Media apparatus

The present description relates to a media apparatus that can function as an animal litter box. In one case, the media apparatus includes a media storage portion configured to define a media receiving volume. The media apparatus also includes an animal support portion that defines an opening proximate the media receiving volume.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the concepts conveyed in the present application. Features of the illustrated implementations can be more readily understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like reference numbers in the various drawings are used wherever feasible to indicate like elements. Further, the left-most numeral of each reference number conveys the figure and associated discussion where the reference number is first introduced.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an example of a media apparatus in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of an example of a media apparatus with a receiver removed in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of an example of a media apparatus in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 4is an elevational view of an example of a media apparatus in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 5is a top view of an example of a media apparatus in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 6is an elevational view of an example of a media apparatus in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 7is an opposite elevational view ofFIG. 4of an example of a media apparatus in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 8is an opposite view ofFIG. 3that shows the underside of an example of a media apparatus in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of an example of a receiver in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 10is a top view of an example of a receiver in accordance with some of the present concepts.

FIG. 11is an elevational view of an example of a receiver in accordance with some of the present concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

The present description relates to a media apparatus that can function as an animal litter box. For example, the media apparatus can be utilized as a litter box for domestic cats, among others.

FIGS. 1-2show media apparatus100(1) which can include a media storage portion102(1) configured to define a media receiving volume104(1). As will become apparent fromFIGS. 3-4, the size of the media receiving volume can be selected to accommodate readily available bags of media. Media apparatus100(1) can also include an animal support portion106(1) that defines an opening108(1) proximate the media receiving volume104(1). The animal support portion106(1) can be open to the media storage portion102(1) at a media transfer region110(1). In this case, the animal support portion can include a bearing surface112(1) upon which an animal can stand to perform a bodily function through the opening108(1). In some implementations, the bearing surface112(1) can be flat. In other implementations, the bearing surface can be sloped toward the opening108(1). In some cases the bearing surface can have a smooth finish and in other cases the bearing surface can be textured to avoid slipping.

The media transfer region110(1) can allow an animal to transfer media from the media storage portion to the bearing surface112(1) and ultimately through opening108(1) and into a receptacle114(1).

FIGS. 3-4show another media apparatus100(2). Media apparatus100(2) can have at least some components that are similar to media apparatus100(1) and are distinguished with the suffix “2” but are otherwise not addressed with specificity. InFIGS. 3-4media in the form of litter bag302is shown in the volume defined by media storage portion102(2). Once inserted in the media storage portion102(2), a hole can be cut into litter bag302proximate the media transfer region110(2). This implementation further includes an adjustment mechanism304for adjusting media transfer from litter bag302to animal support portion106(2). (In the implementation shown inFIGS. 1-2, the size of the hole in the litter bag can be used to affect media transfer.)

In use, an animal such as a cat can scratch a small amount of litter from litter bag302to bearing surface112(2). The cat can then relieve itself in opening108(2) while standing on the bearing surface. The cat can follow its instinct and try to cover up its waste with litter by scratching more litter from the litter bag.

Receptacle114(2) can be lined with a disposable plastic garbage bag that may or may not be scented. The bag can be easily removed and deposited in the garbage, as needed.

At least some of the present implementations can offer several potential advantages. For instance, no hood is required with media apparatus100(2) because the odor has been eliminated. No cleaning pad is required because the cat generally does not touch the soiled litter. Further, the purchase of large, heavy bags of litter is not needed because a 10 lb. bag of litter can last over 3 months per cat. Cats enjoy using the media apparatus and cat owners enjoy pleasing their cats. The media apparatus can be inexpensive, easy to use, and sanitary. It can take up less space than other litter boxes on the market today.

Media apparatus100can be constructed of any suitable material such as a polymer, plastic, or composite. Any traditional fabrication technique, such as injection molding can be utilized to form the media apparatus. In some configurations, such as those illustrated relative toFIGS. 1-11, the media apparatus can be constructed in a manner that allows multiple media apparatus to be stacked in a nested manner, such as for space savings during shipping.

CONCLUSION

Although specific examples of media apparatus are described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not intended to be limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed statutory classes of subject matter.