WO2012068574A2 - Pet waste disposal case - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable pet waste disposal case, which includes a first shell, a second shell and a flexible hollow channel extending between the shells to allow for the transfer of liquid between the shells. The case, including the channel is foldable between an open and a closed position. In the open position, a pet can use the case as a toilet. After use the case can then be closed, sealing the channel, and the liquid retained in the case can be discarded. The case can then be placed back in an open position or stored for later use. The components that make up the pet waste disposal product can also be provided as a kit.

Description

PET WASTE DISPOSAL CASE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of priority from Provisional U.S. Patent Application Number 61/415,413 filed November 19, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various products exist, which allow pets to relieve themselves indoors. These products are traditionally used as a convenience to pet owners so that the pet owners do not have to take their pet outside. For example, these products include absorbent pads and devices that include sod or artificial grass which allows liquid to seep into an associated bin. However, absorbent pads can be susceptible to leakage, which in turn can cause an unsanitary environment or possible damage to flooring. The grass covered devices typically take up a great deal of space and are not easily storable or portable. Thus, there continues to be a need for improved pet waste receptacles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pet waste disposal case that is portable and easy to store. The case includes a first and a second shell that are hingeably attached to each other. The case further includes permeable surfaces, such as grates, arranged on the shells, thus allowing a pet to stand thereon when the case is in the open position, and relieve itself. Liquid waste collects in chambers formed by the first and the second shells of the case, below the permeable surface and is transferable from one side of the case to the other via a hollow channel that extends between the two shells of the case. After use, the case can be folded and sealed and the liquid waste retained in the case can then be discarded, such as via a toilet or other waste disposal method. After the liquid waste is discarded, water and/or a cleaning solution can be added to the sealed case through an inlet to clean and sanitize the case for future use. Solid waste is preferably removed and, if necessary, the region of the permeable surface is cleaned prior to returning the case to the closed position.

Broadly, the present invention is directed to a pet waste disposal case, which includes a first shell that has a bottom wall and side walls which extend away from the bottom wall in a same direction so as to form a first rim, a second shell that has a bottom wall and side walls which extend away from the bottom wall in a same direction so as to form a second rim, a first permeable surface affixed to the first rim of the first shell, a second permeable surface affixed to the second rim of the second shell, and a hollow channel that extends between the first shell and the second shell. The first shell and the second shell can be hingeably attached to each other by a silicone hinge that is affixed to the first rim and the second rim, and the first and second rim are substantially aligned such that the case is sealable in a closed position.

In a further aspect of the invention, a pet waste disposal kit is provided. The kit includes a first shell with a bottom wall and side walls that extend away from the bottom wall forming a first rim and a second shell with a bottom wall and side walls that extend away from the bottom wall forming a second rim. The first shell and the second shell are capable of being hingeably attached to each other and to form a case which has a first opening and a second opening. The kit also includes a first permeable surface which is affixable to the first rim of the first shell and a second permeable surface which is affixable to the second rim of the second shell. Moreover, a hollow channel can extend between the first shell and the second shell when the first shell and the second shell are attachably connected to each other. Further, the kit can include a first cap for sealing the first opening in the case and a second cap for sealing the second opening in the case.

One advantage of the present invention is the transfer of liquid between the hingeably attached sides of the case via a hollow channel. Another advantage of the present invention is that the transfer of liquid is aided by the contoured inner surfaces of first shell and the second shell of the case. A further advantage is that the present invention provides a convenient portable and storable means for pets to relieve themselves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further understood and appreciated by reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a pet waste disposal case of the present invention in a closed state;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the pet waste disposal case in an open state with grates in place;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pet waste disposal case in an open state;

Fig. 3A is a detailed view of a channel shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a side of the pet waste disposal case;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the first shell of the case in a closed state;

FIG. 6 is top view of the second shell of the case in a closed state;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the case in a closed state;

FIG. 8 is a first side view of the case in a closed state;

FIG. 9 is a second side view of the case in a closed state; and

FIG. 10 is a top view of the case in an open state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1-3 illustrates perspective views of a pet waste disposal case 10 of the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates the pet waste disposal case 10 in a closed position. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the pet waste disposal case 10 in an open position.

Turning now to Figure 1, it can be seen that the case 10 is comprised of a first shell 12 and a second shell 14. A first cap 50 and a second cap 54 are shown fastened to the first shell 12. A locking mechanism 68, which ensures the case 10 remains sealed in a closed position, is also shown. The locking mechanism 68 can include, for example, a latching mechanism or sliding locks. The locking mechanism 68 is designed to not extend above the grates 40 so as to not interfere with a pet's use of the case 10. Moreover, the case 10 has a handle 70 for easy gripping and transportability, which partially formed from the first shell 12 and the second shell 14. Further, the case has feet 72 that are affixed to an external surface of the first shell 12 and the second shell 14 to ensure the case 10 does not slide when in use and does not damage the surface it is placed on. The feet 72 can be made any desirable malleable material, including rubber or silicone. Alternatively, the case 10 can be formed so that the feet 72 are included as part of the mold.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the first shell 12 and the second shell 14 are hingeably connected to each other by any known means, such as a silicone hinge 15. The first shell 12 has a base 16 and sidewalls 18, 20, 22, 24 (See, Fig. 5) that extend from the base 16 toward a first rim 26 formed by the sidewalls 18, 20, 22, 24. Similarly, the second shell 14 has a base 28 (See, Fig. 6) and sidewalls 30, 32, 34, 36 (See, Fig. 6) that extend from the base 28 toward a second rim 38 formed by the sidewalls 30, 32, 34, 36. The shells 12, 14 can be made of any desirable material and formed from any known method of manufacture, including, but not limited to antimicrobial blow molded plastic.

Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, grates 40, which have a plurality of holes 42, are arranged on the first rim 26 and the second rim 38. Preferably the holes 42 are approximately 12 mm (1 mm radius). However, the holes 42 can be of any size or shape. Moreover, although grates 40 are shown, any known permeable surface can be used in addition to the grates 40 or in place of the grates 40. Additionally, a seal, or gasket, 44 surrounds the grates 40 and is affixed to the first rim 26 and the second rim 38. The seal 44 can be made out of any known material, such as silicone, which would prevent leakage when the case 10 is closed. If desired, the grates 40 can be releasably affixed. Thus, allowing replacement or easier cleaning apart from the case 10.

Moreover, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 3, the first shell 12 has a first opening, or valve, 48, which acts as an inlet and is sealable by any known means. For example, the first opening 48 can have external threading and can be sealed by the cap 50 that has an internal threading, providing a screw connection between the first opening 48 and the cap 50. Alternatively, the first opening 48 can be sealed by a lid or a hinged door. The first shell 12 has a second opening, or valve 52, which acts as an outlet and is also sealable by any known means. For example, the second opening 52 can have external threading and can be sealed by the lid 54 that has an internal threading, providing a screw connection between the second opening 52 and the lid or cap 54. Alternatively, the second opening 52 can also be sealed by a lid. Further, if a cap is associated with the openings 48, 52, the cap can also be attached to the openings 48, 52 by any known means, such as a lanyard 56, to ensure the cap is not misplaced. After disposing of the liquid waste collected, the first opening 48 can be filled with water or a cleaning agent, such as detergent, soap, or vinegar. The design of the case 10 allows for filling with water in most bathroom sinks with low clearance faucets. Upon filling the case 10 and sealing the first opening 48 and the second opening 52, the case can be cleaned by shaking. After a satisfactory period of time of cleaning, the liquid can be drained through the second opening 52.

Additionally, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 3A the case 10 contains a channel 46, which has a hollow opening that extends between the first shell 12 and the second shell 14 to allow for the transfer of liquid from one shell to the other. Upon closing the case 10, the channel 46 is folded back on itself, sealing off the collection chamber formed in the first shell 12 from the collection chamber formed in the second shell 14. The channel 46 can be made of any known flexible material that would allow for bending and deformation. For example, the channel 46 can be made out of silicone or TPR (ThermoPlastic Rubber). Also, to ensure liquid does not collect in the corners of the channel 46, the corners are rounded. However, it should be noted that the hollow opening of the channel can take the form of any shape or size. Thus, by providing a radius at the corners of the channel 46, a smooth transfer of liquid from one shell to the other will ensue.

Moreover, Figure 3 and Figure 4, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of the case 10 in an open position, depict an inner surface 62 of the first shell 12, which has a sloped contour that are spaced from the base 16 of the first shell 12. Similarly, the channel 56 is also spaced from the base 16 of the first shell 12 creating a waterfall-like design. The spacing between the sloped surface and the channel 56 from the base 16 creates a chamber to store liquid waste. The base 16 contains baffles 64 to direct liquid toward one of the sidewalls 22 of the first shell 12. The liquid collects near the sidewall 22, and upon tilting the case 10 toward the second opening 52, the liquid can be drained out of the second opening 52. Further, the second shell 14 has an inner surface 66 that is sloped downward toward the first shell 12 and is gradually directed toward the channel 46. Although the inner surface 66 is shown as being sloped toward the first shell 12 and gradually toward the channel 46, any other conceivable structural sloping configuration, which would aid in the collection of liquid could also be employed. The inner surfaces 62, 66 act as chambers to collect liquid and the contour of the inner surfaces 62, 66 aid in preventing spillage of the liquid when opening or closing the case 10.

Also, there is provided an embodiment of the invention, as can be seen in Figure 3, wherein the second shell 14 includes an optional chamber 58, which extends inwardly from one of the sidewalls of the second shell 14, for housing a cleaning implement 60, such as a wire brush. The chamber 58 is preferably designed to be hollow and sealable after the cleaning implement 60 is received therein. The cleaning implement 60 can be removed and provides an additional means to clean various portions of the case 10, including the grates 40, the seals 44, the sealable first opening 48 and second opening 52.

Turning to Figure 6, a top view of the first shell 12 of the case 10 is shown. The first shell 12 includes part of the locking mechanism 68 and the handle 70. Additionally, feet 72 are affixed to or formed as part of the first shell 12. Further, as indicated above, the first cap 50 and the second cap 54 are fastened to the first shell 12.

Figures 6, illustrates a top view of the second shell 14. As with the first shell 12, the second shell 14 includes part of the locking mechanism 68 and the handle 70. Additionally, the feet 72 are affixed to or formed as part of the second shell 14.

Next, turning to Figure 7, a front view of the case 10 is illustrated in a closed position.

Figures 8 and 9 depict alternate side views of the case 10 in closed position.

Further, Figure 10 shows a top view of the case 10 with the first shell 12 and the second shell 14 connected together.

The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention is broadly defined by the claim and is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A pet waste disposal case, comprising:

a first shell having a bottom wall and side walls extending away from the bottom wall in a same direction so as to form a first rim;

a second shell having a bottom wall and side walls extending away from the bottom wall in a same direction so as to form a second rim;

a first permeable surface affixed to the first rim of the first shell;

a second permeable surface affixed to the second rim of the second shell; and

a hollow channel extending between the first shell and the second shell, whereby the first shell and the second shell are hingeably attached to each other and the first rim and the second rim are substantially aligned such that the case is sealable in a closed position.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein the first permeable surface is a first grate having a plurality of holes and the second permeable surface is a second grate having a plurality of holes.

3. The case of claim 1, wherein the first shell has an inner surface that is sloped downward starting from a perimeter of the inner surface of the first shell toward a central region of the inner surface.

4. The case of claim 1, wherein the central region of the inner surface of the first shell has a plurality of baffles.

5. The case of claim 1, wherein the first shell has a first sealable opening extending through the bottom wall of the first shell and the first shell has a second sealable opening extending through one of the side walls of the first shell.

6. The case of claim 1, wherein the second shell has an inner surface that is sloped toward the channel and toward one of the sidewalls of the second shell where the second shell is hingeably attached to the first shell.

7. The case of claim 1, wherein the first shell has a first seal that extends around the circumference of the first rim and the second shell has a second seal that extends around the circumference of the second rim.

8. The case of claim 1, wherein the first shell and the second shell are hingeably attached to each other by a silicone hinge that is affixed to the first rim and the second rim.

9. The case of claim 1, wherein one of the walls of the first shell, which directly opposes one of the walls of the second shell when the case is in an open position has a first recess and the one of the walls of the second shell, which directly opposes the one of the walls of the first shell when the case is in an open position, has a second recess with the channel is arranged at least partially in the recess of the first shell and the recess of the second shell so as form a fluid connection between the first shell and the second shell.

10. The case of claim 1, wherein the channel is comprised of a flexible material and is bendable so as to form a seal between the first shell and the second shell when the case is in the closed position.

1 1. The case of claim 1, wherein the second shell includes a hollow chamber for housing a cleaning implement which extends inwardly from one of the sidewalls of the second shell.

12. The case of claim 1, wherein the first shell and the second shell have feet so as to prevent the case from sliding in an open position and to prevent damage to a surface the case is placed on.

13. The case of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism to ensure the case remains sealed in the closed position.

14. The case of claim 1, further comprising a molded handle formed at least partially in the first shell and the second shell.

15. A pet waste disposal kit, comprising:

a first shell with a bottom wall and side walls extending away from the bottom wall forming a first rim;

a second shell with a bottom wall and side walls extending away from the bottom wall forming a second rim, the first shell and the second shell capable of being hingeably attached to each other and forming a case having a first opening and a second opening;

a first permeable surface affixable to the first rim of the first shell;

a second permeable surface affixable to the second rim of the second shell; a hollow channel extendable between the first shell and the second shell when the first shell and the second shell are attachably connected to each other; a first cap for sealing the first opening in the case;

a second cap for sealing the second opening in the case.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the case further comprises a hollow sealable chamber capable of housing a cleaning implement.