Animal husbandry – Material for absorbing moisture from waste product – Having paper-related component
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-15
2001-08-21
Price, Thomas (Department: 3643)
Animal husbandry
Material for absorbing moisture from waste product
Having paper-related component
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276300
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to animal litters, and more particularly, to an animal litter composition which is attractive to dogs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Animal litters of various compositions are commonly used for the control and removal of animal waste. The most well-known litter compositions are sold by retailers for the control of cat waste, and are widely used by cat owners. In contrast, dog owners typically do not use litter, but instead train the dog to use discarded newspapers, or to go outside. This usually involves the unpleasant task of removing the waste by rolling up soiled newspapers, or scooping waste from the ground. Control of dog waste in such a manner is a particular annoyance for dog owners who travel frequently with their dogs. The availability of suitable outdoor space while traveling is often very limited, and indoor space, for example in hotels, is often restricted and does not include suitable places for spreading newspapers.
Known cat litter compositions are fabricated primarily from one of four materials: clay; vegetable matter such as grass, hay or alfalfa; wood chips, shavings or sawdust; and paper, such as shredded, flaked or pelletized paper. While such compositions are not strictly limited to cats and are readily commercially available, they are relatively unattractive to dog owners. For example, the high density of clay litters make them heavy and awkward to carry in the larger quantities required by dog owners. In addition, clay is not readily biodegradable, and proper disposal is inconvenient, requiring dog owners to handle large quantities of heavy, soiled litter. Clay litters are also especially prone to produce dust, and tracking out by the animal. Grass, hay or alfalfa based litters are less dense than clay and are biodegradable, but are highly susceptible to bacterial and mold growth, and generally produce odors offensive to people and that seem to be offensive to animals. The various wood-based litters are also lightweight, but have a wood scent believed to be unattractive to most animals, are highly susceptible to tracking, and also lack absorbency. Generally, the known litters lack the consistency and texture of soil, which dogs seem to prefer.
Known paper-based litters address some of the limitations of the other known litter compositions. Shredded, flaked or pelletized paper litters are lightweight, absorbent, and not highly susceptible to bacterial and mold growth. However, shredded and flaked paper litters do not have a soil-like consistency, particularly after getting soaked, and are highly susceptible to tracking. In addition, known paper-based litters have a limited ability to control odor, and have limited absorbency, which is a particular problem for owners of large dogs.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a paper-based litter which has the consistency and texture of soil and is absorbent. Further, it would be desirable to provide such a litter at a low manufacturing cost. In addition, it would be desirable to provide a litter with the ability to control odor. It would be still further desirable to provide such a litter with a consistency which can be easily molded into pellets of various shapes and sizes, to reduce tracking of the litter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects may be attained by an absorbent litter composition formed into pellets or discs and including an absorbent material such as paper. The litter composition also includes sawdust and zeolite molecular sieve. The pellets or discs have a soil-like consistency, size, and texture which is believed to be attractive to dogs. An additional absorbent material, such as sphagnum moss, may be included in the litter composition to increase the absorbency. An antimicrobial agent, as well as a scenting agent, may also be added to the litter composition.
The litter is generally manufactured by shredding paper and mixing the paper with sawdust and zeolite molecular sieve. The additional absorbent material may then be added to the mixture After thoroughly mixing the mixture, the litter composition is extruded into the desired shape, e.g., pellets or discs. Additional agents such as fragrances, anti-microbial agents, and eating deterrents are then applied to the litter before the litter is weighed and packaged.
In use, the composition is contained in a suitable litter container, pan, or box. A suitable litter container is of a size chosen to accommodate the size of a particular pet. The soiled litter is removed with a scoop, shovel, or rake such as those commonly used in cleaning cat litter pans. Soiled litter may be disposed of in litter disposal bags or other suitable disposable bags. New litter is added to the pan to keep the litter at a certain level in the pan.
It is believed that the high degree of odor control and absorbency provided by the combination of paper, sawdust, and zeolite molecular sieve, plus the use of an attractive scent, make the litter composition highly attractive to dogs. In addition, the inclusion of an additional absorbent material make the litter composition even more absorbent. It is further believed that house training puppies and dogs will be facilitated with use of the litter composition.
The litter composition provides a highly absorbent, yet inexpensive litter composition which is particularly suitable for dogs. The litter composition has a low manufacturing cost, and a suitable consistency for easy molding into pellets or discs of various shapes and sizes.
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Literature Search Prepared by Ralston Purina for U.S. Patents for Dog Waste Collection Devices (Scoops, etc.), dated Jan., 1998.
Literature Search Prepared by Ralston Office Services, by William E. Campbell, Articles on Dogs, dated Apr., 1997.
Electronic Search on (Canine) Dog Litter Boxes, Litter Scoops.
Literature Search Prepared by Ralston Office Services, by Alan M. Beck, Artticles on Dogs, dated Apr., 1997.
Bebiak Charmaine C.
Bolte Cyndy
Green Phillip
Lewis, II Ronald A.
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Price Thomas
Ralston Purina Company
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