GB2600425A

GB2600425A - An apparatus for washing away animal faeces

Info

Publication number: GB2600425A
Application number: GB2017057.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Herman Susan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-27
Filing date: 2020-10-27
Publication date: 2022-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-27
Also published as: GB2600425B; GB202017057D0

Abstract

An apparatus 01 for washing away animal faeces is described herein. The apparatus includes sensing means for sensing the presence of an animal within a pre-defined area 05 and means for generating a signal. The apparatus also includes a fluid flow outlet 03 comprising means for receiving the signal from the sensing means and means for creating a fluid flow in the pre-defined area in response to the signal. A waste collection area 07 is also provided that is configured to collect faeces carried by fluid flow from the pre-defined area to the waste collection area. The fluid flow outlet may comprise means for creating wave-like fluid flow, and a ramped portion 09 positioned between the fluid flow outlet and the pre-defined area. The apparatus may also comprise a plurality of nodules 11 configured to break up the faeces when it is pushed against the nodules by the fluid flow. A method for automatically washing away animal faeces is also disclosed.

Description

An Apparatus for Washing Away Animal Faeces

Field of Invention

The present invention is in the field of the disposal of animal waste, in particular the disposal of animal faeces. The present invention concerns an automatic system of disposal with little or no human involvement required.

Background

Dogs and other animals produce waste such as faeces. Typically an owner of a dog on a walk is encouraged to pick up the faeces produced by their dog, and then carry them with them until they encounter an appropriate refuse collection point. Many dog owners do not abide by this convention, and instead leave the faeces produced by their dog in the position the dog left them. As such areas where dog owners often exercise their dogs may contain animal faeces. Moreover, even dog owners who do abide by this convention may accidentally fail to pick up all of the faeces produced by their dog. The areas often frequented by dog owners with their dogs include parks, beaches and the like which are frequented by other members of the public, including children. For these other users the animal faeces can be a nuisance, or even a health risk. There is therefore a need for an apparatus that will automatically dispose of animal faeces without the need for human intervention, as human intervention cannot be relied upon.

Statements of Invention

Aspects of the invention are set in the independent claims. Optional features are set out in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect there is provided an apparatus for washing away animal faeces, the apparatus comprising: sensing means for sensing the presence of an animal within a pre-defined area and means for generating a signal; and a fluid flow outlet comprising means for receiving the signal from the sensing means and means for creating a fluid flow in the pre-defined area in response to the signal; and a waste collection area configured to collect faeces carried by fluid flow from the predefined area to the waste collection area. The first aspect may be advantageous because the apparatus automatically collects the waste, so that waste is not left in public areas.

Optionally, the fluid flow outlet comprises means for creating a non-continuous flow of fluid. This may be advantageous as non-continuous flow may lead to a larger impulse on the faeces when they are first hit by the flow, and is also more energy efficient than continuous flow.

Optionally, the fluid flow outlet comprises means for creating wave-like fluid flow. It has been found that wave like flow, similar to that of waves on the shoreline, is particularly effective at removing faeces.

Optionally, the fluid flow means is raised above the pre-defined area such that the potential energy of fluid at the fluid flow outlet is greater than the potential energy of fluid at the predefined area. This may increase the force the fluid imparts on the faeces, and so aid in their removal. It may also be more energy efficient to use potential energy to accelerate the fluid, rather than having to increase the force by other means.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a ramped portion positioned between the fluid flow outlet and the pre-defined area. The ramped portion may allow there to be a continuous surface for the water to flow down, so that discontinuities do not affect flow.

Optionally, the signal from the sensing means comprises a signal indicating an animal has entered the pre-defined area. This may allow the apparatus to operate only when an animal has defecated, rather than operating in a periodic, or other, manner. This may waste less water.

Optionally, the signal from the sensing means comprises a signal indicating that there has been a pre-set time interval since an animal has entered the pre-defined area. This may allow the animal time to defecate in, and then leave, the pre-defined area before the flow of fluid commences. This in turn may mean that the animals do not become scared of the predefined area.

Optionally, the sensing means is configured to sense that the animal has left the pre-defined area, and the signal from the sensing means indicates that the animal has left the pre-defined area. This provides more certainty that the animal has left the pre-defined area, and so the fluid flow is less likely to scare the animal, moreover the faeces may remain in the pre-defined area for a shorter period of time, which is advantageous.

Optionally, the pre-defined area comprises a plurality of nodules configured to break up the faeces as the fluid flow pushes the faeces against the nodules. The nodules may make the disposal of the faeces more efficient as smaller portions of faeces may be easier to dispose, and less prone to causing blockages.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a motor connected to the pre-defined area, wherein the motor is configured to displace the pre-defined area such that the pre-defined area undergoes a motion to agitate the faeces against the nodules. This may break-up the faeces further.

Optionally, the water pressure of the flow is sufficiently high to agitate the faeces against the nodules. This may help break the faeces into smaller portions.

Optionally, the nodules are fixed to a surface within the pre-defined area, such that they have a fixed position. This may allow a more rigid surface for the faeces to interact with.

Optionally, the nodules are free standing, such that they can move relative to one another within the pre-defined area. This may provide a more dynamic surface for the faeces to interact with, which may aid with break up.

Optionally, the pre-defined area has a depth, and is filled with nodules. This may help with limiting the displacement of free standing nodules, so they do not end up all in the same position within the pre-defined area. This may help achieve a homogenous distribution of free standing nodules.

Optionally, the nodules on the surface of the pre-defined area are larger in volume than the nodules below the surface in the pre-defined area. This may prevent faeces from getting buried beneath the surface within the pre-defined area.

Optionally, the nodules below the surface in the pre-defined area form a packed volume.

This may prevent fluid from the flow from infiltrating below the surface of the pre-defined area.

Optionally, the fluid flow is configured to cover the top of the nodules on the surface of the pre-defined area. This may help ensure that the faeces are carried to the waste collection area by the flow.

Optionally, the apparatus, further comprises a fluid inlet at the base of the pre-defined area configured to allow fluid to drain out of the pre-defined area. This may stop fluid becoming stuck in the pre-defined area, and then becoming stagnant.

Optionally, the waste collection area is connected to a sewerage system. This may provide a means for disposing of the waste hygienically.

Optionally, the fluid inlet at the base of the pre-defined area drains into the sewage system. Similarly this may provide a means for disposing of the waste water hygienically as it may have become contaminated.

Optionally, the sensing means is configured to detect the presence of multiple animals within the pre-defined area, and preferably is further configured to detect that the last animal has left the pre-defined area. This may be advantageous as it may avoiding scaring an animal making use of the apparatus.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a stimulating means, configured to attract animals to the pre-defined area, and such that they may be classically conditioned so that upon interacting with the stimulating means the animal is encouraged to defecate. This may be advantageous as it may aid in teaching the animal to use the apparatus.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method for automatically washing away animal faeces, the method comprising the steps of: sensing the presence of an animal within a pre-defined area; sending a signal to the fluid flow outlet to instigate the flow of fluid so as to wash away any animal faeces located within the pre-defined area. This may advantageously allow for the automatic collection of animal faeces.

Optionally, the signal is sent a pre-set time after sensing the presence of an animal in predefined area. This may allow time for the animal to excrete their faeces and leave the pre-defined area before fluid flow commences. This may avoid the animal becoming scared of the pre-defined area.

Optionally, the method further comprises sensing that the animal has left the pre-defined area. This may avoid the animal becoming scared of the pre-defined area.

Optionally, the signal is sent in response to sensing that the animal has left the pre-defined area. This may avoid the animal becoming scared of the pre-defined area.

According to a third aspect there is provided a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to perform the method of the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a dog toilet area, further comprising the apparatus of any of the first aspect. This may be particularly advantageous for use with 30 dogs.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for washing away animal faeces according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 shows the apparatus for washing away animal faeces from a central perspective.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the apparatus for washing away animal faeces.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus for washing away animal faeces from directly above.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the apparatus in which the nodules have been removed from the pre-defined area.

Figure 6 shows a rear view of the apparatus for washing away animal faeces.

Figure 7 shows the apparatus for washing away animal faeces in situ.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for washing away animal faeces in which the nodules have been removed.

Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of an apparatus for washing away animal faeces in which the nodules are present.

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the apparatus for washing away animal faeces.

Figure 11 shows a mesh for use in the apparatus for washing away animal faeces. Figure 12 shows a method for using the apparatus for washing away animal faeces. Detailed Description of Drawings There is described an apparatus for washing away animal faeces, the apparatus comprising sensing means for sensing the presence of an animal within a pre-defined area and means for generating a signal, and a fluid flow outlet comprising means for receiving the signal from the sensing means and means for creating a fluid flow in the pre-defined area in response to the signal, and a waste collection area configured to collect faeces carried by fluid flow from the pre-defined area to the waste collection area.

Figure 1 shows an apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01, comprising a pre-defined area 05, a waste collection area 07, a fluid flow outlet 03, a ramp 09, a plurality of nodules 11, and a connection to a sewage system 13. Figure 1 shows the fluid flow outlet 03 positioned adjacent to the ramp 09, such that fluid output by the fluid flow outlet 03 will flow down the ramp. The ramp 09 is situated between the fluid flow outlet 03 and the predefined area 05. The fluid flow outlet 03 is positioned at the top of the ramp 09, and the pre-defined area 05 is positioned at the bottom of the ramp 09. Therefore fluid output by the fluid flow outlet 03 will flow down the ramp 09, and onto the pre-defined area 05. The pre-defined area 05 is shown as comprising a plurality of nodules 11. Therefore when fluid flows over the pre-defined area 05 the fluid flows over the plurality of nodules 11, substantially covering them.

The pre-defined area 05 is also positioned adjacent the waste collection area 07. In Figure 1 the waste collection area 07 is shows as comprising a drainage area. Therefore once fluid flows over the pre-defined area 05 it then flows into the waste collection area 07 and in Figure 1 then would flow into the drainage system. Below the drainage system is a connection to a sewerage system 13. Therefore fluid flowing into the waste collection area 07 in Figure 1 would then be collected such that it flows into a sewerage system.

In use fluid output by the fluid flow output 03 would therefore first flow down the ramp 09, and then across the pre-defined area 05, substantially covering the plurality of nodules 11, before arriving at the waste collection area 07, where it would then be transported to a sewerage system 13.

It is noted that a sensor is not shown in Figure 1. In some embodiments the sensor may not be visible externally, and in others the sensor may be small relative to the apparatus, and so not be immediately visible from such a viewpoint. The sensor may be configured to sense the presence of an animal within the pre-defined area 05. The sensor may then be configured to generate a signal and communicate to the fluid flow 03 that an animal has been detected by the sensor. The fluid flow outlet 03 may then output a fluid flow in response to receiving that signal. The fluid flow may be output at a later time to give the animal time to defecate, and optionally also time to leave the pre-defined area 05. The sensor may be known as a sensing means, or a sensing device. It may comprise a further device for generating a signal, or a means for generating a signal. The sensor may for example be located in at the periphery of the pre-defined area 05, and may in some examples comprise a movement detection device. Movement detection devices can include devices that emit electromagnetic radiation to detect movement, or alternatively use sound waves to detect movement, or devices that detect vibration associated with movement, or any other suitable device. For example, UV or microwave electromagnetic radiation may be emitted by the sensor, and if it is reflected back to the sensor that may indicate movement. Alternatively sound waves such as ultrasonic waves may be emitted by the sensor and if these are reflected back to the sensor then that may indicate movement. Alternatively vibrations caused by an animal stepping within the pre-defined area 05 may be detected.

Other types of sensors may be used, such as pressure sensors to detect a change in pressure applied to the pre-defined area 05. It is noted that the sensor may be configured to detect the presence of multiple animals in the pre-defined area 05. The presence of multiple animals may be detected due to there being for example more vibrations detected, a higher pressure value detected, additional movement detected etc. The sensor may be configured to then determine when the last animal of the multiple animals has left the pre-defined area.

The time between the sensor detecting the presence of an animal, and the beginning of the fluid flow may be different for several embodiments. For example, in one embodiment there may be a pre-set period of time, such as one minute, between the sensor detecting the presence of an animal and the fluid flow output 03 beginning to output fluid. This time period may be sufficient to allow the animal to defecate, and to leave the pre-defined area 05. It is believed that allowing the animal to leave the pre-defined area 05 before the fluid flow commences may be particularly advantageous. Some animals, such as some smaller dogs may be scared of a fluid flow, and therefore may be reticent to enter or defecate in the predefined area 05 if the fluid flow begins whilst they are still present in the pre-defined area 05. In a further embodiment the sensor may detect that the animal has left the pre-defined area 05. This may be detected through use of a pressure sensor first detecting a pressure as an animal enters the pre-defined area 05, and then registering a lower reading when the animal leaves the pre-defined area 05. Alternatively the animal leaving the pre-defined area 05 may be detected by a vibrational detector detecting a period of no vibrations, following a period of activity. As animals such as dogs are likely to be active when they are in the pre-defined area 05 it is likely they will create an almost continuous series of vibrations. \Mien the animal leaves the pre-defined area 05 these vibrations will stop. Movement may also be used, as a lack of movement for a period of time, following from the detection of movement may be used to determine that the animal has left the pre-defined area 05. Beginning the fluid flow after it has been detected that the animal has left the pre-defined area 05 may provide greater certainty that the animal will not become scared of the pre-defined area 05 due to negative associated with the fluid flow.

Embodiments of the present invention may be substantially simpler than that shown in Figure 1. For example, the simplest embodiment may comprise just a fluid flow outlet 03, a pre-defined area 05, a sensor, and a waste collection area 07. Therefore one embodiment may comprise the fluid flow outlet configured to output fluid a set time period after the time at which the sensor detects the presence of an animal. The fluid flow outlet 03 may be directly adjacent the pre-defined area 05, and may be at the same height as the pre-defined area 05. The pre-defined area 05 may be positioned between the fluid flow output 03, and the waste collection area 07. The waste collection area 07 may comprise a simple latrine with no plumbing. In this embodiment when the sensor detects the presence of an animal in the pre-defined area 05 a set time period later the fluid flow output 03 outputs fluid which travels across the pre-defined area 05 and then into the waste collection area 07, or latrine. In this manner any faeces situated in the pre-defined area 05 may be collected and moved into the waste collection area 07. This may make it easier for a person to gather the faeces as all of the faeces are in the same location. For example, a council worker who collects rubbish in bins in a park may also be assigned the duty of cleaning out the waste collection area 07.

The pre-defined area 05 may comprise a flat featureless area in such an embodiment.

In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 1 nodules 11 are positioned within the pre-defined area 05. The nodules 11 may either be fixed in place, or may be free to move. Both arrangements have advantages. For example when faeces are carried across the pre-defined area 05 by the fluid flow the faeces will interact with the nodules 11. Advantageously this interaction may lead to the break-up of the faeces into smaller parts or portions. In embodiments where the nodules 11 are in a fixed position they present a permanent obstacle to the faeces as they travel with the fluid flow across the pre-defined area 05. Therefore when the faeces impact on the fixed nodules 11 this may impart a force on the faeces. In turn this may lead to the break up of the faeces into smaller parts. In embodiments where the nodules 11 are free standing they are also able to move with the fluid flow. In some such embodiments the free standing nodules 11 may be of a higher density than the faeces. Therefore as the fluid flow carries the faeces across the pre-defined area 05 it will also lead to some motion of the nodules 11. The velocity of the nodules 11 however is likely to be lower than that of the faeces due to the high density of the nodules 11. The nodules 11 will likely interact with each other, and this may lead to nodules 11 travelling in various different directions. Therefore when the nodules 11 interact with the faeces they will likely impact the faeces from a number of different directions. This dynamic interaction may result in the break up of the faeces into smaller portions or parts.

In an alternative embodiment, in addition to the fluid flow the pre-defined area 05 may be configured to move. This may cause free standing nodules 11 to move, and so lead to more impacts with the faeces, and so lead to the break up of the faeces. For example, the predefined area 05 may be caused to vibrate, or alternatively to rock, which may lead to some movement of the free standing nodules 11. There may be provided a motor that is configured to cause motion of the pre-defined area 05 (such as vibration or rocking). The motor may be activated by the sensor detecting the presence of an animal, in the same way that the fluid flow output 03 is activated. In some embodiments the motor may be configured to operate before the fluid flow is output by the fluid flow output 03 so that the faeces are broken up (at least partially) before the flow has begun. The use of the motor may also be delayed by a set period of time after the presence of the animal has been detected in the pre-defined area 05, or the motor may be activated after it as been detected that the animal has left the pre-defined area 05.

The fluid flow output 03 may output fluid in a number of different ways. For example, the fluid flow outlet 03 may, when triggered by the sensor, output a continuous flow of fluid for a set period of time. This may be the simplest means of instigating flow. Alternatively a non-continuous flow may be provided. A non-continuous flow may comprise outputting, when triggered by the sensor, a first period of fluid flow, followed by a period in which no fluid (or at least fluid flow at a different pressure to the first period) is output, and then a third period outputting fluid flow once more. This repetition may continue until the end of a pre-set flow period, at which point all fluid flow may cease. Alternatively fluid may be output during the entire flow period, but the fluid pressure may change. In particular the fluid flow output may create a wave-like flow. This may include period peaks and troughs in the height of the fluid flow output for instance. These peaks and troughs may also help aid the movement of the faeces along the pre-defined area 05. The wave like motion may also lead to the nodules 11 having and maintaining a homogenous distribution within the pre-defined area, akin to a beach.

The pre-defined area 05 may be substantially flat, or it may have a depth. In the case where the nodules 11 are fixed in position for example the pre-defined area may be substantially flat. For example the nodules 11 may be stones or pebbles, or the like, and these may be set in a fixed position. For example, the nodules 11 may be secured by being placed in concrete or the like, which is then left to set. In embodiments where free standing nodules 11 are used the pre-defined area 05 may have a depth. For example the pre-defined area 05 may be filled with nodules 11 so that the entire volume contained within the pre-defined area 05 is filled with nodules 11. In some embodiments the nodules 11 are arranged so that those at the bottom are smaller in volume and the nodules 11 at the top are larger in volume. The nodules 11 below the surface may be arranged to form a packed volume. The base of the pre-defined area 05 may be sealed, or alternatively it could be configured to allow fluid to drain out. This fluid may for instance be configured to drain out into the waste collection area 07, or into a connected sewerage system 13.

It is noted that the apparatus may further comprise a stimulating means. The stimulating means may attract animals to the apparatus so they are more likely to use the pre-defined area 05 by defecating in it. The stimulating means may also provide some reward for defecation in some embodiments. The stimulating means for example may comprise a noise producing element, or a smell producing element, or a food dispensing element, or a sensory stimulus such as an element that the animal scratches or chews. Animals are often classically conditioned (hence why domesticated animals often respond to their food bowl, or a bell etc.) and the stimulating means may be used to classically condition the animal to use the apparatus.

Figure 2 shows the apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01 a central perspective.

Figure 2 shows the fluid flow outlet 03, the ramp 09, the pre-defined area 05 comprising a plurality of nodules 11, a waste collection area 07, and a connection to a sewerage system 13. The arrangement is substantially the same as that in Figure 1 described above. Figure 2 shows that the waste collection area 07 in Figure 2 is arranged substantially vertically above the connection to the sewerage system 13 such that waste collected in the waste collection area 07 flows down into the connection with the sewerage system 13. The pre-defined area is shown as being covered with nodules 11. These nodules 11 may be either fixed, or free standing.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01. The waste collection area 07, ramp 09, the depth of the pre-defined area 15, and the connection to a sewerage system 13 are shown. The depth 15 of the pre-defined area 05 is shown. The depth 15 may be filled with nodules 11 or other elements. The angle of the ramp 09 is also shown. This forms and acute angle such that the fluid flow is not accelerated to a great speed. Instead as fluid flows down the ramp 09 it will accelerate more gradually so that any animal that is still situated within the pre-defined area 05 is not stopped from using the apparatus 01 in the future. This arrangement may also enable the fluid flow to have a similar speed to waves lapping a beach, and this may be particularly advantageous for removing faeces. The angle of the ramp 09 may be between 5 degrees and 25 degrees, in specific embodiments it may be between 10 degrees and 20 degrees.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01 from above. The fluid flow output 03, ramp, pre-defined area 05, nodules 11, and waste collection area 07 are shown.

The ramp 09 may appear flat because of the angle of Figure 4, however in this embodiment the ramp is angled such that the fluid flow output is arranged vertically above the predefined area 05 so that the fluid converts potential energy to kinetic energy as it moves towards the pre-defined area 05. The fluid flow from the fluid flow output 03 will, in use, substantially cover the nodules 11 shown on the surface of the pre-defined area 05.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01 in which the pre-defined area 05 is empty of nodules 11. Figure 5 shows a fluid flow output 03, a ramp 09, a depth of the pre-defined area 15, a waste collection area 07 and a connection to a sewerage system 13. In this Figure the pre-defined area has a depth 15, and is shown empty of nodules 11. This shows the apparatus as it may be manufactured before nodules 11 are added. The base of the depth of the pre-defined areal 5 is shown as being angled. This may allow any water that passes through the surface of the pre-defined area to reach the bottom of the pre-defined area, where it may exit through a filter (shown in Figure 11).

Figure 6 shows a rear view of the apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01. A ramp 09, the depth of the pre-defined area 15, a drainage point 19 at the bottom of the pre-defined area, the waste collection area 07, and a water inlet 17 are shown. The drainage point 19 at the bottom of the pre-defined area may allow any water that penetrates through the surface of the pre-defined area to drain out. This may avoid it becoming stagnant and developing an odour, or becoming a hazard. The fluid inlet 17 is also shown. This may connect the fluid flow output 03 with a fluid source. This may for instance be the mains water system, or it may be a water tower, a reservoir, a stream, spring, or other natural supply of fluid. Between the fluid flow output 03 and the fluid inlet 17 there may be an intermediary fluid tank. This may be relatively small in volume, but may store the volume of fluid required for one or two uses to remove the faeces in the pre-defined area 05 once the presence of an animal within the pre-defined area 05 is detected. The fluid flow inlet 17 may then only fill the intermediary fluid reservoir periodically. Alternatively the fluid inlet 17 may directly delivery fluid to the fluid flow output 03 when it is required and no intermediary tank may be present.

Figure 7 shows the apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01 in situ. The fluid flow output 03, ramp 09, pre-defined area 05, plurality of nodules 11, and waste collection area 07 are all shown. The apparatus 01 may be positioned for example in a park, public space, or in a garden. In embodiments with a depth of the pre-defined area 15 the depth may be positioned beneath the level of the ground so that the pre-defined area 05 is level with the surface of the ground. In embodiments in which the pre-defined area 05 is substantially flat (such as those with fixed nodules 11) the pre-defined area 05 may sit on top of the ground.

This may help the animals access the pre-defined area 05. Similarly the connection with the sewerage system 13 may be positioned below the ground level. Typically waste systems are positioned below ground level so this may aid connection between the waste collection area 07 and the sewerage system. The fluid inlet 17 may be positioned either above or below the surface level, dependent on where the water source is positioned. When in situ as shown the apparatus 01 may comprise a dog toilet. Particularly in parks this may provide an area for dogs to defecate. The dog toilet may also aid with the removal of the faeces.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01. The fluid flow output 03, ramp 09, fluid inlet 17, waste collection area 07, depth of the predefined area 15 and connection to a sewerage system 13 are shown. The depth of the pre-define area 15 is shown in this Figure as being empty, such that no nodules 11 are positioned within the predefined area 05. The base of the pre-defined area is shown as being tilted so that any fluid that passes down into the depth of the pre-defined area can pass out into the connection with the sewerage system 13, to avoid it becoming stagnant. The fluid inlet 17 is shown as being positioned at a height above the ramp 09 and therefore in situ would be positioned above the level of the ground.

Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of an apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01 according to a second embodiment. Figure 9 shows a fluid flow output 03, a fluid inlet 17, a ramp 09, a pre-defined area 05, a plurality of nodules 11, a depth of the pre-defined area 15, a waste collection area 07 and a connection with a sewerage system 13. Figure 10 is substantially similar to Figure 8, except that in Figure 9 the pre-defined area 05 is filled with nodules 11. The nodules 11 may provide a surface for the animals to defecate on. The fluid flow may also pass substantially over the top of all the nodules 11 on the surface of the predefined area 05 when in use. The majority of the fluid flow may pass over the pre-defined area 05 and into the waste collection area 07, however some may pass down through the nodules 11 (which are shown in a packed configuration) into the depth of the pre-defined area 15. The base of the pre-defined area is tilted so that any water passing to the base of the pre-defined area is directed to a drainage point 19 that connects with the connection to the sewerage system 13.

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01. The fluid flow output 03, the fluid inlet 17, the ramp 09, the depth of the pre-defined area 15, the waste collection area 07, the connection with the sewerage system 13 and the drainage point 19 at the bottom of the pre-defined area are shown. The assembly of these components may be performed in any reasonable order.

Figure 11 shows a mesh 21 for use in the apparatus for washing away animal faeces 01.

The mesh 21 may have holes that are large enough for portions of faeces, once broken up by the nodules, to pass through. The holes in the mesh may be small enough to stop any animal legs, or other appendages, from falling into or becoming tapped within the holes. For example the holes may be smaller than the paw of a small dog, such as a Chihuahua. The holes may therefore have a diameter of 1-3cm in some embodiments.

Figure 12 shows a method for using the apparatus for washing away animal faeces. The method comprises sensing the presence of an animal with the pre-defined area 131. The method then comprises sending a signal to the fluid flow outlet to instigate the flow of the fluid so as to wash away any animal faeces located in the pre-defined area 133. The final step shown in Figure 12 is outputting fluid flow from the fluid flow output in response to the signal 135. The fist two steps may be performed by the sensor, and therefore as the third step may be performed by the fluid flow output, this third step may be considered optional.

It will be appreciated from the discussion above that the embodiments shown in the Figures are merely exemplary, and include features which may be generalised, removed or replaced as described herein and as set out in the claims. With reference to the drawings in general, it will be appreciated that schematic functional block diagrams are used to indicate functionality of systems and apparatus described herein. For example, the functionality provided by the means to generate a signal may in whole or in part be provided by the sensor. In addition, the process functionality described may also be provided by devices which are supported by the fluid flow output 03, such as a processor that may control the flow rate. It will be appreciated however that the functionality need not be divided in this way and should not be taken to imply any particular structure of hardware other than that described and claimed below. The function of one or more of the elements shown in the drawings may be further subdivided, and/or distributed throughout apparatus of the disclosure. In some embodiments the function of one or more elements shown in the drawings may be integrated into a single functional unit.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

In some examples, one or more memory elements can store data and/or program instructions used to implement the operations described herein. Embodiments of the disclosure provide tangible, non-transitory storage media comprising program instructions operable to program a processor to perform any one or more of the methods described and/or claimed herein and/or to provide data processing apparatus as described and/or claimed herein.

As described above, the pre-defined area 05 may comprise a base, side walls, and front and back surfaces with an open top. The pre-defined area may be formed from a continuous surface, for example in a bowl configuration. This may be a single surface, or may comprise multiple surfaces. The walls simply need to be sufficient for structural integrity, and may be formed from any suitable material.

The sensor and components of the fluid flow output and any of their constituent parts may be implemented with fixed logic such as assemblies of logic gates or programmable logic such as software and/or computer program instructions executed by a processor. Other kinds of programmable logic include programmable processors, programmable digital logic (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)), an application specific integrated circuit, ASIC, or any other kind of digital logic, software, code, electronic instructions, flash memory, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD ROMs, magnetic or optical cards, other types of machine-readable mediums suitable for storing electronic instructions, or any suitable combination thereof. Such data storage media may also provide a data storage means for use in conjunction with the apparatus to store any data created, for example relating to animals use of the apparatus, or data relating to fluid and energy usage characteristics as a whole.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for washing away animal faeces, the apparatus comprising: sensing means for sensing the presence of an animal within a pre-defined area and means for generating a signal; and a fluid flow outlet comprising means for receiving the signal from the sensing means and means for creating a fluid flow in the pre-defined area in response to the signal; and a waste collection area configured to collect faeces carried by fluid flow from the predefined area to the waste collection area.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow outlet comprises means for creating a non-continuous flow of fluid.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid flow outlet comprises means for creating wave-like fluid flow.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid flow means is raised above the pre-defined area such that the potential energy of fluid at the fluid flow outlet is greater than the potential energy of fluid at the pre-defined area.
5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a ramped portion positioned between the fluid flow outlet and the pre-defined area.
6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the signal from the sensing means comprises a signal indicating an animal has entered the pre-defined area.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the signal from the sensing means comprises a signal indicating that there has been a pre-set time interval since an animal has entered the predefined area.
8. The apparatus of any of claims 1-6, wherein the sensing means is configured to sense that the animal has left the pre-defined area, and the signal from the sensing means indicates that the animal has left the pre-defined area.
9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the pre-defined area comprises a plurality of nodules configured to break up the faeces as the fluid flow pushes the faeces against the nodules, optionally further comprising a motor connected to the pre-defined area, wherein the motor is configured to displace the pre-defined area such that the pre-defined area undergoes a motion to agitate the faeces against the nodules, optionally or alternatively wherein the water pressure of the flow is sufficiently high to agitate the faeces against the nodules.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the nodules are fixed to a surface within the predefined area, such that they have a fixed position.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the nodules are free standing, such that they can move relative to one another within the pre-defined area.
12. The apparatus of claims 9 or 11, wherein the pre-defined area has a depth, and is filled with nodules.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the nodules on the surface of the pre-defined area are larger in volume than the nodules below the surface in the pre-defined area, optionally wherein the nodules below the surface in the pre-defined area form a packed volume.
14. The apparatus of any of claims 9-13, wherein the fluid flow is configured to cover the top of the nodules on the surface of the pre-defined area.
15. The apparatus of claim any one of claims 11-14, further comprising a fluid inlet at the base of the pre-defined area configured to allow fluid to drain out of the pre-defined area.
16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the waste collection area is connected to 15 a sewerage system
17. The apparatus of claim 16, when dependent on claim 15, wherein the fluid inlet at the base of the pre-defined area drains into the sewage system.
18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing means is configured to detect the presence of multiple animals within the pre-defined area, and preferably is further configured to detect that the last animal has left the pre-defined area.
19. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a stimulating means, configured to attract animals to the pre-defined area, and such that they may be classically conditioned so that upon interacting with the stimulating means the animal is encouraged to defecate.
20. A method for automatically washing away animal faeces, the method comprising the steps of: sensing the presence of an animal within a pre-defined area; sending a signal to the fluid flow outlet to instigate the flow of fluid so as to wash away any animal faeces located within the pre-defined area.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the signal is sent a pre-set time after sensing the presence of an animal in pre-defined area.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising sensing that the animal has left the predefined area.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the signal is sent in response to sensing that the animal has left the pre-defined area.
24. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to perform the method of any of claims 19-23.
25. A dog toilet area, further comprising the apparatus of any of claims 1-19.