Abstract
The invention is a novel pet scratching device, particularly for cats, wherein a proprietary catnip formula is applied to corrugated cardboard inserts in the pieces of the device. Multiple pieces can be connected to one another like a jigsaw puzzle, and the pieces can contain varying shapes of corrugated inserts, as well as scratching or grooming accessories affixed thereto.
Claims
1) A catnip formula coated pet claw scratching device comprising: a) Plastic frame pieces with indentations for holding coated cardboard shapes; b) A hole in each corner of the frame pieces for accepting accessories; c) Male extrusions on the frame for connecting pieces; d) Female intrusions on the frame for connecting pieces; and e) Accessories including grooming and scratching devise.
2) The catnip formula coated pet claw scratching device as in claim 1 wherein the plastic frames indentations can accept varying cardboard pieces.
3) The catnip formula coated pet claw scratching device as in claim 1 wherein each frame piece has a hole in each corner of the piece for accepting accessories that are intended to connect to the device pieces.
3) The catnip formula coated pet claw scratching device as in claim 1 wherein each plastic frame piece has a male extrusion for connecting to a female intrusion, both of which are located alternately around the edges of each device piece.
4) The catnip formula coated pet claw scratching device as in claim 1 wherein each plastic frame piece has a female intrusion for connecting to a male extrusion, both of which are located alternately around the edges of each device piece.
5) The catnip formula coated pet claw scratching device as in claim 1 wherein an accessory is an arched bristle brush that connects via a pin at each of two ends of the bristle brush into the holes on each of a corner of frame piece.
6) A catnip formula coated pet claw scratching device as in claim 1 wherein an accessory is a vertical scratching post encircled by sisal rope, and which connects via a pin in the bottom of the post into a hole located on any corner of the device pieces.
7) A method of making a catnip coated claw scratching device wherein an effective amount of catnip is blended with appropriate amounts of corn starch, polyvinyl alcohol, kaolinite, and sodium borat to make the solution's viscosity such that it can pass through a sprayer; be slightly agitated, and finally sprayed onto pieces of corrugated cardboard which will be shaped to fit into plastic frame insert of the device pieces.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention is described in further detail by reference to nine (9) drawings sufficient in detail to describe the invention in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an interlocking piece with corrugated cardboard insert;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an interlocking piece with a ball in track;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an interlocking piece with a waved corrugated cardboard insert;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an interlocking piece with indentations for food kibble;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective of four interlocking pieces as connected;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an attachable bristle groomer;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an attachable scratching post;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective of the interlocking pieces with the groomer attached; and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a flow chart for the catnip coating process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION, INCLUDING BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0019] FIG. 1 is one interlocking piece of the claw scratching device. The frame of the piece 10 is plastic and contains male extrusions 20 for connecting to female intrusions 30 located on this, and other device pieces intended to receive a connecting piece. In this Fig, the catnip formula coated corrugated cardboard inserts 40 are alternating strips of cardboard and plastic nested into the frame 10.
[0020] FIG. 2 is one interlocking piece of the claw scratching device. The frame 10 is plastic and contains male extrusions 20 and female intrusions 30 for connecting to other device pieces. On this piece, the catnip formula coated cardboard 40 has a track groove 50 wherein a ball 60 will rotate around the track when manipulated by a pet.
[0021] FIG. 3 is one interlocking piece of the claw scratching device. The frame 10 is plastic, and in this Figure the catnip formula coated cardboard 40 is a wave design of alternating rises and undulations, and is nested into the frame 10.
[0022] FIG. 4 is one interlocking piece of the claw scratching device. The frame 10 is plastic, and in this Figure the catnip formula coated cardboard 40 has indentations 70 wherein pet treats can be placed.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a top perspective of the pieces of the claw scratching device pieces as interlocked by the male 20 and female 30 connectors. Holes 80 on the corners of the pieces are intended for insertion of a grooming device or a vertical scratching post.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a bristled grooming device 90 that is shaped in an arch, and has stems 100 which will insert into a device piece in the frame holes provided (80 not shown in this Fig) so that a cat can rub against the bristles and groom itself as well as scratch its sides or back.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a vertical sisal wrapped scratching post 110. At the base of the post, a 120 is intended to insert into a hole on the corner of any device piece (80 not shown in this Fig). This vertical scratching post allows a cat to extend its body and scratch with a reasonable amount of force.
[0026] FIG. 8 is an angled perspective showing the device pieces connected. The frame 10 is plastic and contains the mal/female connectors. On this Fig, the arched bristle grooming device 90 as connected to a device piece. The catnip formula coated cardboard 40 is shown in various configurations, including the track piece 50, the piece with indentations for cat treats 70, and the wave design piece.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the ingredients and process of creating the catnip formula for spraying onto the corrugated cardboard. The formula can be made in varying amounts as a user desires and production allows. The mixture can be made in quarts or in gallons. In the process of making the coated cardboard, a first amount of catnip 130 is placed in a sprayer which can spray the mixture. An effective amount of cornstarch 140 is mixed into the sprayer. In this Application, the Applicant defines an effective amount as that which would be known by those skilled in the art to be of a viscosity which would pass through a hand sprayer. An effective amount of polyvinyl alcohol 150 is mixed into the sprayer. An effective amount of kaolinite 160 is mixed into the sprayer. An effective amount of sodium borat 170 is mixed into the sprayer. The mixture is agitated slightly to blend the ingredients, and then sprayed 180 onto the corrugated cardboard which is then cut and shaped to any of the forms as disclosed herein and inserted into the plastic frame pieces.
