Collapsible droppings collector

Abstract

A collapsible system is provided for grasping and bagging an item on the ground, where the system includes an elongate cane having a proximal end that can be held by the user and a distal end, the system includes a set of claspers secured to a distal end of the elongate cane such that the claspers can be manipulated by the user, where the set of claspers includes first and second grasping arms each having a support hook configured to secure a portion of a bag between the set of claspers, and where the system also includes a control mechanism configured to permit the user to operate from the proximal end of the cane the set of claspers positioned to the distal end of the cane.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible system for grasping and bagging an item on the floor, the system configured to minimize a user's need to bend over to pick up the item, the collapsible system comprising:
 an elongate cane having a proximal end that can be held by the user and a distal end;   a set of claspers secured to a distal end of the elongate cane such that the claspers can be manipulated by the user, the set of claspers comprising a first and second grasping arm each comprising a support hook configured to secure a portion of a bag between the set of claspers; and   a control mechanism configured to permit the user to operate from the proximal end of the cane the set of claspers positioned to the distal end of the cane.   
     
     
         2 . The collapsible system of  claim 1 , wherein the control mechanism comprises a pivotable grip secured to the proximal end of the cane, the grip configured so that the user can move the grip as needed to operate the set of claspers between a closed and open position. 
     
     
         3 . The collapsible system of  claim 2 , wherein the set of claspers is hingeably secured to the cane so that the claspers can be moved from a retracted position pointing proximally from a point of securement to the cane to an extended position pointing distally from the point of securement, the point of securement comprising a hinge. 
     
     
         4 . The collapsible system of  claim 3 , wherein the control mechanism is configured to permit the user to both operate the moving of the claspers between a closed and opened position while also moving the claspers between a retracted and an extended position. 
     
     
         5 . The collapsible system of  claim 1 , further comprising a bag configured to be secured to the claspers in at least two positions, a first position associated with the support hook on a first arm of the claspers and a second position associated with the support hook on a second arm of the claspers. 
     
     
         6 . The collapsible system of  claim 1 , wherein the set of claspers is secured to a distal tip of the distal end of the elongate cane. 
     
     
         7 . The collapsible system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate cane is segmented to permit collapsibility of the cane to reduce the overall length of the cane for ease of transport.