CA2799113A1 - Lightweight animal litter - Google Patents
Lightweight animal litter Download PDFInfo
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- CA2799113A1 CA2799113A1 CA2799113A CA2799113A CA2799113A1 CA 2799113 A1 CA2799113 A1 CA 2799113A1 CA 2799113 A CA2799113 A CA 2799113A CA 2799113 A CA2799113 A CA 2799113A CA 2799113 A1 CA2799113 A1 CA 2799113A1
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- animal litter
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- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 50
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 88
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 39
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium bicarbonate Chemical group [Na+].OC([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 16
- 235000019738 Limestone Nutrition 0.000 claims description 15
- ONCZQWJXONKSMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N dialuminum;disodium;oxygen(2-);silicon(4+);hydrate Chemical compound O.[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Na+].[Na+].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Si+4].[Si+4].[Si+4].[Si+4] ONCZQWJXONKSMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000006028 limestone Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 229910000280 sodium bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 15
- 229940080314 sodium bentonite Drugs 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 235000010755 mineral Nutrition 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000002480 mineral oil Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 235000010446 mineral oil Nutrition 0.000 claims description 11
- 229910000030 sodium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000017557 sodium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 claims description 7
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- IXPNQXFRVYWDDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,3-diazinane-5-carboximidamide Chemical compound CN1CC(C(N)=N)C(=O)NC1=O IXPNQXFRVYWDDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 241000218645 Cedrus Species 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000010413 sodium alginate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000661 sodium alginate Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229940005550 sodium alginate Drugs 0.000 claims description 5
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000008331 Pinus X rigitaeda Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 241000018646 Pinus brutia Species 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000011613 Pinus brutia Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920002261 Corn starch Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 240000003183 Manihot esculenta Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000016735 Manihot esculenta subsp esculenta Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000281 calcium bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000014633 carbohydrates Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000001720 carbohydrates Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000008120 corn starch Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940099112 cornstarch Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- GUJOJGAPFQRJSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N dialuminum;dioxosilane;oxygen(2-);hydrate Chemical compound O.[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3].O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O GUJOJGAPFQRJSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010459 dolomite Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000514 dolomite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052901 montmorillonite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940100445 wheat starch Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000010493 xanthan gum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000230 xanthan gum Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001285 xanthan gum Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940082509 xanthan gum Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000002835 absorbance Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005276 aerator Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 210000002700 urine Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920002522 Wood fibre Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000019645 odor Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002025 wood fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000007173 Abies balsamea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium chloride Substances [NH4+].[Cl-] NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium hydroxide Chemical compound [NH4+].[OH-] VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004857 Balsam Substances 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 244000018716 Impatiens biflora Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000218657 Picea Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000183024 Populus tremula Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004113 Sepiolite Substances 0.000 description 1
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229910021536 Zeolite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011114 ammonium hydroxide Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940092782 bentonite Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910000278 bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000440 bentonite Substances 0.000 description 1
- SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N bentoquatam Chemical compound O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000872 buffer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 210000000170 cell membrane Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 235000013339 cereals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003467 diminishing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxosilane;oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010410 dusting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003608 fece Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001033 granulometry Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052624 sepiolite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019355 sepiolite Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000035943 smell Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011122 softwood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000341 volatile oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010457 zeolite Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/015—Floor coverings, e.g. bedding-down sheets ; Stable floors
- A01K1/0152—Litter
- A01K1/0154—Litter comprising inorganic material
-
- 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
- A01K1/015—Floor coverings, e.g. bedding-down sheets ; Stable floors
- A01K1/0152—Litter
- A01K1/0155—Litter comprising organic material
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)
Abstract
A light weight animal litter composition is provided that comprises an absorbent clumping clay; a non-swelling ground mineral; and an absorbent organic fiber.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Lightweight Animal Litter FIELD OF THE INVENTION
An animal litter composition is presented that is lightweight and cost effective while preserving superior clumping properties BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Animal litters are typically kept in boxes for the purposes of collecting and disposing of urine and feces of domestic animals. Materials as rudimentary as sand have been used as an animal litter. Early versions of commercial animal litter included clay.
Clay litter is much more absorbent than sand, and its larger grain makes it less likely to be tracked from the litter box. Non-clumping animal litters are made of materials such as zeolite, diatomite and sepiolite.
Clumping animal litter is the most used animal litter product on the market.
It has the advantage that the entire litter box doesn't need to be emptied after use, as the wetted area agglomerates and can easily be separated from the rest of the litter. The majority of these types of litters utilize sodium bentonite, a swelling clay known to absorb up to ten times its own weight in water. Due to the diminishing availability of good quality sodium bentonite, the cost has dramatically increased. Therefore, in order to make this form of litter more cost effective it is highly desirable to replace a significant portion of the sodium bentonite with another lower cost material.
Limestone is a good option as it is readily available and abundant. However, limestone is non-swelling, and therefore it can only replace a small amount of the sodium bentonite in order for the litter to maintain its excellent clumping properties. Another component is therefore required in order to provide a lightweight and cost effective animal litter composition that maintains excellent clumping strength.
Lightweight Animal Litter FIELD OF THE INVENTION
An animal litter composition is presented that is lightweight and cost effective while preserving superior clumping properties BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Animal litters are typically kept in boxes for the purposes of collecting and disposing of urine and feces of domestic animals. Materials as rudimentary as sand have been used as an animal litter. Early versions of commercial animal litter included clay.
Clay litter is much more absorbent than sand, and its larger grain makes it less likely to be tracked from the litter box. Non-clumping animal litters are made of materials such as zeolite, diatomite and sepiolite.
Clumping animal litter is the most used animal litter product on the market.
It has the advantage that the entire litter box doesn't need to be emptied after use, as the wetted area agglomerates and can easily be separated from the rest of the litter. The majority of these types of litters utilize sodium bentonite, a swelling clay known to absorb up to ten times its own weight in water. Due to the diminishing availability of good quality sodium bentonite, the cost has dramatically increased. Therefore, in order to make this form of litter more cost effective it is highly desirable to replace a significant portion of the sodium bentonite with another lower cost material.
Limestone is a good option as it is readily available and abundant. However, limestone is non-swelling, and therefore it can only replace a small amount of the sodium bentonite in order for the litter to maintain its excellent clumping properties. Another component is therefore required in order to provide a lightweight and cost effective animal litter composition that maintains excellent clumping strength.
- 2 -There is therefore a need for a lightweight and cost effective animal litter that has superior clumping properties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An animal litter composition is provided that includes an absorbent clumping clay and a non-swelling ground mineral that acts as an aerator preferably in the form of a course ground material. The composition includes a lightweight fibrous material such as wood particles.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a light weight animal litter composition comprising an absorbent clumping clay, a non-swelling ground mineral;
and an absorbent organic fiber.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a light weight animal litter composition comprising from about 50% by weight to about 90% by weight of sodium bentonite; from about 5% to about 75% by weight of limestone; from about 5% to about 50% by weight of wood particles; from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of mineral oil; from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of sodium alginate;
from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of bacterial enzyme; and from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of baking soda.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is a light weight animal litter composition that forms clumps upon wetting from waste material by the animal. The animal litter composition comprises an absorbent clumping clay, a non-swelling ground mineral and organic fibers.
Preferably, the composition includes an antibacterial, pH neutralizer, deodorizer and an organic clumping agent distributed over the individual particles of the composition, preferably in an oleaginous vehicle such as mineral oil. The wetted animal litter composition simultaneously agglomerates into a sufficiently large and stable mass therefore permitting physical separation and removal of the wetted mass of particles from
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An animal litter composition is provided that includes an absorbent clumping clay and a non-swelling ground mineral that acts as an aerator preferably in the form of a course ground material. The composition includes a lightweight fibrous material such as wood particles.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a light weight animal litter composition comprising an absorbent clumping clay, a non-swelling ground mineral;
and an absorbent organic fiber.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a light weight animal litter composition comprising from about 50% by weight to about 90% by weight of sodium bentonite; from about 5% to about 75% by weight of limestone; from about 5% to about 50% by weight of wood particles; from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of mineral oil; from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of sodium alginate;
from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of bacterial enzyme; and from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of baking soda.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is a light weight animal litter composition that forms clumps upon wetting from waste material by the animal. The animal litter composition comprises an absorbent clumping clay, a non-swelling ground mineral and organic fibers.
Preferably, the composition includes an antibacterial, pH neutralizer, deodorizer and an organic clumping agent distributed over the individual particles of the composition, preferably in an oleaginous vehicle such as mineral oil. The wetted animal litter composition simultaneously agglomerates into a sufficiently large and stable mass therefore permitting physical separation and removal of the wetted mass of particles from
- 3 -unwetted particles of the composition. Removing the wetted agglomerated composition particles from the remaining unwetted composition reduces or eliminates offensive odors produced by dross soaked particles.
The composition includes an absorbent clumping clay. This can also be referred to as a particulate swelling clay. The absorbent clumping clay is preferably sodium bentonite.
Other acceptable absorbent clumping clays include calcium bentonite, Fuller's Earth and montmorillonite (non clumping). Other clays that form clumps when contacted with water may be used as an absorbent clumping clay for the purposes of the present invention.
The absorbent clumping clay is present in the composition in an amount of about 50%
by weight to about 90% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the absorbent clumping clay is about 65% by weight of the composition.
The light weight animal litter composition of the present invention includes a course non-swelling ground mineral that functions as an aerator in increasing the porosity of the blended ingredients of the composition. The preferred course non-swelling ground mineral is limestone. The limestone particles increase the physical granulometry of the composition by forming a pathway or tunnels throughout the composition. The pathway created enables urine to flow through the composition in order to come into contact with unwetted absorbent clumping clay. This has the effect of maximizing the surface area of absorbent clumping clay that is available for contact with the urine and resultant clumping.
Dolomite can also be used as the non-swelling ground mineral for the purposes of the present invention. Other acceptable non-swelling ground minerals for the purposes of the present invention include carbon, graphite and gravel.
The non-swelling ground mineral is present in the composition in an amount of about 5% by weight to about 75% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the non-swelling ground mineral is about 25% by weight of the composition.
The composition includes an absorbent clumping clay. This can also be referred to as a particulate swelling clay. The absorbent clumping clay is preferably sodium bentonite.
Other acceptable absorbent clumping clays include calcium bentonite, Fuller's Earth and montmorillonite (non clumping). Other clays that form clumps when contacted with water may be used as an absorbent clumping clay for the purposes of the present invention.
The absorbent clumping clay is present in the composition in an amount of about 50%
by weight to about 90% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the absorbent clumping clay is about 65% by weight of the composition.
The light weight animal litter composition of the present invention includes a course non-swelling ground mineral that functions as an aerator in increasing the porosity of the blended ingredients of the composition. The preferred course non-swelling ground mineral is limestone. The limestone particles increase the physical granulometry of the composition by forming a pathway or tunnels throughout the composition. The pathway created enables urine to flow through the composition in order to come into contact with unwetted absorbent clumping clay. This has the effect of maximizing the surface area of absorbent clumping clay that is available for contact with the urine and resultant clumping.
Dolomite can also be used as the non-swelling ground mineral for the purposes of the present invention. Other acceptable non-swelling ground minerals for the purposes of the present invention include carbon, graphite and gravel.
The non-swelling ground mineral is present in the composition in an amount of about 5% by weight to about 75% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the non-swelling ground mineral is about 25% by weight of the composition.
- 4 -The light weight animal litter composition of the present invention further includes absorbent organic fibers in the form of wood particles. The wood particles are preferably pine, cedar or a combination thereof. Other light weight organic fiber wood particles are also suitable for the present invention. These may include soft wood, cedar, pine, spruce, fir, balsam, aspen, locust, bearcone. The wood particles provide lightweight bulk to the composition and would typically have the consistency of a saw dust. The wood particles become compact when blended with the absorbent clumping clay.
The wood fibers are present in the composition in an amount of about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the wood fibers is about 10% by weight of the composition.
The absorbent clumping clay, non-swelling ground mineral and wood particles are each present in the animal litter composition in the form of particles. A preferred embodiment of the animal litter composition includes sodium bentonite, limestone and wood particles. Table 1 sets out the preferred physical properties of the particles including ideal size distribution, density and moisture levels.
Table 1 Ingredient +10 +40 +50 +70 Pan Density Moisture USMesh USMesh USMesh USMesh 2.00mm 425p.m 300p.m 212 um (lbs/ ft3) (%) 0.0787" 0.0165" 0.0117" 0.0033"
Sodium <20.0% >98.5% <1.5% <0.5% <0.2% 60-64 8-12%
Bentonite Wood <10.0% >85.0% <5.0% <2.0% <2.0% 5-10 4-15%
Particles Limestone <5.0% >90.0% - <2.0% <1.0% 80-90 8-12%
The wood fibers are present in the composition in an amount of about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the wood fibers is about 10% by weight of the composition.
The absorbent clumping clay, non-swelling ground mineral and wood particles are each present in the animal litter composition in the form of particles. A preferred embodiment of the animal litter composition includes sodium bentonite, limestone and wood particles. Table 1 sets out the preferred physical properties of the particles including ideal size distribution, density and moisture levels.
Table 1 Ingredient +10 +40 +50 +70 Pan Density Moisture USMesh USMesh USMesh USMesh 2.00mm 425p.m 300p.m 212 um (lbs/ ft3) (%) 0.0787" 0.0165" 0.0117" 0.0033"
Sodium <20.0% >98.5% <1.5% <0.5% <0.2% 60-64 8-12%
Bentonite Wood <10.0% >85.0% <5.0% <2.0% <2.0% 5-10 4-15%
Particles Limestone <5.0% >90.0% - <2.0% <1.0% 80-90 8-12%
- 5 -The animal litter composition preferably includes an oleaginous vehicle such as mineral oil. The mineral oil acts as a de-dusting agent and helps to keep the particles in adhesion. The mineral oil is preferably present in amount of about 1% by weight of the composition.
The animal litter composition preferably further includes an additional clumping agent to improve the clumping qualities of the composition. Preferred additional clumping agents are carbohydrates. These include sodium alginate, corn starch, xanthan gum, tapioca starch and wheat starch.
The additional clumping agent is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the additional clumping agent is about 1-3% by weight of the composition.
The composition preferably includes a bacterial enzyme that catalyzes the destruction of the cell membranes of bacteria thereby destroying bacteria present in the composition.
This has the result of reducing the amount of bacteria in the composition and the resultant odor caused thereby. The bacterial enzyme is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the bacterial enzyme is about 0.5% by weight of the composition.
The composition preferably includes a pH neutralizer that acts as a buffer to maintain the pH of the composition that avoids the formation of ammonia from urine which forms at higher pH levels producing unpleasant smells. The preferred pH
neutralizer is baking soda. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other pH
neutralizers can be used. The pH neutralizer is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the pH
neutralizer is about 0.5% by weight of the composition.
The composition further preferably includes a deodorizer. The deodorizer can be cedar scent for example or essential oils. Preferred deodorizers include cedar scent and are present in an amount of about 0.001% by weight to about 10% by weight of the
The animal litter composition preferably further includes an additional clumping agent to improve the clumping qualities of the composition. Preferred additional clumping agents are carbohydrates. These include sodium alginate, corn starch, xanthan gum, tapioca starch and wheat starch.
The additional clumping agent is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the additional clumping agent is about 1-3% by weight of the composition.
The composition preferably includes a bacterial enzyme that catalyzes the destruction of the cell membranes of bacteria thereby destroying bacteria present in the composition.
This has the result of reducing the amount of bacteria in the composition and the resultant odor caused thereby. The bacterial enzyme is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the bacterial enzyme is about 0.5% by weight of the composition.
The composition preferably includes a pH neutralizer that acts as a buffer to maintain the pH of the composition that avoids the formation of ammonia from urine which forms at higher pH levels producing unpleasant smells. The preferred pH
neutralizer is baking soda. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other pH
neutralizers can be used. The pH neutralizer is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight of the composition. The preferred content of the pH
neutralizer is about 0.5% by weight of the composition.
The composition further preferably includes a deodorizer. The deodorizer can be cedar scent for example or essential oils. Preferred deodorizers include cedar scent and are present in an amount of about 0.001% by weight to about 10% by weight of the
- 6 -composition. The preferred content of the pH neutralizer is about 0.05% by weight of the composition.
A preferred animal litter formulation of the present invention is set out in Table 2:
Table 2 Ingredient Inclusion (%w/w) Sodium Bentonite 67.23%
Limestone 20.00%
Wood Particles 10.00%
Mineral Oil 1.00%
Sodium Alginate 1.00%
Bacterial Enzyme 0.20%
Baking Soda 0.50%
Scent 0.07%
The components of the animal litter formulation are blended together to form the composition. After blending the composition is preferably granular.
In processing the components of the animal litter formulation, the sodium bentonite is transported via conveyor belt; limestone is dispensed onto the conveyor belt at a speed that would deliver the required inclusion rate (w/w basis); wood particles, baking soda and other dry ingredients are dispensed in the same manner. The liquid ingredients are dispensed by pumping the liquid through hoses and nozzles to deliver the required rate of inclusion.
Example 1: Physical Properties of Lighweight Clumping Cat Litter Formulation The physical properties of the preferred animal litter formulation set out in Table 2 were determined as follows.
MATERIALS:
1. Lightweight Clumping Scoop Litter
A preferred animal litter formulation of the present invention is set out in Table 2:
Table 2 Ingredient Inclusion (%w/w) Sodium Bentonite 67.23%
Limestone 20.00%
Wood Particles 10.00%
Mineral Oil 1.00%
Sodium Alginate 1.00%
Bacterial Enzyme 0.20%
Baking Soda 0.50%
Scent 0.07%
The components of the animal litter formulation are blended together to form the composition. After blending the composition is preferably granular.
In processing the components of the animal litter formulation, the sodium bentonite is transported via conveyor belt; limestone is dispensed onto the conveyor belt at a speed that would deliver the required inclusion rate (w/w basis); wood particles, baking soda and other dry ingredients are dispensed in the same manner. The liquid ingredients are dispensed by pumping the liquid through hoses and nozzles to deliver the required rate of inclusion.
Example 1: Physical Properties of Lighweight Clumping Cat Litter Formulation The physical properties of the preferred animal litter formulation set out in Table 2 were determined as follows.
MATERIALS:
1. Lightweight Clumping Scoop Litter
-7-2. Container 3. Saline Solution (0.9%) 4. Ammonia Solution (10%) 5. Syringe PROCEDURE:
1. Absorbance Procedure 2. Clump Strength Procedure 3. Odour Control 4. Airborne Dust Procedure RESULTS:
1. Absorbance 231%
Absorbance Calculation:
= (Final Weight ¨ Initial Weight) X 100%
Initial Weight 2. Clump Strength 98.7%
Clump Strength Calculation:
= ifinal Weight ¨ Initial Weight) X 100%
Initial Weight 3. Clump Size: A Without Aerator 6.3mm x 4.7mm x 2.6mm (Ixwxh) B With Aerator 6.1mm x 5.9mm x 4.5mm
1. Absorbance Procedure 2. Clump Strength Procedure 3. Odour Control 4. Airborne Dust Procedure RESULTS:
1. Absorbance 231%
Absorbance Calculation:
= (Final Weight ¨ Initial Weight) X 100%
Initial Weight 2. Clump Strength 98.7%
Clump Strength Calculation:
= ifinal Weight ¨ Initial Weight) X 100%
Initial Weight 3. Clump Size: A Without Aerator 6.3mm x 4.7mm x 2.6mm (Ixwxh) B With Aerator 6.1mm x 5.9mm x 4.5mm
-8-4. Odour Control: Without Baking Soda 5 (1-10, 1 being strong and being week odour) With Baking Soda 8 (1-10, 1 being strong and 10 being week odour) 5. Airborne Dust: Without Mineral Oil 7 seconds dust With Mineral Oil 4 seconds dust CONCLUSION:
Absorbance: Lightweight formulation has the ability to absorb liquid greater than 200%.
Clump Strength: Lightweight formulation has the ability to produce a strong intact clump comparable to 100% pure sodium bentonite.
Clump Size: Lightweight formulation has the ability to produce a strong intact clump comparable to 100% pure sodium bentonite when the limestone (10/50) is added.
Odour Control: Lightweight formulation has the ability to control odour.
Airborne Dust: Lightweight formulation when mixed with mineral oil has very little airborne dust.
It will be appreciated that a person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
As such, these changes and modifications are within the scope of the present invention.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the preferred embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Absorbance: Lightweight formulation has the ability to absorb liquid greater than 200%.
Clump Strength: Lightweight formulation has the ability to produce a strong intact clump comparable to 100% pure sodium bentonite.
Clump Size: Lightweight formulation has the ability to produce a strong intact clump comparable to 100% pure sodium bentonite when the limestone (10/50) is added.
Odour Control: Lightweight formulation has the ability to control odour.
Airborne Dust: Lightweight formulation when mixed with mineral oil has very little airborne dust.
It will be appreciated that a person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
As such, these changes and modifications are within the scope of the present invention.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the preferred embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Claims (20)
1. A light weight animal litter composition comprising:
an absorbent clumping clay;
a non-swelling ground mineral; and an absorbent organic fiber.
an absorbent clumping clay;
a non-swelling ground mineral; and an absorbent organic fiber.
2. The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent clumping clay is selected from the group consisting of sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, Fuller's earth and Montmorillonite.
3. The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 wherein the non-swelling ground mineral is selected from the group consisting of coarse ground material, limestone and dolomite.
4. The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent organic fiber is selected from the group consisting of wood particles, pine and cedar.
5. The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent clumping clay is present in an amount of 50% to 90% by weight of the composition; the non-swelling ground mineral is present in an amount of 5%
to 75% by weight of the composition; and the absorbent organic fiber is present in an amount of 5% to 50% by weight of the composition.
to 75% by weight of the composition; and the absorbent organic fiber is present in an amount of 5% to 50% by weight of the composition.
6. The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 further comprising an oleaginous vehicle.
7. The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 6 wherein the oleaginous vehicle is a mineral oil.
8. The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 further comprising a clumping agent selected from the group consisting of carbohydrate, sodium alginate, corn starch, xanthan gum, tapioca starch and wheat starch.
9. The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 further comprising a bacterial enzyme for reduction of bacteria to reduce odor.
10.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 further comprising a pH neutralizer.
11.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 11 wherein the pH
neutralizer is baking soda.
neutralizer is baking soda.
12.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent clumping clay is sodium bentonite comprising particles that are sized such that less than 20% of the particles have a US mesh size of 2.00mm, greater than 98.5% of the particles have a US mesh size of 425µm, less than 1.5% of the particles have a US mesh size of 425µm, and less than 0.5% of the particles have a US mesh size of 212µm wherein the pan is less than 0.2%, the density is 60-64 lbs/ ft3 and the moisture is 8-12%.
13.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 wherein the non-swelling ground mineral is limestone comprising particles that are sized such that less than 10% of the particles have a US mesh size of 2.00mm, greater than 85% of the particles have a US mesh size of 425µm, less than 5% of the particles have a US mesh size of 425µm, and less than 2% of the particles have a US mesh size of 212µm wherein the pan is less than 2%, the density is 5-lbs/ ft3 and the moisture is 4-15%.
14.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 1 further comprising a deodorizer.
15. A light weight animal litter composition comprising:
from 50% by weight to 90% by weight of sodium bentonite;
from of 5% to 75% by weight of limestone;
from of 5% to 50% by weight of wood particles;
from of 0.1% to 2% by weight of mineral oil;
from of 0.1% to 20% by weight of sodium alginate;
from of 0.1% to 10% by weight of bacterial enzyme;
from of 0.1% to 10% by weight of baking soda.
from 50% by weight to 90% by weight of sodium bentonite;
from of 5% to 75% by weight of limestone;
from of 5% to 50% by weight of wood particles;
from of 0.1% to 2% by weight of mineral oil;
from of 0.1% to 20% by weight of sodium alginate;
from of 0.1% to 10% by weight of bacterial enzyme;
from of 0.1% to 10% by weight of baking soda.
16.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 15 further comprising a deodorizer.
17.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 15 wherein the sodium bentonite content is about 67% by weight
18.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 15 wherein the limestone content is about 20% by weight.
19.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 15 wherein the wood particles content is about 10% by weight.
20.The light weight animal litter composition according to claim 15 wherein the limestone comprises particles that are sized such that less than 10% of the particles have a US mesh size of 2.00mm, greater than 85% of the particles have a US mesh size of 425µm, less than 5% of the particles have a US mesh size of 425µm, and less than 2% of the particles have a US mesh size of 212µm wherein the pan is less than 2%, the density is 5-10 lbs/ ft3 and the moisture is 4-15%.
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA2799113A CA2799113C (en) | 2012-12-18 | 2012-12-18 | Lightweight animal litter |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| CA2799113A CA2799113C (en) | 2012-12-18 | 2012-12-18 | Lightweight animal litter |
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| CA2799113C CA2799113C (en) | 2020-07-07 |
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Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112997889A (en) * | 2021-02-26 | 2021-06-22 | 海南糖豆动漫有限公司 | Pet padding and preparation method and using method thereof |
| US11284600B2 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2022-03-29 | Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | Animal litters exhibiting reduced adhesion properties, and related methods |
-
2012
- 2012-12-18 CA CA2799113A patent/CA2799113C/en active Active
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11284600B2 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2022-03-29 | Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | Animal litters exhibiting reduced adhesion properties, and related methods |
| CN112997889A (en) * | 2021-02-26 | 2021-06-22 | 海南糖豆动漫有限公司 | Pet padding and preparation method and using method thereof |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2799113C (en) | 2020-07-07 |
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