WO2016001220A1

WO2016001220A1 - Leash handle with integrated animal waste pick-up device

Info

Publication number: WO2016001220A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/064842
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacek WOŁOSZ; Zbigniew WOŁOSZ; Mateusz WOŁOSZ
Original assignee: Innovative Workforce Strategies Sp. Z O.O.
Priority date: 2014-06-30
Filing date: 2015-06-30
Publication date: 2016-01-07
Also published as: PL408719A1

Abstract

A leash handle with integrated animal waste pick-up device comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is configured to match the shape of the second part, both said first and second parts have apertures being configured to accommodate human grip and preferably being profiled to the shape of the hand, and wherein at least one of said parts at one end is provided with a holder for attaching a leash and at that same end first part and second part are configured to be pivotally connected, so that the second part is pivotal relative to the first part thereby forming together jaws for picking-up animal waste, and wherein said first part or said second part or both said first and second parts are further equipped with at least one means for releasable locking said parts first and second in a position, wherein they adhere one to another thereby providing together a leash handle.

Description

Leash handle with integrated animal waste pick-up device FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention is related to a leash handle with integrated animal waste pick-up device.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The problem with animal waste contamination of green areas in cities, lawns, alleys, parks or sidewalks is not only a nuisance for residents, but also may pose health risks. Providing simple, not cumbersome and effective solutions for instruments to collect pet excrements would certainly help in solving the problem of removal of such contaminants by the owners of the animals.

Known in the art are standalone devices for collecting dog excreta.

Such a device for collecting animal excreta as described in Polish Patent PL 214 532. It consists of two elongate tubular elements that form a handle, a flexible linkage and collecting elements. The utility model PL 63367 describes the dog excreta collecting device consisting of a rod connected to the gripping handle and the string drive. Apparatus for collection according to Polish patent PL 201 833 consists of a shaft and gripper jaws. Polish patent application P. 325299 describes a device consisting of a rod with a handle and bottomless scoops which are connected to a bag forming together a collective pocket.

The dog owners who would normally take for a walk with their pet a leash and disposable pet waste bags, if they were to use the known devices, they would have to take them as an additional object to carry during the walk. There is therefore a need for a solution, which could provide an easy to use and compact animal waste pick-up device which could at the same time be integrated with the leash handle. The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a leash handle, which at the same time in a simple and efficient way can be used as a device for collecting the dog excrements into disposable pet waste bags.

This aim has been achieved by the solution defined by features defined in the independent claim, while the preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to present invention there is provided a leash handle with integrated animal waste pick-up device comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is configured to match the shape of the second part, both said first and second parts have apertures being configured to accommodate human grip and preferably being profiled to the shape of the hand, and wherein at least one of said parts at one end is provided with a holder for attaching a leash and at that same end the first part and the second part are configured to be pivotally connected, so that the second part is pivotal relative to the first part thereby providing together jaws for picking-up animal waste and wherein said first part or said second part or both said first and second parts are further equipped with at least one means for releasable locking said parts first and second in a position, wherein they adhere one to another thereby forming a leash handle.

In one preferred embodiment, the pivotal connection of the first to the second part is realized by interlocking connection. Preferably, the interlocking connection is further equipped with a torsion spring. In another preferred embodiment, the side wall of the first part is provided with two grooves extending along the length of the wall, the corresponding side wall of the second part is equipped with a lug, said connecting means is configured as a lock equipped with sliding guides and the locking element, wherein the sliding guides are configured to engage with said grooves to provide for the sliding movement of the lock along the side wall of the first part, while said locking element is designed to interlock with said lug on the side wall of the second part. Preferably, in yet another preferred embodiment, the side wall of the first part is further equipped with a lock retaining projection. Preferably, in another embodiment the leash handle is further equipped with means for storage of disposable pet waste bags. In yet another preferred embodiment said means for storage of disposable pet waste bags include a container for storage of disposable pet waste bags and a receptacle, wherein said receptacle is provided in one of said parts first or second and configured to accommodate said container. Preferably, the inner walls of said receptacle are equipped with two retaining slots and said container is equipped with two hooks capable of interlocking with said retaining slots. Preferably, the container is provided with a bag dispensing notch, preferably wedge-shaped. Preferably, in yet another embodiment one of said parts first or second is provided with a housing for means for extending and retracting the leash, a leash stopper and leash outlet opening. In another preferred embodiment the leash handle further comprises spring retracting leash spool and a leash stopper with means for controlling extending and retracting the leash. Preferably, in such preferred embodiment, the part first or second further comprises means for storing disposable pet waste bags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1 presents in perspective view exemplary embodiment of the leash handle in the open position.

Fig. 2 shows in two views detail A from Fig. 1

Fig. 3 shows in perspective view of embodiment of Fig. 1 in the closed position wherein parts first and second adhere one to another.

Fig. 4 shows in another perspective view embodiment of Fig 1 in open position. Fig. 5 shows in another perspective view embodiment of Fig. 1 in the closed position, wherein parts first and second adhere one to another.

Fig. 6 shows in perspective view embodiment of Fig. 1 with the disposable pet waste bag container removed from receptacle, container being illustrated in views with its bottom up and down.

Fig. 7 shows cross-sectional view presenting exemplary configuration of interlocking connection of parts first and second.

Fig. 8 shows in perspective view exemplary embodiment of the first part of leash handle configured with the housing for spring retracting leash spool.

Fig. 9 shows in perspective view exemplary embodiment of leash handle in closed position provided with a housing with means for extending and retracting the leash (the means not shown) and further equipped with a container for disposable pet waste bags.

Fig. 10 illustrates in perspective view the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 9 in open position further equipped with a leash (shown only in part) attached to the leash holder.

Fig. 11 shows in perspective view embodiment of Fig 9 in the closed position wherein parts first and second adhere one to another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining the figures, which present exemplary embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to details as set forth below or illustrated in the figures.

The like reference numerals used in figures refer to like elements. In the exemplary embodiment of the leash handle with integrated animal waste pick-up device as shown in Fig. 1, the leash handle includes the first part 1 and the second part 2, respectively having apertures 3 and 4. The first part 1 is equipped with a lock 5 and lock retaining projection 9. The second part 2 is provided with the lug 10. As better shown on Fig. 2 illustrating in two views detail A the lock 5 is equipped with sliding guides 6 which interlock with grooves 8 provided on the side wall of the first part 1. The lock 5 is also equipped with the locking element 7 capable of interlocking with lug 10, what can be seen on Figs. 3, 5 and 6. Now referring to Fig. 6, according to exemplary embodiment of invention, a container 13 for disposable pet waste bags is shown and is provided with a bottom 13a, hooks 15 and a notch 16 for dispensing disposable pet waste bags in a roll (not shown). Further on Fig 6 also shown is a receptacle 12 configured in the first part 1 and having retaining slots 14, which slots accommodate hooks 15 thereby locking container 13 in place (as also shown on Figs. 1 and 3)

On Fig. 7, which presents cross section view of first part 1 and second part 2 of the exemplary embodiment in the closed position (as presented on Fig 3), shown are the pivots 24 provided in first part 1 , which pivots are positioned in sockets 25 configured in second part 2.

Referring now to Fig. 8, a first part 1 of the leash handle according to exemplary embodiment of invention is configured to have a housing 17 for accommodating spring retracting leash spool (not shown), which housing 17 is further equipped with a pivot 18 for installing the spring retracting leash spool. As also presented on Fig. 7, the first part 1 is provided with pivots 24 for pivotal connection with second part 2 and it further includes a leash outlet opening 19, which can also be seen on Fig. 9. Figs. 9, 10 and 11 further show the container 23 for disposable pet waste bags (bags not shown) wherein said container 23 is installed on rails 22 provided on second part 2. Further shown is a leash stopper 20 for means for controlling extending and retracting the leash (means not shown). Further provided is also a leash holder 11 for installing a standalone leash.

Figs. 10 and 11 present exemplary embodiment in open and closed positions respectively having attached a standalone leash 21 (shown in part only), which leash could be short and be used only in addition to retracting leash in order to keep the dog under control during waste pick-up operation. Such leash could also be used in case of failure of the leash retracting mechanism. As could be seen on Figs. 1 and 10, when the first part 1 and the second part 2 are in open position, i.e. in a position in which the first part 1 and the second part 2 do not adhere one to another, owing to pivotal connection between both said parts first 1 and second 2, they can pivot relative one to another and thus they can act as jaws for gripping animal waste. In said open position the lock 5 remains in its upper position, preferably being retained in said position by means of lock retaining projection 9. Said lock retaining projection 9 is provided to stop the lock 5 from sliding down on its own weight along the grooves 8. As is shown in more detail in Fig. 2 the lock 5, being equipped with sliding guides 6, can be moved up and down along the grooves 8 configured on the side wall of first part 1. In its upper position, where it is kept by the lock retaining projection 9, the lock 5 does not interfere with the pivotal movement of the first part 1 relative to second part 2. When the first part 1 and the second part 2 are positioned to adhere one to another, as best could be seen on Figs. 3, 5, 6, 9 and 11 and when the lock 5 is retained in its place by means of lock retaining projection 9 (see fig 2), by applying slight pressure, the lock 5 can be moved down along the grooves 8 over the lock retaining projection 9 so that the locking element 7 of the lock 5 can interlock with the lug 10, thereby securing both parts first 1 and second 2 in the closed position, wherein first part 1 and second part 2 adhere one to another. In the closed position parts first 1 and second 2 form a leash handle. The apertures 3 and 4 provided in both parts first 1 and second 2 in closed position align to form together an aperture (see e.g. Fig.5) to accommodate human hand thereby providing a comfortable grip.

Figure 6 depicts a preferred embodiment with means for storage of disposable pet waste bags configured in the form of a receptacle 12 which is intended for accommodating the container 13 being capable of storage of disposable pet waste bag. Receptacle 12 includes on its side walls retaining slots 14 adapted for interlocking with hooks 15 in order to secure the position of container 13 in the receptacle 12. The container 13 can be positioned in the receptacle 12 in two ways. When it is intended to store in the container 13 individual disposable pet waste bags, the container 13 can be installed in the receptacle 12 with its bottom down and the open part up, leaving easy access to its contents. When using a roll of disposable pet waste bags, which rolls are widely available at pet stores, the container 13, being sized to accommodate such roll of bags, can be installed in the receptacle 12 with its bottom 13a at the top, as shown on Fig 6. This way the roll of bags can be enclosed in the cavity of the container installed in the receptacle 12 and each individual bag can be easily separated from the roll by means of a wedge shaped notch 16, which allows for tearing off individual bags from a roll of bags (bags not shown on the figure).

As shown on Fig 8, the first part 1 according to exemplary embodiment can be configured to provide a housing 17 for installing leash retracting mechanism, such as spring retracting leash spool (not shown). The bottom of the housing 17 can be configured to provide a pivot 18 for installing said spring retracting leash spool and to provide its axis of rotation. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9 the side wall of first part 1 also provides a leash outlet opening 19, so that the leash from retracting mechanism can exit the housing 17. The side wall of the first part further provides the leash stopper 20 which can be operatively integrated with means for controlling extending and retracting the leash (not shown). Such means for controlling extending and retracting the leash as well as leash retracting mechanisms are well known to the person skilled in the art who can easily recognize and implement ways to install said means and mechanism in the leash handle according to invention.

As shown on Fig. 9 a preferred embodiment is further equipped with rails 22 configured to mount a container 23 for storage of the pet waste bags (bags not shown).

As explained earlier the first part 1 and second part 2 are connected together pivotally. By this in the context of the present invention it is meant that the parts first 1 and second 2 can pivot relative one to another and owing to such pivotal movement the parts can function as jaws for picking-up the animal waste. Said connection in the presented embodiments is accomplished by means of interlocking connection, which is configured in a the same manner in both exemplary embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein: a leash handle for a standalone leash as shown on Figs. 1-7 and a leash handle configured to accommodate leash retracting mechanism (Figs. 8-11). An example of such interlocking connection is presented in Fig. 7, which shows pivots 24 being provided in first part 1, which pivots are positioned in sockets 25 configured in second part 2, thereby providing for pivotal connection of both parts. The fitting of pivots 24 in sockets 25 is provided with a certain play, so as to allow for rotation of pivots 24 in sockets 25. This allows for a free movement of the second part 2 relative to the first part 1. Preferably the pivots 24 are so configured in the first part 1 so that on the pivots 24 attached can be torsion springs. The torsion springs can be provided to cause the parts first 1 and second 2 to automatically go apart when lock 5 is moved up from the position where it is engaged with the lug 10, thus releasing the parts first 1 and second 2 into the open position, in which position they may function as jaws suitable for collecting animal waste. To effect picking-up operation a leash handle according to present invention is inserted into a standard disposable pet waste bag with the hand grip aperture side down. Once there, the lock 5 is to be moved up over the lock retaining projection 9 to allow for pivotal movement of parts first 1 and second 2. Now parts first and second can move relative one to another and thereby act together as jaws for picking up animal waste. Because they do so from within the disposable pet waste bag and therefore are separated from the waste by the wall of the bag, they will not get in contact with the waste. Once the waste is placed between the parts first 1 and second 2, squeezing the parts together secures the waste between said parts first 1 and second 2. When the waste is secured between the parts being held with one hand, with the other hand the pet waste bag can be turned upside down and the waste can then be released right into the bag. Leash handle remains clean. The present invention provides a compact, simple and easy to use device that can serve as both a leash handle and an animal waste pick-up device. An inventive device has the size and appearance of a typical leash handle, but because its two parts that actually form the handle can be separated while remaining in one end pivotally connected, the device can in fact act as both the leash handle and animal waste pick up device. Selecting the desired function of the device is easy and can be effected by simple setting of the locking means. In the preferred embodiments disclosed herein one such locking means was presented in the form of a lock sliding along the side wall of one of the parts to engage with the lug configured in another part thereby securing the adhering position of both parts to form the leash handle. It is however possible to provide more than one locking means, which can also be differently configured.

When both parts first and second are secured with the lock, they form a comfortable to use leash handle. Unlocking said parts by effecting appropriate setting of the locking means allows for pivotal movement of said parts which now can act as jaws for picking-up animal waste. Because of its very compact size, the device according to invention can be used with disposable pet waste bags as typically available in veterinary stores can be of use. The leash handle according to invention is at the same time an easy to use animal waste pick-up device. Therefore the pet owner does not need to carry any separate devices dedicated to waste pick-up. The known in the art animal waste pick-up devices are hardly popular amongst pet owners. They are usually large and complex devices, which also offer troublesome and unreliable use. The known devices usually share their most common drawback: they need to carried as a separate device in addition to the leash or leash handle. A leash handle of the invention does not have the abovementioned disadvantages. It is not much different in size and appearance from the standard leash handle which the dog owner would normally take for a walk with their pet and yet it can it perform as an efficient pet waste pick-up device. It is very easy to use, simple in construction, can be provided with its own means for storage of disposable pet waste bags, both commercially available rolls of disposable pet waste bags, as well as individual bags.

The leash handle of the invention is characterized by low manufacturing cost, simple construction that is easy to manufacture and assemble. The simplicity means a minimal number of working components, which ensures reliability and durability. The device basically consists of four easy to manufacture injection molded parts, and in preferred embodiment, one or two torsion springs. The leash handle according to invention is very simple to use. Simply by moving the locking means from one position to another the leash handle according to invention changes its function from a "handle function" to the "jaws function", allowing to turn the compact leash handle into very efficient waste pick-up device. The design according to invention provides most effective jaw action at given dimensions thus allowing for effective collection of animal waste, regardless of its volume. Waste collection efficiency is further ensured by the fact that the pressure exerted on the jaws is carried out directly by hand, which solution eliminates the use of intermediate elements often employed in the devices known in the art. Such use of intermediate elements impairs the effectiveness of the known devices, which in addition, due to their complex structure are often unreliable.

The disclosed means of locking the first and second part together as well as disclosed configuration of the pivotal movement of said parts are only exemplary. Equally only exemplary are the embodiments showing configuration of the means for storage of disposable pet waste bags. The skilled person would know other ways to adapt the leash handle according to present invention for use with leash retracting mechanisms. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed leash handle with integrated animal waste pick-up device. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that the specification and disclosed embodiments be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents. Index

1 - first part

2 - second part

3 - aperture in first part 4 - aperture in second part

5 - lock

6 - sliding guide

7 - locking element

8 - groove

9 - lock retaining proj ection 10 - lug

11 - leash holder

12 - receptacle

13 - container

13 a - container bottom

14 - retaining slots

15 - hooks

16 - notch

17 - housing

18 - pivot

19 - leash outlet opening

20 - leash stopper

21 - leash

22 - rails

23 - container

24 - pivot

25 - socket

Claims

1. A leash handle with integrated animal waste pick-up device comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is configured to match the shape of the second part, both said first and second parts have apertures being configured to accommodate human grip and preferably being profiled to the shape of the hand, and wherein at least one of said parts at one end is provided with a holder for attaching a leash and at that same end first part and second part are configured to be pivotally connected, so that the second part is pivotal relative to the first part thereby forming together jaws for picking-up animal waste, and wherein said first part or said second part or both said first and second parts are further equipped with at least one means for releasable locking said parts first and second in a position, wherein they adhere one to another thereby providing together a leash handle.

2. The leash handle according to claim 1 wherein the pivotal connection of the first to the second parts is realized by interlocking connection.

3. The leash handle according to claim 2 wherein said interlocking connection is further equipped with a torsion spring.

4. The leash handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall of the first part (1) is provided with two grooves (8) extending along the length of said side wall, the corresponding side wall of the second part is equipped with a lug (10), said connecting means is configured as a lock (5) equipped with sliding guides (6) and the locking element (7), wherein the sliding guides (6) are configured to engage with said groves (8) to provide for the sliding movement of the lock along the side wall of the first part (1), while said locking element (7) is configured to interlock with said lug (10) on the side wall of the second part (2).

5. The leash handle according to claim 4, wherein the side wall of the first part (1) is further equipped with a lock retaining projection (9).

6. The leash handle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a leash handle is further equipped with means for storage of disposable pet waste bags.

7. The leash handle according to claim 6 wherein said means for storage of disposable pet waste bags include a container for storage of disposable pet waste bags and a receptacle, wherein said receptacle is provided in one of said parts first or second and configured to accommodate said container.

8 . The leash handle according to claim 7, wherein receptacle (12) is configured in the first part (1), the inner walls of said receptacle are equipped with two retaining slots (14) and a container (13) for storage of disposable pet waste bags is equipped with two hooks (15) capable of interlocking with said retaining slots (14).

9. The leash handle according to claim 8, wherein container (13) is further equipped with a notch, preferably said notch is configured as a wedge-shaped notch (16).

10. The leash handle according to any one of claims 1 - 6 wherein one of said parts first or second is provided with a housing for means for extending and retracting the leash.

11. The leash handle according to claim 10 wherein housing (17) for means for extending and retracting the leash is configured in first part (1), said part being further equipped with the leash outlet opening (19) and a leash stopper (20).

12. The leash handle according to claim 11 wherein means for storage of disposable pet waste bags are configured as container (23) provided on the second part (2).

13. The leash handle according to any one of claims 10-12 further equipped with spring retracting leash spool and means for controlling extending and retracting the leash.