Patent Publication Number: US-7213535-B2

Title: Apparatus, system and method for litter sifter

Description:
The application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/953,315, filed Sep. 28, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,459, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LITTER SIFTER.” 

   BACKGROUND 
   1. Field 
   This invention relates to litter sifters, and more particularly to litter sifters having through-hoes arranged to optimize removal of clumped litter and retention of clean litter. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Litter boxes provide a relief station for cats and other small animals. The conventional litter box consists of a square, rectangular or round box having an open top end which is typically filled to a depth of two to three inches or more with granular material simulating fine gravel commonly referred to as “kitty litter.” The kitty litter material is discarded and replaced as it becomes soiled. A “claimable” kitty litter material facilitates cleaning and reusing the litter material. When the “claimable” litter material becomes soiled with urine or feces, the moisture is absorbed and forms clumps of soiled material which can be removed by lifting them out. The lifting is carried typically carried out with a scooper or sifter. The scooper or sifter of the prior art, however, has openings or sifting openings that are too large and arranged to allow clumped material back into a litter box along with the unclumped material. 
   SUMMARY 
   A litter sifter includes a lower portion having many through-holes, an upper portion connected to the lower portion, and handles connected to the upper portion. The litter sifter having a flange. A distance between any two through-holes is equal to a distance between any other two through-holes. 
   A method for removing clumped litter material and sifting un-clumped litter material includes: providing a litter sifter. The litter sifter has a lower portion having many through-holes. A distance between any two through-holes is equal to a distance between any other two through-holes. An upper portion is connected to the lower portion. Handles are connected to the upper portion; the litter system having a flange; introducing a litter material into the litter sifter; gripping the handles; and sifting the introduced litter material so that solid matter and clumped litter material is retained in the litter sifter via the through-holes. 
   A litter box system including a litter box and a litter sifter removably connected with the litter box. The litter sifter includes: a lower portion having many through-holes, an upper portion connected to the lower portion, and handles connected to the upper portion. Any three adjacent through-holes of are arranged in an equilateral triangular pattern. 
   A method for removing clumped litter material and sifting un-clumped litter material includes: providing a litter sifter adaptable to be placed in an alternate container, the litter sifter having a lower portion having through-holes where any three adjacent through-holes are arranged such that any two adjacent through-holes have an equal distance from another two adjacent through-holes, an upper portion connected to the lower portion, and handles connected to the upper portion; dumping at least one container having litter material and solid material in said alternate container; and sifting the litter sifter so that solid matter and clumped litter material are retained in the litter sifter via the through-holes. 
   A litter box system including: a litter sifter removably connected with a sifter device disposed within an alternate container. The litter sifter including: a lower portion having many through-holes; an upper portion connected to the lower portion; and handles connected to the upper portion. A distance between any two through-holes is equal to a distance between any other two through-holes. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments,” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a litter sifter. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of a litter sifter. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a top and side plan view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  having flanges. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a bottom and side perspective of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  having flanges. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a detailed view of web spacing for a bottom portion of the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1–4B . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a process for using embodiments of litter sifters. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another process for using embodiments of litter sifters. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a litter sifter disposed in an alternate container. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of a litter sifter disposed in another alternate container. 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates a litter sifter as illustrated in  FIG. 1  placed in an alternate container. 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates a litter sifter as illustrated in  FIG. 2  placed in an alternate container. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment where a litter sifter is disposed within a sifter device. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment having a plurality of flanges. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The invention generally relates to litter sifters using perforations (through-holes) that are arranged and sized to optimize removal of most, if not all, clumped litter and retention of clean litter (i.e., passed through the perforations). Referring to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. 
     FIG. 1  an embodiment of a litter sifter having circular shape. Litter sifter  100  includes lower portion  130  having a quantity of through-holes (perforations). In one embodiment the through-holes are circular shaped. It should be noted that the quantity of through-holes is dependent on the size of litter sifter  100 . That is, the larger the litter sifter, the more through-holes in lower portion  130 , and vice versa. Litter sifter  100  also includes upper portion  140  connected to lower portion  130 . While litter sifter  100  is not primarily intended to be placed in a litter box, in case this use of litter sifter  100  is employed, in one embodiment upper portion  140  has a height so that animals (e.g., cats, rabbits, etc.) using a litter box, where litter sifter  100  is placed inside, can easily enter and leave. In the case where litter sifter  100  is used in a litter box, the non-retained litter material can pass through to an alternate container before being placed back into a litter box or container. 
   Litter sifter  100  includes handles  110  and  120  connected to upper portion  140  to allow for easy handling. In one embodiment handles  110  and  120  allow for placement and removal of litter sifter  100  from a container. In another embodiment, handles  110  and  120  allow for easy handling when contents of a litter box are dumped into litter sifter  100  for sifting of clumped contents. In another embodiment, handles  110  and  120  are removably connected to upper portion  140 . 
   If litter sifter  100  is placed in a litter box, the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  should be placed in a circular shaped litter box. In another embodiment, an alternate container (see  FIG. 8 ) is used to hold litter sifter  100 . The alternate container has a top opening having a diameter to hold litter sifter  100  snugly. In this embodiment, litter sifter  100  lies within an upper portion of the alternate container and a litter box or container can have its contents dumped into litter sifter  100  when it is disposed in the alternate container. In this embodiment, multiple litter boxes can be emptied into litter sifter  100 . The unclumped contents that pass through the through-holes of litter sifter  100  are accumulated in the alternate container. The alternate container can be used as a storage bin of the unclumped litter material for distribution at a later time to litter boxes. Litter sifter  100  can be sifted using back and forth, up and down, etc. motion to sift the unclumped litter material into an alternate container or a litter box (if sifter is sifted over the litter box). 
   In litter sifter  100 , any two adjacent through-holes in lower portion  130  are arranged in an equidistant pattern (See  FIG. 5 ). That is, any pair of through-holes have equal spacing as any other two adjacent through-holes. In one embodiment the distance between adjacent through-holes is ⅛ inch. 
   In one embodiment, the diameter of each through-hole is ¼ inch. The diameter of each through-hole optimizes the retention of clumped litter material and allows passing through of unclumped litter material. That is, if the diameter is larger (e.g., ⅜–½ inch) too much clumped material will pass through the through-hole; and if the diameter of the through-holes are much smaller (i.e., ⅛, 1/16 inch), it would be much harder to sift the unclumped material through the through-holes and a majority of the through-holes would get clogged with clumped material. It should be noted that this embodiment retains approximately 99% of the clumped litter material. 
   In one embodiment, the diameter of each through-hole and the distance between two adjacent through-holes have a proportion of two to one (2:1). In one embodiment, slightly larger or slightly smaller diameters of through-holes are used, the distance between the two adjacent through-holes maintains the proportion of 2:1 for these embodiments (e.g., 0.275/0.1375). 
   In one embodiment litter sifter  100  is made of either a metal, a metal alloy or plastic. In one embodiment, litter sifter  100  is made of 26–24 gauge sheet metal. In another embodiment the sheet metal is powder coated. In still another embodiment, litter sifter  100  is painted with a rust free paint to prevent a metal or metal alloy from rusting prematurely. In yet another embodiment where litter sifter is made of plastic, the plastic can be propropylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of a litter sifter. Litter sifter  200  includes upper portion  240  that includes four walls. Any two adjacent walls of upper portion  240  are connected at a right angle and any two opposing walls are parallel to one another. Therefore, upper portion  240  can be shaped as a square (walls of equal length) or rectangle (parallel walls of equal length, opposing walls of equal length). Lower portion  230  is rectangular shaped. The embodiment of  FIG. 2  contains similar features to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , accept for the difference in shape. Therefore, if embodiments are placed in a litter box, the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  is placed in a rectangular shaped litter box. 
   Litter sifter  200  includes handles  210  and  220  connected to upper portion  240  to allow for easy handling. In one embodiment, handles  210  and  220  allow for easy handling when contents of a litter box are dumped into litter sifter  200  for sifting of clumped contents. In another embodiment, handles  210  and  220  a removably connected to upper portion  240  by using standard connectors, such as nuts/bolts, screws, etc. In another embodiment, handles  210  and  220  allow for placement and removal of litter sifter  200  from a litter box if used in such fashion. 
   In another embodiment, an alternate container (see  FIG. 8 ) is used to hold litter sifter  200 . The alternate container has a top opening having a length and width to hold litter sifter  200  snugly. In this embodiment, litter sifter  200  lies within the alternate container, and a litter box or container can have its contents dumped into litter sifter  200  that is disposed in the alternate container. In this embodiment, multiple litter boxes can be emptied into litter box sifter  200 . The unclumped contents that pass through the through-holes of litter sifter  200  are accumulated in the alternate container. The alternate container can be used as a storage bin of the litter box material for distribution at a later time to litter boxes. 
     FIG. 3A  illustrates a top and side plan view of an embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  having a flange  310 .  FIG. 3B  illustrates a bottom and side perspective view of an embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, handles  110  and  120  extend from upper portion  140  so that flange  310  extends outwardly to cover handles  110  and  120  from view when looking downward at litter sifter  300 . In one embodiment, handles  110  and  120  have an extension of two inches from upper portion  140 . In this embodiment, flange  310  extends outward to a furthermost distance of at least two inches. Flange  310  makes it easier to retain litter material and solid material emptied into litter sifter  300  by widening the opening. 
     FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of an embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  having a flange  410 . In one embodiment, handles  210  and  220  extend from upper portion  240  so that flange  410  extends outwardly to cover handles  210  and  220  from view when looking downward at litter sifter  400 . In one embodiment, handles  210  and  220  have an extension of one and one half inches from upper portion  240 . In this embodiment, flange  410  extends outward to a furthermost distance of at least one and a half inches. Flange  410  makes it easier to retain litter material and solid material emptied into litter sifter  400  by widening the opening. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a detailed view of web spacing for a bottom portion of the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1–4B . As illustrated, a group of three through-holes  510  are arranged in a pattern such that any two adjacent through-holes have a distance that is equal to a distance between any other two adjacent through-holes. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a process for removing clumped litter material and sifting un-clumped litter material. Process  600  begins with block  610 . In block  610 , a litter sifter is provided. The litter sifter provided includes a lower portion having through-holes, where any three adjacent through-holes are arranged in an equidistant pattern. The litter sifter provided also includes an upper portion connected to the lower portion. Handles are connected to the upper portion. Process  600  continues with block  620 . In block  620  litter material is introduced into the litter sifter. Process  600  then continues with block  630  where the handles are gripped manually. Process  600  then continues with block  640  where the litter sifter is sifted so that solid matter and clumped litter material are retained in the litter sifter via the through-holes. In one embodiment, the litter sifter is lifted and shaken to sift the material introduced into the litter sifter. 
   In one embodiment where the litter sifter is used with a litter box, the litter sifter is lifted out of the litter box. After lifting the litter sifter (block  640 ) process  600  continues with disposing of solid and clumped material and placing remaining litter material located in the litter box in a temporary storage container. The litter sifter is then replaced back in the litter box and the litter sifter is then filled with additional litter material. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates another process for removing clumped litter material and sifting un-clumped litter material. Process  700  begins with block  710  where a litter sifter adaptable to be placed in an alternate container and the alternate container are provided. The litter sifter provided has a lower portion with through-holes where any three adjacent through-holes are arranged such that any two adjacent through-holes have an equal distance from another two adjacent through-holes. The litter sifter has an upper portion connected to the lower portion and handles (connected to the upper portion). Process  700  continues with block  720  where litter material is introduced into the litter sifter that is inserted in the alternate container. Process  700  then continues with block  730  where at least one container having litter material and solid material is dumped in the litter sifter. Process  740  continues with block  740  where litter sifter is sifted so that solid matter and clumped litter material is retained in the litter sifter via the through-holes. 
   In one embodiment process  700  continues with disposing of solid and clumped material, placing the remaining litter material in a litter box, and replacing the litter sifter in the alternate container. In another embodiment, litter sifter is placed in a sifter device. In this embodiment, after block  730  is completed, the sifter device is activated and the litter sifter is either moved back in forth, vibrated, moved up and down, or any combination of movement to sift unclumped litter material through the through-holes. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a litter box system. Litter box system  800  includes a container (e.g., litter box)  810  and litter sifter  100  removably disposed with container  810 . Container  810  is circular shaped and has a diameter slightly wider than litter sifter  100  so that litter sifter  100  does not have much movement when disposed in container  810 . Handles  110  and  120  end up located above the top of container  810  when litter sifter  100  is disposed within container  810 . Litter material  820  is added to litter sifter  100  to a desired amount. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of a litter box system. Litter box system  900  includes a container (e.g., litter box)  910  and litter sifter  200  removably disposed with container  910 . Container  910  is rectangular shaped and has a length and width slightly wider than litter sifter  200  so that litter sifter  200  does not have much movement when disposed in container  910 . Handles  210  and  220  end up located above the top of container  910  when litter sifter  200  is disposed within container  910 . Litter material  920  is added to litter box sifter  200  to a desired amount. 
     FIG. 10A  illustrates the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  disposed in an alternate container  1010 . Alternate container  1010  can be sized appropriately to need. For example, alternate container  1010  can be sized as a 5 gallon, 10 gallon, 40 gallon, etc. sized container (e.g., garbage can). Litter sifter  100  fits within alternate container  1010  so that it will not pass through more than its height (i.e., height of upper portion  140 ). Alternate container  1010  can be tapered or have stops that prevent litter sifter  100  from entering more than its height. After litter sifter  100  is disposed in alternate container  1010 , litter can be sifted using litter sifter  100  for one or more litter boxes. The unclumped litter material passes through the through-holes and is collected in alternate container  1010 . The clumped material and other solid material can be emptied into an appropriate container or collection device. In one embodiment, litter sifter  100  fits flush when disposed in alternate container  1010  and handles  110  and  120  rest on alternate container  1010 , which prevents litter sifter  100  from being disposed further within alternate container  1010 . 
     FIG. 10B  illustrates the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  disposed in an alternate container  1020 . Alternate container can be sized appropriately for a desired need. For example, alternate container  1020  can be sized as a 5 gallon, 10 gallon, 40 gallon, etc. sized container (e.g., garbage can). Litter sifter  200  fits within alternate container  1020  so that it will not pass through more than its height. Alternate container  1020  can be tapered or have stops that prevent litter sifter  200  from entering more than its height. After litter sifter  200  is disposed in alternate container  1020 , litter can be sifted using litter sifter  200  for one or more litter boxes. The unclumped litter material passes through the through-holes and is collected in alternate container  1020 . The clumped material and other solid material can be emptied into an appropriate container or collection device. In one embodiment, litter sifter  200  fits flush when disposed in alternate container  1020  and handles  210  and  220  rest on alternate container  1020 , which prevents litter sifter  200  from being disposed further within alternate container  1020 . 
     FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment where a litter sifter ( 100  or  200 ) is disposed within a sifter device  1100  that moves the litter sifter either side to side, up and down, vibrates, or any combination of movement. A litter sifter has dimensions to fit snugly within sifter device  1110  so the litter sifter will remain coupled when disposed within sifter device  1110 . In one embodiment, litter box sifter has coupling brackets to secure itself within sifter device  1110  (e.g., clamps, butterfly nuts, etc.). Sifter device has a motor removably connected to a power supply (e.g., electric outlet) and a switch, connected to it to procure movement of the litter sifter. In one embodiment a timing circuit that has preselected movement periods is connected to the motor. This allows for set periods of on and than off for movement cycles. For example, if a thirty-second cycle is selected, the litter sifter will be moved (sifted) for thirty seconds when the switch is engaged and then automatically stop. 
   In one embodiment, sifter device  1110  works similarly to a paint shaker. In another embodiment, sifter device  1110  works similarly to an electric sander (vibration or side-to side high rpm). In another embodiment, at least one track is connected to sifter device  1110  to allow for up and down movement upon the track or side to side movement upon a horizontally connected track where the litter sifter has a guide connected to it to fit within the track. By having the sifter device coupled to the litter sifter, multiple litter boxes can be emptied in order to save time. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment having a flange to assist in keeping litter material within the litter sifter. Flange  1210  increases in radius from its base to its top. The top of flange  1210  has a larger radius than litter sifter  100  and allows for easier insertion of litter material to be sifted in litter sifter  100 . Flange  1210  helps prevent litter material from missing (e.g., coming in contact with a floor) litter sifter  100  when inserted into litter sifter  100 . In one embodiment, flange  1210  has first height  1215  and second height  1220 . As illustrated height  1215  is lower than height  1220 . In one embodiment the lower height of flange  1210  assists a user to be able to view and grip handles  110  and  120 . In one embodiment flanges  1210  assist a user in resting a litter box on as lower height  1215  on two sides of flange  1210  form a holding area on flange  1210 . In another embodiment flange  1210  allows stacking of a plurality of litter sifters  100  onto one another. 
   While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.