Patent Abstract:
An apparatus to aid in the bathing of cats, dogs, or similar small pets that is intended for countertop use over an existing a sink is herein disclosed, comprising a box-like structure with a hinged lid. The apparatus is designed such that the cat or dog can be secured within the enclosure with its head protruding from a foam rubber lined opening. A hose and valve connected thereto the apparatus are hooked up to a sink faucet providing a mixture of water and liquid soap which fills and pressurizes the hollow walls of the apparatus causing spraying of the pet from a plurality of water delivery apertures formed in the vertical walls. When completed, the pet is rinsed with clean water. Waste water from the washing process is strained and drained into the sink below. Finally, a dryer adapter coupling allows a user to dry the pet using a hair dryer while still inside the apparatus.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/207,896, filed Feb. 19, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of animal care, and in particular, to an apparatus specially adapted to provide a simple and hygienic means for bathing and drying small domestic animals on a regular basis. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Domesticated animal pets are a popular member of many households. Such animals are reliant upon their human caretakers for their basic needs. Among these needs are hygienic needs such as frequent bathing. The process of bathing common pets such as cats, dogs, and the like provides health benefits, prevents unwanted odors, and contributes to the overall appearance of the animal. 
     Many conventional methods of bathing animals are inconvenient in one (1) or more significant ways. Washing pets in common bath tubs can lead to smell or dirty tubs, difficult reaching for the caretaker, and uncomfortable brushing for the animal. Attempting to wash a pet outdoors is difficult and unpredictable, and leaves the animals prone to further dirtying. Utilizing other indoor water sources such as sinks can lead to clogged drains and the like. Taking the pet to a salon or otherwise hiring another individual to maintain the pet&#39;s appearance can result in very significant costs over the lifetime of the pet. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide apparatuses to aid in the household washing of a pet. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,257, issued in the name of Temby, describes a pet washing and grooming apparatus. The Temby apparatus consists of a small tub with a flexible, transparent upper casing which allows a user to see and manipulate the pet. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,252, issued in the name of Brandolino, describes a pet bath apparatus. The Brandolino apparatus includes sloped floors and filters in order to carry and catch pet hair and the like during the bathing process. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,257, issued in the name of Lee, describes a pet dog washing apparatus. The Lee apparatus includes a plurality of sensors adapted to detect the presence of an animal, their proximity, and the like in order to provide automated bathing features. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses are not adaptable to work with common household water sources such as sink faucets and the like. Also, many such apparatuses do not provide capabilities for drying the pet after bathing. Furthermore, many such apparatuses do not allow the user a great amount of control during the bathing process. In addition, many such apparatuses do not provide height adjustment means in order to comfortable receive pets of different heights or sizes. Finally, many such apparatuses do not provide a plurality of spray portions which provide a comfortable and even wash to a pet. Accordingly, there exists a need for a pet cleaning and drying device without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a pet washing apparatus for restraining and bathing a small domestic pet. Such a pet washing apparatus including an outer enclosure and an inner enclosure connected thereto such that a spatial gap is formed between the outer and inner enclosures, a venturi unit affixed to the outer enclosure, a plurality of inner seals located along upper horizontal perimeter edges of the inner and outer enclosures respectively such that the inner seals are located within the spatial gap. 
     The pet washing apparatus further includes supply water tubing connected to the venturi unit and adapted to be connected to a supply water source and a plurality of water delivery apertures formed along inner vertical surfaces of the inner enclosure. In this manner, pressurized supply water is introduced into the outer enclosure in such that the pressurized supply water is subsequently discharged into the inner enclosure via the water delivery apertures. 
     The pet washing apparatus further includes a platform adjustably situated within the inner enclosure, a pair of drains located at a bottom surface of the outer enclosure, a plurality of drain conduits protruding downwardly from the drains and thereby draining waste water directly from the inner enclosure, and a drain valve located along a bottom surface of the outer enclosure for draining pressurized supply water directly from the spatial gap. 
     In one embodiment, the outer enclosure may include first and second access doors forming a pet head aperture therebetween, a dryer adapter connected to the outer enclosure and disposed opposite of the venturi unit, and a foam insert positioned within a perimeter of the pet head opening. 
     In one embodiment, the inner enclosure may be stably attached to side and bottom surfaces of the outer enclosure via the inner seals. 
     In one embodiment, the platform is horizontally and adjustably positioned between the inner vertical surfaces of the inner enclosure. 
     In one embodiment, the drain conduits extend from the drains along an inner bottom surface of the inner enclosure downwardly through the outer enclosure such that the drain conduits are sealed to both the outer and inner enclosures and thereby maintain internal supply water pressure within the spatial gap. 
     In one embodiment, the venturi unit is adapted to dispense and mix a liquid supplement with the pressurized supply water prior to entering the outer enclosure. 
     In one embodiment, an inline water pump is integrated to the supply water tubing and thereby increasing a pressure of the supply water. 
     The present invention further includes a method of utilizing a pet washing apparatus for restraining and bathing a small domestic pet. Such a method preferably includes the steps of: providing and connecting an outer enclosure and an inner enclosure to each other such that a spatial gap is formed between the outer and inner enclosures wherein the inner enclosure has a plurality of water delivery apertures formed along inner vertical surfaces thereof; providing and affixing a venturi unit to the outer enclosure; providing and locating a plurality of inner seals within the spatial gap by locating the inner seals along upper horizontal perimeter edges of the inner and outer enclosures respectively; and providing and connecting a supply water tubing to the venturi unit and a supply water source respectively. 
     The method may further include the steps of: providing and adjustably situating a platform within the inner enclosure; providing and locating a pair of drains at a bottom surface of the outer enclosure; providing a plurality of drain conduits protruding downwardly from the drains; and providing and locating a drain valve along a bottom surface of the outer enclosure. In this manner, pressurized supply water is introduced into the outer enclosure in such a manner that the pressurized supply water is subsequently discharged into the inner enclosure via the water delivery apertures. 
     The method may further include the steps of: draining waste water directly from the inner enclosure; and draining pressurized supply water directly from the spatial gap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a small pet washing apparatus  10  depicting an in-use state upon a kitchen sink  115 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the small pet washing apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a partial cut-away view of the small pet washing apparatus  10  depicting a platform slot portion  62 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is another partial cut-away view of the small pet washing apparatus  10  depicting a platform slot portion  62 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   c  is another partial cut-away view of the small pet washing apparatus  10  depicting a support block portion  63 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the small pet washing apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is another section view of the small pet washing apparatus  10  taken along section line C-C (see  FIG. 2 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up view of an insert portion  40  of the small pet washing apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is an environmental view of the small pet washing apparatus  10  depicting an alternate inline water pump potion  140 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                   10 
                   small pet washing apparatus 
                 
                 
                   15 
                   pet head aperture 
                 
                 
                   20 
                   outer enclosure 
                 
                 
                   21 
                   first access door 
                 
                 
                   22 
                   first pet opening section 
                 
                 
                   23 
                   second access door 
                 
                 
                   24 
                   second pet opening section 
                 
                 
                   25 
                   hinge 
                 
                 
                   27 
                   drain 
                 
                 
                   28 
                   clasp 
                 
                 
                   29 
                   drain conduit 
                 
                 
                   30 
                   dryer adapter 
                 
                 
                   32 
                   venturi unit 
                 
                 
                   33 
                   fluid port 
                 
                 
                   34  
                   liquid supplement 
                 
                 
                   35  
                   venturi tube 
                 
                 
                   36  
                   liquid supplement reservoir 
                 
                 
                   37 
                   reservoir cap 
                 
                 
                   39  
                   fluid port connector 
                 
                 
                   40 
                   insert 
                 
                 
                   41 
                   insert groove 
                 
                 
                   42 
                   dimension ‘B’ 
                 
                 
                   43 
                   inner diameter 
                 
                 
                   50 
                   inner enclosure 
                 
                 
                   52 
                   water delivery aperture 
                 
                 
                   56  
                   inner seal 
                 
                 
                   59 
                   supply water tubing 
                 
                 
                   60 
                   platform 
                 
                 
                   61 
                   platform tab 
                 
                 
                   62 
                   platform slot 
                 
                 
                   63 
                   support block 
                 
                 
                   64 
                   perforation 
                 
                 
                   68 
                   standoff 
                 
                 
                   70 
                   spatial gap 
                 
                 
                   75 
                   drain valve 
                 
                 
                   92 
                   tubing connector 
                 
                 
                   94 
                   spigot adapter 
                 
                 
                   95 
                   water valve 
                 
                 
                   96 
                   valve handle 
                 
                 
                   100 
                   pet 
                 
                 
                   110 
                   water spigot 
                 
                 
                   111 
                   supply water 
                 
                 
                   112 
                   waste water 
                 
                 
                   115 
                   sink 
                 
                 
                   117 
                   sink drain 
                 
                 
                   120 
                   drying device 
                 
                 
                   130 
                   fastener 
                 
                 
                   140 
                   inline water pump 
                 
                 
                   142 
                   power cord 
                 
                 
                   144 
                   motor housing 
                 
                 
                   146 
                   inlet connection 
                 
                 
                   148 
                   outlet connection 
                 
                 
                   150 
                   hose clamp 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6  and in terms of an alternate embodiment as depicted within  FIG. 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a small pet washing apparatus (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for restraining and bathing a small domestic pet  100  such as a small dog, a cat, or a similarly shaped pet. The apparatus  10  is portable and rests upon a conventional sink  115  or similar vessel comprising a water spigot  110  and a drain  117  means. The apparatus  10  provides a rectangular box structure comprising an outer enclosure  20 , an inner enclosure  50 , and a hinged lid  21 ,  23 , thereby forming a rectangular inner space having surrounding hollow wall structures which are filled with pressurized water  111  directed upon the pet  100  via a plurality of water delivery apertures  52  along inner wall surfaces. Upon completion of the washing process, the apparatus  10  utilizes a common hair dryer  120  to then dry the pet  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is made of a lightweight, durable material such as plastic, fiberglass, or the like and manufactured through common extruding and molding processes. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be introduced being molded in various colors and patterns to match an existing decor, or may be molded in transparent or translucent plastic as well, based upon a user&#39;s preference. The apparatus  10  comprises an outer enclosure  20  and an inner enclosure  50 . The inner enclosure  50  is positioned and connected thereto said outer enclosure  20  via a plurality of standoffs  68  in a parallel manner so as to retain a consistent spatial gap  70  therebetween (see  FIG. 3   a ). The apparatus  10  is to be suitably sized so as to be portable and capable of temporarily housing a small house pet  100  during washing. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to have approximate dimensions of eight (8) inches in depth, ten (10) inches in height, and thirteen (13) inches in length; however, the apparatus  10  may be introduced in various sizes such as “small”, “medium”, and “large” so as to accommodate various size pets  100 , and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The outer enclosure  20  is to be of a rectangular structure being defined by four (4) side walls, a bottom panel, and two (2) hingedly attached access doors  21 ,  23  which form the top surface of said outer enclosure  20  (see  FIG. 2 ). The outer enclosure  20  further comprises a first pet opening section  22  and a second pet opening section  24  which jointly define a pet head aperture  15  therein a top surface of said outer enclosure  20  providing a comfortable constraining means thereto the pet  100  therewithin the apparatus  10 . 
     The outer enclosure  20  further provides a plumbing means to receive a flow of pressurized supply water  111 , thereby filling the spatial gap  70  between the outer  20  and inner  50  enclosures. Said supply water  111  is subsequently discharged onto the pet  100  via a plurality of water delivery apertures  52  positioned along inner vertical surfaces of the inner enclosure  50  (see  FIGS. 3   a  and  4 ). After use, a drain valve  75  located along a bottom surface of the outer enclosure  20  allows complete drainage of residual supply water  111  from within the spatial gap  70 . The outer enclosure  20  also provides a means to optionally mix a liquid supplement  34  such as shampoo, flea medication, or the like, thereinto said supply water  111  via a liquid venturi unit  32 . The venturi unit  32  is permanently affixed thereto a side surface of the outer enclosure  20 . A length of supply water tubing  59  provides a plumbing connection therebetween said venturi unit  32  and a source of supply water  111  such as an existing sink spigot  110 . Additional plumbing components work in conjunction therewith the water supply tubing  59  including a common spigot adapter  94 , a three-way water valve  95 , a fluid port connector  39 , and a tubing connector  92 . 
     The spigot adapter  94  comprises a common sliding-collar-type two-piece fitting being similar to like units which are used to connect portable dishwashers thereto a water spigot  110 . Said spigot adapter  94  allows easy disconnection of the apparatus  10  therefrom the water spigot  110  when not in use. Said spigot adapter  94  is also threadingly attached thereto a common three-way water valve  95  which comprises a common valve handle  96  thereupon providing a manual means for a user to select an “OFF” position, an “ON” position to direct supply water  111  thereto the apparatus  10 , and a “BYPASS” position to direct said supply water  111  thereinto a subjacent sink  115  for purposes of pre-adjusting a temperature of said supply water  111 , thereby reducing risk of burning the pet  100 . 
     The apparatus  10  provides a means to drain waste water  112  produced by the pet washing process therefrom the inner enclosure  50  via a pair of drain conduits  29  which protrude downwardly from a pair of drains  27  located at a bottom surface of the outer enclosure  20  (see  FIG. 4 ). The apparatus  10  is to be positioned so as to rest upon a sink  115 , thereby directing said waste water  112  exiting said drain conduits  29 , thereinto an existing sink drain  117 , thereby utilizing an existing drainage system within a residence. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front perspective view of the small pet washing apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a first access door  21 , a second access door  23 , four (4) common axial hinges  25  being arranged in pairs along a common joint, three (3) clasps  28 , a dryer aperture  30 , and an insert  40 . The access doors  21 ,  23  are hingedly attached thereto opposing upper edge portions of two (2) lengthwise sidewall portions of the outer enclosure  20  via the hinges  25 . Said hinges  25  are affixed thereto the outer enclosure  20  in a conventional manner using fasteners  130  (see  FIGS. 3   a ,  4 , and  5 ). However, it is understood that said hinges  24  may also be integrally-molded thereinto said access doors  21 ,  23  and the outer enclosure  20  with equal benefit and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     Said access doors  21 ,  23  may be pivoted downwardly and secured therein a relative coplanar horizontal orientation when the apparatus  10  is in use, via three (3) locking clasps  28  along adjacent edges of said access doors  21 ,  23 . Said clasps  28  are envisioned to comprise cam-locking ring-type devices being common in the industry. 
     The access doors  21 ,  23  comprise a first pet opening section  22  and a second pet opening section  24 , respectively. The pet opening sections  22 ,  24  comprise complementing halves of a circular or oval-shaped opening formed along adjacent edges of the access doors  21 ,  23 . Upon closing said access doors  21 ,  23  the pet opening sections  22 ,  24  jointly define a circular or ovular opening  15 , thereby providing a means for neck and head portions of the pet  100  to protrude upwardly therefrom the apparatus  10  during washing. The pet opening sections  22 ,  24  provide attachment of a comfortable two-piece foam-rubber insert  40  along perimeter edges thereof which encircles and provides additional comfort and safety thereto the pet&#39;s  100  neck area (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  3   c , various views of the platform portion  60  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a pair of drain conduits  29  each in fluid communication with a pair of drains  27 , a plurality of water delivery apertures  52 , a plurality of inner seals  56 , a platform  60 , a pair of platform tabs  61 , a pair of platform slots  62 , and a pair of platform support blocks  63 . The inner enclosure  50  comprises a plurality of equally-spaced water delivery apertures  52  being approximately one-sixteenth ( 1/16) of an inch in diameter and located at various positions therealong vertical wall portions of said inner enclosure  50 . The water delivery apertures  52  are formed so as to provide various water spray angles therefrom, being delivered to all body areas of the pet  100 . The apparatus  10  is envisioned to comprise an appropriate number of water delivery apertures  52  having appropriate diameters so as to balance a water pressure as provided by the water spigot  110 , with desired supply water  111  spraying characteristics during the washing process. 
     The inner enclosure  50  is attached and stably positioned within the outer enclosure  20  along side and bottom surfaces via a plurality of inner seals  56  located along an upper horizontal perimeter edge joining the inner enclosure  50  thereto the outer enclosure  20 , as well as around the drain conduits  29 . Additional strengthening attachment therebetween said outer  20  and inner  50  enclosures is provided by a plurality of standoffs  68  being rigidly affixed therebetween said outer  20  and inner  50  enclosures (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     The platform  60  provides a height-adjustable standing surface for the pet  100 . Said platform  60  comprises a rigid rectangular panel approximately one-half (½) inch thick which extends horizontally therebetween inside vertical surfaces of the inner enclosure  50 . Said platform  60  provides an adjustable height means via a pair of platform tabs  61  integrally-molded therealong one (1) side edge which are inserted thereinto correspondingly sized and positioned platform slots  62  being molded thereinto a vertical wall portion of the inner enclosure  50  at three (3) different elevations. The opposing edge of the platform  60  rests upon a plurality of support blocks  63  being correspondingly positioned in relation to the aforementioned platform slots  62 , thereby positioning the platform  60  therein a horizontal orientation within the inner enclosure  50  thereat a desired height which corresponds thereto a height of a pet  100  to be washed (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The platform  60  further comprises a plurality of molded-in perforations  64  which provide a fluid straining means thereto produced waste water  112 , thereby removing pet hair and other contaminants while providing sufficient drainage therethrough, during the washing process. Said perforations  64  may comprise various geometric shapes such as rectangles, circles, or the like, and extend therethrough the platform  60 . Although the platform  60  is illustrated here being supported by said slots  62  and blocks  63 , it is understood that various other means may be provided such as pins, clips, various molded-in features, and the like, without deviating from the concept and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , section views of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a pair of drain conduits  29 , a venturi unit  32 , and a dryer adapter  30 . The drain conduits  29  comprise short lengths of plastic tubing approximately one (1) inch in diameter, each extending therefrom and in fluid communication with a pair of drains  27  along an inner bottom surface of the inner enclosure  50  downwardly through the outer enclosure  20  being sealed thereto both said outer  20  and inner  50  enclosures via respective inner seals  56 , thereby maintaining internal pressure within the spatial gap  70  as well as providing additional stiffening support therebetween said outer  20  and inner  50  enclosures. Waste water  112  from the inner enclosure  50  exits the apparatus  10  via the drains  27 , then is routed through the drain conduits  29  and received thereinto an existing subjacent sink drain  117 . 
     The venturi unit  32  comprises a fluid port  33 , a liquid supplement reservoir  36 , a reservoir cap  37 , and a liquid supplement valve  38 . The venturi unit  32  provides connection of the outer enclosure  20  thereto a flow of pressurized supply water  111  therefrom an existing water spigot  110  and also provides a means to mix a liquid supplement  34  such as shampoo, flea medication, or the like thereinto said supply water  111  via an internal venturi tube  35 . The venturi unit  32  is permanently affixed thereto and extends perpendicularly therefrom a side surface of the outer enclosure  20  via an integral fluid port  33 . Said venturi unit  32  further comprises a top-mounted gravity-fed liquid supplement reservoir  36 , a reservoir cap  37 , and a fluid port connector  39 . The liquid supplement reservoir  36  is to provide a sufficient internal space to contain a desired amount of liquid supplement  34  therewithin. The liquid supplement reservoir  36  provides threaded attachment thereto the reservoir cap  37  along a top cylindrical edge, thereby providing a sealed pressure vessel capable of withstanding a hydraulic pressure therefrom the pressurized supply water  111 . The fluid port connector  39  provides threaded removable attachment of the venturi unit  32  thereto the aforementioned tubing connector portion  92  of the supply water tubing  59  (see  FIG. 1 ). The venturi unit  32  provides conventional venturi feeding functionality in a similar manner as common power washers, garden fertilizer sprinkler canisters, and the like. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a dryer adapter  30  which extends therefrom and is sealed thereto a side wall of the outer enclosure  20  opposite the aforementioned venturi unit  32 . The dryer adapter  30  is also affixed and sealed thereto an adjacent side wall of the inner enclosure  50 , thereby maintaining internal pressure within the spatial gap  70 . The dryer adapter  30  comprises a tapering conical plastic member sized so as to enable a drying device  120  such as a common electric hair dryer or the like, to be removably inserted thereinto the apparatus  10  in order to dry the pet  100  following the washing process. Furthermore, the dryer adapter  30  is appropriately sized to provide a mechanical limitation such that a drying device  120  cannot extend thereinto the inner enclosure  50  and possibly burn the pet  100 . 
     The apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of inner seals  56  forming water-tight connections therebetween major components which require hydraulic isolation including the outer  20  and inner  50  enclosures, the drain conduits  29 , the dryer adapter  30 , and the fluid port  33 . Said inner seals  56  are envisioned to comprise common plastic joints utilizing methods such as durable adhesives, plastic welding, epoxies, or the like, thus forming a durable water-tight seal. Additional strengthening between the outer  20  and inner  50  enclosures is provided by a plurality of standoffs  68  being rigidly affixed within the spatial gap  70  formed therebetween said enclosures  20 ,  50 . Said standoffs  68  comprise a cylindrical plastic shape approximately one (1) inch long being rigidly affixed thereto opposing inner surfaces of said enclosures  20 ,  50  using adhesives, plastic welding, epoxies, or the like. Said standoffs  68  may be provided at various locations within the spatial gap  70  to obtain desired rigidness and strength within the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a close-up view of an insert portion  40  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The first  21  and second  24  access doors provide respective attachment of a comfortable two-piece foam-rubber insert  40  along perimeter edges of the respective first  22  and second  24  pet opening sections. The insert  40  forms a pet head aperture  15  which encircles an occupying pet&#39;s  100  neck in a comfortable manner during washing. The insert  40  comprises a generally torus-shaped member being split thereinto two (2) equal halve portions coincidental therewith edge portions of the access doors  21 ,  23 . Each half portion of the insert  40  is envisioned to be removably secured thereto the first  22  and second  24  pet opening sections via an insert groove  41  being integrally molded thereinto a major diameter region of said insert  40 . The insert groove  41  comprises a recessed portion having a rectangular cross section being sized so as to fit snuggly upon respective first  22  and second  24  pet opening sections. It is understood that the insert  40  is to be introduced in different sizes having corresponding inner diameters  43 , represented here as dimension ‘B’  42 . One (1) or more inserts  40  may be purchased by a user, thereby providing a variety of inner diameters  43  having corresponding dimension ‘B’ diameters for use with correspondingly shaped pets  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting an alternate inline water pump portion  140 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. An alternate model of the apparatus  10  may be introduced providing an inline water pump  140  which is to be integrated thereinto the aforementioned supply water tubing  59  thereat an intermediate location, to increase a pressure of the supply water  111  and subsequently improve spraying characteristics therefrom the water delivery apertures  52 . Said increased pressure is envisioned to be especially beneficial in particular applications of the apparatus  10  where available supply water  11  comprises a low pressure condition. Increased pressure produced by the inline water pump  140  provides improved supply water  111  dispersal therethrough the water delivery apertures  52 . The inline water pump  140  is envisioned to comprise a commercially available electric motorized unit comprising expected features common to inline water pumps such as, but not limited to: a power cord  142 , a motor housing  144 , an inlet connection  146 , an outlet connection  148 , and a pair of hose clamps  150 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 7 . 
     The method of utilizing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring an appropriately sized model of the apparatus  10  based upon an intended pet  100  to be washed; pre-assembling the spigot adapter  94 , water valve  95 , and the tubing connector  92  thereto the supply water tubing  59  using conventional plumbing methods, if not previously assembled; installing the spigot portion of the spigot adapter  94  thereto an existing water spigot  110 ; joining the two (2) portions of the spigot adapter  94 ; threadingly connecting the pre-assembled water supply water tubing  59  thereto the male threaded connector portion  32  of the venturi unit  32 ; threadingly removing the reservoir cap  37 ; filling the liquid supplement reservoir  36  with a liquid supplement  34  such as shampoo, flea medication, or the like; replacing the reservoir cap  37 ; unlatching the clasps  28 ; opening the access doors  21 ,  23 ; attaching a properly sized insert  40  thereto respective first  22  and second  24  pet opening sections of the access doors  21 ,  23  depending on the size of the pet  100  to be washed; inserting and attaching the platform  60  thereinto the platform slots  62  and onto the support blocks  63  within the inner enclosure  50  thereat an appropriate position based upon a height of the pet  100 ; placing said pet  100  thereinto said inner enclosure  50  thereon the platform  60  therein a standing position; closing the access doors  21 ,  23 , thereby securing the half-portions of the insert  40  into a pet head aperture  15  around a neck area of the pet  100 ; locking the clasps  28 ; adjusting a temperature of the supply water  111  by turning the valve handle portion  96  of the water valve  95  towards “BYPASS” to direct said water  111  downwardly into the sink  115 ; adjusting the existing water spigot  110  controls to obtain a desired supply water  111  temperature; turning the valve handle  96  towards “ON” to direct the supply water  111  thereinto the apparatus  10 , thereby filling the spatial gap  70  with a pressurized mixture of supply water  111  and liquid supplement  34  from the venturi unit  32 ; allowing said mixture to be sprayed thereupon body portions of said pet  100  therefrom the water delivery apertures  52 ; allowing sufficient time for the liquid supplement  34  and supply water  111  mixture to be completely sprayed thereonto the pet  100 ; allowing additional time to rinse the pet  100  with pure supply water  111  from the water spigot  110 ; turning off the supply water  111  by turning the valve handle  96  to the “OFF” position; allowing waste water  112  to drain therefrom the inner enclosure  50  and spatial gap  70  downwardly therethrough the drains  27  and into the drain conduits  29  and the sink drain portion  117  of the sink  115 ; manually positioning a drying device  120  such as a common hair dryer thereinto the dryer adapter  30 ; allowing a sufficient amount of time for the drying device  120  to provide a warm airflow to pass therethrough the dryer adapter  30  and thereinto the inner enclosure  50 , thus drying the pet  100 ; unlatching the clasps  28  and pivoting the access doors  21 ,  23  outwardly to remove the pet  100  therefrom said apparatus  10 ; turning off the supply water  111  using the existing water spigot  110  controls; disconnecting the spigot adapter  94  thereat the water spigot  110 ; opening the drain valve  75  located along a bottom surface to remove remaining supply water  111  therefrom the spatial gap  70 ; removing and storing the apparatus  10  until once again needed; and, benefiting from efficiency, cleanliness, and minimal stress placed on a pet  100  during washing, afforded a user of the present apparatus  10 . 
     During use of the apparatus  10 , the water supply tubing  59  is attached thereto the fluid port connector  39  allowing the supply water  111  to fill an open area provided by the spatial gap  70  therebetween the outer enclosure  20  and the inner enclosure  50 . Due to the sealing function of the inner seals  56 , the water pressure builds therewithin the spatial gap  70  and subsequently begins to spray therefrom the water delivery apertures  52  thereinto the inside area of the inner enclosure  50  and thereon the occupying pet  100 . The platform  60  comprises a plurality of fine perforations  64  to strain hair and other debris therefrom the waste water  112  as it is drained therefrom the inner enclosure  50  and through the drains  27  and drain conduits  29  located therealong bottom portions of the inner enclosure  50 . 
     The method of utilizing the alternate embodiment of the apparatus  10  utilizing the inline water pump  140  may be achieved by performing the following steps: installing the inline water pump  140  thereat an intermediate location along the supply water tubing  59  using the inlet  146  and outlet  148  connections and supplied hose clamp portions  150  of the inline water pump  140 ; connecting the pre-assembled supply water tubing  59  thereto the spigot  110  and venturi unit  32  as described above; connecting the inline water pump  140  thereto an available electrical power source using the power cord  142 ; increasing a supply water  111  pressure within the spatial gap  70  during normal operation of the apparatus  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0