Abstract:
Means for containing and handling pet litter, wherein a reusable, collapsible frame assembly is used cooperatively with a flexible trash bag to provide a structure for enclosing a litter container while in use, allowing the pet caregiver to dispose of the entire litter container without touching it. The reusable, collapsible frame assembly is designed to support the trash bag while in use, and to be partially or completely compressed for removal so that the litter, bag, and optionally the litter container can be disposed of together without requiring the animal caregiver to touch the contents.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention pertains to animal care products. More specifically, it pertains to means for containing litter for small animals while in use, and for enabling the sanitary disposal of litter following use. More specifically, it pertains to a combination of a collapsible frame, a disposable or permanent litter box, and a disposable trash bag to provide multiple advantages to the animal and its caregiver. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,567 issued to Roth discloses a flexible bag surrounding a cat litter containment structure, and includes a skeletal frame. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,593 to Vito shows a frame structure whose configuration is variable from flat to a rectangular polyhedron, as in the subject invention. 
         [0006]    Frame structures are also shown in Fields U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,774, and Brown U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,605. 
         [0007]    Wolak U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,748 shows enclosure by a flexible bag with an interior supporting structure made of rigid walls. 
         [0008]    Improvements over the prior art reside in the collapsible and reusable features, simplicity of structure and use, compatibility with disposable trash bags of the conventional art, and many other features which will become evident with detailed disclosure that follows. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Objects of the Invention 
       [0009]    It is an object of this invention to provide a novel enclosure means for pet litter containment. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of this invention to provide enclosure means for pet litter containment, with the advantage of preventing the dispersion of pet litter as it is used by small animals including cats. 
         [0011]    It is a further object of this invention to provide enclosure means for pet litter containment, with the advantage of hiding the pet litter and its animal waste products from view. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of this invention to provide enclosure means for pet litter containment, with the advantage of inhibiting the diffusion of odors throughout human living quarters. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of this invention to provide enclosure means for pet litter containment, which can employ inexpensive, easily obtainable and disposable elements and supplies. 
         [0014]    It is a further object of this invention to provide enclosure means for pet litter containment, which can easily be assembled and put into use by the animal&#39;s caregiver. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of this invention to provide enclosure means for pet litter containment, which can easily be discarded by the animal&#39;s caregiver. 
         [0016]    It is a further object of this invention to provide enclosure means for pet litter containment, which can be discarded by the animal&#39;s caregiver in a sanitary manner, and without coming into contact with the animal waste. 
         [0017]    Other objects and advantages will become apparent upon detailed disruption of the invention and its use. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is an X-ray and cutaway view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in use. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  shows the assembled collapsible frame of the preferred embodiment in its open configuration 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  shows the assembled collapsible frame of the preferred embodiment in its spring-loaded, compressed configuration, as when being inserted or removed from a trash bag. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  shows the assembled collapsible frame of the preferred embodiment in its collapsed configuration, as when being shipped or stored. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates a first rectangular member forming the collapsible frame. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates a second rectangular member forming the collapsible frame. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates an overhead member which holds the collapsible frame in its open configuration, and cooperates to restore the collapsible frame from its compressed to its open configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown means for containing and discarding pet litter  1 , including collapsible frame  2  which in its open configuration holds open a trash bag  3  of the conventional art, which in turn covers a litter box  4  of the conventional art. The article is shown in normal use, with the pet  6  exiting through the opening in the trash bag  3 . 
         [0026]      FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  depict the collapsible frame  2  in its open, compressed, and closed configurations, respectively. In all three views there are rectangular frame members  10  and  11 , which interlock with each other via cooperative hinge means  14  and  15 , allowing them fully to pivot from the open configuration of  FIG. 2  to the compressed and closed configurations of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0027]    Referring to the open configuration of  FIG. 2 , we see that the collapsible frame is held open by the action of an overhead frame member  12  and spring  13 , which together provide a holding force between the top of rectangular member  10 , and the top of rectangular frame member  11 . The spring  13  is held in its proper position by catch means  18  and  19 , which are integral parts of rectangular frame member  11  and overhead frame member  12 . 
         [0028]    Referring to the compressed configuration of  FIG. 3 , we see that the spring  13  becomes extended, thereby providing a restoring force so that when the caregiver releases downward pressure on the frame, it returns to its open position as in  FIG. 2 . Referring back to  FIG. 1 , we see that once compressed, the collapsible frame  2  may be removed from trash bag  3 . 
         [0029]    Comparing the two views of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , we see that by sliding the spring  13  away from its catches  18  and  19  and past either corner of rectangular frame member  11 , its stress is relieved and the entire assembly is allowed to collapse to a thin configuration for storage or shipping. 
         [0030]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4 , advantageous use of the invention is as follows: 
         [0031]    When the collapsible frame  2  is held in its compressed configuration as in  FIG. 3 , the caregiver may insert it into a trash bag of the conventional art, so that the overhead frame member  12  is on top, and the spring is toward the open end of the trash bag. Once the collapsible frame  2  is inserted into the bag, the caregiver may then allow it to open by releasing force on the top and allowing the spring  13  to exert its restoring force and open frame  2  to the open configuration of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0032]    When the collapsible frame  2  is in its collapsed configuration as in  FIG. 4 , the caregiver may convert it into its open configuration by sliding the spring  13  until it engages the two catches  18  and  19 , thereby remaining in place to hold the entire structure open. 
         [0033]    With the collapsible frame  2  inside the bag  3  and in its open configuration as in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the caregiver may insert a litter box  4  of any convenient size and filled to a desired volume with litter  5 . 
         [0034]    We have found that domestic cats become accustomed to the enclosed structure very quickly, and that no extraordinary training or encouragement is required. During use by the pet or pets, our invention serves to hide the unsightly view of pet waste, helps prevent the dispersal of litter and pet waste about its surroundings, and retards the diffusion of odorous, airborne constituents that usually accompany pet waste. 
         [0035]    When it is time to discard the litter and pet waste, our invention exhibits another advantageous feature by allowing the caregiver to remove the waste without touching the materials or structures that have come in contact with it. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the caregiver simply compresses the frame  2  allowing it to be removed from the bag. Then the bag  3  containing the litter box  4 , and litter  5  with pet waste may be lifted up, closed, and discarded without touching anything contaminated by the pet waste. 
         [0037]    In the preferred embodiment, we find that a 30-gallon trash bag ideally accommodates a collapsible frame that is approximately 14×14×18 ½ inches (HWD), and that a 33-gallon trash bag suitably accommodates the same collapsible frame. 
         [0038]    In the preferred embodiment, detailed construction of the rectangular members is shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 . All three of the rectangular members may be constructed of steel wire of gage AWG 9, or of any convenient material which provides appropriate strength. 
         [0039]    Referring first to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a first rectangular frame member  10 , shaped to include near the midpoint of each long side inner hinge elements  20  and  21 , to engage corresponding hinge members on the other rectangular member. The wire ends  22  near the midpoint of one short side may be joined after assembly by welding or other suitable means. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a second rectangular frame member  11 , shaped to include near the midpoint of each long side outer hinge elements  25  and  26 , to engage the inner hinge elements  20  and  21 . It further incorporates near the midpoint of one short side catch means  18 , to engage spring means  13  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The wire ends  27  near the midpoint of the other short side may be joined after assembly by welding or other suitable means. 
         [0041]    For the joints  22  and  27 , the preferred embodiment has used gas tungsten arc welding, or GTAW, commonly referred to as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. The joints may be made in any suitable manner without departing from the definition and spirit of our invention. 
         [0042]    Spring  13  is a conventional coil spring. Although a substantial range of spring stiffness is feasible, we have selected in the preferred embodiment a spring constant of approximately 198 N/m (1.13 lb/in) and a non-extended length of 8.26 cm (3.25 in). 
         [0043]    Further, the preferred embodiment places the joints  22  and  27  near the midpoint of a short side of each rectangular frame member. This is judged to be preferable to reduce torsional stress on the joint, and the joints may be placed at other locations without departing from the definition and spirit of our invention. 
         [0044]    Further, the preferred embodiment places the joints  22  and  27  on the short side which, when assembled, will be at the rear of the entire assembly. This is judged to be preferable for both cosmetics and stress reduction, and the joints may be placed at other locations without departing from the definition and spirit of our invention. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown overhead frame member  12 , assuming a U-shape. It incorporates at its ends loops that form outer hinge elements  16  and  17  to engage the short side of rectangular frame member  10  of  FIG. 5 . It is further shaped to include near the midpoint of its short side catch means  19 , to engage spring means  13  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 .