GB2492609A - Animal waste disposal apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for animal waste disposal 100 comprising a housing 102 adapted for connection to an external sanitary sewer. Said housing defining an interior compartment 101 and having an opening 109 providing external access to the interior compartment. A tray 112 is movably mounted in the opening and moves relative to the opening between a first position in which animal waste can be deposited into the interior compartment though the opening, and a second position in which the tray forms a seal with the opening to prevent animal waste being deposited into the interior compartment. Access control means are provided to limit access to the interior compartment to authorized users. The access control means may include an electromagnetic lock and may be controlled by a payment unit, scanner, keypad or the like.

Description

Animal Waste Disposal Apparatus This invention relates to a method and device tor the disposal of animal waste, and is particularly concerned with providing a method and device that is economical, hygienic, and environmentally sound.

In the US, it is estimated that almost two in five households have a dog. This essentially means that there are 62 million dogs in the US alone. It is common now for canine laws around the world to impose significant fines for improper disposal, or lack of disposal of dog waste. Clearly then, animal waste and the problems caused by improper disposal are of great importance to a household, town, or city on a private or public basis.

On a commercial or municipal level, the only current solution is to provide bins for the depositing of animal waste. These bins for the most part only recommend that the animal waste be deposited within a suitable biodegradable bag. Therein lies the first problem, because the bin is not continually controlled, any type of rubbish may be deposited. Further, there is a relatively high cost for commercial entities and local authorities to provide bins specifically for animal waste disposal, and to dispose of the waste in an environmentally acceptable way. These bins must be regularly emptied in order to obviate any hygiene concerns and/or unpleasant odours that may otherwise emanate from the bins if they are left unemptied for a long period of time.

Furthermore, each of the bins must be maintained by regular cleaning which is costly and time consuming. As a consequence, the financial burden of installing and maintaining public animal waste disposal bins has been found to be costly and time consuming.

As a consequence, the number of animal waste bins provided by local authorities is relatively low, and commercially is non-existent. Quite often if an animal owner has collected the waste it is likely that there is no animal waste bin nearby.

Thus, the animal owner is forced to carry around the animal waste in a disposable bag on their person until they have an opportunity to dispose of the bag in a private domestic bin or by other means. This is unsatisfactory as it is unpleasant for the animal owner to be carrying around the animal waste on their person for any period of time.

Clearly then, it is quite obvious that there is a need for a simple, clean, cost effective, and environmentally sound system to enable the depositing of animal waste in public and commercial environments. It is the goal of this invention to provide an apparatus and method that overcomes at least one of the aforementioned problems.

This invention relates to an animal waste disposal unit. According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for animal waste disposal, comprising: a housing defining an interior compartment and having an opening providing external access to the interior compartment; a sealing member moveable relative to the opening between a first position in which animal waste can be deposited into the interior compartment though the opening, and a second position in which animal waste is prevented from being deposited into the interior compartment; and access control means arranged to limit access to the interior compartment to authorised users.

This invention may be used commercially in a public setting whereby different embodiments of the invention would provide limited access for use by either a monetary based function, by a code system (e.g.: bar code), or by an alphanumerical code system (but not limited to these controlled access systems alone), whereby, a pre-bought biodegradable animal waste bag would contain a unique code, or alphanumerical code, in turn this code would be scanned or manually entered into the corresponding embodiment providing limited access to the waste removal device.

Further embodiments of these versions would also incorporate some form of automatic flushing and cleaning system. Another further embodiment would incorporate a vending unit to facilitate the distribution of animal related products.

The advantage of the commercial/public embodiments mentioned above over current solutions is that once they have been bought and installed, there is no further cost to the owner, in fact, through the varying payment for use' embodiments, the system will provide an income, potentially covering its' own installation cost and general upkeep, and even begin to potentially make profit.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and one or more side walls to form an interior compartment to receive animal waste, the housing comprising an opening on one of the side walls through which the animal waste may be passed into the interior compartment of the housing, wherein, the waste disposal unit further comprises a tray mounted in the opening of the housing and moveable between a first (open") waste receiving position and a second (closed") position; the tray forming a seal against the opening of the housing when in either the open, waste receiving position or the closed position.

The advantage of providing a moveable tray mounted in the opening of the housing is that a user, such as an animal owner, will find it relatively easy to access the interior compartment of the housing by simply moving the tray into the open, waste receiving position to receive the animal waste and subsequently move the tray back into the closed position to dispose of the animal waste into the interior compartment.

The tray may comprise at least a first and second panel angled relative to one another to form an animal waste receptacle when the tray is in the open, waste receiving position, whereby, the first panel extends outwardly from the housing presenting the animal waste receptacle to a user and a second panel seals the opening of the housing; and, when the tray is in the closed position, the first panel seals the opening of the housing.

A second panel may be sufficiently angled relative to the first panel so as to protrude downwardly towards the interior compartment of the housing when the tray is in the closed position so as to cause any animal waste placed in the animal waste receptacle by the user to advance out of the tray into the interior compartment of the housing.

A further advantage of providing a tray that comprises panels which seal the opening of the housing when the tray is in a closed position or open position respectively is that the interior compartment of the housing of the animal waste unit is almost continually sealed from the environment surrounding the animal waste disposal unit. This seal will only be broken for a very brief moment of time as the tray transitions from its open position to its closed position, or from its closed position to its open position. Thus, the odour emanating from the interior compartment of the animal waste disposal unit is prevented from fouling the region adjacent to the animal waste disposal unit.

The tray may comprise a handle to allow the user to move the tray from the closed position into the open, waste receiving position, and vice veisa.

The tray may be biased to move into the closed position from the open, waste receiving position.

The tray may comprise a latch to retain the tray in the open, waste receiving position.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a child lock mechanism to prevent a child moving the tray into the open, waste receiving position. This will prevent young children from accessing the animal waste disposal unit and potentially causing any hygiene issues.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a lock mechanism to prevent any unauthorised use.

The animal waste receptacle may comprise a low friction panel to encourage animal waste in the animal waste receptacle to advance out of the tray into the interior compartment when the tray is in the closed position.

The housing may comprise upper and lower openings in the top wall and bottom wall respectively to allow the animal waste disposal unit to be retrofit, in-line, to an existing waste disposal pipe. As the diameter of the down-pipes and subsequent pipes in the waste disposal network are relatively wide in comparison to the internal pipes found in the plumbing system of a home, it is far less likely that blockages will occur in these down-pipes.

The upper and lower openings may comprise flanged ends to permit a fluid-tight connection to be made between the animal waste disposal unit and the waste disposal pipe.

The housing unit may be simply glued or clamped, or both, in place around the household waste downpipe. This insures simple installation, as instead of having to sever the household waste downpipe in order to fit the animal waste disposal unit, a small aperture need only be cut from the pipe, and the animal waste disposal unit clamped and/or glued in place around the aperture. As a result, the animal waste disposal unit will not need to be further restrained against the wall The first panel of the tray may be larger than the second panel of the tray so as to form an effective shield for the user, preventing the user from being splashed by fluids passing through the waste disposal pipe, as the tray is moved from the open position to the closed position.

The tray may comprise a tapered channel from the animal waste receptacle to funnel animal waste from the animal waste receptacle into the waste disposal pipe.

The tray may comprise a further overflow tapered channel from the animal waste receptacle to funnel overflowing water and/or waste from the animal waste receptacle into the waste disposal pipe.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a lower opening in the bottom wall to allow the animal waste disposal unit to be retrofit and connected to an existing manhole or sewer pipe access point, thus facilitating fluid communication between the interior compartment of the housing and an existing waste disposal network.

This particular example is also seen as being particularly advantageous because the animal waste disposal unit may be connected to a manhole cover or sewer pipe access point, so as to provide immediate and direct access to a waste disposal network. This is particularly advantageous as very little installation is required and access to a waste downpipe is not required.

The lower opening may comprise a depending collar to permit a fluid-tight connection to be made between the interior compartment of the housing and the waste disposal network.

The lower opening may comprise a depending collar to permit a fluid-tight connection to be made between the interior compartment of the housing and the waste disposal network via any suitable plumbing products for joining pipework depending on the plumbing codes of the municipality of where it is installed.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise an animal waste disposal conduit having a distal end which is connectable to a remote existing waste disposal network.

Therefore, direct access to a waste disposal network is not required.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a flushing mechanism. The use of a flushing mechanism is seen as a particularly advantageous embodiment as the liquid used to flush the animal waste will ensure that the animal waste is advanced along the conduit to the remote waste disposal network.

The flushing mechanism may comprise a water conduit having a distal end which is connectable to an existing water supply.

The flushing mechanism may comprise a water conduit having a distal end which is connectable to an existing water supply, and this flushing system is automatic.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a payment unit to facilitate monetary based unlocking and operation of the animal disposal unit.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a code scanning unit to facilitate unlocking and operation of the animal waste disposal unit based on specific coded biodegradable animal waste bags.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise an alphanumerical keypad unit to facilitate unlocking and operation of the animal waste disposal unit by inputting the alphanumerical code from coded biodegradable animal waste bags.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a lock to prevent non-monetary, coded, or alphanumerical coded based operation of the animal disposal unit.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a vending unit to facilitate the distribution of bio-degradable bags for receiving and holding animal waste.

The animal waste disposal unit may comprise a vending unit to facilitate the distribution of animal related products.

In the accompanying figures: Figure 1 a is a side view of an animal waste disposal unit; Figure lb is a side view of an animal waste disposal unit; Figure 2a is an exploded side view of a standard existing cleanout waste pipe access point, and the side view of the removable cap of an animal waste disposal unit; Figure 2b is an exploded side view of the internal pipe, the upper capping or connection point, and the lower connection point of an animal waste disposal unit; Figure 2c is an exploded side view of the main housing of an animal waste disposal unit with the internal curved wall of the main housing shown as a dashed line; Figure 2d is a side view of the moveable tray of an animal waste disposal unit, shown in its' open waste receiving position, with the side wall of the moveable tray removed; Figure 3a is a sketch of an animal waste disposal unit shown in its! closed position; Figure Sb is a sketch of an animal waste disposal unit shown in its' open waste receiving position. The housing unit is shown with the upper portion of the front wall removed; Figure 4a is a sketch of the moveable tray of an animal waste disposal unit shown in its! upright, closed position; and Figure 4b is a sketch of the housing unit, internal pipe, upper capping or connection point, and lower connection point, of an animal waste disposal unit. The housing unit is shown with the upper portion of the front wall removed.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures la and lb, an animal waste disposal unit is indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The animal waste disposal unit 100 comprises a housing indicated generally by reference numeral 102 having atop wall 104, a bottom wall 105, side walls 106, an interior curved shaped wall 107, and a partial front wall 108. The top wall 104, bottom wall 105, side walls 106, interior curved shaped wall 107, and partial front wall 108, form an interior compartment 101 within the housing 102. An opening 109 is provided above the free end of the diagonally inward sloping front wall 108 of the housing 102. The animal waste disposal unit 100 further comprises a tray indicated generally by reference numeral 112, which is mounted 110 to the free end of the diagonally inward sloping front wall 108. The interior curved shaped wall 107 provides a barrier for which the tray 112 may rotate against to direct the waste in through the aperture 103, thus ensuring any waste is disposed of directly into a waste disposal conduit 302. The aperture 103 is cut from the interior curved shaped wall 107 that is contained within the housing 102.

The animal waste conduit 302 is connected to a waste disposal network (not shown).

The tray 112 may be moved about a point 110 at the free end of the diagonally inward sloping front wall 108, as indicated by reference arrow A, from an upright, closed position to an open, waste receiving position. The upper waste receiving section of the tray 112 comprises a first panel 114 and a second panel 115 which are angled relative to one another to form a V-shaped, animal waste receptacle 113 when the tray 112 is moved into its open position. The upper waste receiving section of the tray 112 further comprises side panels 119, and tapered curved panels 120, which combine about the animal waste receptacle 113. A handle 122 is provided on the first panel 114 to assist a user (not shown) to move the tray 112 between its closed position into its open position. The tray further comprises a curved subsection. The subsection comprises a second panel 115, a third panel 116, side panels 119, and a curved panel 117, which rotate against the interior curved shaped wall 107 of the housing 102, closing the aperture 103 as the tray 112 is opened. The lower curved panel 117, of the tray 112, further comprises a small overflow lip 118, allowing any excess water which may be used in flushing or cleaning to flow directly in through the aperture 103, the lip provides further direction during the disposing of animal waste in directing it in through the aperture 103. The overflow lip adjoins the tapered end of the animal waste receptacle 113. A stop mechanism (not shown) prohibits the tray 112 from moving too far beyond a substantially horizontal, open, waste receiving position, or a position whereby the solid curved subsection 117 rotates beyond the bottom of the aperture 103.

The animal waste disposal unit 100 is shown retrofit to a waste cleanout pipe access point 300 of a domestic waste disposal network. An upper opening indicated generally by reference numeral 123 is located above the top wall 104 of the animal waste disposal unit 100. This contains a removable cap 125 which allows access to the existing cleanout pipe without having to remove the animal waste disposal unit 100.

However, at the distal end of the animal waste disposal unit 100, there is a lower opening indicated by the general reference number 124, this is connected to the cleanout pipe using standard plumbing connection methods which comply with the plumbing codes of the municipality of the location where the animal waste unit 100 is installed, thus, if necessary, the unit itself may be removed for access to the waste cleanout pipe 300.

The lateral width of the animal waste disposal unit 100 is greater than the diameter of the waste pipe 302, thus making it easier for a user to deposit any animal waste in the tray 112 of the animal waste disposal unit 100. In order to better direct the animal waste from the animal waste receptacle 113, a tapered channel is preferably provided so as to funnel the animal waste in through the aperture 103, directing the waste into the waste disposal network. The tapered channel tapers inwardly from the full width of the tray 112 towards its outlet having a width less than or equal to the diameter of a standard waste cleanout pipe 302. This channel further comprises an overflow lip 118 directing any overflowing animal waste or water potentially used for cleaning or flushing of any animal waste inward and away from the user (not shown).

Referring to Figure 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, wherein like parts previously described have been assigned the same reference numerals, there is provided an animal waste disposal unit divided into its' component parts.

Referring to figure 2a, a waste cleanout access pipe is shown as indicated generally by the reference numeral 180. It is shown with its' cover removed thus providing a connection point for the base 124 of the animal waste disposal unit 100. A removable cap 125 for the animal waste disposal unit 100 is also shown. This provides normal access to the existing cleanout pipe 302 through the top 123 of the animal waste disposal unit 100. Access to the cleanout pipe 302 may be obtained by either removing the cap 125 on the top 123 of the animal waste disposal unit 100, or by removing the animal waste disposal unit 100 itself from its' lower connecting point 124.

Referring to figure 2b, the internal pipe containing an aperture 111 through which the animal waste enters from the internal compartment 101 of the animal waste disposal unit 100 is shown, as indicated generally by the reference numeral 181. The aperture 111 is similar in dimension and abuts to the aperture 103 contained within the housing 102 of the animal waste disposal unit 100. These combine to provide a watertight seal between the housing 102 and the internal pipe 181 of the animal waste disposal unit 100. As the moveable tray 112 is opened, the combined apertures 103 and 111 are sealed by the lower curved panel 117 of the tray 112. This ensures the general functioning of the waste disposal network is uninhibited whether the animal waste disposal unit 100 is in use or not.

Referring to figure 2c, the main housing of the animal waste disposal unit 100 is shown as indicated generally by the reference number 102. The housing having a top wall 104, a bottom wall 105, side walls 106, an interior curved shaped wall 107, and a partial front wall 108. The top wall 104, bottom wall 105, side walls 106, interior curved shaped waIl 107, and partial front waIl 108, form an interior compartment 101 within the housing 102. An opening 109 is provided above the free end of the diagonally inward sloping front wall 108 of the housing 102. A further interior curved shaped wall 107 provides a barrier for which the tray 112 may rotate against to direct the waste in through the aperture 103, thus ensuring any waste is disposed of directly into a waste disposal conduit 302. The animal waste conduit 302 is connected to a waste disposal network (not shown). The interior curved shaped wall 107 contains an aperture 103 similar in dimension to that aperture 111 cut from the internal pipe 181. These abut and combine to provide a watertight seal between the housing unit 102 and the internal pipe unit 181. The housing 102 further comprises a mounting point 110 located at the free end of the diagonally inward sloping front wall 108.

Referring to figure 2d, the moveable tray is shown as indicated generally by the reference numeral 112. The moveable tray consists of solid semi-curved side panels 119, a front panel consisting panels 114 and 116, a lower curved panel consisting 117, and curved tapered panels consisting 120, wherein the animal waste receptacle 113 moulds. Further to this the tray 112 consists an overflow lip 118 contained within the lower curved panel 117 adjoining the distal end of the animal waste receptacle 113.

The tray opens and closes about a mounting point 110, and rotates in such a way that the curved panel 117, and curved tapered panels 120 of the tray 112, rotate against the interior curved shaped wall 103 of the housing 102. This serves two functions: a) it ensures that any waste is directed in through the aperture 111 of the internal pipe 181, and b) it ensures that as the tray is moved opened, the lower curved surface 117 of the tray 112 closes off the aperture 111 of the internal pipe 181.

The upper waste receiving section of the tray 112 comprises a first panel 114 and a second panel 115 which are angled relative to one another to form a V-shaped, animal waste receptacle 113 when the tray 112 is moved into its open position. In order to better direct the animal waste from the animal waste receptacle 113, a tapered channel is provided so as to funnel the animal waste in the animal waste receptacle 113 through the combined (watertight) apertures 103 and 111 and into the internal pipe 181, then subsequently into a waste disposal network 302. The tapered channel tapers inwardly from the full width of the tray 112 towards its outlet having a width less than or equal to the diameter of a waste pipe. This channel further comprises an overflow lip 118 directing any overflowing animal waste or water (potentially used for cleaning or flushing of any animal waste) inward and away from the user (not shown). This overflow-lip 118 is contained within the lower curved panel 117 of the moveable tray 112.

The lower subsection of the tray 112 comprises a second panel 115, a third panel 116, side panels 119, and a curved panel 117, which rotate against the interior curved shaped wall 107 of the housing 102, closing the aperture 103 as the tray 112 is opened. The combination of the lower subsections' curved surface 117, the upper sections' curved tapered surfaces 120, the interior curved shaped wall 103 of the housing 102, the tapered channel of the animal waste receiving receptacle 113, and the overflow lip 118, combine to ensure that any animal waste, or indeed cleaning or flushing solution, is funnelled directly through the aperture 103 of the housing unit 102, through the aperture 111 of the internal pipe 181.

Referring to Figures 3a, and 3b, wherein like parts previously described have been assigned the same reference numerals, there is provided a sketch of an animal waste disposal unit in its' closed position (figure 3a) and in its' opened position (figure 3b) with the diagonally inward sloping front wall panel 118 removed (figure 3b).

Referring to the drawings related to Figures 3a and 3b, there is provided an animal waste disposal unit indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The animal waste disposal unit 100 comprises a housing indicated generally by reference numeral 102 having a top wall 104, a bottom wall 105, side walls 106, an interior curved shaped wall 107, and a partial front wall 108. An opening 109 is provided above the free end of the diagonally inward sloping front wall 108 of the housing 102. The animal waste disposal unit 100 further comprises a tray indicated generally by the reference number 112 which is moveably mounted 110 to a free end of a diagonally inward sloping front wall 108. A further interior curved shaped wall 107 provides a barrier for which the tray 112 may rotate against to direct the waste into an aperture (not visible), thus ensuring any waste is disposed of directly into a waste disposal conduit (not shown). The waste conduit is connected to a waste disposal network (not shown).

The tray 112 may be moved about a mount point 110 at the free end of the diagonally inward sloping front wall 108, as indicated by reference arrow A, from an upright, closed position to an open, waste receiving position. The upper section of the tray 112 comprises a first panel 114 and a second panel 115 which are angled relative to one another to form a V-shaped, animal waste receptacle 113 when the tray 112 is moved into its open position. A handle 122 is provided on the first panel 114 to assist a user (not shown) to move the tray 112 between its closed position into its open position, and vice versa.

An upper opening indicated generally by reference numeral 123 is located above the top wall 104 of the animal waste disposal unit 100. This contains a cap (not shown) which allows access to the waste cleanout pipe (not shown) without having to remove the animal waste disposal unit 100. However, at the distal end of the animal waste disposal unit 100, there is a lower opening indicated by the general reference number 124, this is connected to the waste cleanout pipe (not shown) using standard plumbing connection methods which comply with the plumbing codes of the municipality ot the location where the animal waste unit 100 is installed, thus, if necessary, the unit itself may be removed for access to the waste cleanout pipe (not shown).

At the base of the interior curved shaped wall 107 of the housing 102 where the interior curved shaped wall meets the bottom wall 106 of the housing 102, there is an excess water runoff or draining point 121.

Referring to Figures 4a, and 4b, wherein like parts previously described have been assigned the same reference numerals, there is provided a sketch of the individual component parts of an animal waste disposal unit; figure 4a representing a sketch of the moveable tray component in its! upright closed position indicated by the general reference numeral 112, and figure 4b representing a sketch of the main housing component indicated by the general reference numeral 102, incorporating the interior curved shaped wall 107, the watertight combined aperture (103 and 111) through which the animal waste passes into the waste disposal network, and the internal pipe 181 which directs the waste directly into the waste disposal network.

Figure 4b is shown with the upper section of the diagonally inward sloping front wall panel 108 partially removed.

Referring to figure 4a, the moveable tray is shown as indicated generally by the reference numeral 112. The moveable tray consists of semi-curved side panels 119, a front panel consisting panels 114 and 116, a lower curved panel consisting 117, and curved tapered panels consisting 120, wherein the animal waste receptacle 113 moulds. Further to this the tray 112 consists an overflow lip 118 contained within the lower curved panel 117 adjoining the distal end of the animal waste receptacle 113.

The tray opens and closed about a mounting point 110, and rotates in such a way that the curved panel 117, and tapered curved panels 120 of the tray 112, rotate against the interior curved shaped wall 107 of the housing 102. This serves two functions: a) it ensures that any waste is directed in through the aperture 111 of the internal pipe 181, and b) it ensures that as the tray is opened, the lower curved surface of the tray 117 closes off the aperture 111 of the internal pipe 181.

The upper waste receiving section of the tray 112 comprises a first panel 114 and a second panel 115 which are angled relative to one another to form a V-shaped, animal waste receptacle 113 when the tray 112 is moved into its open position. In order to better direct the animal waste from the animal waste receptacle 113 into the waste pipe, a tapered channel is provided so as to funnel the animal waste in the animal waste receptacle 113 through the aperture 111 and into the internal pipe 181, then subsequently into an existing waste disposal network (not shown) via the lower opening 124 of the animal waste disposal unit. The tapered channel tapers inwardly from the full width of the tray 112 towards its outlet having a width less than or equal to the diameter of a waste pipe. This channel further comprises an overflow lip 118 directing any overflowing animal waste or water (potentially used for cleaning or flushing of any animal waste) inward and away from the user (not shown). This overflow-lip 118 is contained within the lower curved panel 117 of the moveable tray 112.

The lower subsection of the tray 112 comprises a second panel 115, a third panel 116, side panels 119, and a curved panel 117, which combine to form a curved surface which abuts against the interior curved shaped wall 107 of the housing 102 as the tray 112 is being opened or closed. The combination of the lower subsections' curved surface 117, the upper sections' curved tapered surfaces 120, the interior curved shaped wall 107 of the housing 102, the tapered channel of the animal waste receiving receptacle 113, and the overflow lip 118, combine to ensure that any animal waste, or indeed cleaning or flushing solution, is funnelled directly through the aperture 103 of the housing unit 102, through the aperture 111 of the internal pipe 181.

Referring to figure 4b, there is provided the housing of an animal waste disposal unit with the moveable tray 112 removed along with the upper part of the front wall 108 of the housing partially removed indicated generally by the reference numeral 102. The housing having a top wall 104, bottom wall 105, side walls 106, interior curved shaped wall 107, and a partial front wall 108, which form an interior compartment within the housing 102. An opening 109 is provided above an inwardly sloping front wall 108. The interior curved shaped wall 107 provides a barrier for which the tray 112 may rotate against to direct the waste in through the aperture 103, thus ensuring any waste is disposed of directly into a waste disposal conduit. The animal waste conduit is connected to a waste disposal network (not shown). The interior curved shaped wall 107 contains an aperture 103 similar in dimension to that aperture 111 cut from the internal pipe 181. These abut and combine to provide a watertight seal between the housing unit 102 and the internal pipe unit 181. The housing 102 further comprises a mounting point 110 located at the free end of a diagonally inward sloping front wall 108.

A latching mechanism (not shown) may be provided on the animal waste disposal unit 100 so asto retain the tray 112 in the open position.

The tray 112 may be dimensioned and/or weighted so as to be biased to return to its closed position when free of any standard influences or forces.

A child lock (not shown) may be integrated into the animal waste disposal unit to prevent undesirable access and moving of the tray 112 by children.

A locking mechanism (not shown) may be integrated into the animal waste disposal unit 100 to prevent unauthorised access and moving of the tray 112.

The animal waste disposal unit 100 may be incorporated into a bin type structure in order to improve the stability and aesthetics of the unit. It should be noted that the top wall of the bin structure may be preferably provided with a lipped edge in order to facilitate the retention of a flower pot so as to increase the aesthetic beauty of the animal waste disposal unit 100.

The top wall may be provided with a small refuse bin and/or a cigarette ash tray.

The animal waste disposal unit 100 may be incorporated into, but is not limited to, three waste disposal network settings: a) domestic bin embodiment; in this embodiment the animal waste disposal unit is incorporated into the domestic waste disposal network as described in the embodiments outlined above.

b) domestic in-line' embodiment; in this embodiment the animal waste disposal unit is incorporated into the domestic waste disposal network retrofit and in-line with a waste downpipe by simply using the upper opening 123 and lower opening 124 as connection points to fit the unit into an existing waste downpipe. The animal waste disposal unit 100 would be connected to the existing waste downpipe using standard plumbing connection methods which comply with the plumbing codes of the municipality of the location where the animal waste unit 100 is installed. It will be further understood that one or more anti-splash deflector plates (not shown) may be preferably provided within the interior compartment 101 of the animal waste disposal unit 100 to prevent splash back of any fluids passing through the waste down-pipe which is connected to the upper opening 123 and the lower opening 124 of the animal waste disposal unit 100 as the tray 112 is moved trom its open position towards its closed position.

c) public or commercial bin' embodiment; in this embodiment the animal waste disposal unit 100 incorporates a controlled access unit, including but not limited to; a payment unit (not shown), and/or a code scanning (eg: barcode) unit (not shown), and/or an alphanumerical keypad (not shown), integrated as part of the animal waste disposal unit 100 in order to facilitate controlled access to the animal waste receptacle 113. In use, a member of the public (not shown) will be asked to pay a nominal sum of money, and/or scan a unique coded disposable biodegradable animal waste collection bag, and/or enter manually a code present on a coded disposable biodegradable animal waste collection bag into the alphanumerical keypad, in order to allow the tray 112 to move from its closed position to its open position to present the animal waste receptacle 113 to a member of the public. A latching mechanism, such as an electromagnetic lock, may be used to control access to the animal waste receptacle 113. In is envisaged that this embodiment would be used in public access areas, for example, private or local authority run parks or other public settings.

A vending machine (not shown) may be incorporated or adjoined to the animal waste disposal unit to allow ancillary products such as coded disposable bio-degradable bags for animal waste, and/or barcoded disposable bio-degradable bags for animal waste, to be dispensed from the vending machine. Furthermore, cloths, hand wipes and other such products could also be sold from the vending machine.

An automatic flushing mechanism (not shown) may also form part of the animal waste disposal unit by connecting the animal waste disposal unit 100 to an existing water supply. The flushing mechanism may be initiated upon the member of public moving the tray 112 from its open position back into its closed position. This flushing mechanism may serve to clear the animal waste from the units' enclosure and advance it into the mainflow of the municipal sanitary sewer system. The flushing mechanism may also serve to clean the interior compartment of the animal waste disposal unit.

The tray 112 may be biased to move into the closed position from the open waste receiving position if left opened or unused for a predetermined period of time or predetermined period of non-use. This will ensure that if a member of the public leaves the unit opened by accident, it will automatically close, flush and clean itself, ready for a subsequent user.

Throughout the preceding specification, the term "animal waste" shall be understood to refer to waste produced by animals and in particular pets. This shall include but not be limited to dog excrement, cat excrement, fecal matter and/or waste matter.

The terms "comprise" and "include", and any variations thereof required for grammatical reasons, are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments herein before described which may be varied in both construction and detail. -16-

Claims (6)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS1. An apparatus for animal waste disposal, comprising: a housing defining an interior compartment and having an opening providing external access to the interior compartment; a sealing member moveable relative to the opening between a first position in which animal waste can be deposited into the interior compartment though the opening, and a second position in which animal waste is prevented from being deposited into the interior compartment; and access control means arranged to limit access to the interior compartment to authorised users.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access control means comprises locking means arranged to releasably engage the sealing member when in the second position and, when engaged, prevent movement of the sealing member towards the first position.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the locking means comprises an electromagnetic lock.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the access control means further comprises input means configured to detect a user input and to determine whether said user input is an authorised input, and upon determination of an authorised input to allow access to the interior compartment.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the input means is a payment unit and the authorised input is a predetermined monetary payment.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the input means is a code scanner and the authorised input is an image capable of being scanned.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the input means is a keypad and the authorised input is a sequence of key strokes. -17-</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the sealing member is a receptacle mounted in the opening of the housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a vending unit arranged to dispense a disposable container for collecting animal waste having an authorised code provided on it.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A method of controlling access to the apparatus of claim 1, comprising: releasably securing the sealing member in the second position; receiving an input from a user; determining whether the input is an authorised input; and upon determination of an authorised input, releasing the sealing member from the second position.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. The method of claim 10, further comprising securing the sealing member in the second position using an electromagnetic lock which is configured to release the sealing member upon detection of an authorised input.Amendments to the claims have been filed as foliosCLAIMS1. An apparatus for animal waste disposal, comprising: a housing adapted for connection to an external sanitary sewer, said housing defining an interior compartment and having an opening providing external access to the interior compartment; a tray mounted in the opening for relative movement therein between a first position in which animal waste can be deposited though the opening, and a second position in which the tray forms a seal with the opening to prevent animal waste from being deposited through the opening; and access control means arranged to restrict access to the opening by allowing only authorised users to move the tray from the second position to the first position.
2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access control means comprises locking means arranged to releasably engage the tray when in the second position and, when engaged, prevent movement of the tray towards the first position.
3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2. wherein the locking means comprises an electromagnetic lock.
4. 4, The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the access control means further comprises input means configured to detect a user input and to determine whether said user input is an authorised input, and upon determination of an authorised * input to allow access to the interior compartment.* * 25
5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the input means is a payment unit and the * authorised input is a predetermined monetary payment.** e.ø * *
6. 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the input means is a code scanner and the authorised input is an image capable of being scanned. * *7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the input means is a keypad and the authorised input is a sequence of key strokes.8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tray mounted in the opening of the housing is a waste receptacle.9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a vending unit arranged to dispense a disposable container for collecting animal waste having an authorised code provided on it.10. A method of controlling access to the apparatus of claim 1, comprising: releasably engaging the tray in the second position; receiving an input from a user; determining whether the received input is an authorised input; and upon determination of an authorised input, releasing the tray from the second position.11. The method of claim 10. further comprising engaging the tray in the second position using an electromagnetic lock which is configured to release the tray upon detection of an authorised input. * . * ** * * * * . * S. * . * S.. S * .</claim-text>