from the animal is collected in the cavity.

5. A waste disposal device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the outer skin comprises an absorbent material.

6. A waste disposal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a desiccant material is provided in the waste receiving section.

7. A waste disposal device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the desiccant material is provided in the lining.

8. A waste disposal device as claimed in claims 6 or 7 wherein the desiccant material comprises a plurality of silica gel sachets.

9. A waste disposal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein fragrant material is provided in the waste receiving section.

10. A waste disposal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a harness, the harness having securing means which are adapted to secure the harness to the body of the animal.

11. A waste disposal device as claimed in claim 10, wherein attaching means are provided on the harness for attaching a lead thereto.

12. A waste disposal device as claimed in c1aims 10 or 11, wherein fastening means are provided on said device, the fastening means being adapted to fasten the waste receiving section to the harness.

13. A waste disposal device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fastening means comprises a zip fastening.

14. A waste disposal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pouch is located on the waste disposal device.

15. A waste disposal device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.