Pet Waste Scooping Device and Pet Waste Bags

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/390,347, filed Jul. 30, 2021, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 12,297,614, which claims priority from U.S. provisional application 63/059,841, filed Jul. 31, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The present disclosure relates to pet waste scooping devices, pet waste bags, and a methods of manufacturing and using the same.

Pets frequently need to release waste—such as while being taken on a walk or while on the owner's own property. This typically requires the owner to pick up the waste, especially when the waste is left somewhere other than on the owner's property.

Some devices have been developed for removing a pet's waste, but are not ideal because (1) they require that the owner “catch” the waste as it is exiting the pet, which may not be easy and may require the owner to bend over in an uncomfortable position for an extended prior of time, and may also be bothersome to the pet, and/or (2) they are large, cumbersome, and/or heavy, which is not ideal if the owner would like to go on an extended walk or run with the pet, and/or (3) they scoop not only the waste but also things like rocks, sand, or dirt that is below or adjacent to the waste, and/or (4) the surrounding grass, rocks, sand, or dirt can interfere with the device's ability to scoop the entire waste, and/or (5) they require the user to bend over in order to scoop the waste.

Moreover, some waste bags used for collecting waste are not ideal because, for instance, (1) they require the user to identify which end includes the opening, (2) they require extra effort to peel open the bag due to a lack of friction between the user's hand and the smooth plastic waste bag, and (3) they require the user to excessively handle the bag containing the waste by tying the waste bag closed, which could also result in the undesirable smelling of the waste.

For at least these reasons, there is a need among consumers for a product that does not require the user to “catch” the waste as it is exiting the pet, is small, compact, and light-weight, avoids scooping up things like rocks, sand, and dirt along with the waste, is able to scoop the waste without interference from surrounding grass, rocks, sand, or dirt, and reduces the need for the user to bend over when scooping the waste. Further, there is a need among consumers for a waste bag that allows for easily identifying the end that includes the opening, that is easy to peel open, and is easy to seal closed.

Provided herein are pet waste scooping devices, pet waste bags, and methods of manufacturing and using the same.

Also provided herein is a pet waste scooping device, comprising: a pole connected to a grabber comprising at least three appendages; and a rope connected to a latch that is configured to cause the at least three appendages to reversibly expand outward to an open position when the rope is pulled.

Also provided herein is a pet waste scooping device, comprising: an external pole connected to a grabber comprising at least three appendages; and an internal pole connected to a latch that is configured to cause the at least three appendages to reversibly expand outward to an open position when the internal pole is pulled.

In some of any of such embodiments, the pole is a collapsible pole. In some of any of such embodiments, the at least three appendages are connected to a grabber spring. In some of any of such embodiments, the latch comprises an arm on a hinge, and a latch spring is connected to the arm. In some of any of such embodiments, when the rope is pulled, each of the three or more appendages is contacted by the arm. In some of any of such embodiments, when the internal pole is pulled, each of the three or more appendages is contacted by the arm.

In some of any of such embodiments, the grabber is extendable and/or enlargeable. In some of any of such embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a button configured to carry out the extending and/or enlarging of the grabber while in a closed position. In some of any of such embodiments, the button is a slide-button that is connected to the at least three appendages. In some of any of such embodiments, when the slide-button is slid away from the handle end of the pole or the external pole, the at least three appendages are extended.

In some of any of such embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a waste bag dispenser.

In some of any of such embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises an illuminating element.

Also provided herein is a pet waste bag, comprising: a body portion comprising an open end and a closed end; and a peelable adhesive strip connected to the body portion by an anchor. In some of any of such embodiments, when the peelable adhesive strip is peeled, the peelable adhesive strip remains connected to the body portion by the anchor. In some of any of such embodiments, the pet waste bag further comprises a gripping texture. In some of any of such embodiments, the open end comprises a rim and the gripping texture is located on or adjacent to the rim. In some of any of such embodiments, when the peelable adhesive strip is peeled, the portion of the peelable adhesive strip that is peeled off of the body portion comprises adhesive.

Also provided herein is a package of pet waste bags, comprising two or more of any pet waste bag provided herein.

Also provided herein is a pet waste collection kit, comprising: any pet waste scooping device provided herein; and any pet waste bag provided herein.

Also provided herein is a pet waste collection kit, comprising: any pet waste scooping device provided herein; and a package of any pet waste bags provided herein.

Also provided herein is a method of scooping waste from a pet, comprising: obtaining a pet waste scooping device provided herein that includes a rope; extending the collapsible pole to a longer length; pulling the rope; situating the three or more appendages around waste; and releasing the rope.

Also provided herein is a method of scooping waste from a pet, comprising: obtaining a pet waste scooping device provided herein that includes an internal pole; extending the collapsible pole to a longer length; pulling the internal pole; situating the three or more appendages around waste; and releasing the internal pole and/or returning the internal pole to its location prior to the pulling of the internal pole.

Also provided herein is a method of scooping waste from a pet, comprising: obtaining a pet waste scooping device provided herein that includes a rope; extending the collapsible pole to a longer length; pulling the rope; obtaining a pet waste bag provided herein; placing the pet waste bag over the three or more appendages; situating the three or more appendages around waste; and releasing the rope.

Also provided herein is a method of scooping waste from a pet, comprising: obtaining a pet waste scooping device provided herein that includes an internal pole; extending the collapsible pole to a longer length; pulling the internal pole; obtaining a pet waste bag provided herein; placing the pet waste bag over the three or more appendages; situating the three or more appendages around waste; and releasing the internal pole and/or returning the internal pole to its location prior to the pulling of the internal pole.

Also provided herein is a pet waste scooping device, comprising: a pole connected to a grabber comprising at least three appendages; and a rope connected to a latch that is configured to cause the at least three appendages to reversibly expand outward to an open position when the rope is pulled. In some embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a stopper connected to the rope. In some embodiments, the pole has a handle end and a scooping end, and wherein the pet waste scooping device further comprises a stopper connected to the rope at the handle end of the pole. In some of any of such embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a wrist loop connected to the rope. In some of any of such embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a wrist loop connected to the stopper. In some of any of such embodiments, the rope passes through the interior of the pole. In some of any of such embodiments, the rope comprises an elastic rope. In some of any of such embodiments, the rope is a coiled cord. In some of any of such embodiments, the coiled coil comprises a rope covered in rubber.

Also provided herein is a pet waste scooping device, comprising: a pole connected to a grabber comprising at least three appendages; and an internal pole connected to a latch that is configured to cause the at least three appendages to reversibly expand outward to an open position when the internal pole is pulled. In some embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a stopper connected to the internal pole. In some of any of such embodiments, the pole has a handle end and a scooping end, and wherein the pet waste scooping device further comprises a stopper connected to the internal pole at the handle end of the pole. In some embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a wrist loop connected to the internal pole. In some embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a wrist loop connected to the stopper. In some of any of such embodiments, the internal pole is a collapsible pole. In some of any of such embodiments, the internal pole is a telescoping collapsible pole.

In some of any of such embodiments, the pole is a collapsible pole. In some of any of such embodiments, the pole is a telescoping collapsible pole.

In some of any of such embodiments, the at least three appendages are connected to a grabber spring. In some of any of such embodiments, the grabber spring is a compression spring. In some of any of such embodiments, the at least three appendages are curved. In some of any of such embodiments, the grabber comprises three, four, five, six, seven, or eight appendages. In some of any of such embodiments, the grabber comprises four appendages.

In some of any of such embodiments, the latch is connected to a latch spring. In some of any of such embodiments, the latch comprises an arm. In some of any of such embodiments, the latch comprises an arm, and a latch spring is connected to the arm. In some of any of such embodiments, the arm is one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight arms. In some of any of such embodiments, the arm is on a hinge. In some of any of such embodiments, each of the three or more appendages is contacted by an arm. For instance, in some embodiments, the arm is one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight arms, and each of the three or more appendages is contacted by at least one of these arms. In some embodiments, the contacting between the arm and the appendage is when the rope or the internal pole is pulled by the user. In some of any of such embodiments, the latch spring is a compression spring.

In some of any of such embodiments, the grabber is extendable and/or enlargeable. In some of any of such embodiments, the grabber is extendable and/or enlargeable while in a closed position. In some of any such embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a button configured to carry out the extending and/or enlarging of the grabber while in a closed position. In some of any of such embodiments, the button is a slide-button. In some of any of such embodiments, when extended and/or enlarged, the diameter of the grabber increases by at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 100%, at least 150%, at least 200%, at least 300%, at least 400% or at least 500%. In some of any such embodiments, the slide-button is connected to the grabber. In some of any such embodiments, the slide-button is connected to the at least three appendages. In some of any such embodiments, when the slide-button is slid away from the handle end of the external pole, the at least three appendages are extended.

In some of any such embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a waste bag dispenser. In some of any of such embodiments, the waste bag dispenser is attached to the pole. In some of any of such embodiments, the waste bag dispenser is configured to contain at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, or at least 30 waste bags. In some of any of such embodiments, the waste bag dispenser comprises a storage compartment. In some of any such embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a pet waste bag. In some embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises a package of pet waste bags.

In some of any such embodiments, the pet waste scooping device further comprises an illuminating element. In some of any such embodiments, the illuminating element comprises a light emitting diode (LED). In some of any such embodiments, the illuminating element is connected to the pole. In some of any such embodiments, the illuminating element is connected to the grabber. In some of any such embodiments, the illuminating element is connected to the waste bag dispenser.

Also provided herein is a pet waste bag, comprising: a body portion comprising an open end and a closed end; and a peelable adhesive strip connected to the body portion by an anchor.

In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive strip is located on the open end of the body portion. In some of any such embodiments, the open end comprises a rim and the peelable adhesive strip is located on or adjacent to the rim. In some of any such embodiments, the open end comprises a rim and the peelable adhesive strip is located no more than 0.5 inch, 1 inch, 1.5 inch, 2 inches, 2.5 inches, or 3 inches from the rim.

In some of any such embodiments, the anchor is located on the open end of the body portion. In some of any such embodiments, the open end comprises a rim and the anchor is located on or adjacent to the rim. In some of any such embodiments, the open end comprises a rim and the anchor is located no more than 0.5 inch, 1 inch, 1.5 inch, 2 inches, 2.5 inches, or 3 inches from the rim.

In some of any such embodiments, when the peelable adhesive strip is peeled, the peelable adhesive strip remains connected to the body portion by the anchor. In some of any such embodiments, the peelable adhesive strip comprises an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side. In some of any such embodiments, when the peelable adhesive strip is peeled, the portion of the peelable adhesive strip that is peeled off of the body portion comprises adhesive. In some of any such embodiments, when the peelable adhesive strip is peeled, the portion of the peelable adhesive strip that is not peeled off of the body portion does not comprise adhesive.

In some of any such embodiments, the peelable adhesive strip is, is about, or is at least 0.5 inch, at least 0.75 inch, at least 1 inch, at least 1.5 inch, at least 2 inches, at least 2.5 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 3.5 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 4.5 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 5.5inches, or at least 6 inches in length.

In some of any such embodiments, the pet waste bag further comprises a gripping texture. In some of any such embodiments, the gripping texture comprises a raised texture. In some of any such embodiments, the raised texture comprises one or more of raised dots, raised lines, ridges, raised shapes, or any combination thereof. In some of any such embodiments, the gripping texture is located on or adjacent to the open end. In some of any such embodiments, the open end comprises a rim and the gripping texture is located on or adjacent to the rim.

In some of any such embodiments, the gripping texture is located on about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 20%, about 5% to about 20%, about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 40%, about 5% to about 50%, about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 60%, about 20% to about 40%, about 20% to about 60%, about 20% to about 80%, about 40% to about 95%, about 40% to about 85%, about 40% to about 75%, about 25% to about 75%, about 30% to about 70%, about 35% to about 65%, about 40% to about 60%, or about 45% to about 55% of the perimeter of the rim. In some of any such embodiments, the gripping texture extends for up to about 0.5 inch, up to about 1 inch, up to about 2 inches, up to about 3 inches, up to about 4 inches, up to about 5 inches, or up to about 6 inches.

In some of any such embodiments, the body portion comprises plastic. In some of any such embodiments, the plastic is selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In some embodiments, the body portion of the pet waste bag comprises HDPE.

In some of any such embodiments, the body portion comprises a biodegradable material. In some of any such embodiments, the biodegradable material is a biodegradable plastic material. In some of any such embodiments, the biodegradable material comprises a cellulose-based material.

In some of any such embodiments, the open end and/or the closed end further comprises a perforated edge.

Also provided herein is a package of pet waste bags, comprising two or more of any of the pet waste bag provided herein.

In some embodiments, the two or more of the pet waste bag is, is about, is at least, or is at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, or 250 of the pet waste bag of any one of embodiments provided herein.

In some of any such embodiments, the two or more pet waste bags are linked together. In some of any such embodiments, the two or more pet waste bags are linked together by a perforated edge. In some of any such embodiments, the two or more pet waste bags are linked together, and each of the two or more pet waste bags comprise a perforated edge on the open end and/or the closed end of the body portion.

Also provided herein is pet waste collection kit, comprising: any pet waste scooping device provided herein; and any pet waste bag provided herein. In some embodiments, the pet waste collection kit further comprises instructions for use.

Also provided herein is a pet waste collection kit, comprising: any pet waste scooping device provided herein; and any package of pet waste bags provided herein. In some embodiments, the pet waste collection kit further comprises instructions for use.

Also provided herein is a method of manufacturing a pet waste scooping device, comprising: obtaining a pole; connecting the pole to a grabber comprising at least three appendages; connecting a rope to a latch that is configured to cause the at least three appendages to reversible expand outward to an open position when the rope is pulled; and connecting a spring to the at least three appendages.

Also provided herein is a method of manufacturing a pet waste scooping device, comprising: obtaining a pole; connecting the pole to a grabber comprising at least three appendages; connecting an internal pole to a latch that is configured to cause the at least three appendages to reversible expand outward to an open position when the internal pole is pulled; and connecting a spring to the at least three appendages.

In some of any of such embodiments, the method further comprises connecting an illuminating element to the pole. In some of any of such embodiments, the method further comprises connecting a button to the pole for extending and/or enlarging the grabber while in a closed position. In some of any of such embodiments, the method further comprises connecting a waste bag dispenser to the pole. In some of any of such embodiments, the pole is a collapsible pole.

Also provided herein is a method of manufacturing a pet waste bag, comprising: obtaining a body portion comprising an open end and a closed end; connecting a peelable adhesive strip to the body portion; and applying a gripping texture to the body portion.

In some of any of such embodiments, the method further comprises connecting an anchor that connects the peelable adhesive strip to the body portion.

Also provided herein is a method of scooping waste from a pet, comprising: obtaining any pet waste scooping device provided herein that includes a rope and a collapsible pole; extending the collapsible pole to a longer length; pulling the rope; situating the three or more appendages around waste; and releasing the rope.