DR. THOMAS FISHBURNE JEMISON, N.D.
Dietitian and Nutritionist in Littleton, CO

2003008, May 8, 2003

Oct 18, 2002

10/273475

Thomas Jemison - Littleton CO, US

A01K029/00, E01H001/12

294/001400

A device and method for collecting and disposing of animal waste is disclosed. The device includes a handle having an elongated shape and a loop that is joined to the handle at an oblique angle. The loop has a base and sides that generally define a trapezoid having rounded comers. A bag is removably attached to the loop. The bag is flexible and has an open end and a closed end. Commonly received bags which may be used are newspaper bags and grocery bags, despite the great size variation therebetween. When installed the bag passes through an interior portion of the loop and is folded over an exterior portion of the loop so that an edge of the bag located adjacent its open end extends partway towards the closed end of the bag. The device includes a first clip that is attached to the handle for securing a smaller sized bag to the front of the pole. The device includes a second clip securing a gather of “excess bag” to the rear of the pole when using a larger size of plastic/poly bag. In embodiments, the device may further include a knife edge, straight or serrated, on the flexible band across the bottom, thus allowing a cutting or cleaving of pet waste from the surface on which it rests. In embodiments, the device may further include plastic prongs downwards to the flexible band, providing easier manufacture and greater flexibility. In embodiments, the device may further include a “size rating” based upon the sizes of bags commonly received in the area of sale. Such size rating may be based upon physical bag dimensions, source of the bag (a given newspaper or store) or other methods.