WO2024011302A1

WO2024011302A1 - Toilet for pets

Info

Publication number: WO2024011302A1
Application number: PCT/BR2023/050229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabio Gaspar De CARVALHO; Lara Crestani Menezes LORGA; Leinir De Jesus Gaspar De CARVALHO
Original assignee: Carvalho Fabio Gaspar De; Lorga Lara Crestani Menezes; Carvalho Leinir De Jesus Gaspar De
Priority date: 2022-07-09
Filing date: 2023-07-04
Publication date: 2024-01-18
Also published as: BR102022013708A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel toilet intended for use by pets, which solution ensures that the toilet or bathroom device for dogs and cats can be installed in any location in the home, a flexible bag for receiving the liquid from the animal being incorporated into the toilet, wherein said bag has a capacity for holding a predetermined volume of urine and can be disposed of as desired. The bag also receives, on top thereof, a rubberized plastic "mat", on which the animal positions itself, where it can relieve itself of urine or faeces, in the latter case for removal by the pet owner using a small bag or the like. Both the bag and the mat area of this assembly can be cleaned. The invention relates to an alternative technological embodiment, which operates by means of a combination of electromechanical, electronic and wireless communication resources.

Description

TOILET FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS

BRIEF SUMMARY

[001] This patent application for invention refers to a new toilet aimed at the use of domestic animals, the solution of which aims to ensure that the sanitary device or bathroom for dogs and cats can be installed in any domestic location, so as to be Integrated into the toilet is a flexible bag designed to receive liquid from the animal, with this bag having the capacity to hold a certain volume of urine, which can be discarded whenever desired. The bag also has a rubberized plastic “mat” on top, on which the animal positions itself, where it can also do its physiological needs, urine or feces, in the latter case to be collected by the pet owner using a bag or similar. This set can be sanitized, both the bag and the carpet area.

[002] In an alternative, more technological solution, the product includes a pump that forces urine to flow over long distances and regardless of its level. Furthermore, a feature already found in the product in another product from the same applicant is present in this product to be patented, particularly related to the release of water to wash the tray, but this is done automatically and regardless of the distance at which the operator is located. . It is worth highlighting that this product offers internet connectivity, allowing the user to receive notifications via a messaging app on their cell phone, have access to the cleaning process every time their dog or cat goes to the bathroom and schedule pre-determined times for that device. sanitary perform the washing process.

[003] The present invention is aimed at the market for products for domestic animals, the so-called pets, which is accumulating great growth nowadays, and which uses different technologies, primarily simple and, in a constructive option, from the areas of mechanics, electronics, software, electronics , among others.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[004] In the current state of the art, document BR 2020160287915U2, deposited in 12/08/2016 and published on 06/26/2018, entitled "ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A DOG TOILET WITH DISCHARGE CONNECTED TO THE SEWER", which describes a dog toilet configured by a tray, made of rigid material, with concentric recesses for a hole central, from which an elbow with piping for the sewage flows, where the animal's urine drains along with the water from the perimeter of the aforementioned tray, which arrives through the hose connected to the tap and/or reuse water.

[005] Another patent application authored by the applicant himself is BR 10 2018 0731 16 5, filed on 11/09/2018, referring to an AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEANING HYGIENIC TOILETS FOR DOGS, which essentially describes a automated equipment that can be fixed to a wall of a residence, or building balconies, as well as being fixed to the glass of a bathroom shower, using a presence sensor, which is directed to the conventional hygienic toilet for dogs or cats, while that, when the dog passes in front of the aforementioned presence sensor, it sends a signal to its control board, activating its washing cycle which, consequently, activates a solenoid valve that opens the water with disinfectant coming from the dispenser connected to the tap according to what is programmed by its control board, as both are directed to a hose that takes them towards the conventional hygienic toilet.

[006] The equipment described as state of the art, developed by the inventor, comprises bathrooms that drain dog and cat urine into the drain through the action of gravity, with the variation of bathrooms that have an irrigation system for washing. Washing can be activated manually or automatically when associated with a modular product that automates washing using a presence sensor. Products on the market from other sources use materials together with the aim of absorbing urine.

[007] Thus, the products sold by the depositor, based on the process of draining the urine of dogs and cats by gravity, require a nearby drain that is not above the level of the tray drain. Therefore, consumers who do not have homes with such characteristics cannot use the product in order to benefit from the solutions offered. Other options that do not require a household drain require changing materials (paper, diapers, etc.) which often waste time, money and generate waste. Furthermore, none of the products on the market in this area are connected to the internet so that consumers can access how many times their pet urinated in the day, week or month.

SOLUTIONS BROUGHT BY THE INVENTION

[008] The present invention stands out for presenting a plastic tray with a slight inclination of its sides towards the center, where a drain is inserted that communicates, through a flexible plastic hose, with an equally flexible plastic bag, to be positioned over said tray, said bag having a maximum volume of liquid storage, the exhaustion time of which will vary depending on the size of the animal that uses the toilet. There is a type of “spike” for manual coupling on the hose, and a clamp that acts between making the flow free in the hose or interrupting it, in the latter case with the purpose of enabling emptying. In the central part of the tray, especially where the drain is located, there is a counterweight plug that, in one position, allows the free passage of liquid and, in another position, acts as an anti-odor.

[009] In another construction proposed by the invention, it has a pump that forces urine to flow over large distances and regardless of the level. Furthermore, a feature already found in another product from the same applicant is also present in this product to be patented, that is, the release of water to wash the tray. [010] In this last modality, the invention offers internet connectivity, allowing the user to have access to the washing process whenever their dog or cat goes to the bathroom.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[01 1] The objective of this invention is to protect a toilet for domestic animals made up of a tray receiving a mat made of rubberized material made up of modules that fit together until they reach the respective size for the area. surface area of the receiving tray. The animals will do their physiological needs on this mat.

[012] It is also the objective of the invention to propose a flexible plastic bag, connected to the tray's outlet drain by an equally flexible hose, which is coupled to said bag, to be filled with the liquid produced by the pet. This liquid can be disposed of as needed, or when it is completely filled. The flexible bag rests on a flat base, to be positioned under the tray, and is not visible while in use.

[013] Another objective of the invention is to propose a simple and practical means of emptying the flexible plastic bag, when desired or necessary.

[014] In another modality, that is, in a technological version, the invention offers internet connectivity, allowing the user to have access to the washing process whenever their dog or cat goes to the bathroom.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[015] The invention contemplates a new toilet aimed at the use of domestic animals, whose solution aims to ensure that the sanitary device or bathroom for dogs and cats can be installed in any domestic location, so that a flexible bag intended for receive the liquid from the animal, with this bag having the capacity to store a certain volume of urine, and can be discarded whenever desired. The bag also has a rubberized “mat” on top, on which the animal positions itself, where it can also do its physiological needs, in the case of feces to be collected by the pet owner using a bag or similar. This set can be sanitized, both the bag and the carpet area.

[016] In another embodiment, the invention comprises a water solenoid, water pump, button, 12V source, source connector, liquid sensor and LED. The controller board monitors the presence of liquids through the sensor located in the tray drain. Once the presence of liquid in the drain is identified, the controller board activates the pump to suction the accumulated liquid. Then, the plate activates the solenoid valve for a few seconds, allowing water to enter the tray in order to wash it. there. Subsequently, the water pump is activated until the sign indicates that there is no more liquid. Once the cycle is complete, the controller board, once connected to a database, sends time, date and urine volume information to an application. The button through specific commands allows the use of the bathroom in offline mode and manual activation of the bathroom wash.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[017] The invention will now be described in an embodiment, and for better understanding and for illustrative purposes, references will be made to the attached drawings, in which the following are represented:

Fig. 1: Shows, in perspective, a general view of the device in the main embodiment, with the components separated from each other, illustrating the rubber mat and, optionally, on the mat, the natural or synthetic grass;

Fig. 2: Shows, in the main embodiment, the invention in section, illustrating the plastic bag positioned inside the tray;

Fig. 3: Shows, in the main embodiment, the plastic bag on its flat base, outside the tray;

Fig. 4: Shows detail of the “spike” coupling the flexible hose to the flexible bag; Fig. 5: Shows the detail of the clamp applied to the flexible hose, in the liquid passage release position;

Fig. 6: Shows the detail of the clamp applied to the flexible hose, in the position preventing the passage of liquid, for the purpose of emptying said plastic bag;

Fig. 7: Shows the fitting detail of the rubber mat modules;

Fig. 8A: Shows the drain with the plug in perspective;

Fig. 8B: Shows bottom perspective of the plug;

Fig. 9: Shows, in perspective, an overview of the device in the alternative mode, with a rubber mat and, optionally, on the mat, natural or synthetic grass;

Fig. 10: Shows the internal side of the device in the alternative mode, illustrating the components inside; Fig. 1 1: Shows, in perspective, the upper part of the device in the alternative mode, with the water flow (squirts);

Fig. 12: Shows the internal part of the device with arrows indicating water distribution, in the alternative mode;

Fig. 13: Shows, in perspective, the device of the invention with an intelligent module, to be fixed in a strategic location inside the building, in the alternative mode;

Fig. 14: Shows, in perspective, the device of the invention connected directly to the tap, without the smart module, in the alternative mode;

Fig. 15: Shows the internal part of the “intelligent module”;

Fig. 16: Shows, in perspective, the dispenser body with the butterfly lock and sieve, with the filter sieve highlighted, in the alternative mode;

Fig. 17: Shows, in perspective, the dispenser assembled, with the hose and applied to a tap, in the alternative mode;

Fig. 18: Shows the electrical diagram applied to the device object of the invention, in the alternative modality;

Fig. 19: Shows operational flowchart of the device object of the invention, in the alternative modality;

Fig. 20: Shows the operational flowchart of the device object of the invention, including the intelligent module, in the alternative modality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[018] The “TOILET TOILET FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS”, the subject of this invention patent application, comprises a new toilet aimed at the use of domestic animals, whose solution aims to ensure that the sanitary device or bathroom for dogs and cats can be installed in any location household, so that a tray made of plastic material (1) and a flexible bag (2) designed to receive liquid from the animal are integrated into the toilet, with this bag (2) having the capacity to store a certain volume of urine, which can the liquid must be discarded whenever desired; Said bag (2) obtained from radio frequency welding on its sides and supported on a flat base (2') to be arranged under the tray (1). The tray (1) also receives a rubberized “mat” (3) on top of which the animal is positioned, where it can still relieve itself, urine or feces, which is collected by the pet owner using a bag or similar. This set can be sanitized, both the tray (1), bag (2) and the carpet area (3); The design of the mat (3) prevents the animal from getting its paws wet and also prevents falls.

[019] The tray (1) is shown with a slight inclination towards the center, where a drain (4), welded by ultrasound, is provided, which receives the coupling, at its spigot terminal (5), of the flexible hose (6 ), which extends to the flexible plastic bag (2), where a spike (7) is used to perform the coupling and eventual release between the parts. Close to the end of the flexible hose (6), a clamp (8) is provided, preceded by another spike (7), said clamp (8) contains adjustment stages (9), with the aim of pressing said flexible hose (6 ) and, in this way, allow the handling of the flexible plastic bag (2) in order to empty it, or even release the pressure against the aforementioned flexible hose (6) and, thus, allow the free flow of the liquid expelled by the animal.

[020] The tray (1) has a contoured flap (10) of the rubberized type (11) in order to prevent slipping in use, while the drain (4) receives a plug (12) with counterweight, which It acts to release the flow and also prevent the return of odor, among others.

[021] The rubberized mat (3) is positioned on the tray (1), which has support pins (13) on the contact surface, as well as male and female fittings (14) so that the modules (M ) can fit together to form the mat (3) in the size corresponding to the tray (1), the size of which varies depending on the size of the animal using it.

[022] Therefore, when the mat (3) is placed on the tray (1), the animal will do its physiological needs there. Being urine, it drains to the flexible plastic bag (2), where it is stored. This bag (2) has a volume storage capacity; Thus, the animal's owner can wait for it to be filled, or even empty it after each operation, if desired, and if there is availability to do so. That operation is carried out as described above, and can be better understood through figures 1 to 7.

[023] If the animal deposits feces on the carpet (3), they can be removed using a bag, plastic or similar, and it is important to highlight that the rubberized carpet (3) can be washed and sanitized countless times, without compromising its use. or construction.

[024] As can be seen in Figure 9, there is also the possibility of using natural or synthetic grass (15) on the carpet (3).

[025] Figures 9 to 20 show the alternative modality, where a urine sensor (S) is housed in the center of the tray (1) and, on the sides, water release points (16).

[026] Figure 10 also shows connectors (17), which can be on the sides or inside the tray (1). A button with an LED (18) may be attached to the side of the tray (1), indicating, when lit, the operating condition.

[027] The water input connector (17) couples to the solenoid valve (19) and the output connector (20) connects to a water pump (21), said water pump (21) receives the flexible hose (6) coming from the urine sensor (S).

[028] In this embodiment, the water inlet is coupled to a solenoid valve (19) that projects a conduit (22) that connects to the water distribution conduit (23), which, in turn, passes through all points water release - dispersers (24) along the contour of the tray (1) in order to promote water distribution when the device is in operation. The tray (1) is supplied with tap water entering through the water inlet (25) which is regulated through the solenoid valve (19) which is routed to the dispersers (24) through the hoses (27 and 28). The water flows to the elbow drain (29), being pumped through the water pump (21) to the outlet connection (30).

[029] In this embodiment, the invention includes an electronic controller board (31) that connects to the water pump (21), solenoid valve (19), urine sensor (S), button with LED (18). [030] In this alternative modality, a first construction is provided, under the tray (1), where a box (32) is arranged to house the electronic assembly and solenoid valve (19), and the water pump (21).

[031] In this alternative modality, in a second constructive option, the invention can be combined with an intelligent remote module (33), fixed in a strategic location, inside which is the solenoid valve (19), the electronic board (31), the presence sensor (34) and the water entry and exit points, respectively (35) and (35'), as well as the module's electrical supply. Optionally, this intelligent remote module (33) can be connected directly to the tray (1) via the hose (34').

[032] It is also a version of the invention, the use of the flexible bag (2) in bathrooms with and without automation. In the first case, the bag (2) is connected to the water pump through a hose or conduit (B1) that carries urine. In the second case (without automation), the bag (2) is connected directly to the bathroom drain, and the urine will flow into it due to gravity.

[033] In this alternative embodiment, the water inlet receives the water supply hose (M1) which extends from the tray (1) or the intelligent remote module (33) to the dispenser (36) which receives a butterfly lock ( 37) and an internal sieve (37'), with said dispenser (36) coupled to a domestic tap (T).

[034] The dispenser (36) has the function of housing a solid disinfectant which, when in contact with water, will have the function of automatically sanitizing the tray (1) during the washing process. The hose (M1) connected to the dispenser (36) will be connected, as stated, directly to the water inlet in the tray (1). The disinfectant will be inserted into the internal sieve (37'), which is, as mentioned, attached to the dispenser body (36). Then, the body is screwed onto the tap (T) and the hose (M) is fixed to the lower end, which is subsequently locked by the butterfly lock (37).

[035] Still according to the alternative embodiment, the electrical diagram of the invention includes a processing unit (38) provided for on the electronic controller board (31), having a power control unit (39), while the 12V output (40 ) applies to the water pump (21) and solenoid valve (19), while the water inlets and outlets 5V applies to the button with LED (18), wherever it is positioned, button and sensors (S), according to an electronic serial (41). The processing unit (38) communicates, via a wireless interface, with a mobile device or similar, and can be operated via an application.

[036] To this end, Figure 19 illustrates the connected device in block (42); this connected device will, in block (43), search for an available Wi-Fi network; if there are no Wi-Fi networks available, block (44) directs the device to offline mode (45). If there is no registration, block (46) takes the device to said offline mode (45); Once the registered Wi-Fi network (47) is located, the device is taken to the block (48) which places it in online mode.

[037] In this alternative modality, Figure 19 shows the operation diagram of the device of the invention, in which, when the system is in standby (49), the virtual or physical button (50) is read, as well as the sensor reading. urine (S). With the button (18) not activated (51), the system returns to block (50). If the sensor reading (S) determines that there is no urine (50'), the system returns to the block (51).

[038] If the button (18) is activated (52), the water pump (21) is activated in the block (53), the same condition when the block (54) indicates the presence of urine. The water pump (21), through the block (55), reads the sensor, if there is urine, block (56); If the sensor determines that there is no urine, block (57), the solenoid valve (19) is turned on, with the necessary time determined by the application, according to block (50), and the sensor reading is then promoted again through the block (58), if there is liquid (59), returns to block (60); if there is no liquid, according to block (61), the water pump (21) is turned off and pauses for 3 (three) minutes, according to block (62); then, the block (63) determines the connection of the water pump (21) for 20 (twenty) seconds, after which the cycle (64) is completed and returned to the standby condition (49).

[039] Fig. 20 shows the same diagram as Fig. 19, however, with the insertion of the animal presence sensor (65), present in the intelligent remote module (33), whose actuation, for release, requires the actuation of the urine sensor in the automatic toilet model and the presence sensor in the intelligent module. [040] Operationally, the device (1), according to the invention, comprises the sequence:

• Animal pees on the product;

• Bathroom identifies pee and counts the time set by the user, so as not to scare the animal;

• Bathroom turns on the pump and pumps the pee out of the device tray (1);

• Bathroom activates the water inlet to wash the product;

• Water passes through the cleaning stone that is connected to the tap and cleans the product;

• Bathroom pumps the water used for cleaning;

• Bathroom waits for 3 (three) minutes and pumps out any remaining water left on the sensor;

• Bathroom sends data to "cloud application" and messaging application

(whatsapp, telegram, facebook messenger, alexa);

• User receives notification and monitors use of the application remotely;

• Application adjusts bathroom washing time, remote activation and timed activations.

[041] Therefore, the invention stands out for presenting a toilet for animals with a simple, practical, efficient and differentiated construction, which can be used in different locations and transported easily, fully meeting the needs of animals and their owners, who find means to make them comfortable in different situations, especially when they need to be away all day; Furthermore, the invention works to avoid the odor resulting from urine, for example, in addition to having an emptying and sanitizing device that is unprecedented in this segment.

[042] In the alternative, more technological modality, the invention also proves to be innovative, bringing together efficient devices and supporting the acquisition by those who want an increase in technology in their device.

Claims

1 ) “TOILET FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS” comprises a new toilet designed for the use of domestic animals, characterized by a tray made of plastic material (1) and a flexible bag (2) designed to receive liquid from the animal, with this bag ( 2) a capacity to store a certain volume of urine; said bag (2) obtained from radiofrequency welding on its sides and supported on a flat base (2') to be placed under the tray (1), which also receives a rubberized “mat” (3) on top. which the animal positions itself; the tray (1) is shown with a slight inclination towards the center, where a drain (4), welded by ultrasound, is provided, which receives the coupling, at its spigot terminal (5), of the flexible hose (6), the which extends the flexible plastic bag (2), where a spike (7) is used to perform the coupling and eventual release between the parts; near the end of the flexible hose (6), a clamp (8) is provided, preceded by another spike (7), said clamp (8) contains adjustment stages (9), to lock or release the flexible hose (6) and , thus, allowing the retention or free flow of the liquid expelled by the animal.

2) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL TOILET”, according to claim 1, characterized in that the tray (1) has a contoured flap (10) of the rubberized type (11), while the drain (4) receives a plug ( 12) with counterweight, which acts to release the flow and also prevent the return of odor.

3) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL TOILET”, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the rubberized mat (3) is positioned on the tray (1), which has support pins (13) on the contact surface, as well as male and female fittings (14) so that the modules (M) can fit together to form the mat (3) in the size corresponding to the tray (1).

4) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL TOILET”, according to claim 3, characterized in that natural or synthetic grass (15) is used on the carpet (3).

5) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL TOILET”, according to claim 1, characterized in that, in an alternative embodiment, it is housed in the center of the tray (1), a urine sensor (S) and, on the sides, water release points (16); connectors (17) are also provided, which can be on the sides or inside the tray (1), in addition to a button with an LED (18) coupled to the side of the tray (1), indicating, when lit, the operating condition; the water inlet connector (17) connects to the solenoid valve (19) and the outlet connector (20) connects to a water pump (21), said water pump (21) receives the flexible hose ( 6) coming from the urine sensor (S).

6) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL TOILET”, according to claim 5, characterized in that the water inlet is coupled to a solenoid valve (19) that projects a conduit (22) that connects to the water distribution conduit (23) , which, in turn, passes through all dispersing water release points (24) along the contour of the tray (1); the tray (1) is supplied with tap water entering through the water inlet (25) which is regulated through the solenoid valve (19) which is routed to the dispersers (24) through the hoses (27 and 28); the water flows to the elbow drain (29), being pumped through the water pump (21) to the outlet connection (30).

7) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL TOILET”, according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the tray (1) receives an electronic controller board (31) that connects to the water pump (21), solenoid valve (19), urine sensor (S), button with LED (18).

8) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL TOILET”, according to claim 5, characterized in that, in a first construction, under the tray (1), a box (32) is arranged to accommodate the electronic assembly and solenoid valve (19), and of the water pump (21 ).

9) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL TOILET”, according to claims 5 and 8, characterized in that, in a second constructive option, the invention is combined with an intelligent remote module (33), fixed in a strategic location, within which there is solenoid valve (19), the electronic board (31), the presence sensor (34) and the water inlet and outlet points (35), as well as the module's electrical supply; This intelligent remote module (33) can be connected directly to the tray (1) via the hose (34'). 10) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL TOILET”, according to claim 9, characterized in that the water supply hose (M) extends from the tray (1) or the intelligent remote module (33) to the dispenser (36) that receives a butterfly lock (37) and an internal sieve (37'), with said dispenser (36) coupled to a domestic tap (T).

1 1) “DOMESTIC ANIMAL SANITARY”, according to claim 10, characterized in that the dispenser (36) houses a solid disinfectant, with the hose (M1) of the dispenser (36) connected directly to the water inlet of the tray (1 ), while the disinfectant will be inserted into the internal sieve (37).

12) “DOMESTIC ANIMALS SANITARY”, according to claim 7, characterized in that it includes a processing unit (38) on the electronic controller board (31), having a power control unit (39), while the 12V output (40) applies to the water pump (21) and solenoid valve (19), while the 5V inputs and outputs apply to the button with LED (18), wherever it is positioned, button and sensors (S), according to a serial electronics (41 ); the processing unit (38) communicates, via a wireless interface, with a mobile device or similar, and can be operated via an application.