Extendable litter scoop

Abstract

A tool for separating animal waste from litter. The tool includes a scoop portion having a bottom, sidewalls and handle. The gripping portion of the handle is composed of flexible material providing a comfortable grip that is easy to clean. Silicone and thermoplastic rubber are excellent choices for such material. The handle is made to telescope from the scoop portion for ease of use and storage. The bottom and sidewalls have cut out portions to facilitate the passage of litter but not a substantial amount of animal waste.

1 . A tool for separating animal waste from litter, said tool comprising a scoop portion having a bottom, sidewalls and ramp, said bottom and sidewalls having cut out portions to facilitate the passage of litter but not a substantial amount of animal waste therethrough and a handle emanating from said scoop portion, said handle comprising an inner shaft and outer sleeve, said outer sleeve being slidable along said inner shaft facilitating movement of said outer sleeve toward and away from said scoop portion to selectively lengthen and shorten said handle for use of said tool and for storage. 
     
     
         2 . The tool of  claim 1  wherein said inner shaft and outer sleeve are provided with at least one protrusion and indent to facilitate snap-release contact between them. 
     
     
         3 . The tool of  claim 2  wherein said inner shaft is provided with said at least one protrusion and said outer sleeve is provided with an indent in the form of an opening sized to receive said protrusion. 
     
     
         4 . The tool of  claim 1  wherein said sidewalls extend substantially orthogonally from said bottom. 
     
     
         5 . The tool of  claim 1  wherein said ramp extends from said bottom and sidewalls extending forward and away from handle. 
     
     
         6 . The tool of  claim 1  wherein a segment of said outer sleeve comprises a flexible material. 
     
     
         7 . The tool of  claim 6  wherein said outer sleeve is characterized as having a top portion, side walls and a lower portion, said segment of said outer sleeve comprising said lower portion thereof 
     
     
         8 . The tool of  claim 6  wherein said flexible material comprises a member selected from the group consisting of silicone and thermoplastic rubber.