Pet Waste Disposal Apparatus

Abstract

According to one embodiment a pet waste disposal apparatus is formed by panels of flexible material to define a primary pouch to receive waste and a secondary pouch for a roll of pet waste bags. A cover panel encloses both pouches when closed while a dispensing aperture of the secondary pouch remains accessible for dispensing individual waste bags from the roll even when the cover panel is closed. In a second embodiment of the apparatus a container defines a first receptacle for storing waste. A flexible sheet partially surrounds the receptacle to define a pocket area receiving the roll of pet waste bags therein. A dispensing aperture in the flexible sheet again permits individual waste bags to be dispensed while the receptacle remains closed.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/484,494, filed May 10, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus arranged to be readily carried by a pet owner and which includes a dispensing area for dispensing pet waste disposal bags therefrom as well as a container area for receiving and storing used pet waste disposal bags therein.

BACKGROUND

[0003] As described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0263087 by Livingston, III, many people have pets and dogs are very common pets. Many dog owners and their family and friends enjoy taking their dogs for a walk. Unfortunately, sooner or later, the dog will leave dog droppings on the ground. Dog droppings are also referred to as pet waste. Both common courtesy and many laws require that pet waste be promptly removed from public and private property. One long-standing method for removing pet waste requires the dog walker to carry one or more bags within his or her pocket. When the dog leaves droppings the person uses one of the bags to pick up the droppings. The filled bag is then carried until an appropriate disposal container, such as a garbage can, is found. The filled bag is then placed within the disposal container. This method requires the person to remember to retrieve a bag before the pet walk and also to search for and find a bag. Many people find it unappealing to carry a filled bag in their hands, in their pockets, in any other part of their clothing or within their personal accessories, such as purses. To address these problems, United States Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0263087 by Livingston, III proposes a pet waste disposal device comprised of a waste bag dispenser integrally supported with a carrying receptacle for carrying used waste bags. The device is intended to be strapped onto the hip of a user, or alternatively worn on the shoulder, the belt loop, on the leash or on a bike or stroller, to provide for easy access to the waste bags and the receptacle for depositing filled waste bags; however, the receptacle remains open at the top side thereof such that a used waste bag remains clearly visible in the receptacle and odours from the used waste bag are not contained which is unpleasant for the pet owner.

[0004] Various examples of pouches formed of flexible material are also known for being carried on a pet or on a user with suitable straps for the purposes of either dispense pet waste bags or storing used waste bags until the used waste bags can be properly disposed of. Examples of flexible pouches are described in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,616 by Knudson; 6,257,473 by Ringelstetter; 6,601,706 by McManus et al; 7,073,462 by Layman; 6,991,373 by Carr et al; 7,367,286 by Beaupre; and D453,067 by Cody. Prior art devices do not provide for ease of use with one hand in a common apparatus which both: i) allows ready dispensing of waste bags without opening any compartments; and ii) provides access to a used waste bag storage compartment accessible with a single user hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a pet waste disposal apparatus for use with a roll of pet waste bags, the apparatus comprising:

[0006] a front panel and a rear panel of flexible material coupled to one another along respective bottom edges and along opposing side edges of the front and rear panels so as to define a primary pouch between the front and rear panels which is accessible through a primary pouch opening between respective top edges of the front panel and rear panel;

[0007] a pocket panel of flexible material joined to the front panel along a bottom edge and along two opposing side edges of the pocket panel so as to define a secondary pouch between the pocket panel and the front panel which is accessible through a secondary pouch opening between a top edge of the pocket panel and the front panel, the secondary pouch and secondary pouch opening being suitably sized to receive the roll of pet waste bags in the secondary pouch through the secondary pouch opening;

[0008] a dispensing aperture formed in the pocket panel at a location spaced below the top edge of the pocket panel, the dispensing aperture being suitable sized so as to be arranged to dispense an individual waste bag from the roll of waste bags therethrough while retaining a remainder of the roll of waste bags in the secondary pouch;

[0009] a cover panel joined along a first edge to the rear panel adjacent the top edge of the rear panel and spanning outwardly to a second edge opposite the first edge, the cover panel being flexible between a closed position spanning generally downwardly from the first edge adjacent the top edge of the rear panel to the second edge below the top edge of the pocket panel so as to span across both the primary pouch opening and the secondary pouch opening and an open position in which both the primary pouch opening and the secondary pouch opening are substantially unobstructed by the cover panel; and

[0010] a cover closure comprising a first portion supported on the pocket panel above the dispensing aperture and a second portion supported on the cover panel so as to be arranged for mating connection with the first portion in a latched position of the closure and the cover panel being in the closed position;

[0011] the cover panel having a prescribed length between the first edge and the second edge such that the second edge is located above the dispensing aperture in the closed position of the cover panel with the closure in the latched position.

[0012] This product allows the dog walker to use only one hand to open the waste carrier. This allows the user to maintain control of their leashed dog with their other hand while placing the bagged dog waste in the carrier. Over 72 million American households own dogs and 60% of those owners clean up after their dogs. This sanitary carrier eliminates the unpleasant experience of carrying dog waste out in the open in a plastic bag for everyone to see and smell. Owner's can now discretely store the waste until they find an appropriate garbage container.

[0013] Preferably there is also provided a primary pouch closure independent of the cover closure in which the primary pouch closure comprises a first portion supported on the rear panel adjacent the top edge of the rear panel and a second portion supported on the front panel adjacent the top edge of the front panel so as to be arranged for mating connection with the first portion in a closed position of the primary pouch.

[0014] Preferably the first and second portions of the primary pouch closure span a full width of the primary pouch opening between the opposing side edges of the front and rear panels.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the first and second portions of the primary pouch closure comprise magnetic members arranged to be magnetically attracted to one another.

[0016] The prescribed length of the cover panel between the first and second edges is preferably less than a height of the front panel between the top and bottom edges thereof.

[0017] There may also be provided an auxiliary panel joined to the rear panel along a bottom edge and along two opposing sides edges of the auxiliary panel so as to define an auxiliary pouch between the auxiliary panel and the rear panel which is accessible through an auxiliary pouch opening between a top edge of the auxiliary panel and the rear panel. The opening of the auxiliary pouch typically remains substantially unobstructed by the cover panel in the closed position of the cover panel.

[0018] The apparatus may also include a strap assembly arranged to be assembled in two different configurations corresponding to different lengths. In this instance the strap assembly preferably comprises:

[0019] i) a pair of strap members coupled at respective first ends at spaced apart positions adjacent the top edge of the rear panel to extend outwardly towards respective second ends;

[0020] ii) a primary male connector supported on the second end of one of the strap members;

[0021] iii) a primary female connector supported on the second end of the other one of the strap members and arranged for mating connection with the primary male connector in a first strap configuration in which the strap members are directly connected in series with one another to form a first closed loop having a first prescribed circumference; and

[0022] iv) an auxiliary strap spanning between a second male connector and a second female connector at opposing ends thereof, the second male connector being arranged to mate with the first female connector and the second female connector being arranged to mate the first male connector in a second strap configuration in which the auxiliary strap is connected in series between the strap members to form a second closed loop having a second prescribed circumference which is greater than the first prescribed circumference.

[0023] Preferably at least the front panel and the rear panel comprise a plastic coated woven fabric material, for example oilcloth or other similar material which is soil resistant and substantially waterproof.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a pet waste disposal apparatus for use with a roll of pet waste bags, the apparatus comprising:

[0025] a container including a receptacle portion having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly about a full periphery of the bottom wall to an upper edge surrounding an upper opening in the receptacle and a lid arranged to be supported on the receptacle portion for movement between a closed position spanning the upper opening of the receptacle to fully enclose an interior of the receptacle portion and an open position in which the upper opening is substantially unobstructed by the lid; and

[0026] a bag dispenser comprising a sheet of flexible material which is arranged to at least partially surround the receptacle portion of the container so as to define a pocket area arranged to receive the roll of pet waste bags therein;

[0027] the sheet of flexible material including a dispensing aperture formed therein in communication with the pocket area so as to be arranged to dispense waste bags from the roll of waste bags therethrough.

[0028] The flexible material forming the pocket area can be formed of an elastic synthetic rubber material, for example neoprene, such that the pocket area can be stretched to receive the roll of waste bags therein. The tension resulting from the stretching together with the gripping surface of the synthetic rubber material adequately grips the roll of waste bags to permit individual bags to be readily separated from the roll without unrolling more bags than desired from the roll.

[0029] The flexible material defining the pocket area may comprise a stretchable, elastic material, and a material which has gripping properties and a high coefficient of friction, for example a synthetic rubber.

[0030] The apparatus may further include a sleeve member formed of flexible material which is arranged to receive the receptacle portion of the container therein in which the sheet of flexible material defining the pocket area is supported on the sleeve member.

[0031] A strap member is preferably secured to the sleeve member such that the sleeve member and the container received therein are arranged to be suspended from the strap member.

[0032] The sheet of flexible material defining the pocket area is preferably secured to the sleeve member along two side edges and along a bottom edge such that the pocket area is defined between the sheet of flexible material and a portion of the sleeve member and such that a top edge of the pocket area defines an opening arranged to receive the roll of pet waste bags therethrough.

[0033] The flexible material of the sleeve may comprise a stretchable, elastic material arranged to be supported about the container under tension.

[0034] When the receptacle portion and the lid of the container are elongate in a first lateral direction, preferably there is provided a hinge connecting the lid to one of the side walls of the container so as to be arranged for relative pivotal movement between the open and closed positions about a hinge axis oriented in the first lateral direction.

[0035] The receptacle portion may include an annular seat portion about the upper opening within which the lid is arranged to be seated in the closed position. In this instance, the lid preferably includes an upper portion overlapping an upwardly facing portion of the annular seat portion in the closed position and a lower portion of reduced diameter which is arranged to extend downwardly below the upwardly facing portion. Preferably one of the annular seat portion and the lower portion supports an annular sealing member of resilient material thereon such that the sealing member is arranged for sealing engagement between the lower portion of the lid and the annular seat portion in the closed position of the lid.

[0036] When the receptacle portion and the lid of the container are elongate in a first lateral direction between opposing ends of the container, the apparatus may further comprise a strap member supported at opposing ends adjacent to the opposing ends of the container respectively such that the container is arranged to be suspended from the strap member.

[0037] The strap member may alternatively be supported adjacent to lid of the container at a central location between the opposing ends such that the container is arranged to be suspended from the strap member.

[0038] Some embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pet waste disposal apparatus according to a first embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 2 is a front view of the pet waste disposal apparatus according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 3 is a top view of the pet waste disposal apparatus according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0042] FIG. 4 is a side view of the pet waste disposal apparatus according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0043] FIG. 5 is a front view of the container of the pet waste disposal apparatus according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1, shown separated from the sleeve member;

[0044] FIG. 6 is a top view of the container according to FIG. 5;

[0045] FIG. 7 is a side view of the container according to FIG. 5;

[0046] FIG. 8 is a sectional view along the line 8-8 of FIG. 3 of the pet waste disposal apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the dispensing aperture of the pet waste bag dispenser of the pet waste disposal apparatus according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the dispensing aperture according to

[0049] FIG. 9;

[0050] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the pet waste disposal apparatus;

[0051] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the pet waste disposal apparatus according to the second embodiment of FIG. 11; and

[0052] FIG. 13 is a sectional view along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12 of the pet waste disposal apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0053] In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Referring to the accompanying figures, there is illustrated a pet waste disposal apparatus generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 is particularly suited for use by pet owners to allow dispensing of pet waste bags 12 therefrom for collecting pet waste and to provide storage for used bags.

[0055] The pet waste bags are commercially available in a connected series of bags which are only partially separated from one another by perforations and then rolled up into a roll from which the bags can individually dispensed by unrolling and tearing each bag from the remainder of the roll.

[0056] Referring to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 10, the apparatus 10 generally comprises a rigid container 14 which defines the storage area for containing the used bags therein. The container comprises a receptacle portion which is generally oval in top view such that the bottom wall 16 of the receptacle portion is generally elongate in a first lateral direction. The receptacle portion further comprises side walls 18 which are integrally joined with the bottom wall about the full perimeter edge thereof such that the side walls extend upwardly from the bottom wall in equal height to terminate at a top edge surrounding an oval upper opening 20. The side walls are joined to one another and to the bottom wall by smooth and curved transition areas to ensure that the receptacle is easy to clean. The side walls and bottom wall are formed of stainless steel or any other suitable rigid smooth material.

[0057] A lid assembly is provided for enclosing the upper opening in the receptacle portion. The lid assembly includes an annular seat portion 22 which is mounted onto the top edge of the side walls and a lid member 24 which is hinged to the annular seat portion for pivotal movement relative to the seat portion and receptacle portion between a closed position in which the lid member spans the upper opening to fully enclose the interior of the receptacle portion and an open position in which the upper opening is substantially unobstructed by the lid member. The lid member is hinged about a hinge axis which extends in the first lateral direction that the receptacle portion and lid member are elongate in.

[0058] The annular seat portion 22 generally comprises a collar which fits overtop of the top edge of the side walls of the receptacle portion. The seat portion includes an annular side wall defining a generally cylindrical inner wall which extends downwardly into the receptacle portion. The side wall 26 is joined to an upper horizontal surface 28 which overlaps the top edge of the side walls.

[0059] The lid member includes an upper portion 30, including a perimeter edge which overlaps the upper horizontal surface 28 of the annular seat portion so as to similarly overlap the top edge of the side walls 18 therebelow. The lid member further comprises a lower portion 32 of reduced outer diameter relative to the upper portion such that the lower portion is suited for extending downwardly into and sitting inside of the annular side wall of the annular seat portion.

[0060] A suitable sealing member 34 such as an O-ring or other annular seal of resilient material is seated within a respective groove in the side wall 26 of the annular seat portion such that the sealing member 34 is compressed between the lower portion 32 of the lid member and the side wall portion of the annular seat about the full perimeter of the upper opening in the receptacle portion in the closed position of the lid member. The lid member is thus frictionally retained in the closed position by the sealing member which provides sealing engagement between the lid member and the annular seat portion which is in turn sealed onto the top edge of the side walls of the receptacle portion.

[0061] The hinge 36 of the lid assembly is located on one of the long sides of the side walls of the receptacle portion so as to be centrally located between ends of the receptacle which are opposite with one another in the first lateral direction that the container is elongate in. Diametrically opposite from the hinge, there is provided a protrusion 38 extending radially outward from the upper portion of the lid member so as to define a suitable flange for gripping with the thumb or fingers of the user to assist in unseating the lid member from the annular seat portion to displace the lid from the closed position to the open position. A recess 40 is formed in the upper surface of the annular seat portion in alignment with the protrusion 38 on the lid member to provide sufficient access for the finger of a user to be received under the protrusion 38 when the lid member remains in the closed position.

[0062] The apparatus 10 further comprises a support structure for carrying the container such that the container is readily portable with a pet owner. The support structure generally comprises a sleeve member 42 formed of flexible resilient material of suitable size to fully surround the side wall 18 of the receptacle portion. The sleeve 42 is integrally formed with a bottom wall 44 of the support structure such that the sleeve 42 and bottom wall 44 are integrally and seamlessly formed with one another to define a receptacle which receives the receptacle portion of the container therein.

[0063] An upper edge of the sleeve 42 is recessed downwardly in relation to the upper edge of the side wall in proximity to the protrusion 38 which is diametrically opposite the hinge 36 to provide an area of access between the material of the sleeve 42 and the side wall of the receptacle portion of the container to define an auxiliary storage pocket area therebetween if desired by the user. The flexible material forming the support structure typically comprises a stretchable elastic synthetic rubber, for example neoprene, to permit stretching for access of various objects into the storage pocket area between the sleeve and the side wall of the container.

[0064] The sleeve may be sized to require some slight stretching about the receptacle portion such that the sleeve remains under tension when the receptacle portion of the container is received therein to provide adequate grip to retain the container within the sleeve portion. An inner surface of the sleeve portion may remain as exposed synthetic rubber providing an additional gripping texture with a high coefficient of friction to retain the container within the support structure.

[0065] The support structure also provides support to a bag dispenser 46 comprising an additional panel 48 for sheet of flexible material which spans along the full length of one long side of the receptacle between diametrically opposed ends thereof. The panel 48 is secured along opposing side edges at respective vertical seams joining the side edges to the sleeve 42 along the full height of the receptacle. The bottom edge of the panel 48 is also joined to the bottom edge of the sleeve between both side edges of the panel such that a bag pocket area of the bag dispenser is defined between the panel 48 and the side of the sleeve 42.

[0066] In a substantially relaxed state of the flexible material forming the panel 48, the panel lays flat against the sleeve along the full length thereof between diametrically opposed side edges 50 thereof. The panel 48 is formed of the same stretchable, elastic and synthetic rubber material as the sleeve 42 such that the bag pocket area can be increased in size to receive the roll of waste bags therein by stretching the panel 48 under tension across the roll. The top edge 52 of the panel 48 remains a free edge between the opposing side edges 50 such that an opening to the bag pocket area is defined between the top edge 52 of the panel 48 and the corresponding top edge of the sleeve 42. The top edge 52 is recessed further from the protrusion of the lid thereabove than the top edge of the sleeve to expose a portion of the sleeve and provide greater access to the opening at the top of the pocket area.

[0067] An inner surface of the panel 48 also remains an exposed synthetic rubber surface which provides a gripping texture to grip the roll of waste bags received in the bag pocket area. The tension of the panel stretched across the roll together with the gripping texture of the inner surface of the panel ensures that the roll remains adequately gripped within the bag pocket area to prevent undesired unrolling of the roll and to provide sufficient tension resisting unrolling of the roll such that a user can separate a dispensed bag from the remainder of the roll by pulling with a sufficient force to tear the bag from the remainder of the roll at the perforations. A dispensing aperture 54 is centrally located in the panel 48 through which the waste bags can be accessed for dispensing from the roll.

[0068] A reflective edging 56 is provided along the top edge 52 of the panel 48 of the bag dispenser as well as about the top edge of the sleeve 42 of the support structure. The edging is formed of a highly reflective material to increase visibility of the pet owner carrying the apparatus in low light conditions.

[0069] A strap 58 is provided from which the support structure and the container received therein are arranged to be suspended in use. The ends of the sleeve which are opposite one another in the elongate first direction of the container are provided with additional tabs 60 formed of the same flexible material which are integrally and seamlessly joined with the remainder of the sleeve. The tabs 60 extend upwardly beyond the top edge of the side walls and the lid for supporting a respective pair of buckles 62 at diametrically opposed ends of the container. The two opposed ends of the strap 58 are arranged to be secured to the two buckles 62 respectively. A slide connector 64 is located at an intermediate location along the strap to allow the strap to be adjusted in length between the two buckles at the opposing ends thereof. The strap thus forms a continuous loop with the sleeve structure for placement over the shoulder of the user for suspending the container therefrom.

[0070] In an alternative configuration a single tab is provided on the upper edge of the sleeve at a central location between the ends of the container which are opposed in the elongate first lateral direction such that the tab is located adjacent the hinge area. In this instance, the opposing ends of the strap are joined to a common buckle secured to the single tab such that the strap by itself forms a complete loop suitable for being extended over the shoulder of a user for suspending the container therefrom.

[0071] Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10 according to a further embodiment, the dispensing aperture 54 of the pet waste bag dispenser is provided with an additional retainer 60 to provide further resistance to prevent undesired unrolling of the roll of bags within the bag pocket area. The retainer 60 comprises an annular rim 62 mounted about a periphery of the dispensing aperture and a plurality of retaining elements 64 which are mounted at circumferentially spaced positions about the annular rim 62. The retaining elements 64 are flexible and resilient members which are biased from a flexed position towards a relaxed position lying in a generally common plane of the dispensing aperture. The retaining elements 64 each span radially inward towards an inner free edge adjacent a centre of the dispensing aperture in the relaxed position. Pulling one of the pet waste bags through the dispensing aperture between the retaining elements 64 causes the retaining elements to be flexed outwardly under tension. The bias of the retaining elements to return to the relaxed position applies additional friction between the inner free edges of the retaining elements and the pet waste bag dispensed therethrough to resist pulling of the bags therethrough. In this instance, once a first bag has been pulled through the retaining elements of the dispensing aperture, the retaining elements apply a frictional resistance to the second bag to which the first bag is connected by perforations. The frictional resistance of the retaining elements together with the gripping of the inner surface of the panel 48 and the tension of the stretched panel 48 applied to the roll, provides enough resistance to exceed the force required to tear and separate the first bag from the second bag, thus preventing undesired dispensing of the second bag when the first bag is dispensed.

[0072] As described herein, the present invention relates to a dog waste container and carrier. The container is oval shape and comes in three sizes. It is made from ABS plastic and stainless steel. The body is made of stainless steel and is smooth and rounded with no edges for easy cleaning. The top is made of ABS plastic. The top is two pieces. One piece fits on the top of the container and this has a seal that prevents odour from leaking out of the container when the lid is closed. The lid is attached to the bottom piece with a hinge mechanism and has a protrusion that sticks out so that it can be flipped open with one hand. The container can hold about 2-3 plastic waste bags filled with dog waste. It can be emptied once home, or in a near by garbage pail.

[0073] A clip may be welded on to the container that allows it to clip on to a belt or pant waist or coat pocket.

[0074] The holder or support structure is made of neoprene. The container slides into the holder. The holder allows you to carry the container over your shoulder, on your hip or it can be attached to the leash handle or the dog's collar or back pack. The holder has a compartment designed to accommodate a standard sized roll of plastic perforated dog waste bags. The compartment has a hole that allows you to pull baggies out one at a time and detach them at the perforation. An additional compartment allows you to carry phone, keys, mini flashlight, hand sanitizer and money. The edging of this carrier is made of reflective material for safe night use. The carrier is machine washable.

[0075] Referring to the second embodiment of FIGS. 11 through 13, the apparatus 10 in this instance is formed of flexible material.

[0076] More particularly the apparatus 10 of the second embodiment includes a front panel 100 and a rear panel 102. Each of the front and rear panels is generally rectangular so as to be similar in height between opposed top and bottom edges as well as similar in width between two opposing side edges thereof. The front panel and the rear panel are joined at the opposing side edges and along the respective bottom edges either by stitching or by being integrally formed with one another of a common panel of material. When assembled, the front and rear panels define a primary pouch 104 therebetween. The primary pouch is accessible through a primary pouch opening 106 spanning the full width of the panels between the top edges thereof.

[0077] A suitable closure 108 is provided for selectively enclosing the opening 106 in a manner which remains readily releasable for one handed operation of opening the pouch and depositing waste therein. The closure 108 includes a first portion 110 spanning across an inner side of the rear panel at the top edge thereof and a second portion 112 spanning across an inner face of the front panel adjacent the top edge thereof. The first and second portions are arranged for mating with one another in a latched position in which the primary pouch is substantially fully enclosed and in which the closure resists being opened.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second portions comprise suitable materials which are magnetically attracted to one another. For example, one of the portions may be a magnetic member while the other portion may be magnetic or a suitable ferromagnetic material to permit magnetic attraction to retain the primary pouch in the closed position. Alternatively, the first and second portions may comprise hook fasteners and loop fasteners respectively which span the full width of the opening 106.

[0079] The apparatus 10 further includes a pocket panel 114 which is generally rectangular in shape so as to have a similar width between opposing side edges as the front and rear panels. The side edges are joined to the side edges of the front and rear panels so as to define a secondary pouch 116 between the pocket panel and the front panel which spans the full width of the apparatus. The pocket panel is also joined along the bottom edge to the bottom edge of the front panel while remaining unsecured along the opposing top edge to define the secondary pouch opening 118 spanning the full width of the pouch between the opposing side edges. The resulting pouch is suitably sized for receiving a full roll of pet waste bags through the pouch opening to be retained within the pouch.

[0080] The overall height of the pocket panel between the top and bottom edges is shorter than the front panel such that the top edge of the pocket panel is recessed below the top edge of the front panel while being sufficient in height to fully enclose and retain the roll of waste bag within the secondary pouch.

[0081] A dispensing aperture 120 is formed by a grommet mounted in the pocket panel adjacent the bottom end thereof at a laterally centered location between the side edges and spaced below the top edge. As in the previous embodiment the dispensing aperture defined by the grommet permits individual waste bags to be dispensed therethrough while retaining the roll within the secondary pouch.

[0082] The apparatus 10 of the second embodiment further comprises a cover panel 122 spanning longitudinally outward from a first edge 124 to an opposing second edge 126. The first edge is joined to the top edge of the rear panel along the full width of the apparatus either by stitching two panels together or by forming the two panels of a common integral material.

[0083] The cover panel spans outwardly to a second edge by a prescribed length between the first and second edges which is shorter than a height of any of the front panel, the rear panel or the pocket panel between the top and bottom edges thereof. Accordingly, the cover panel is arranged to extend downwardly from the inner edge 124 to the outer second edge 126 in a closed position covering both pouch openings. In the closed position, the second edge terminates at a location below the top edge of the pocket panel but spaced upwardly from the bottom edge thereof so as to be also spaced above the dispensing aperture 120. In this instance, the dispensing aperture remains unobstructed and accessible at all times even when the cover panel is closed.

[0084] The cover panel 122 is also formed of flexible material so as to permit flexing from the closed position to an open position in which the pouch openings are both substantially unobstructed by the cover panel.

[0085] An additional closure 128 is provided in association with the cover for selectively retaining the cover in the closed position. The second cover closure includes a first portion 130 located on an outer face of the pocket panel above the dispensing aperture and a second portion 132 on an inner surface of the cover panel adjacent the second edge thereof. Similarly to the pouch closure 108, the cover closure 128 is arranged such that the first and second portions thereof are arranged to mate with one another and retain the cover in the closed position. The first and second portions may comprise hook and loop fasteners respectively or magnetic portions arranged to be magnetically attracted to one another such that the cover closure can be readily released into an unlatched position from the latched and mated position of the closed cover panel when desired.

[0086] In the closed position, the width of the cover panel between opposing side edges is reduced from the top end to the bottom end by arranging the opposing side edges to taper inwardly from one another from the inner edge 124 to the outer edge 126. The cover panel spans the full width of the apparatus at the inner edge such that the pouch openings remain substantially enclosed by the cover panel in the closed position.

[0087] The apparatus 10 further includes an auxiliary panel 134 which is substantially rectangular in shape between opposing top and bottom edges and between two opposing side edges defining a width of the auxiliary panel which is approximately equal to the overall width of the rear panel. The two side edges are thus arranged for being joined to the side edges of the rear panel with the bottom edge being similarly joined to the bottom edge of the rear panel. The auxiliary panel includes a respective opening spanning the full width between the unsecured top edge of the panel and the rear panel such that the opening remains unobstructed by the cover even when the cover is in the closed position. The auxiliary pouch is accessed through the auxiliary pouch opening and is defined between the auxiliary panel and the rear panel. The auxiliary pouch is suitably sized for receiving various user accessories therein such as a cellular phone or keys for example.

[0088] All of the panels of material described above comprise a flexible material, for example oilcloth or any form of PVC or other plastic coated woven fabric material such that the material is soil resistant and substantially waterproof.

[0089] The apparatus 10 further includes a strap assembly 136 permitting the apparatus to be carried either in the hand of the user, over the shoulder of the user, around the waist of the user, through a belt loop, on a leash, on a bike, or on a stroller depending upon the configuration. A pair of strap members 138 are secured at respective first ends at spaced apart locations adjacent the opposing side edges along the top edge of the rear panel.

[0090] Each strap member 138 extends from the first end joined to the rear panel to an opposing second end supporting respective connectors thereon. A first male connector 140 is mounted on the second end of one strap member while a first female connector 142 is mounted on the second end of the other strap member.

[0091] The strap assembly also includes an auxiliary strap 144 which is flexible and elongate between two opposing ends. A second male connector 146 and a second female connector 148 are mounted at respective ones of the two opposing ends of the auxiliary strap.

[0092] In a first mounting configuration, the first male connector and the first female connector are matingly connected and arranged such that the strap members 138 are directly coupled to one another to form a first loop together with the top edge of the rear panel. The first loop has a first prescribed circumference of minimal dimension which is more readily grasped in the hand of the user.

[0093] When a longer strap is desired for over the shoulder use for example, the strap assembly can be configured in a second configuration in which the auxiliary strap 144 is connected in series between the two strap members to define a second loop having a second circumference greater than the first circumference of the first loop. In the second configuration, the second male connector 146 mates with the first female connector 142 while the second female connector 148 mates with the first male connector 140. All of the connections between connectors comprise suitable snap connections which can be readily released to convert the apparatus from the first configuration to the second configuration interchangeably with one another.

[0094] Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A pet waste disposal apparatus for use with a roll of pet waste bags, the apparatus comprising: a container including a receptacle portion having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly about a full periphery of the bottom wall to an upper edge surrounding an upper opening in the receptacle and a lid arranged to be supported on the receptacle portion for movement between a closed position spanning the upper opening of the receptacle to fully enclose an interior of the receptacle portion and an open position in which the upper opening is substantially unobstructed by the lid; and a bag dispenser comprising a sheet of flexible material which is arranged to at least partially surround the receptacle portion of the container so as to define a pocket area arranged to receive the roll of pet waste bags therein; the sheet of flexible material including a dispensing aperture formed therein in communication with the pocket area so as to be arranged to dispense waste bags from the roll of waste bags therethrough.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the flexible material defining the pocket area comprises a stretchable, elastic material.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the flexible material defining the pocket area comprises a gripping material having a high coefficient of friction.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the flexible material comprises a synthetic rubber.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a sleeve member formed of flexible material which is arranged to receive the receptacle portion of the container therein, the sheet of flexible material defining the pocket area being supported on the sleeve member.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising a strap member secured to the sleeve member such that the sleeve member and the container received therein are arranged to be suspended from the strap member.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the sheet of flexible material defining the pocket area is secured to the sleeve member along two side edges and along a bottom edge such that the pocket area is defined between the sheet of flexible material and a portion of the sleeve member and such that a top edge of the pocket area defines an opening arranged to receive the roll of pet waste bags therethrough.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the flexible material of the sleeve comprises a stretchable, elastic material arranged to be supported about the container under tension.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle portion and the lid of the container are elongate in a first lateral direction and wherein there is provided a hinge connecting the lid to one of the side walls of the container so as to be arranged for relative pivotal movement between the open and closed positions about a hinge axis oriented in the first lateral direction.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle portion includes an annular seat portion about the upper opening within which the lid is arranged to be seated in the closed position and wherein the lid includes an upper portion overlapping an upwardly facing portion of the annular seat portion in the closed position and a lower portion of reduced diameter which is arranged to extend downwardly below the upwardly facing portion, one of the annular seat portion and the lower portion supporting an annular sealing member of resilient material thereon such that the sealing member is arranged for sealing engagement between the lower portion of the lid and the annular seat portion in the closed position of the lid.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle portion and the lid of the container are elongate in a first lateral direction between opposing ends of the container and wherein the apparatus further comprises a strap member supported at opposing ends adjacent to the opposing ends of the container respectively such that the container is arranged to be suspended from the strap member.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle portion and the lid of the container are elongate in a first lateral direction between opposing ends of the container and wherein the apparatus further comprises a strap member supported adjacent to lid of the container at a central location between the opposing ends such that the container is arranged to be suspended from the strap member.

13. A pet waste disposal apparatus for use with a roll of pet waste bags, the apparatus comprising: a front panel and a rear panel of flexible material coupled to one another along respective bottom edges and along opposing side edges of the front and rear panels so as to define a primary pouch between the front and rear panels which is accessible through a primary pouch opening between respective top edges of the front panel and rear panel; a pocket panel of flexible material joined to the front panel along a bottom edge and along two opposing side edges of the pocket panel so as to define a secondary pouch between the pocket panel and the front panel which is accessible through a secondary pouch opening between a top edge of the pocket panel and the front panel, the secondary pouch and secondary pouch opening being suitably sized to receive the roll of pet waste bags in the secondary pouch through the secondary pouch opening; a dispensing aperture formed in the pocket panel at a location spaced below the top edge of the pocket panel, the dispensing aperture being suitable sized so as to be arranged to dispense an individual waste bag from the roll of waste bags therethrough while retaining a remainder of the roll of waste bags in the secondary pouch; a cover panel joined along a first edge to the rear panel adjacent the top edge of the rear panel and spanning outwardly to a second edge opposite the first edge, the cover panel being flexible between a closed position spanning generally downwardly from the first edge adjacent the top edge of the rear panel to the second edge below the top edge of the pocket panel so as to span across both the primary pouch opening and the secondary pouch opening and an open position in which both the primary pouch opening and the secondary pouch opening are substantially unobstructed by the cover panel; and a cover closure comprising a first portion supported on the pocket panel above the dispensing aperture and a second portion supported on the cover panel so as to be arranged for mating connection with the first portion in a latched position of the closure and the cover panel being in the closed position; the cover panel having a prescribed length between the first edge and the second edge such that the second edge is located above the dispensing aperture in the closed position of the cover panel with the closure in the latched position.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13 further comprising a primary pouch closure independent of the cover closure, the primary pouch closure comprising a first portion supported on the rear panel adjacent the top edge of the rear panel and a second portion supported on the front panel adjacent the top edge of the front panel so as to be arranged for mating connection with the first portion in a closed position of the primary pouch.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the first and second portions of the primary pouch closure span a full width of the primary pouch opening between the opposing side edges of the front and rear panels.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the first and second portions of the primary pouch closure comprise magnetic members arranged to be magnetically attracted to one another.

17. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the prescribed length of the cover panel between the first and second edges is less than a height of the front panel between the top and bottom edges thereof.

18. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein there is provided an auxiliary panel joined to the rear panel along a bottom edge and along two opposing sides edges of the auxiliary panel so as to define an auxiliary pouch between the auxiliary panel and the rear panel which is accessible through an auxiliary pouch opening between a top edge of the auxiliary panel and the rear panel, the opening of the auxiliary pouch remaining substantially unobstructed by the cover panel in the closed position of the cover panel.

19. The apparatus according to claim 13 further comprising: a pair of strap members coupled at respective first ends at spaced apart positions adjacent the top edge of the rear panel to extend outwardly towards respective second ends; a primary male connector supported on the second end of one of the strap members; a primary female connector supported on the second end of the other one of the strap members and arranged for mating connection with the primary male connector in a first strap configuration in which the strap members are directly connected in series with one another to form a first closed loop having a first prescribed circumference; and an auxiliary strap spanning between a second male connector and a second female connector at opposing ends thereof, the second male connector being arranged to mate with the first female connector and the second female connector being arranged to mate the first male connector in a second strap configuration in which the auxiliary strap is connected in series between the strap members to form a second closed loop having a second prescribed circumference which is greater than the first prescribed circumference.

20. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein at least the front panel and the rear panel comprise a plastic coated woven fabric material.