TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to an animal litter box and feeder.
BACKGROUND
This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.
The rabbit is a common household pet, being docile by nature, friendly, and affectionate in response to handling and feeding. Care for the rabbit typically includes providing a form of litter box. The litter box may include shredded paper, wood shavings, hay, or grass. Care for the rabbit also typically includes a feeder, such as a box or the like that includes hay or grass.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain its principles. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements.
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the rabbit litter box and feeder section.
FIG. 1B is a left side view of the rabbit litter box and feeder section.
FIG. 1C is a front side view of the rabbit litter box and feeder section.
FIG. 1D is a front side view of the rabbit litter box and feeder section, including a box of hay in the feeder section.
FIG. 1E is a back perspective view of a portion of the rabbit litter box and feeder section.
FIG. 1F is a top view of a portion of the rabbit litter box and feeder section.
FIG. 1G is a right perspective view of a portion of the rabbit litter box and feeder section without the side panel.
FIG. 1H is a right perspective view of a portion of the rabbit litter box and feeder section with the side panel.
FIG. 2A is a front perspective exploded view of different parts of the rabbit litter box and different parts of the feeder section.
FIG. 2B is a front perspective exploded view of the rabbit litter box and feeder section.
FIG. 2C is a rear perspective exploded view of the rabbit litter box and feeder section.
FIG. 2D is a rear perspective view of the rabbit litter box and the feeder section connected together with a cutaway showing part of the connection of the feeder section to the rabbit litter box.
FIG. 2E is a front perspective view of the lower layer of the rabbit litter box connected to part of the feeder section.
FIG. 2F is a front perspective view of the bag being placed on the lower layer of the rabbit litter box that is connected to part of the feeder section.
FIG. 2G is a front perspective view of the paper tray being placed on top of the bag and the lower layer of the rabbit lifter box, which is connected to part of the feeder section.
FIG. 2H is a front perspective view of a box of hay being inserted into the feeder section.
FIG. 2I is a front perspective view of loose hay being inserted into the feeder section.
FIG. 2J is a front perspective view of removing the paper tray, which may have waste or hay, from the bag and the lower layer of the rabbit litter box.
FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the rigid bottom section.
FIG. 3B is a top view of the rigid bottom section.
FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the rabbit litter box illustrating the bottom rigid section and paper tray.
FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the rabbit litter box illustrating the bottom rigid section and paper tray, showing the bottom rigid section composed of front bottom rigid section supporting the paper tray and a rear bottom rigid section supporting the feeder section.
FIG. 4C is a top view of the rabbit litter box illustrating the rear bottom rigid section supporting the feeder section and the paper tray.
FIG. 4D is an exploded view of the rabbit litter box illustrating the paper tray, the flexible plastic layer, and the rigid bottom section.
FIG. 4E is a front perspective view of the flexible plastic layer installed in the rigid bottom section, with a highlighted view of the rim of the flexible plastic layer when installed.
FIG. 4F is a section view of the paper tray, the flexible plastic layer and the rigid bottom section when installed.
FIG. 5A is a top view of the paper tray.
FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective view of the paper tray.
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the feeder section and side panels.
FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of the feeder section without the grille.
FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the feeder section without the grille.
FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the feeder section without the grille.
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the side panel.
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the bag expanded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Overview
Domesticated animals typically have some type of animal litter boxes (interchangeably termed sandboxes, litter collection pan, or the like) and/or animal feeders. For example, rabbits typically thrive in an environment that has suitable litter boxes and feeders. However, typical rabbit litter boxes suffers from several drawbacks. First, typical litter boxes, such as those that use wood or shredded paper, results in the rabbit living in its own waste (e.g., urine and feces), leading to a potentially unhealthy situation. Second, wood or shredded paper results in a considerable amount of waste. Third, wood or shredded paper, needing to be replaced periodically, resulting in a big expense. Fourth, rabbit litter boxes typically results in the waste/hay/shredded paper being kicked out and into the household.
Various forms and combinations of animal litter boxes and animal feeders, either alone or in combination, are envisioned. The below discussion focuses on rabbit litter boxes and/or rabbit feeders. Nevertheless, any discussion regarding rabbit litter boxes and/or rabbit feeders may be equally applied to other forms of animal litter boxes and/or animal feeders. In one implementation, the animal litter box may comprise at least three layers, with the layers working in combination. In one or some embodiments, the three layers comprise an upper layer (such as an uppermost layer), at least one middle layer (such as a single middle layer), and a lower layer (such as a bottom layer that is closest to and/or touching ground).
In one or some embodiments, a multi-layer system may be used and may include the upper layer, the at least one middle layer, and the lower layer being any one, any combination, or all of: (i) different materials (e.g., each of the upper layer, the at least one middle layer, and the lower layer are different materials; the at least one middle layer is a different material from the upper layer and the lower layer, which may both be of the same material); (ii) different rigidities or flexibilities (e.g., each of the upper layer, the at least one middle layer, and the lower layer have different rigidities, with the at least one middle layer being the least rigid, the lower layer being the most rigid, and the upper layer have a rigidity in between the at least one middle layer and the lower layer; the at least one middle layer has a lower rigidity than both the upper layer and the lower layer, which may both have the same rigidity); (iii) different textures (e.g., smooth texture versus non-smooth texture (e.g., corrugated; crenelated; ridged; ribbed; grooved; wrinkled)); (iv) different levels of reusability (e.g., disposable after one usage; configured to be cleaned, such as with soap and water; the upper layer (which may be a paper tray) may be wiped clean and/or dumped into a trash can in order to be used multiple times and then disposed, whereas the bag is disposed without cleaning, and whereas the lower layer (which may be composed of hard plastic or metal) may be washed with soap and water and is not considered disposable; etc.); (v) different ways to connect to one another (e.g., the middle layer(s) are flexibly draped over an edge of the lower layer (and potentially cinched using a drawstring); the upper layer is placed on top of the flexibly draped/cinched middle layer); or (vi) different ways to connect to other parts of the device (e.g., the lower layer may be connected to a feeder portion whereas the upper layer and/or the middle layer(s) are not connected to the feeder portion).
As one example, in one embodiment, the upper layer may be semi-rigid and may comprise a paper-based product (e.g., made from cellulose fibers derived from wood, hemp, grasses, or other vegetable sources). Alternatively, the upper layer may comprise a non-paper-based product, such as hard plastic (e.g., polyethylene, such as LDPE, LLDPE, or the like). In one or some embodiments, the upper layer may include one or more holes, such as a plurality of holes to form a pattern. As discussed further, any one, any combination, or all of the size, shape, or pattern of the holes may be used so that urine and/or feces may pass through the upper layer and be captured in the at least one middle layer. In this way, the rabbit does not sit in its filth. Alternatively, or in addition, the upper layer may be any one, any combination, or all of: corrugated; crenelated; ridged; ribbed; grooved; wrinkled; formed in folds; or uneven. In this way, the upper layer, formed as a paper tray (or other type of cellulose-based tray), may have added strength and rigidity. In addition, in one or some embodiments, the upper layer may be considered single use, in which the upper layer is not configured for washing with soap and water (instead having sufficient rigidity so that the upper layer may be removed from the animal litter box, its contents tipped into a trash can, and then placed back on top of a new plastic bag, thereby being disposable after a period of time, such as at least two days, at least four days, or at least 1 week, and may be). Alternatively, the upper layer (such as when composed of plastic) may be considered reusable, in which the upper layer is configured for washing with soap and water.
Further, as one example, the at least one middle layer may have less rigidity than the upper layer, such as little to no rigidity (e.g., flexible or floppy). In one or some embodiments, the at least one middle layer comprises a flexible bag that may be composed of at least party (or entirely) of plastic (e.g., polyethylene, such as LDPE, LLDPE, or the like), at least partly (or entirely) of oil-based fabric (e.g., vegetable oil), a plastic film, nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, or plastic textile. Thus, in one or some embodiments, the at least one middle layer may be at least partly oil and/or plastic-based (such as an oil and/or plastic-based coating or entirely composed of oil or plastic). Further, in one or some embodiments, the at least one layer may comprise tarpaulin (or tarp), which may comprise a strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, which may be composed of cloth, such as canvas or polyester coated with polyurethane or composed of plastics, such as polyethylene. Alternatively, the flexible bag may be cellulose-based (akin to the construction of the upper layer). In one or some embodiments, the flexible bag may be called single-use bags in which the bags are used a single time and then disposed. Alternatively, the at least one layer (e.g., tarp) may be reusable, and may be washed and/or wiped down in between uses. Further, in one or some embodiments, the flexible bag may have integrated therewith (such as heat sealed or placed on top of the bag) an odor absorbing layer, such as one or both of a bamboo fiber sheet, a charcoal fiber sheet, or a combination bamboo/charcoal fiber sheet. Moreover, in one or some embodiments, the at least one middle layer may be biodegradable or compostable.
As still another example, the lower layer may comprise a rigid layer (e.g., more rigid than one or both of the upper layer and the at least one middle layer). In one or some embodiments, the lower layer is composed of rigid plastic, such as high-density polyethylene or other type of thermoplastic polymer. Alternatively, the lower layer may be composed of metal, such as steel. In either instance, the lower layer may be considered reusable, and may be washed with soap and water. Further, the rigidity of the lower layer may be greater than the rigidity of one or both the upper layer (e.g., when the upper layer is composed of a cellulose-based material) and the at least one middle layer. Alternatively, when the upper layer is composed of a more rigid material (e.g., plastic or metal), the upper layer may have the same (or similar) rigidity as the lower layer. Further, in one or some embodiments, the upper layer, which may be paper-based, may be more rigid than the at least one middle layer. In this regard, in one or some embodiments, any one, any combination, or all of rigidity, stiffness, flexibility, or pliability of any one, any combination, or all of the upper layer, the one, some, or all middle layers, and the lower layer may different. Alternatively, any one, any combination, or all of rigidity, stiffness, flexibility, or pliability of any one, any combination, or all of the upper layer, the one, some, or all middle layers, and the lower layer may be the same. Further, the lower layer may include one or more holes, such as one or more holes in the sidewalls (such as holes in sidewalls positioned opposite one another) in order to act as air vents in order to vent the animal litter box.
Merely by way of example, rigidity of the different materials may be manifested in one of several ways. In one way, the necessary force applied to a respective layer in order to deform the respective layer may vary. In particular, the at least one middle layer (which may be composed of flexible plastic akin to a garbage bag) may require less force in order for the at least one middle layer to deform than the force required to deform one or both of the upper layer or the lower layer. Further, the upper layer (which may be composed of a paper-based material) may require less force in order for the upper layer to deform than the force required to deform the lower layer (while still requiring more force than that required to deform the at least one middle layer).
Thus, in a first specific implementation, the main section comprises three layers, including a top layer, a middle layer, and a bottom layer. In a second specific implementation, the main section consists of the three layers.
In one or some embodiments, the animal litter box may work in combination with and may be connected to a feeder. Alternatively, the animal litter box does not work with or is not connected to a feeder. The feeder may comprise a main section in which a container (e.g., a box) of hay may be inserted. In one or some embodiments, the main section may be formed as a rectangular-shaped box with a bottom and a plurality of sides, such as three sides. The fourth side of the main section (which may face the animal litter box) may be different from one or more of the remaining sides. As one example, the fourth side may comprise a removable grate. In particular, the fourth side may include one or more slots into which the removable grate may be slotted. As another example, the fourth side may only include a lip in order to hold a box of hay inserted therein.
In one or some embodiments, the feeder may be connected to the animal litter box. In one or some embodiments, the main section of the feeder may be connected (either directly or indirectly) to the lower layer of the animal litter box. For example, the lower layer may include a connecting structure that may mate with a part of the feeder (e.g., the main section of the feeder). In one or some embodiments, the connecting structure may be configured for reversible connection to the feeder (and vice-versa). In this way, the feeder and the animal litter box may be disconnected, such as for cleaning or the like, and may be reconnected for use by the rabbit.
Further, one or more side panels (alternatively termed spill guards) may be connected to only one or to both of the animal litter box or the feeder. Side panel(s) may be used in order to prevent food from the feeder or waste from the animal litter box from spreading in the surrounding area. In one or some embodiments, the side panel(s) are connected to the feeder, such as to the main section of the feeder. Alternatively, the side panel(s) are connected to the animal litter box.
Referring to the figures, FIG. 1A is a front perspective view 100 of the rabbit litter box and feeder section (interchangeably termed feeder or rabbit feeder). FIG. 1B is a right side view 140 of the rabbit litter box and feeder section. FIG. 1C is a front side view 146 of the rabbit litter box and feeder section.
The following discussion is focused on a litter box/feeder combination for a rabbit. Other animals are contemplated, such as guinea pigs, or the like. The rabbit litter box may include any one, any combination, or all of: a lower layer 110 (interchangeably termed a lower section); one or more middle layers (interchangeably termed middle sections) (see FIGS. 4D-E); and an upper layer 112. In one or some embodiments, the lower layer 110 may be composed of plastic (or other type of plastic-based material) or a metallic-based material. In one or some embodiments, the upper layer 112, which may be shaped to seat into the lower layer 110, may be composed of a less rigid material than of the upper layer 112, such as a cellulose-based or paper-based material. In this way, rabbits that may gnaw at the upper layer 112 need not ingest anything damaging. Upper layer 112 may be shaped such that a cavity 114 is formed therein, into which a rabbit may sit. Further, upper layer 112 may include a plurality of holes 116 that are shaped, as discussed in more detail below.
The feeder section 120 may be composed of a main section, which may be multi-sided, such as sides 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and a bottom 126. As discussed in more detail below, sides 124, 125 may include slots (see 176 in FIG. 1F) into which grate 128 (alternatively term grille) may slide. In this way, grate 128 may be reversibly attached or connected to a part of the feeder section 120 and may be removed from feeder section 120.
Further, FIG. 1A illustrates side panels 130, 132, which may connect with a part of the feeder section 120, such as with connectors 134, 136 on sides 124, 125 (interchangeably termed walls).
As discussed above, hay may be put into the cavity formed by sides 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and bottom 126. In one or some embodiments, a box 153 of hay, shown in the front side view 152 of FIG. 1D, may be inserted into the cavity. Alternatively, hay may be placed directly within cavity and may be held by grate 128.
As shown in FIG. 1B, main section of the feeder section 120 may be supported by support structure 141. In one or some embodiments, supporting structure 141 and connecting bracket 142 may be part of lower layer 110. For example, a single piece of molded plastic may be formed so that lower layer 110 comprises supporting structure 141 and connecting bracket 142. Alternatively, supporting structure 141 may comprise a piece separate from the lower layer 110 and may be connected to lower layer 110 via connecting bracket 142. As illustrated in more detail below, supporting structure 141 may be connected to the lower layer via a plurality of connecting brackets 142.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the feeder section 120 is positioned relative to the upper layer 112 so that a forward part of the feeder section 120 is over the cavity 114 formed in the upper layer 112. This is shown by line 139. In this when, when the bunny, sitting in the cavity 114, is eating hay from the feeder section 120, any excess hay drops directly downward into the cavity 114 (as opposed to outside of the upper layer 112), thereby reducing the mess in the surrounding area. Further, as discussed in more detail below, the positioning the feeder section 120 (being pushed forward over the cavity 114) may work in combination with the side panels 130, 132 to further confine the hay to fall within the cavity of upper layer 112, as discussed in more detail below.
FIG. 1B further illustrates that upper layer 112 may include a lip on one or more sides, such as illustrated by 143, 144. As shown, the side 144 closer to feeder section 120 (and positioned underneath feeder section 120) is shorter than side 143 further away from feeder section 120. In one embodiment, side 143 may include a curvature 145 to transition to side 144. In this way, when a person wishes to lift up or remove upper layer 112, the person may insert his/her fingers underneath feeder section 120, wrap the fingers around side 144 (which is shorter than side 143), thereby making it easier to remove upper layer 112. Further, in one or some embodiments, with side 144 being shorter than side 143, when bag 900 is installed, fewer than all of the overhang of the bag 900 are covered by the sides 143, 144 of upper layer 112. For example, side 144 (being shorter) may not entirely cover the overhang of bag 900 underneath the feeder section 120 whereas the other 3 sides of the upper layer 112 (including side 143) may entirely cover the overhang of bag 900. One may be concerned that because side 144 does not entirely cover the overhand of bag 900 that the bunny may nibble on the exposed overhang of the bag 900. However, because the feeder section 120 is pushed forward, the bunny may not be able to reach behind to chew on exposed overhang of the bag 900.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, the width of the opening (as shown by line 147 between sides 124, 125) of feeder section 120 may be narrower than the width of the cavity 114 (as shown by line 148 in FIG. 1A). In this way, errant hay that drops from the feeder section 120 may fall into the cavity 114 of upper layer 112 rather than outside of the device. Moreover, the side width of the opening of the feeder section 120 may work in combination with side panels 130, 132 to further guide the errant hay into the cavity 114.
As discussed above, the rabbit litter box and feeder section may be reversibly connected to one another. FIG. 1E is an example of the connection, illustrating a back perspective view 155 of a portion of the rabbit litter box and feeder section. As shown, supporting structure 141 may perform one or more functions for the feeder section including one or both of supporting the feeder section or connecting to the feeder section. For example, supporting structure 141 may include one or more structures to support and/or connect to the feeder section. The one or more structures may include any one, any combination, or all of: tabs 156, 160; slots 164, 166; or lip 168. For example, tabs 156, 160 (interchangeably termed clips) may include a detent 158, a catch, or a lever that may mate with a part of the feeder section, such as lower portion 162 of the feeder section. Further, the lower portion 162 of feeder section may include protrusions (interchangeably termed cylinders, see 764, 766 in FIGS. 7B-C) which may mate with slots 164, 166, which may in turn lock the feeder section laterally and/or vertically. Moreover, lower portion 162 may further include a rim that mates or abuts with lip 168 in order to lock the feeder section laterally.
As discussed above, grate 128 may be slotted into the main section of the feeder section 120, as shown in the top view 170 of the rabbit litter box and feeder section FIG. 1F. One or both of sides 124, 125 may include multiple surfaces 178, 180, which may form a slot 176 therebetween. In this way, grate 128 may be slid into slot 175 in order to hold grate 128 in place. Details of the upper layer 112 are discussed below with regard to FIG. 2C.
As discussed above, side panels 130, 132 may be connected to at least a part of feeder section, such as to sides 124, 125 via connectors 134, 136. FIG. 1G is a right perspective view 182 of a portion of the rabbit litter box and feeder section without the side panels, highlighting specifics of connectors 134, 136. As shown, connector 134 (which may apply as well to connector 136) includes sides 184, 185 shaped so that a predetermined cross section or predetermined volume 186 may be formed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 1G, the predetermined volume 186 is column-like in shape with a circular cross section. Other cross sections or volumes are contemplated.
In practice, the side panels 130, 132 may mate with the predetermined cross section or predetermined volume 186 and be held therein. This is illustrated in the right perspective view 192 in FIG. 1H.
Alternatively, or in addition, the side panels 130, 132 may be connected to a part of the rabbit litter box (e.g., to the lower layer 110 or to the upper layer 112). As one example, connector 187 may be connected to upper layer 112, with connector 187 having sidewalls 188, 189 to form channel 190 therebetween, into which side panel 130 may be slotted and held therein.
FIG. 2A is an exploded view 200 of the rabbit litter box and feeder section. As discussed above, various pieces of the rabbit litter box and/or feeder section may be connected, removed, and reconnected, such as for cleaning. For example, any one, any combination, or all of the grate 128, side panels 130, 132, upper layer 112, lower layer 110, or main section may be connected and reconnected as shown.
FIG. 2B is a front perspective exploded view 210 of the lower layer 110 of the rabbit litter box and feeder section 120 in order to connect the rabbit litter box to the feeder section 120. FIG. 2C is a rear perspective exploded view 220 of the lower layer 110 of the rabbit litter box and feeder section 120. As shown in FIG. 2B, arrows 212, 214 illustrate how feeder section 120 is connected to lower layer 110 by connecting to tabs 156, 160 and slots 164, 166.
FIG. 2D is a rear perspective view 230 of the lower layer 110 of the rabbit litter box and the feeder section 120 connected together with a cutaway 232 showing part of the connection of the feeder section 120 of the lower layer 110 of the rabbit litter box.
FIG. 2E is a front perspective view 240 of the lower layer 110 of the rabbit litter box connected to part of the feeder section 120, and further illustrates side panels 130, 132 being slid into connectors 134, 136, as shown by arrows 242, 244.
FIG. 2F is a front perspective view 250 of the bag (an example of which is bag 900, discussed further below) being placed on the lower layer 110 of the rabbit litter box that is connected to part of the feeder section 120. As shown, bag 900 may be draped over lower layer 110 as shown by arrows 252, 254, 256.
FIG. 2G is a front perspective view 260 of the upper layer 112 (which may comprise a paper tray) being placed on top of the bag 900 and the lower layer 110 of the rabbit litter box, which is connected to part of the feeder section 120. For example, the upper layer 112 may be placed on top (with only gravity holding the upper layer 112 in place to the bag 900), as shown by arrows 262, 264.
FIG. 2H is a front perspective view 270 of a box 272 of hay being inserted into the feeder section 120. As shown, grate 128 may be removed prior to inserting the box 272 of hay. So that, the box 272, which may include a plurality of openings 274, may hold the hay within the box 272.
FIG. 2I is a front perspective view 280 of loose hay 282 being inserted into the feeder section 120, and may be held therein using grate 128. Thus, in one or some embodiments, the side panels 130, 132 may be reversibly connected to the at least one of the feeder section 120, the upper layer 112, or the lower layer 110 such that when connected, the plurality of side panels are connected, the plurality of side panels are proximate to the upper layer and frame a side of the upper layer and frame opposite ends of the opening of the feeder section 120 so that hay taken from the feeder section 120 is limited from spilling outside of the feeder section 120 and may spill onto the upper layer 112.
FIG. 2J is a front perspective view 290 of removing the upper layer 112 (which may comprise a paper tray), which may have waste or hay 292, from the bag and the lower layer of the rabbit litter box. For example, periodically, such as daily, the paper tray may be removed (e.g., lifted up), with its contents then dumped into a garbage can. After removal of the paper tray, the bag may be changed. After which, the paper tray, after its waste/hay is removed, may be placed on top of the newly-installed bag. In this regard, the paper tray may be used for longer than the bag.
FIG. 3A is a front perspective view 300 of the lower layer 110, which may comprise a rigid bottom section. FIG. 3B is a top view 350 of the lower layer 110. As shown, lower layer 110 may include a top surface, which may comprise side 266, and an overhang, which may comprise side 268. Further, lower layer 110 may include a main section that forms a cavity 302 therein surrounded by one or more walls 265, and may further include a support section upon which feeder section 120 may be supported. In one or some embodiments, lower layer 110 may include one or more holes (hole 304 is illustrated in FIG. 3A, holes 304, 352 are illustrated in FIG. 3B). In one or some embodiments, the one or more holes may be on one or more sides of lower layer 110, such as on opposite sides 306, 308 of lower layer 110 or on each of the sides of lower layer 110. Alternatively, or in addition, holes may be on sides 305, 307. Further, in one or some embodiments, the hole(s) may be positioned in the upper half of the respective side, such as less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15% from the top of the respective side.
FIGS. 4A-C shown various views of the rabbit litter box. For example, FIG. 4A is a front perspective view 400 of the rabbit litter box illustrating the lower layer 110 (which may comprise a bottom rigid section) and the upper layer 112 (which may comprise a paper tray). FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view 410 of the rabbit litter box illustrating the lower layer 110 and upper layer 112, showing the lower layer 110 that may be composed of front bottom rigid section 412 supporting the upper layer 112 (which may comprise the paper tray) and support structure 141, which may comprise a rear bottom rigid section that supports the feeder section. As shown in FIG. 4B, a plurality of connecting brackets 142, 432 may connect front bottom rigid section 412 to support structure 141.
FIG. 4C is a top view 430 of the rabbit litter box illustrating the support structure 141 supporting the feeder section and the upper layer 112. As shown, upper layer may include a plurality of holes 172, which may be shaped. The holes 172 may be round in shape or may be multi-sided (such as illustrated by the four sides 174 in FIG. 4C, which may comprise curved surfaces). In one or some embodiments, the side(s) (whether the hole is a circle or multi-sided) may be beveled or slanted, such as illustrated in FIG. 4C. In this way, any urine or feces may fall more easily through the holes 172. FIG. 4C further illustrates
FIG. 4D is an exploded view 440 of the rabbit litter box illustrating the upper layer 112 (which may comprise a paper tray, such as a cellulose-based tray), at least one middle layer 442 (which may comprise a flexible plastic layer), and the lower layer 110 (which may comprise a rigid bottom section). As shown, the at least one middle layer 442 may include a tie or a drawstring 444 in order to cinch the at least one middle layer 442 to the lower layer 110, such as illustrated in FIGS. 4E-F. After which, upper layer 112 may be placed on top of the at least one middle layer 442.
FIG. 4E is a front perspective view 450 of the at least one middle layer 442 (which may comprise a flexible plastic layer) installed on the lower layer 110 (which may comprise a rigid bottom section), with a highlighted view 452 of the rim showing drawstring 444 of the at least one middle layer 442 when installed.
FIG. 4F is a section view 460 of the upper layer 112 (which may comprise a paper tray), the at least one middle layer 442 (which may comprise the flexible plastic layer), and the lower layer 110 (which may comprise the rigid bottom section). As shown, upper layer 112 may include different sides, including 472, 474, 476 thereby forming a generally U-shaped cross-section. Further, lower layer 110 may include different sides, including 464, 466, 468 thereby forming a generally U-shaped cross-section (and including cavity 462). Finally, the at least one middle layer 442, which may be flexible in shape, may follow or conform to the sides 464, 466, 468 of the lower layer. As shown, side 476 of the upper layer 112 may extend beyond the side of either the at least one middle layer 442 or side 468 of lower layer 110. Thus, since the upper layer 112 covers the at least one middle layer 442 and the lower layer 110, the rabbit, when trying to nibble on the litter box, may nibble on the upper layer 112 (which is made of paper and not of potential harm to the rabbit) instead of one the at least one middle layer 442 (which may be composed of plastic and of potential harm to the rabbit) or instead of the lower layer 110.
As discussed above, the upper layer 112 may comprise a paper tray, a top view 500 of which is illustrated in FIG. 5A and a bottom perspective view 550 of which is illustrated in FIG. 5B. As shown, upper layer 112 may include a plurality of holes 172. Further, in one or some embodiments, the holes 172 may be formed on a bottom 540 of the paper tray by one or more curved surfaces (see 174 in FIG. 1F). The bottom 540 has an upper surface that faces upward (e.g., the walls of the upper layer 112) and a lower surface. The underside of the curves is illustrated in FIG. 5B as 570, 572. For example, the holes 172 may include a plurality of sides (such as four sides 174), with one, some or each of the sides being curved or beveled (e.g., the opening of the hole is greater at an upper side of the upper layer 112 than at a lower side of the upper layer). This is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 5A in which the width of the hole 172 on the bottom of the upper layer 112 is shown as 524, whereas the width of the hole 172 on the underside of the upper layer (due to the beveling) is shown as 526, which is narrower than 524. The extended depth of the hole 172 (via the curved sides as shown by 570, 572) enables the bottom 540, which is much thinner than the curved sides, to be strengthened. As one example, the curved sides may be greater than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray. As another example, the curved sides may be at least 25% greater in thickness than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, at least 30% greater in thickness than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, at least 40% greater in thickness than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, at least 50% greater in thickness than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, at least 60% greater in thickness than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, at least 70% greater in thickness than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, at least 80% greater in thickness than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, at least 90% greater in thickness than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, at least 100% greater in thickness than the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, at least twice the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray, or at least three times the thickness of the bottom 540 of the paper tray. In this way, the holes (being extended by the walls as shown by 570, 572) give the bottom 540 of the paper tray a corrugated structural aspect, adding to its strength.
Alternatively, the holes 172 may be circular in shape, with the circular hole being beveled or curved (e.g., the opening of the hole is greater at an upper side of the upper layer 112 than at a lower side of the upper layer).
Thus, FIG. 5A illustrates the bottom 540 of the upper layer 112 having a plurality of holes 172. In one or some embodiments, the bottom of the upper layer 112 may be rectangular or square in shape. Alternatively, the bottom of the upper layer 112 may taper, so that the width at 532 may be wider than the width at 530 (e.g., the bottom is non-rectangular or non-square in shape), as shown in FIG. 5A. Because of this, in one or some embodiments, certain ones of holes 172 may be symmetrical, effectively cutting a portion of the hole by the sidewall of the upper layer 112. This is shown by hole 522, which is lopsided, and which has at least one side formed by a sidewall of the upper layer 112. Thus a consistent or uniform pattern of holes may be on the bottom of the upper layer 112, with the non-rectangular or non-square shape of the bottom of the upper layer 112 resulting in one or more of the holes being lopsided or cut off, such that at least some of the plurality of holes in an interior of the bottom 540 are not touched by the one or more sidewalls, and other holes have at least one side formed by the one or more sidewalls such that a shape of the at least one or more of the plurality of holes is different than the at least some of the plurality of holes in the interior.
As discussed above, FIG. 4F illustrates a sectional view 460, with a U-shape being formed by sides 472, 474, 476. In one or some embodiments, side 474 (which is effectively the top portion of the upper layer 112) may be equal along a periphery of the upper layer 112, as shown by 510, 514, 516, 518. Because the bottom of the upper layer 112 is tapered, as shown in FIG. 5A, and in order to make it easier to seat upper layer onto lower layer 110 (with the at least one middle layer, such as bag 900, therebetween), the side wall of the upper layer (depicted as 576 in FIG. 4E) may bow outward. This is illustrated in FIG. 5A, where wall 576 does not bow outward at 510, but bows outward nearer to 512 (as shown by 520).
Further, for additional rigidity, upper layer 112 may include one or more braces 560, 562, which may cross one another at 90° angles. In one or some embodiments, upper layer 112 may include a plurality of sides 476 that form an overhang 478. In one or some embodiments, each of the plurality of sides for the overhang 478 are the same length. Alternatively, one or more of the side may have a different length. This is illustrated in FIG. 5B, in which side 476 is longer than side 580, which may face the feeder section. In this regard, when the upper layer 112 is placed on the bag 900 (discussed further below), one or both of the following occurs: (1) one or more of sides 476 of upper layer 112 cover bag 900 (which is illustrated in FIG. 4F) so that the animal cannot chew on the bag 900 (which may be plastic) on those one or more sides 476; or (2) one or more of sides 580 is shorter than one or more other sides 476 of the upper layer 112 so that when installed or places on top of bag 900, the one or more sides 580 that are shorter make it easier to remove or lift the upper layer 112 upward, as discussed above.
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view 600 of the main section of the feeder section 120, the side panels 130, 132, and grate 128, disconnected from the animal litter box. As discussed above, the feeder may be disconnected from the animal litter box for cleaning or the like. FIG. 7A is a front perspective view 700 of the feeder without the grate 128. As shown, the feeder section 120 may include a cavity 710 therein.
FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view 740 of the feeder without the grate 128. FIG. 7C is a bottom view 770 of the feeder without the grate 128. The bottom of the feeder section 120 may include a one or more walls 750, 752, 754, 756, which may mate with lip 168, thereby seating the feeder section 120 with supporting structure 141, as discussed above. In one or some embodiments, part of the walls 750, 752, 754, 756 may be curved, such as shown at 760, 762. Alternatively, or in addition, The bottom of the feeder section 120 may include slots or cylinders 764, 766, which may mate with slots 164, 166 in order to connect the main body to the supporting structure 141. One or more braces 772, 774 may connect cylinders 764, 766 and walls, such as walls 750, 754. The bottom of the feeder section 120 may include one or more braces 768, which may provide rigidity or stability to the feeder. Further, FIG. 7C illustrates connectors 134, 136, including for connector 136, sides 782, 784 shaped so that a predetermined cross section or predetermined volume 780 may be formed therebetween.
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a portion of one example of the side panels 130, 132. As discussed above, the side panels 130, 132 may connected with connectors 134, 136 in one of several ways. In one way, side panels 130, 132 may include one or more walls 800, 802 that may engage with connectors 134, 136 (which may comprise slots).
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the bag 900 expanded. Bag 900 may be composed of a flexible material, such as a plastic-based (e.g., polyethylene) material. The bag 900 may be composed of a resin, such as resin identification code 2 or resin identification code 4. Alternatively, the bag 900 may be composed of vegetable-based bioplastics. Alternatively, the flexible bag may be cellulose-based (akin to the construction of the upper layer). In one or some embodiments, bag 900 may include a plurality of sides, such as sides 910, 912, 914, 916, and a flat bottom. In one embodiment, bag 900 may be rectangular in shape and may generally follow the shape of lower layer 110 (include the sides 305, 306, 307, 308 and/or bottom 309 of the lower layer 110). Bag 900 may further include a drawstring 920, 922, which may be cinched in order to be fitted to the shape of the lower layer 110.
In one or some embodiments, bag 900 may be, when packaged, flat in shape (e.g., creases 930, 932, 934, 936, 938, 940, 942, 944 may be positioned such that when packaged, bag 900 is rectangular in shape and folds in on itself so that bag 900 is flat). When unfurled, bag 900 may be as depicted in FIG. 9. In this regard, bag 900 may have one or more creases, such as creases 930, 932, 934, 936, 938, 940, 942, 944. Various patterns of creases are contemplated.
In one or some embodiments, bag 900 may be integrated with or work in combination with, a liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950. In particular, in one embodiment, bag 900 may be heat sealed to liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950. Alternatively, liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 may be placed on the bottom of bag 900.
Further, in one or some embodiments, the liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 may perform one or both of absorbing liquid or absorbing odor. In one or some embodiments, the liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 may be composed of any one, any combination, or all of: bamboo; cotton; charcoal; etc. In this regard, the liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 may comprise a bamboo fiber sheet, a charcoal fiber sheet, or a combination bamboo/charcoal fiber sheet. Further, in one or some embodiments, the liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 may be flat in shape with the size of the liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 being the same size as the bottom of bag 900 (such as illustrated in FIG. 9). Alternatively, the size of the liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 may be smaller than the size of the bottom of bag 900 (e.g., less than 80% of the size of the bottom of bag 900; less than 70% of the size of the bottom of bag 900; less than 60% of the size of the bottom of bag 900; less than 50% of the size of the bottom of bag 900; less than 40% of the size of the bottom of bag 900; etc.).
In the embodiment where the liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 is placed on the bottom of bag 900, the liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 may be changed or removed more frequently than replacing bag 900. Alternatively, bag 900 may be replaced each time the liquid-absorbent and/or odor-absorbent layer 950 is replaced.
The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present embodiments are to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. While various embodiments have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the above detailed description. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.
Patent Grant
12048289
