GB2574043A

GB2574043A - A bag for collecting animal waste

Info

Publication number: GB2574043A
Application number: GB1808546.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Temblett Hayden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-05-24
Filing date: 2018-05-24
Publication date: 2019-11-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-24
Also published as: GB201808546D0; GB2574043B

Abstract

A sealable bag 100 for collecting animal waste, e.g. dog excrement, comprises an opening with a first edge 110, a second edge 120 and a third edge 130. The first and second edges are sealable together, e.g. by means of a zip 140 and the third edge extends between the first and second edges. The third edge is preferably arranged so that in use it folds into the interior of the bag and a mechanism comprising a cable 160 attached at one end to zip pull 145 and at the other end to a D-ring 161 on the third edge and passing through D ring 162 may be provided. As the zip is closed the cable pulls the third edge into the interior of the bag. This arrangement avoids a user coming into contact with the third edge which may be used for scooping up the animal waste. The first and second edges may be attached to rigid members (170, Fig. 16) to form a more effective scoop.

Description

A Bag for Collecting Animal Waste

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bag for collecting animal waste, more specifically the present invention relates to sealable bag for collecting animal waste which is useable as a scoop.

Background to the Invention

Animal waste, such as dog waste, is typically collected using either disposable bags or specialised scooping implements. Picking up animal waste using disposable bags often necessitates handling the waste and risking contamination of a user’s hands. Similarly using a specialised scooping tool contaminates the tool necessitating careful handling and cleaning of the tool.

The present invention provides an improved bag for collecting animal waste.

Summary of the Invention

According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bag for collecting animal waste, the bag comprising an opening with first, second and third edges, wherein the first and second edges are sealable together and the third edge extends between the first and second edges.

The third edge of the bag may advantageously be used to scoop animal waste into the bag while keeping the first and second edges of the opening out of contact with the animal waste such that a user may subsequently manually seal them together without risking contaminating their hands. Sealing the first and second edges together may seal or partially seal the opening of the bag.

The first and second edges of the bag preferably each comprise first ends which are connected to each other and comprise distal second distal ends. In preferred such embodiments, the third edge extends between the second ends of the first and second edges. The opening may be generally or substantially triangular. The third edge preferably has ends each of which are connected to, at, adjacent or proximate to one of the second ends of the first and second edges.

The bag is preferably arrangeable in a first open arrangement wherein the first and second edges are unsealed and their second ends are spaced apart such that the third edge is taut between them. In such an arrangement the taut third edge may be used to scoop animal waste through the opening into the bag. In such an arrangement the first and second edges may be in a generally V-shaped arrangement such that the opening is generally triangular.

The bag is preferably also arrangeable in a second closed arrangement where the first and second edges are sealed together and the third edge is folded inwards such that its length is located between interior surfaces of the bag. For example, between a surface extending from the first edge and a surface extending from the second edge.

The bag may further comprise a zip or other means for sealing at least the first and second edges, a pulley, flexible ligature, or other mechanism for folding the third edge inwards as the first and second edges are sealed together, a pair of rigid members or some other mechanism for supporting the first and second edges and/or for holding the opening open when the first and second edges are not sealed together, or a means for receiving such rigid members or such a mechanism. These optional components will be described in more detail later in the specification.

In some embodiments, the first and second edges may be curved, may be L-shaped and/or may comprise bent or curved portions. For example, the first and second edges may each comprise a first length extending between their first end and a corner or bend in the edge, and a second length extending between the corner or bend and their second ends; in such embodiments the first length may be longer than the second length; the corner may be a sharp bend or a curved portion of the edge. The first and second edges may each comprise two straight lengths generally or substantially at right angles to each other and a curved length intermediate the two straight lengths. Curved or L-shaped edges may allow a user to hold the first and second edges of the bag at a greater distance from the third edge which is used as a scoop for animal waste.

The first and second edges preferably have substantially equal lengths and/or shapes. This may allow them to be sealed together with their full lengths adjacent and parallel to each other.

The first and second edges are sealable together. In preferred embodiments the first and second edges are sealable together along their full lengths such that two edges are adjacent, parallel and/or overlapping when they are sealed together. In some embodiments, the first and second edges may be arranged such that a user may selectively seal portions of the lengths of the edges together, for example the first and second edges may be sealable together using a zip which a user may slide to selectively seal any fraction of the lengths of the edges. This may advantageously allow the opening to be selectively partially opened or closed.

In some embodiments, the firstand second edges are subsections of two longer lengths which are sealable together; the lengths preferably extending along the exterior of the bag. These lengths may comprise the first and second edges of the opening, other edges of sheets or panels which constitute the bag, seams between panels or sheets of material which constitute the bag, folds in the exterior surface of the bag, and/or other portions of the exterior of the bag.

The two lengths may have each have a first end and a distal second end. The first ends of the two lengths are preferably the first ends of the first and second edges of the opening such that the first and second edges define end portions of the two lengths; the first ends of the lengths are preferably connected together. The third edge of the opening preferably extends between points on the two lengths intermediate their first and second ends, such that the second ends of the first and second edges of the opening are intermediate the first and second ends of the lengths. The second ends of the two lengths may be unconnected or may be connected to each other.

In such embodiments, the two lengths (including the first and second edges of the opening) and the third edge may have a generally or substantially A-shaped arrangement when taut, with the two lengths defining the sides of the A-shape which are connected at one pair of ends, and the third edge defining the horizontal cross-bar which extends between the two lengths from points intermediate their ends.

The first and second edges being subsections of two longer sealable lengths may advantageously ensure that the third edge which is not sealed is covered or is located inside the bag when the first and second edges are sealed.

In some embodiments, the bag may comprise a zip or zip fastener for sealing the first and second edges together. In preferred such embodiments, the first and second edges may each comprise half of a zip for sealing the first and second edges together.

Zips are typically fasteners which comprise two flexible strips of material with interlocking projections and which are closed or opened by sliding a slider along the two strips. The interlocking projections may be teeth, as in conventional toothed zippers, or may be elongate ridges, slots and/or beading, as used with resealable zipped plastic bags.

A zip comprised by the bag for sealing the first and second edges together preferably extends from the interconnected first ends of the first and second edges to at least the distal second ends of the first and second edges, between which the third edge extends. In some embodiments the two halves of the zip may extend to the second ends of the first and second edges; in such embodiments, the ends of the two halves of the zip may be located at the first and second ends of the first and second edges.

In other embodiments, the zip may extend from the first ends of the first and second edges past the second ends of the first and second edges. For example, the zip may extend along the full length of two lengths as described above which are longer than and comprise the first and second edges and which sealable together.

In such arrangements the third edge may extend between points part way along the edge of the zip. For example, the two halves of the zip may extend along the first and second edges of the opening, past the second ends of the edges and along additional portions of the exterior of bag; these portions may be sealed together such that they cover and/or at least partially enclose the third edge of the opening when the zip is fully closed. Such arrangements may prevent the third edge from folding such that it protrudes out of the interior of the bag or of surfaces extending from the first and second edges of the opening.

In other embodiments the two halves of the zip may extend onto or along tabs or portions of the bag which protrude adjacent to the opening. For example, the bag may have a generally or substantially A-shaped profile when open and viewed facing into the opening, with the opening being the enclosed triangular area of the A-shape, the third edge being the cross bar of the A-shape and the two halves of the zip running down the two sloped sides of the Ashape, portions above the crossbar of which define the first and second edges of the opening. In such embodiments, the zip may be closed, bringing the two long zipped lengths together, this may lead to the third edge being folded and arranged between layers of material, edges of which the halves of the zip extend along.

In use, the third edge (which extends along the cross bar of the A-shape) is able to be pulled taut and straight by holding or spacing apart the second ends of the first and second edges between which it extends. The third edge may thereby define a taut scooping edge for scooping animal waste into the opening between the first and second edges.

The zip preferably comprises a slider. The zip is preferably closed by sliding the slider from the first interconnected ends of the first and second edges to the distal ends of the zip (which may be at the second ends of the first and second edges).

The slider may be connected to the third edge of the opening and/or a point thereof, or to a point adjacent the third edge, for example by a cable, belt or other flexible ligature. In such embodiments, as the zip is closed the third edge of the opening (and/or a point of which to which the slider is connected) may drawn or pulled towards a specific arrangement or location, such as the slider itself, an inside surface or wall of the bag, and/or a pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or D-ring through which a cable, belt or other flexible ligature extends to connect the slider to the third edge, a point on the third edge or a point adjacent the third edge.

The bag may comprise a pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or D-ring through which a cable, belt, or other flexible ligature interconnecting the slider and the third edge or point thereof or adjacent thereto, passes. The pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or D-ring may be located at, adjacent, or proximate to the first ends of the first and second edges and/or may be located or supported on a seam or fold extending from the point where the first ends of the first and second edges are connected, and preferably on the inside thereof.

The cable, belt or flexible ligature may be guided and/or supported by the pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or D-ring and/or may pass through the pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or Dring.

In such embodiments, the third edge or point thereof to which the slider is connected by the cable, belt or other flexible ligature is drawn towards the pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or Dring as the zip is closed (as the slider moves away from the pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or D-ring as the zip is closed). In preferred embodiments, the cable, belt or other flexible ligature is dimensioned such that the third edge or point thereof is drawn to the pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or D-ring as the slider reaches the end of the zip; for example, the cable, belt or other flexible ligature may have substantially the same length as the distance between the pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or D-ring and the end of the zip at which the slider is located when the zip is closed.

The point to which the slider is connected, such as by a cable, belt, or other flexible ligature is connected may be the centre of the third edge, or may be a point adjacent the third edge, such as a point on an interior surface of the bag adjacent the midpoint of the third edge. This may ensure that the third edge is folded evenly as the zip is closed. The cable, belt, or other flexible ligature may be connected to the third edge, point thereof or point adjacent thereto by a ring, or D-ring connected thereto, or by an aperture through the bag adjacent the third edge through which the cable, belt, or other flexible ligature extends.

In preferred embodiments the cable, belt or other flexible ligature extends across the interior of the bag intermediate interior surfaces thereof. In other embodiments, all or part of the length of the cable, belt or other flexible ligature may be located outside of the bag.

In alternative embodiments, the bag may not comprise a zip and the first and second edges may be sealed by some other means, such as press to seal strips as used with resealable plastic bags.

In some embodiments, the first, second and/or third edges of the bag may be reinforced, for example by metal wire attached to or embedded within the material of the bag extending along the edges. In some such embodiments the first and second edges may be reinforced by the halves of a zip for sealing them as described above.

The third edge is preferably flexible allowing it to fold and/or be collapsed in use. The third edge may thereby conveniently fold between interior surfaces of the bag such that no portion of the bag which has contacted animal waste is located on its exterior when the first and second edges are closed, thereby preventing a user sealing or holding the sealed bag from contaminating their hands.

The first and second edges may be rigid, for example they may comprise rigid supports attached thereto or embedded therein. In alternative embodiments the third edge may comprise two rigid lengths which are able to pivot with respect to each other and the first and second edges such that the third edge is collapsible in use.

The material from which the bag is formed is preferably impermeable, may be lightweight, may be transparent, and/or may be biodegradable, for example the bag may be degraded by solid animal waste. In some embodiments the bag may be formed from one or more plastic materials.

The bag may be formed from three sheets or panels of material bonded together at edges thereof, each of which may define one of the three edges of the opening. For example the bag may comprise: a first panel which comprises one or more edges which define the first edge and two additional edges which extend from the first and second ends of the first edge respectively to a distal point where they meet; a second panel which comprises one or more edges which define the second and two additional edges which extend from the first and second ends of the second edge respectively to a distal point where they meet; and a third generally triangular panel with an edge which defines the third edge and two edges which extend from the ends of the third edge to a distal point. The third panel may be generally or substantially triangular. The three panels may be arranged with their distal points connected and defining a base distal from the opening defined by the first second and third edges.

In some embodiments, the first and second edges each comprise, are attached to or are attachable to one of two paired rigid members, each of the first and second edges preferably comprising, being attached to, or being attachable to a different one of the two members. These members may support the first and second edges which may themselves be flexible.

The two members preferably each comprise first and second ends and are connected to each other at their first ends such that their second ends are displaceable with respect to each other. The first ends of the two rigid members may be connected by a joint, such as a hinge; alternatively, the two rigid members may rigid lengths of a single elongate body member with a flexible bend interconnecting the two rigid lengths. The interconnected first ends of the members are preferably arranged at or adjacent to the interconnected first ends of the first and second edges in use.

The second ends of the paired members are preferably biased way from each other. For example, by a spring or other resiliently deformable mechanism, which may be located at or comprised by the joint between the members, or by the a resiliently deformable flexible bend as described above. The biased second ends of the members may advantageously bias the second ends of the first and second edges apart so as to hold the opening of the bag open, and preferably to hold the the third edge taut. In use a user may press the second ends of the members together such that the first and second edges of the opening may be displaced and sealed together. When the first and second edges are displaced together they may hold the second ends of the members which they comprise or are attached to together, such as when the first and second edges are displaced together by sealing a zip extending along their lengths.

The two members may extend along substantially the full length of the edge which they are comprised by or attached to; for example, the two members may each extend between the first and second ends of one of the first and second edges. The two interconnected members may preferably extend around the interconnected first ends of the first and second members, such that the two members and the first and second members by which they are comprised or to which they are attached may have a generally or substantially V-shaped profile when the bag is open and second ends of the members are spaced apart.

The two members may define or may be generally or substantially in the form of, the two arms of a pair of tongs.

In embodiments where the first and second edges do not comprise and are not permanently attached to members as described above, they may comprise loops or sleeves for receiving such members. The loops or sleeves are preferably for removeably receiving such paired members, this may allow the members to be removed after the bag has been used, filled with waste and the first and second edges have been sealed, the members may then be inserted into another such bag so as to collect additional animal waste. The loops or sleeves may follow shape of edges and/or may correspond to shape of members. The loops or sleeves are preferably formed from an identical flexible material to the bag.

In some embodiments the bag may comprise a hook, loop, lanyard or clip for attaching the bag to, or hanging the bag from some other structure, such as a dog lead when not in use. Such a loop, lanyard or clip may be attached to and/or supported on the bag at or adjacent to the connected first ends of the first and second edges. Alternatively, or additionally such a loop, lanyard or clip may be provided on paired rigid members which are comrpsed by, attached to or attachable to the first and second edges. The bag may thereby be advantageously held with its opening directed generally or substantially upwards when suspended when suspended from the hook, loop, lanyard or clip. This may minimise the risk of any of the bags contents falling out or leaking.

In some embodiments, the hook, loop, lanyard or clips may be for attaching the bag to paired rigid members as described above. For example, a pair of rigid members as described above may comprise a hook, loop, lanyard or clip for attaching to a hook, loop, lanyard or clip comprised by the bag. Such a hook, loop, lanyard or clip may be located at the first ends of the paired members, on or adjacent an interconnecting portion or joint such as a hinge.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the figures.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of a first bag according to the present invention in an open configuration;

Figure 2 shows the side view of the first bag of Figure 1 partially closed;

Figure 3 shows the side view of the first bag of Figure 1 half closed;

Figure 4 shows the side view of the first bag of Figure 1 mostly closed;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the first bag of Figure 1 in an open configuration;

Figure 6 shows the plan view of the first bag of Figure 1 partially closed;

Figure 7 shows the plan view of the first page of Figure 1 fully closed;

Figure 8 shows an overall view of the first bag of Figure 1 in an open configuration;

Figure 9 shows a side view of a variant bag according to the present invention in an open configuration with a pair of rigid members;

Figure 10 shows a side view of a variant bag according to the present invention in an open configuration;

Figure 11 shows an exploded side view of a variant bag according to the present invention in an open configuration;

Figure 12 shows a front view of a bag according to the present invention in an open configuration;

Figure 13 shows a front view of a variant bag according to the present invention in an open configuration with a pair of rigid members;

Figure 14 shows a side view of a variant bag according to the present invention in an open configuration;

Figure 15 shows a side view of a variant bag according to the present invention in an open configuration with a pair of rigid members;

Figure 16 shows a top-down view of a bag according to the present invention in an open configuration with a pair of rigid members; and

Figure 17 shows an auto-rewind dog lead with a pair of rigid members and a dispenser for bags according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Referring to the Figures generally there are shown bags for collecting animal waste according to the present invention. The bags each comprise an opening with first, second and third edges and a zip for sealing the first and second edges together

Figures 1 to 8 show views of a first bag 100 according to the present invention. The bag 100 comprises an opening with first, second and third edges 110, 120, 130, a zip 140 for sealing the first and second edges 110, 120 together and a flexible ligature 160 for drawing the third edge 130 into the bag as the zip 140 is sealed.

The bag 100 is constructed from first, second and third panels 111,121,131 of flexible material such as a lightweight impermeable plastic. The illustrated bag 100 is constructed from a transparent plastic material but other materials could be used. The first and second panels 111, 121 are each generally rectangular shaped with a single rounded upper corner; the upper edges, rounded corners and portions of the side edges of the first and second panels 111, 121 define the first and second edgesHO, 120 of the opening. The third panel 131 is generally in the shape of an isosceles triangle with two long edges and a single short edge which defines the third edge 130 of the aperture.

The first and second panels 111, 121 are bonded together along their two edges which are not interconnected by the rounded corner (their lower edges and one of their side edges). The first and second panels 111, 121 are each bonded to one of the long edges of the third panel

131 along part of the length of their side edges which are not bonded together. Consequently, the short edge of the third panel 131 extends between the ends 112, 122 of the unbonded edges of the first and second panels 111, 121 and as such defines the third edge 130 of the opening.

The first and second edges 110, 120 of the opening each extend between one of the ends of the third edge 130 at an upper corner of the third panel 131 (the second end 112 of the first edge 110 and the second end 122 of the second edge 120) to the upper unrounded corners of the first and second panels 111, 121, where the unbonded upper edges of the first and second panels 111, 121 meet their entirely bonded side edges (the first end 114 of the first edge 110 and the first end 124 of the second edge 120). As such the first and second edges 110, 120 include the rounded upper corners of the first and second panels 111, 121.

The first edge 110 comprises first end 114, and a second end 112 and the second edge 120 comprises a first end 124 and a second end 122; the first ends 114, 124 of the first and second edges 110, 120 are connected together and the second ends 112, 122 are each connected to one end of the third edge 130.

The zip 140 comprises two halves. Each half extends from the first end 114, 124 of one of the first and second edges 110, 120 along the full length of said one of the first and second edges 110, 120 (along the upper unbonded edge, around the rounded corner and down the unbonded portion of the partially bonded side edge of one of the first and second panels 111, 121), past the second end 114, 124 of said one of the first and second edge 110, 121 (past the point where said edge 110, 121 meets the third edge) and partway along the seam where the third panel 131 is bonded to the one of the first and second panels 111, 121 along whose edge the half of the zip 140 has been running.

The two halves of the zip 140 meet and are connected at a closed end 141 of the zip 140, which is located at the connected first ends 114, 124 of the first and second edges 110, 120 at the top of the bonded side edge of the first and second panels 111, 121. The distal ends 142 of the zip 140 from the closed first end of the zip 140 are not connected and each comprise a stop for preventing a slider 145 of the zip sliding off of the end of the zip 140. These ends 142 are each located on one of the seams between the third panel 131 and one of the first and second panels 111, 121.

The two halves of the zip 140 are each flexible and each comprise projections which interlock with projections on the other half of the zip 140 when the zip 140 is closed. The projections are preferably elongate ridges which extend along the length of the zip halves of the form typically found in resealable plastic bags.

The zip comprises a slider 145 which is slideable from the closed first end 141 of the zip 140 to the second ends 142 of the zip halves so as to press and seal the two zip halves together and from the second ends 142 to the first ends 141 so as to separate and unseal the two zip halves.

The bag 100 further comprises a flexible ligature 160 such as a cable which extends from the slider 145 of the zip 140, through an intermediate D-ring 162 to an end D-ring 161. The intermediate D-ring is supported on the inside of the seam between the bonded side edges of the first and second panels 111, 121 adjacent to and slightly below the closed end 141 of the zip 140. The end D-ring 161 is supported on the inner face of the third panel 131 adjacent the midpoint of the third edge 130. In alternative embodiments the intermediate D-ring may be supported on the closed end of the zip 141.

As the slider 145 is slid along the length of the zip 140 away from the first end 141 of the zip 140, the flexible ligature 160 is drawn through the intermediate D-ring 162 and the end D-ring 161, the third panel 131 on which it supported and the midpoint of the third edge 130 adjacent thereto are drawn across the interior of the bag towards the intermediate D-ring 162.

Figures 1 to 4 show side-on view of the bag step by step as the slider 145 is slid along the two halves of the zip 140 so as to seal the bag 100, illustrating how the third edge 130 is displaced into the bag towards the intermediate D-ring 162 as the first and second edges 110, 120 and the two halves of the zip 140 are sealed together.

The flexible ligature 160 may subsequently be loosened when the bag 100 is opened by sliding the slider 145 back from the second ends 142 to the first ends 141 of the zip 140, thereby allowing the third edge 130 to be folded back out of the bag 100.

In use, the first and second edges 110, 120 and the zip 140 may be unsealed by displacing the slider 145 to the first closed end 141 of the zip, thereby allowing the second ends 112,122 of the first and second edges 110, 120 to be spaced apart so as to make the third edge 130 taut therebetween. This may allow the third edge 130 to be used as a scoop to collect animal waste 200 into the bag. The slider 145 may then be slid along the zip 140 to seal the first and second edges 110, 120 together and to pull the potentially dirty or contaminated third edge 130 into the interior of the bag such that it is covered and at least partially enclosed by the first and second panels 110, 121 of the bag.

The bag 100 further comprises an external loop 180 connected to the first ends 114, 124 of the first and second edges 110, 120 and the closed end 141 of the zip 140, from which the bag 100 may be suspended when open or closed and empty or full.

Figure 9 shows a pair of rigid members 170, 171 for supporting the first and second edge 110, 120 of a bag and a variant bag 101 comprising a pair of sleeves 150, 151 for receiving the members 170, 171.

The variant bag 101 comprises all the features of the first bag 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8 as well as a pair of sleeves 150, 151 each for receiving one of two paired rigid members 170, 171. The sleeves are attached to and extend along the length of the first and second edges 110, 120 on the opposite side thereof to the opening. The sleeves extending between the first ends 114,124 of the first and second edges 110, 120 at the closed end 141 of the zip and the second ends 112, 122 of the first and second edges 110, 120 at the ends of the third edge 130. The ends of the sleeves at the first ends 114, 124 of the first and second edges 110, 120 are open for the paired members 170, 171 to be inserted thereinto.

The two members 170, 171 have generally L-shaped profiles with two straight lengths generally at right angles and connected by a curved portion, the profiles corresponding to the first and second edges 110, 120 to which they are attachable by the sleeves 150, 151. The members 170, 171 each have a first end 174 and a second end 176. The first ends 174 of the two members 170, 171 are connected together by a hinge which comprises a spring arranged to bias the distal second ends 176 apart. Consequently, the two paired members are in an arrangement corresponding to a pair of tongs.

In use, the two paired members 170, 171 are inserted into the sleeves 150, 151 such that their first ends 174 are located adjacent to the first ends 114, 124 of the first and second edges 110, 120 and the closed first end 141 of the zip 140, and their second ends 176 are located at the second ends 112, 122 of the first and second edges 110, 120 adjacent the ends of the third edge 130. In such an arrangement the paired members 170, 171 bias the second ends 112, 122 of the first and second edges 110, 120 such that when the zip 140 is not sealed they are spaced apart in a generally V-shaped arraignment with the third edge 130 extending taut between them. This may advantageously allow the third edge 130 to be used as a scoop while the user is holding the paired rigid members 170, 171. The second ends 176 of the two paired members 170, 171 may be displaced together when the zip is sealed allowing the bag to be closed after use.

Figure 9 does not show the slider 145 or the flexible ligature 160 of the variant bag 101 for purposes of clarity.

Figures 10 and 11 show side on views of variant bags 102 with identical openings to the bag 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8 but differently shaped panels 111, 121, 131 and internal cavities. The first and second panels 111, 121 of the bags 102 comprise sloped side edges extending from the second ends 142 of the halves of the zip 140. Figure 11 does not show a flexible ligature for purposes of clarity.

Figure 12 shows a front-on view of a bag according to the present invention. The bag is shown partially open with the second ends 112, 122 of the first and second edges 110, 120 spaced partially apart but not to the extent that the third edge 130 is taut therebetween. The third edge 130 is shown partially slack and a dashed line shows where the third edge would extend if it were shorter and/or taut.

Figure 13 shows a variant bag according to the present invention attached to and receiving two paired members 170, 171 which space apart the second ends 112, 122 of the first and second edges 110, 120.

The variant bag comprises all the features of the first bag 100 described above with reference to figure 1 to 8 as well as a pair of sleeves 150, 151 each for receiving one of a pair of rigid members for supporting the first and second edges 110, 120. The sleeves 150, 151 are attached to the first and second panels 111, 121 and extend adjacent to and parallel to their upper edges along their lengths. As such the sleeves 150, 151 extend between the first ends 114, 124 of the first and second edges 110, 120 of the opening and corners of the first and second edges 110, 120 which are generally L-shaped.

The two members 170, 171 are each substantially straight and each comprise first ends 174 which are connected together by a sprung hinge 178, and second ends 176 which are biased away from each other by the sprung hinge 178. The biased apart second ends 176 bias the second ends 112,122 of the first and second edges 110,120 of the bag apart so as to maintain the bag open and the third edge 130 when the zip 140 is not closed.

Figure 14 shows a variant bag according to the present invention. The variant bag has identically shaped first, second and third edges 110, 120, 130 and zip 140 to the first bag 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The opening of the variant bag differs from that of the first bag 100 in that it does not comprise a flexible ligature 160, or first or second D-rings 161, 162.

The variant bag shown in Figure 14 further differs from the first bag 100 in that the shape of the first and second panels 111, 121. The side edges of the first and second panels 111, 121 which extending between the second ends 112, 122 of the first and second edges 110, 120 and the lower edges of the panels 111, 121 and which are bonded to the third panel 131, are curved.

Figure 15 shows a variant bag according to the present invention. The variant bag has identically shaped first, second and third edges 110, 120, 130, zip 140, sleeves 150, 151 and paired members 170, 171 to the variant bag 101 described above with reference to figure 9. The opening of the bag differs from that of the bag 101 shown in Figure 9 in that does not comprise a flexible ligature 160, or first or second D-rings 161, 162.

The variant bag shown in Figure 15 further differs form the bag 101 shown in Figure 9 in that it comprises differently shaped panels 111, 121, 131. The first and second panels 111, 121 of the variant bag comprise sloped side edge portions between points below the second ends 142 of the halves of the zip 140 and the lower edges of the first and second panels 111, 121.

Figure 16 shows a top down view of a bag comprising a pair of sleeves 150, 151 such as the variant bag 102 shown in Figure 9 or the variant bags shown in Figures 13 and 15, and a pair of rigid members 170, 171 received by the sleeves 150, 151. The bag comprises a loop 180 connected to the first ends 114, 124 of its first and second edges 110, 120 and the closed end 141 of the zip 140. The pair of rigid members comprise a hook 185 supported on the sprung hinge of the paired members. In use the loop 180 of the bag is hooked onto the hook 185 so as to hold the bag onto the rigid members 170,171 and prevent the bag sliding off of the rigid members when it is closed and the second ends 176 of the rigid members are displaced together.

Figure 17 shows an auto-rewind dog lead 300 comprising a lead line 330 connected to an auto-rewind winch within a body. The lead 300 further comprises a generally D-shaped handle for carrying the lead. The body of the dog lead 300 comprises a box 310 for carrying bags according to the present invention, a holster for carrying a pair of hinged rigid members 170, 171 as described above with reference to Figures 9, 13, 15 and 16, and a reorientable hook for carrying a filled bag after it has been removed from the rigid members 170, 171.

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A bag for collecting animal waste, the bag comprising an opening with first, second and third edges, wherein the first and second edges are sealable together and the third edge extends between the first and second edges.

2. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the first and second edges each comprise a first end and a distal second end, the first ends being connected to each other and the third edge extending between the second ends.

3. A bag according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first and second edges have substantially identical lengths and shapes.

4. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second edges are substantially L-shaped.

5. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second edges each comprise two straight lengths generally at right angles to each other and connected by a curved length.

6. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second edges are sealable together along their full lengths.

7. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the third edge is arranged to fold into the bag such when the first and second edges are sealed such that the third edges is covered by interior walls of the bag.

8. A bag according to any preceding claim comprising a zip for sealing the first and second edges together.

9. A bag according to claim 8 when dependent upon claim 2 wherein the zip comprises two halves, each of which extends between the first and second ends of one of the first and second edges.

10. A bag according to claim 8 when dependent upon claim 2 wherein the zip comprises two halves, each of which extends from the first end past the second end of one of the first and second edges.

11. A bag according to any of claims 8 to 10 wherein the zip comprises a slider which is connected to a point on the third edge by a flexible ligature.

12. A bag according to claim 11 when dependent upon claim 2 comprising a pulley, aperture, grommet, ring or D-ring through which the flexible ligature passes.

13. A bag according to claim 12 wherein the pulley or aperture is supported on the inside of a seam or fold extending from the point where the first ends of the first and second edges are connected.

14. A bag according to any of claims 8 to 13 wherein the flexible ligature is connected to the centre of the third edge.

15. A bag according to any preceding claim formed from an impermeable material.

16. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second edges are each attached to one of a two paired rigid members.

17. A bag according to any of claims 1 to 15 wherein the first and second edges each comprise a sleeve for receiving one of two paired rigid members.

18. A bag according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the two paired rigid members each comprise first and second ends, the first ends being connected to each other and the second ends being biased away from each other.

19. A bag according to claim 18 when dependent upon claim 2 wherein in use the interconnected first ends of the members are arranged at the interconnected first ends of the first and second edges and the biased second apart ends of the members are arranged at the second ends of the first and second edges.

20. A bag according to claim 18 or claim 19 when dependent upon claim 2 wherein the biased second ends of the two paired rigid members are arranged to bias the third edge to a be taut between the second ends of the first and second edges.

21. A bag according to any of claims 16 to 20 wherein each of the two paired rigid members extends along the full length of one of the first and second edges.