US3830423A

US3830423A - Disposable pet excreta container

Info

Publication number: US3830423A
Application number: US00251679A
Authority: US
Inventors: B Prescott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-05-09
Filing date: 1972-05-09
Publication date: 1974-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 1991-08-20

Abstract

This invention is a disposable pet excreta container of bag-like or box-like construction. Portions of one side of the container are extended to provide ears engaged by the feet of the user to hold the container in position on the ground. A flexible cord engages the opposite side of the container and upon upward force, holds the container open. A disposable member is provided for directing the excreta into the container.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Prescott DISPOSABLE PET EXCRETA CONTAINER [76] Inventor: Beatrice M. Prescott, PO. Box 182, Burke, Va. 22015 [22] Filed: May 9, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 251,679

[52] U.S. Cl 229/53, 15/104.8, 15/257.5, 7 119/1, 150/5, 229/62, 229/66, 294/1 R [51] Int. Cl. ..B65d 31/10, B65d 33/06,

B65d 33/16, B65d 33/30 [58] Field of Search 119/1; 15/257.1, 257.2,

15/257.3, 257.4, 257.5, 257.6, 257.7, 257.8, 257.9; 294/1 R; 229/53, 54 C, 66, DIG. 3, 62, 65; ISO/1.7, 1.8, 5

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 440,618 11/1890 Byers 15/257.4 1,601,566 9/1926 Elliott 229/54 C 1,692,777 11/1928 Jewell 229/DIG. 3

[451 Aug. 20, 1974 2,749,695 6/1956 Hoopingarner 119/1 X 3,189,253 6/1965 Mojonnier 229/66 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 2,005,025 3/1969 France 150/5 Primary Examiner-William 1. Price Assistant ExaminerStephen P. Garbe Attorney, Agent, or FirmShlesinge'r, Arkwright, Garvey & Dinsmore [5 7] ABSTRACT This invention is a disposable pet excreta container of bag-like or box-like construction. Portions of one side of the container are extended to provide ears engaged by the feet of the user to hold the container in position on the ground. A flexible cord engages the opposite side of the container and upon upward force, holds the container open. A disposable member is provided for directing the excreta into the container.

5 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PAIENIEMHEZOW 3.830.423

saw 105 2 DISPOSABLE PET EXCRETA CONTAINER BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS In highly populated urban areas, there is much ecological concern caused by the large number of pets which leave excreta along the sidewalks and in the parks, resulting in a sanitation problem. As a result, many cities have adopted ordinances to alleviate this problem, but up to the present time these ordinances have served only as a partial solution.

It is an object of this invention to provide an economical disposable container for efficiently and effectively collecting pet excreta, the container having means for facilitating carrying thereof both before and after collection.

Another object is to provide a disposable container open at one end which is of bag-like or box-like construction, the bag or box having extensions adjacent the open end thereof for engagement by the feet of the user for positioning the box or bag on the ground while being filled, flexible means being engageable with the opposite side of the bag or box for holding the same open upon upward force being exerted thereon, and a disposable paddle for directing the excreta into the container.

A still further object is to provide a container'ofthe character described wherein the bag or box may be sealed after collection of the excreta for disposal.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description of the presently preferred form of this invention, taken in connection with the appended drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred form of the present invention, illustrating the use thereof;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the same;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the same, looking at the open end thereof and showing the container in open position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the present invention, showing the same in open position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the latter in a flat condition;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view in a modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another modified form of the present invention, showing the same in closed position;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the container in partially open position;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the container in fully open position; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the paddle for use in connection with the container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FORM OF INVENTION IN FIGS. 1 TO 5 In FIGS. 1 to 5 there is illustrated the presently preferred form of the invention which includes a bag 10 of generally conventional construction which is preferably made of a plastic or moisture proof, deodoranttreated paper. Bag 10 includes an upper side 12 and a lower side 14 which are connected by

panels

16 and 18. As shown to advantage in FIG. 4,

panels

16 and 18 are of triangular shape or expandable form so that upper side 12 and lower side 14 are joined at one end to close the bag, the sides being spaced apart at the other end to provide an opening 20.

It is a salient feature of the present invention to provide a pair of semi-rigid elongated straps or the like 22 and 24, preferably of plastic or metallic construction, which extend transversely of bag 10 adjacent the open end thereof, straps 22 being secured to upper side 12 and strap 24 to the lower side 14.

Straps

22 and 24 extend beyond the lateral extremities of the bag to provide extensions or ears, the extensions of member 22 being indicated at 26, and the extensions of member 24 being indicated at 28.

A- flexible member is indicated at 30, the ends of which are secured inany suitable manner at 32 and 34 to upper strap member 22 near the lateral extremities ofthe bag.

In connection with bag 10 there is further provided a disposable paddle 36 having a handle portion 38 and an enlarged base portion 40.

OPERATION Referring now to FIG. 1, it will be seen that in the use of the device of the present invention, ears 26 of strap member 22 are first bent upwardly so that they will not interfere with the user during the filling of the container. The bag is then laid on the ground in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1 with the feet of the user straddling the bag and resting on ears 28 of strap member 24 adjacent the side edges of the bag. This retains the bag firmlyin position on the ground for use.

Since by its very nature the flexible bag is normally in the collapsed position shown in FIG. 5, it is opened by exerting an upward force on flexible member 30 so that the bag assumes the position shown to advantage in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. In this position, the excreta indicated at 42 may be readily and easily directed through opening 20 into the bag 10 by manipulation of paddle 36 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1. The paddle may then also be placed in the bag.

Next the bag may then be picked up off the ground 1 and the bag rolled downwardly from the top or open end thereof to close the open end, after which extensions on

ears

26 and 28 may be bent inwardly in interengaging relationship over the bag to seal the open end thereof. If desired, one of the

ears

26 or 28 may be left in the extended position for carrying, or the sealed bag may be carried by flexible member 30.

In this way, the excreta may be removed from the ground and the bag disposed of without in any way soiling the user and in a minimum amount of time.

DESCRIPTION OF FORM OF INVENTION OF FIG.

In FIG. 6 there is illustrated a modified form of the present invention including a flexible bag 44 of plastic or moisture proof paper, the

bag including sides

46 and 48. The sides are secured together along three edges leaving an opening 50 into which the pet excreta may be directed.

In accordance with this form of the present invention, a single elongated strap 52 of flexible plastic or metallic material is centrally secured to side 48 near opening 50, the strap extending transversely thereof and extending beyond the lateral extremities of the bag. Just as in the form of invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, those portions extending beyond the bag are adapted to receive the feet of the user in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1.

A flexible member is designated 54 which may be a string or the like and is secured to side 46 of bag 44 as indicated at 56. If desired, the flexible member may be secured to side 46 at two points as in the form of invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5.

It will be apparent from consideration of FIG. 6 that the operation and use of the container illustrated therein is substantially the same as set out in the form of invention illustrated in FIGS. '1 to 6. In this form of the invention however, a more economical container is provided while at the same time retaining those features which are important in carrying out the objects of the invention, as set forth in the preferred form thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF FORM OF INVENTION ILLUSTRATED IN FIGS. 7 TO 10 In FIGS. 7 to 10, there is illustrated a modified form of the present invention wherein the container designated 58 is of substantially box-like construction, the

container including sides

60, 62, 64 and 66, a rear panel being indicated at 68. Container 58 is preferably constructed of a moisture-proof cardboard material. In accordance with this form of the invention, one end of the container is open as indicated at 70 through which the pet excreta is directed into the container.

The container further includes abbreviated

side flaps

72 and 74 extending from

sides

60 and 66 partially across opening 70 and an end panel 76 which is in hinged engagement with side 62 as illustrated in FIG. 9. A terminal angular flap is designated 78. A flexible member 80 is centrally secured to the outer surface of end panel 76 as indicated at 82.

In accordance with this form of the invention, side 64 is extended beyond the limits of the container as indicated at 84, a fold line 86 being located between the side and extension. An elongated rectangular member 88 is secured to extension 84 transversely of the end portion thereof, thereby providing ears 90 extending laterally beyond extension 84 on both sides thereof. If desired, extensions 84 and member 88 may be integrally formed. In association with container 58 there is provided a paddle 92 including a handle portion 94 and an enlarged base portion 96 for directing excreta into the container.

The container illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10 is preferably formed from a generally rectangular blank, the use of a blank facilitating storage and shipping. When desired, the container may be readily set up for use in a manner well known in the art.

OPERATION In use of the container illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 10, the container is set up for use by lifting panel 76 by upward movement of flexible member 80 (See FIG. 8), and then lowering extension 84 to the position shown in FIG. 9. The feet are placed on ears 90 to hold the container in place and the pet excreta is directed into the container by means of paddle 92 in the manner previously described in connection with the form of invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5.

The container is then rescaled by folding ears 90 inwardly over member 88 and then raising extension 84 to the position shown in FIG. 8. Panel 76 is then closed over extension 84 with end flap 78 engaged with the outer face of side 64. Flexible member 80 may then be wrapped around the container in engagement with the outer faces of

sides

62, 68 and 64, and end panel 76, following which it may be tied. This positively prevents accidental opening of the container and also affords a handycarrying means therefor.

The present invention affords simple, economic means for collecting pet excreta easily and effectively without soiling the person or the individual using the container, the container being disposable to obviate the need of cleaning the same after use.

While there has been herein described the presently preferred forms of this invention, it is to be understood that various changes may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A disposable pet excreta container including:

a. a receptacle of baglike construction open at one end and comprising like, opposed, upper and lower side members of flexible material and polygonal conformation,

b. gusset means interposed between opposed lateral edges of said upper and lower side members to permit opening of the baglike receptacle,

c. an elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to and coextensive with the free edge of said lower side member,

(I. said elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits of the lower side member to provide extensions for engagement by the feet of the user when the receptacle is placed on the ground, and

e. a flexible member connected to said upper side member adjacent the receptacle opening whereby, when the receptacle is positioned with the lower side in engagement with the ground and held in place by engagement of the feet on the elongated strap extensions, and an upward force is exerted on said flexible member, the receptacle is opened to admit excreta which is directed into the container,

f. said upper and lower side members being adapted to be rolled down from the open end to form folds and said strap extensions being adapted to be bent inwardly over the folds of the receptacle to seal the latter.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein:

a. said gusset means comprise trianuglar shaped panels connecting the lateral edges of said upper and lower side members, whereby said sides are joined at the closed end and spaced apart at the open end of the receptacle.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein:

a. said flexible member is secured to said upper side member intermediate the lateral edges thereof and adjacent the receptacle opening.

4. A disposable pet excreta container including:

a. a receptacle of baglike construction open at one end and comprising like, opposed upper and lower side members of flexible material and polygonal conformation,

c a first elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to, and extending along, the free edge of said lower side member,

d. said first elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits of the lower side member to provide first extensions for engagement by the feet of the user, when the receptacle is placed on the ground,

e. a second elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to, and extending along the free edge of, said upper side member,

f. said second elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits of the upper side member to provide second extensions, and

g. a flexible member,

h. the ends of said flexible member being secured to said second elongated strap near the lateral extremities of the receptacle whereby, when the receptacle is positioned with the lower side in engagement with the ground and held in place by engagement of the feet on said first extensions of said first elongated strap, and an upward force is exerted on said flexible member, the receptacle is opened to admit excreta which is directed into the container,

. said upper and lower side members being adapted to be rolled down from the open end of the receptacle to form folds, and said first and second extensions being adapted to be bent inwardly over the folds of the receptacle to seal the latter.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein:

a. said gusset means comprise triangular shaped panels connecting the lateral edges of said upper and lower side members, whereby said sides are joined at the closed end and spaced apart at the open end of the receptacle.

Claims

1. A disposable pet excreta container including: a. a receptacle of baglike construction open at one end and comprising like, opposed, upper and lower side members of flexible material and polygonal conformation, b. gusset means interposed between opposed lateral edges of said upper and lower side members to permit opening of the baglike receptacle, c. an elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to and coextensive with the free edge of said lower side member, d. said elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits of the lower side member to provide extenSions for engagement by the feet of the user when the receptacle is placed on the ground, and e. a flexible member connected to said upper side member adjacent the receptacle opening whereby, when the receptacle is positioned with the lower side in engagement with the ground and held in place by engagement of the feet on the elongated strap extensions, and an upward force is exerted on said flexible member, the receptacle is opened to admit excreta which is directed into the container, f. said upper and lower side members being adapted to be rolled down from the open end to form folds and said strap extensions being adapted to be bent inwardly over the folds of the receptacle to seal the latter.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein: a. said gusset means comprise trianuglar shaped panels connecting the lateral edges of said upper and lower side members, whereby said sides are joined at the closed end and spaced apart at the open end of the receptacle.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein: a. said flexible member is secured to said upper side member intermediate the lateral edges thereof and adjacent the receptacle opening.

4. A disposable pet excreta container including: a. a receptacle of baglike construction open at one end and comprising like, opposed upper and lower side members of flexible material and polygonal conformation, b. gusset means interposed between opposed lateral edges of said upper and lower side members to permit opening of the baglike receptacle, c. a first elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to, and extending along, the free edge of said lower side member, d. said first elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits of the lower side member to provide first extensions for engagement by the feet of the user, when the receptacle is placed on the ground, e. a second elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to, and extending along the free edge of, said upper side member, f. said second elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits of the upper side member to provide second extensions, and g. a flexible member, h. the ends of said flexible member being secured to said second elongated strap near the lateral extremities of the receptacle whereby, when the receptacle is positioned with the lower side in engagement with the ground and held in place by engagement of the feet on said first extensions of said first elongated strap, and an upward force is exerted on said flexible member, the receptacle is opened to admit excreta which is directed into the container, i. said upper and lower side members being adapted to be rolled down from the open end of the receptacle to form folds, and said first and second extensions being adapted to be bent inwardly over the folds of the receptacle to seal the latter.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein: a. said gusset means comprise triangular shaped panels connecting the lateral edges of said upper and lower side members, whereby said sides are joined at the closed end and spaced apart at the open end of the receptacle.