GB2191377A

GB2191377A - Animal litter box

Info

Publication number: GB2191377A
Application number: GB08713776A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rachelle Myra Horwitz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-06-12
Filing date: 1987-06-12
Publication date: 1987-12-16
Also published as: GB8713776D0

Abstract

A cat litter box 10 comprises a tray 12 and a removable cover 14 therefor. The cover is of larger dimensions in plan than the tray and is provided with a canopy (32) projecting beyond the tray so that an entrance is formed for the animal between the tray and the canopy (32). An air outlet associated with recess 34 from the cover is adapted to receive a filter bag (42) so that any odours entrained in the air leaving the device through the air outlet will be removed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Animal hygiene apparatus This invention relates to animal hygiene device.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an animal hygiene device intended for use indoors comprising a tray in which an animal and specifically a cat may perform its natural functions and a, preferably removable, cover therefor. Preferably there is an air outlet from the cover which is adapted to receive a filter unit, preferably a bag, so that any odours entrained in the air leaving the device through the air outlet will be removed.

The cover is preferably dished having an upper part and a skirt therearound. It, the cover, is preferably of larger dimensions in plan than the tray and is provided with a canopy projecting beyond the tray so that an entrance is formed for the animal between the tray and the canopy.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a cover for use in forming in combination with a tray an animal hygiene device, the cover being dished and of larger dimensions than the tray to form a canopy over one portion thereof.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side view of a cat litter box of the invention; Figure 2 is a plan of the litter box; Figure 3 is a section on line 3-3 of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a section on line 4-4 of Figure 3 with the cover plate open, and Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing a cat entering the litter box.

Description of Embodiment Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a cat litter box 10 of the invention.

The litter box 10 comprises a dished tray 12 and a cover 14 therefor. The tray 12 has a base 16 surrounded by a slightly diverging circumferential wall or rim 18 having an outer flange 20 at its upper edge. The cover 14, which is removable, is dished and comprises an upper surface 22 with a dependant skirt 24 that has an outer edge flange 26 with a lower peripheral lip 28. The flange 26 seats upon the flange 20 which is received within the lip 28. The base and cover are both plastics mouldings having moulded into them transverse re-inforcing recesses 30. Both are rectangular in plan and of substantially the same width.

The cover 14 is of greater length than the tray 12. Thus the skirt part 24a at one end of the cover 14 and the longitudinal skirt parts 24b rest on the upper edges of the corresponding wall parts 18a and 18b and there is further provided with a canopy 32 projecting beyond the other end 12c of the tray 12. A "U"-shaped depression 33 is formed in the upper part of the said end 12c.

A shallow recess 34 is formed in the upper surface 22 of the cover 14 through the base of which recess 34 are a number of small openings which form an air outlet from the box 10. The end walls 36 of the recess 34 are stepped back slightly at 38 and there are low retention strips 39 covering the steps. A cover plate 40 having openings 36 similar in size and disposition to the openings above mentioned is sprung lightly into position at these steps 38 to close off the air outlet. A filter bag 42 (see Figure 5) is received within the recess 34 and is held in place by the cover plate 40. It comprises porous or apertured paper containing charcoal particles which serve as an air cleaner.

In use, a cat lover will place a plastic liner (not shown) on the base 16 of the tray 12 and cover this with sand or sawdust. The cat, when it desires to perform its natural functions, will enter the litter box 10 between under the canopy 32 and over the base of the depression 34. I have found that the cat, when in the litter box will immediately turn to face the recessed end 12c. After relieving itself, the cat will tend to throw the sand which will be contained within the litter box 10.

Air within the litter box 10 will escape through the air openings. The odours in the escaping air will be removed by the filter material in the filter bag 42. Furthermore the unsightly apearance of the soiled sand or sawdust will be covered from view by the canopy.

After a suitable time, the cat lover will remove the cover 14 and dispose of the soiled sand or sawdust and replace this with fresh material. If the lining is of a suitable size and shape this can be done by tying the ends of the liner to form a bag for disposal.

The filter bag 42 must also be replaced from time to time.

A typical box 10 has a tray which is about 525 x 315mm at its upper end and has a height of 170 mms. The cover may be 520 x 315 mms at its lower end and 145 mms deep. (All the dimensions are taken within the flanges.) I have found that the litter box 10 accepts and stores (for the normal intervals between which the box is cleaned) the natural discharges of a cat without there being the usual unpleasant odours normally associated with conventional litter boxes. Furthermore the litter box is a acceptabie appearance. This can be used indoors. It is easy to open and to clean. It can easily be washed in water.

The invention is not limited to the precise constructional details hereinbefore described and illustrated in the drawings. For example different sized units may be provided and the litter box can be designed or used by other animals. The shape may differ and for example the end wall need not have a recess therein. Projections may be provided on the inside of the cover to fit within the walls 18a and 1 8b to locate the cover firmly on the tray 10. Other support systems for the cover may be provided. If desired, the litter box may be used without a liner.

Claims

1. An animal hygiene device intended for use indoors comprising a tray in which an animal may perform its natural functions and a cover therefor.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is an air outlet from the cover.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cover is shaped at the air outlet to receive a filter unit may be received so that any odours entrained in the air leaving the device through the air outlet will be removed.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the cover is dished having an upper part and a skirt therearound.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the cover is of larger dimensions in plan than the tray and is provided with a canopy projecting beyond the tray so that an entrance is formed for the animal between the tray and the canopy.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the tray, which has a circumferential wall, has a recess in the upper edge of the wall below the canopy to faciiitate entrance for the animal.

7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the tray and the cover are both rectangular in plan.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover is removably carried by the tray.

9. A cover for use in forming in combination with a tray an animal hygiene device as claimed in claim 5, the cover being dished and of larger dimensions than the tray to form a canopy over one portion thereof.

10. An animal hygiene devices substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

11. A cover for use in forming in combination with a tray an animal hygiene device the cover being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.