Abstrict A pet litter box including a body defined by a top portion and
a bottom portion, the top portion including a portion that is hingedly
connected to other portions of the litter box to allow at least
a portion thereof to be pivoted away from other portions of the
body, the top including an opening for allowing a pet to enter an
interior defined by the body of the cat litter box is provided.
Claims The invention is claimed as follows:
1. A pet litter box including a body defined by a top portion and
a bottom portion, the top portion including a portion that is hingedly
connected to other portions of the body of the litter box to allow
at least a portion thereof to be pivoted away from other portions
of the body, the top including an opening for allowing a pet to
enter an interior defined by the body of the cat litter box.
2. The pet litter box of claim 1 wherein the litter box is designed
for a cat.
3. The pet litter box of claim 1 wherein the opening is in the
shape of a cat face.
4. The pet litter box of claim 1 wherein the top portion can be
stored inside the bottom portion in a nestable fashion.
5. The pet litter box of claim 1 wherein the interior is defined
in part by a bottom portion and the bottom portion includes at least
eight textured portions.
6. The pet litter box of claim 1 wherein an outer portion of the
litter box includes a handle.
7. The pet litter box of claim 1 including at least one side vent
and a charcoal vent.
8. The pet litter box of claim 1 including a friction snap to allow
the portion that is hingedly connected to be removably secured to
remaining portions of the body.
9. A cat litter box including a plastic body including a top and
a bottom, the top and the bottom defining an interior therein including
a bottom portion for receiving cat litter, at least a portion of
the top of the body being hingedly connected to other portions of
the body to allow a portion thereof to pivot, the pivoting portion
including an opening for allowing a cat to enter and exit the pet
litter box, and the cat litter box including at least one side vent
and a charcoal vent.
10. The cat litter box of claim 9 wherein the opening is in the
shape of a cat face.
11. The cat litter box of claim 9 wherein the top portion can be
stored inside the bottom portion in a nestable fashion.
12. The cat litter box of claim 9 wherein the interior is defined
in part by a bottom portion and the bottom portion includes at least
eight textured portions.
13. The cat litter box of claim 9 including a friction snap to
allow the portion that is hingedly connected to be removably secured
to remaining portions of the body.
14. The cat litter box of claim 9 wherein the body includes at
least two side vents and a top handle.
Description PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/518477 filed Nov. 6 2003 the disclosures
of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to pets and pet care. More
specifically, the present invention relates to cat litter boxes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to new and improved designs
for pet litter boxes. The design and structure of the pet litter
box provides many useful features to the pet owner. Although the
pet litter box is in a preferred embodiment designed for cats, it
should be appreciated that it can be designed for use with other
pets.
[0004] Generally, the pet litter box has a top and a bottom component.
The top component preferably includes a hingeable portion with an
opening for the cat to enter and exit.
[0005] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box comprising a body defined by a top portion and a bottom portion,
the top portion including a portion that is hingedly connected to
other portions of the body of the litter box to allow at least a
portion thereof to be pivoted away from other portions of the body,
the top including an opening for allowing a pet to enter an interior
defined by the body of the cat litter box.
[0006] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box wherein the litter box is designed for a cat.
[0007] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box wherein the opening is in the shape of a cat face.
[0008] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box wherein the top portion can be stored inside the bottom portion
in a nestable fashion.
[0009] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box wherein the interior is defined in part by a bottom portion
and the bottom portion includes at least eight textured portions.
[0010] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box wherein an outer portion of the litter box includes a handle.
[0011] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box including at least one side vent and a charcoal vent.
[0012] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box including a friction snap to allow the portion that is hingedly
connected to be removably secured to remaining portions of the body.
[0013] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cat litter
box having a plastic body including a top and a bottom, the top
and the bottom defining an interior therein including a bottom portion
for receiving cat litter, at least a portion of the top of the body
being hingedly connected to other portions of the body to allow
a portion thereof to pivot, the pivoting portion including an opening
for allowing a cat to enter and exit the pet litter box, and the
cat litter box including at least one side vent and charcoal vent.
[0014] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box wherein the opening is in the shape of a cat face.
[0015] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box wherein the top portion can be stored inside the bottom portion
in a nestable fashion.
[0016] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box wherein the interior is defined in part by a bottom portion
and the bottom portion includes at least eight textured portions.
[0017] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pet litter
box including a friction snap to allow the portion that is hingedly
connected to be removably secured to remaining portions of the body.
[0018] An advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved
cat litter box.
[0019] Still further, an advantage of the present invention is
to provide an improved design for a cat litter box.
[0020] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide
an improved plastic cat litter box.
[0021] Still, an advantage of the present invention is to provide
a cat litter box that has a fanciful design, such as an opening
in the shape of a cat's face.
[0022] Furthermore, an advantage of the present invention is to
provide a cat litter box that is nestable with other cat litter
boxes allowing the products to easily be stored at a retailer.
[0023] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed
Description of the Invention and the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates various views of an embodiment of the
cat litter box of the present invention and specifically an assembly
of same.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates bottom views of the cat litter box of
FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates views of an embodiment of the lid of
the cat litter box of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the top of the cat litter
box of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates perspective views of an embodiment of
the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates as A through F embodiments of the opening
of the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 14 illustrates as A through F embodiments of the handle
for the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 15 illustrates as A through F embodiments of a latch
for the cat litter box of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 16 illustrates as A through F embodiments of vents
for the cat litter box of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The present invention provides improved pet and cat litter
boxes. Of course, it is known in the art to provide litter boxes
so as to allow a sanitary area for a cat, or other small pet, to
urinate and/or defecate. These litter boxes provide a structure
in which to house cat litter or other absorbent material for receiving
the pet waste.
[0041] As set forth in FIGS. 1-16 various designs and embodiments
of the cat litter box of the present invention are provided. Generally,
as illustrated in FIG. 1 the cat litter box has a top and a bottom
component. The top component further includes a part that is hinged.
The hinged portion allows one access to an interior of the cat litter
box. In the illustrated embodiments, the hinged top portion includes
an opening for the cat, or other pet, to enter and exit.
[0042] Preferably, the litter box is nestable. To this end, the
top, when not in use, can be inserted into the bottom. This allows
multiple litter boxes to be stacked on top of one another. The nestable
feature provides a compact design for the retailer in stocking/dispensing
the litter boxes to customers.
[0043] Preferably, the front of the litter box has a friction snap
to lock the top to the bottom. Thus, the pet can enter and exit
the litter box without the top portion opening. The top of the litter
box is hinged to the remaining portions by, preferably, at least
two hinges to allow it to swing up.
[0044] The litter box defines an interior for receiving the cat
litter. This interior includes a bottom portion on which the cat
litter is located. Preferably, the bottom of the cat litter box
is textured. Preferably, there are a minimum of eight types of textured
bottoms to prevent the cat litter from sticking to the bottom of
the container.
[0045] If desired, the bottom portion of the cat litter box can
include a disposable liner. Also, in an embodiment, the inside bottom
texture is chosen to reduce the cat litter from sticking to the
bottom of the container which makes it easier to clean and to remove
clumped cat litter. Preferably, the shape of the bottom piece has
a waste and is not square or oblong.
[0046] To reduce smell within the cat litter box, side vents are
provided. The side vents increase the air flow within and through
the interior. Moreover, by being placed on the side they prevent
cat litter from being kicked out by the cat. A variety of vents
can be provided as illustrated in FIG. 16 as A through F.
[0047] In order to ensure that the top portion of the cat litter
box is coupled to the bottom portion, side locks are provided in
a preferred embodiment. The side locks are preferably pressure side
locks to removably lock or secure the top to the bottom.
[0048] In order to allow the cat litter box to be easily transported,
preferably a handle is located on the top of the litter box. The
handle is used to carry the litter box. Preferably, the handle is
molded to fit four fingers. In an embodiment, the handle is molded
to encompass a finger grip. FIG. 15 illustrates a number of embodiments
of the handle.
[0049] The opening of the cat litter box is designed to allow the
cat, or other pet, to be able to enter the litter box. A variety
of different openings can be utilized. FIG. 13 illustrates six embodiments
of the opening. For example, FIG. 13C illustrates the shape of a
cat's face as the opening to the cat box.
[0050] Preferably, located at the top of the litter box is a charcoal
vent. The combination of the side vents and the front opening allow
more efficient air flow for the charcoal. This is believed to result
in a longer-lasting charcoal filter. In this regard, it is believed
that the charcoal filter will only have to be replaced every month
or two.
[0051] By way of example and not limitation, the structure of the
cat litter box can be as follows:
[0052] Top and bottom made of Polypropylene Plastic
[0053] Front portion top made of Clarified Polypropylene Plastic
[0054] Front Portion Hinged at 50% of the top of the Cat Box
[0055] Pressure Front Locks on the Hinged portion of the Top of
the Cat Box.
[0056] 2 Pressure Side Locks
[0057] Tunnel Opening:
[0058] Dimensions: 7".times.7"
[0059] Rectangular Shape:
[0060] Dimension 20".times.15".times.16"
[0061] Litter Box Thickness:
[0062] 0.08"
[0063] Recessed Handle with indentions for finger grips
[0064] 4".times.6" Charcoal Filter vent in the top back
portion of the Cat Box--Odor Control
[0065] 6-Vent slots in a Sinusoidal Wave Pattern
[0066] 3".times.3" Side Vents on either side of the top
portion of the Cat Box
[0067] 5-slots on each vent--Increase Air Circulation to make the
Charcoal Filter more efficient.
[0068] Both Sides of the bottom of the Cat Litter box are curved
in 1/2"
[0069] Exterior Texture
[0070] Pebble Pattern AMT--9330 or 9225
[0071] Embossed Logo and lettering slick Smooth Surface AMT--9485
0.0005" Deep
[0072] Interior of Bottom Textured:
[0073] Plaid Pattern AMT--9220 0.003" Deep or Slick, Smooth
Surface AMT--9485 0.0005" Deep
[0074] Anti-microbial Agent from Microban.
[0075] If desired, the cat litter box can also include the following
features:
[0076] Top and bottom made of Polystyrene, Polyester, Polyethylene
Plastic or Clarified Polypropylene
[0077] Front portion top made of Styrene, Polyethylene, or Polypropylene
Plastic
[0078] Front Portion Hinged at front, back or clam shell of the
top of the Cat Box
[0079] No Pressure locks on the hinged portion.
[0080] 2-4 Pressure Side Locks/Front Pressure locks
[0081] Round, Oval, Cat Face, Cat's Tail End, etc. Opening:
[0082] Dimensions: 6"-10" in height and 6"-10"
in Width
[0083] Round, Octagon, Hexagonal Shape:
[0084] Dimension 14"-24" in Length, 14"-24"
in Width.times.14"-24" in Height
[0085] Litter Box Thickness:
[0086] 0.03"-0.15"
[0087] Recessed Handle with indentions for finger grips
[0088] Charcoal Filter vent in the top back portion of the Cat
Box: 3"-8" in Width and 3"-10" in Length
[0089] 3-10 Vent slots in a Sinusoidal Wave Pattern, straight,
curved, zigzag, etc.
[0090] Side Vents on either side of the top portion of the Cat
Box: 1"-6" Length and 1"-6" in Width
[0091] 2-8 slots on each vent at an 1-180 Degree angle
[0092] Both Sides of the bottom of the Cat Litter box are curved
in 1/8"-3"
[0093] Exterior Texture
[0094] Pebble Pattern AMT--9330 or 9225
[0095] Embossed Logo and lettering slick Smooth Surface AMT--9485
0.0005" Deep
[0096] Interior of Bottom Textured:
[0097] Plaid Pattern AMT--9220 0.003" Deep or Slick, Smooth
Surface AMT--9485 0.0005" Deep
[0098] Anti-microbial Agent supplied by Microban or Aglon
[0099] Anti-Sticking Agents like Teflon, Silicone, and Polydimethyl
Siloxane
[0100] Anti-Staining Agents like Silicone and Polycarbonate
[0101] Biodegradable Agents like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)
[0102] Litter Mat Accessory
[0103] Specifically Designed Liner.
[0104] It should be understood that various changes and modifications
to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is
therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered
by the appended claims. |