Scooper apparatus
OwnerAmy Knightinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved scooper apparatus is provided. The scooper having an article-engaging assembly including a pair of article-engaging implements configured to open and close via a handle member. The article-engaging implement has a generally concave interior surface creating a bucket-like configuration. An integral tubular member extends laterally from the article-engaging implement and terminates in and forms a raised lip at a perimeter edge of the tubular member. A bag-retaining member is disposed near the tubular member and is adapted for selectively engaging the perimeter of the open end of a flexible bag for collecting.
Claims15
A scooper apparatus comprising:
- a handle;
- an article-engaging assembly having a pair of article-engaging implements depending from the handle defining an interior and an exterior adapted for engaging a waste article from a surface and retaining the waste article within the interior;
- a chute extending laterally from a first article-engaging implement of the pair of article-engaging implements, wherein the chute has a first end terminating at an interior of the article-engaging assembly and an opposing second end distal of the first end, wherein the second end is adapted for receiving an open end of a bag;
- a raised lip positioned on an entire perimeter edge of the second end of the chute;
- and,
- a bag-retaining member configured to engage a perimeter of an open end of the bag, wherein the bag-retaining member comprises a hook and is spring loaded via a tension spring.
(canceled)
A scooper apparatus comprising:
- a handle;
- at least one article-engaging implement depending from the handle defining an interior and an exterior adapted for engaging an article from a surface and retaining within the interior;
- a tubular member extending laterally from the at least one article-engaging implement having a first end terminating at an interior of the article-engaging implement and an opposing second end distal the first end adapted for receiving an open end of a bag;
- and
- a bag-retaining member disposed proximate the second end of the tubular member adapted for engaging a perimeter of the open end of the bag, wherein the bag-retaining member is a hook.
(canceled)
(canceled)
A method of retaining a flexible bag on a scooper apparatus, the method comprising steps:
- (a) providing the scooper apparatus having a handle;
- an article-engaging assembly having a pair of article-engaging implements depending from the handle defining an interior and an exterior adapted for engaging a waste article from a surface and retaining within the interior;
- a chute extending laterally from a first article-engaging implement of the pair of article-engaging implements, wherein the chute has a first end terminating at an interior of the article-engaging assembly and an opposing second end distal of the first end;
- a raised lip positioned on an entire perimeter edge of the second end of the chute;
- and, a bag-retaining member configured to engage a perimeter of an open end of the bag, wherein the bag-retaining member is spring loaded via a tension spring;
- (b) placing an open end of the flexible bag over the second end of the poop chute and the raised lip;
- (c) positioning the bag-retaining member in an extended position by applying a force on the bag-retaining member and extending the tension spring;
- (d) engaging a portion of the flexible bag on the bag-retaining member;
- and,
- (e) positioning the bag-retaining member in a retracted positioned, by releasing the force, such that the portion of the flexible bag is secured on the bag-retaining member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.