Animal husbandry – Waste toilet or related device – Walled receptacle; e.g. – litter box – etc. – containing...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-03
2001-10-02
Swiatek, Robert P. (Department: 3643)
Animal husbandry
Waste toilet or related device
Walled receptacle; e.g., litter box, etc., containing...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295948
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a litter box for use with cats and other animals. More particularly, the invention relates to a litter box having a storage compartment for the soiled litter where the soiled litter is out of sight and odors from the soiled litter are reduced.
Litter boxes for cats and others animals have been available for many years. The prior art litter boxes are generally a container where granular litter is positioned on the floor or base of the container. The soiled litter must be removed from the box on a daily basis and disposed of. However, it is not always convenient to dispose of the soiled litter especially since the volume of soiled litter may be relatively small any particular day.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a litter box whereby soiled litter can be removed and stored in a storage compartment. The soiled litter is stored in a location that is out of sight in a location that contains and reduces any odor from the soiled litter. The litter box of the present invention has a box having a bottom and a side wall that extends from the bottom. The side wall terminates in an edge that is spaced apart from the bottom of the box. A container for receiving litter is positioned on the box. The container has a side wall that is substantially the same shape and size as the side wall of the box. A flange extends from each side wall of the container. The flange is disposed to extend over the edge of the side walls of the box to position the container on the box. An opening is positioned in a portion of the side wall of the container. The opening is disposed adjacent the flange on the side of the flange that is spaced apart from the box. A groove is position in the interior side of a portion of the side wall of the container. The groove is positioned adjacent the flange and is on the side of the flange that is spaced apart from the box. A tray extends through the opening and slideably engages the groove in the side wall of the container. The tray provides a removable floor for the container and separates the container from the box. Litter in the container is positioned on the tray. The tray is moveable in the opening and along the groove to allow litter that is soiled to fall into the box where the litter can be retained out of sight and with reduced odor. The tray can then be repositioned in the groove to form a floor for the container and fresh litter can be positioned on the tray.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
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Emch, Schaffer, Schaub & Porcello & Co., L.P.A.
Litter Flush, L.L.C.
Swiatek Robert P.
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