US20010025910A1 - Retaining apparatus for pet waste pad - Google Patents
Retaining apparatus for pet waste pad Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010025910A1 US20010025910A1 US09/788,462 US78846201A US2001025910A1 US 20010025910 A1 US20010025910 A1 US 20010025910A1 US 78846201 A US78846201 A US 78846201A US 2001025910 A1 US2001025910 A1 US 2001025910A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- securing
- absorptive sheet
- base
- base member
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 title description 8
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 claims description 30
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 claims description 30
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 13
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 5
- 241000282472 Canis lupus familiaris Species 0.000 description 4
- 239000010828 animal waste Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001066 destructive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000019645 odor Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000002700 urine Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus for securely retaining absorbent sheets or pads for use in collecting and disposing of pet wastes.
- the present invention relates to a device for securely retaining a disposable, absorbent sheet in a leakproof reservoir.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,673 proposes a chamber pot for pets in which a water-absorptive sheet can be laid over a soil bed surrounded by peripheral walls.
- the water-absorptive sheet is drawn out of a roll, cut and laid on the soil bed.
- a presser frame hinged to the soil bed is then lowered and engaged with a locking device.
- the bottom face of the presser frame presses and clamps the periphery of the sheet placed on the soil bed.
- the chamber pot requires a complicated structure in order to retain the absorptive sheet in a tray. This can lead to higher costs and a complicated manufacturing process.
- a pet can readily dislodge the absorptive sheet from the frame.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,320 relates to a sanitary receptacle for animal waste that is formed of three concentric hoops and a sheet of thin flexible material, such as newspaper.
- the newspaper is spread over the inner hoop and then captured in an annular space between the inner and center hoops when the center hoop is placed over the inner hoop.
- This assembly is then inverted and the outer hoop is pushed over the newspaper and the center hoop, thereby capturing the newspaper between the center and outer hoops.
- nothing is disposed between the newspaper and the floor, so animal waste can leak through to the floor surface. Further, assembly of the device is complex, requiring multiple steps to secure the newspaper within the three hoops.
- an apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a base member, a securing member and at least one clip.
- the base member has a bottom layer and an upstanding wall, with the bottom layer and the upstanding wall defining a reservoir.
- the securing member includes an upper surface and two depending legs for receiving the upstanding wall of the base member.
- the absorptive sheet is removably secured at at least portions of its periphery between the base member and the securing member to hold the absorptive sheet against the bottom layer of the base member. At least one end of the absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the upstanding wall.
- the clip connects the securing member to the base member.
- an apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes base means, securing means and connection means.
- the base means receives the absorptive sheet.
- the securing means secures the absorptive sheet between the base means and the securing means, with the securing means establishing at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet.
- the connection means connects the securing means to the base means.
- an apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes base means, securing means and connection means.
- the base means receives the absorptive sheet, with the base means including a bottom layer and an upstanding wall.
- the securing means engages the base means and secures the absorptive sheet between the base means and the securing means.
- the securing means includes an upper surface and two depending legs, with the absorptive sheet being removably secured at at least portions of its periphery between the base means and the securing means to hold the absorptive sheet against the bottom layer of the base means. At least one end of the absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the upstanding wall.
- the connection means connects the securing means to the base means.
- an apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a base member, a securing member and at least one clip.
- the base member receives the absorptive sheet, with the base member including an upstanding wall along its periphery.
- the securing member includes a recessed wall for receiving the upstanding wall of the base member and securing the absorptive sheet between the securing member and the base member, with the securing member establishing at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet.
- the clip connects the securing member to the base member.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of the base member of the retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of the retaining frame of the retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of the grid accessory of the retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a modification of the retaining apparatus.
- the retaining assembly of the present invention includes a base member 10 and a retaining frame 20 for retaining an absorbent sheet or pad 30 .
- Base member 10 includes four upstanding walls 12 that are connected to a bottom layer 14 . Walls 12 and bottom layer 14 form a liquid impermeable reservoir or tray for retaining liquid.
- the exterior peripheral surfaces 16 of upstanding walls 12 are optionally concave in cross-section as shown in FIG. 3. The concave surfaces 16 aid in securing retaining frame 20 to base member 10 , as will become more apparent.
- base member 10 is rectangular, but the present invention is not limited to this particular shape. Any geometric or freeform shape can be used. A rectangular shape is preferred, however, because when newspaper is used as the absorbent material, the retaining assembly can take advantage of the typically rectangular shape of newspaper to efficiently use the entire surface of the newspaper. Also, many disposable absorbent pads on the market for use in collecting animal wastes are also rectangular in shape. Moreover, a rectangular-shaped assembly can be conveniently placed in any corner of a room.
- Base member 10 can be formed of any material that is impervious to fluid. Non-porous materials are preferred for sanitary reasons because they can be easily cleaned.
- the base member is formed of plastic with walls 12 and bottom layer 14 being integrally formed. If desired, an anti-skid material can be placed on the bottom surface of base member 10 to keep it from sliding across the floor. Also, the upper surface of bottom layer 14 can be textured, so the pet will not slip, and include ridges 17 to help grip absorbent pad 30 .
- the dimensions of the retaining assembly are not limited.
- the base member is 17.5 ⁇ 19.5 inches, and upstanding walls 12 are about 1 inch high. It has been found that this particular size can comfortably accommodate puppies of average size and smaller adult dogs, such as those of the toy group or under about 20 pounds.
- Retaining frame 20 is of a shape similar to bottom tray 10 , namely, rectangular, in the preferred embodiment. Retaining frame 20 is also of substantially the same size as the base member 10 .
- retaining frame 20 includes four sides 22 . As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, each side 22 generally has an identical cross-section with an upper surface 24 and two legs depending therefrom, an interior depending leg 26 and an exterior depending leg 28 . Thus, the cross-section of each side of retaining frame 20 is substantially C-shaped.
- the C-shaped design of retaining frame 20 is sized to receive walls 12 of base member 10 in a compression fit.
- the distance between interior leg 26 and exterior leg 28 should be approximately equal to or slightly less than the width of wall 12 of base member 10 .
- retaining frame 20 is formed of a flexible material, thereby enabling legs 26 , 28 to resiliently engage walls 12 .
- retaining frame 20 can be formed of a plastic material similar to that forming base member 10 .
- Exterior leg 28 can include a compression lip 29 at its free end for defining a rigid line of contact between exterior legs 28 of sides 22 of retaining frame 20 and the exterior surfaces of walls 12 of base member 10 .
- Compression lip 29 also can seat in the center of the concave surfaces 16 of upstanding walls 12 of base member 10 so as to lock retaining frame 20 onto base member 10 .
- one or more retaining clips can be provided on retaining frame 20 or base member 10 .
- a pair of retaining clips 25 are provided on opposite ends of retaining frame 20 for engaging recesses or openings 15 in base member 10 .
- Each clip 25 is preferably hinged to retaining frame 20 as shown in FIG. 6 so as to be rotatable about hinge 25 a .
- Each clip 25 further includes a pawl 25 b for engaging recess 15 .
- pawl 25 b is forced through opening 15 to engage an inner wall of upstanding wall 12 .
- Clip 25 thus latches retaining frame 20 onto base member 10 .
- This latching can be the sole means of connection between retaining frame 20 and base member 10 or can be used in conjunction with the compression fit between the two elements as a primary or secondary connection.
- the shape of upstanding walls 12 of base member 10 and the shape of retaining frame 20 need not be rectilinear. As shown in FIG. 6, their shapes can be curved.
- each area of peripheral pressure contact applies substantially equal pressure along a linear area, substantially along the entire periphery of base member 10 .
- four areas of peripheral pressure contact can be established between the edges of interior legs 26 and bottom layer 14 , between the inside surfaces of legs 26 and interior sides of walls 12 , between the underside of upper surfaces 24 and the top surfaces of walls 12 and between compression lip 29 and the outer concave surfaces 16 of walls 12 .
- the retaining assembly of the present invention can be used to retain any type of absorbent sheet materials 30 , including newspapers and well-known waste collection pads, such as pads marketed under the trade name WEE-WEE PADS.
- the absorbent sheets or pads can be applied with a scent attractive to dogs to encourage use of the assembly or contain material for absorbing the odors from pet waste.
- base member 10 is first laid on the floor.
- Absorbent sheet 30 such as newspaper or a waste collection pad, is laid on base member 10 such that the periphery of the absorbent sheet or pad 30 overlies walls 12 equally. That is, the absorbent sheet or pad is centered on base member 10 .
- Retaining frame 20 is then aligned with base member 10 , with absorptive sheet or pad 30 disposed therebetween, and firmly pressed along its periphery to engage legs 26 , 28 with walls 12 of base member 10 . If retaining clips 25 are used, they are engaged with recesses 15 of base member 10 .
- absorbent sheet or pad 30 is forced into the shape shown more clearly in FIG. 3.
- the central portion of the absorbent sheet or pad is forced against bottom layer 14 of base member 10 in a substantially flat manner by the free edges of interior legs 26 of retaining frame 20 .
- At least portions of the perimeter of the absorbent sheet or pad 30 is securely trapped between walls 12 of base member 10 and retaining frame 20 at the multiple areas of peripheral pressure contact.
- the assembled retaining assembly is positioned at a predetermined location in a room.
- the pet is then encouraged to walk onto the retaining assembly and relieve itself on the absorbent pad.
- all waste liquids are intended to be absorbed by the absorbent sheet or pad, any leakage that may occur will be retained by the reservoir of base member 10 and not soil the floor.
- base member 10 is grasped and retaining frame 20 is pulled off of the base member. If retaining clips 25 are provided, they are unclipped from base member 10 before retaining frame 20 is pulled off of the base member. The soiled sheet can then be lifted off of base member 10 and discarded, and a fresh sheet mounted in its place.
- Another feature of the present invention is to provide a thin, flexible protective grid or mesh 40 , as shown in FIG. 5, for placement over absorbent sheets or pads 30 .
- protective grid 40 is formed of a material durable enough to withstand scratching by a pet's claws, yet sufficiently soft or thin as not to be uncomfortable to a pet standing thereon. Examples of such materials include nylons, Teflon® or thin yet strong metallic mesh.
- Protective grid 40 is preferably of the same size as absorbent sheets or pads 30 and can be placed over an absorbent sheet or pad before retaining frame 20 is positioned over base member 10 . Thus, protective grid 40 can be retained in the retaining assembly in the same manner as the absorbent sheets or pads 30 .
- protective grid 40 is intended to be reused and cleaned when desired, if worn out it can also be disposed of along with a soiled absorbent sheet or pad.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a base member, a securing member and at least one clip. The base member has a bottom layer and an upstanding wall, with the bottom layer and the upstanding wall defining a reservoir. The securing member includes an upper surface and two depending legs for receiving the upstanding wall of the base member. The absorptive sheet is removably secured at at least portions of its periphery between the base member and the securing member to hold the absorptive sheet against the bottom layer of the base member. At least one end of the absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the upstanding wall. The clip connects the securing member to the base member.
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/537,871, filed Mar. 29, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/154,860, filed Sep. 16, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,247.
- Not Applicable
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an apparatus for securely retaining absorbent sheets or pads for use in collecting and disposing of pet wastes. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for securely retaining a disposable, absorbent sheet in a leakproof reservoir.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Many devices have been proposed to aid in housebreaking of pets and, in particular, dogs. When indoors, it is desirable for the pets to urinate and defecate at a single, predetermined location. Several methods and devices have been proposed to provide a disposable waste collector at the predetermined location.
- Traditionally, newspapers have been laid on the floor for a dog's use. Although newspapers are absorbent, unrestrained newspapers can easily scatter when exposed to drafts or can be scattered or torn by a playful or destructive animal. Another drawback of newspapers is that they readily leak through to the floor surface upon which they are laid.
- To eliminate the leaking problem, several absorbent pads have been proposed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,626,899; 4,800,677; and 5,630,376 all describe collection pads including at least one layer of absorbent material and a backing layer of material that is impervious to fluid so as to preclude urine from leaking through the pad to the surface of the floor. However, although these devices can preclude fluid leakage, when unrestrained, they, too, can be readily scattered or torn by drafts or pets.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,673 proposes a chamber pot for pets in which a water-absorptive sheet can be laid over a soil bed surrounded by peripheral walls. The water-absorptive sheet is drawn out of a roll, cut and laid on the soil bed. A presser frame hinged to the soil bed is then lowered and engaged with a locking device. The bottom face of the presser frame presses and clamps the periphery of the sheet placed on the soil bed. However, the chamber pot requires a complicated structure in order to retain the absorptive sheet in a tray. This can lead to higher costs and a complicated manufacturing process. Further, because there is only a single line of peripheral contact between the presser frame and the periphery of the absorptive sheet, a pet can readily dislodge the absorptive sheet from the frame.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,320 relates to a sanitary receptacle for animal waste that is formed of three concentric hoops and a sheet of thin flexible material, such as newspaper. The newspaper is spread over the inner hoop and then captured in an annular space between the inner and center hoops when the center hoop is placed over the inner hoop. This assembly is then inverted and the outer hoop is pushed over the newspaper and the center hoop, thereby capturing the newspaper between the center and outer hoops. However, in this device nothing is disposed between the newspaper and the floor, so animal waste can leak through to the floor surface. Further, assembly of the device is complex, requiring multiple steps to secure the newspaper within the three hoops.
- It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a leakproof apparatus for securely and reliably retaining a disposable, absorptive sheet for receiving pet waste matter.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a low-cost apparatus of simple design and ease of manufacture for securely retaining such disposable, absorptive sheets.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide an easily-assembled apparatus for securely retaining such disposable, absorptive sheets.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for securely retaining such disposable, absorptive sheets and for preventing the sheets from being dislodged or damaged by the pet.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a base member, a securing member and at least one clip. The base member has a bottom layer and an upstanding wall, with the bottom layer and the upstanding wall defining a reservoir. The securing member includes an upper surface and two depending legs for receiving the upstanding wall of the base member. The absorptive sheet is removably secured at at least portions of its periphery between the base member and the securing member to hold the absorptive sheet against the bottom layer of the base member. At least one end of the absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the upstanding wall. The clip connects the securing member to the base member.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes base means, securing means and connection means. The base means receives the absorptive sheet. The securing means secures the absorptive sheet between the base means and the securing means, with the securing means establishing at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet. The connection means connects the securing means to the base means.
- According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes base means, securing means and connection means. The base means receives the absorptive sheet, with the base means including a bottom layer and an upstanding wall. The securing means engages the base means and secures the absorptive sheet between the base means and the securing means. The securing means includes an upper surface and two depending legs, with the absorptive sheet being removably secured at at least portions of its periphery between the base means and the securing means to hold the absorptive sheet against the bottom layer of the base means. At least one end of the absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the upstanding wall. The connection means connects the securing means to the base means.
- According to still another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a base member, a securing member and at least one clip. The base member receives the absorptive sheet, with the base member including an upstanding wall along its periphery. The securing member includes a recessed wall for receiving the upstanding wall of the base member and securing the absorptive sheet between the securing member and the base member, with the securing member establishing at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet. The clip connects the securing member to the base member.
- The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of the base member of the retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of the retaining frame of the retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of the grid accessory of the retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention; and
- FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a modification of the retaining apparatus.
- Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the retaining assembly of the present invention includes a
base member 10 and a retainingframe 20 for retaining an absorbent sheet orpad 30.Base member 10 includes fourupstanding walls 12 that are connected to abottom layer 14.Walls 12 andbottom layer 14 form a liquid impermeable reservoir or tray for retaining liquid. The exteriorperipheral surfaces 16 ofupstanding walls 12 are optionally concave in cross-section as shown in FIG. 3. The concave surfaces 16 aid in securing retainingframe 20 tobase member 10, as will become more apparent. - In the preferred embodiment,
base member 10 is rectangular, but the present invention is not limited to this particular shape. Any geometric or freeform shape can be used. A rectangular shape is preferred, however, because when newspaper is used as the absorbent material, the retaining assembly can take advantage of the typically rectangular shape of newspaper to efficiently use the entire surface of the newspaper. Also, many disposable absorbent pads on the market for use in collecting animal wastes are also rectangular in shape. Moreover, a rectangular-shaped assembly can be conveniently placed in any corner of a room. -
Base member 10 can be formed of any material that is impervious to fluid. Non-porous materials are preferred for sanitary reasons because they can be easily cleaned. Preferably, the base member is formed of plastic withwalls 12 andbottom layer 14 being integrally formed. If desired, an anti-skid material can be placed on the bottom surface ofbase member 10 to keep it from sliding across the floor. Also, the upper surface ofbottom layer 14 can be textured, so the pet will not slip, and includeridges 17 to help gripabsorbent pad 30. - The dimensions of the retaining assembly are not limited. In the preferred embodiment, the base member is 17.5×19.5 inches, and
upstanding walls 12 are about 1 inch high. It has been found that this particular size can comfortably accommodate puppies of average size and smaller adult dogs, such as those of the toy group or under about 20 pounds. - Retaining
frame 20 is of a shape similar tobottom tray 10, namely, rectangular, in the preferred embodiment. Retainingframe 20 is also of substantially the same size as thebase member 10. In the preferred embodiment, retainingframe 20 includes foursides 22. As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, eachside 22 generally has an identical cross-section with anupper surface 24 and two legs depending therefrom, aninterior depending leg 26 and anexterior depending leg 28. Thus, the cross-section of each side of retainingframe 20 is substantially C-shaped. - The C-shaped design of retaining
frame 20 is sized to receivewalls 12 ofbase member 10 in a compression fit. In particular, the distance betweeninterior leg 26 andexterior leg 28 should be approximately equal to or slightly less than the width ofwall 12 ofbase member 10. Thus, when retainingframe 20 is pressed into engagement withbase member 10, the compression fit will be established betweenlegs sides 22 of retainingframe 20 andwalls 12 ofbase member 10. - Preferably, retaining
frame 20 is formed of a flexible material, thereby enablinglegs walls 12. For example, retainingframe 20 can be formed of a plastic material similar to that formingbase member 10.Exterior leg 28 can include acompression lip 29 at its free end for defining a rigid line of contact betweenexterior legs 28 ofsides 22 of retainingframe 20 and the exterior surfaces ofwalls 12 ofbase member 10.Compression lip 29 also can seat in the center of theconcave surfaces 16 ofupstanding walls 12 ofbase member 10 so as to lock retainingframe 20 ontobase member 10. - In place of, or in addition to, the compression fit between retaining
frame 20 andbase member 10, one or more retaining clips can be provided on retainingframe 20 orbase member 10. In the shown embodiment, a pair of retainingclips 25 are provided on opposite ends of retainingframe 20 for engaging recesses oropenings 15 inbase member 10. Eachclip 25 is preferably hinged to retainingframe 20 as shown in FIG. 6 so as to be rotatable about hinge 25 a. Eachclip 25 further includes a pawl 25 b for engagingrecess 15. In particular, whenclip 25 is rotated from its solid line position in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6, pawl 25 b is forced through opening 15 to engage an inner wall ofupstanding wall 12.Clip 25 thus latches retainingframe 20 ontobase member 10. This latching can be the sole means of connection between retainingframe 20 andbase member 10 or can be used in conjunction with the compression fit between the two elements as a primary or secondary connection. - As shown in FIG. 6, the shape of
upstanding walls 12 ofbase member 10 and the shape of retainingframe 20 need not be rectilinear. As shown in FIG. 6, their shapes can be curved. - When retaining
frame 20 is secured ontobase member 10, several areas of peripheral pressure contact are established. Each area of peripheral pressure contact applies substantially equal pressure along a linear area, substantially along the entire periphery ofbase member 10. In particular, four areas of peripheral pressure contact can be established between the edges ofinterior legs 26 andbottom layer 14, between the inside surfaces oflegs 26 and interior sides ofwalls 12, between the underside ofupper surfaces 24 and the top surfaces ofwalls 12 and betweencompression lip 29 and the outerconcave surfaces 16 ofwalls 12. - The retaining assembly of the present invention can be used to retain any type of
absorbent sheet materials 30, including newspapers and well-known waste collection pads, such as pads marketed under the trade name WEE-WEE PADS. The absorbent sheets or pads can be applied with a scent attractive to dogs to encourage use of the assembly or contain material for absorbing the odors from pet waste. - In assembling the retaining apparatus of the present invention,
base member 10 is first laid on the floor.Absorbent sheet 30, such as newspaper or a waste collection pad, is laid onbase member 10 such that the periphery of the absorbent sheet orpad 30 overlieswalls 12 equally. That is, the absorbent sheet or pad is centered onbase member 10. Retainingframe 20 is then aligned withbase member 10, with absorptive sheet orpad 30 disposed therebetween, and firmly pressed along its periphery to engagelegs walls 12 ofbase member 10. If retaining clips 25 are used, they are engaged withrecesses 15 ofbase member 10. - When
base member 10 and retainingframe 20 are attached, absorbent sheet orpad 30 is forced into the shape shown more clearly in FIG. 3. In particular, the central portion of the absorbent sheet or pad is forced againstbottom layer 14 ofbase member 10 in a substantially flat manner by the free edges ofinterior legs 26 of retainingframe 20. At least portions of the perimeter of the absorbent sheet orpad 30 is securely trapped betweenwalls 12 ofbase member 10 and retainingframe 20 at the multiple areas of peripheral pressure contact. By establishing multiple peripheral areas of pressure contact, namely, two to four in the preferred embodiments, absorbent sheet orpad 30 is securely retained within the retaining assembly of the present invention. - The assembled retaining assembly is positioned at a predetermined location in a room. The pet is then encouraged to walk onto the retaining assembly and relieve itself on the absorbent pad. Although all waste liquids are intended to be absorbed by the absorbent sheet or pad, any leakage that may occur will be retained by the reservoir of
base member 10 and not soil the floor. To remove a soiled absorbent sheet or pad,base member 10 is grasped and retainingframe 20 is pulled off of the base member. If retaining clips 25 are provided, they are unclipped frombase member 10 before retainingframe 20 is pulled off of the base member. The soiled sheet can then be lifted off ofbase member 10 and discarded, and a fresh sheet mounted in its place. - If the absorbent sheets or
pads 30 are left exposed on the retaining assembly, the pet may tear the material with its claws or teeth. Placing a grate within the retaining assembly and over the absorbent sheet or pad can protect the sheet or pad, but its uneven surface may discourage the pet from standing on and utilizing the assembly. Accordingly, another feature of the present invention is to provide a thin, flexible protective grid ormesh 40, as shown in FIG. 5, for placement over absorbent sheets orpads 30. - Preferably,
protective grid 40 is formed of a material durable enough to withstand scratching by a pet's claws, yet sufficiently soft or thin as not to be uncomfortable to a pet standing thereon. Examples of such materials include nylons, Teflon® or thin yet strong metallic mesh.Protective grid 40 is preferably of the same size as absorbent sheets orpads 30 and can be placed over an absorbent sheet or pad before retainingframe 20 is positioned overbase member 10. Thus,protective grid 40 can be retained in the retaining assembly in the same manner as the absorbent sheets orpads 30. Althoughprotective grid 40 is intended to be reused and cleaned when desired, if worn out it can also be disposed of along with a soiled absorbent sheet or pad. - Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in connection with the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims (29)
1. An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet, said apparatus comprising:
a base member having a bottom layer and an upstanding wall, said bottom layer and said upstanding wall defining a reservoir;
a securing member comprising an upper surface and two depending legs for receiving said upstanding wall of said base member, the absorptive sheet being removably secured at at least portions of its periphery between said base member and said securing member to hold the absorptive sheet against the bottom layer of said base member, wherein at least one end of the absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the upstanding wall; and
at least one clip for connecting said securing member to said base member.
2. An apparatus according to , wherein said clip is hinged to said securing member and is rotatable into engagement with a recess in said base member.
claim 1
3. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing member holds the absorptive sheet flat against the bottom layer of said base member.
claim 1
4. An apparatus according to , wherein the perimeters of said base member and said securing member are rectangular.
claim 1
5. An apparatus according to , further comprising a flexible protective grid secured between said base member and said securing member on the absorptive sheet.
claim 1
6. An apparatus according to , wherein said two depending legs of said securing member include an exterior depending leg and an interior depending leg, and said exterior depending leg includes a compression lip at its lower edge, said compression lip projecting toward said interior depending leg and defining a line of contact along the perimeter of the absorptive sheet.
claim 1
7. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing member and said base member establish at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet.
claim 1
8. An apparatus according to , wherein said two depending legs of said securing member include an exterior depending leg and an interior depending leg, and areas of peripheral pressure contact are established between said upstanding wall of said base member and said exterior depending leg, said interior depending leg and said upper surface of said securing member.
claim 7
9. An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet, said apparatus comprising:
base means for receiving the absorptive sheet;
securing means for securing the absorptive sheet between said base means and said securing means, said securing means establishing at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet; and
connection means for connecting said securing means to said base means.
10. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing means establishes at least three areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least the portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet.
claim 9
11. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing means establishes at least four areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet.
claim 9
12. An apparatus according to , wherein said base means defines a reservoir for retaining fluid.
claim 9
13. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing means holds the absorptive sheet flat against a bottom surface of said base means.
claim 9
14. An apparatus according to , wherein the perimeters of said base means and said securing means are rectangular.
claim 9
15. An apparatus according to , further comprising a flexible protective grid secured between said base means and said securing means on the absorptive sheet.
claim 9
16. An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet, said apparatus comprising:
base means for receiving the absorptive sheet, said base means including a bottom layer and an upstanding wall;
securing means for engaging said base means and securing the absorptive sheet between said base means and said securing means, said securing means comprising an upper surface and two depending legs, the absorptive sheet being removably secured at at least portions of its periphery between said base means and said securing means to hold the absorptive sheet against the bottom layer of said base means, wherein at least one end of the absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the upstanding wall; and
connection means for connecting said securing means to said base means.
17. An apparatus according to , wherein said base means defines a reservoir.
claim 16
18. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing means holds the absorptive sheet flat against the bottom surface of said base means.
claim 16
19. An apparatus according to , wherein the perimeters of said base means and said securing means are rectangular.
claim 16
20. An apparatus according to , further comprising a flexible protective grid secured between said base means and said securing means on the absorbent sheet.
claim 16
21. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing means and said base means establish at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet.
claim 16
22. An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet, said apparatus comprising:
a base member for receiving the absorptive sheet, said base member including an upstanding wall along its periphery;
a securing member including a recessed wall for receiving said upstanding wall of said base member and securing the absorptive sheet between said securing member and said base member, said securing member establishing at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet; and
at least one clip for connecting said securing member to said base member.
23. An apparatus according to , wherein said clip is hinged to said securing member and is rotatable into engagement with a recess in said base member.
claim 22
24. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing member establishes at least three areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least the portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet.
claim 22
25. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing member establishes at least four areas of peripheral pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet.
claim 22
26. An apparatus according to , wherein said base member further comprises a bottom layer cooperating with said upstanding wall to define a reservoir for retaining fluid.
claim 22
27. An apparatus according to , wherein said securing member holds the absorptive sheet flat against said bottom layer of said base member.
claim 26
28. An apparatus according to , wherein the perimeters of said base member and said securing member are rectangular.
claim 22
29. An apparatus according to , further comprising a flexible protective grid secured between said base member and said securing member on the absorbent sheet.
claim 21
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/788,462 US20010025910A1 (en) | 1998-09-16 | 2001-02-21 | Retaining apparatus for pet waste pad |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/154,860 US6059247A (en) | 1998-09-16 | 1998-09-16 | Retaining apparatus for pet waste pad |
US53787100A | 2000-03-29 | 2000-03-29 | |
US09/788,462 US20010025910A1 (en) | 1998-09-16 | 2001-02-21 | Retaining apparatus for pet waste pad |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US53787100A Continuation-In-Part | 1998-09-16 | 2000-03-29 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010025910A1 true US20010025910A1 (en) | 2001-10-04 |
Family
ID=26851833
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/788,462 Abandoned US20010025910A1 (en) | 1998-09-16 | 2001-02-21 | Retaining apparatus for pet waste pad |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20010025910A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6550423B1 (en) | 2002-04-01 | 2003-04-22 | The Bramton Company | Dog waste disposal pad holder |
US20080072834A1 (en) * | 2006-09-22 | 2008-03-27 | Judith Makem | Electronic Housebreaking Systems & Methods |
WO2009009101A1 (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2009-01-15 | Alice Ruttler | Shower chair dignity mat |
GB2470646A (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2010-12-01 | Four Paws Products Ltd | An animal waste pad holder |
US20110100301A1 (en) * | 2008-07-07 | 2011-05-05 | Roger Trussardi | Pet litter box |
US20140299068A1 (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2014-10-09 | Todd Kupka | Pet Training Apparatus and Waste Receptacle |
US9980462B2 (en) * | 2016-06-19 | 2018-05-29 | Julio Cesar Goncalves | Vertical urine pad holder for canines |
US10219487B2 (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2019-03-05 | Unicharm Corporation | Pet toilet sheet cover member and pet toilet using same |
US10561263B2 (en) * | 2016-12-12 | 2020-02-18 | Sak Group Llc | Absorbent pad holder and containment system |
US11197458B1 (en) * | 2019-02-24 | 2021-12-14 | Launch Lab, Inc. | Bodily waste collection device for pets and humans |
US11278143B2 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2022-03-22 | Sak Group Llc | Absorbent pad holder and containment system |
US11382304B2 (en) * | 2020-09-17 | 2022-07-12 | Toni Partlow | Pet pee pad pen assembly |
USD975940S1 (en) * | 2020-12-02 | 2023-01-17 | Brian J P Grant | Pet urine pad |
-
2001
- 2001-02-21 US US09/788,462 patent/US20010025910A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6550423B1 (en) | 2002-04-01 | 2003-04-22 | The Bramton Company | Dog waste disposal pad holder |
US20080072834A1 (en) * | 2006-09-22 | 2008-03-27 | Judith Makem | Electronic Housebreaking Systems & Methods |
US8122527B2 (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2012-02-28 | Alice Ruttler | Shower chair dignity mat |
WO2009009101A1 (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2009-01-15 | Alice Ruttler | Shower chair dignity mat |
US20090019631A1 (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2009-01-22 | Alice Ruttler | Shower chair dignity mat |
US8505486B2 (en) * | 2008-07-07 | 2013-08-13 | Roger Trussardi | Pet litter box |
US20110100301A1 (en) * | 2008-07-07 | 2011-05-05 | Roger Trussardi | Pet litter box |
US20100300367A1 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2010-12-02 | Four Paws Products , Ltd. | Animal waste pad holder |
US8113146B2 (en) | 2009-05-27 | 2012-02-14 | Four Paws Products, Ltd. | Animal waste pad holder |
GB2470646B (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2013-06-12 | Four Paws Products Ltd | Animal waste pad holder |
GB2470646A (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2010-12-01 | Four Paws Products Ltd | An animal waste pad holder |
US20140299068A1 (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2014-10-09 | Todd Kupka | Pet Training Apparatus and Waste Receptacle |
US9750224B2 (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2017-09-05 | Todd Kupka | Pet training apparatus and waste receptacle |
US10219487B2 (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2019-03-05 | Unicharm Corporation | Pet toilet sheet cover member and pet toilet using same |
US9980462B2 (en) * | 2016-06-19 | 2018-05-29 | Julio Cesar Goncalves | Vertical urine pad holder for canines |
US10561263B2 (en) * | 2016-12-12 | 2020-02-18 | Sak Group Llc | Absorbent pad holder and containment system |
US11278143B2 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2022-03-22 | Sak Group Llc | Absorbent pad holder and containment system |
US11197458B1 (en) * | 2019-02-24 | 2021-12-14 | Launch Lab, Inc. | Bodily waste collection device for pets and humans |
US11382304B2 (en) * | 2020-09-17 | 2022-07-12 | Toni Partlow | Pet pee pad pen assembly |
USD975940S1 (en) * | 2020-12-02 | 2023-01-17 | Brian J P Grant | Pet urine pad |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |