Walled Receptacle; E.g., Litter Box, Etc., Containing Moisture Absorbent Material Patents (Class 119/165)
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Patent number: 6295949Abstract: A litter box for separating pet waste from litter material includes a housing having a front panel connected to a rear panel through a pair of side panels extending therebetween, and top and bottom panels extending between the front, rear and side panels to form an interior space for retaining litter and pet waste. The front panel includes an access opening such that a pet can enter into and exit from the interior space. A collection screen is removably mounted in the housing. The collection screen has a bottom wall extending at least substantially between the side panels and the top and bottom panels. The bottom wall includes openings that are sized to permit passage of clean litter material therethrough while preventing passage of pet waste when the litter box is rotated from an upright position where the bottom wall is oriented substantially vertically to a tipped position where the bottom wall is oriented substantially horizontally.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Steven B. Willis
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Patent number: 6295948Abstract: The litter box has a box having a bottom and a side wall that extends from the bottom. The side wall terminates in an edge that is spaced apart from the bottom of the box. A container for receiving litter is positioned on the box. The container has a side wall that is substantially the same shape and size as the side wall of the box. A flange extends from the side wall of the container. The flange is disposed to extend over the edge of the side wall of the box to position the container on the box. An opening is positioned in a portion of the side wall of the container. The opening is disposed adjacent the flange on the side of the flange that is spaced apart from the box. A groove is positioned on the interior side of a portion of the side wall of the container. The groove is positioned adjacent the flange and is on the side of the flange that is spaced apart from the box. A tray extends through the opening and slideably engages the groove in the side wall of the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Litter Flush, L.L.C.Inventor: Brian K. Bowron
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Patent number: 6286458Abstract: Housing for a domestic animal is in the configuration of furniture. Within the housing or enclosure is a litter box. A shelf support may be used to hold the litter box or the litter box may be disposed below the shelf support. The use of the shelf support prevents litter from being thrown out of the enclosure during use. A flap covers an opening at one end of the enclosure and the animal moves into and out of the enclosure through the flap covered opening. This hides the contents of the litter box and helps to eliminate odor. This furniture provides a more sanitary approach to the litter box problem for indoor cats and their owners. Also within the enclosure is a storage area for items which pertain to the animal.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Barbara J. Rawson
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Patent number: 6286457Abstract: A self-cleaning cat litter box has the ability to automatically filter and separate clumped soiled litter and fecal matter from clean litter. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum, a spiral filter within the drum, and a stationary back plate. The drawn has front and back walls, and the front wall has a front opening which permits access and egress by a domestic pet. The back wall has a first opening for both the removal of soiled litter and the addition of clean litter. The spiral filter is slotted, and is mounted on the inner surface of the drum. The stationary back plate is parallel to the plane of the back wall and has a second opening which permits the passage of soiled litter away from the drum, and a third opening to permit the passage of clean litter into the drum. The drum is rotated by a suitable drive, which can be electively actuated by a switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Andy Sugahara
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Patent number: 6267078Abstract: A portable cat litter box and travel case wherein the portable box is comprised of two separate side compartments. One of the side compartments defines the litter box, and the second side defines a compartment within which various items necessary for proper pet care may be stored. The litter box has a substantially air tight sealing member removably secured to the top sidewall around its perimeter. Folding flanges are used to prevent a cat from inadvertently removing litter from the box upon exiting the litter box. Items which may be stored in the travel case include things such as extra food, spare liners for the litter box, a feeding bowl, etc.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1997Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Inventor: Servando Ronald Pina
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Publication number: 20010009142Abstract: An absorbent mat useful for treating pet excreta has a flat shape and comprisesType: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventors: Kazuya Otsuji, Yasuki Tsutsumi, Hiromi Yamaguchi, Nobuya Sato
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Patent number: 6237534Abstract: A litter box assembly is described that comprises a box for containing litter, having a base, rigid side walls, an opening in one of the side walls, and a removable lid atop the side walls; and a flexible tunnel, preferably made of an accordion plastic. The tunnel allows for the ingress and egress of a small animal, preferably a “so-called” indoor pet such as a cat, and supports the weight of the small animal during its ingress and egress to and from the litter box. The tunnel is preferably suspended above the ground via removable attachments to the opening in the litter box, the to an opening in a residence. The litter box is not fixed in a particular orientation relative to the opening in the residence, even when connected to the tunnel. The litter box is preferably substantially divided, by an interior wall, into a waste chamber for containing litter and an interior passageway.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventor: David Schwartz
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Patent number: 6223688Abstract: In an exemplary form, the invention provides a liner for a litter box cover designed to rest on a litter box bottom. The liner comprises a sidewall for lining a substantial portion of a sidewall of the cover otherwise exposed to pet waste during normal operation. The sidewall comprises a fluid impermeable layer and an aperture for access by a pet. The liner further comprises at least one fastener for being held in position relative to the cover. The liner may include a top comprising a fluid impermeable layer attached to the liner sidewall around a substantial portion of a lateral periphery of the top. In addition to the fluid impermeable layer, the liner sidewall preferably includes a sorbent layer for absorbing pet urine and preferably a claw-resistant layer for protecting the sorbent layer. Using the foregoing liner for a litter box cover together with a liner for a litter box bottom achieves significant reduction in bacteria or odor buildup in a litter box.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Eric M. Engel
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Patent number: 6205955Abstract: The basic apparatus includes an abrasive layer and a grid. The grid is installed over the abrasive layer, a shorter distance from it along one of its edges and a greater distance from it at the opposite edge. The shorter distance is about ⅛ inch and the longer distance ⅜ of an inch. One quarter inch hardware cloth is an acceptable grid material. Preferably the apparatus is mounted on a generally vertical surface near a litter box, such as on the inside of a wall of a covered litter box. The abrasive surface may be replaceable and faces the grid and cats use the abrasive surface and grid simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Inventor: Michael Y. Diep
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Patent number: 6205953Abstract: A cat litter container includes a base and a retaining side wall extending from the base in a manner to form a partial enclosure and having an access surface provided. The access surface includes a ramp interconnecting the retaining side wall and base which together with the base and retaining wall serve as a primary container for cat litter. A cavity is formed between the ramp, base and retaining side wall. The ramp further includes a plurality of opening surfaces to permit cat litter pass therethrough. A removable tray is disposed in the cavity beneath the ramp to catch cat litter as it passes through the open surfaces of the ramp. A tread surface is also formed on the ramp.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Inventor: Sharron A. Ginn
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Patent number: 6202595Abstract: An animal waste disposal system including a housing with an area for holding a bed of particulate litter, a scoop with a plurality of perforations for separating animal's waste from the particulate litter, and a drive mechanism for moving the scoop to remove animal's waste from the bed of particulate litter. The waste-removing operation is carried out by collecting a mixture of animal's waste and particulate litter in the interior of the scoop and moving the scoop in a raised position over the area for holding the bed of particulate litter to allow the collected particulate litter to sift through the perforations in the scoop while retaining animal's waste for disposal into a waste container. The bed of particulate litter may be arbitrarily defined by a plurality of contiguous sections, each of which can be cleaned or processed separately and independently.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Itty Atcravi
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Patent number: 6176201Abstract: A ventilated cat litter box for ventilating cat litter and simultaneously keeping the surrounding area litter free. The ventilated cat litter box includes a box, which is generally rectangular in shape. The box has a top portion, a bottom portion, a middle portion, a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall. A screen covers the bottom portion of the box and is parallel to the bottom portion. A container, rectangular in shape, is located within the box upon the screen. An arched doorway is located in the first wall. A rectangular cavity is located in the top portion of the box. An electric fan is mounted in the inside of the box and is adjacent to the cavity. An actuating device is operationally coupled to the electric fan. A power source is operatively coupled to the actuating device. A ventilation port is attached to the cavity whereby the port extends upwardly away from the box. An exhaust tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is removably connected to the ventilation port.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Inventor: Dale Fields
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Patent number: 6135057Abstract: The feline litter box in general has a base and a snap-on lid or top which is substantially flat. The snap-on lid or top has a recessed opening therethrough to provide access within the litter box. The interior of the lid proximate an edge may include an odor-reducing filter which preferably includes odor-absorbing material. On the exterior of the lid between the opening and the filter is located a paw-cleaning section which may be comprised of raised tabs, nubs, and/or brushes at the preference of an individual. A removable, disposable liner may be provided within the interior of the base to facilitate disposal of used litter.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Bruce D. CummingsInventor: Bruce D. Cummings
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Patent number: 6129050Abstract: A canine waste collection apparatus for providing a location where canine pets can deposit their waste so that the waste is collected in a convenient location for easy disposal. The canine waste collection apparatus includes a base having a cavity therein and a top opening and a side opening into the cavity. A screen covers the top opening to prevent passage of objects greater than a predetermined size through the top opening. A drawer with an open top is slidably inserted through the side opening into the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Inventor: Jesse V. Carbajal
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Patent number: 6123048Abstract: An exhaust filter system, in an animal habitation structure, for example, for cats, may be retrofit to a roof with a ventilation hole. The filter system has a housing provided with an inlet and an outlet, an electric fan mounted to move a current of air from the inlet through a filter, received in a slot provided in the housing. The filter is made of any suitable material, but is preferably activated charcoal. An important feature of the invention is the moldable membrane for connecting the inlet to the filter housing to the aperture in the roof, which is a moldable, flexible rubber or other plastic membrane, preferably polyurethane rubber, affixed to the inlet borders of the exhaust system and laid upon the roof, capable of conforming to the surface contour of almost any roof and covering, but not affixed to, the ventilation hole in the roof, to form a substantially air-tight seal with the roof.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Inventors: William E. Alkire, David B. Benz
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Patent number: 6119629Abstract: A simplified and easy to use cat litter box comprising an oval support member configured for attachment to the inside surface of a conventional toilet bowl, a removable tray slidably inserted through an opening in the front side of the oval support member which is configured to cover the toilet bowl opening and upon which flushable cat litter is placed during use, and stationary teeth attached to the inside front surface of the oval support member which engage the upper surface of the removable tray as it is slidably withdrawn from the front opening to empty used flushable cat litter directly into the toilet bowl for flushing.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1996Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventor: Gail M. Sicchio
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Patent number: 6109212Abstract: An adjustable cat litter box accessory including a front section comprising a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall forms a rounded closed forward wall and an open rear wall. A rear section is slidably coupled with respect to the open rear wall of the front section. A removable grill is dimensioned for coupling with the front section. A removable collection tray is dimensioned for slidable receipt within an opening in the rounded closed forward wall of the front section. The collection tray is positioned below the removable grill within the front section.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: Josephine Schacherbauer
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Patent number: 6109211Abstract: 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 has a portal allowing a cat to step into the invented apparatus. 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: Lyla Tomlinson
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Patent number: 6079364Abstract: A cat litter-tray for collection and disposal of cat excreta having a tray in which a layer of granules is disposed. A sensor, connected through a delay-timer to a programmer, senses the presence of a cat. The tray includes a door mechanism having a mechanism for hermetic sealing and re-opening of the tray, a water inlet for providing water onto the granules, an air heater for heating granule drying air, a detergent reservoir, a water heating element, and an electric pump for circulating water into the granules through a plurality of nozzles supported on the base of the tray.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignees: Paolo Verrecchia, Silvio SerbassiInventor: Nagib Gebraeil Tamba
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Patent number: 6065429Abstract: An improved disposable, cat litter box waste receptacle assembly with enclosure having a box tray (10) which in its use configuration accepts and holds a litter latrine (14). A latrine privacy enclosure cover (12) that has a cut out removable entry (16) is placed in the box tray (10) and over the litter latrine (14). The entire box assembly is made of recyclable paper products. Its interior surfaces are moisture resistant. In its shipping-inverted configuration the box assembly utilizes the box tray (10) as a top. The latrine privacy enclosure cover (12) functions as a shipping and transport container which houses a supply of litter latrines (14) each of which contain a quantity of absorbent litter (24). The assembly includes a carrying handle (18) and a closure device (20) which secure the assembly and its contents while in transport. The assembly includes all of the supplies required for its intended use.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Inventor: Douglas C. Crosse
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Patent number: 6062169Abstract: A cat litter box cover system is provided including a rigid litter box. Also included is a flexible cover with a cut out formed on a top face thereof for passing a handle of the litter box and an opening for alignment with an entrance of the litter box.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Inventors: Margaret P. Wade, Gary N. Wade
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Patent number: 6059247Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet or pad for collecting pet wastes includes a base member and a securing member. The base member has a bottom layer and a continuous upstanding wall, which define a reservoir. The securing member includes an upper surface and two depending legs for receiving the upstanding wall of the base member. The two depending legs are flexible in directions toward and away from one another so as to form a compression fit between the base member and the securing member. The absorptive sheet is removably secured at its periphery between the base member and the securing member at least at three peripheral areas of pressure contact.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: Rick Olivadoti
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Patent number: 6055935Abstract: In an exemplary form, the invention provides a liner for a cat box cover designed to rest on a cat box bottom. The liner comprises a sidewall for lining a substantial portion of a sidewall of the cover otherwise exposed to cat urine during normal operation. The sidewall comprises at least a fluid impermeable layer. The liner includes a top attached to the liner sidewall around a substantial portion of a lateral periphery of the top. In addition to the fluid impermeable layer, the liner sidewall preferably includes a sorbent layer for absorbing cat urine and preferably a claw-resistant layer for protecting the sorbent layer. The top of the liner comprises a fluid impermeable layer, and preferably also includes a sorbent layer and preferably a claw-resistant layer. Using the foregoing liner for a cat box cover together with a liner for a cat box bottom achieves significant reduction in bacteria or odor buildup in a cat box.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Inventor: Eric M. Engel
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Patent number: 6050223Abstract: A litter mat includes a plurality of flexible plastic strips that have a cross-section in the general shape of an inverted J, are parallel to each other and have similar orientations. The strips are secured to a base. The strips are each in an adjoining relationship with an adjacent strip whereby the strips define a surface disposed above the base. The strips extend lengthwise between two opposite edges of the mat. When a cat steps on the surface the strips or portions thereof flex to space the strips defining passageways for litter to fall to the base. The strips, if desired, may be segmented.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1997Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventor: Charles Edward Harris
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Patent number: 6041737Abstract: A litter box trainer apparatus (10) comprising a litter box (11) attached to the top of a scale (12) which outputs the weight of the litter box (11) to the computer processing unit (13) which when sensing a weight increase which would indicate a cat defecated or urinated in the litter box (11) signals the treat dispenser (14) to dispense a treat for the cat, also the praise display (15) is signaled to display a praise. The user interface keypad (16) is used to turn the apparatus on and off, and also to program the apparatus (10). The invention is designed to train a cat to use a litter box and also to give a cat the incentive to consistently use the litter box.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Inventor: Michael Ross Hennigan
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Patent number: 6014947Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for sorbing aqueous fluids through the use of a biodegradable, clumping, low odor, low attrition, low swelling ground grain litter. The ground grain litter is composed of a ground grain selected such that when the ground grain is wetted it tends to swell in volume less than 100%. In preferred embodiment, the ground grain litter comprises ground hard red spring wheat used to sorb pet urine and fecal liquids voided by a pet into the litter.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Pet Care SystemsInventors: James H. Sladek, S. Michael Hughes, Roy F. House
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Patent number: 6009836Abstract: A self-drying animal litter box includes a box-like container shell having an upper portion, a lower portion and side walls, with an opening formed through the lower portion and a shelf positioned within the container shell along the side walls, and a flange extending downwardly from the lower portion, and also includes a lower tray having a channel for receiving at least a portion of that flange, with the container shell being removably attached to the lower tray. A panel having a generally planar top surface with a plurality of apertures formed therethrough is supported on the shelf, with the heating element attached to and spaced a predetermined distance below the panel and a heating element control coupled to the heating element and to the panel to maintain the panel at a substantially uniform and predetermined temperature for a preselected time.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: John F. NearyInventors: John F. Neary, John T. Peddy
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Patent number: 5992350Abstract: An apparatus for use with a litter box is described which is in the form of a tray with a wall along each side and across the front edge to facilitate the containment of excess kitty litter. The walls taper to the floor at the back end of the tray. The back edge, which is blocked off by the litter box during use, is flat to facilitate in the ease of disposal of contained litter and the portion of the tray extending beyond the litter box. The length of the tray may be matched to the size of existing litter boxes available on the market to permit use with an owners current litter control system. The tray easily slides up or back permitting the possibility of an infinite number of tray lengths. The surface of the tray may be textured or ridged to facilitate the removal of the excess litter from the paws of the animals in a contained area as they exit the litter box.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Fredda Manzo
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Patent number: 5983831Abstract: A cat litter box system is provided including a pair of boxes each with an open top and an open bottom. Each box further has a meshed screen coupled thereto and a closed planar plate slid within a slot formed in a face of the associated box.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventor: Nicole L. Thompson
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Patent number: 5975017Abstract: A housing is mounted on the exterior side of a dwelling having a storage compartment for removeably holding a litter box. A hollow open-ended tunnel interconnects the interiors of the dwelling and housing respectively. The tunnel is rigid in a cantilevered position. A pivotal door in the side of the housing or enclosure permits access for insertion or removal of the litter box. A platform panel with a central hole separates a lower compartment of the litter box from an upper compartment.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventor: Eddie M. Cameron
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Patent number: 5970914Abstract: A pet outhouse is provided for use with a building having an opening formed in a wall thereof. Also included is a tray having a bottom face and a peripheral lip coupled to a periphery of the bottom face and extending upwardly therefrom for defining an open top and an upper peripheral edge. The tray is accessible via the opening in the wall of the building and pet litter is situated within the tray. A roofed housing is provided including a side wall with an open bottom defining a lower peripheral edge which is removably coupled to the upper peripheral edge of the tray for covering the same. The housing further has a hole formed therein for being accessed via the opening in the wall of the building.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventors: D. Michael Steil, M. Beth Anderson
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Patent number: 5924383Abstract: A threshold for a covered cat litter box having a side entry comprises a stand supporting an elevated cat landing field. A ramp having a rough litter-dislodging surface extends downwardly from the cat landing field. A barrier is provided for barring cats from jumping onto or off the sides of said ramp. Upon setting the threshold with the ramp accessible to the litter box entry cats may ingress and egress the liter box only via the threshold rough, liter dislodging ramp and landing field which dislodges litter from the paws.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Inventor: Jason T. Smith
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Patent number: 5887546Abstract: A litter box shell for receiving at least one litter box therein comprises a substantially rectangularly shaped housing. The housing incudes a bottom wall, two opposing side walls, two opposing end walls and an open top. One of the opposing side walls has an opening formed therein which is of a sufficient size to allow a cat to pass therethrough. Each of the end walls includes a handle located adjacent the open top for facilitating the lifting and transporting of the litter box shell.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Inventor: Suzette C. Gruel
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Patent number: 5842438Abstract: A cat litter box comprising a generally parallelepiped housing installed in a window opening of a dwelling. An expandable curtain enshrouding the housing permits unit width to be adjusted for different window frames. An internal partition divides the housing interior into a litter box compartment and an adjoining entrance foyer. The compartment holds a conventional litter box. One compartment wall comprises a pivoting shelf that opens for litter box servicing. The foyer permits entry into the housing while a port penetrating the partition permits movement between the foyer and the compartment. A capture system in the foyer recovers unused litter and other debris as a cat moves over it. The capture system comprises a storage tray with a perforated lid. The recovered litter may be transferred from the tray to the litter box during servicing. A distraction window increases a cat's residence time in the foyer.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Kitty Kan, Inc.Inventor: Dale Messmer
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Patent number: 5832869Abstract: A disposable pet litter container having litter material therein and formed from a cardboard blank including: a rectangular bottom wall having integrally attached opposing side panels and end panels; a pair of opposing inner and outer folding side walls being integrally attached to each of the opposing side panels; and a pair of opposing inner and outer folding end walls being integrally attached to each of the opposing end panels. In addition, the disposable pet litter container includes a pair of opposing outer locking corner panels attached to each of the opposing end panels; a pair of opposing corner closure devices attached to each of the inner folding end walls for the formation of an anti-scattering component; and a plurality of pull tabs for unfolding the inner side folding walls and the inner end folding walls. The container is formed by connecting the outer locking corner panels of the opposing end panels to the opposing side panels.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Inventors: Richard M. Franczak, Alan M. Dunich, Bernadette M. Dunich
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Patent number: 5816195Abstract: A debris containment system for use with a litter box for containing litter tracked from the litter box by an animal's paws includes a collection pan for collecting the litter. The collection pan is formed to include a funnel portion to facilitate quick and easy disposal of the litter. Preferably, the litter containment system also includes a grid member which cooperates with the collection pan to extract debris which is otherwise trapped between the paws of the animal. Further in the preferred embodiment, the collection pan is constructed of a flexible rubber and can be folded about a centerline when litter is being emptied therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: John Flynn
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Patent number: 5814327Abstract: Since the present invention is composed of required component capable of changing in color with which a daily product and so on are impregnated, painted or printed, such daily product is convenient in daily life by indicating a contact between the required component and urine and so on.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Daiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Ito, Kaoru Shinpo, Yasuharu Kiritani
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Patent number: 5806461Abstract: A litter box formed of an upper portion and a lower portion normally clamped together to define an enclosure in which kitty litter can be contained and foul odors confined. The lower portion is adapted to contain a quantity of kitty litter for receiving the waste products emanating from the pet, whereas the upper portion contains an aperture through which the pet can enter or leave, as well as containing a grill-like uppermost portion through which foul odors can escape. The lower portion contains an elongate, perforate walkway disposed above the kitty litter and extending in the immediate vicinity of the aperture, with an interior wall in the enclosure disposed closely adjacent the walkway. The perforate walkway is supported relatively close to the aperture, with the wall being placed in such proximity to the aperture as to require the pet to walk along the walkway at such time as the pet is to exit from the litter box through the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Inventor: Heiko-Roberto Kiera
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Patent number: 5794566Abstract: A portable, integrated litter pan for a cat or other domesticated animal which comprises a housing of an upper section and lower section detachably secured together to provide a substantially closed container. The sections are stackable and nestable for storage, shipping and/or display. Additionally, at least one of the upper or lower sections includes at least one storage compartment therein for receiving a roll of litter pan liners therein. A bag support rod is provided to rotatably support the roll of litter pan liners. A scoop hook is additionally provided for coupling a litter box scoop to the litter pan of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Alco Industries, Inc.Inventors: Catherine F. Goetz, Dennis L. Klemm
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Patent number: 5791289Abstract: A disposable pet litter basin is disclosed. The basin includes a bottom and a first sidewall which forms the container for animal litter and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall by a plateau and trough. The plateau and trough increase the basin's ability to resist spillage of litter by providing increased strength and stability and by providing an area to receive spillage from the container for animal litter which is inside the litter basin. Further, the basin has an anti-tipping feature to stabilize the basin during use.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
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Patent number: 5782206Abstract: A litter box includes a pair of brushes each of which has bristles which project into an opening through which an animal must pass in order to enter or leave the litter box thereby performing a grooming action on the coat of the animal. In an additional embodiment of the invention, a sponge member is provided which deposits a liquid on the coat of the animal as the animal enters or leaves the litter box. In another embodiment of the invention the animal enters a second enclosure in which a washing action is performed on the animal's body and paws.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1994Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Inventor: Eli Markowitz
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Patent number: 5778822Abstract: A pet litter container having a covering defines an interior space. A door opening in the covering allows for pet ingress and egress. A plurality of ventilation openings are provided in the covering. A power filter is located in fluid communication with the ventilation openings for removing and filtering odors from the air in the interior space. The power filter includes a power filter housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. An air path is defined by the power filter housing between the air inlet and the air outlet. A low voltage fan is mounted in the housing in the air path for moving air at a predetermined rate from the interior space, through the air inlet, and out the air outlet for exhausting filtered air from the interior space into an interior room in a house or an apartment. A self-contained filter cartridge is removably mounted in the housing in the air path for removing odors from the air in the air path.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1995Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Giftech Filter Products, Inc.Inventors: James Wesley Giffin, Ronald William Allison, Joe Benton Carnahan
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Patent number: 5775258Abstract: A sanitization system for cat litter boxes is presented which is composed of a scoop device for straining cat litter where the scoop device has a handle member from which a scoop region extends axially. At a predetermined distance axially from the scoop region, a containment member extends laterally of the handle where the containment member has a multiplicity of venting orifices extending therethrough. A fluid reservoir is removably attachable to the cat litter box. The fluid reservoir is defined by a housing having an open end and a cavity chamber where the cavity chamber is so dimensioned and constructed to be in fluid communication with the open to permit the passage of fluid through the open end. A deodorizing and disinfectant fluid is carried in the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Inventors: Knut H. Larsen, Ashley L. Larsen, Deborah L. Demelo
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Patent number: 5769026Abstract: A cat litter enclosure is provided including a main housing providing an outer box having an entrance at one end enclosing a removable second housing providing an inner box, smaller than the outer box, having an entrance at an end opposite the entrance into the main housing. A path is provided around the inner periphery of the main housing leading from the entrance therein to the entrance in the second housing. A removable cat litter pan is disposed within the second housing. The path may be carpeted and, since a cat must move along the path to enter the second housing where the cat litter pan is, and retrace its path, its paws will be cleaned of litter and other debris when the cat exists the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Inventor: Lawrence Kohn
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Patent number: 5755181Abstract: An electro-mechanical animal waste container for deodorizing fumes from animal waste is disclosed. The container includes an open frame, a tray, a fume hood and a sensor. The frame has a base and the tray is positioned therein. The tray is for receiving animal waste. The fume hood is attached to the frame and is spaced above the tray. The fume hood has an outlet port formed therein. A fan is positioned in the fume hood such that the fan draws the fumes from the tray into the fume hood and toward the outlet port. The sensor determines when there is an animal in the tray. A control circuit is operably connected to the sensor and the fan wherein when the sensor detects an animal in the tray the fan is switched on after a preselected amount of time and then after a second preselected amount of time the fan is switched off. Preferably a filter is positioned over the outlet port and is for deodorizing air that passes therethrough. Preferably a second filter is positioned at the bottom of fume hood.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1995Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Inventor: Cane Petkovski
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Patent number: 5755180Abstract: A carrying case for pet accessories. The carrying case includes a container having at least one compartment accommodating a variety of pet accessories. The container includes a closure for selectively opening and closing the container to permit access to the at least one compartment. The carrying case also includes a picture frame mounted on the outer surface of the container and an identifying picture of a pet housed within the picture frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Inventor: Judy Smith
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Patent number: 5755182Abstract: An improved litter box assembly includes two litter boxes with one box nested within another. Each box has a floor with multiple openings and a plate disposed under the floor. Each plate is slidably attached to the floor of the respective box and also has multiple openings. The plate is slidable between a first position in which the openings in the floor and the openings in the plate correspond and a second position in which the openings in the floor are blocked by the plate. The boxes are identical and interchangeable. When nested, the boxes are reversed so that each plate, in sliding from the first position to the second position, slides in the opposite direction of the other plate in sliding from the first position to the second position. When the boxes are reversibly nested, a litter receiving space is created between the floors of the two boxes. In operation, when soiled litter in a upper box is to be removed, the plate of the upper box is moved from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: TC Industries, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael A. Brown, Jr., Timothy Charles Rothwell
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Patent number: 5749317Abstract: Embodiments of a pet litter cabinet and methods of litter area control are shown and described. Each embodiment includes a cabinet-style enclosure with a door allowing access to a plurality of removable litter drawers. The drawers are adapted to be interchangable inside the cabinet and each drawer includes a screened or perforated bottom and a slide for temporarily covering the bottom openings. To clean the litter area, the cabinet door is opened and top drawer slide is pulled to uncover the bottom opening of the top drawer. This allows clean, loose granules of adsorbent to fall into the bottom drawer, leaving the dirty clumps and waste behind in the top drawer. The clumps and waste are then emptied from the top drawer, and the two drawers are switched in position inside the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Inventors: Richard Mark Richey, Sandra Barbra Richey
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Patent number: 5738040Abstract: A ventilated cat litter box including a housing having an opening through a front wall thereof. The housing has an open doorway. A pull out drawer is slidably disposed within the opening in the front wall of the housing. The pull out drawer is used to accommodate a litter box. An exhaust fan is secured within a top wall of the housing. The exhaust fan directs air outwardly of the housing. The exhaust fan has a hose extending outwardly therefrom. The hose is coupled to an outlet of a house to dispel unpleasant odors associated with the litter box out of the house.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Inventor: Joseph M. Simmons
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Patent number: 5730084Abstract: A litter box for domestic cats or other domestic mammals has interior surfaces which are abrasive and that dull the claws of a cat when it uses the litter box. Abrasive material may be incorporated into the surfaces of the box, can be sprayed or rolled on the surfaces or can take the form of a thin flexible sheet of abrasive sheet material which is adhered to the surfaces of the box. Sheets are constructed to fit the side surfaces, end surfaces and bottom surface. The sheets can be adhered with a permanent or with an easily removable adhesive. The easily removable sheets can be replaced when worn. The sheets may include waterproofing material and/or scented material and may be imprinted with a design pattern.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Inventor: Alan D. Kacic