US20040237245A1

US20040237245A1 - Gas powered vacuum for pet feces

Info

Publication number: US20040237245A1
Application number: US10/444,872
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas Wormer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-05-27
Filing date: 2003-05-27
Publication date: 2004-12-02

Abstract

A gasoline powered, portable vacuum operated device, to be used for picking up pet waste in lawns or kennels. The device utilizes a small two cycle internal combustion engine, to create a vacuum through a flexible tube, which picks up feces.

Description

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable, gasoline powered device, for collecting pet feces. The device is vacuum powered, utilizing a flexible tube, connected to a housing, with a removable and disposable bag for capturing and disposing of the feces.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,531 discloses an electric vacuum motor with a rechargeable battery. This would be an excellent idea, if the technology was such that, a rechargeable or even disposable battery, could produce enough energy to provide the horse power, required to create enough vacuum, to operate properly and also be light enough to carry.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,448 discloses a spring loaded piston, which operates a vacuum, when triggered, to generate suction, through an elongated tube. The device would require substantial strength to compress the spring, moreover it does not allow easy removal of the animal feces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

As shown in FIG. 1, the device has a lightweight gasoline engine two cycle engine [0004] 1. which is mounted to a removable lid and has two mechanical latches 3. which attach it to the housing 4.
A flexible and [0005] detachable vacuum tube 2. is connected to the inlet coupling 13. for suctioning pet feces 14.
The engine has a [0006] manual recoil starter 10. and a fuel tank 11.
On top of the engine [0007] 1. is a carry handle 9. and a shoulder strap 8.
Inside of the [0008] housing 4. is a disposable plastic grocery store bag 5. which is held by a support sleeve 6. so as not to allow the bag to be drawn up into the vaccum fan 15. The bag 5. is also held by a rubber band 12. around the inside portion of the coupling 13. and by making a small puncture in the side of the bag 5. and tearing the bag it is fitted over the coupling, thus allowing the feces to enter.
The vacuum created by the engine [0009] 1. with its fan 15. pulls the feces into the housing 4. and is deposited into the bag 5.
Air exits through the [0010] outlet coupling 7.

Claims

I claim:

1. A device comprising of a small lightweight two cycle internal combustion engine, connected to a housing with a flexible, but ridgid vacuum tube, protruding outward from the housing.

2. The flexible tube of claim 1, is held by a friction fit, inside of an air inlet fitting, which is welded to the housing.

3. The flexible tube of claim 1, can be replaced by a hose for use as a vacuum cleaner, which can be used where electricity is not available.

4. The device of claim 1, utilizes a gasoline operated engine, thus allowing for safe use in a wet environment, eliminating the risk of electric shock, over electric powered devices for pet waste cleanup, or electric powered vacuum cleaners.

5. The device described in claim 1, uses a standard grocery store plastic bag, which is installed inside the housing for containing and disposing of the waste material.

6. The device described in claim 1, has a removable cover with mechanical latches for removal of the waste, which is held in the disposable plastic bag.

7. The bag described in claim 5, is also held in place is also supported by a retainer ring, so that it is not suctioned into the engine fan, when operating.

8. The device can also be used as a leaf and debris blower by removing the suction tube and reinstalling it into the air outlet fitting.