Abstract: A litter box has upstanding sidewalls which form an enclosure. A floor located in the enclosure extends between the sidewalls. The floor slopes downwardly from the sidewalls to a drain opening. A plurality of support elements project upwardly from the floor at spaced-apart locations. The size of the support elements and the distance between them are such that substantially all of the litter placed in the litter box is supported on top of support elements above the floor.

Abstract: A litter box and sifting system having a cat door that is installed on the interior wall of a building and a litter box assembly located on the exterior side of the building. The litter box is accessed through a cat door and an adjustable tunnel. At the bottom of the litter box are interchangeable tray assemblies containing litter. The litter can be selectively sifting through fixed screens and removable sliding panels. The litter box enclosure includes a fan to assist ventilation through louvers, an interior light, a rechargeable battery for powering the fan and light, and a solar cell to recharge the battery.

Abstract: Animal toilets presently do not have an automated method of cleaning the toileting surface and disposing of wastes. The animal toilet disclosed herein is equipped with a permeable toileting surface, a catchment surface underlying the toileting surface to collect and channel liquids, and a drain. The toileting surface may be equipped with a rinsing element to rinse wastes from the toileting and catchment surfaces. The drain may be further equipped with tubing to convey the liquids to a convenient disposal location. The animal toilet may be equipped with a moving toileting surface, which results in improved rinsing, and potential solid waste collection. In all embodiments, absorbent material may be used in place of permeable material for the toileting surface, which may not require any rinsing. The solid waste disposal may be automated through the use of rinse water and disposal tubing routed to the proper disposal location.

Abstract: A litter box system comprises an imitation bed of loose cat litter that includes a layer of actual cat litter granules bonded to a sheet of flexible material. In some examples, the relative thicknesses of the sheet of material and the layer of cat litter is such that the imitation bed of loose cat litter has substantial urine holding capacity yet remains sufficiently flexible. In some examples, the sheet of material includes an image of loose cat litter underneath the bonded layer of cat litter so that if some of the cat litter layer is scratched off, the imitation bed will still appear to be fully covered with cat litter granules. In some examples, the sheet of material includes integrally formed bumps that resemble cat litter granules.

Abstract: A pet toilet (1) includes an outer container (10) and an inner container (20). A lower outer sidewall portion (15) having a lower sidewall is provided on a sidewall (12a) of the outer container (10), and a lower inner sidewall portion (25) having a lower sidewall is provided on a sidewall (22a) of the inner container (20). The outer container (10) and the inner container (20) are relatively movable. A pet entrance (2) that is lower than an adjacent sidewall (3) is formed by arranging the inner container (20) into the outer container (10) such that the position of the lower outer sidewall portion (15) matches the position of the lower inner sidewall portion (25).

Abstract: The present invention consists of a two part system for controlling pet odor. The first part is an enzyme spray with a high concentration of microbes that consume ammonia. The second part of the system is absorbent granules that also contain the ammonia consuming microbes. When used in conjunction with each other, the system is ten times more effective at controlling pet odor than comparable one part systems. The microbes can penetrate into the cracks and crevices of most surfaces to further reduce the source of pet odors. The system also works to control moisture which allows for proper pet hygiene by reducing molds, fungus, insects, and parasite infestations. The system is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly product that will not harm pets if ingested. The system can be used with cat litter boxes, pet bedding, dog kennels, or any indoor area where pets expel their waste.

Abstract: A collapsible cat litter box includes a top cover, a box body, a buckle clasp, and a clasp base engagable with the buckle clasp. The top cover is attached to the box body. The top cover has a plurality of concave grooves. An opening is formed on a central front side of the top cover. The top cover is made from blow molding plastics and is collapsible.

Abstract: A device comprising: a support base and an chamber, located on the support base, having an entry opening so that an animal can enter and exit the chamber; wherein the chamber includes an axis of rotation that forms an angle of about 80 degrees or less with a vertical plane.

Abstract: The invention provides litter box assemblies useful for managing animal waste. In a general aspect, the litter box assembly includes an animal litter box, a litter fragmenting device attached to the litter box, and an optional hopper attached to the litter fragmenting device. The hopper can store an animal litter that has improved absorption capabilities after being fragmented by the litter fragmenting device. The invention also provides kits useful for making the litter box assemblies and using such litter box assemblies for managing animal waste.

Abstract: Disclosed are animal litters, processes for preparing animal litters, and methods for removal of animal waste. The disclosed animal litters are made from ingredients including virgin germ and have a total fat content of about 0.5 to about 15 based on the weight of the litter. The litters are provided in the form of discrete plural particles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.

Abstract: A litter box having apparatus for catching and returning litter being tracked from the litter box, and a method of assembling the litter box. The litter box includes a container for containing litter. An opening and a litter return window are formed in the container. Stair steps defining slots therebetween extend from the opening. A litter return slide is disposed beneath the slots and slopes downward towards the litter return window. As the animal traverses the stair steps, litter adhering to the paws of the animal is dislodged and falls through the slots to be caught by the litter return slide. The dislodged litter travels down the litter return slide and through the litter return window so as to return the dislodged litter to the litter container. Thus, the animal is prevented from tracking litter beyond the litter box, so that litter cleanup is reduced and sanitation is enhanced.

Abstract: A litter box enclosure assembly provides a method for diminishing litter box odor within a dwelling space. The assembly includes a dwelling space having an outer wall. The outer wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface. An enclosure has a sidewall positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the outer wall defining an enclosed interior space. A top of the enclosure has a perimeter edge positioned adjacent to a top edge of the sidewall. The top also has an outer edge abutting the exterior surface of the outer wall whereby the interior space is configured for holding an animal within the interior space. A litter box is positioned in the interior space. An opening is positioned in the outer wall. The opening extends between the dwelling space and the interior space. A door is coupled to the outer wall selectively covering the opening in the outer wall.

Abstract: A portable, fully-disposable, pet toilet is comprised of a receptacle whose cavity is fitted with living grass, living sod (including washed or soil-free sod), or a grass-seed medium. The unit has a fitted, removable cover or fold-back lid to enable the convenient shipping and disposal of the unit in its entirety. The pet toilet is used by the pet for a set period of time, at which point it is completely disposed of and replaced with a new one.

Abstract: A litter box for a domestic animal includes a box-like body equipped with an upper support wall that has a through opening, a container of a granular litter material susceptible to absorb the animal excrements, and a first tubular duct arranged below the upper wall, which is substantially extended between the upper wall and the bottom of the body, for conveying the animal excrements towards a discharge zone in the lower part of the body. The receptacle surrounds a second tubular duct inside the first tubular duct, whose upper end faces the opening and whose lower end faces the bottom of the body, and which defines an internal edge of the receptacle for the purpose of retaining a quantity of the granular material therein.

Abstract: An automated cat litter box includes a cat litter tray, a cat litter return bin that collects soiled cat litter from the cat litter tray and that returns recycled cat litter to the cat litter tray, a control unit, and one or more drive units operated by the control unit to drive the cat litter tray and the cat litter return tray to automatically recycle the soiled cat litter during a cat litter box cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A tidy pet litter box having a plurality of internal screens across which the pet must traverse when entering or leaving a main basin of the litter box. An upper lid fits over a lower tray, the upper lid having a large front opening. The lower tray defines a large main basin in which litter is placed, and a secondary basin at a rear end thereof. An entrance screen mounted laterally across side walls of the upper lid extends from a lower end of the front opening substantially over the entire main basin and permits passage of a pet to a rear screen located above the secondary basin. To exit, the pet must jump up to the rear screen, then over the entrance screen which dislodges any litter sticking to its paws so that it falls back into the main basin. A method of training a cat to use the litter box by first removing the entrance screen is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pet litter containment construction includes a lower compartment and an upper compartment. A litter box is located in an upper compartment. A ramp leads up to the upper compartment from the lower compartment. The ramp comprises a covering that encourages a separation of litter from claw, feet and/or legs of the pet. An entrance is positioned such that the animal traverses under the litter box to the ramp, up the ramp and into the litter box.

Abstract: A pet potty includes a base plate and a grid. The base plate has a base and a wall along the perimeter of the base, the base and wall impermeable to fluid and forming a cavity capable of retaining fluid. The grid is sized to fit within the cavity of the base plate and has a complex of beams that can support a pet atop the grid. The beams have a top side and a bottom side, and substantially all of the beams are convex in shape on their top side.

Abstract: The present description relates to a media apparatus that can function as an animal litter box. In one case, the media apparatus includes a media storage portion configured to define a media receiving volume. The media apparatus also includes an animal support portion that defines an opening proximate the media receiving volume.

Abstract: A pet litter box comprises a housing, a detachable wall, and a grid. The housing comprises a left wall, right wall, front wall, and back wall that define a well. The left, right, and back walls comprise a plurality of apertures on the top of the walls. The detachable wall comprises three plates that connect to the apertures on top of the walls of the housing. The grid comprises a plurality of holes between grid lines and a locking mechanism. The grid slides into the well and the locking mechanism attaches to the front wall of the housing. A locking frame with an aperture locks over the grid.

Abstract: A dust-free litter box system for capturing stray particles generated when a pet uses a litter box features an inner tray with a plurality of slots. A fan notch is centrally located in a posterior tray wall for receiving a fan assembly. The inner tray features motion sensors connected to a power source. An air tube assembly is located around an outer perimeter of the inner tray close to an inner tray top edge. The air tube assembly features perforated tubing connected to the plurality of slots and an air tube manifold connected to a fan shroud. A fan aperture is centrally located in a posterior outer tray wall for receiving a fan filter and a protective grill. The inner tray is located in the outer tray.

Abstract: A cat litter box having a side wall defining an interior and a bottom surface within the interior formed from a main door and multiple secondary doors which form on opening. Each door includes a slat connected below the slatted edge on an underside thereof traveling most of a length of the slatted edge, and the doors are hingedly attached to the side wall of the housing. Provided is a means for manipulating the main door upwards and downwards such that the main free edge can be pushed against the slat of an adjacent one of the secondary doors to provide a downward force against each the secondary door to reveal the opening. In this manner, any contained soiled litter can periodically be dumped and the contents removed, resulting in an easy-to-use, sanitary cat litter box system.

Abstract: A refrigerated cat litter box is disclosed that includes a cover having a top wall and one or more sidewalls extending therefrom and a base having a bottom wall and one or more sidewalls extending therefrom. The cover is positioned over the base to form the litter box and a cooling assembly is in communication with the litter box to cool the litter box. The cooling of the litter box delays the growth and reproduction of bacteria to preserve the litter inside of the litter box and to reduce the amount of malodorous air present in the enclosure.

Abstract: A toilet for an animal includes a porous mat that animals may stand on and which urine may pass through and a sloped surface adapted to channel urine toward a drain opening for collection in a collection receptacle. The porous mat is supported by the coplanar flat top surfaces of a plurality of posts protruding upwardly from, and spaced along, the sloped surface.

Abstract: A pivoting lid litter box assembly provides a litter box having a pan and a pivoted lid to facilitate access to contents of a pan. The assembly includes a pan having a bottom and a perimeter wall extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom. A lid is pivotally coupled to the pan. The lid has a top and a sidewall extending down from the top. The sidewall of the lid rests on the perimeter wall of the pan defining an interior space. The sidewall has an opening providing access to the interior space through the opening in the sidewall. A pedal is coupled to the pan and operationally coupled to the lid for selectively pivoting the lid between an open position and a closed position. A scoop having an extended handle and storage compartment may be provided to facilitate removing waste from the pan.

Abstract: A litter box system and method include a sifter/scraper scoop configured to remove animal waste from litter material, without removing or transferring the litter material out of the main litter box. The main litter box is divided into two compartments by the scoop, which is releasably attached thereto. The scoop has approximately the same width and the same contour as the inside of the litter box. A pet-accessible compartment allows a pet to use the litter during elimination. The litter box system can be tipped up onto an angled end as part of a cleaning method allowing unclumped litter to pass through the scoop into a litter reservoir. The scoop can then be used to remove the waste. Then, litter can be directed back into the pet-accessible compartment by tipping the box the other way and replacing the scoop before placing the box levelly onto its bottom.

Abstract: A manual litter box provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the manual litter box is configured to use a disposable cartridge which may include a litter compartment and a waste compartment. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be non-compartmentalized. The cartridge may be disposable, thus eliminating the need for the user to clean the litter tray and handle heavy litter containers. In other embodiments, the system includes a rake assembly configured with a manual shuttle chassis drive assembly that is protected from contamination. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the manual litter box is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A litter box includes a bottom portion configured to hold an amount of sand, gravel or kitty litter, a cover element configured to cover the bottom portion; and an animal opening formed in at least one of the bottom portion and the cover element and configured and sized to allow a small animal to enter the litter box.

Abstract: The present invention is a plastic litter box odor device that is an active recovery system that includes a removable hood that includes an interior perimeter pathway, an interlocking connection that removably attaches the removable hood to the device, a carbon container that is refillable and serves as a filter media to the device and an odorless exhaust vent that is an outlet point where odors are expelled away out of the device and a removable litter tray that is removably attached to the removable hood and contains cat litter used in combination with the device. The device also includes an air passage that includes odors emitted from the cat litter contained in the removable litter tray within the removable hood, a fan motor that is disposed within the removable hood and a motion sensor switch that senses incoming airflow and odors.

Abstract: The invention provides a malodor control composition including a porous material having (1) a porous structure having a surface area of from about 50 to about 1500 m2/g, (2) a pore diameter of from about 1 to about 200 nm, (3) a pore volume of from about 0.3 to about 1.5 cm3/g, and (4) a pronounced hydrophobicity with a surface contact angle greater than 100 degrees. The malodor control composition can be used as an animal litter or in conjunction with other animal litters to provide more effective control for removing odors resulting from animal waste.

Abstract: A feline litter apparatus that is attachable to the exterior of a house and accessible to a cat includes a housing having a bottom wall with outer, inner, and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall in a manner that defines an interior area and open top. A lid is pivotally coupled to the inner wall and movable between open and closed configurations. The inner wall includes a knockout panel surrounded by lines of weakness, whereby the at least one knockout panel is selectively removable such that the inner wall defines an entry opening. The housing may be attached to the exterior of a house such that the inner wall is in communication with an interior of the house so that a cat able to enter into the housing interior area and use a litter box situated therein.

Abstract: A portable, fully-disposable, pet toilet is comprised of a receptacle whose cavity is fitted with living grass, living sod (including washed or soil-free sod), or a grass-seed medium. The unit has a fitted, removable cover or fold-back lid to enable the convenient shipping and disposal of the unit in its entirety. The pet toilet is used by the pet for a set period of time, at which point it is completely disposed of and replaced with a new one.

Abstract: An animal litter, process for preparing the animal litter and a method for removal of animal waste using the animal litter are provided. The animal litter generally includes ground malt sprouts, a lubricant, and a cohesiveness agent. The animal litter is in the form of discrete plural particles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.

Abstract: The invention provides litter box assemblies useful for managing animal waste. In a general aspect, the litter box assembly includes an animal litter box, a litter fragmenting device attached to the litter box, and an optional hopper attached to the litter fragmenting device. The hopper can store an animal litter that has improved absorption capabilities after being fragmented by the litter fragmenting device. The invention also provides kits useful for making the litter box assemblies and using such litter box assemblies for managing animal waste.

Abstract: A containment structure for a septic pit for manure, the septic having a side wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall, the containment structure including a base designed to sit on the side wall of the septic pit, a frame extending over the septic pit, an upper connecting device hanging from a flexible cable interconnecting the upper connecting device and the frame, a plurality of lower attachment members and a plurality of straps extending between the upper connecting device and the lower attachment members with a cover being supported by the straps.

Abstract: A litter box for pets is provided having a container defined by a bottom and side walls and a germicidal ultraviolet light lamp positioned parallel to the bottom of the container and around the interior peripheral edge of the container, whereby the light from the lamp has an unobstructed path to the absorbent granular material in the container. The interior surface of the container is reflective to maximize the incident UV light treating the granular material. A motion detector may be provided to turn the lamp off and on when a pet approaches the litter box.

Abstract: A cat litter box having a side wall defining an interior and a bottom surface within the interior formed from a main door and multiple secondary doors which form on opening. Each door includes a slat connected below the slatted edge on an underside thereof traveling most of a length of the slatted edge, and the doors are hingedly attached to the side wall of the housing. Provided is a means for manipulating the main door upwards and downwards such that the main free edge can be pushed against the slat of an adjacent one of the secondary doors to provide a downward force against each the secondary door to reveal the opening. In this manner, any contained soiled litter can periodically be dumped and the contents removed, resulting in an easy-to-use, sanitary cat litter box system.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition suitable for use as an animal litter comprising a first component having a density less than that of liquid and a second component having a density of at least 5 lb/ft3 (80 mg/cm3) greater than the first component. The invention is based upon the discovery that adding liquid such as urine to a composition having two components with significant differences in density, one of which is less than the density of the liquid, will result in the component with the lesser density floating to the top of the liquid while the component with the greater density will segregate below the component with the lesser density.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a litter box having a base portion having a floor and a plurality of walls extending in an upward direction from the floor. The litter box may also have a cover portion having a ceiling and a plurality of walls extending in a downward direction from the ceiling. The base portion and the cover portion may combine to define an inner cavity. The litter box may also include a circulating filter in communication with the inner cavity of the litter box and the circulating filter may be configured to filter air from within the inner cavity of the litter box.

Abstract: A litter box having apparatus for catching and returning litter being tracked from the litter box, and a method of assembling the litter box. The litter box includes a container for containing litter. An opening and a litter return window are formed in the container. Stair steps defining slots therebetween extend from the opening. A litter return slide is disposed beneath the slots and slopes downward towards the litter return window. As the animal traverses the stair steps, litter adhering to the paws of the animal is dislodged and falls through the slots to be caught by the litter return slide. The dislodged litter travels down the litter return slide and through the litter return window so as to return the dislodged litter to the litter container. Thus, the animal is prevented from tracking litter beyond the litter box, so that litter cleanup is reduced and sanitation is enhanced.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a remote pet litter box enclosure has a cabinet, box or other enclosure containing a pet litter box or other pet waste disposal device, which can be accessed by a pet through a tunnel or hole, the entry and exit point of which originates in another room within a home or dwelling.

Abstract: An apparatus that maintains housebreaking pads for a pet owner, automatically removing and sealing soiled pads and waste and replacing the soiled pad with a clean pad. The apparatus senses when a pet is using a housebreaking pad, and when the pet is finished, removes and seals the pad and the waste automatically, moving the pad into a repository for later disposal and replacing the soiled pad with a clean pad. The apparatus seals the waste and pad with plastic film having low vapor permeability for disposal on a once-daily or less frequent basis. The apparatus minimizes or eliminates odors associated with canine elimination by removing the pads immediately after elimination is completed, and sealing the waste. A control unit, triggered by a sensor, has a single cycle or a multiple cycle operation, operating a motor that rolls the soiled composite pad onto an arbor in the repository.

Abstract: A pet litter box is provided with a simplified, easy-to-clean and easy-to-use configuration, incorporating a monolithically formed shell, having a large front opening, and a slidable, litter-holding drawer received by the shell. The shell is provided with a circumferential groove in its side and rear walls, which is configured to conform to a projecting ridge forming the upper periphery of the drawer, for purposes of guiding and supporting the drawer. A handgrip recess is also provided in an upper edge region of the rear wall of the shell.

Abstract: A long term waste collection device for collecting and storing pet deposits includes a main body having a flat base section, and a plurality of upward facing side sections, a plurality of angled support columns positioned on the base section, a non-porous top surface having multiple openings for moving the pet deposits into an interior portion of the main body for storage, and a drain valve positioned along one of the side sections for removing the stored waste.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for maintaining pet waste in a fully-encapsulated environment whereby waste may be removed and litter may be added/replaced in a substantially sealed, dust-free, and clean manner. In one aspect, the pet waste management system comprises a sealed means by which litter may added and/or removed and/or exchange with fresh litter without the substantial release of contaminated dust and materials from the litter system. The invention also provides a vessel or container for receiving spent litter and/or for housing fresh litter where said vessel or container comprises a connection means for sealably connecting the vessel or container to an enclosed pet management system so that litter may be added and/or exchanged therewith. Further, the invention provides a continuous bagging dispenser fitted to a pet management system which allows for continuous removal of pet waste from the pet management system.

Abstract: A litter box for pets is provided having a container defined by a bottom and side walls and a germicidal ultraviolet light lamp positioned parallel to the bottom of the container and around the interior peripheral edge of the container, whereby the light from the lamp has an unobstructed path to the absorbent granular material in the container. A motion detector may be provided to turn the lamp off and on when a pet approaches the litter box.

Abstract: A small animal toilet pad that includes a base and one or more walls that extend upward from the base to protect floors, and adjacent walls, furniture and other objects from damage associated with animal and pet toilet habits. The base and wall(s) can be made from conventional liquid absorbent materials and can be in the form of woven or non-woven fabrics or webs, or laminated pads, mats sheets, etc. The base and/or wall(s) can include or contain stiffeners such as plastic panels, laminates or coatings, water proofed paper or cardboard panels, or similar reinforcing or stiffening elements whether as a continuous structure, grid, frame, etc. Alternatively, the wall(s) can be supported to adjacent structures by clips, hooks, ties, etc.

Abstract: A pet litter box, comprising: a housing having left, right, front and back side walls defining a well, the housing including at least one ridge disposed on a side wall and at least one depression disposed on at least one side wall; a grid having plurality of holes between grid lines and configured to slide into the depression of the side wall of the housing; and a locking frame having an open interior, configured to slide and lock into the well of the housing, below the ridge and over the grid.

Abstract: A pet potty includes a base plate and a grid. The base plate has a base and a wall along the perimeter of the base, the base and wall impermeable to fluid and forming a cavity capable of retaining fluid. The grid is sized to fit within the cavity of the base plate and has a complex of beams that can support a pet atop the grid. The beams have a top side and a bottom side, and substantially all of the beams are convex in shape on their top side.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for isolating and venting a litter box. The apparatus includes an enclosure for a litter box, an access door and a pet door in the enclosure, at least one vent between an interior and an exterior of the enclosure, and an exit duct between the interior and the exterior of the enclosure. The system includes a pet enclosure having an enclosure door, a pet door, at least one vent, and at least one exhaust duct, a litter box adapted for placement in the enclosure, a motor and fan in fluid communication with the exit duct, and a conduit from the exit duct adapted for fluid connection to an exterior of a house. The method includes enclosing a litter box in a pet container, drawing outside air through at least one vent in the pet container into an interior of the pet container and exhausting air from the pet container out through an exit duct.