Multi-Purpose Utility Belt for Dog Waste Storage

Abstract

A pouch, including an attachment device for a belt or article of clothing, the pouch specifically designed for the collection of dog feces which includes a first pocket and second pocket, where the first pocket holds clean plastic bags and the second pocket, which in an initial state is folded in half, is then unfolded and opened in a subsequent final state, where it would receive a clean bag taken from the first pocket, this clean bag filled with feces and becoming used, where the used bag would be placed in the second unfolded pocket, where it would be secured until properly disposed of.

Description

INDEX TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Continuation-In-Part (CIP) application claims the benefit of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/186,760 Published Feb. 12, 2009, Publication No. 2009/0039129 A1, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/954,103 filed Aug. 6, 2007 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wherever one has a dog as a pet, dog owners leave their homes and take their dogs for walks. Apart from the pleasure and bonding between the owner and the dog that this entails, it also gives the canine an opportunity to defecate outdoors. Sometimes it is convenient to hire a professional dog walker when the owner may be working, traveling or otherwise indisposed. Often the professional dog walker will walk a plurality of dogs at the same time. Generally, the dog caretakers duties include, just as the dog's owner, the walking, feeding and cleaning up of the waste produced. The amount of waste which could be collected is proportional to the number of dogs being walked.

With the large amount of dogs in most communities, a problem of dog waste remaining in the parks, streets and public spaces developed. In response, it has become common for the municipalities to require the owner or caretaker to clean-up such solid waste left by the dogs in their charge. This is increasingly being enforced by local legal statutes or other means. Whether walked by the owner or by professional walker, regardless if the dog is being walked singly or in a group, the responsibility for cleaning the waste deposited on the ground by the canine lies with that individual. Such responsibility is not only placed on dog owners, but on the owner of any type of animal which uses the common spaces to defecate. By keeping the common spaces clean, diseases, unwelcome vermin and insects are minimized. Water supplies are kept cleaner and the air smells better.

In order to achieve such benefits a need exists to provide the dog's caretaker effective means to collect, store and appropriately dispose of the refuse produced by the dog. This device should be able to accommodate the waste from a single dog to the maximum number of dogs being walked at one time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a pet utility belt that comprises one or more belt mounted clips for holding a dog leash, a novel pouch holder for dispensing plastic bags with a central cavity for carrying plastic bags with dog waste. The pouch itself may be washable and may have sidewalls of varying thickness. The plastic bags may have twist ties or the like associated with them so that the plastic bags may be sealed with the dog waste securely within. While walking the dog, when the dog defecates, the user reaches into the pouch for a clean plastic bag, then places the waste into the bag by using the bag as a ‘glove’ or by using a dedicated tool (perhaps a large spoon, stick or the like). Once in the bag, the bag could be tied off or a twist tie or the like could be used to seal the ‘dirty’ bag. This waste filled bag would then be placed in the second larger pouch which has a hook and loop fastener to seal the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the belt including the various articles and implements to be associated therewith.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the belt of the present invention in use.

FIG. 3A is a close-up view of a handle portion with attached roll of bags.

FIG. 3B is a close-up view of the handle portion, pouch, and a connector.

FIG. 3C is a close-up view of plastic bags rolled up and the apparatus connecting bags to the belt.

FIG. 3D is a close-up view of the unrolled, open, and expanded pouch.

FIG. 3E is a close-up view of the unrolled, filled, and sealed pouch.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pouch in its unrolled orientation.

FIG. 5A is a side view of an unrolled pouch in a cut away view and rolled plastic bags.

FIG. 5B is perspective view of the pouch in its rolled up orientation.

FIG. 6 is a side cut away view of a filled plastic waste storage bag placed within the main cavity of the article.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a second embodiment of the waste storage pouch with the clean bag dispensing pouch attached thereto.

FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the waste storage pouch with the clean bag dispensing pouch attached thereto.

FIG. 9 is a side view of still another embodiment of the waste storage pouch with a differently configured clean bag dispensing pouch attached thereto.

FIG. 10A is a cut-away view of the pouch in folded configuration, showing a roll of empty bags in the empty bag dispensing pouch and the waste storage pouch folded in half and affixed proximal the top of the pouch.

FIG. 10B is a cut-away view of the pouch in the unfolded configuration, showing the roll of empty bags in the empty bag dispensing pouch and the waste storage pouch ready to receive a bag(s) of waste within.

FIG. 11 shows another alternative embodiment with the loop and carabineer mounted on the opposite side of cavity 60A on gusset 75A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The belt 10 is a classic belt with a fastening buckle 39, designed to go around a person's waist. In the embodiment depicted, belt 10 has two side mounted clips 11 and 12. Preferably, clips 11 and 12 are carabiner clips. Clips 11 and 12 are constructed and arranged for attaching dog leashes. Attached to clip 12 is ring 13 that receives wrist strap 14 of leash 15. Within wrist strap 14 is clip 16 that holds loop 17 of pouch 18. Plastic bag roll 19 is comprised of a plurality of bags which can be removed one at a time along a tear line. Pouch 18 is configured to hold roll 19. Pouch 18 has an opening whereby the user may remove individual bags from roll 19 as needed. It has been considered that individual bags may be stored prior to use as opposed to a roll of bags which are attached to each other by a scored tear line.

Belt 10 includes pouch 37 (pouch 37 and pouch 18 are similar, with 18 depicting the pouch in the rolled up configuration and 37 depicting the unrolled pouch whereby the cavity 48 may receive a filled dog waste plastic bag). Pouch 37 has a loop 51 that is attached with clip 36 at loop 42 to the handle portion 34 of a retractable leash 35. Handle 34 is connected by loop 33 to clip 11 on belt 10. Bag 37 has an opening 38 and drawstring 40 with drawstring closure rim 41 about the perimeter of opening 38 on bag 37.

The closing may be any suitable means, and may include but is not necessarily limited to a zipper, a drawstring, hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®, a snap, and the like.

Belt 10 includes additional holders for a user to carry a wallet, keys, drink bottle, flashlight, leatherman, swiss army knife, plastic or metal bag ties or other desired items.

Belt 10 has pouch 20 that has an interior portion for carrying wallet or other items. Holder 20 has incorporated loop 21 that attaches within key ring 22 and transports keys 23. Belt 10 has a first plurality of carabiner clip socket 24 and second plurality carabiner socket 29. Clip 25 holds intermediate ring 26 which is attached to ring 27 that holds flashlight 28.

Belt 10 also has fixed clip 30 that supports bottle holder 31 which is designed for transporting bottle 32. Bottle 32 may be, a bottled beverage of varying size. Bag 37 has loop 42 for receiving clip 36.

The belt allows a dog walker, with at least one dog, the ability to physically control or restrain each of the dogs, while allowing the walkers hands to free, as shown in FIG. 2. This is accomplished because the user does not need to grasp the leash of any of the dogs due to the mounting configuration on the belt. The user may at their discretion, grasp the leash, or any portion thereof, as needed or desired.

Bag 37 is an article constructed and arranged in such a manner to permit the cleaning up the defecate of one's dog. Bag 37 may be rolled up and secured into a rolled position by any appropriate means, including, but not limited to hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® straps, snaps, buttons, tying means and the like. When bag 37 is in the rolled up position, a dispensing roll of plastic waste bags 19 may still be accessed. A single bag may be dispensed, subsequently filled with dog waste, and closed. When bag 37 is released from the rolled up position, its opening 38 is accessible and the waste bag may be placed within bag 37.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, bag 37 has a first pouch 49 with an inner cavity 47 for holding a roll of plastic bags 19. Bag 37 has a second inner cavity 48 for holding a waste filled bag 52 that is accessed through opening 38. Bag 18 or bag 37 may comprise the same material or different materials. Each of bag 18 and bag 37 may be formed of any material which possesses the appropriate tensile strength, flexibility, durability, density, resistance to temperature and can withstand expected environmental exposure. It is desirable that the bag be able to be washed and maintain its shape, form and intended use after washing.

When the dog defecates, the user takes a single plastic bag from the roll of plastic bags 19. The waste is then placed in the bag. The bag is then appropriately sealed. The user then opens storage bag 37 at opening 38 that exposes inner cavity 48. The single plastic bag containing waste product is then placed inside cavity 48 and opening 38 is then closed.

Storage bag 37 may further incorporate suitable deodorizers such that any smell from the transportation of bagged dog waste may be reduced or eliminated. In a preferred embodiment, deodorizers are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. In one embodiment, deodorizer may be independently placed in cavity 48. In an alternative embodiment, deodorizer material may be incorporated into the fabric comprising bag 37.

FIGS. 7-12 are directed to a second embodiment of the pouch 50 which is the combination of a cavity 55 for dispensing clean unused bags and a cavity 60 for placing bags which have been filled with waste. The cavity 55 and cavity 60 may be referred to as a first pocket 56 and a second pocket 61. It will be shown that cavity 60 may be folded in half and affixed to a top portion of the pouch 50 by hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clips, clasps or any appropriate fastening device which would hold the cavity 60 in a closed position.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 7 we are shown clip 65 which is styled as a caribiner. Clip 65 would fit on a loop of material located on the belt 10 shown in FIG. 1. The belt of FIG. 1 is substantially the same with the exception of the configuration of the second embodiment of the pouch 50. Although clip 65 is shown as a caribiner, any clip or mechanical fastener which can securely interfit in the loop of material on belt 10 may be utilized. An attachment means 70, preferably a loop of fabric or the like secures the clip 65 to the pouch 50. The top of the pouch 50 includes a gusset 75 which surrounds the top of cavity 60. The gusset 75 improves structural strength about the opening of cavity 60. In further figures it will be clearly shown how the gusset 75 includes means to secure firmly the opening of cavity 60. Below the gusset 75 on this front side is an opening 80 which when pulled open by the user gives access to clean unused bags or the like which are stored in cavity 55. In further figures it will be clearly shown how the opening 80 is secured to an interior element by preferably hook and loop fasteners. This permits the user easy access to cavity 55 by merely pulling on opening 80. Element 85 designates stitching which secures a length of loop fasteners 165 to the opposite side of the bottom portion of the cavity 60. A pull-tab 95 is attached to the bottom center of the cavity 60. In FIG. 7, cavity 60 is shown in its unfolded position. It will be seen in later figures the relationship between the pull-tab 95 and cavity 60 being in a first folded position and a second unfolded position.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9, 10A and 10B, another embodiment of the instant invention is shown from a side view. Carabiner 65 is shown attached therethough loop 70 which in turn is affixed to the gusset 75 which encircles the top portion of cavity 60. Cavity 60 is the large cavity which is designed to receive the bags full of dog waste to be carried back and appropriately disposed of. Cavity 55 includes a roll of clean plastic trash bags 125 or one or more clean plastic trash bags, which can be removed, and then filled, and then placed in the adjacent cavity 60. The outer face of cavity 55 can also be designed to receive a logo, advertisement or the like thereon (not shown). On the rear side of the cavity 60 just below the gusset 75 is a row of hook and loop fasteners 160. At the bottom rear side of the cavity 60 is a second row of hook and loop fasteners 165. Tab 95 is located is located at the bottom terminus of cavity 60 proximal to hook and loop fasteners 165. As will be shown in later figures, hook and loop fasteners 165 and hook and loop fasteners 160 are designed to be interconnected thus folding cavity 60 in half. Once cavity 60 is folded in half it would be disposed in a generally upward fashion adjacent the gusset 75.

Referring now to FIG. 11, still another embodiment of the instant invention is shown from a perspective view. Carabiner 65A is shown attached therethough loop 70A which in turn is affixed to the gusset 75A which encircles the top portion of cavity 60A. Cavity 60A is the large cavity which is designed to receive the bags full of dog waste to be carried back and appropriately disposed of. Cavity 55A shown in closed position can include a roll of clean plastic trash bags or one or more clean plastic trash bags, which can be removed, and then filled, and then placed in the adjacent cavity 60A. The outer face 57A of cavity 55A is also designed to receive a logo, advertisement or the like thereon (not shown). It can be seen that the cavities tt are of different geometrical configurations which differentiates the embodiments from one another. At the bottom rear side of the cavity 60A is a second row of hook and loop fasteners 105A. Tab 95A is located is located at the bottom terminus of cavity 60A proximal to hook and loop fasteners 105A. As will be shown in later figures, hook and loop fasteners 100A and hook and loop fasteners 105A are designed to be interconnected thus folding cavity 60A in half. Once cavity 60A is folded in half would be disposed in a generally upward fashion adjacent the gusset 75A.

Referring now to FIG. 10A a cut away view of the pouch 50 which is designed to be affixed to a loop (element 24, FIG. 1) on a belt (element 10, FIG. 1) of a person walking at least one dog. Practically, said pouch 50 may be affixed to any of a variety of items, by use of the carabiner clip 65. Such items include, but are not limited to, a belt loop on a pair of jeans or pants, a strap of a purse, a pocket of a pair of pants, any of a variety of places on a backpack, basically anything that a carabiner 65 may be attached to. Most practically, said pouch 50 could be affixed to an article of clothing or an article or device worn by a person, such clothing or device being worn whilst the person is walking the dog.

FIG. 10A shows the cavity 60 is in a folded position. The fold 115 is approximately level with the bottom portion 120 of cavity 55. The pouch 50 in the folded position may be considered an initial condition, prior to walking the dog and specifically prior to the placement of a bag full of waste being placed in cavity 60. In cavity 55 a roll of clean plastic bags 125 is shown retained therein. These are of the type where individual bags are separated by serrated cuts permitting a single bag at a time to be removed from the roll. Alternatively, plastic bags which have been previously been used, for instance for retaining a newspaper, a plastic grocery bag, zip-lock or sandwich bags now being re-cycled may be placed in cavity 55. These recycled bags would have the same utility as the rolled bags 125 as shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10b. Access to the plastic bags 125 is granted by opening flap 80. Flap 80 is secured by hook and loop fasteners 82. Cavity 55 is secured to gusset 75 by stitching or the like (not shown). The loop 70 is secured to the gusset 75 on the side of the cavity 55 by stitching of the like (not shown). The inner side of the loop 70 has a piece of hook and loop fastener 140 attached thereto. Directly across from hook and loop fastener 140 affixed to the interior of the gusset 75 is a second piece of hook and loop fastener 145. Opposite and lower than hook and loop fastener 145 is hook and loop fastener 160 which is oriented outwardly in the direction of Arrow A. Directly across from hook and loop fastener 160 is hook and loop fastener 165.

Hook and loop fastener 160 is disposed on the upper portion 180 of cavity 60 and hook and loop fastener 165 is disposed on the bottom portion 190 of cavity 60. The upper portion 180, middle portion 115 and bottom portion 190 of cavity 60 is best shown in FIG. 10B. Pull tab 95 pulls apart hook and loop fasteners 160 from hook and loop fasteners 165 By continuing to pull down on pull tab 95 cavity 60 is unfolded at a point near fold line 115 proximal the middle portion 185 of cavity 60. By this action cavity 60 is opened. At this point cavity 60 is ready to receive bags of dog waste (not shown). If the pouch 50 in the folded position (FIG. 10A) may be considered to be in an initial condition, the pouch 50 in the unfolded position may be considered to be in a final or open position. The capacity of cavity 60 is directly proportional to the overall dimensions of the pouch. If one has a small dog a generally smaller pouch 50 should be sufficient. If one is walking a plurality of dogs or walking a large dog a pouch 50 of larger dimensions would be desirable.

While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A foldable double pocketed pouch for the collection of animal dung comprising:

a first pocket, said first pocket including a first opening for receiving a plastic disposal bag therein,

a second pocket, said second pocket comprising an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion,

said first pocket attached to said second pocket proximal said upper portion, said second pocket upper portion further having an opening, said opening including releaseable securing means whereby;

a user removes the plastic disposal bag from said first pocket, and additionally places the animal dung within the plastic disposal bag, and further deposits the plastic disposal bag with dung through said opening of said second pocket and into said second pocket wherein said releaseable securing means is secured thus capturing the plastic disposal bag with dung within said second pocket for eventual disposal.

2. A foldable double pocketed pouch for the collection of animal dung comprising:

a first pocket, said first pocket including a first opening for receiving a plastic disposal bag therein,

a folded second pocket, said second pocket comprising an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion, said folded second pocket folded about said middle portion, said second pocket upper portion releasably connected to said second pocket lower portion by a first connection means,

a tab, said tab affixed to said second pocket lower portion and

said first pocket attached to said second pocket proximal said upper portion, said second pocket upper portion further having an opening, said opening having a first side and a second side, said first side and said second side releasably connected by a second connection means.

3. A foldable double pocketed pouch for the collection of animal dung as claimed in claim 2 wherein a user removes the plastic disposal bag from said first pocket, and additionally places the animal dung within the plastic disposal bag.

4. A foldable double pocketed pouch for the collection of animal dung as claimed in claim 3 wherein the user pulls on said tab releasing said first connection means and causing said second pocket to unfold.

5. A foldable double pocketed pouch for the collection of animal dung as claimed in claim 4 wherein the user pulls apart said second connection means causing said first side of said opening and said second side of said opening to part.

6. A foldable double pocketed pouch for the collection of animal dung as claimed in claim 5 whereby the user deposits the plastic disposal bag with dung through said opening of said second pocket and into said second pocket.

7. A foldable double pocketed pouch for the collection of animal dung as claimed in claim 6 whereby the user pushes together said second connection means causing said opening to close thus capturing the plastic disposal bag with dung within said second pocket for eventual disposal.

8. A foldable double pocketed pouch for the collection of animal dung as claimed in claim 7 wherein said first connection means and said second connection means are hook and loop fasteners.

9. A foldable double pocketed pouch for the collection of animal dung as claimed in claim 8 wherein a loop is attached centrally on said second pocket upper portion, said loop engaged by a fastening means whereby said fastening means attaches said foldable double pocketed pouch to an attachable article selected from the group consisting of belt loop on a pair of pants, a purse strap, a loop on a backpack, a pocket of a jacket, and a belt.