Title: Scoop for cat litter
Abstract: A circular litter box having a scoop removal remounted in a scoop holder which is pushed around the sidewall of the box to scoop the box. The mounting mechanism for the scoop causes the scoop to assume a relatively vertical position during scooping, to minimize formation of a wave of litter in front of the scoop as it is rotated, but causes the scoop to assume a more horizontal position as the scoop is removed, so the collected waste will not spill from the scoop during removal.
Patent Number: 6,928,956 Issued on 08/16/2005 to Parr
| Inventors:
|
Parr; Michael J. (41 Old English Lane, Thornhill, Ontario, CA)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
740485 |
| Filed:
|
December 22, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
119/166; 119/168 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A01K 001/01 |
| Field of Search: |
119/166,163,165,167
209/233,235,396,397
171/111
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Abbott; Yvonne R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Bereskin & Parr
Parent Case Text
PRIOR APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/440,354, filed Jan. 16, 2003 entitled "SCOOP FOR CAT LITTER".
Claims
1. A circular litter container comprising:
(a) a sidewall;
(b) a scoop holder mounted on said sidewall for travel in a direction of travel
around said sidewall;
(c) a scoop;
(d) a mounting mechanism for removably mounting said scoop on said scoop holder;
(e) said mounting mechanism comprising cooperating mounting means on said scoop
and said scoop holder for said scoop to have an operating position in which said
scoop is oriented at a first angle relative to said direction of travel in which
said scoop may be rotated through litter in said container while minimizing formation
of a wave of litter piled in front of said scoop;
(f) said cooperating mounting means including a guide such that as said scoop
is removed from said scoop holder, the orientation of said scoop is redirected
to a second angle nearer to the horizontal than said first angle, whereby to help
retain collected waste on said scoop; and
(g) said scoop including a rear portion in said cooperating mounting means including
a plug and socket removably connecting said rear portion of said scoop to said
scoop holder.
2. A litter container according to claim 1 wherein said plug and socket means
includes a substantially circular socket mounted on said scoop holder and a substantially
circular plug mounted on said scoop, said plug being rotatable in said socket.
3. A littler container according to claim 2 wherein said scoop has a front portion
and said cooperating mounting means include a removable connection between said
front portion of said scoop and said scoop holder, whereby said front portion of
said scoop may be lifted upwardly relative to said scoop holder.
4. A circular litter container comprising:
(a) a sidewall;
(b) a scoop holder mounted on said sidewall for travel in a direction of travel
around said sidewall;
(c) a scoop;
(d) a mounting mechanism for removably mounting said scoop on said scoop holder;
(e) said mounting mechanism comprising cooperating mounting means on said scoop
and said scoop holder for said scoop to have an operating position in which said
scoop is oriented at a first angle relative to said direction of travel in which
said scoop may be rotated through litter in said container while minimizing formation
of a wave of litter piled in front of said scoop;
(f) said cooperating mounting means including a guide such that as said scoop
is removed from said scoop holder, the orientation of said scoop is redirected
to a second angle nearer to the horizontal than said first angle, whereby to help
retain collected waste on said scoop; and
(g) said cooperating mounting means comprising a track associated with one of
said scoop and said scoop holder, and a guide piece associated with the other of
said scoop and said scoop holder and movable within said track.
5. A litter container according to claim 4 wherein said track is curved.
6. A circular litter container comprising:
(a) a sidewall;
(b) a scoop holder mounted on said sidewall for travel in a direction of travel
around said sidewall;
(c) a scoop;
(d) a mounting mechanism for removably mounting said scoop on said scoop holder;
(e) said mounting mechanism comprising cooperating mounting means on said scoop
and said scoop holder for said scoop to have an operating position in which said
scoop is oriented at a first angle relative to said direction of travel in which
said scoop may be rotated through litter in said container while minimizing formation
of a wave of litter piled in front of said scoop;
(f) said cooperating mounting means including a guide such that as said scoop
is removed from said scoop holder, the orientation of said scoop is redirected
to a second angle nearer to the horizontal than said first angle, whereby to help
retain collected waste on said scoop; and
(g) said container having a bottom and said scoop holder including a scraper
bar mounted to scrape said bottom as said scoop holder is rotated in said container.
7. A circular litter container comprising a bottom, a sidewall encircling said
bottom, a scoop holder mounted on said sidewall for travel around said sidewall,
a scoop removably mounted in said scoop holder, and a scraper connected to said
scoop holder for scraping said bottom of said container.
8. A litter container according to claim 7 wherein said scraper is pivotally
connected to said bottom of said container for rotary movement about said container.
9. A circular litter container having a circular sidewall having an upper rim,
a scoop holder mounted in said container for rotary movement in said container,
a scoop removably mounted in said scoop holder, a cover removably mounted on said
rim and rotatable on said rim, said cover having an opening therein, and connecting
means for disengagably connecting said cover and said scoop holder such that rotation
of said cover will rotate said scoop holder within said container.
10. A litter container according to claim 9 wherein said opening in said cover
is adjacent said scoop holder.
11. A litter container according to claim 10 and having a bottom, and wherein
said scoop holder includes a scraper bar for scraping said bottom.
12. A litter container according to claim 11 and including cooperating means
associated with said scoop and said scoop holder for redirecting the orientation
of said scoop from a first angle to a second angle when said scoop is removed from
said container, said second angle being closer to the horizontal than said first angle.
13. A circular litter container comprising:
(a) a sidewall;
(b) a scoop holder mounted on said sidewall for travel in a direction of travel
around said sidewall;
(c) a scoop;
(d) a mounting mechanism for removably mounting said scoop on said scoop holder;
(e) said mounting mechanism comprising cooperating mounting means on said scoop
and said scoop holder for said scoop to have an operating position in which said
scoop is oriented at a first angle relative to said direction of travel in which
said scoop may be rotated through litter in said container while minimizing formation
of a wave of litter piled in front of said scoop;
(f) said cooperating mounting means including a guide such that as said scoop
is removed from said scoop holder, the orientation of said scoop is redirected
to a second angle nearer to the horizontal then said first angle, whereby to help
retain collected waste on said scoop; and
(g) said scoop including a first sieve having openings of a predetermined size,
and further including a second sieve attachable to said first sieve and adapted
to cover said first sieve creating a finer screen for litter than either of said
first and second sieves separately.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for guiding a scoop out of a circular
litter box such that waste captured by the scoop, does not spill from the scoop,
and to other aspects of litter boxes and litter box scoops.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Scoops or sieves are commonly used for capturing and removing waste from a
litter box.
Most scoops are handheld and separate from the litter box. Handheld scoops are
used to randomly sift through the litter in search of waste. The person performing
removes the waste filled scoop manually from the litter box.
Some scoops are incorporated into a litter box design and are not removable
from the apparatus. The scoop may automatically or semi automatically move through
the litter pushing the waste. U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,388 describes a litter box and
scooping apparatus where at one end of the litter box the bottom curves upward
such that scoop pushes the waste up the curve until the scoop is horizontal and
will hold the waste independently. The scoop moves into position above a reservoir
and then rotates down to deposit the waste. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,465 the waste
is pushed up the upwardly curved bottom end of the litter box and then falls over
the edge of the litter box into a storage reservoir.
Other litter boxes that have non-removable scoops include those where the scoop
is fixed to the bottom of a drum shaped container. When the drum is rotated the
scoop passes through the litter, capturing and retaining the waste while letting
the litter pass through. As drum continues to rotate the waste is guided to a collection
assembly and then to a waste reservoir. The waste reservoir can then be removed
for discarding waste. U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,379 describes such a device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,340 describes a device where a scoop rotates within a litter
box, having a drum shaped interior, and captures waste as it passes through the
litter. The scoop stops in a secondary position where waste may drop into a storage
container to enable disposal.
Some scoops are incorporated into litter box design but are removable. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,295,949 discloses a litter box where waste is captured by a scoop when
the litter box is rotated ninety degrees into a secondary position. The scoop is
then removed from the litter box and the waste is disposed of.
Other types of scoops include those that rest on the bottom of the litter box.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,137 discloses a scoop, which rests on the bottom of a litter
box and is hingedly attached to the upper lip of one end. This scoop captures waste
when lifted upward. As the scoop continues upward, the waste slides down the scoop
into storage reservoir. The scoop is not intended to be removed during scooping.
Some scoops contain movable features in order to remove waste from the litter
box. U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,459 describes a litter container with rotary movement
sieve. A scoop cleans the litter box while vertically oriented and then is hingedly
able to horizontally reposition itself as it is removed from the litter box. In
the horizontal orientation, the scoop is able to retain waste as it is removed
from the litter box.
As litter box design has changed, so have scoop designs. A circular litter box
with a rotary sieve or scoop requires new methods for inserting, positioning and
removing a detachable scoop.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism such that the
waste collected by a removable scoop in a circular litter box does not fall out
of the scoop as the scoop is removed from the litter box.
Unlike other litter boxes, a circular litter box presents itself as an endless
container to a scoop that is radially rotated in the container. There is no end
where the scoop completes its sieving. There is no or final removal point.
Additionally, any scoop rotated in the litter box will cause a "wave"
of litter to build in front of the scoop. If this wave is too large some parts
of waste can "surf in front and will not enter the scoop. Secondly, the wave could
become high enough to disturb and interfere with the mechanism for attaching the
scoop to the sidewall. Thirdly, the wave could possibly crest over the litter box.
Fourthly, a large wave may decrease the random spread of litter in the container
by agglomerating much of the litter in an area ahead of the scoop.
The size of the wave is determined by several factors. The greater the surface
area of the scoop contacting the litter, the more litter is pushed, and the bigger
the wave. The orientation of the scoop is also a factor. If part of the scoop is
positioned more horizontally in the litter, the perforations of the scoop will
tend to carry litter along during the scooping movement, building up the wave.
Therefore, the optimal position for a scoop sieving the litter container
is a more vertical position. However, in this position the scoop cannot be lifted
directly out of the container without waste spilling from the scoop.
Therefore, it is the object of this invention to present a mechanism that
will guide the movement of a scoop as it is removed from a circular litter box
such that collected waste is less likely to fall out of the scoop.
In one of its aspects the invention provides a circular litter container comprising:
(a) a sidewall; (b) a scoop holder mounted on said sidewall for travel in a direction
of travel around said sidewall; (c) a scoop; (d) a mounting mechanism for removably
mounting said scoop on said scoop holder; (e) said mounting mechanism comprising
cooperating mounting means on said scoop and said scoop holder for said scoop to
have an operating position in which said scoop is oriented at a first angle relative
to said direction of travel in which said scoop may be rotated through litter in
said container while minimizing formation of a wave of litter piled in front of
said scoop; (f) said cooperating mounting means including a guide such that as
said scoop is removed from said scoop holder, the orientation of said scoop is
redirected to a second angle nearer to the horizontal than said first angle, whereby
to help retain collected waste on said scoop: (g) said container having a bottom
and said scoop holder including a scraper bar mounted to scrape said bottom as
said scoop holder is rotated in said container.
In another aspect the invention provides a mounting mechanism having a curved
track built into the sidewall slider which guides the movement of the scoop in
and out of the litter box in a forward and upward motion thereby retaining collected
waste in the scoop.
In another aspect, the invention provides for a track built into the scoop unit,
which slides along a track slider/pivot built into the sidewall slider. An additional
guide track built into the sidewall slider directs the movement of the scoop unit
in and out of the circular litter box such that it will assume forward and upward
motion during scoop removal. Thereby, the waste collected in the scoop does not
fall out.
In another aspect of the invention, a straight track is built into the sidewall
slider, which guide the scoop out of the litter box in a forward and upward motion.
Collected waste is retained in the scoop.
Further objects and aspects of the invention will appear from the following
description, taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a litter container showing a scoop
carrier according to the invention in position thereon;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing a scoop unit about to
be placed into the scoop carrier;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 2 but showing the scoop
unit nearly in position on the scoop carrier;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 3 but showing the scoop
unit fully in position on the scoop carrier;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the scoop carrier of FIGS. 1 to 4;
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of disk units and a guide track for an alternative
method of mounting a scoop unit on a scoop carrier;
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the mechanism of FIG. 5 on a scoop carrier in
position on a container wall;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 but showing the disks further down
the guide track;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing an alternative guide track and disks for
mounting a scoop unit on a scoop carrier;
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the guide track of FIG. 8 in position to be mounted
on a scoop carrier;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 9, but showing the scoop unit further
in mounting position on the scoop carrier;
FIG. 11 is a plan view similar to that of FIG. 10, but showing the guide track
for the scoop unit fully mounted in position on the scoop carrier;
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing another embodiment of a guide track on a track
slider for mounting a scoop unit on a scoop carrier;
FIG. 13 is a plan view similar to that of FIG. 12 showing the guide track and
track slider fully mounted on the scoop carrier;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a scoop and a scoop change piece detached from
the scoop unit;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a disposable scoop change piece with circular perforations;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a disposable scoop change piece with slanted perforations;
FIG. 17 shows a handheld scoop, which may be resized;
FIG. 18 shows a mechanism for connecting a different sized sieve to the scoop
of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the scoop and a second sized sieve which can be
connected together;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view the scoop of FIG. 19 after the size of the sieve
has been altered;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a scoop and litter container suitable for receiving
a cover;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the scoop and litter container of FIG. 21 with
a cover thereon;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the cover of FIG. 22; and
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the inside of the cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 to
4A inclusive, which show a
litter container
20 according to the invention. The litter container
20
is a circular container having a flat bottom
22 and an upstanding sidewall
24 extending in a circle around the bottom
22.
Mounted on the sidewall
24 is a mounting mechanism or scoop carrier
26, which serves to support a scoop unit
28 and to carry the scoop
unit
28 rotatably around the sidewall
24.
The scoop carrier
26 includes a sidewall slider
30 portion, which
mounts on the sidewall
24, and a rigid bar
32, which extends radially
inwardly from the sidewall slider
30 to approximately the center of the
bottom
22. The sidewall slider
30 comprises a vertical wall
34
having a curved portion
36 at its top, which extends radially outwardly
and downwardly to hook over the top edge of the container sidewall
24, to
support the scoop carrier
26 on the rim of the container sidewall
24.
Projecting from the upper edge of the top wall of the scoop carrier is
a post
38, which serves as a handle to grasp the scoop carrier
26
and to rotate it circumferentially around the periphery of the container sidewall
24.
The vertical wall
34 of the scoop carrier
26 includes a socket
40, which is circular in outline and is molded into the vertical wall of
the scoop carrier
26. The socket
40 is dimensioned to accept a matching
male plug
42 on the scoop unit
28 as will be described.
At the front upper end of the vertical wall
34 of the scoop carrier
26,
there is a radially inwardly projecting, vertically oriented U-shaped channel
44
(FIG.
4A), which accepts a leading portion of the scoop unit
28,
as will also be described.
The rigid bar
32, which extends radially inwardly from the bottom of the
scoop carrier
26, includes at its radially inner end an opening. A pivot
pin
61 extends through the opening and through the bottom of the litter
container
20 to secure the rigid bar
32 to the flat bottom
22
of the litter container
20 and to act as a pivot about which the scoop carrier
26 rotates when the user grasps the post
38 to rotate the scoop carrier
26.
The scoop unit
28 includes a scoop portion
46 preferably formed
from mesh having openings of a suitable size for sieving cat litter in the container
20. The scoop portion
46 is concave as viewed from the direction
of its rotation (indicated by arrow
1) in the container
20.
Fixed to the scoop portion
46 is a supporting frame
48 (made
for example from metal rods) extending forwardly from the scoop portion
46.
The plug
42 which is of circular disk shape, will be seen to be located
at the rear radially outer and upper corner of the junction between the supporting
frame
48 and the scoop portion
46.
At the forward end of the scoop unit
28 there is located a generally radially
oriented handle
50, to which the frame members are secured. The handle
50
serves as a handle, which the user may grasp when inserting and removing the scoop
unit
28 from the litter container
20.
At the radially outer junction of the supporting frame
48 with the handle
50 there is located a forwardly extending flange
52 (constituted
by a bent portion of part of the frame). The flange
52 fits into the U-shaped
channel
44 as will be described, to help lock the scoop unit
28 to
the scoop carrier
26.
The rear socket
40 (FIG. 4A) includes a vertical circular wall
54
and a circular flange
56 extending around approximately 180 degrees, having
an opening facing forwardly and slightly upwardly. The circular flange
56
extends radially inwardly by a width which is slightly greater then the thickness
of the plug
42, and when the plug
42 is inserted in the socket
40,
the radially inner edge
57 of the circular flange
56 covers part
of the outer circumference of the plug
42, thereby locking the plug
42
securely within the socket
40 against sideways movement of the plug
42.
The combination of the fit of the plug
42 within the socket
40, and
the fit of the flange
52 within the U-shaped channel
44, holds the
scoop unit
28 securely but removably to the scoop carrier
26. Flange
56 includes drainage openings
59 to allow any litter granules trapped
in the flange
56 to escape.
The mechanism described operates as follows. When the user wishes to insert the
scoop unit
28 into the scoop carrier
26, the user holds the scoop
unit
28 by the handle
50 and inserts the plug
42 into the
socket
40, with the flange
52 located above the U-shaped channel
44. The user then will move the handle downwardly so that the flange
52
enters the U-shaped channel
44. Continued downward movement of the flange
52 is limited by a bottom wall
58 in the U-shaped channel
44,
which functions as a stop, so that the scoop unit
28 is thus locked securely
into the scoop carrier
26.
The user then grasps the post
38 on the scoop carrier
26 and rotates
the scoop carrier
26 in the direction of arrow around the sidewall
24.
This carries the scoop unit
28 through the litter in the container
20,
so that the scoop portion
46 will sieve the contents of the container
20.
The rigid bar
32 built into the scoop carrier
26 has several uses.
It serves to stop further downward movement of the scoop unit
28 while providing
support for the scoop portion
46 and scoop unit
28 when in scooping
position. It also importantly aids the scoop portion
46 by removing a portion
of the stress that the scoop portion
46 and scoop unit
28 would normally
experience if the rigid bar
32 did not exist. When the scoop unit
28
is rotated to scoop the litter container
20, the rigid bar
32 will
be the first object to encounter litter clumps that have become stuck to the bottom
or side of the litter container
20. Clumps commonly become stuck to the
flat bottom
22 when clumping litter is used. As the rigid bar
32
is structurally very durable, and is supported well at both ends, it easily dislodges
the stuck clumps. If the rigid bar
32 were absent, the scoop unit
28
would have to be built more durably as the scoop portion
46 would have to
knock stuck clumps off the flat bottom
22. Additionally, the scoop unit
28 could be more easily broken as it would only be supported at one end,
whereas the rigid bar
32 is supported at both ends.
After the scoop unit
28 has been rotated in the litter container
20
to collect litter clumps, it must be removed from the container
20 for emptying.
During removal, the scoop unit
28 follows the reverse motion to that used
when it was inserted. When the handle
50 is pulled upwardly, the leading
edge
60 of the scoop portion
46 rotates upwardly and forwardly as
the flange
52 is pulled up and out of the U-shaped channel
44. The
forward and upward rotation of the scoop unit
28 keeps waste, which has
been pushed onto the scoop portion
46, in position on the scoop portion
46.
As the handle
50 continues to be pulled upwardly, and as the flange
52
emerges from the U-shaped channel
44, the plug
42 moves forwardly
and upwardly out of the socket
40. The scoop portion
46 becomes positioned
in a generally horizontal position so that the collected clumps cannot fall from
the scoop portion
46 (but loose litter granules will fall through the openings
between the mesh of the scoop portion
46 and will be returned to the container).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A SECOND EMBODIMENT
Reference is next made to FIGS. 5 to 7, which show a second embodiment
of the invention The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that
the plug and socket 42, 40 and the flange and channel 52,
44 of the first embodiment have been removed and been replaced in part by
two circular disks 80 at the radially outer end of the scoop unit 82
which provide a two point support for the scoop unit 82 on the scoop carrier
84, as will now be described. In addition the rigid bar 32 has been
eliminated in this second embodiment.
In particular the second embodiment includes a guide track 86, consisting
of a pair of spaced L-shaped rails 88, which protrude radially inwardly
from the inward wall 90 of the scoop carrier 84, and have outer flanges
92 protruding towards each other. The two circular disks 80 are secured
at vertically spaced locations on the radially outer edge of the scoop unit 82
and fit into the guide track 86. The two circular disks 80 are attached
together by a join piece 94 such that the position of each disk 80
relative to one another cannot change. Each disk 80 has an attachment member
96 protruding from its center, which integrally connects each disk 80
to the Scoop Unit 82. In the drawings the join piece 94 is illustrative
and may not be needed, as each disk 80 will be fixed in place relative to
one another when molded to the side of the Scoop Unit 82.
FIG. 6 shows the disks 80 of Scoop Unit 82, placed into the top
of the guide track 86. As will be apparent from FIG. 6, when the circular
disks 80 are near the top of the guide track 86, the scoop portion
98 of the scoop unit 82 is held in a generally horizontal position.
As shown in FIG. 7, as the scoop unit 82 is pushed downward, the rearward
curve of the Guide Track 86 guides the disks 80, and hence the Scoop
Unit 82, backwards until the scoop portion 98 reaches scooping position.
At this point a stop member 100 in the middle of the Guide Track 86
blocks the circular disks 80 and prevents further downward and rearward
movement of the scoop unit 82. The Scoop Unit 82 is ready for travel
in the litter container 102.
After scooping and capturing waste, the Scoop Unit 82 is ready for removal
from the litter container 102. The Scoop Unit 82 is pulled upward
by its handle 104. The movement and positioning of the scoop Unit 82
and the scoop portion 98 is the reverse of when inserted into the guide
track 86. The scoop portion 98 moves forward against the litter and
upward therefore retaining the captured waste within the scoop portion 98.
In this embodiment a rigid bar 32 is not shown in order to simplify the
illustration of the mechanisms, which mount the scoop unit 82. Although
not shown, it is preferable to utilize a rigid bar 32 that would function
as described in the first embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A THIRD EMBODIMENT
Reference is next made to FIGS. 8 to 11, which show a third embodiment
of the invention. The third embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in
that a scoop track 130 is built into the Scoop Unit 132.
The scoop track 130 comprises a pair of U-shaped channels 134 having
their open ends facing each other, shown as cross section in FIG. 8. The
U-shaped channels 134 can be built into and form part of the radially outer
vertical wall structure of the scoop unit 132.
The scoop track 130 mounts onto a track slider/pivot 136, which
as shown is secured to and projects radially inwardly from the vertical sidewall
138 of the scoop carrier 140.
As shown in FIG. 9, the two U-shaped channels 134 flare outwardly away
from each near the bottom of the scoop unit 132, so that the scoop unit
132 can be moved against sidewall 138 and then downwardly for the
track slider/pivot 136 to enter the scoop track 130 formed by the
two U-shaped channels 134. As the scoop unit 132 continues to move
downwardly, the user pushes the handle 141 of the scoop unit 132
forward. This causes the scoop portion 144 to pivot rearwardly, as shown
in FIG. 10 at which point the rear end of the scoop portion 144 rotates
upwardly against a guide rail 142 mounted on the vertical sidewall 138
of the scoop carrier 140, preventing further upward pivoting of the scoop
portion 144.
At this time, the user can release the handle 141 and begin rotating the
scoop unit 132 in the litter container 146 by using the post 148
on the scoop carrier 140.
As the scoop unit 132 begins to move, the force of the litter against the
scoop portion 144 cause the scoop unit 132 to move backwards. The
upper and rear portion of the scoop portion 144 slides rearwards along the
guide rail 142 until it reaches a stop member 152 that prevents further
rearward movement. The scoop unit 132 is now in its final scooping position,
as shown in FIG. 11.
After the scoop portion 144 has collected waste, the scoop unit 132
can be removed. As the handle 141 on the scoop unit 132 is pulled
upward, the leading edge portion 154 of the scoop portion 144 begins
to move forward and upward thus retaining captured waste in the scoop portion 144.
In this embodiment a rigid bar 32 is not shown in order to simplify the
illustration of the mechanisms. Although not shown, it is preferable to utilize
a rigid bar 32 that would function as described in the first embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A FOURTH EMBODIMENT
In the embodiments previously described the mounting mechanisms not only cause
the scoop to be removed in a forward and upward movement, but also these mechanisms
also cause the scoop to change orientation, as the scoop unit is inserted and removed
from the litter container. In scooping position, the scoop is in more of a vertical
orientation. As discussed previously, this vertical orientation means less surface
area of the scoop contacts the litter in a plane at right angles to the direction
of rotary movement of the scoop. Less surface area results in a smaller wave in
front of the scoop meaning waste more readily flows into the scoop. However, if
desired, a scoop that does not change orientation as it is inserted and removed
can be used. In this version more surface area of the scoop will contact the litter,
therefore this version is not preferred.
Reference is made to FIGS. 12 and 13, which show a straight track 170,
molded into the scoop carrier 172. A rectangular track slider 174
is built into the side of the Scoop Unit 176 and fits into the straight
track 170. Both Figures show the scoop unit 176 as cutaway to reveal
the portion of the scoop unit 176 which is adjacent to the scoop carrier 172.
FIG. 12 shows the scoop unit 176 as the track slider 174 is about
to be inserted into the straight track 170. The person using the litter
container 182 inserts the scoop unit 176 onto the straight track
170 using the handle 178 of the scoop unit 176. The scoop
unit 176 is pushed down (the track slider 174 moving downward in
the straight track 70) until the scoop portion 180 reaches the surface
of the litter. At this point the user can begin to rotate the scoop unit 176
within the litter container 182 using the post 184 that is attached
to the top of the scoop carrier 172. The force of the litter against the
scoop portion 180 causes the scoop unit 176 to move rearward and
down the straight track 170 until the track slider 174 comes to rest
against a stop piece 186 that protrudes outwardly into the middle of straight
track 170.
FIG. 13 shows the Scoop Unit 176 in scooping position where the track
slider 174 has come to rest against the stop piece 186.
After the scoop portion 180 has captured waste in the litter container
182, the scoop unit 176 is removed by utilizing the handle 178
to pull the scoop unit 176 and track slider 174 out of the straight
track 170. The scoop portion 180 moves forward against the litter
and upward thus retaining the captured waste in the scoop portion 180.
In this embodiment a rigid bar 32 is not shown in order to simplify the
illustration of the mechanisms. Although not shown, it is preferable to utilize
a rigid bar 32 that would function as described in the first embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A FIFTH EMBODIMENT
Scoops work by having gaps, holes or slats which are intended to be large
enough to let litter granules pass through, but small enough to capture and hold
waste. A scoop with smaller perforations cleans better, but the trade off is that
it takes longer for the litter to pass through the smaller perforations. It takes
longer to clean the litter box, and this is less convenient for the person doing
the scooping. Most scoops are designed to clean with some degree of speed. Therefore,
it is common for small bits of waste to pass through the scoop. The result is a
litter box that looks unclean and stays unclean until the entire contents of the
litter box are changed. FIGS. 14 through 16 refer to a device for resizing the
perforations in a scoop to enable a second grade of cleaning. The first stage of
cleaning is done with the standard sized perforations. The second stage would be
done utilizing a scoop change piece to create smaller sized perforations, which
would enable a more thorough cleaning of the litter container.
As shown in FIG. 14 the scoop unit 202 is modified with a scoop change
piece 200. The scoop change piece 200 is shown detached from the
scoop unit 202.
The scoop change piece 200 made of flexible plastic and is shaped to match
and to lay on the inside surface of the scoop portion 204. The scoop change
piece 200 has perforations 206 that are much smaller than those on
the scoop portion 204. These small perforations 206 on the scoop
change piece 200 are able to retain waste that would have passed through
the perforations 206 on the scoop portion 204. Granules of litter
that are able to pass through the scoop change piece 200 also pass through
the scoop portion 204. When the scoop change piece 200 is in position
on the scoop portion 204, and passes through the litter, the flexible plastic
of the scoop change piece 200 easily deforms to lay flush against the scoop
portion 204.
Two hinges 208 connect the scoop portion 204 to the scoop change
piece 200. The hinges 208 are located on each upper end of the scoop
portion 204 and allow the scoop change piece 200 to be rotated upward
such that the lower edge 210 of the scoop change piece 200 can be
docked under a catch member 212 that is molded into the handle 114
of the scoop unit 202.
In this embodiment the scoop change piece 200 is built into the scoop unit
202. If desired the scoop change piece 200 may be made as a disposable
scoop change piece 168 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The disposable scoop
change piece 168 is designed to be inserted into the scoop unit 202,
used, and then discarded.
FIG. 15 shows a disposable scoop change piece with circular perforations, while
FIG. 16 shows a disposable scoop change piece with slotted perforations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A SIXTH EMBODIMENT
FIG. 17 through 20 refer to a handheld scoop 250 that is able to resize
its perforations to enable a coarse and a fine level of cleaning. The parts of
this scoop will next be described.
As shown in the figures the scoop portion 252 consists of two plastic sieves.
Each sieve is designed in a grid pattern with square openings. Each opening is
1 centimeter by 1 centimeter. The width of the plastic grid work is 2 centimeters.
The top sieve 256 has a length and width approximately 7 mm shorter then
those dimensions of the bottom sieve 258. The thickness of the top sieve
256 is approximately 1.5 mm. Molded on an end of the sieve is a upper bridging
portion 260 which extends outwardly at the same plane as the top sieve 256.
The upper bridging portion 260 is 3 cm in length and tapers inwardly at
its end. The upper surface of the upper bridging portion 260 contains a
thumb-operated post 262, the operation of which will be described later.
Molded on the bottom of the upper bridging portion 260 is a slide member
264 that protrudes downwardly ⅖ cm. The slide member 264 is
rectangular in shape and approximately 1 cm in length. On either side of the slide
member 264, at the bottom center, are outwardly protruding bumps 266,
the purpose of which will be later described. The slide member 264 is molded
at a 45 degree angle relative to the grid work of the top sieve 256 as shown
in FIG. 19.
The bottom sieve 258 has dimensions approximately 10 cm by 10 cm. As the
bottom sieve 258 is the load-bearing portion of the scoop 250, it
is approximately 6 mm thick. Although not shown in the figures, the two side edges
of the bottom sieve 258 will normally have molded upwardly protruding sidewalls
the purpose of which is to keep captured waste from falling out of the scoop 250.
The bottom sieve 258 has a lower bridging portion 270 that extends
outwardly and tapers to become a handle 272. The lower bridging portion
270 contains a channel 274 that is ⅖ cm deep and shaped to
accept and contain the slide member 264. The channel 274 is 1.607
cm in length and is molded at a 45 degree angle relative to the grid work of the
bottom sieve 258. The channel 274 also contains a groove 276
on either side near its the bottom such that the slide member 264 will snap
fit into the channel 274 when the bumps 266 enter the groove 276.
The grooves 276 also contain a set of two indentations 278 on each
side such that the slide member 264 will snap securely at each indentation
278. The two sets of indentations will correspond to position 1 and
to position 2. A detailed transparent view of the slide member 264
and channel 274 is shown in FIG. 18.
FIG. 19 shows an overhead exploded view of both the top sieve 256 and
the bottom sieve 258 showing the placement of the channel 274 and
the slide member 264.
As shown in FIG. 17, in normal operation the top sieve 256 lays directly
on top of the bottom sieve 258. This is position 1. In position 1
the apparent size of the openings of the scoop is 1 cm×1 cm, which corresponds
to stage 1 or a coarse level of scooping.
FIG. 18 shows the mechanism which connects the two sieves together. The two
sieves are connected together by the slide member 264, which is snap fit
into the channel 274. When the bumps 266 on the slide member 264
are secured in the indentations 278 corresponding to position 1,
the openings and plastic portions of each sieve's grid work match one another.
In position 1 the apparent size of the of the openings of the scoop is 1
cm×1 cm, which corresponds to stage 1 or a coarse level of scooping.
Next described is how the scoop is altered to present a second stage of cleaning.
The thumb post 262 of the top sieve 256 is used to move the slide
member 264 in the channel 274 rearwards and sideways until the bumps
266 snap into the two indentations 278 corresponding to position
2. This movement also slides the top sieve 256 rearwardly and sideways
by approximately 0.607 centimeters. When this occurs the "apparent" number of square
perforations of the scoop portion 252 as viewed from above increases by
four times, while the apparent size of the perforations decrease by approximately
fourfold. FIG. 20 shows the scoop 250 with the top sieve 256 in position
2 as viewed from above.
The scoop can now be used to provide a second level of cleaning, which is much
finer then the first level of cleaning.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A SEVENTH EMBODIMENT
Many cat owners desire a cover for their litter box. A covered litter box provides
several benefits. A cover helps contain the odor in the litter box. Some cat owners
believe that their cats desire the privacy of a cover when they defecate. A cover
also helps to hide the dirty contents of the litter box from view. A cover also
helps keep litter from being kicked out of the litter box by the cat. One of the
major disadvantages of a cover is that it must be removed in order to scoop out
the waste from the litter box, and then replaced after scooping is completed. This
embodiment provides a mechanism where scooping of the litter box is provided by
rotating the cover, as it sits atop the litter box.
The relevant parts of the cover and litter container will now be described. Reference
is made to FIGS. 21 to 24. FIG. 21 shows the litter container 300
with the scoop unit 302 mounted on the sidewall slider 304, and in
scooping position. Scoop unit 302 and sidewall slider 304 are of
substantially the same design as in FIGS. 1 to 4A. The sidewall slider 304
is mounted on the container sidewall 306 of the container 300. The
interior diameter of the container sidewall 306 at its top is approximately
19 inches. The container sidewall 306 includes an outwardly extending lip
308 as shown. The sidewall slider 304 mounts on the container sidewall
306 and over the extending lip 308. The top wall 310 of the
sidewall slider 304, which extends horizontally over the extending lip 308,
is approximately 10 inches in length. The sidewall slider 304 has a cover-locking
tab 312 molded onto its top horizontal surface at its trailing end 314,
in reference to the direction the sidewall slider 304 is normally rotated
when scooping. The cover-locking tab 312 extends upward approximately ⅔
inch and then rearwardly, extending approximately ¾ inch past the end of the
sidewall slider. The purpose of the cover-locking tab 312 is to accept the
rim 316 of the cover 318 as will later be described.
FIGS. 22 to 24 show the cover 318 for the litter container 300.
The cover 318 includes a circular sidewall 320 approximately 8 inches
in height. The cover 318 also includes a horizontal top wall 322
that is molded to the top of the circular sidewall 320. The diameter of
the circular sidewall 320 is approximately 17-¾ inches at the bottom.
Extending outwardly from the bottom of the cover 318 is a horizontally protruding
rim 316 that extends outwardly by approximately 1 inch. The protruding rim
316 includes a vertical wall 326 that extends downwardly, from the
edge of the protruding rim 316, by a distance of approximately ¾ inch.
One function of the protruding rim 316 is for mounting and supporting the
cover 318 in position on top of the litter container 300, as will
later be described. The protruding rim 316 sits on top of the extending
lip 308 of the litter container 300.
The protruding rim 316 does not run continuously around the circular sidewall
320 of the cover 318. The protruding rim 316 has a break that
corresponds to, and is part of, an opening 328 cut out from the side of
the circular sidewall 320. This opening 328 is approximately 7 inches
high and is used as an entry and exit point for a cat to get in and out of the
litter container 300, when the cover 318 is mounted on top of the
litter container 300. The break, or width of the opening 328, in
the protruding rim 316 is approximately 12 inches long, which is approximately
2 inches longer than the top of the sidewall slider 304.
FIG. 24 shows a portion of the protruding rim 316 of the rear of the
cover 318, opposite the opening 328, which is the front of the cover
318. As shown, a horizontal cover-securing member or flange 330 extends
horizontally and inwardly from the vertical wall 326 of the protruding rim
316. This cover-securing member 330 runs approximately 4 inches long
along the vertical wall 326 of the protruding rim 316 and extends
inwardly by approximately ¼ inch. Together, the protruding rim 316,
vertical wall 326 and horizontal cover-securing member 330 create
a joint 332. This joint 332 helps secure the cover 318 on
the litter container 300 as will next be described.
In normal use, and for scooping, the cover 318 is mounted on top of the
litter container 300. To mount the cover 318, the cover 318
is first oriented above the litter container 300 such that the opening 328
of the cover 318 corresponds to, and is held slightly above, the sidewall
slider 304. The joint 332 of the cover 318 is lowered and
moved radially over the extending lip 308 of the litter container 300.
The front of the cover 318 is then lowered so that the rim 316 of
the cover 318 rests on the extending lip 308 of the litter container
300. As the front of the cover 318 is lowered the opening 328
of the cover 318 lowers over the sidewall slider 304 and the cover-locking
tab 312 of the sidewall slider 304. As the cover 318 is mounted
on the litter container 300, the vertical wall 326 of the rim 316
extends downwardly and over the extending lip 308 of the container. The
snug fit of the vertical wall 326 over the extending lip 308 ensures
the cover 318 will not have horizontal motion relative to the litter container 300.
To further secure the cover 318 to the litter container 300, the
cover 318 may be rotated slightly clockwise, such that the leading edge
334 of the horizontal portion of the rim 316 of the cover 318
slides under the cover-locking tab 312 of the sidewall slider 304.
At this point vertical upward motion of the cover 318 is constrained by
the cover-locking tab 312 and by the joint 332, which has received
the extending lip 308 of the litter container 300. Horizontal motion
of the cover 318 atop the litter container 300 is constrained by
the vertical wall 326, which now extends downwardly over the extending lip
308 of the litter container 300. The cover 318, however, may
be rotated in place on top of the litter container 300.
Next described is how the cover is used to rotate the scoop unit 302.
Once the cover 318 has been mounted on the litter container 300,
the scoop unit 302 is then inserted through the opening 328 of the
cover 318 and mounted onto the sidewall slider 304. The cover 318
is then grasped by the user and rotated clockwise, which corresponds to the direction
the scoop unit 302 is normally rotated for scooping. (A handle can be placed
on cover 318 if desired, or the cover can simply be gripped in any desired
way.) As the cover 318 is rotated, the leading edge 334 of the rim
316 of the cover 318 abuts against the trailing end 314 of
the sidewall slider 304 and pushes the sidewall slider 304 along
the container sidewall 306. The scoop unit 302 moves with the sidewall
slider 304 and moves through the litter in the litter container 300
and captures waste. The cover 318 needs to be rotated by 360 degrees at
least once to cause the scoop unit 302 to pass through all the litter in
the litter container 300. The user may then stop rotating the cover 318.
The scoop unit 302 can now be removed from the sidewall slider 304
and taken out through the opening 328 of the cover 318. Waste that
has been captured by the scoop unit 302 may now be disposed of.
The foregoing discussions and embodiments are presented as illustrative and should
not be taken as limiting. Other variations within the spirit and scope of this
invention are possible and will present themselves to those skilled in the art.
*
