CA1242363A - Hygienic assembly for use by cats - Google Patents
Hygienic assembly for use by catsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1242363A CA1242363A CA000522236A CA522236A CA1242363A CA 1242363 A CA1242363 A CA 1242363A CA 000522236 A CA000522236 A CA 000522236A CA 522236 A CA522236 A CA 522236A CA 1242363 A CA1242363 A CA 1242363A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- litter
- shoulder
- bottom wall
- cover sheet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 241000282326 Felis catus Species 0.000 title abstract 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005201 scrubbing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/01—Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables
- A01K1/0107—Cat trays; Dog urinals; Toilets for pets
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
- Refuse Receptacles (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
- Detergent Compositions (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The disclosure relates to a disposable litter tray including self-contained litter for use by cats and other small animals. The trays are made of pliable material and are stackable in unused condition to be separated for use.
Each of the trays contains its own litter and has a horiz-ontally oriented shoulder wall in the structure of the tray to which the edges of a heat-sealed cover sheet are attached. The device is readied for use by removing the cover sheet. When the litter has reached a condition in which it must be replaced, the entire device is folded transversely to completely enclose the litter and discarded.
The disclosure relates to a disposable litter tray including self-contained litter for use by cats and other small animals. The trays are made of pliable material and are stackable in unused condition to be separated for use.
Each of the trays contains its own litter and has a horiz-ontally oriented shoulder wall in the structure of the tray to which the edges of a heat-sealed cover sheet are attached. The device is readied for use by removing the cover sheet. When the litter has reached a condition in which it must be replaced, the entire device is folded transversely to completely enclose the litter and discarded.
Description
~2~63 HYGIENIC ASSEMBLY FOR USE BY CATS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of dis-posable litter-containing devices which form a temporary sanitary station Eor use by pets, and more particularly to an improved construction in which individual units may be assembled in a container equipped with a handle so as to be compact and transportable.
The problems of relatively permanent type litter boxes are ln well appreciated. Such devices are normally of open pan-like configuration, which contain granulated clay, sand, sawdust, or other absorbent product, usually called "litter". The animal relieves itself upon the litter, and in a natural procedure, it will bury the same before leaving the area. While this behavior is in itself simple, in essence, it brings to the owner a set of particularly troublesome and difficult results.
This problem begins at the point of purchase of the absor-bent product which is generally sold in bags weighing five to ten pounds on average. These bags are often covered with dust spreading by capillary action from the inside of nearby bags, and are sometimes even penetrated.
. :
:
.
3~3 In order to prepare a new "litter" area, the housekeeper must first dispose of the used litter in the tray, and then proceed to clean the same. To do this, the tray must be grasped along its edges, and dumped into a garbage can or directly into garbage. Very often, all of the litter is not disposed of in this manner, since some of the same will stick to the inner surface of the tray, and require a separate scrubbing procedure.
It is known in the art to provide disposable devices, which normally include a container of disposable material having some means for closing the same to enclose waste, so that the problem of maintaining the permanent tray in sanitary condition is avoided. Some oE these devices include a permanent stand accommodating a disposable receptacle therein, the receptacle being removed and replaced by a fresh one at periodic intervals. Others feature a plastic receptacle accommodating a charge of litter, both receptacle and litter being discarded when the litter has become soiled. For the most part, such prior art devices have proven to be difEicult to use, too cumbersome, too delicate, and too costly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention contemplates the provision of an improved device of the class described in which the above-mentioned disadvantages have been substantially eliminated. The disclosed embodiment is in the form of an assembly comprising a plurality of trays, with or without litter, which are conveniently stacked prior to use to facilitate their transport. Once separated each tray, the shape and size of which may be varied, will include a transversely extending shoulder wall extending around the peripheral sides of the tray, and facing inwardly upon which a heat sealed sheet which maintains the litter in Lo .
.:
, .
~4;~3S3 position within the tray is attached. The sheet may be cut out for use, or may be provided with a small tab enabling its removal to expose the litter for use. The sheet is placed at a given height inside the tray to provide a cavity in which the litter is disposed. After use, the tray is folded transversely to permit the ioining of the opposite end edges together to form a box-like enclosure.
Means is provided to maintain the box closed, thereby avoiding risks of accidental spillage and maintaining conditions of optimum hygiene. To facilitate the folding of the tray at the center to form the box, provision is made for a pre-fold in the Eorm of a ridge at the bottom of the tray as well as a structure in the form of accordian bellows on the side parts of the box in either side of the fold.
_RIEF DESCRIPTION OF _HE EMBODIMENT
In the drawing, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout -the several views:
Figure 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view thereof showing a plurality of structures illustrated in Figure 1 in mutually stacked relation.
Figure 3 is a similar fragmentary longitudinal sectional view corresponding to that seen in Figure 2, but showing the component elements in partlally separated condition.
Figure 4 is a top plan view showing an individual tray element.
~.~
:;:
_ 4 _ 363 Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view in perspective showing the removal of a protective sheet to expose compacted litter positioned therebeneath.
Figure 6 is a schematic side elevational view showing a plurality of stacked litter units with a detachable carrying handle.
Figure 7 is a side elevational view showing units in stacked relation.
Figure 8 is a side elevational view showing a single unit.
lQ Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the unit of Figure 8 in partially folded condition.
Figure 10 is a side elevational view showing the element in fully folded condition.
Figure 11 is a top plan view as seen from the upper portion oE Flgure 10.
Figure 12 is an exploded view in perspective of a plurality oE stacked litter units.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT
In accordance with the invention, the device, generally indicated by reference character 1 (Figure 2) is in the form of a rectangular blank of material containing a quantity of particulate litter 7 of known type. It includes a bottom wall 2, a pair of side walls 8, and a pair of end walls 9. The device is bounded by a continuous upper edge 10 and a continuous lower edge 11. Each of the side and end walls forms a continuous horizontal shoulder 12 disposed medially between the edges 10 and 11 beneath I' . ................................... ' 3~3 which is a rectangular recess 14 for the litter 7. Over-lying the shoulder 12 is a flexible cover sheet 17 of impervious material, the peripheral edge surfaces 18 of which are secured either by heat sealing or an adhesive (not shown) to the shoulder 12.
Figure 4 illustra-tes a plurality of preformed score lines 22 to facilitate folding of the device transversely after the litter has been sufficiently soiled to warrant discarding the entire device. Side areas 23 are also suitabJy scored as at 25 and 26, the former showing a series of fan-shaped folds, while the latter shows continuations of the lines 22.
As best seen in Figures 2, 3 and 12, a plurality of devices can be conveniently stacked together for convenience in carrying, to be separated individually as shown in Figure 12 prior to use. At the comple-tion of use, the device is folded commencing as shown in Figure 9, to a completely folded condition shown in Figure ]1, wherein the abutting segments of the upper edge 10 are maintained in this condition by sultable clips 28 oE ]cnown type. In the alternative, the condition shown in Figure 11 may be maintained by a strip of adhesive pressure-sensitive tape (not shown).
I wish it to be understood that I do not consider the invention limited to the precise details of structure shown and set forth in this specification, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.
I`
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of dis-posable litter-containing devices which form a temporary sanitary station Eor use by pets, and more particularly to an improved construction in which individual units may be assembled in a container equipped with a handle so as to be compact and transportable.
The problems of relatively permanent type litter boxes are ln well appreciated. Such devices are normally of open pan-like configuration, which contain granulated clay, sand, sawdust, or other absorbent product, usually called "litter". The animal relieves itself upon the litter, and in a natural procedure, it will bury the same before leaving the area. While this behavior is in itself simple, in essence, it brings to the owner a set of particularly troublesome and difficult results.
This problem begins at the point of purchase of the absor-bent product which is generally sold in bags weighing five to ten pounds on average. These bags are often covered with dust spreading by capillary action from the inside of nearby bags, and are sometimes even penetrated.
. :
:
.
3~3 In order to prepare a new "litter" area, the housekeeper must first dispose of the used litter in the tray, and then proceed to clean the same. To do this, the tray must be grasped along its edges, and dumped into a garbage can or directly into garbage. Very often, all of the litter is not disposed of in this manner, since some of the same will stick to the inner surface of the tray, and require a separate scrubbing procedure.
It is known in the art to provide disposable devices, which normally include a container of disposable material having some means for closing the same to enclose waste, so that the problem of maintaining the permanent tray in sanitary condition is avoided. Some oE these devices include a permanent stand accommodating a disposable receptacle therein, the receptacle being removed and replaced by a fresh one at periodic intervals. Others feature a plastic receptacle accommodating a charge of litter, both receptacle and litter being discarded when the litter has become soiled. For the most part, such prior art devices have proven to be difEicult to use, too cumbersome, too delicate, and too costly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention contemplates the provision of an improved device of the class described in which the above-mentioned disadvantages have been substantially eliminated. The disclosed embodiment is in the form of an assembly comprising a plurality of trays, with or without litter, which are conveniently stacked prior to use to facilitate their transport. Once separated each tray, the shape and size of which may be varied, will include a transversely extending shoulder wall extending around the peripheral sides of the tray, and facing inwardly upon which a heat sealed sheet which maintains the litter in Lo .
.:
, .
~4;~3S3 position within the tray is attached. The sheet may be cut out for use, or may be provided with a small tab enabling its removal to expose the litter for use. The sheet is placed at a given height inside the tray to provide a cavity in which the litter is disposed. After use, the tray is folded transversely to permit the ioining of the opposite end edges together to form a box-like enclosure.
Means is provided to maintain the box closed, thereby avoiding risks of accidental spillage and maintaining conditions of optimum hygiene. To facilitate the folding of the tray at the center to form the box, provision is made for a pre-fold in the Eorm of a ridge at the bottom of the tray as well as a structure in the form of accordian bellows on the side parts of the box in either side of the fold.
_RIEF DESCRIPTION OF _HE EMBODIMENT
In the drawing, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout -the several views:
Figure 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view thereof showing a plurality of structures illustrated in Figure 1 in mutually stacked relation.
Figure 3 is a similar fragmentary longitudinal sectional view corresponding to that seen in Figure 2, but showing the component elements in partlally separated condition.
Figure 4 is a top plan view showing an individual tray element.
~.~
:;:
_ 4 _ 363 Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view in perspective showing the removal of a protective sheet to expose compacted litter positioned therebeneath.
Figure 6 is a schematic side elevational view showing a plurality of stacked litter units with a detachable carrying handle.
Figure 7 is a side elevational view showing units in stacked relation.
Figure 8 is a side elevational view showing a single unit.
lQ Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the unit of Figure 8 in partially folded condition.
Figure 10 is a side elevational view showing the element in fully folded condition.
Figure 11 is a top plan view as seen from the upper portion oE Flgure 10.
Figure 12 is an exploded view in perspective of a plurality oE stacked litter units.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT
In accordance with the invention, the device, generally indicated by reference character 1 (Figure 2) is in the form of a rectangular blank of material containing a quantity of particulate litter 7 of known type. It includes a bottom wall 2, a pair of side walls 8, and a pair of end walls 9. The device is bounded by a continuous upper edge 10 and a continuous lower edge 11. Each of the side and end walls forms a continuous horizontal shoulder 12 disposed medially between the edges 10 and 11 beneath I' . ................................... ' 3~3 which is a rectangular recess 14 for the litter 7. Over-lying the shoulder 12 is a flexible cover sheet 17 of impervious material, the peripheral edge surfaces 18 of which are secured either by heat sealing or an adhesive (not shown) to the shoulder 12.
Figure 4 illustra-tes a plurality of preformed score lines 22 to facilitate folding of the device transversely after the litter has been sufficiently soiled to warrant discarding the entire device. Side areas 23 are also suitabJy scored as at 25 and 26, the former showing a series of fan-shaped folds, while the latter shows continuations of the lines 22.
As best seen in Figures 2, 3 and 12, a plurality of devices can be conveniently stacked together for convenience in carrying, to be separated individually as shown in Figure 12 prior to use. At the comple-tion of use, the device is folded commencing as shown in Figure 9, to a completely folded condition shown in Figure ]1, wherein the abutting segments of the upper edge 10 are maintained in this condition by sultable clips 28 oE ]cnown type. In the alternative, the condition shown in Figure 11 may be maintained by a strip of adhesive pressure-sensitive tape (not shown).
I wish it to be understood that I do not consider the invention limited to the precise details of structure shown and set forth in this specification, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.
I`
Claims (4)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An improved disposable litter tray for use by pets comprising: a planar bottom wall and a plurality of contiguous side and end walls interconnected to said bottom wall in mutually converging configuration, said side and end walls each forming a continuous horizontally oriented medially positioned shoulder; a flexible cover sheet of dimensions corresponding to that of said shoulder secured at peripheral edges thereof to said shoulder in sealed relation; and a quantity of litter disposed within said tray upon said bottom wall and beneath said cover sheet;
said bottom wall having a transversely extending preformed fold therein, the area on each of a pair of opposed side walls adjacent said fold having preformed pleats therein, whereby said cover sheet may be removed prior to use to expose said litter, and said tray may be folded transversely after use to abut opposed segments of the upper continuous edge of said side and end walls to completely enclose the contents of said tray.
said bottom wall having a transversely extending preformed fold therein, the area on each of a pair of opposed side walls adjacent said fold having preformed pleats therein, whereby said cover sheet may be removed prior to use to expose said litter, and said tray may be folded transversely after use to abut opposed segments of the upper continuous edge of said side and end walls to completely enclose the contents of said tray.
2. An improved assembly consisting of a plurality of trays in accordance with Claim 1 in mutually stacked relation, and carrying strap means associated with said assembly.
3. An improved tray in accordance with Claim 1, further characterized in said sheet being secured to said shoulder as a result of a heat sealing operation.
4. An improved tray in accordance with Claim 1, further characterized in said sheet being secured to said shoulder by adhesive means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR85-16790 | 1985-11-06 | ||
| FR8516790A FR2589321B1 (en) | 1985-11-06 | 1985-11-06 | READY-TO-USE HYGIENIC KIT FOR CATS |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1242363A true CA1242363A (en) | 1988-09-27 |
Family
ID=9324773
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000522236A Expired CA1242363A (en) | 1985-11-06 | 1986-11-05 | Hygienic assembly for use by cats |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0223724B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE43046T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1242363A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3663322D1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2589321B1 (en) |
| MC (1) | MC1774A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB8710000D0 (en) * | 1987-04-28 | 1987-06-03 | Kirkwood D | Animal litter packaging |
| AU1662892A (en) * | 1992-04-29 | 1993-11-29 | John Douglas Knight | Litter system |
| GB9513016D0 (en) * | 1995-06-24 | 1995-08-30 | Arkimedes Limited | Disposable cat litter tray |
| US6415944B1 (en) * | 1998-08-27 | 2002-07-09 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Articulable container |
| FR2786463B1 (en) * | 1998-11-27 | 2001-03-23 | Fabrice Ponsin | NEW FOLDABLE CONTAINERS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS, IN PARTICULAR TO LITTERS FOR ANIMALS |
| AU1252800A (en) * | 1999-11-18 | 2001-05-30 | Master Foods Austria Gesellschaft M.B.H. | Container for animal food |
| JP2008023211A (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2008-02-07 | Nippon Dempa Kogyo Co Ltd | Ultrasonic probe |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3154052A (en) * | 1962-07-17 | 1964-10-27 | Sweeney S Entpr Inc | Disposable sanitary station for pet animals |
| US4171680A (en) * | 1977-08-31 | 1979-10-23 | Rhodes Russell E | Packaged disposable animal waste container |
-
1985
- 1985-11-06 FR FR8516790A patent/FR2589321B1/en not_active Expired
-
1986
- 1986-10-10 AT AT86430038T patent/ATE43046T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-10-10 DE DE8686430038T patent/DE3663322D1/en not_active Expired
- 1986-10-10 EP EP86430038A patent/EP0223724B1/en not_active Expired
- 1986-11-04 MC MC861855A patent/MC1774A1/en unknown
- 1986-11-05 CA CA000522236A patent/CA1242363A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MC1774A1 (en) | 1987-09-02 |
| ATE43046T1 (en) | 1989-06-15 |
| DE3663322D1 (en) | 1989-06-22 |
| FR2589321A1 (en) | 1987-05-07 |
| EP0223724A1 (en) | 1987-05-27 |
| FR2589321B1 (en) | 1987-12-18 |
| EP0223724B1 (en) | 1989-05-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |