Cat litter scoop holder

Abstrict

A cat litter scoop holder that includes scoop retaining walls that define a pocket for receiving a cat litter scoop. The holder includes a base upon which it sets upright. Its sides can be open to promote airflow. The pocket includes a drain. The base preferably is hollow such that it forms a chamber with the floor to help retain drainage. The holder preferably includes flanges disposed on each side of the scoop to help keep it in the pocket and constrain lateral scoop movement. One wall preferably is inclined such that it forms an acute included angle with the other wall such that a pocket of vee-shaped cross section having its apex adjacent the base is formed. This pocket construction helps keep the scoop upright. The holder can include a hinged lid that can function as a retaining wall.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cat litter scoop holder comprising: a base; an abutment carried by the base; an upright having a height greater than that of the abutment, the upright carried by the base and forming a generally vee-shaped cat litter scoop receiving pocket with the abutment; and a pair of spaced apart lateral scoop movement limiters with one of the lateral scoop movement limiters disposed along one side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket with at least a portion extending above a free end of the abutment and another one of the lateral scoop movement limiters disposed along the other side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket with at least a portion extending above a free end of the abutment.

2. The cat litter scoop holder of claim 1 wherein the base further comprises an outwardly pitched skirt and a bottom edge defining a pedestal upon which the cat litter scoop holder is able to stand on a generally horizontal surface and wherein the base, including its outwardly pitched skirt and bottom edge, is of one-piece, unitary, and homogenous construction.

3. The cat litter scoop holder of claim 1 wherein the base further comprises an outwardly pitched skirt and a pedestal upon which the cat litter scoop holder is able to stand on a generally horizontal surface wherein the pedestal is larger than the base to resist tipping of the cat litter scoop holder and wherein the base, including its outwardly pitched skirt and pedestal, is of one-piece, unitary, and homogenous plastic construction.

4. A cat litter scoop holder comprising: a base; an abutment carried by the base; an upright carried by the base and forming a cat litter scoop receiving pocket with the abutment; a pair of spaced apart lateral scoop movement limiters with one of the lateral scoop movement limiters located along one side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket and the other one of the lateral scoop movement limiters located along the other side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket; and wherein one of the lateral scoop movement limiters comprises a first lengthwise extending sidewall that is disposed along one side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket and that is offset relative to the upright, the other one of the lateral scoop movement limiters comprises a second lengthwise extending sidewall that is disposed along the other side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket and that is offset relative to the upright, wherein one of the abutment and the upright comprises a front wall, the other one of the abutment and the upright comprises a rear wall, and wherein the front wall, the rear wall, and the sidewalls are constructed and arranged to uprightly orient a cat litter scoop received in the cat litter scoop receiving pocket.

5. The cat litter scoop holder of claim 4 wherein the upright has a height greater than the abutment and is fixed relative to the abutment defining a fixed angle therebetween, the first and second sidewalls each adjoin the upright and comprises therealong a radius of curvature transverse to a lengthwise direction of the upright, and wherein each one of the first and second sidewalls terminates (a) adjacent a mouth of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket and (b) adjacent a top edge of the abutment creating a clearance therebetween that accommodates a handle of a cat litter scoop received in the cat litter scoop receiving pocket.

6. The cat litter scoop holder of claim 4 wherein the first and second sidewalls are each elongate with one of the first and second sidewalls extending outwardly from the upright longitudinally along substantially the entire length of one side of the upright and the other one of the first and second sidewalls extending outwardly from the upright longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the other side of the upright with each one of the first and second sidewalls being disposed at an angle relative to the upright, and each one of the first and second sidewalls terminating at a top edge of the upright.

7. A cat litter scoop holder comprising: a base; an abutment carried by the base; an upright carried by the base and forming a cat litter scoop receiving pocket with the abutment; a pair of spaced apart lateral scoop movement limiters with one of the lateral scoop movement limiters located along one side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket and the other one of the lateral scoop movement limiters located along the other side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket; and wherein the upright is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a generally vertical upright closed position and an open position disposed away from the generally vertical upright position, each one of the pair of spaced apart lateral scoop movement limiters comprises a longitudinally extending elongate side edge of the upright with one of the elongate side edges of the upright extending outwardly therefrom at a transverse angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the upright and the other one of the elongate side edges of the upright extending outwardly therefrom at a transverse angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the upright, and each one of the elongate side edges extending toward the abutment when the upright is disposed in the generally vertical upright position.

8. A cat litter scoop holder comprising: a base; an abutment carried by the base; an upright carried by the base and forming a cat litter scoop receiving pocket with the abutment; a pair of spaced apart lateral scoop movement limiters with one of the lateral scoop movement limiters located along one side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket and the other one of the lateral scoop movement limiters located along the other side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket; and wherein one of the lateral scoop movement limiters comprises a first elongate lip that is curved along a transverse and longitudinal direction, which extends outwardly from one of the abutment and the upright, and that extends along one side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket, and the other one of the lateral scoop movement limiters comprises a second lip that is curved along a transverse and longitudinal direction, which extends outwardly from one of the abutment and the upright, and that extends along the other side of the cat litter scoop receiving pocket, wherein one of the abutment and the upright comprises a front wall, wherein the other one of the abutment and the upright comprises a rear wall, and wherein the front wall and the rear wall are fixed relative to one another defining a generally vee-shaped cat litter scoop receiving pocket therebetween.

9. A cat litter scoop holder in combination with a cat litter scoop comprising: a) a cat litter scoop comprising a plastic body comprised of a handle and a perforate scoop extending from the handle, the scoop comprised of a bottom wall and at least one sidewall extending outwardly from the bottom wall defining a concave portion thereof with the bottom wall having a front end spaced from the handle and the at least one sidewall having a pair of outer edges with one outer edge disposed on one side of the handle and the other outer edge disposed on the other side of the handle; and b) a cat litter scoop holder comprising: 1) abase; 2) a pair of retaining walls overlying the base that are angularly fixed relative to one another and defining a generally vee-shaped scoop receiving pocket therebetween with one of the retaining walls having an offset that extends into the scoop receiving pocket against which part of the cat litter scoop bears when received in the scoop receiving pocket; and 3) a pair of transversely turned edges of one of the retaining walls that are spaced apart with one of the turned edges extending longitudinally along one side of the one of the retaining walls and the other one of the turned edges extending along an opposite side of the one of the retaining walls with the turned edges converging toward one another adjacent an upper end of the one of the retaining walls; wherein one of the turned edges is disposed along the outer edge of one side of the cat litter scoop when the cat litter scoop is received in the scoop receiving pocket and the other one of the turned edges is disposed along the outer edge of the other side of the cat litter scoop when the cat litter scoop is received in the scoop receiving pocket with the turned edges terminating adjacent the upper end of the one of the retaining walls enabling the handle of the cat litter scoop adjacent the upper end of the one of the retaining walls enabling the when the cat litter scoop is received in the scoop receiving pocket; and wherein the concave portion of the scoop faces toward the one of the retaining walls when received in the scoop receiving pocket.

10. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop of claim 9 wherein one of the retaining walls is pivotally attached to the base and movable between a closed position and an open position permitting insertion of the cat litter scoop into the scoop receiving pocket or removal of the cat litter scoop from the scoop receiving pocket.

11. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop combination of claim 9 wherein the retaining wall and abutment are both fixed to the base and wherein the base, retaining wall and abutment form a cat litter scoop holder of one-piece, unitary and homogenous plastic molded construction.

12. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop combination of claim 9 further comprising a third wall that has a height substantially the same as one of the retaining walls that forms a clamshell arrangement with the one of the retaining walls.

13. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop combination of claim 12 wherein the third wall comprises a lid pivotally carried by the base that is pivotable relative to the base.

14. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop combination of claim 9 wherein one of the turned edges is curved along a lengthwise direction so as to follow a contour of one side of a scoop of a cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiving pocket and the other one of the turned edges is curved along a lengthwise direction so as to follow a contour of the other side of the scoop of the cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiving pocket.

15. A cat litter scoop holder in combination with a cat litter scoop that includes a scoop and handle comprising: a base having an outwardly flared skirt and being of one-piece, unitary and homogenous plastic molded construction; an abutment carried by the base; and a retaining wall carried by the base and disposed at a fixed acute angle relative to the abutment defining a scoop receiving pocket with the abutment, the retaining wall comprising a pair of spaced apart lengthwise extending side edges with each side edge comprising a lateral retainer lip extending longitudinally along substantially the length of its corresponding side edge and disposed outwardly of and along one side of a scoop of a cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiving pocket and having a curvilinear longitudinal contour that follows the outer contour of the corresponding side of the scoop of the cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiving pocket, and the retainer lips converging toward each other adjacent an upper end of the retaining wall and terminating adjacent a top edge of the retaining wall to form a clearance therebetween in which a handle of a cat litter scoop is disposed when the cat litter scoop is received in the scoop receiving pocket.

16. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop combination of claim 15 wherein the abutment and the retaining wall are both immovably fixed to the base.

17. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop combination of claim 15 wherein the retaining wall is pivotally carried by the base.

18. A cat litter scoop holder for a cat litter scoop, the cat litter scoop holder comprising: a base having a pedestal; an abutment carried by the base that extends generally outwardly a first length; a retaining wall carried by the base that extends generally outwardly a second length that is greater than the first length of the abutment, the retaining wall disposed at an angle relative to the abutment defining a scoop receiving pocket therebetween, the retaining wall having a pair of generally longitudinally extending sides with one of the sides comprised of a first lip angled or curved in a direction transverse to the retaining wall and having a curvilinear and longitudinally extending contour that is complementary to and located alongside one side of a scoop of a cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiving pocket and the other one of the sides comprised of a second lip angled or curved in a direction transverse to the retaining wall and having a curvilinear and longitudinally extending contour that is complementary to and located alongside the other side of a scoop, and the first and second lips converging toward each other adjacent an upper end of the retaining wall and being spaced apart so a handle of a cat litter scoop extends upwardly between an upper end of the first and second lips when the cat litter scoop is received in the scoop receiving pocket; and a pair of spaced apart flanges displaced adjacent a bottom of the scoop receiving pocket with one of the flanges disposed along one side of the scoop receiving pocket and extending from the abutment to the retaining wall and the other one of the flanges disposed along the other side of the scoop receiving pocket and extending from the abutment to the retaining wall.

19. The cat litter scoop holder of claim 18 wherein the first lip and the second lip are both oriented at a right angle relative to the retaining wall.

20. The cat litter scoop holder of claim 18 wherein the abutment and the retaining wall are both fixed to the base.

21. The cat litter scoop holder of claim 18 wherein the retaining wall is pivotally carried by the base.

22. The cat litter scoop holder of claim 18 wherein the first lip and second lip converge toward one another such that the spacing between the first lip and the second lip is less adjacent the upper end of the retaining wall than the spacing between the first lip and the second lip adjacent a lower end of the retaining wall adjacent a bottom of the scoop receiving pocket.

23. A cat litter scoop holder for a cat litter scoop, the cat litter scoop holder comprising: a base having an outwardly flared skirt extending about the outer periphery along the bottom of the base and being of one-piece, unitary and homogenous plastic construction; an abutment comprised of plastic carried by the base; a retaining wall comprised of plastic carried by the base and disposed at an angle relative to the abutment defining a scoop receiving pocket therebetween, the retaining wall having a pair of spaced apart side edges with each side edge comprising an elongate lateral retainer lip disposed along an associated side of a scoop of a cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiving pocket, and the retainer lips converging toward each other and terminating adjacent a free end of the retaining wall forming a clearance therebetween in which a handle of a cat litter scoop is disposed when the scoop of the cat litter scoop is received in the scoop receiving pocket; a pair of flanges with one of the flanges disposed along one side of the scoop receiving pocket and interconnecting the abutment and the retaining wall and the other one of the flanges disposed along the other side of the scoop receiving pocket and interconnecting the abutment and the retaining wall; and wherein one of the abutment and the retaining wall comprises an offset or spacer that projects into part of the scoop receiving pocket against which part of a scoop of a cat litter scoop bears when received in the scoop receiving pocket.

24. A cat litter scoop holder for a cat litter scoop having a concave perforate scoop, the cat litter scoop holder comprising: a base; a plurality of cat litter scoop retaining walls fixed relative one another defining a scoop receiving pocket therebetween with at least one of the retaining walls pivotably carried by the base and movable between a scoop capturing position and a position disposed from the scoop capturing position permitting withdrawal or insertion of a cat litter scoop; and a pair of elongate inturned edges of one of the retaining walls with one of the elongate inturned edges curved outwardly from the one of the retaining walls in a transverse direction relative thereto generally toward the other one of the retaining walls and extending longitudinally along one side of the concave perforate scoop of a cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiving pocket and the other one of the elongate inturned edges curved outwardly from the one of the retaining walls in a transverse direction relative thereto generally toward the other one of the retaining walls and extending longitudinally along the other side of the concave perforate scoop of a cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiver.

25. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop combination of claim 24 wherein the one of the retaining walls is higher than another one of the retaining walls.

26. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop combination of claim 25 further comprising a third retaining wall with one of the plurality of retaining walls being one outside wall and the third retaining wall being the other outside wall.

27. A cat litter scoop holder in combination with a cat litter scoop having a handle and a perforate scoop comprising: a base; a pair of cat litter scoop retaining walls fixed to one another defining a generally vee-shaped scoop receiving pocket therebetween with at least one of the retaining walls pivotably carried by the base and movable between a scoop capturing position and a position disposed from the scoop capturing position permitting withdrawal or insertion of a cat litter scoop; a pair of spaced apart lateral movement limiting lips extending outwardly from one of the retaining walls and having a curved cross sectional contour in a direction transverse to a lengthwise direction of the one of the retaining walls with one of the lateral movement limiting lips extending in a lengthwise direction exteriorly along one outer peripheral side of the perforate scoop of a cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiving pocket and extending substantially along the entire length of the one outer peripheral side of the perforate scoop and the other one of the lateral movement limiting lips extending in a lengthwise direction exteriorly along the other outer peripheral side of the perforate scoop of a cat litter scoop received in the scoop receiver and extending substantially along the entire length of the other outer peripheral side of the perforate scoop; a pair of spaced apart flanges with one of the flanges disposed along one side of the scoop receiving pocket and extending between the retaining walls and the other one of the flanges disposed along the other side of the scoop receiving pocket and extending between the retaining walls; wherein one of the retaining walls has an offset or spacer against which a portion of the perforate scoop of a cat litter scoop adjacent the free end of the perforate scoop bears when received in the scoop receiving pocket; and wherein one of the retaining walls is higher than the other one of the retaining walls.

28. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop combination of claim 27 wherein the one of the retaining walls from which the spaced apart lateral movement limiting lips extend outwardly therefrom is higher than the other retaining wall.

29. A cat litter scoop holder in combination with a cat litter scoop that has a perforate concave scoop and a handle comprising: a base having an enlarged pedestal bounding its outer periphery along its bottom that rests on a generally horizontal surface; a first retainer wall carried by the base; and a second retainer wall carried by the base that forms a scoop receiving pocket with the first retainer wall with at least one of the retainer walls comprising a pair of opposed and spaced apart inturned flanges with one of the inturned flanges disposed on one side of the cat litter scoop and being curved so as to generally follow at least part of the outer peripheral contour of one side of the perforate concave scoop when the scoop of the cat litter scoop is received in the scoop receiving pocket and the other one of the inturned flanges is disposed on the opposite side of the cat litter scoop and being curved so as to generally follow at least part of the outer peripheral contour of the other side of the perforate concave scoop when the scoop of the cat litter scoop is received in the scoop receiving pocket of the cat litter scoop holder.

30. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop of claim 29 wherein the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall of the cat litter scoop holder are both immovably fixed to the base.

31. The cat litter scoop holder and cat litter scoop of claim 29 wherein one of the retaining walls is pivotably carried by the base so as to be pivotable between a closed position and an open position disposed away from the closed position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a cat litter scoop and holder therefor as well as to a combination of a cat litter scoop and cat litter scoop holder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cat litter scoops are typically constructed with perforate or mesh walls so that clumps of fecal matter can be scooped from a litter box and separated from the cat litter in the box. Examples of these types of cat litter scoops are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6022058; 5738399; 5775258; 5855186; and D332675.

After using the scoop, it must be placed somewhere. Often, it is placed on the floor or back in the litter box. If placed on the floor, the scoop can cause contamination or leave a mess. If placed in the litter box, the scoop can also become contaminated or just plain dirty.

As a result, it is desired to be able to place the scoop in a holder where it will neither become contaminated nor become dirty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a cat litter scoop holder that releasably receives and retains a cat litter scoop in a pocket in the holder. The holder includes a base upon which it can rest in an upright orientation on a horizontal surface, such as a floor or countertop. The base can include a larger pedestal that provides stability to help the holder resist tipping when it is disposed on a horizontal surface.

Extending upwardly from the base is a retainer wall and a rear wall that is spaced from the retainer wall, defining a scoop-receiving pocket therebetween. The retainer wall comprises a lip that can be curved and that is inclined at an acute angle away from the rear wall, imparting a vee-shaped cross-section to the pocket. In a preferred embodiment, the holder includes sides or sidewalls, each of which can have an opening that permits air to flow into the pocket and through a scoop received in the pocket to help facilitate drying of the scoop and matter deposited on the scoop. In one preferred embodiment, each opening is generally vee-shaped and can have a flange at or adjacent its apex that helps constrain, at least somewhat, side-to-side movement of a scoop received in the pocket.

The rear wall can be equipped with inturned flanges that bracket at least a portion of the scoop portion of a scoop received in the pocket to help constrain side-to-side movement of a scoop received in the pocket. In one preferred embodiment, each inturned flange hugs the outer contour of one side of at least part of the scoop portion of a scoop received in the pocket.

Where the scoop is curved or has a handle that extends forwardly beyond a concave scoop portion in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis, the rear wall of the holder can include or comprise a spacer that is preferably is disposed adjacent the apex of the pocket.

The apex of the pocket preferably comprises a collection trough that preferably is of perforate construction to permit matter from a scoop received in the pocket to drain from the scoop and pocket. In one preferred embodiment, the collection trough is comprised of a pair of sidewalls spaced apart by a bottom wall that provides increased volume to hold matter from the scoop while still permitting the scoop to properly seat in the holder. The base or bottom of the holder preferably is hollow and defines a retention chamber that helps collect matter from the scoop that has drained from the pocket.

In one preferred embodiment, a bracket can be used to releasably mount the holder to a vertical surface, such as a wall. The bracket preferably includes a spacer and a pair of spaced apart fingers that releasably engage the rear wall of the holder. A mounting tab on the bracket can be used to attach it to the vertical surface using one or more fasteners.

The holder is particularly well suited to receive a preferred scoop embodiment that has a perforate scoop portion defined by a pair of perforate sidewalls, a perforate bottom wall, and an inclined perforate lip, and which includes a curved handle at one end. The sidewall edges preferably are disposed in or along a common plane, and the handle crosses and extends beyond the sidewall edges.

The holder can be equipped with a hinged lid and can have a curved or contoured retaining wall with curved portions that help guide and hold a scoop received in the pocket of the holder.

In one preferred scoop embodiment, the handle is comprised of two pieces. A cover piece can attach to a shank of the handle by detents, tabs, or rivets. If desired, the handle can be integrally formed of one piece.

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention include one or more of the following: to provide a cat litter scoop holder that stands upright and retains a cat litter scoop in an upright, easy to reach position; a cat litter scoop and holder combination that is simple, easy and sanitary to use; to provide a cat litter scoop holder that presents the cat litter scoop with its handle upright so as that it is easy to reach; to provide a sanitary cat litter scoop holder; to provide a cat litter scoop holder that allows matter from the cat litter scoop to easily drain to facilitate drying of the scoop; to provide a cat litter scoop holder that is stable and that resists tipping; to provide a cat litter scoop holder that is versatile in that it can be located on horizontal and vertical surfaces and can easily be moved; to provide a cat litter scoop holder that is sanitary, yet aesthetically pleasing; to provide a cat litter scoop holder capable of accommodating many different cat litter scoops having different shapes and sizes; to provide a cat litter scoop holder and/or cat litter scoop that is easy to manufacture, lightweight, rugged, durable, reliable, economical to manufacture, and/or which is easy to assemble and use.

Various other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cat litter scoop received in a cat litter scoop holder that is mounted to a wall by a bracket;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary cat litter scoop;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the scoop, scoop holder, and bracket;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the scoop, scoop holder and bracket as taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cat litter scoop holder shown upstanding on a surface, such as a floor;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the cat litter scoop holder;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the cat litter scoop holder;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the cat litter scoop holder;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the cat litter scoop holder;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the cat litter scoop holder;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a second preferred embodiment of a cat litter scoop holder that is equipped with a deeper trough;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the scoop depicting one preferred handle construction;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a snap fit assembly used in assembly of the scoop handle shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view of the scoop depicting a second preferred handle construction;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a snap fit assembly used in assembly of the scoop handle shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side view of the scoop handle illustrating another preferred handle construction;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary top plan view of a still further preferred scoop handle embodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the scoop and a second preferred embodiment of the holder having a clamshell front scoop cover;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the scoop holder shown in FIG. 18 with a portion cutaway to show the scoop received in the holder; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a third preferred scoop holder embodiment equipped with a front cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a cat litter scoop 30 received in a cat litter scoop holder 32 of this invention. The holder 32 includes a base 34 that serves or functions as a pedestal 80 upon which the holder 32 stands upright when placed on a generally horizontal surface 36. The holder includes a front wall 42 and a rear wall 44 that are spaced apart so as to permit the scoop 30 be received and retained therebetween in a manner that facilitates easy removal while preferably also holding it in an upright position. In one preferred embodiment, the holder 32 also includes a bracket 38 that can be used to mount the holder 32 to a vertical surface 40.

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a cat litter scoop 30. It has a handle 46 that can have a bore 48 therethrough. If desired, the handle 46 can be curved or contoured. For example, the preferred embodiment of the scoop 30 shown in FIGS. 1-4 has a curved handle 46.

The scoop 30 includes a generally concave scoop portion or spoon 50 that extends outwardly from the handle 46. The scoop portion 50 includes an inclined lip or blade 52 at its free end, a pair of spaced apart and perforate sidewalls 54 56 and a perforate bottom wall 58. If desired, the inclined lip 52 can also be of perforate construction. In its preferred embodiment, the lip 52 has a front leading edge 53 and includes a perforate panel 55 that extends to the bottom wall 58. If desired, any of the sidewalls 54 56 the bottom wall 58 and panel 55 can be curved. For example, in the preferred scoop embodiment shown in FIG. 4 panel 55 is slightly curved. As is shown in FIGS. 1 3 and 4 the outer surface of the bottom wall 58 can include a plurality of pairs of spaced apart outwardly projecting barbs or tines 60 that can be used to rake and smooth the cat litter after using the scoop 30.

The scoop 30 preferably is of perforate construction to enable it to separate or strain fecal matter from cat litter (not shown) in a cat litter box (not shown). This also helps minimize the loss of cat litter when cleaning the litter box. In the preferred scoop embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 the scoop 30 has many apertures, perforations, or windows 62 that each can be elongate in shape. Preferably, each scoop wall 54 56 and 58 and the lip 52 contains a plurality of apertures 62. Each aperture 62 preferably is sized so as to permit cat litter to pass through while preventing other things that are larger than the cat litter from passing through. If desired, one or more of the scoop walls 54 56 and 58 and the lip 52 can be of mesh construction or another type of suitable construction that facilitates the aforementioned straining or separating action.

Together, the interior surface of the perforate panel 55 the interior surface of the bottom wall 58 the interior surface of the sidewalls 54 56 and a rear shoulder 57 form the concave scoop portion 50. Each scoop sidewall 54 and 56 preferably extends upwardly from the bottom wall 58 at an obtuse included angle (included between the interior surfaces of the bottom wall and the sidewall). The panel 55 of the lip 52 is inclined relative to the bottom wall 58 at an obtuse included angle.

As is shown in FIG. 2 each scoop sidewall 54 and 56 terminates at an edge 59 and 61. In a preferred embodiment of the scoop 30 the sidewall edges 59 and 61 are substantially coplanar. The rear shoulder 57 can also terminate in an edge 63 that can be coplanar with edges 59 and 61. In the scoop embodiment shown in FIG. 2 each of the edges 59 61 and 63 comprises an outwardly extending flange.

The scoop holder 32 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4. The front wall 42 of the holder 32 includes a front surface 64 and a rear surface 66. The rear surface 66 of the front wall forms a retainer lip 66 that helps receive and retain a scoop, such as scoop 30 in a pocket 68 between the retainer lip 66 and an interior surface 70 of the rear wall 44. The pocket 68 preferably is constructed and arranged to retain the scoop 30 in an upright position relative to the holder 32.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 4 with the scoop 30 and holder 32 in the generally vertical orientation shown, gravity helps cause the nose 72 of the scoop 30 to be releasably held captive between the retainer lip 66 and the scoop-facing surface 70 of the rear scoop holder wall 44. Depending on the shape, size, and other factors relating to the construction of the particular scoop 30 that is intended to be received by the holder 32 a spacer 74 preferably is disposed between the scoop 30 and interior surface 70. When the scoop 30 is inserted into a holder 32 that has a spacer 74 a portion of each sidewall edge 59 61 bears against the spacer 74. This preferably causes at least part of the panel 55 of the scoop lip 52 to be urged against the retainer lip 66 of the holder 32. The spacer 74 may not be needed for all types of scoops. For example, the spacer 74 is desired for the scoop 30 shown in FIG. 4 because it has a handle 46 that curves beyond the plane in which the sidewall edges 59 61 are disposed and crosses that plane.

The retainer lip 66 can be constructed with a contour that is complementary to that of panel 55 and lip 52 of the scoop 30. For example, the retainer lip 66 show in FIG. 4 is slightly curved to generally match the curved contour of the scoop panel 55 and/or its front lip 52. If desired, the retainer lip 66 can be of straight or generally planar construction (or curved) extending in a direction from adjacent one scoop sidewall 54 to adjacent the other sidewall 56. In any event, the retainer lip 66 and the rear surface 70 of scoop holder wall 44 are constructed and arranged so as to help locate and guide a scoop 30 into pocket 68. In the preferred holder embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the retainer lip 66 extends from one scoop sidewall 54 to the other scoop sidewall 56.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 6 and 9 the preferred embodiment of the holder 32 can include a pair of spaced apart flanges 76 78 with one of the flanges 76 disposed along one side of the pocket 68 and the other one of the flanges 78 (shown in phantom in FIG. 4) disposed along the other side of the pocket 68. Each flange 76 78 preferably extends from the retainer lip 66 to the rear wall 44. Where the holder 32 is equipped with a spacer 74 each flange 76 78 can be constructed so as to extend from the lip 66 to the spacer 74. Together, where a holder 32 is equipped with flanges 76 78 the flanges 76 78 can help limit or constrain lateral or side-to-side movement of a scoop 30 received in the pocket 68.

The rear wall 44 preferably is also equipped with a pair of inturned flanges 120 122 that flank its sides and help limit or constrain lateral or side-to-side movement of a scoop 30 received in the pocket 68. The rear wall 44 and hence the inturned flanges 120 122 preferably are curved so as to match the peripheral shape or outer profile of an upper part of the scoop portion 50 and at least a portion of the handle 46. In the preferred holder embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the rear wall 44 is generally bell shaped. To permit clearance to accommodate a handle 46 of a scoop 30 received in the pocket 68 the top edge 124 of the rear wall 44 preferably has no flange.

The rear wall 44 and inturned flanges 120 122 of the preferred holder embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are constructed and arranged to accommodate a scoop 30 having the depicted shape. Such a scoop 30 can be equipped with a pair of spaced apart outwardly extending and curved wings or flanges 126 128. The holder 32 of this invention can have a rear wall 44 and flanges 120 122 configured to accommodate the peripheral shape or outer profile of scoops having different and varied shapes.

The retainer lip 66 rear wall interior surface 70 and flanges 76 78 are constructed such that the pocket 68 preferably is generally vee-shaped. Preferably, the lip 66 rear wall interior surface 70 and flanges 76 78 form a pocket 68 that is open along each side to facilitate passage of air through a scoop 30 received in the holder 32. For example, referring to FIG. 1 air can flow through apertures 62 in scoop sidewall 54 inside the scoop portion 50 and through apertures 62 in scoop sidewall 56. Facilitating passage of air through a scoop 30 received in the holder 32 advantageously helps to promote drying of the scoop 30 after use, which also helps to decrease bacterial and viral contamination.

The holder 32 includes a base 34 upon which it can rest upon a horizontal surface 36 such as a floor or a counter. The base 34 includes a pedestal 80 that preferably is larger in cross section than the rest of the holder 32 to help resist tipping. The base 34 preferably includes a pitched skirt 82 that extends about the front and sides of the holder 32 from the pedestal 80 to the front wall 42 and the flanges 76 78. As is shown in FIG. 3 the skirt 82 is pitched at an acute angle from the pedestal 80 toward the front wall 42 and the flanges 76 78.

The holder 32 also includes an arrangement for hanging it from a vertical surface 40 such as the wall shown in FIG. 4. In its preferred embodiment, the arrangement comprises bracket 38 that mounts the holder 32 to the wall 40. The bracket 38 mounts to the wall 40 using at least one fastener 86. Preferably, the bracket 38 mounts to the wall 40 using a pair of spaced apart fasteners 86. Preferred fasteners include screws and bolts, but other types of fasteners can be used. For example, an adhesive fastener, such as double-sided tape or glue can be used.

In its preferred embodiment, the bracket 38 has an H-shaped or L-shaped cross section that includes a generally horizontally extending body 88 that spaces the holder 32 away from the wall 40. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 the body 88 can include a top 90 a front 92 a rear 94 and a pair of sides 96 98 that can define an internal hollow 100 that conserves bracket material and reduces weight without significantly reducing strength.

The front 92 of the bracket 38 preferably includes at least one and preferably a pair of spaced apart fingers 102 104 that engage the holder 32 and hold it in position. Each finger 102 104 is formed by a peg 106 that preferably is cylindrical and which has an enlarged head 108 at its free end. Each finger 102 104 is received in a keyway or slot 110 112 in the rear wall 44 of the holder 32. Each slot 110 112 has an enlarged opening or entranceway 114 at one end, preferably at or adjacent its bottom end, to accommodate insertion of a finger head 108.

The bracket 38 also includes an outwardly extending tab 116 through which each fastener 86 preferably extends. Where each fastener 86 is a bolt, a screw, a nail, a peg, or the like, the tab 116 can be equipped with one or more through bores 118.

Referring to FIGS. 4 9 and 10 the pocket 68 of the scoop holder 32 preferably also includes a collection trough 130 in which liquid and matter from a scoop 30 received in the pocket 68 collects. The collection trough 130 preferably comprises a relatively narrow channel at or adjacent the bottom of the pocket 68 at or adjacent an apex where the scoop retainer lip 66 and rear wall 44 meet. So that at least liquid will drain from the pocket 68 the trough 130 preferably is of perforate construction. For example, the preferred embodiment of the trough 130 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 has a plurality of spaced apart bores 132 that each extend completely through the trough 130.

Referring to FIG. 4 the underside of the holder 32 preferably is hollow such that it forms a retention chamber 134 in which matter that passes through bores 132 is at least somewhat captured when the holder 32 is set on a flat surface 36. To enable matter passing through one or more bores 132 to be retained in chamber 134 when set on a flat surface, the bottom of the trough 130 is spaced above the plane in which the bottom edge 136 of the holder 32 is disposed. The holder 32 can be periodically lifted, and the surface 36 below the holder 32 e.g., the floor, can be cleaned. Where the holder 32 is mounted to the wall 40 such that its bottom edge 136 is spaced from (e.g., above) the flat surface 36 a receptacle, such as a pan, can be positioned below the retention trough bores 132 to collect matter passing through the bores 132.

Referring to FIG. 4 in operation, a cat litter scoop 30 is grasped by its handle 46 and brought toward the pocket 68 of the holder 32. Once the nose 72 of the scoop 30 is disposed between the retainer lip 66 and the interior surface 70 of the rear wall 44 the vee-shaped configuration of the pocket 68 helps guide the scoop 30 into the pocket 68 in a manner such that it will remain upright in the holder 32 once the scoop 30 is released. In fact, should the scoop 30 be released while it has not yet been fully seated in the pocket 68 the vee shape of the pocket 68 preferably will automatically guide it or slide it into the pocket 68 such that it will self-locate in a generally upright position, such as the upright position shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Side flanges 76 78 and inturned flanges 120 122 help keep the scoop 30 seated in the pocket 68 and prevent the scoop 30 from laterally falling out of the holder 32.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 where the scoop 30 is equipped with tines 60 the height of the lip 66 can be selected so that the tines are disposed slightly above or rest on top edge 138 of the base 34.

When a person wants to use the scoop 30 the person simply grasps its handle 46 and withdraws the scoop 30 from the holder 32. As a result of the scoop 30 being presented in the holder 32 in an upright position, less bending is required to reach the scoop 30 than if it were lying horizontal on a floor.

As a result of its pedestal construction, the holder 32 with or without the scoop 30 can be easily picked up and moved from one horizontal surface to another. As a result of providing a pedestal 80 that extends outwardly beyond the rest of its base 34 and its walls 42 and 44 the holder 32 is more stable and better resists tipping, even when being moved.

Where the holder 32 is to be wall mounted, the bracket 38 preferably is first mounted to the wall 40. In the preferred embodiment of the bracket 38 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 screws 86 are the fasteners that are used to attach the bracket 38 to the wall 40. After the bracket 38 has been attached, the holder 32 is maneuvered such that each enlarged slot entranceway 114 overlies a head 108 of a mounting finger 102 104. The rear holder wall 44 is then brought toward the fingers 102 104 until each head 108 completely passes through its entranceway 114. Thereafter, the holder 32 is lowered, such as by releasing it, and the peg 106 of each finger 102 104 slides into the narrower portion of the slot 110 112 in which it is received. The head 108 of each finger 102 104 is disposed against the interior surface 70 of the rear holder wall 44 after the holder 32 has been lowered creating an interference fit is between each head 108 and the wall 44. This interference fit keeps the holder 32 mounted on the bracket 38 and prevents its removal. To remove the holder 32 the holder 32 is lifted until the head 108 of each finger 102 104 reaches a slot entranceway 114. Thereafter, the holder 32 is pulled away from the bracket 38 such that the holder 32 and bracket 38 completely separate.

FIG. 11 illustrates another preferred holder embodiment that is equipped with a deeper perforate trough 130' than the holder 32 shown in FIG. 4. The perforate trough 130' shown in FIG. 11 is defined by a front wall 140 and a rear wall 142 that is spaced apart by a perforate bottom wall 144. Collectively, the walls 140 142 and 144 define a channel 130' in which matter, such as cat litter, fecal matter, etc., can be deposited. The deeper channel 130' accommodates a greater volume of such matter while still enabling the scoop 30 to seat properly in the holder 32. Scoop retaining walls 66 and 70 channel such matter and liquid from the scoop 30 into the trough 130'. Liquid can flow through the perforations in the trough 130' where it thereafter preferably can evaporate.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a first preferred handle assembly 46a. The handle 46a includes a shank 146 with a hand grip cover 148 that snaps onto the shank 146. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 12 the cover 148 includes a longitudinally extending tab 150 that is received in a slot 152 in the holder 32. A transversely extending detent 154 extends outwardly from the cover 148 and is received in a complementary detent receiver 156 that is disposed in the shank 146. In assembly, the tab 150 is first inserted into slot 152 and the cover 148 is pivoted about the tab 150 until the detent 154 snaps into the receiver 156.

FIG. 13 depicts the detent 154 and its receiver 156 in more detail. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 13 the detent 154 includes a plurality of detent arms 158 160 that each have an outwardly facing lip 162. The detent receiver 156 comprises a bore with an outturned shoulder 164. When the detent 154 is inserted into the receiver 156 the arms 158 160 are initially compressed and then snap outwardly when its lip 162 passes the outturned shoulder 164. Withdrawal of the detent 154 is opposed because the lip 162 of each detent arm bears against and preferably engages the outturned shoulder 164 of the receiver 156.

The hand grip cover 148 preferably is contoured, such as in the manner shown in FIG. 12. If desired, the exterior of the cover 148 as well as the rest of the handle, can be textured and can be comprised of a soft flexible material, such as rubber, that aids comfort and grip.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a second preferred handle assembly 46b. The hand grip cover 148 includes a plurality of spaced apart locking tabs 166 that are each received in a complementary pocket 168 that is disposed in an interior sidewall of the shank 146. In assembly, the cover 148 is positioned in the manner generally shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 such that it overlies a network of internal ribs 170 of the shank 146. Thereafter, the cover 148 is urged toward the shank 146 until the tabs 166 are received in their respective pockets 168 thereby engaging the shank 146. If desired, an internal ridge or rib can be used in place of pockets 168.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a third preferred handle assembly 46c. The cover 148 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart bores 171. A rivet 172 or other similar type of fastener is received through each bore and has a free end that engages some part of the interior of the shank 146. Referring to FIG. 17 the end of each rivet 172 is received in a bore 174 in a receptacle 176 inside the shank 146 that is sized to capture and retain one end of the rivet 172. For example, the rivet 172 and receptacle 176 preferably are constructed and arranged to produce a friction fit, tight fit, or interlocking fit therebetween. In assembly, the cover 148 is positioned such as in the manner shown in FIG. 16 and a rivet 172 is inserted into each bore in the cover. The cover 148 and each rivet 172 are brought toward the interior of the shank 146 such that each rivet 172 is received in a corresponding receptacle 176. Each rivet 172 is urged into its corresponding receptacle 176 until it engages the receptacle 176 such that its removal is opposed.

Where the handle 46 is of two piece construction, assembly of the hand grip cover 148 to the shank 146 can be accomplished in other ways as well. For example, the cover 148 can be welded, glued, or attached in some other manner. If desired, the cover 148 can be connected by a living hinge (not shown) to the shank 146. Such a construction preferably is accomplished by molding both the shank 146 and cover 148 substantially simultaneously using a single mold.

If desired, the handle 46 can be of one piece construction. For example, the handle 46 can be made of one piece construction using a gas-assist molding method.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of a scoop holder 32b that has a front lid 178 that is pivotally attached to the holder 32b, such as by being hingably attached to its base 34. In one preferred embodiment, the lid 178 is attached to the base 34 by a living hinge. Such a lid 178 preferably covers the front scoop retaining wall 42 where the holder is equipped with such a retaining wall. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 the holder 32b is equipped with such a retaining wall 42 even though it is not shown. In another preferred embodiment, there is no retaining wall 42 and the lid 178 releasably captures the scoop 30 against the rear scoop retaining wall 44.

Referring to FIG. 20 which illustrates another scoop holder embodiment, reference numeral 180 corresponds to rear scoop retaining wall 44 of the scoop holder shown in FIG. 4 and is fixed in an upright position. The exterior of the retaining wall 180 preferably is three dimensionally contoured to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. Flanges 120 and 124 of the holder 32 shown in FIG. 5 have been replaced with curved inturned edges 182 184. These curved inturned edges 182 184 help guide the scoop 30 into the upright position shown in FIG. 20 when the scoop 30 is inserted into the holder 32c.

If desired, the scoop retaining wall 180 can comprise a hinged lid that is pivotally or hingedly attached to the base 34 of the holder. The lid 180 releasably captures the scoop 30 against scoop retaining wall 42. To remove the scoop 30 the lid 180 is pivoted away from the scoop 30 and the scoop 30 withdrawn. If desired, the handle 46 of the scoop 30 can be grasped and lifted to withdraw it from the holder 32b. As the scoop 30 is withdrawn, the lid 180 automatically displaces outwardly away from retaining wall 42 facilitating withdrawal.

The holder 32 as well as the bracket 38 preferably are made of a synthetic material that preferably comprises plastic. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the holder 32 and bracket 38 are both molded of plastic. If desired, for example, the holder 32 and/or the bracket 38 can be made of polypropylene, ABS, urethane, nylon, acetone, or a resin that preferably is resilient. If desired, the holder 32 and/or the bracket 38 can be made of a different material. For example, the holder 32 and/or the bracket 38 can be made of a metal, such as steel, aluminum, copper, or another type of metal or a metal alloy.

If desired, the scoop 30 as well as the holder 32 can be made of a material that is pathogen resistant. For example, the scoop 30 and/or the holder 32 can be made of an antibacterial material, such as MICROBAN, or the like.

It is also to be understood that, although the foregoing description and drawings describe and illustrate in detail one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates, the present disclosure will suggest many modifications and constructions as well as widely differing embodiments and applications without thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention, therefore, is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.