Pet waste collection device and method

Abstract

The present specification discloses a waste collection device, including: a first half of a clamshell body and a second half of the clamshell body, each half being pivotally connected to each other and defining a hollow space therebetween; a first hand-anchoring mechanism, disposed on the first half of the clamshell body; a second hand-anchoring mechanism, disposed on the second half of the clamshell body; and at least one fastener configured to secure the collection device in a closed configuration, wherein a perimeter of the first half of the clamshell body abuts a perimeter of the second half of the clamshell body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collection device, comprising:
 a first half of a clamshell body and a second half of the clamshell body, each half being pivotally connected to each other and defining a hollow space therebetween;   a first hand-anchoring mechanism, disposed on the first half of the clamshell body;   a second hand-anchoring mechanism, disposed on the second half of the clamshell body; and   at least one fastener configured to secure the collection device in a closed configuration, wherein a perimeter of the first half of the clamshell body abuts a perimeter of the second half of the clamshell body.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fastener comprises a tie down strap spanning a length of the device parallel to the pivotal connection. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second half of the clamshell body comprises a first end proximate the pivotal connection and a second end opposite the first end, and wherein the second end comprises an elongated lip. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a bag roll holder disposed within the hollow space and extending from the first half of the clamshell body or the second half of the clamshell body. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the bag roll holder comprises:
 a pair of substantially parallel tabs extending from the first half of the clamshell body or the second half of the clamshell body; and   a removeable perpendicular rod connecting the pair of substantially parallel tabs.   
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the bag roll holder comprises:
 a pair of substantially parallel tabs extending from the first half of the clamshell body or the second half of the clamshell body; and   a pair of projections, each projection extending from a medial face of one of the pair of substantially parallel tabs.   
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first half of the clamshell body, the second half of the clamshell body, or both comprise ergonomic grooves configured to receive one or more of a user's fingers. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first hand-anchoring mechanism and the second hand-anchoring mechanism each comprises:
 a strap, having a first and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are each secured to an exterior face of the first half of the clamshell body or the second half of the clamshell body.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a lip, extending from an exterior face of the first half of the clamshell body, the second half of the clamshell body, or both.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first hand-anchoring mechanism and the second hand-anchoring mechanism comprises:
 a set of finger grooves disposed on an exterior face of the first half of the clamshell body, the second half of the clamshell body, or both and configured to receive one or more of a user's fingers.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fastener, when securing the collection device in a closed configuration, extends through a closed loop extending from the first half of the clamshell body to a closed loop extending from the first half or the second half of the clamshell body. 
     
     
         12 . A method of collecting animal waste, comprising:
 pivotally attaching a first half of a clamshell body to a second half of the clamshell body;   securing a hand-anchoring mechanism to the first half of the clamshell body; and   securing a hand-anchoring mechanism to the second half of the clamshell body.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising releasably fastening the first half of the clamshell body to the second half of the clamshell body. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising removably covering an interior of the clamshell body with a bag. 
     
     
         15 . A method of collecting waste, comprising:
 inserting a roll of collection bags into a collection device;   without detaching a bag from the roll of collection bags, opening the bag and folding the bag over an exterior shell of the collection device;   inserting a user's hand into at least one of a first hand-anchoring mechanism and a second hand-anchoring mechanism disposed on the collection device;   opening the user's hand and thereby opening the collection device;   enclosing the waste within the collection device.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the steps of:
 closing the user's hand; and   unfolding the bag from the exterior of the collection device.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of fastening the collection device closed with an elastic fastener. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the steps of:
 tying the bag shut; and   detaching the bag from the roll of collection bags.