Walled Receptacle; E.g., Litter Box, Etc., Containing Moisture Absorbent Material Patents (Class 119/165)
  • Publication number: 20040244707
    Abstract: A base 12 supports small disposable containers 18 in an array. Each container holds a portion of litter 20. Containers are preferably transparent or translucent. In preferred embodiments a hinged grille 14 assists in the locating of containers within the base and serves to conceal the upper rims of the containers. A containment rim 16 is optionally provided for better keeping litter within the box. Container may be reused, or sealed with a snap-on lid 26 and disposed of without cleaning. Veterinary urine samples can be collected at home without stress to the cats. Amount of urine can also be determined even when litter has absorbed it completely by weighing the individual used container before and after soiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Martti Johannes Sannikka
  • Publication number: 20040216686
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an improved screen device for camouflaging a cut litter box or bedding area having two upstanding side support panels, one upstanding end support panel, with all of the support panels being hingedly interconnected. Further, each support panel is provided on its exterior surface with a standard attachment means, such as miniature hook/loop fastening elements, a plurality of bolts or screws, and/or channel hardware which is intended to interconnect to the following elements which are located on the interior of corresponding removable decorative panels: corresponding miniature hook/loop fastening elements, keyhole slots, or an inverted J-shaped hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Jerri Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20040200890
    Abstract: A storage container that is foldable between a first, second and third position, and having a generally planar base, a pair of opposing end panels, and a pair of opposing side panels. In the first position, the side panels and end panels are folded to form a generally planar shape. When formed into the second position, the end and side panels are folded generally perpendicular to the base to form an open container shape. In the third position, the base panels, side panels and end panels are folded to form a closed box shape. The base includes a bottom portion located between a pair of base panels. The end panels are foldably connected to the base panels. The side panels are foldably connected to the base and the end panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Olivier Denys Andre Mesly
  • Publication number: 20040200424
    Abstract: This is a complete prepackaged litter box system that includes pre-measured sealed plastic bags of litter in a cardboard box contain. The bags of prepackaged litter are measured, in quantity, to provide a sufficient amount of litter for the standard litter box. There are several prepackaged bags in each box container allowing, at minimum, seven complete changes of the bag and litter. Each bag when put in use is unsealed with the removable tie wrap. It is placed in the box where it contains the litter and also serves as a moisture liner to contain the animal waste. The bag when opened spreads the litter in the box and the open end is turned over the four upright edges of the box and is held in place by fitting the top of the box onto the bottom portion of the box. Hence the box container in which the product is shipped is then used as the litter box for the number of prepackaged bags of litter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Kenneth Stolpe
  • Publication number: 20040200425
    Abstract: A litter mat includes a base, a plurality of tufts, and a perimeter. The base includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is constructed from a non-slip material and is fixedly attached to the first substrate. The plurality of tufts are woven through the first substrate and extend in an angled upwardly direction therefrom. The perimeter of the base and includes an edge portion shaped to fit around a portion of a litter box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew J. Paquette
  • Publication number: 20040177816
    Abstract: A circular litter box having a scoop removal remounted in a scoop holder which is pushed around the sidewall of the box to scoop the box. The mounting mechanism for the scoop causes the scoop to assume a relatively vertical position during scooping, to minimize formation of a wave of litter in front of the scoop as it is rotated, but causes the scoop to assume a more horizontal position as the scoop is removed, so the collected waste will not spill from the scoop during removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Parr
  • Publication number: 20040149232
    Abstract: A litter box system comprising an open-top container and an enclosure that defines a chamber, an exterior, an entrance, and a first opening located between the entrance and the chamber. The enclosure includes a housing and a door having a first position and a second position. The container and chamber are shaped so that the container may be placed in the chamber in an upright position and the entrance allows access to the container when the container is located in the chamber. The first opening is larger when the door is in the second position than when the door is in the first position, so that the container can be removed from the chamber in the upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen N. Griffin
  • Patent number: 6761130
    Abstract: A pet litter device having the outward shape of a chiminea, the pet litter device including a hollow bulbous enlarged diameter portion having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end having a circular floor therein for receipt of pet litter, the hollow bulbous enlarged diameter portion having an opening therein for providing access to the interior of the hollow bulbous enlarged diameter portion, the hollow bulbous enlarged diameter portion having a hollow reduced diameter portion connected to the upper end thereof for receipt and storage of pet litter, and the hollow reduced diameter portion therein for supporting pet litter stored therein, the circular cone-shaped floor having a valve in the center thereof for selectively dispensing pet litter into the interior of the bulbous enlarged diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Dean A. Vicknair
  • Publication number: 20040129230
    Abstract: A rug for a litter box ramp includes a backing for supporting a plurality of twisted fabric loop portions. The twisted fabric loop portions are spaced apart a sufficient length to allow litter to be trapped between the loops along the ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Melaney Northrop, Mike Harper
  • Publication number: 20040094097
    Abstract: There are many types of litter box ventilation systems of varying forms which utilize flexible hoses and often specify vague designs regarding the blower units or how they may attached to or disconnect from a litter box. Many are cumbersome to use and some require an open window to operate. This application describes and illustrates a litter box ventilation system without these problems. This invention was created for the purpose of preventing up to 100% of the odors, germs, and allergens, produced in the litter box from entering the home and moving them to the outdoors 24 hours a day by way of an electrically driven ventilation unit assembly that is not cumbersome to use and doesn't require major construction or alterations to the home to install and does not look aesthetically distracting or displeasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Shartell
  • Publication number: 20040089243
    Abstract: The flush toilet is suitable for use by dogs of various physical sizes. The toilet has two high side wall portions to collect the urine ejected by a male dog. A restraint frame is provided for retaining the dog on a leash in the toilet. The position of the restraint frame is adjustable to accommodate a dog of any size such that the excrement will drop in or close to the drain opening of the toilet. A grid pattern is formed on the inner surface of the high side wall to facilitate the male dog from urinating, and a baffle wall is provided at the front edge of the high side walls to avoid the urine from a male dog from splashing outside of the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Chui-Wen Chiu
  • Patent number: 6701868
    Abstract: A self-cleaning cat litter box apparatus comprises a litter tray for containing a quantity of cat litter, a waste bin, and a mesh basket sized for having lower regions received into the litter. A supporting frame and the basket form a basket assembly that is hinged relative to the litter tray for pivotal movement between a lowered position in which the lower regions of the basket are immersed in cat litter contained in the litter tray and an upright position in which cat waste-containing clumped litter picked up from the tray by the basket is gravity dumped into the waste bin. A basket motor is connected for causing the pivoting of the basket assembly between the lowered and upright positions and for simultaneously opening and closing a waste bin door. Operation of the basket motor is responsive to a cat entering and subsequently leaving the litter tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: John V. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6698384
    Abstract: An apparatus for grooming cats which includes a source of food located in an enclosure and a grooming brush assembly forming an adjustable aperture which is mounted between a portal formed in the enclosure and the source of food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Eli Markowitz
  • Publication number: 20040011297
    Abstract: A canine waste receptacle providing a natural, sanitary, hassle-free environment in which canines may urinate and deficate indoors. The canine waste receptacle has a layer of sod which rests upon a base. The base has apertures which allow urine and excess water to pass through to a collection tray which is housed underneath the base. This collection tray may be removed in order to dispose of the excess waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Brandon R. Hochman
  • Patent number: 6662748
    Abstract: A litter box apparatus having a container with an open top and a closed bottom, a lid detachably affixed over the open top of the container and having a hole formed therein, a handle affixed to the container and extending outwardly beyond the lid, and a pair of wheels rotatably mounted adjacent to the closed bottom in a location directly below the handle. A liner having a bag shape is received within the container. At least one support member is affixed to the lid and extends into the container so as to retain the liner adjacent to a side wall thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Hanks
  • Patent number: 6647923
    Abstract: The invention relates to an animal waste collection device. The device claimed for the invention comprises a casing provided with side collection bag removal openings, at least one movable equipped side door or wall, at least one access opening which is made in such removable side door or wall or any other surface which is not a lower surface and which permits introduction of used individual collection bags into the interior of such casing. The interior of the casing holds a moving carriage which may be pulled toward the exterior by sliding motion and which carries a gathering bag for individual collection bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Heidi Béatrice Nicoud, Joél Nicoud
  • Publication number: 20030188690
    Abstract: A cat litter box includes a floor and first, second, and third sidewalls that extend upwardly from the floor. The sidewalls are in an at least generally triangular arrangement with the first sidewall being generally perpendicular to the second sidewall so as to permit the cat litter box to be placed in a corner of a room. The first sidewall is disposed adjacent to and parallel with one of the walls of the room and the second sidewall is disposed adjacent to and parallel with another one of the walls of the room. The cat litter box also includes a low and wide entranceway that extends outwardly from the third sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: GHL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jo Ann D. Zabik
  • Publication number: 20030168017
    Abstract: A new and improved cat outhouse provides for a cleaner and healthier way to care for an indoor cat. The cat outhouse attaches to the exterior of a house and comprises a box-like shelter, a litter pan, and at least one pass-through door so that the cat can enter the litter box from the inside of the house. The outhouse also has a ventilation system which helps to dissipate the smell and dust. Although regular changing of the cat litter is still necessary, the job is much easier and cleaner with the new invention. The cat pan can be removed from a slidable drawer at the bottom of the shelter, or in alternate embodiments, through the top opening of the shelter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Jack Aldon Perelli, Fern Ellouise Perelli
  • Patent number: 6615765
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pet toilet that is clean, easy to use, odor free, and one that ultimately reduces or eliminates the need for litter or similar absorbent material. It consists of three parts: a relatively deep lower receptacle, a cover, and a relatively shallow tray located beneath the cover and suspended above the bottom of the lower receptacle. The cover will have an upstanding circumferential rim sufficiently high to initially hold a nominal amount of litter and retain the litter against the normal scratching done by an animal using the device. It will also have an opening adjacent one end. This opening will be of a sufficient size to freely permit the passage of animal waste material into the lower receptacle. The tray is of a size that will completely fill the area beneath the opening in the top cover. It can be positioned so that it may be easily slid backwards and forwards beneath or away from the opening in the cover. During a training period the cover and tray are conventionally filled with litter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen P. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030116095
    Abstract: A pet excreta treating unit comprising a tray, a drainboard disposed in the tray, and a low water absorbing excreta treating material disposed on the drainboard. There is a space under the drainboard in which a liquid containing a germicide or a deodorizer or a water-disintegrable sheet impregnated with the liquid is adapted to be put.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuya Otsuji
  • Patent number: 6578520
    Abstract: An absorbent mat useful for treating pet excreta has a flat shape and comprises an absorbing base material comprising at least one of plant fiber and pulp, an antimicrobial surface active agent or a combination of a surface active agent and an antimicrobial agent, and at least one of a binder, a crosslinking agent and water, the absorbent mat having a thickness of 3 mm or greater, a bulk density of 0.05 to 0.3 g/cm3, a saturated water absorption of 2 g/1 g or more, and a rate of water absorption of 30 sec or shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Otsuji, Yasuki Tsutsumi, Hiromi Yamaguchi, Nobuya Sato
  • Patent number: 6510814
    Abstract: A cat litter storage and dispensing system that will allow cat owners to easily change and refill a litter box including a housing having a closed upper end, an open lower end, a front wall, a back wall, opposed side walls, and a hollow interior. The closed upper end has an opening therein exposing the hollow interior. The housing receives a quantity of cat litter within the hollow interior. A funnel member is coupled with the open lower end of the housing. The funnel member has an open wide upper end and an open narrow lower end. The open wide upper end is secured to the open lower end of the housing. The funnel member includes a slotted opening therethrough upwardly of the open narrow lower end. The funnel member includes a stop plate slidably received within the slotted opening for covering the open narrow lower end. A plurality of wall-mountable brackets are adapted for being secured to a wall area and coupled with the housing whereby the housing is elevated over a litter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Maria Vargas
  • Patent number: 6494165
    Abstract: A main litter box base is covered pith a partial litter box canopy. Dividing the main litter box container into two different compartments is a sift screen, the sift screen being sealed about its edges with the main litter box container and further being sealed about the edge of the litter box canopy. The litter box screen includes a moveable door for accessing or preventing access to the screened portion of the box. A stop member is provided opposite the access door for preventing the movement of loose excrement and clumped animal litter from atop the sifting screen. A removable or detachable scoop or shovel is mounted to the outer surface of the main litter box base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Russell Asbury
  • Publication number: 20020185390
    Abstract: The travel container of the present invention is a disposable package in the form of a kit for the storage of drinking water and a predefined quantity of pet food to be mixed with the stored drinking water to form a predefined meal for a pet dog or pet cat when traveling on a short excursion. The travel container includes, in combination, an open receptacle having a relatively deep compartment with a flat bottom and a large opening for storing a supply of pet food and/or for use as a reservoir for providing water for the canine pet dog to drink from, a cover lid for closing the open receptacle and a separate sealed pouch in which a source of water is stored in the container. The supply of pet food and the source of water are present in proportional amounts to form a predefined convenience pet meal upon adding the water to the pet food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Angela Ciguere
  • Patent number: 6463881
    Abstract: An animal litter device includes a chamber that is rotatable about a generally horizontal axis, the chamber having a first-rotation position and a second-rotation position. An internal portion of the chamber is disposed at a bottom of the chamber when the chamber is in the its first rotation position whereat the chamber is usable by an animal, and this internal portion of the chamber is disposed generally at a top of the chamber when the chamber is in its second rotation position whereat the chamber is not usable by an animal. A dump opening is located at a second portion of the chamber, the dump opening being located at or near a top of the chamber when the chamber is in its first-rotation position, and being located at a bottom of the chamber when the chamber is in its second-rotatable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Donald D. Reitz
  • Publication number: 20020139312
    Abstract: An animal litter device includes a chamber that is rotatable about a generally horizontal axis, the chamber having a first-rotation position and a second-rotation position. An internal portion of the chamber is disposed at a bottom of the chamber when the chamber is in the its first rotation position whereat the chamber is usable by an animal, and this internal portion of the chamber is disposed generally at a top of the chamber when the chamber is in its second rotation position whereat the chamber is not usable by an animal. A dump opening is located at a second portion of the chamber, the dump opening being located at or near a top of the chamber when the chamber is in its first-rotation position, and being located at a bottom of the chamber when the chamber is in its second-rotatable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Donald D. Reitz
  • Publication number: 20020139313
    Abstract: A pet debris trap catches items that result from traffic to a pet usage area, such as a cat litter box, or from a pet habitat such as a birdcage. In situations such as this, debris in the form of cat litter, feces, food particles, replaced feathers, etc., are deposited around the litter box or habitat. This presents a condition that requires constant attention by the pet owner. As a solution to this problem the present invention is a trap that includes a substratum that supports an adhesive, preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, which is supported by, and positioned up away from, a base. This accessible adhesive catches litter that clings to the paws of a cat or droppings from a bird that would otherwise soil the bottom pan of the cage or bounce out of the cage and land on the floor nearby. The adhesive covered substratum can come in individual sheets or on a continuous roll, which can then be discarded when soiled and replaced with a clean sheet or section of the roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Joe. D. Mack, Alfred Vallejo, Kevin G. Abelbeck
  • Patent number: 6453845
    Abstract: A disposable pet litter bag, and a method of using thereof, the method including the steps of: (a) providing the pet litter bag in a folded position, the pet litter bag including: (i) a bottom wall; (ii) a first side wall connected to the bottom wall; (iii) a second side wall connected to the bottom wall; (iv) a rear wall connected to the bottom wall, to the first side wall and to the second side wall; and (v) a front wall connected to the bottom wall, to the first side wall and to the second side wall; (b) separating the front wall and the rear wall to form a top opening in the pet litter bag; (c) applying an internal pressure against the first side wall and against the second side wall, via the top opening, to establish the pet litter bag in a fully open position, and (d) opening an opening in a wall of the walls of the pet litter bag for ingress and egress of a pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Elie Efrati, Avi Naim
  • Patent number: 6439160
    Abstract: A paw cleaning apparatus includes a basin for holding a cleaning liquid, the basin having end and side walls extending upwardly from an inclined inner bottom wall. A grate is supported on ledge portions on the side walls above the inner bottom wall and is constructed to support an animal thereon. Spaced apart arms of a support rack are supported on additional ledge portions on the side walls intermediate the grate and inner bottom wall. A brush head is coupled to the support rack and extends transversely between the rack arms, the brush head being selectably positioned longitudinally therealong. Bristles extend upwardly from the brush head and through the grate. A vibration device coupled to the rack causes the rack and brush head to reciprocate when energized. A water pump draws water from the basin and discharges it through the brush head for cleaning the paws of an animal positioned thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Troy L. Wheelwright
  • Patent number: 6439161
    Abstract: A litterbox enclosure mounted on an exterior wall of a structure includes a gated passage permitting a pet free access to and from a litter container. The litter container may be filled and maintained from an outside location through an exterior access door. An exterior actuator handle pivots the container to discharge the contents into a lower chute to which a conventional plastic waste bag is secured, thereby avoiding direct contact between the attendant and the waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald E. Clemmons
  • Publication number: 20020112670
    Abstract: A paw cleaning apparatus includes a basin for holding a cleaning liquid, the basin having end and side walls extending upwardly from an inclined inner bottom wall. A grate is supported on ledge portions on the side walls above the inner bottom wall and is constructed to support an animal thereon. Spaced apart arms of a support rack are supported on additional ledge portions on the side walls intermediate the grate and inner bottom wall. A brush head is coupled to the support rack and extends transversely between the rack arms, the brush head being selectably positioned longitudinally therealong. Bristles extend upwardly from the brush head and through the grate. A vibration device coupled to the rack causes the rack and brush head to reciprocate when energized. A water pump draws water from the basin and discharges it through the brush head for cleaning the paws of an animal positioned thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Troy L. Wheelwright
  • Publication number: 20020096121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment of liquid or semi-liquid animal waste using porosive particulate matter to remove malodorous materials, and to an organic fertilizer composition comprising organic substances derived from animal waste, said organic substance being held in pores of porosive, nutritionally inert particulate matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Progeny Biological Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Dov Ingman, Vladimir M. Ogenko
  • Patent number: 6415738
    Abstract: A sanitary enclosure for an animal litter box that includes a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral walls forming an enclosed space for accommodating a variety of standard litter boxes or trays. An aperture is located in one of the peripheral walls to permit an animal to enter and exit the enclosed space. Space suitable for the placement of a pad for cleaning the animal's paws is located between the aperture and the litter box. A removable or openable wall is provided to enable the litter box to be readily removed and replaced. The sanitary enclosure facilitates clean up and litter replacement, while minimizing odors and stains caused by tracking of soiled liter out of the litter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Hotter
  • Patent number: 6412440
    Abstract: A sanitary cat path for use with a litter box, or a cat door; the sanitary cat path comprising an elevated apertured walkway operating to remove the litter or debris from the feet or paws of the cat so that the litter or debris will not be deposited on the floor, and/or tracked about the home; and preferably, providing a tray for capturing the litter or debris, and easily disposing of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Shinobu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6408790
    Abstract: An animal litter box includes a litter tray for retaining a nonabsorbent litter that includes liquid permeable bottom means, preferably the bottom means defining a plurality of openings sized to allow the flow of liquid waste, but not the passage of litter. The litter tray fits into and is supported by a drain pan, the drain pan including an upstanding perimeter wall and a downwardly and inwardly sloping floor that includes a drain hole for the passage of liquid waste that has flowed through the litter tray liquid permeable bottom means. The liquid waste flows into and is collected by a reservoir drawer that is removably positioned within a base so that the liquid is captured by the reservoir drawer as it flows down the drain pan floor and through the drain pan hole. The base includes an upstanding perimeter support wall that has an opening for the placement and removal of the reservoir drawer, and the base supports the drain pan within its perimeter wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Sara Barbara Maguire
  • Publication number: 20020073928
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment of liquid or semi-liquid animal waste using porosive particulate matter to remove malodorous materials, and to an organic fertilizer composition comprising organic substances derived from animal waste, said organic substance being held in pores of porosive, nutritionally inert particulate matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Innovative Material Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Dov Ingman, Valdimir M. Ogenko
  • Publication number: 20020069830
    Abstract: A litterbox enclosure mounted on an exterior wall of a structure includes a gated passage permitting a pet free access to and from a litter container. The litter container may be filled and maintained from an outside location through an exterior access door. An exterior actuator handle pivots the container to discharge the contents into a lower chute to which a conventional plastic waste bag is secured, thereby avoiding direct contact between the attendant and the waste material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald E. Clemmons
  • Patent number: 6401660
    Abstract: A self-cleaning cat litter box for quickly and efficiently removing animal waste and reusing the unused cat litter, which has not been contaminated by the animal waste. The litter box is designed to lift cat defecation and clumped urination above the litter and discharge the waste into a disposable bag without having to touch the waste. The litter box includes at least one or more litter holding pans. The box also includes a litter strainer pan contoured for receipt inside the litter holding pan. The litter strainer pan includes a bottom with a plurality of litter openings for straining the unused litter therethrough and leaving the animal waste on top of the strainer bottom. Further, the box includes a strainer pan top for releasable attachment to the top of sides of the litter strainer pan. The strainer pan top includes a funnel disposed in one side of thereof for receiving the waste from the strainer bottom and discharging the waste into the disposable bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Doug Wolff
  • Patent number: 6386143
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for collecting and recycling litter material lodged in the paw of an animal. The apparatus includes a base having a substantially C-shaped wall extending along the peripheral edge of the base, as well as an open portion having no wall associated therewith. On the top surface of the base is disposed a plurality of elongated raised members. These elongated raised members extend along a portion of the top surface of the base in a substantially perpendicular direction to the open portion of the base. A litter box is then placed in close proximity to the open portion of the base. When the animal exits the litter box and steps onto the apparatus, the litter materials lodged in its paw are dislodged when the paw contacts the plurality of elongated raised members. The apparatus can then be conveniently tilted to collect the dislodged litter material. The collected litter material can then be recycled back into the litter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: James D. Link, John R. Link
  • Patent number: 6382131
    Abstract: A kitty litter box is made from a unitary, one-piece blank is provided. The kitty litter box includes a first section, a second section, and an intermediate section which are hingedly connected together to be movable between a closed position and an opened position. The dimensions of the closed box are such that the closed kitty litter box can be stood upright on store shelves, allowing the stores to make for efficient use of shelf space. Handles are formed in the end walls of the kitty litter box which are movable between a first position in which the handles are coplanar with the end walls and a second position in which the handles are out of the plane of the end walls to facilitate carrying of the box. The handles include spaced apart legs and a cross-member extending between the legs. The handles define tabs on the end walls between the legs, and, when the handles extend up from the end walls, channels are formed in the end walls adjacent side edges of the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Sean McGivern
  • Patent number: 6371048
    Abstract: A cat litter box has a tray having a bottom from which sides upwardly extend to an upper lip and a lid for the tray which has a top from which sides downwardly extend to a lower lip configured to be supported upon the tray upper lip. The lid sides are formed with an opening through which cats may come and go. A ramp having a rough litter-dislodging surface is mounted in the tray extending upwardly from adjacent the tray bottom to adjacent the lid side wall opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jason T. Smith
  • Patent number: 6367420
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing litter from being scattered upon the floor outside the litter box and beyond, whether strewn by the cat during or after using the litter box, or by the owner when cleaning the litter box. The present invention comprises an enclosure having a front side, a left side, a right side and a base. The present invention is designed to encourage the cat to step out of a litter box and into a tracked litter receptacle for collecting tracked litter. The front side, or the left and/or right sides near the front side of the enclosure, has/have portal(s) allowing a cat to step into the enclosure. The present invention is further designed to corral not only litter tracked on the bottom of the cats paws, but litter tossed, flipped and spilled out of the litter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Lyla Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 6354243
    Abstract: An animal litter container includes a bottom and a wall extending from the bottom. The wall includes a first portion and a second portion. An opening extends through the first portion and the first portion is shorter than the second portion. The first portion includes a ledge and the second portion includes a lip. The lip defines at least a portion of the opening and the ledge is wider than the lip. The bottom is textured to provide footing for the animal. A pair of slots extend through the ledge and a door extends across the opening and is attached to the wall utilizing the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ralston Purina Company
    Inventors: Ronald A. Lewis, II, Phillip Green
  • Patent number: 6341579
    Abstract: An exhaust and deodorizing system for an animal housing. The system features an exhaust unit provided with an air inlet operatively-connected to the interior of the animal housing. The exhaust unit further includes a replaceable filter, an air outlet and an electric fan. The fan is capable of moving a current of air from the inlet, through the filter, and then to the ambient area via the outlet. An important feature of the invention is a flexible mat that conforms to, and seals, the top of the animal housing. The mat includes a hole that can be placed in at least partial registration with a ventilation hole in the housing. The exhaust unit's inlet fits in, or on, the hole in the mat. It should be noted that exact registration between the exhaust unit's inlet and the ventilation hole in the housing's roof is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventors: William E. Alkire, David B. Benz, Shawna M. Swenson
  • Publication number: 20020002954
    Abstract: A cat litter box having a right angle rectangular prismatic configuration formed from a rigid cardboard base including a bottom and upstanding side walls joined to the bottom at fold lines and an impermeable laminar covering of plastic sheet material over the opposite surfaces of the 5 cardboard base. The covering is slightly longer and wider than the base and the sheets are joined at the marginal regions beyond the edges of the base. The panels defining the walls and attached to the bottom define open areas between adjacent walls. When the walls are folded up, the excess covering plastic material is folded over and is adhered to the walls, defining closure flaps and holding the walls upright.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Emilio Ramon Goitiandia
  • Patent number: 6332429
    Abstract: This application relates to an improved container for holding pet litter. The container has a bottom surface and an outer wall extending upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface. The container also has an inner wall coupled to or seated on the outer wall and supported above the bottom surface. The container is partially filled with pet litter to a level below the bottom edge of the inner wall. The inner wall extends adjacent to and inwardly of the outer wall and functions as a urine splashguard, thereby preventing litter clumps from sticking to the outer wall and fouling it. This eliminates the need to dump the entire contents of the container in order to clean the outer wall. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner wall is pivotably and removably coupled to the outer wall. In another embodiment the inner wall has an upper rim which is supported on an upper edge of the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Theodore International Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore Gramlich
  • Publication number: 20010047768
    Abstract: An apparatus for grooming cats which includes a source of food located in an enclosure and a grooming brush assembly forming an adjustable aperture which is mounted between a portal formed in the enclosure and the source of food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Eli Markowitz
  • Patent number: 6312507
    Abstract: A hand-holdable electro-kinetic electro-static ionic air refreshener-conditioner for a pet shelter or litter box includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more pin-like electrodes and the second array comprises one more washer-like electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. Optionally, a sensor detects odor adjacent the refreshener-conditioner causes the ion generator to be activated when sensed odor exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6302060
    Abstract: A magnetic pet litter system minimizes scattering of particulate litter by pets such as cats. The system includes a particulate pet litter containing a material, such as iron, capable of being attracted by a magnet. A magnet is positioned external to a litter containment area so that as the pet exists the litter containment area, particles of the magnetically attractable litter tracked outside the litter containment area by the pet are attracted to and collected by the magnet. A mat or rug may also be positioned over the magnet to collect the litter particles. During clean up, the mat and magnet are separated and the collected litter is discarded. The magnet may be either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. A pet activated switch is employed to turn the electromagnet on and off. In an alternate embodiment, a charge generator produces an electrical differential between the litter and a mat to attract litter particles to the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel R. Schumaier
  • Patent number: 6298808
    Abstract: An animal privacy system that includes a module having a stackable frame, a cantilevered platform and/or fasteners. Each module has an opening to allow access into its interior space. Litter boxes may be disposed inside of the individual modules. The modules may be stacked one on top of the other, and may be fastened to one another such that there is limited movement between the modules in the vertical direction. When the modules are stacked in this manner, multiple litter boxes may be accommodated in the same amount of floorspace as one litter box. Additionally, the animal privacy system may include a litter guard inside of the module that works to reduce the amount of litter that is thrown from the litter box, thereby simplifying the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Lynnette Crafton, Gloria Ullstam-Trevino