Having Flaccid Liner Patents (Class 119/170)
  • Patent number: 11076577
    Abstract: Technology is disclosed for a cat litter that can be used to diagnose feline medical conditions. A cat litter contains an additive, e.g., a chemical agent, such as a natural and/or synthetic agent, that changes in color when it comes in contact with cat urine or feces. Based on the color it can be determined whether the cat has a medical condition, such as particular illness. For example, if the litter turns yellow when it comes in contact with the urine, it can indicate that the cat is healthy. If the litter turns to a color other than yellow, e.g., green, it can indicate that the cat has some illness. The cat then be taken to a veterinary doctor for further diagnosis. The chemical agent aids in detection and diagnosis through interaction of materials that change colors to indicate reactions with specific chemicals, cells, molecules, DNA and/or materials. The technology can be implemented for medical diagnosis and detection—for humans and/or animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: PRETTY LITTER, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Joseph Rotman
  • Patent number: 10660301
    Abstract: Technology is disclosed for a cat litter that can be used to diagnose feline medical conditions. A cat litter contains an additive, e.g., a chemical agent, such as a natural and/or synthetic agent, that changes in color when it comes in contact with cat urine or feces. Based on the color it can be determined whether the cat has a medical condition, such as particular illness. For example, if the litter turns yellow when it comes in contact with the urine, it can indicate that the cat is healthy. If the litter turns to a color other than yellow, e.g., green, it can indicate that the cat has some illness. The cat then be taken to a veterinary doctor for further diagnosis. The chemical agent aids in detection and diagnosis through interaction of materials that change colors to indicate reactions with specific chemicals, cells, molecules, DNA and/or materials. The technology can be implemented for medical diagnosis and detection—for humans and/or animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: PRETTY LITTER, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Joseph Rotman
  • Patent number: 9949458
    Abstract: A waste disposal apparatus having outwardly-canted sidewalls and a base wall forming a basin. A liner is centrally disposed on an interior of the basin. At least one litter sieve is centrally arranged on the liner. A securing flange is located on a top portion of the sidewalls and is operable between a closed position and an open position and includes at least one handle protrusion. The litter sieves and the liner are held securely in place by the securing flange when the securing flange is in the closed position. A litter sieve can include opposing handle ribbons removably disposed in corresponding envelopes on opposite sides of the sieve. The envelopes can include frangible elements that selectively secure the handle ribbons, but that fail upon application of a force so that the ribbons can at least partially exit the envelopes and thereafter used to lift a loaded sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Grotown VI, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Kuiper, Stephen J. Timyan
  • Patent number: 9750225
    Abstract: The present invention is a cylindrical litter box with a litter pan and a lid, which is removably attached to the litter pan. The litter pan comprises of a body having a circular base, a cylindrical side wall that is joint at its bottom end to the circular base. The cylindrical pan includes an open top that is defined by a peripheral lip. The open top end includes a double brim: an outer brim dedicated to securely support the lid, an inner brim to support a clutch and secure a bag, and a cavity separating the two brims. An especially designed bag that can be rolled open is attached from its open end to the inner brim and lines the pan. The rolled part of the bag is secured inside the cavity in between the inner and outer brims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Brandon Makins
  • Patent number: 9408508
    Abstract: A portable potty includes a seat member, a first support member connected to the seat member, a second support member connected to the first support member, and a third support member connected to the second support member. The portable potty can be repeatedly and reversibly transformed from a collapsed position to a constructed position. When the portable potty is in the collapsed position, the first support member and the second support member are stacked substantially parallel with respect to an adjacent member, in a vertical direction. When the portable potty is in the constructed position, the seat member is disposed perpendicular to the first, second and third support members such that a space is formed, the space being bordered by the first, second and third support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Princess Marie Brown
  • Patent number: 9163777
    Abstract: A lifting litter box comprising a base, where the base includes a lifting mechanism; a frame secured above the base, where the frame is lifted and lowered by the lifting mechanism; and a litter box positioned atop the frame, where the lifting mechanism lifts the litter box to an extended position for cleaning and then lowers the litter box once clean. The lifting mechanism may be battery operated and/or manually operated to enable lifting anytime desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Judith M. Knecht
  • Patent number: 8544414
    Abstract: A compact animal waste collector and method thereof is provided. The collector includes a planar base having a first side and a second side. A plurality of walls is affixed perpendicularly to the base. A substantially planar first cover is hinged to at least one of the plurality of walls, the first cover forming an interior compartment proximate to the first side of the base and movable between at least a first position and a second position. A bag is removably located within the collector and lining the interior compartment, the bag having an opening edge inverted about an exterior of the collector. A storage compartment is formed on the second side of the base and enclosable by the plurality of walls and a substantially planar second cover hinged to at least one of the plurality of walls. The storage compartment may house a replacement bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Ray Gross, Nita Royston Gross
  • Patent number: 8438994
    Abstract: A disposable litter device comprising a liner layer including closure means; litter; and a litter enclosure region about a portion of the liner layer, wherein the litter enclosure region includes a closure layer and the liner layer such that the litter is retained between the closure layer and the liner layer, and wherein the enclosure region includes opening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Maureen Stratton
  • Patent number: 8408160
    Abstract: A secure pet waste containment system utilizing an automated gear, roller and spool assembly to secure pet waste on all sides and store them for future disposal. A housing includes an aperture in its top side into which a pet, typically feline, would deposit waste. The aperture and space thereunder is lined with bagging that has its source from a bag cartridge disposed around the circumference of the aperture. When waste has been deposited, the lining secures the waste on all sides by traversing a series of rollers until the lining is wound within a circular spool. As this is occurring, the bag cartridge automatically releases more bagging into the aperture and space thereunder for subsequent deposit of pet waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Mitchell Pozin Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Pozin
  • Patent number: 8387568
    Abstract: Described is a litter box liner having handle ties and a form-fitted bottom. The bottom may be square or rectangular-shaped and may be sized to fit into a particular size litter box. The bottom may include the feature that there are no foldovers contained therewithin. At least a bottom portion of the litter box liner may be reinforced to resist tears. Such a reinforcement layer may include a woven polypropylene fabric layer or an extruded polypropylene film. The litter box liner may be, at least in part, formed of high density polyethylene (HDPE), thereby providing an additional means for tear resistance in the litter box liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Publication number: 20100288202
    Abstract: Described is a litter box liner having handle ties and a form-fitted bottom. The bottom may be square or rectangular-shaped and may be sized to fit into a particular size litter box. The bottom may include the feature that there are no foldovers contained therewithin. At least a bottom portion of the litter box liner may be reinforced to resist tears. Such a reinforcement layer may include a woven polypropylene fabric layer or an extruded polypropylene film. The litter box liner may be, at least in part, formed of high density polyethylene (HDPE), thereby providing an additional means for tear resistance in the litter box liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Patent number: 7763338
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a lower layer and an upper layer having substantially the same dimensions as the lower layer. Sandwiched between the two layers are first plurality of magnetic members arranged along the perimeter of the lower layer and a second plurality of magnetic members, opposite in polarity to said first plurality of magnetic members, arranged adjacent to the first plurality of magnetic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Rick Olivadoti
  • Publication number: 20100154716
    Abstract: An absorbent pad for pet crate liners includes a bottom layer of liquid-impermeable film; a middle layer of liquid absorbent material having a first predetermined thickness; a top, non-absorbent, flexible foam layer having a second predetermined thickness and a plurality of apertures; and an elastic band engaged with the peripheral edges of the bottom and top layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: TERESA A. SMITH
  • Patent number: 7673585
    Abstract: A decorative cat litter box enclosure having a furniture like appearance with a pivotal ramp having a lip on three side and a mesh-like material extending between the sides so that when the ramp is closed the interior ramp edge arcs over the litter box depositing any captive litter from the cat's paws back into the litter box. Also provided is a based positioned hinged door to access the litter box which has a plastic liner and drawstring that work in conjunction with an extendable retractable latch located on the exterior front that when extended prevents removal of the litter box while the drawstring is used to close the plastic liner bag. The latch is then retracted and the litter bag is removed for disposal. Also provided on the exterior surface are a plurality of hooks for attaching accessory items as desired by the user which may include dust pan, brush and rubber gloves along with attachable removable food and water dishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventors: AnnMarie Emmi, Joseph Emmi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7610877
    Abstract: A litter box containment system is disclosed. The system provides an extension or enclosure that adapts to an existing litter box, and increases the height of the sides, serving to keep in animal waste and litter. The system also provides for multiple possible entrances that provide easy access for an animal, while still providing extended protection against escaping animal waste and litter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Lynn Ellen Garfield
  • Patent number: 7594480
    Abstract: A system for lining a container or the like containing an absorbent, utilizing the liner to contain and direct a treatment fluid into the absorbent to disinfect and renew. A complimentary system to the present invention teaches a deodorization, disinfectant, treatment bin for treating litter infused with animal waste, which treatment bin includes a treatment area utilizing ozone to contain and treat the contaminated litter, rendering same re-useable. The system of the present invention further contemplates an ozone generator having a timer circuit for providing a flow of ozone to the apparatus of the present invention, the ozone generator further contemplating as exemplary features a timer apparatus for providing optimal treatment, as well as a proximity sensor system for sensing the presence of an animal in the litter area, for controlling the ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Laura Sutis Cressy
  • Publication number: 20090194033
    Abstract: An array of disposable mesh liner bags are removably attached to a rigid flat insert that is held in place with retainers in the bottom of a pet litter box. Each bag has a center mesh and peripheral draw string to lift each bag individually. Litter is sifted through the mesh and solid waste lifted out and tied up in the bag for disposal. A solid mesh bag at the bottom of the array lifts out all of the litter after the top bags have all been used. A removable lid with a peripheral rim holds down the bags overlapping a top ridge of the box walls. A center lid opening admits pets to use the litter box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Delbert J. Modlin
  • Publication number: 20090064940
    Abstract: A system for lining a container or the like containing an absorbent, utilizing the liner to contain and direct a treatment fluid into the absorbent to disinfect and renew. A complimentary system to the present invention teaches a deodorization, disinfectant, treatment bin for treating litter infused with animal waste, which treatment bin includes a treatment area utilizing ozone to contain and treat the contaminated litter, rendering same re-useable. The system of the present invention further contemplates an ozone generator having a timer circuit for providing a flow of ozone to the apparatus of the present invention, the ozone generator further contemplating as exemplary features a timer apparatus for providing optimal treatment, as well as a proximity sensor system for sensing the presence of an animal in the litter area, for controlling the ozone generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Laura Sutis Cressy
  • Publication number: 20080202440
    Abstract: A disposable litter device comprising a liner layer including closure means; litter; and a litter enclosure region about a portion of the liner layer, wherein the litter enclosure region includes a closure layer and the liner layer such that the litter is retained between the closure layer and the liner layer, and wherein the enclosure region includes opening means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Maureen Stratton
  • Patent number: 7387084
    Abstract: Means for containing and handling pet litter, wherein a reusable, collapsible frame assembly is used cooperatively with a flexible trash bag to provide a structure for enclosing a litter container while in use, allowing the pet caregiver to dispose of the entire litter container without touching it. The reusable, collapsible frame assembly is designed to support the trash bag while in use, and to be partially or completely compressed for removal so that the litter, bag, and optionally the litter container can be disposed of together without requiring the animal caregiver to touch the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: Casey Hildenbrand, Diane E. Hildenbrand
  • Publication number: 20070215059
    Abstract: The present invention is a cat litter net that is a thin and soft sheet to remove waste material from scoopable cat litter. By arranging this net on the bottom of cat litter box, then the scoopable litter on the top of the net, when just pulling the net to above, only waste material is separated from the clean litter quickly without making dusts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Reiko Miyazawa Sefranek
  • Patent number: 7258077
    Abstract: A litter box liner is provided. The litter box liner includes a bag with an open mouth portion and a resiliently deformable member is attached to the bag adjacent the open mouth with the resiliently deformable member circumscribing at least the majority of the fully extended perimeter length of the open mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Alfa-Pet, Inc.
    Inventor: Marty Johnes
  • Patent number: 7107934
    Abstract: A transportable litter box has a container body and a lid removably received over an open end of the container body. The container body has wheels rotatably connected thereto at an end opposite the open end. The lid has an opening therein suitable for allowing an animal to enter the container body therethrough. A support structure is connected to the lid so as to retain a bag in an open configuration within the container body regardless of the orientation of the container body. The wheels are formed of wheel halves hingedly connected together over an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Hanks
  • Patent number: 6848394
    Abstract: The embodiment of this invention is disclosed, which describes a cat litter box, which will allow cat owners to change litter without having to touch or manipulate the soiled litter. The device consists of a box within a box. The inside box is made with swinging trap doors on the bottom of the interior part of a shell of the device. This allows the cat litter to flow freely from the interior shell to the bottom half of the exterior shell. The bottom half of the exterior shell contains a garbage bag, which catches the soiled litter and allows easy disposal. The doors, which would swing open as the cat litter box is lifted upwards, are hinged so they will freely open and close in normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Allan Sexton
  • Publication number: 20040261727
    Abstract: An animal litter box is to be provided that can be cleaned easily and can reduce the number of time to change an animal litter, particularly an animal litter box that allows liquid such as urine evacuated onto the granular materials to move to a liquid-absorbing sheet efficiently. An animal litter box includes a granular material container having an opening for an animal going in and out, and a liquid penetrating bottom part on which granular materials are dispersed; and a liquid-absorbing sheet holder placed under the bottom part of the granular material container on which a liquid-absorbing sheet is placed, wherein the bottom part of the granular material container has a liquid leading part formed by connected arches on a side facing the liquid-absorbing sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Takayuki Matsuo, Takeshi Ikegami
  • Publication number: 20040255869
    Abstract: An animal litter box system that can be used for a long time about 3 to 10 days and can prevent the occurrence of undesirable odors is to be provided, particularly to provide a liquid-absorbing sheet used for the animal litter box system. A liquid-absorbing sheet used for an animal litter box is characterized by comprising an antimicrobial and bacteriostatic part having both an antimicrobial property and a bacteriostatic property; or both of an antimicrobial part having an antimicrobial property and a bacteriostatic part having a bacteriostatic property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Takayuki Matsuo, Takeshi Ikegami
  • Publication number: 20040244709
    Abstract: A liner and method of making an animal litter box liner that has a sufficient amount of sodium bicarbonate incorporated into the sheet-like material of the liner to facilitate the control of odors from the litter box when the litter box is used by an animal. The amount of sodium bicarbonate used is small enough that it does not compromise the structural integrity of the liner. The method includes forming first pellets of a first plastic and deodorant. The first pellets are mixed with second pellets and extruded and then formed into liners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: ALFA-PET, INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Schulein
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030192481
    Abstract: An animal litter box liner has a sufficient amount of sodium bicarbonate incorporated into the sheet-like material of the liner to facilitate the control of odors from the litter box when the litter box is used by an animal. The amount of sodium bicarbonate used is small enough that it does not compromise the structural integrity of the liner. The amount of sodium bicarbonate incorporated into the liner is preferably within the range of from about 2% to about 12% by volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Schulein, Marty Johnes
  • 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: 20020076348
    Abstract: This invention deals with a process for treating and sanitizing animal habitats. In addition to sanitizing the habitat the production of ammonia and odor from fecal matter and urine is inhibited or terminated. In the process an animal habitat is cleaned and subsequently treated with trichlormelamine (TCM). The TCM may be applied by spraying the habitat with a solution of TCM, by dusting the habitat with powdered TCM or by treating bedding/litter with TCM. This process produces healthier animals and as such the productivity of a given grow out is increased. The process of this invention is particularly suited to animal habitats which are used to raise batches of hogs, cattle, turkeys and chickens on a continuing basis. The TCM may be further incorporated into water soluble polymeric compositions which permit the TCM to be leached out in a controlled manner. Further the TCM may be incorporated into cellular and noncellular polymeric compositions which may be used as bedding/litter material, and cat litter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: David J. Schneider, Jerry K. Bell
  • Patent number: 6223688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Eric M. Engel
  • Patent number: 6135057
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Bruce D. Cummings
    Inventor: Bruce D. Cummings
  • Patent number: 6089188
    Abstract: An animal spraying and scratching property protector that protects an area to be sprayed by blocking the urine from reaching the targeted area. The animal spraying and scratching property protector comprises a splashwall and trough. The splashwall is positioned erect to protect the areas that may be sprayed. The trough is arranged to collect the urine as the urine drips downward along the splashwall after the urine has been sprayed onto the splashwall by an animal such as a cat. The trough is closed at oppositely disposed sidewalls in order to prevent the urine from exiting or otherwise leaking from the sides of the trough. The area targeted for spraying is protected by blocking the urine, thereby, safeguarding the protected areas. The urine can be neatly disposed of, for example, by pouring the urine from the trough into a toilet. The animal spraying and scratching property protector can then be rinsed and replaced for the next spraying instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Mary Elizabeth Corley
  • Patent number: 6055935
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Eric M. Engel
  • Patent number: 5983832
    Abstract: A cat litter box with bag system (10) comprising a pan (12). A litter disposal bag (14) is nested into the pan (12). A plurality of feces disposal bags (16) are nested into the pan (12) over the litter disposal bag (14). A protective insert (18) having an open bottom is nested into the pan (12) over the uppermost feces disposal bag (16). When a quantity of litter (20) is placed into the pan (12) and used by a cat (22) to deposit feces (24), the protective insert (18) can be withdrawn and each feces disposal bag (16) can be removed one at a time as needed to separate the feces (24) from the litter (20), then tied and discarded. When the litter disposal bag (14) is reached and withdrawn it will take all of the litter (20) out of the pan (12) to be discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Eun Sook Seo
  • Patent number: 5918567
    Abstract: A simple, disposable cat litter box has a flexible plastic pullstring bag and a crushable one piece skeletal frame containing four corner expanded rigid polystyrene plastic brackets and a connecting rim at its top. For average sized boxes, the thin bag can be extended approximately twelve inches above the frame and has a drawstring near its top edge for closure. The bottom of the bag receives cat litter. The bag has an additional reinforcer bag up to the frame sufficient to withstand cat scratches. When the box is in use, the bag is tightly wrapped around the skeletal frame or adhered or attached by standard means. Preferably, there is a single outer fold parallel to the perimeter of the bag in the midpoint of the portion of the bag that extends above the frame, or alternatively top of bag is left inside space of frame until consumer folds it around the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Gerda Roth
  • Patent number: 5878693
    Abstract: A cat litter packaging article that includes a plastic film packaging member having a rectangular box shaped litter holding cavity that is accessible through a rectangular shaped opening defined by two longer side perimeter edges and two shorter side perimeter edges, the plastic film packaging member having four adhesive coated tying lobes, one tying lobe extending from each corner formed by the intersection of a longer side and a shorter side perimeter edge; and a quantity of cat litter particles positioned within the litter holding cavity; the two shorter perimeter edges being in registration with each other and sealed together with a removable middle side seam tape, each of the four adhesive coated tying lobes being adhesively secured to another one of the four adhesive coated tying lobes, and each of the two longer perimeter edges being folded in half and sealed together with removable left and right side seam tapes to seal the quantity of cat litter particles within the litter holding cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Kelly Lynne Green
  • Patent number: 5850798
    Abstract: A liner for a cat box having sides extending upwardly from a bottom to a vertical height. The liner comprises a bag for placement in the cat box. The bag comprises a bottom portion for lining the cat box, and a contiguous top portion. A fluid-impermeable layer is placed within the box, located within the bottom portion of the bag and bonded to the bag. A sorbent layer is placed above the fluid-impermeable layer. A claw-resistant layer is placed above the sorbent layer and affixed to the fluid-impermeable layer so as to stiffen the affixed layers, whereby they tend to stay in place in the cat box. The top portion of the bag drapes over the sides of the box for a drape length and provides ballast for helping the liner to stay in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Eric M. Engel
  • Patent number: 5794566
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Alco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine F. Goetz, Dennis L. Klemm
  • Patent number: 5775258
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Knut H. Larsen, Ashley L. Larsen, Deborah L. Demelo
  • Patent number: 5758601
    Abstract: A completely disposable litter container for cats and other household pets having a box with a bottom (6), four side walls (2a,b,c,d) and a moisture-impermeable bag (7) secured therein for holding litter material. The bag (7) may be pre-filled with litter material (8) prior to sale or after sale prior to use. An optional cover (3) is provided to fit within the side walls (2a,b,c,d) over the bag (7) to secure the bag in place during shipment and storage. The side walls (2a,b,c,d) of the pet litter container (1) are preferably tapered and slant outward from the bottom (6) of the container so that multiple litter containers can nest within each other and stacked for easy shipping and storage. To use the litter container, after the cover (3) is removed, the bag (7) is opened and folded over the side walls (2a,b,c,d) of the litter box (1). After use when a pet owner desires to dispose of the litter container, the bag can be closed and secured by tightening and tying a drawstring (11) at the top of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Charles H. Dickson
  • Patent number: 5709171
    Abstract: A disposable cat litter box includes a supporting base and a removable, disposable bag of litter which is designed to fit inside of the base. The disposable bag is provided with a draw string to facilitate its closure after use, and a cardboard bottom inside of the bag provides for a conforming fit of the bag within the base. In a modified embodiment, a plurality of disposable bags are nested inside of the base, and each bag is of a pleated structure with small reinforcement wires going in vertical and horizontal directions. This allows one side of the bag to be lifted upwardly within the base so as to form a deflecting shield which reduces the amount of litter spillage from the bag during a use of the box by a cat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Johnnie Moore, III
  • Patent number: 5709167
    Abstract: A fowl feed tray with liner (10) comprising: a first liner (12) which comprises a first liner left side (12A). The first liner left side (12A) is securely attached at one distal end to a proximal end of a first liner front (12B). The distal end of the first liner front (12B) is securely attached a proximal end of a first liner right side (12C) the distal end of the first liner right side (12C) is securely attached to a proximal end of a first liner rear (12D). The first liner left side (12A), first liner front (12B), first liner right side (12C), and first liner rear (12D) are attached to a first liner base (12F) along a common edge. The intersection of the sides forms a first liner corner (12E). The first liner corner (12E) comprises a plurality of first liner corner pleats (12EA) in alternating folds which function to permit the sides to fold upwardly forming a dish shape which is adapted to fit with in a feed tray (14). The first liner (12) is manufactured from a rigid, absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Tony R. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5645013
    Abstract: According to the present invention, fresh litter is placed in a first compartment. When the useful life to the litter expires, the litter is transferred to a second compartment which is lined with a disposable material. The second compartment is opened and the liner with the soiled litter is removed. A new liner is placed in the second compartment, which is then closed again, Thereafter, fresh litter is added to the first compartment and the litter box is ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Redmond Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Graham Redmond, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5636593
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for partially automating the placement of litter bags in animal litter pans. The apparatus uses two pivoted arras over the tops of which the upper portion of a litter bag may be folded when the arms are extended upwardly. The arms are then pivoted downwardly to spread out the litter bag either in a litter pan or upon the base upon which the arms are pivoted. Thus the apparatus also provides a means for complete elimination of an animal litter pan. Litter may be placed within the litter bag either before it is folded over the pivot arms or after. It is preferred to use prepackaged litter containers and several prepackaged litter containers are disclosed which can be used with the particular apparatus or other apparatus including ordinary litter pans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Emanuel T. Vito
  • Patent number: 5636594
    Abstract: A portable cat litter box and travel case is disclosed 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Servando R. Pina
    Inventor: Servando R. Pina
  • Patent number: 5488930
    Abstract: There is disclosed an animal litter composition and a package for the composition. The composition constitutes decorticated flax straw which as been screened to particle sizes between about 10 and 22 U.S. Screen Mesh. The litter further includes a virucidal composition and a fragrance. The virucidal composition includes from about 0.05 to about 5 percent by weight based on the dry weight of the decorticated flax straw of a preferably anionic surfactant, and at least about 2 percent, based on the dry weight of the decorticated flax straw of at least one acid selected from a group consisting of citric, malic, and mixtures of the acids.The animal litter package constitutes a bag formed from a web of film, nonwoven/film laminates, film/paper laminate or wax/paper laminate in which the animal litter is contained prior to use. The bag can then be opened to serve as a litter box liner. Once the litter has been used, the edges of the bag can be regathered to form a bag for disposal of the litter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Loyd G. Kasbo, deceased, James D. Cotton, Michael T. Morman, Gabriel H. Adam
  • Patent number: 5488929
    Abstract: A disposable cat litter box liner formed of flexible sheet material, preferably paper, is adapted to assume a generally flat configuration prior to use, a generally box-shaped configuration upon insertion into a cat litter box for holding litter therein, and a generally bag-shaped configuration upon removal from the litter box for disposing of the litter therein. The liner includes an arrangement of fold lines associated with the end panels for permitting the liner to be folded into a generally flat configuration prior to use. The liner includes a pair of elongate opposite top panels, which can advantageously include handles to facilitate lifting of the liner. When the top panels are clasped together and the liner lifted thereby with cat litter in the receptacle, the bottom panel collapses downward, the side panels collapse inward, and the liner assumes a generally bag-shaped configuration for disposal of cat litter therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventors: Susan K. Pierson, Stacy S. Pierson