Abstrict An apparatus for animal litter called a Cat Litter Pod. This apparatus
features a bottom built-in liner, impervious to liquids; a top gauze-like,
cheesecloth material to cover the litter granules; a way to join
the top and bottom to provide an encasement space; and absorbent
granules of various litter material inside the encasement. This
litter pod provides convenience and portability to necessary sanitation
devices for cats that are kept inside. Configured as a low profile
and disposable this apparatus is particularly important to older
or infirm cats that have problems with limited mobility.
Claims What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent
is:
1. An animal litter apparatus, comprising: (a) a bottom layer of
material impervious to liquids such as water and cat urine; (b)
a top layer of interwoven, liquid-permeable material contiguous
to the bottom layer along the entire perimeter of the top layer;
and, (c) a means to securely attach the bottom layer to the top
layer along the contiguous perimeters of the top layer and the bottom
layer whereby an encasement is formed suitable for holding various
amounts of absorbent material.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the interweave of
the top layer is configured in a way to contain cat litter granules.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the top layer material
is a cheesecloth.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the top layer material
is a nylon mesh-like material.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bottom layer
material is a composite material.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bottom layer
material is a type plastic.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bottom layer
material is a polyethylene.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the polyethylene
material is approximately eight tenths mil in thickness.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bottom layer
material is a polypropylene.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bottom layer
material is a polycarbonate.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bottom layer
material with a thermoplastic resin.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means to attach
is an adhesive.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means to attach
is by way of a heat sealing process.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means to attach
is a double-sided connection tape.
15. A pet litter apparatus, comprising: (a) a bottom surface of
a liquid-impervious material; (b) a top interwoven surface of a
liquid-permeable material; (c) a means to join the bottom surface
and the top surface contiguously along the respective perimeters
of each surface, whereby an encasement is formed suitable for holding
various amounts of absorbent material.
16. A pet litter apparatus, comprising: (a) a bottom surface of
an eight tenths mil thick polyethylene sheet of plastic film; (b)
a top tightly interwoven surface of a cheese cloth material such
that said weave contains common cat litter granules; (c) a double-sided
cellophane adhesive tape to join the bottom surface and the top
surface contiguously along the respective perimeters of each surface,
whereby an encasement is formed suitable for holding various amounts
of absorbent material.
Description CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/477227 filed Jun. 10 2003 by Virginia
E. Kincaid and titled "CAT LITTER PODS".
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present Cat Litter Pod relates to the field of animal
litter devices. Animal litter containers of the type containing
loose particulate material therein, such as so-called "litter
boxes" are well suited for household use by domestic pets,
such as cats, to deposit their excreta therein.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0003] Not Applicable.
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0004] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION
[0005] The new Cat Litter Pod described in this specification is
an apparatus that is designed to easily and quickly provide access
to a litter device for pets.
[0006] A. Introduction of the Problems Addressed
[0007] Cat litter devices have traditionally been focused on combinations
of an impervious liner and an open tray of granules. These were
used in concert with a permanent or disposable container. Disposability
and convenience was often the purpose as is shown below in the teachings
of the prior art. However, most litter devices leave an untidy clean-up
for the pet owner.
[0008] Little has been accomplished to eliminate the cumbersome
container or to provide a low profile litter device. This is particularly
important to older or infirm cats that have problems with limited
mobility. The instant apparatus presented here is cat litter "pod".
The litter pod is configured and has features to permit a pet owner
to have a low profile, disposable litter device that is convenient,
clean and has several methods of utilization. Other prior art does
not suggest or disclose the features of the Cat Litter Pod.
[0009] B. Prior Art
[0010] Animal litter devices have been featured in an increasingly
frequent number of patents since the 1950's. Some devices have attempted
to improve upon litter devices for parts of the problems as stated.
In use, the prior art devices were often untidy and messy to use
as well as limited in use. The new Cat Litter Pod addresses these
limitations and provides a solution to the stated problems.
[0011] Examples of prior apparatus for liquid absorption begin
with U.S. Pat. No. 3284273 issued to Prentice (1966). This teaches
an absorbent pad for use as a floor covering to absorb dripped or
spilled liquids, and generally provides spaced-apart upper and lower
layers within which is contained a liquid-retaining material which
may be a sheet material or a granular material such as grains of
absorbent clay. At least the upper layer is made of a liquid-permeable
material, such as felt, so that liquids impinging thereon will pass
therethrough and be absorbed by the intermediate liquid-retaining
layer. The patent discloses that the lower layer may be lined with
a liquid barrier material.
[0012] The U.S. Pat. No. 3978818 issued to Heldenbrand (1986)
discloses a litter container containing a body of litter within
a container of waterproof material and enclosed by an outer wrapper
which may be opened to expose the open-top, substantially rectangular
container for use. The U.S. Pat. No. 4173046 issued to Gallagher
(1979) discloses an absorptive and protective underpad for human
patients utilizing a top cushioning layer which is perforated to
admit liquids therethrough and a lower absorbent layer which will
permit liquid flow into the absorbent layer and reduce to a minimum
the generation and release of offensive odors from the absorbent
layer.
[0013] One difficulty with many of the prior art animal litter
devices, which utilize particulate litter material, is that the
deposit of waste material tends to cause the litter to become foul-smelling
and prompts the replacement of the entire box of litter after only
limited use. To overcome this problem, in lieu of particulate litter
material, U.S. Pat. No. 4250834 issued to Cheselka (1981) teaches
layers of absorbent fabric-like material which may be individually
removed to expose fresh layers beneath.
[0014] Another litter device patent is U.S. Pat. No. 4271787
issued to Wellman (1981). It discloses a plurality of self-contained,
disposable feline litter boxes housed in stacked relation within
a container. Each litter box includes a removable top cover to expose
the litter material contained within respective boxes. As each litter
box is soiled, it may be removed from the container and disposed
of, thereby exposing the next one for use.
[0015] Many of these devices usually provide a hard, perforated
platform on which the animal stands. Not only do such devices fail
to adequately accommodate solid waste, but domestic animals such
as cats are disinclined to use such litter boxes as they instinctively
desire to cover up their waste and therefore favor litter boxes
containing particulate material which they can paw to cover the
deposited waste.
[0016] Other prior art litter box solutions propose various assemblies
of parts including, Sweeney, U.S. Pat. No. 4534315 (1985) which
discloses an assembly wherein nonabsorbent granules are layered
over an absorbent layer. A combination liner bag and litter assembly
is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4813374 issued to Sides (1989). It
provides for opening the bag and exposing the granules to the felines.
[0017] Another patent, issued Yananton, U.S. Pat. No. 4869204
(1989) discloses a three part assembly consisting of a screen to
prevent tearing, an absorbent pad, and an impermeable plastic lining
all of which is covered by a layer of granular litter. An animal
litter package is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5488930 issued to Kasbo
(1996) which shows a non-woven web film over granules that is broken
open to expose the granules.
[0018] While many additional patents could be cited regarding other
variations of assemblies, none of these prior art solutions address
the problems of either the portability or the scattering of pellitized
litter and/or have not been commercially successful because they
are too complex and costly, and require the maintenance and cleaning
of the various component parts. None of the prior art teaches all
the features and capabilities of the Cat Litter Pod.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] This apparatus is a cat litter pod with various components
and features to enhance its use. The components include a bottom
built-in liner, impervious to liquids; a top gauze or cheesecloth-like
material to cover the litter granules; a way to join the top and
bottom to provide an encasement space; and granules of litter material
inside the encasement. The material comprising the top surface of
the device is porous to allow liquids to flow into the litter granules,
yet of the nature (such as "cheese cloth", or the like)
to prevent the litter granules from escaping the encasement space.
This cat litter device, when embodied in the configuration of the
present apparatus, provides a way to absorb liquid, contain the
granules, and provide several other advantages over prior art as
described below.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0020] Accordingly, there are several objects and advantages of
the Cat Litter Pod. One advantage of this device over others in
the field is that it prevents build-up of litter on sick or immobile
cats. Unlike other portable devices, this cat litter pod with its
top porous cover prevents the litter material from attaching or
adhering to the pet's fur after it has lain in the box because of
its sickness or immobility.
[0021] Further important advantages are related to the covered
granules. The containment provides a pod device that is clean and
sanitary. There is little or no tracking of litter and less dust
than many of the conventional litter designs. In addition, since
the granules are encased and contained, the pet does not "eat"
or ingest the litter. Finally, the covered granules in effect discourage
an infant or toddler from potential sandbox play that many cat owners
have experienced around small children.
[0022] In addition to the relative cleanness, the encased device
has the advantage of being used in conjunction with a litter box
or pan, or just laid on a flat surface by itself.
[0023] Another advantage is the simple and inexpensive design of
the cat litter pod. It can be made of various common materials that
will be discussed below.
[0024] Still another advantage is the versatility of the cat litter
pod. Cats can be very particular to the type of litter that the
pet accepts. The smell and the consistency of one specific litter
are not universally accepted by all cats. This device can be utilized
with various common litter granule materials already on the market
today or made available as new granule materials or the like are
developed.
[0025] Another important feature is its size. The cat litter pod
can be very thin in depth and have various top and bottom areas.
Its size can be small enough for portability and convenience for
travel or use with one pet. The pod can be large enough for use
with multiple cats.
[0026] A further advantage is found in its disposability. The device
can be used only once or used multiple times. Then, the inexpensive,
contained granule device may be easily discarded without the normal
"mess" associated with loose granules or broken litter
liners.
[0027] Finally, other advantages and additional features of the
present apparatus will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings
and from the full description of the cat litter pods. For one skilled
in the art of cat litter devices it is readily understood that the
features shown in the examples with this apparatus are readily adapted
to other types of pet litter devices
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS--FIGURES
[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment
of the cat litter pod that is preferred. The drawings together with
the summary description given above and a detailed description given
below serve to explain the principles of the apparatus. It is understood,
however, that the cat litter pod is not limited to only the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
demonstrating the two different sides.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
demonstrating the top surface that is porous to liquids.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
demonstrating the impervious to liquids side.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a PERSPECTIVE VIEW of the Cat Litter Pod showing
its various parts that make up an embodiment of the apparatus.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an enlarged SECTION of the Cat Litter Pod showing
the two sides, their attachment and the cat litter captured in between
the two sides.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
demonstrating the use of the device without a container.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
demonstrating the use of the device with a container or litter box.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an enlarged area showing the containment of the
cat urine and other egested materials by the cat litter pod.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS--REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0038] The following list refers to the drawings:
[0039] 21 cat litter pod
[0040] 22 top surface
[0041] 23 bottom liner
[0042] 24 way to connect top and bottom
[0043] 25 granules
[0044] 26 flat surface
[0045] 27 container
[0046] 28 darkened area of granules
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PERFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0047] The new apparatus is a cat litter "pod". The litter
pod is comprised of a bottom built-in liner, impervious to liquids;
a top gauze or cheesecloth-like material to cover the litter granules;
a way to join the top and bottom to provide an encasement space;
and absorbent granules of various litter material inside the encasement.
A person having ordinary skill in the field of this type of apparatus
appreciates the various materials and component parts that may be
used to physically permit this cat litter pod to be produced and
utilized. The improvements over the existing art are providing a
device that:
[0048] prevents the build-up of litter on sick or immobile cats;
[0049] is clean and sanitary;
[0050] may be used alone or with a container;
[0051] is a simple and inexpensive design;
[0052] is versatile in the type of absorbent granules used;
[0053] is thin and can be of various sized areas; and
[0054] is disposable.
[0055] There is shown in FIGS. 1-9 a complete operative embodiment
of the cat litter pod. The apparatus generally relates to a litter
device for cats. While the present cat litter pod shows an apparatus
that is approximately sixteen to eighteen inches in length, twelve
inches in width and less than one inch in depth as the embodiment
for a cat litter pod, this showing is not meant to limit the intention
of the present device. The same concept applies to other litter
pod devices of varying lengths, widths and depths.
[0056] The preferred embodiment of the device is comprised of a
few parts as shown in FIG. 1-9 of the drawings. These parts include,
but are not limited to, a bottom built-in liner 23 impervious to
liquids; a top material 22 to cover the litter granules; a way 24
to join the top and bottom to provide an encasement space; and absorbent
granules 25 of various litter material inside the encasement.
[0057] FIG. 1 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
21.
[0058] This view delineates the cat litter pod 21 placed on top
of a hard, flat surface such as the top of a cabinet or a floor.
[0059] FIG. 2 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
21 demonstrating the two different sides. It shows the two main
surfaces of the device. The top surface 22 and the bottom liner
23 will be described below.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
21 demonstrating the top surface 22. The Top surface 22 is a gauze
or cheesecloth-like material used to cover the litter granules 25
(not shown in this FIG.). The embodiment shown is a cheese cloth
with a weave that has been empirically derived to suit the specific
granule material 25. One skilled in the art appreciates that for
varying sized granules 25 the actual weave of the top material
22 may vary. However, as the granule 25 size varies, it is a relatively
simple empirical process to select the weave "tightness or
looseness" for the top material 22 that contains the specific
granule type 25 utilized. While the embodiment shows an interwoven
cloth fabric, one skilled in the art appreciates that there are
other materials in existence, or that may be developed in the future.
These other materials may well suit the design of the top cover
22 if they are absorbent, porous, and permeable, yet suitable in
the size of the weave or configuration in order to encase the granules
25. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiment shown is exemplary
and not limiting the intention of the present design in respect
to the actual material specification of the top cover 22.
[0061] FIG. 4 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
21 demonstrating the bottom liner 23. The bottom liner 23 of the
present embodiment is a plastic sheet material that is impervious
to liquid. This material serves to contain the granules 25 (not
shown in this FIG.) from the bottom side of the device. The material
prevents any liquid material such as cat urine water or the like
from escaping onto the supporting flat surface 26 below One skilled
in the art appreciates that the thickness of the material may vary.
The present embodiment shows an approximately eight tenths mil (0.8
mil) thickness of polyethylene sheet plastic. This is an example
and not limitation to the intention of the present design. Further,
one skilled in the art appreciates that alternative embodiments
are possible with other impervious materials such as waxed or impregnated
paper, a plethora of other plastic materials (such as polypropylene,
poly carbonates, other thermoplastic resins--with and without fiber
fillings) and various composite compounds currently available or
developed in the future, or the like. These various alternatives
must demonstrate the characteristics of being impervious to liquids,
relatively inexpensive, and able to be produced in a sheet-like
configuration.
[0062] FIG. 5 is a PERSPECTIVE VIEW of the Cat Litter Pod 21. This
view shows the bottom liner 23 "wrapping" itself outside
of the top surface 22. Therefore any liquid, such as the cat urine,
that is being placed in and through the top surface 22 will be contained
from leakage or escape until the granules have had a chance to trap
and absorb the liquid.
[0063] FIG. 6 is an Enlarged SECTION of the Cat Litter Pod 21.
This view shows components and the way they are sealed to form an
encasement. The top surface 22 forms the top section of cat litter
pod 21. The bottom liner 23 forms the bottom section of the cat
litter pod 21. The bottom liner 23 overlaps the top surface 22 and
is on the exterior side. Sandwiched between the top surface 22 and
bottom liner 3 at the point of overlap is a way to seal 24 the two
sections together into the encasement device. This way 24 may be
of various configurations. The preferred embodiment shown is a double
sided adhesive tape. Alternative embodiments include various adhesives
and glues, heat sealing the two surfaces, and the like. The preferred
embodiment and the alternatives mentioned here are stated as examples
and not limitations to the manner in which the top surface 22 is
sealed and attached to the bottom liner 23.
[0064] Once three (3) of the sides of the cat litter device are
sealed, the various cat litter granules 25 may be placed inside
the encasement. Then, the final fourth (4th) side may be sealed
and the cat litter pod 21 is complete.
[0065] FIG. 7 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
21 demonstrating the use of the device without a container. Here
the device is laid directly onto a flat surface 26 such as a table
top, counter top, or floor.
[0066] FIG. 8 is a PICTURE of an Actual Prototype Cat Litter Pod
21 demonstrating the use of the device with a container or litter
box. The container 27 may be any one of the plethora of cat litter
containers, often called litter boxes, which are commercially available.
FIG. 8 shows an area 28 where a cat has deposited its urine.
[0067] FIG. 9 is an Enlarged Area showing the containment of the
cat urine and other egested materials by the cat litter pod 21.
The darken area 28 is where the urine has penetrated through the
top surface 22 and has been absorbed by the granules 25. This drawing
demonstrates a key characteristic of the device--the top surface
22 permits the urine or other liquid to permeate through to the
granules while continuing to encase and contain the granules.
[0068] In total, all the points and details mentioned here throughout
this detailed description of the drawings are exemplary and not
limiting. Other components specific to describing a cat litter pod
21 may be added as a person, having ordinary skill in the field
of this type of litter apparatus, well appreciates. The drawing
and components have been focused on the parts shown in respect to
the present cat litter pod 21.
[0069] Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
[0070] The new cat litter pod 21 has been described in the above
embodiment. The manner of how the apparatus operates is described
below. Note well that the description above and the operation described
here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the
cat litter pod 21.
[0071] The embodiment described above is a cat litter pod 21 which
includes a bottom built-in liner 23 impervious to liquids; a top
gauze or cheesecloth-like material 22 to cover the litter granules
25; a way 24 to join the top and bottom to provide an encasement
space; and absorbent granules 25 of various litter material inside
the encasement. These components and material are configured to
provide the apparatus as a whole known as the cat litter pod 21.
[0072] The embodiment of the cat litter pod 21 may be used by a
person in several manners to aid in the sanitation of a cat that
is kept inside. As stated above, the cat litter pods 21 may be used
alone or by themselves on a flat surface 26 such as a table top,
counter top, or floor. Please see FIGS. 12 and 7. In addition,
the cat litter pod 21 may be used in conjunction with a commercially
available litter box or container. Please see FIG. 8.
[0073] Because the granules 25 are contained by the bottom liner
23 and the top surface 22 the cat litter pod 21 provides a unique
feature for immobile or sick/infirm cats that lie on top of the
litter for long periods of their rehabilitation. That feature is
that the granules 25 are contained and therefore do not stick or
"mat" to the fur of the languishing cat.
[0074] Two other points merit discussion in the operation of the
embodiment of the cat litter pod 21. First, the well known trait
of some cats is to dig and/or bury any of their urine or other excrement
such as cat feces. The ability of the top surface 22 to permit some
tactility of the paws and the litter without releasing the granules
from the encasement have been demonstrated with the prototype devices.
Note however that languishing or infirm cats are much less likely
to be concerned with the "covering trait" of healthier
cats.
[0075] Second, the use of the cheesecloth or the like as a top
surface 22 has some impact on containing the feces. Again, testing
of the prototype is encouraging. The liquidity of the feces of a
"sickly" cat is contained much like the urine. The presence
of firm fecal material is simply discarded from the top surface
22 after the cat exits the cat litter pod 21 if the pod is to be
re-used. Likewise the fecal matter is encased in the device as the
whole cat litter pod 21 is folded and deposited into a trash container
if and when the pod 21 is ready to be discarded.
[0076] The cat litter pod has been described above in connection
with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment. With this description it is to be understood that the
apparatus is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment On the
contrary, the cat litter pod is intended to cover various modifications
and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope
of the description. |