COMBINED TOILETING AND HYGIENE SYSTEM FOR A CAT

Abstract

A combined toileting and hygiene system for a cat, the system comprising: a support device having a first shelving level and a second shelving level, the second shelving level being vertically elevated with respect to the first shelving level; a litter tray associated with the first shelving level; and a container on the second shelving level which is dimensioned to hold one or more hygiene items for the litter tray.

Claims

1. A combined toileting and hygiene system for a cat, the system comprising: a support device having a first shelving level and a second shelving level, the second shelving level being vertically elevated with respect to the first shelving level; a litter tray associated with the first shelving level; and a container on the second shelving level which is dimensioned to hold one or more hygiene items for the litter tray.

2. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 1 further comprising a screening member which is positionable between the first and second shelving levels.

3. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 2, wherein the screening member is a curtain which hangs from the second shelving level.

4. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second shelving levels comprises substantially planar surfaces.

5. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 4, wherein a perimetric edge of the at least one of the first and second shelving level curves upwardly.

6. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 1, wherein the support device further comprises a plurality of support portions for supporting the second shelving level with respect to the first shelving level.

7. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 6, wherein one or more of the plurality of support portions are formed as scratching posts.

8. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 1, wherein the litter tray is integrally formed with the first shelving level.

9. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 1, wherein the litter tray is releasably engagable with the first shelving level.

10. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises one or more litter receptacles.

11. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 10, wherein there is provided a soiled said litter receptacle and a clean said litter receptacle.

12. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a holder for one or more of: a dustpan and brush; litter bin liners; gloves and cleansing wet wipes; trigger spray cleaning fluid; and aerosol air freshener.

13. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 1, further comprising a litter scoop.

14. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 13, wherein the litter scoop comprises a handle and a shovel end, the shovel end comprising a solid section at a front end, and a grid section proximate the handle.

15. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 14, wherein the solid section of the shovel end is or is approximately equal in area to the grid section.

16. A combined toileting and hygiene system according to claim 13, wherein the litter tray has a curved edge, and the shovel end of the litter scoop has a complementarily-shaped curvature.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0054] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a combined toileting and hygiene system according to a first aspect of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0056] FIG. 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1;

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1;

[0058] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a combined toileting and hygiene system according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

[0060] FIG. 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 5;

[0061] FIG. 8 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 5;

[0062] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a scoop in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and

[0063] FIG. 10 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the scoop shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0064] With reference to the figures there is generally an embodiment of the apparatus 99 comprising an embodiment of a pet device 10, comprising a first level 3 and a second level 2, wherein the second level is substantially elevated in use above the first level, and the first level is arranged to provide a litter tray 5 for the pet.

[0065] The apparatus comprises the device 10, a storage container 1, and a litter tray 5.

[0066] The embodiment of the device 10 comprises two injection moulded shelving levels 2,3 which are stacked vertically and separated by four columns portions 4,14, two of which are configured as scratching posts. The levels 2,3 are preferably formed in injection moulded polypropylene in a gloss finish. The levels may be provided as the same shape as one another, or could alternatively be provided having different shapes. By way of example only, the upper level 2 could be circular, whilst the lower level 3 could be rectangular. Any shape could be considered, such as circular, oval, polygonal, and so forth.

[0067] The litter tray 5 is located in use on the lower level and the container 1 on the upper level 2. The litter tray 5 could be integrally formed with the lower level 3 or could be releasably engagable therewith.

[0068] Where more floor space is available, the container 1 can be mounted on the floor beside the litter tray and the upper level used as a play or bedding area.

[0069] It may be envisaged that in use the container 1 contains a full complement of tools, consumables 7 and litter storage bins 8, as shown in the Figures.

[0070] For example the container 1 may comprise in use:

[0071] Two small lidded bins, one for new litter, the other for used litter;

[0072] A litter scoop with a small sifting grid of holes that enables easy separation of both solid waste and urine-soaked litter from clean, unsoiled litter;

[0073] Mini dustpan and brush; and

[0074] Other consumables; litter bin liners; gloves and cleansing wet wipes; trigger spray cleaning fluid; aerosol air freshener.

[0075] The columnar portions 4,14 are affixed to the levels 2,3 by 4× domed screw head caps 6 with lower screws mounted through feet 13 which enable the device to be placed on floor surfaces without damage.

[0076] All four columns 4,14 are fitted with 8 mm full nut inserts at each end and fastenings consist of four 8 mm pan head screws (fitted through holes in the first level's underside) and four dome-headed 8 mm screws for the second level.

[0077] It may be envisaged in the pictured embodiment that the approximate dimensions are as follows:

[0078] Litter tray—375 mm×500 mm

[0079] Device levels—525 mm×725 mm

[0080] Device columnar portions—50 mm wide 450 mm tall

[0081] A recess may be included in the top or second level to help the storage container 1 fit in place securely.

[0082] The mini dustpan/brush and the new design litter scoop may be held onto the lid 11 of the container by a quick release retaining clip and elastic loop mechanism 9.

[0083] The embodiment thereby comprises an all-in-one system aimed at making the cleaning and maintenance of a cat's litter tray a more efficient and pleasant experience. The embodiment features an upper (second) and lower (first) level, which can be stacked vertically or placed side to side. It may be envisaged that further embodiments may comprise further levels, and/or may connect vertically or laterally.

[0084] The container 1 may comprise compartments for gloves, wipes and container liners, air fresheners and antibacterial spray either as an aerosol or spray.

[0085] In the pictured embodiment the two levels comprise flat surfaces which may be used to store the container. It may be envisaged that the levels 2,3 each have non-slip surfaces.

[0086] In use a curtain (not shown) is arranged to provide a screen to hide the litter tray allowing the device and apparatus to maintain a clean look when not in use and/or giving the cat some privacy when in use. The curtain may be secured to the second level by a series of hoops, eyes, rings, hook and loop or other temporary or permanent hanging means. Other screening members could be considered, such as foldable doors or shutters, or a rigid panel which may or may not be removable.

[0087] In the pictured embodiment two rear columnar portions 14 on the rear of the device are designed to look similar to scratching posts, and may or may not be effective as such, whereas two scratching posts 4 are provided on the front columnar portions of the embodiment. Alternatively, the two rear columnar portions 14 may be plain columns. Any or all of the columnar portions 14 could be formed as scratching posts, or indeed as plain columns or similar support elements.

[0088] The curved lip to the levels and tray allows for the scoop to easily slide along the edges for a simple and very effective clean.

[0089] Feet 13 also help with picking up and moving the device.

[0090] An alternative embodiment of the apparatus 99 comprising an embodiment of a pet device 10 is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8. In this instance the container 1 has a clamshell type opening mechanism, with a short hinge or pivot, when compared with the extended hinge or pivot shown in the first embodiment of the invention.

[0091] It will be noted that, whilst the device 10 has two levels, additional levels could also be provided. Furthermore, the device 10 could be constructed as a hooded unit, in which the upper level was formed as part of a lid or cover.

[0092] The scoop as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 comprises a two-part scoop 60 with a shovel end 62 which has a solid section 65 at a front edge, and has a grid section 66 behind, proximate the handle 63 which allows dry, unused litter to fall through for reuse and clumped, used litter to be easily removed. A chamfered front edge allows the embodiment to scoop up fine pieces of litter from the tray or level. The chamfered front edge may be chamfered on the inner, that is scooping, surface of the shovel end 62, in order to improve pick-up of litter. Alternatively, the chamfered front edge may be chamfered on the outer, that is lower, surface of the shovel end 62, for an improved movement against the litter tray 5. Such an outer chamfered front edge may match the curvature of the litter tray 5.

[0093] The solid section 65 of the shovel end 62 is or is approximately equal in area to the grid section 66. Alternatively, the solid section 65 of the shovel end 62 may be larger in area than the grid section 66, for instance, there being a ratio of up to 3 to 1. The presence of the solid section 65 of the shovel end 62 permits more effective scooping of soiled litter using the solid section 65, when compared with existing scoops which have a complete grid section across the entire shovel end.

[0094] With reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 there is shown an embodiment of a scoop for use with the device or apparatus of the present invention.

[0095] The scoop comprises a non-slip surface 64 to a top surface of the handle 63.

[0096] The scoop comprises a thick handle to make the scoop more rigid, with thumb groove 69 proximate the shovel end and finger impressions on the bottom surface of the handle 63, to aid in its effective use.

[0097] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.