Abstract:
A long term waste collection device for collecting and storing pet deposits includes a main body having a flat base section, and a plurality of upward facing side sections, a plurality of angled support columns positioned on the base section, a non-porous top surface having multiple openings for moving the pet deposits into an interior portion of the main body for storage, and a drain valve positioned along one of the side sections for removing the stored waste.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to waste disposal systems, and more particularly to a pet sanitation device for allowing a pet to repeatedly deposit waste onto a single platform over a substantial period in a sanitary manner. 
         [0002]    With the rise of individuals living in metropolitan areas and the increase in popularity of smaller dog breeds, it has become more common for the city dwelling pet owner to opt for indoor dogs as animal companions. As cats have typically been the pet of choice for urban dwellers, several options for sanitary containment and disposal of cat waste are known. Dog owners, however, have few options when it comes to their dogs and how they can relieve themselves without traveling outdoors. 
         [0003]    While the vast majority of city dwelling dog owners are diligent about walking their dogs before and after work, urban dogs are often left for long periods of time in apartments with no options for relieving themselves. Often dogs are penalized for eliminating indoors and the mess they leave can cause damage to flooring and leaves behind an unpleasant odor that makes living situations uncomfortable for the dog and owner alike. Conventional options such as newspapers, training pads, litter boxes and small sections of turf, provide a more sanitary option for the dog but require the owner to consistently replace or wash soiled items, and to come into direct contact with the waste. 
         [0004]    To this end, there is a need for a pet waste collection device that can allow canines, and other pets to repeatedly relieve themselves indoors in a manner that is hygienic to both the pet and the owner, and that is environmentally friendly by not requiring replacement components. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is directed to a waste disposal device for collecting and storing pet deposits. One embodiment of the present invention can include a main body having a flat base section, and a plurality of upward facing side sections, a plurality of angled support columns positioned on the base section, a non-porous top surface having multiple openings for moving the pet deposits into an interior portion of the main body for storage, and a drain valve positioned along one of the side sections for removing the stored waste. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment of the present invention can include markings on the top surface for increasing the aesthetic appeal of the device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pet waste collection device that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the pet waste collection device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the pet waste collection device according to one embodiment of the invention is another frontal view of a golfer using the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the pet waste collection device in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
         [0013]    For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Although described herein for use by canines, the inventive concepts disclosed can be equally utilized by, and applied to animals of virtually any type. 
         [0014]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate one embodiment of a pet waste collection device  10  that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, device  10  can include a main body  11 , a plurality of support rods  12  and a non-stick top surface  13 . 
         [0015]    The main body  11  can include a generally flat base member  11   a,  connected to a front wall  11   b,  a pair of opposing side walls  11   c  and  11   d,  and a back wall  11   e.  In one preferred embodiment, the main body  11  can include a dimension of 28″×22″×1′ and can be constructed from molded plastic having excellent durability and waterproof properties. In an alternate embodiment, however, the main body can be constructed from a single sheet of aluminum or other metallic material having bends forming the side sections. Of course, other dimensions, materials and shapes such as oval, for example, are also contemplated. 
         [0016]    A plurality of angled support rods  12  can act to position the top surface  13  to the main body in a secure manner. To this end, each of the support rods  12  can include first and second ends  12   a  and  12   b,  a top surface  12   c  conventionally connected to the bottom of the non-porous top  13 , and a bottom surface  12   d  conventionally connected to the base member  11   a.  As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first end section  12   a  preferably includes a length that is greater than the second end section  12   b  resulting in the top surface  12   c  having an angle Θ of approximately 5 degrees, however other angles ranging between approximately 1 and 20 degrees are also contemplated. As will be described below, this angle will act to facilitate removal of liquid waste from the non-porous top surface  13 . 
         [0017]    The top surface  13  can act as a platform for receiving bodily waste, such as urine and feces by a pet. The top surface will be secured to the top of the angled support rods  12   c  at angle Θ and will be bracketed on all sides by main body walls  11   b,    11   c,    11   d  and  11   e,  thus forming a cavernous interior with respect to base member  11   a.  In one embodiment, each of main body walls  11   b - 11   e  can form a raised lip around the periphery of the top surface  13 , thus preventing excess liquid from overflowing out of the device  10 . 
         [0018]    In one preferred embodiment, the top surface  13  can be constructed from a single sheet of non-permeable, non-porous PVC, Polymethyl methacrylate (i.e. Plexiglas®) or other smooth plastic having an extremely low coefficient of friction and excellent stain resistant qualities. Although not illustrated, in one optional embodiment, the top surface can further include any number of unique designs or markings, such as newspaper, grass or other such art for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the device. 
         [0019]    Owing to the angled support rods  12 , the top surface will include a high side  13   a,  and a low side  13   b.  Positioned along the periphery of the low side  13   b  are multiple openings  14  for diverting liquid waste into the cavernous interior. 
         [0020]    A drain valve  15  can be positioned along one of the main body walls  11   b,    11   c,    11   d,  or  11   e,  for allowing a user to remove the liquid waste that has accumulated within the device. As described herein, the drain valve can include a plug or any number of known components capable of creating a removable seal/opening for accessing the stored waste. 
         [0021]    In operation, the device  10  can be utilized in a permanent fashion by training a household pet to regularly deposit bodily waste (i.e. urine and feces) onto the top surface  13  of the device. Such a feature is advantageous for pet owners who live in dwellings such as high-rise apartments, for example, who can not always take a pet outside to relieve themselves. 
         [0022]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , when a pet such as a canine, for example, deposits liquid waste W onto the top surface  13 , the angled slope Θ will direct the urine through the openings  14  and into the cavernous interior for storage. Then, at a desired time, the owner can deposit the stored waste W into a toilet or other such device via the drain  15 . 
         [0023]    Alternatively, when solid waste (i.e. feces) is deposited onto the top surface  13 , it will remain in place until being removed by the owner in a conventional manner. However, owing to the non-porous makeup of the top surface  13 , repeated feces deposits can be accomplished without staining or requiring the owner to remove parts for cleaning or otherwise rendering the top surface unsuitable for continued use. 
         [0024]    As described herein, one or more elements of the pet waste collection device  10  can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individual elements such as the main body  11 , the support rods  12 , and/or the top surface  13  (including all subcomponents), for example, may be formed together as one continuous element, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof. Accordingly, in one alternate embodiment, each above described element of the pet waste collection device  10  can be constructed from injection molded plastic having a height and dimension suitable for use by pets of varying sizes. 
         [0025]    As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
         [0026]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0027]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.