PET WASTE COLLECTION APPARATUS

Abstract

A pet waste collection apparatus has an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end. A trigger handle is coupled to the first end and a retractable handle is coupled to the second end. A gripping sleeve surrounds a portion of the elongated body wherein the elongated body is configured to slidably translate through the gripping sleeve. The pet waste collection apparatus further includes a cartridge grasping subsystem coupled to the gripping sleeve. The cartridge grasping subsystem is configured to position a cartridge below the retractable claw wherein the retractable claw is configured to puncture through the cartridge. The cartridge may include a bag liner which can surround the retractable claw under puncturing the cartridge.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/453,214, filed Mar. 20, 2023; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This disclosure relates to a pet waste collection apparatus, and more particularly to a pet waste collection apparatus having a retractable claw and removable cartridges.

Description of the Related Art

Collection of pet waste is a necessary aspect of being a pet owner. During walks outside, options for collecting pet waste are limited. Conventionally, a bag is opened and folded inside out wherein the pet owner grabs the pet waste with their own hand. The process can be unpleasant and sometimes difficult based on how easily the pet waste can be handled. Some alternative solutions have been introduced including use of a specialized vacuum. However, in practice these alternative solutions are bulky, costly, and ineffective.

There is a new for an apparatus that assists with collecting pet waste in a easy and efficient manner.

SUMMARY

A pet waste collection apparatus is disclosed. The pet waste collection apparatus comprises an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end. A trigger handle is coupled to the first end and a retractable handle is coupled to the second end. A gripping sleeve surrounds a portion of the elongated body wherein the elongated body is configured to slidably translate through the gripping sleeve. The pet waste collection apparatus further includes a cartridge grasping subsystem coupled to the gripping sleeve. The cartridge grasping subsystem is configured to position a cartridge below the retractable claw wherein the retractable claw is configured to puncture through the cartridge. The cartridge may include a bag liner which can surround the retractable claw under puncturing the cartridge.

A user places one hand on the trigger handle and another hand on the gripping sleeve. The trigger handle is pushed downwards causing the elongated body to slidably translate through the gripping sleeve. The retractable breaks through a top layer of the cartridge. Below the top layer is a first inner layer comprising the bag liner. The bag liner is configured to surround the retractable claw. As the retractable claw fully breaks through the cartridge, the bag liner continues to surround the retractable claw. Once the retractable claw is in position, the user can engage a trigger of the trigger handle which will cause the retractable claw to open. When the user releases the trigger, the retractable claw will return to a closed position by spring bias. The trigger handle is then pulled back upwards and the retractable claw with the pet waste is positioned again above the cartridge. The cartridge including the bag liner and pet waste can then be disposed and a new cartridge can be loaded into the waste collection apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pet waste collection apparatus in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an alternative perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a cartridge of the pet waste collection apparatus according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus in a collapsed state according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the pet waste collection apparatus according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus loading the cartridge according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows an alternative view of the pet waste collection apparatus loading the cartridge according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus collecting pet waste according to the first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a right-side view of a pet waste collection apparatus in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a left-side view of the pet waste collection apparatus according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus loading the cartridge according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows a magnified view of the pet waste collection apparatus loading the cartridge according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus collecting pet waste according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 14B shows an alternate view of the pet waste collection apparatus collecting pet waste according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus encapsulated within a cover according to the second illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus in an expanded state in accordance with a third illustrated embodiment; and

FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus in a collapsed state according to the third

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.

General Description of Embodiments

In one general embodiment, a pet waste collection apparatus is disclosed. The pet waste collection apparatus comprises an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end. A trigger handle is coupled to the first end and a retractable claw coupled to the second end. A gripping sleeve surrounds a portion of the elongated body, wherein the elongated body is configured to slidably translate through the gripping sleeve. The pet waste collection apparatus further comprises a cartridge grasping subsystem coupled to the gripping sleeve, the cartridge grasping subsystem configured to position a cartridge below the retractable claw. A replaceable cartridge is removably coupled to the cartridge grasping subsystem. The replaceable cartridge comprises an outer periphery surface.

In some embodiments, the retractable claw may be mechanically coupled to the trigger handle such the retractable claw is configurable into an open position by actuation of the trigger handle. The retractable claw may comprise a spring bias into a closed position.

In some embodiments, the replaceable cartridge may further comprise a bag liner contained therein. The bag liner may be configured to surround the retractable claw upon puncturing of the replaceable cartridge.

In some embodiments, the replaceable cartridge may further comprise a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may comprise a top layer, a bottom layer opposite the top layer, and a first inner layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the first inner layer comprises a bag liner. The top and bottom layers may be puncturable by the retractable claw. The top layer may be disposed between the retractable claw and the bottom layer. The replaceable cartridge may further comprise a second layer disposed between the first inner layer the bottom layer, wherein the second inner layer comprises an absorber.

In some embodiments, the retractable claw may be configured to be disposed between the gripping sleeve and the replaceable cartridge.

In some embodiments, the cartridge grasping subsystem may further comprise a first cartridge holder having a first clasp and a second cartridge holder having a second clasp, wherein the first and second clasps are configured to engage the outer periphery surface of the replaceable cartridge. The first cartridge holder may comprise a first fulcrum and the second cartridge holder may comprise a second fulcrum, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum each being coupled to the gripping sleeve. The first fulcrum and the second fulcrum may be disposed on an exterior of the gripping sleeve. In other embodiments, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum may be disposed on an interior of the gripping sleeve, wherein the gripping sleeve is configured to rotate about the elongated body to engage the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum. The first clasp and the second clasp may be configured into an open position upon engagement of the gripping sleeve with the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum. The first fulcrum and the second fulcrum may be disposed on opposite sides of the gripping sleeve. The first clasp and the second clasp may each comprise a simi-annular shape. The outer periphery surface may further comprise an indented middle section, wherein each of the first clasp and the second clasp are configured to engage with the indented middle section.

In some embodiments, the retractable claw may be configured to pierce through the replaceable cartridge.

In some embodiments, the elongated body may be configured into an expanded state and a collapsed state. The elongated body may further comprise a first body section and a second body section, wherein the first body section is hingedly coupled to the second body section. In other embodiments, the elongated body may further comprise a collapsible telescopic pole.

In some embodiments, the gripping sleeve may comprise a hollow interior such that the elongated body is configured to slidably translate through the hollow interior.

In another general embodiments, a pet waste collection apparatus is disclosed. The pet waste collection apparatus comprises an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end. A trigger handle is coupled to the first end and a retractable claw coupled to the second end. A gripping sleeve surrounds a portion of the elongated body, wherein the elongated body is configured to slidably translate through the gripping sleeve. A cartridge grasping subsystem is coupled to the gripping sleeve, the cartridge grasping subsystem being configured to position a cartridge below the retractable claw.

In some embodiments, the retractable claw is mechanically coupled to the trigger handle such the retractable claw is configurable into an open position by actuation of the trigger handle. The retractable claw may comprise a spring bias into a closed position.

In some embodiments, the retractable claw may be configured to be disposed between the gripping sleeve and the replaceable cartridge.

In some embodiments, the cartridge grasping subsystem may further comprise a first cartridge holder having a first clasp and a second cartridge holder having a second clasp, wherein the first and second clasps are configured to engage an outer periphery surface of the cartridge. The first cartridge holder may comprise a first fulcrum and the second cartridge holder comprise a second fulcrum, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum each being coupled to the gripping sleeve. The first fulcrum and the second fulcrum may be disposed on an exterior of the gripping sleeve. Alternatively, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum may be disposed on an interior of the gripping sleeve, and further wherein the gripping sleeve is configured to rotate about the elongated body to engage the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum. The first clasp and the second clasp are configured into an open position upon engagement of the gripping sleeve with the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum. The first fulcrum and the second fulcrum may be disposed on opposite sides of the gripping sleeve. The first clasp and the second clasp may each comprise a simi-annular shape.

In some embodiments, the retractable claw may be configured to pierce through the replaceable cartridge.

In some embodiments, the elongated body may be configurable into an expanded state and a collapsed state. The elongated body may further comprise a first body section and a second body section, wherein the first body section is hingedly coupled to the second body section. In other embodiments, the elongated body may further comprise a collapsible telescopic pole.

In some embodiments, the gripping sleeve may comprise a hollow interior such that the elongated body is configured to slidably translate through the hollow interior.

Each of the components of the waste collection apparatus and cartridge described herein may be manufactured and/or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art.

While various details, features, combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.

First Illustrated Embodiment

Now turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pet waste collection apparatus (100) in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment. The waste collection apparatus comprises a trigger handle (110) coupled to a first end (125) of an elongated body (120). The elongated body is configured to translate through a gripping sleeve (130). Coupled to a second end (126) of the elongated body is a retractable claw (140) wherein the retractable law is mechanically coupled to the trigger handle such that when the trigger handle is actuated the retractable claw is configured to open. Upon release of the trigger handle, a spring bias causes the retractable claw to close.

The waste collection apparatus (100) further comprises a cartridge (160) positioned below the retractable claw (140) by a cartridge grasping subsystem (150). The cartridge grasping subsystem includes a first cartridge holder (151) having a first clasp (154) and a second cartridge holder (155) having a second clasp (158). The first clasp and the second clasp engage with the cartridge to dispose the cartridge vertically below the retractable claw. The retractable claw is configured to pierce through the cartridge and subsequently collect pet waste.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus (100) according to the first illustrated embodiment. The waste collection device includes an elongated body (120) configurable in an expanded state (123) or a collapsed state. The elongated body includes a first body section (121) and a second body section (122) hingedly coupled to the first body section. The elongated body is configured to slidably translate through a gripping sleeve (130) having a hollow interior (131) contained therein. A retractable claw (140) is coupled to the elongated body and configured to slidably translate towards and away from the gripping sleeve.

A cartridge (160) is disposed vertically below the retractable claw (140) by a cartridge grasping subsystem (150). The cartridge grasping subsystem comprises a first cartridge holder (151) and a second cartridge holder (155). The first cartridge holder comprises a first fulcrum (152) near one end of the first cartridge holder and a first terminal end (153) disposed at another end of the first cartridge holder. The first fulcrum is coupled to the gripping sleeve (130). A first clasp (154) is coupled to the first terminal end wherein the first clasp is configured to assist in holding the cartridge. The second cartridge holder comprises a second fulcrum (156) near one end of the second cartridge holder and a second terminal end (157) disposed at another end of the second cartridge holder. The second fulcrum is coupled to the gripping sleeve at a side opposite the first fulcrum. A second clasp (158) is coupled to the second terminal end wherein the second clasp is configured to assist in holding the cartridge. As shown, each of the first clasp and the second clasp comprises a semi-annular shape for proper fit with the cartridge.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a cartridge (160) of the pet waste collection apparatus according to the first illustrated embodiment. The cartridge comprises a top layer (161), a bottom layer (162), and an outer periphery surface (163) extending there between. Contained within the cartridge is a first inner layer (165) and a second inner layer (167). The first inner layer is disposed between the top layer and the second inner layer. The first inner layer comprises a bag liner (166) configured to wrap around a retractable claw (140) when the retractable claw punches through the cartridge. The second inner layer is disposed between the first inner layer and the bottom layer. The second inner layer comprises an absorber (168). The absorber is configured to release first from the cartridge upon pressure applied by the retractable claw. The absorber can cover pet waste to help solidify the pet waste as well reduce smell with an odor neutralizer contained therein. The cartridge further comprises a pull tie (169). After waste has been collected by the retractable claw, the pull tie can be engaged to seal the bag liner for easy disposal.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show the pet waste collection apparatus (100) in a collapsed state (124) according to the first illustrated embodiment. The waste collection comprises an elongated (120) body having a first body section (121) and a second body section (122). The second body section is hingedly coupled to the first body section. The waste collection apparatus further comprises a gripping sleeve (130) configured to slidably receive the elongated body. A trigger handle (110) is coupled to the first body section wherein the trigger handle is configured to open and close a retractable claw (140) coupled to the second body section. While in the collapsed state, the trigger handle is disposed below the gripping sleeve to provide a compact form factor during transportation.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show loading a cartridge (160) into the pet waste collection apparatus (100) according to the first illustrated embodiment. The cartridge is loaded into the waste collection apparatus via a cartridge grasping subsystem (150). The cartridge grasping subsystem comprises a first cartridge holder (151) having a first fulcrum (152) and a first clasp (154), as well as a second cartridge holder (155) having a second fulcrum (156) and a second clasp (158). The first and second fulcrums each comprise a spring bias that causes the first clasp to gravitate towards the second clasp as well causing the second clasp to gravitate towards the first clasp. To load the cartridge, the first and second clasps are spread apart by a user pressing the first and second cartridge holders above the first and second fulcrums, respectively. Once the first and second clasps are opened sufficiently, the cartridge is then positioned below a retractable claw (140) such that an indented middle section (164) of the outer periphery surface (163) of the cartridge is aligned with the first clasp and second clasp. The first and second cartridge holders are then released and spring bias causes the first and second clasps to gravitate towards each other and around the cartridge to hold the cartridge in place.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus (100) collecting pet waste according to the first illustrated embodiment. A user places one hand on a trigger handle (110) and another hand on a gripping sleeve (130). The trigger handle is pushed downwards causing an elongated body (120) coupled therewith to slidably translate through the gripping sleeve. A retractable claw (140) coupled to an end of the elongated body opposite the trigger handle then breaks through a top layer (161) of a cartridge (160). Below the top layer is a first inner layer (165) comprising a bag liner (166). The bag liner is configured to surround the retractable claw. Below the top inner layer is a second inner layer (167) comprising an absorber (168). In some embodiments, the absorber may comprise cat litter or sand. As the retractable claw continues to translate through the cartridge, pressure on the second inner layer causes a bottom layer (162) of the cartridge to break. The absorber is then configured to fall onto the pet waste to add solidification and odor reduction. As the retractable claw breaks fully through the cartridge, the bag liner continues to surround the retractable claw. Once the retractable claw is in position, the user can engage a trigger of the trigger handle which will cause the retractable claw to open. When the user releases the trigger, the retractable claw will return to a closed position. The trigger handle is then pulled back upwards and the retractable claw, along with the pet waste, is positioned above the cartridge. The cartridge including the bag liner and pet waste can then be disposed and a new cartridge can be loaded into the waste collection apparatus.

Second Illustrated Embodiment

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show side views of a pet waste collection apparatus (200) in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment. The waste collection apparatus comprises a retractable claw (240) coupled to an elongated body (220). The elongated body is further coupled to a trigger handle (210). A gripping sleeve (230) is disposed between the trigger handle and retractable claw wherein the gripping sleeve allows the elongated body to slidably translate therethrough. The waste collection apparatus further comprises a cartridge grasping subsystem (250) having a first cartridge holder (251) and a second cartridge holder (255). The first and second cartridge holders are each coupled to the gripping sleeve. A first clasp (254) and a second clasp (258) of the cartridge grasping subsystem hold a cartridge (260) vertically below the retractable claw. The retractable claw comprises a plurality of pincers (242) wherein each of the plurality of pincers comprises a joint (243) mechanically coupled to the trigger handle. The elongated body, as shown, comprises a telescopic pole in a collapsed state (224).

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a cartridge (260) according to the second illustrated embodiment. The cartridge comprises a plurality of layers. Namely, the cartridge comprises a top layer (261) being disposed above a first inner layer (265), the first inner layer being disposed above a second inner layer (267), and the second inner layer being disposed above a bottom layer (262). The top layer and the bottom layer each comprises a material configured to easily break upon pressure from a retractable claw (240) such as cardboard. It will be appreciated by one having skill in the art that there are a myriad of materials and thicknesses that allows the top and bottom layers to break upon a pressure from the retractable claw. The first inner layer comprises a bag liner (266) configured to surround the retractable claw when the retractable claw passes through the cartridge. The second inner layer comprises an absorber (268) having an odor neutralizer. The absorber is configured to drop onto pet waste prior to the retractable claw collecting the pet waste so as to aid in solidifying the pet waste and reducing foul orders.

The cartridge (260) further comprises an outer periphery surface (263) extending from the top layer (261) towards the bottom layer (262). The outer periphery surface surrounds the first inner layer (265) and the second inner layer (267) within the cartridge. The top layer, the bottom layer, and the outer periphery surface can be characterized as a housing of the cartridge. The outer periphery surface further comprises an indented middle section (264). The indented middle section aids in a firm hold by the first and second clasps (251; 255) of the cartridge grasping subsystem (250). A pull tie (269) is disposed at the indented middle section and is used to scal a bag liner containing pet waste after the retractable claw (240) has been pull back through the cartridge and the bag liner is disposed above the pull tie.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show perspective views of the pet waste collection apparatus (200) loading the cartridge (260) according to the second illustrated embodiment. The waste collection apparatus comprises a first cartridge holder (251) and a second cartridge holder (255) each coupled to opposite sides of a gripping sleeve (230). The first cartridge holder comprises a first fulcrum (252) coupled to the gripping sleeve and a first clasp (254) coupled to a first terminal end (253) of the first cartridge holder. The second cartridge holder comprises a second fulcrum (256) coupled to the gripping sleeve and a second clasp (258) coupled to a second terminal end (257) of the second cartridge holder. A new cartridge is loaded into the waste collection apparatus by the user pressing above the first and second fulcrums, thereby causing the first and second clasps to separate. The cartridge is then placed below the retractable claw. The cartridge includes an indented middle section (264) for better engagement with the first and second clasps.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B show perspective views of the pet waste collection apparatus (200) collecting pet waste according to the second illustrated embodiment. The waste collection apparatus comprises a retractable claw (240) configured to break and translate through a cartridge (260) disposed below the retractable claw. A bag liner (266) contained within the cartridge is configured to surround the retractable claw during collection of pet waste. An absorber (268) contained with the cartridge is configured to initially cover the pet waste prior to collection. Once the retractable handle has passed through the cartridge and is positioned above the pet waste, a user can engage a trigger handle (not shown) to open the retractable claw. As shown, the retractable claw comprises a plurality of pincers (242) each having a joint (243) mechanically coupled with the trigger handle. The waste collection apparatus further comprises an elongated body (210) comprising a telescopic pole wherein the telescopic pole comprises a plurality of concentrically aligned pole segments.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus (200) encapsulated within a cover (270) according to the second illustrated embodiment. The cover is configured to wrap around the waste collection apparatus and provide a protective cover while not in use. A trigger handle (210) and a portion of an elongated body (220) are exposed while remaining portions of the waste collection apparatus are disposed within the cover.

Third Illustrated Embodiment

FIG. 16A-16B show the pet waste collection apparatus (300) in accordance with a third illustrated embodiment. The pet waste collection apparatus comprises an elongated body (320) extending from a first end (325) to a second end (326). A trigger handle (310) is coupled to the first end and a retractable claw (340) is coupled to the second end. A gripping sleeve (330) surrounds a portion of the elongated body wherein the elongated body is configured to slidably translate through the gripping sleeve. A cartridge grasping subsystem (350) is coupled to the gripping sleeve. The cartridge grasping subsystem is configured to position a cartridge below the retractable claw. The cartridge grasping subsystem comprises a first cartridge holder (351) and a second cartridge holder (355). The first cartridge holder comprises a first clasp (354) and a first fulcrum (not shown), the first fulcrum being disposed at an interior of the gripping sleeve. Similarly, the second cartridge holder comprises a second clasp (358) and a second fulcrum (not shown), the second fulcrum being disposed at the interior of the gripping sleeve. The gripping sleeve is configured to rotate about the elongated body to engage the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum. Upon the gripping sleeve engaging the first and second fulcrums, the first cartridge holder and the second cartridge holder are configurable into an open state where the first clasp and the second clasp spread apart. The elongated body is shown comprising telescopic poles (322) to change from an expanded state (323) to a collapsed state (324).

While various details, features, and combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.

FEATURE LIST

• • pet waste collection device (100; 200; 300)
  • trigger handle (110; 210; 310)
  • elongated body (120; 220; 320)
  • first body section (121)
  • second body section (122)
  • expanded state (123; 223; 323)
  • collapsed state (124; 224; 324)
  • first end (125; 225; 325)
  • second end (126; 226; 326)
  • gripping sleeve (130; 230; 330)
  • hollow interior (131; 231)
  • retractable claw (140; 240; 340)
  • plurality of expandable components (141; 241)
  • cartridge grasping subsystem (150; 250; 350)
  • first cartridge holder (151; 251; 351)
  • first fulcrum (152; 252)
  • first terminal end (153; 253)
  • first clasp (154; 254 354)
  • second cartridge holder (155; 255; 355)
  • second fulcrum (156; 256)
  • second terminal end (157; 257)
  • second clasp (158; 258; 358)
  • cartridge (160; 260)
  • top layer (161; 261)
  • bottom layer (162; 262)
  • outer periphery surface (163; 263)
  • indented middle section (164; 264)
  • first inner layer (165; 265)
  • bag liner (166; 266)
  • second inner layer (167; 267)
  • absorber (168; 268)
  • pull tie (169; 269)
  • telescopic pole (222; 322)
  • plurality of pincers (242)
  • joint (243)
  • cover (270)

Claims

1. A pet waste collection apparatus, comprising

an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end;

a trigger handle coupled to the first end;

a retractable claw coupled to the second end;

a gripping sleeve surrounding a portion of the elongated body, wherein the elongated body is configured to slidably translate through the gripping sleeve;

a cartridge grasping subsystem coupled to the gripping sleeve, the cartridge grasping subsystem configured to position a cartridge below the retractable claw; and

a replaceable cartridge having an outer periphery surface, wherein the replaceable cartridge is removably coupled to the cartridge grasping subsystem.

2. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 1, the replaceable cartridge further comprising a bag liner contained therein.

3. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bag liner is configured to surround the retractable claw upon puncturing of the replaceable cartridge.

4. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 1, the replaceable cartridge further comprising a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers further comprising a top layer, a bottom layer opposite the top layer, and a first inner layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the first inner layer comprises a bag liner.

5. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 4, wherein the top and bottom layers are puncturable by the retractable claw.

6. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retractable claw is configured to be disposed between the gripping sleeve and the replaceable cartridge.

7. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retractable claw is configured to pierce through the replaceable cartridge.

8. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated body is configurable into an expanded state and a collapsed state.

9. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 8, the elongated body further comprising a first body section and a second body section, wherein the first body section is hingedly coupled to the second body section.

10. A pet waste collection apparatus, comprising

an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end;

a trigger handle coupled to the first end;

a retractable claw coupled to the second end;

a gripping sleeve surrounding a portion of the elongated body, wherein the elongated body is configured to slidably translate through the gripping sleeve; and

a cartridge grasping subsystem coupled to the gripping sleeve, the cartridge grasping subsystem configured to position a cartridge below the retractable claw.

11. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the retractable claw is mechanically coupled to the trigger handle such the retractable claw is configurable into an open position by actuation of the trigger handle.

12. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the retractable claw is configured to be disposed between the gripping sleeve and the replaceable cartridge.

13. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 10, the cartridge grasping subsystem further comprising a first cartridge holder having a first clasp and a second cartridge holder having a second clasp, wherein the first and second clasps are configured to engage an outer periphery surface of the cartridge.

14. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first cartridge holder comprises a first fulcrum and the second cartridge holder comprises a second fulcrum, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum each coupled to the gripping sleeve.

15. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are disposed on an exterior of the gripping sleeve.

16. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are disposed on an interior of the gripping sleeve, and further wherein the gripping sleeve is configured to rotate about the elongated body to engage the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum.

17. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are disposed on opposite sides of the gripping sleeve.

18. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first clasp and the second clasp each comprise a simi-annular shape.

19. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the elongated body is configurable into an expanded state and a collapsed state.

20. The pet waste collection apparatus of claim 19, the elongated body further comprising a collapsible telescopic pole.