Abstract:
An odor-removing trap system for removal of noxious gases emanating from cat litter boxes. The present invention provides an apparatus including an enclosure for capturing, filtering and removing noxious gases associated with cat waste products. Such gases rise upwardly within the enclosure wherein the gases are trapped and drawn from the enclosure. In one embodiment the gases are urged into an exhaust conduit disposed in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with the enclosure and flow to the exterior of the building by convection, air pressure or by vacuum created by a brushless fan motor. Such fan motor is powered by a battery pack or, alternatively, is electrically connected to an AC power source and can be actuated automatically by a motion detector whenever a cat enters the enclosure. In alternative embodiments the noxious gases are drawn through an air filter assembly including an activated charcoal filter element and absorbed therein.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to cat litter boxes and, more particularly, to an odor-removing trap system for capturing, filtering and venting of noxious gases related to the use of litter boxes by domestic housecats. 
     The use of litter boxes by cats produces unpleasant odors which are well known to an estimated eighty-six million cat owners in the United States alone. A cat&#39;s body temperature and metabolism is higher than a human&#39;s metabolism, as is the rate of heat energy released by a cat due to its smaller physical size. The cat&#39;s waste products produce noxious gases, bacteria and allergens, which instantaneously permeate the ambient air in the room where the litter box resides. Traveling with a cat and a litter box in an automobile exacerbates the odor problem. 
     The conventional way to counteract such litter box odor is to use a cat litter product which is liquid absorbent and/or is chemically treated to eliminate odors. However, such absorbent and/or chemically treated litter materials are relatively ineffective at eliminating the odor problem. The cat owner may resort to using a deodorant spray or even opening a door or window, which is inconvenient and energy inefficient during inclement weather. 
     Alternatively, cat owners may locate the litter box in a bathroom or other room that has an exhaust fan installed in the ceiling, which typically requires about forty to one-hundred-eighty watts of electrical power to operate. In order to remove unpleasant odors, such a ceiling fan must operate for several minutes or longer to remove the entire volume of air within the room and exhaust it to the exterior of the home or other structure. 
     Such ceiling exhaust fans use substantial electrical power and, thus, are expensive to operate. Further, when such an exhaust fan is operating there is no specific airflow generated to carry away noxious odors from the area surrounding the litter box. Thus, such a ceiling exhaust fan must remove a substantial volume of air to the exterior of the home or other structure that has either been heated or, alternatively, which has been cooled depending on the locale and weather conditions. Accordingly, the operation of such conventional exhaust fans is clearly energy inefficient and also generates an unpleasant noise for others in the vicinity. 
     Thus, the present invention has been developed to resolve these problems and other shortcomings of the prior art. 
     2. Description of Related Prior Art 
     Ventilated cat litter boxes are known in the prior art and while the structural arrangements of such systems may, at first appearance, have similarities to the present invention, they differ in material respects. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,559 to Griffith filed Oct. 27, 1976, entitled Ventilated Litter Box, discloses a litter box for pet animals which is provided with a ventilating enclosure that is only partially enclosed. When connected to a means for exhausting air therefrom, the box and the litter in it are ventilated by flow of air from the box into the enclosure by an exhaust fan from which it is exhausted elsewhere. The enclosed portion of the box is formed by the floor and sidewalls of the box, a partial cover and a foraminous barrier between the cover and the floor. The cat litter box containing waste products is not enclosed, the waste products are open to the ambient air and the noxious gases associated with such waste products are not trapped and filtered in the manner of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,201 (hereinafter &#39;201 patent) to Fields filed Sep. 16, 1999, entitled Ventilated Cat Litter Box, discloses a ventilated cat litter box for ventilating cat litter and simultaneously keeping the surrounding area litter free. The ventilated cat litter box includes a box which is generally rectangular in shape. A screen covers the bottom portion of the box whereon the litter box resides. An electric fan is mounted on the inside of the box and an actuating device is operationally connected to the fan. A power source is operatively coupled to the actuating device and a timer. 
     However, the ventilated cat litter box of the &#39;201 patent fails to disclose the novel features of the present invention including, but not limited to, the air filtration assemblies including an activated charcoal filter element; a miniature, brushless fan motor that is operable with either an AC power source or, alternatively, with a battery pack; and/or the other structural embodiments such as the tent-like enclosures of the present trap system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,325 (hereinafter &#39;325 patent) to Miksitz filed Dec. 13, 1990, entitled, Ventilated Litter Box, discloses a ventilated litter box including a housing and a tray for containing a bed of litter material. The tray is provided with a porous bottom spaced from the bottom of the housing to define an air space. An exhaust fan is connected to a port through the wall of the housing to draw air downwardly through the litter bed to exhaust the litter odors. 
     The ventilated litter box of the &#39;325 patent also fails to disclose the novel features of the present invention including, but not limited to, the air filtration assemblies including an activated charcoal filter element; a miniature, brushless fan motor which is operable with either an AC power source or, alternatively, with a suitable battery pack; and/or the other novel structural embodiments such as the tent-like enclosures of the present system. 
     Pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/694,917 to Ciotic, the same inventor named herein, filed Jan. 19, 2013, entitled Odor-Removing Hinge System for Toilets and Portable Commodes discloses various air filtration assemblies which are similar to those disclosed herein and may be useful in understanding the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose the novel features of present invention for an Odor-Removing Trap System for Cat Litter Boxes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is an odor-removing trap system for cat litter boxes that provides for removal of noxious gases and odors emanating from cat litter boxes. The present system includes an odor-removing apparatus including an airtight enclosure assembly which traps, filters and exhausts noxious gases, bacteria and allergens associated with cat waste products contained in the litter box. 
     The waste products are released at the animal&#39;s body temperature which is between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the noxious gases associated with the waste products are warmer than the surrounding air, such noxious gases rise upwardly within the present enclosure assembly wherein the gases are trapped in its airtight upper portion and urged from the enclosure by a miniature, brushless fan motor before escaping into the ambient air and, thus, the noxious gases and unpleasant odors are eliminated. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the noxious gases trapped within the enclosure surrounding the litter box are drawn into an outlet fixture disposed in fluid communication with an exhaust line assembly installed in an adjacent wall of the room wherein the airtight trap system is attached via connective tubing in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with the enclosure. The noxious gases flow to the exterior of the building by convection, air pressure and/or by vacuum created by the brushless fan motor installed in the exhaust conduit assembly. 
     In an alternative embodiment the noxious gas mixture is directed into an intake port within an air filter assembly disposed in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with the enclosure assembly. The air filter assembly discharges the filtered gas mixture via an outlet port directly to the ambient room air surrounding the enclosure assembly. The air filter assembly includes an activated charcoal filter element wherein the noxious gas mixture is drawn by the miniature, brushless fan motor. Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed to make it highly porous and, thus, to provide it with a large surface area available for absorption and/or chemical reactions. 
     The brushless fan motor is powered by a suitable battery pack or, alternatively, is electrically connected to an AC power source via a direct current (DC) transformer. In such embodiments the fan is actuated automatically by a motion detector whenever a cat enters the enclosure. An LED (i.e. light emitting diode) simultaneously illuminates the enclosure during operation of the fan motor. 
     Advantageously, the present odor-removing trap system is designed to be used in combination with any conventional cat litter box currently on the market. The present system offers numerous other advantages over the prior art including, but not limited to, alternative embodiments wherein the present enclosure assembly also functions as a cat litter box to receive litter directly so that a separate litter box is not required. In other embodiments the present system is designed to be portable for traveling with a pet being operable with a suitable battery pack within a vehicle and being readily collapsible for convenient transport and storage. 
     In addition, the present odor-removing system is energy efficient operating at less than one watt of electrical power. Further, the present system is inexpensive to manufacture in various configurations and sizes being constructed of readily available components and materials. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Other features and technical advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other features and advantages thereof will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including an external exhaust conduit for use with the present system; 
         FIG. 1B  is an enlarged plan view of the gate assembly of the present invention shown removed from the interior of the body enclosure assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including an internally mounted air filter assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of the internally mounted air filter assembly of  FIG. 2  showing the internal components and further details thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical schematic of the air filter assembly of  FIG. 3  showing the electrical components and circuitry thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including an external air filter assembly having an internally positioned motion detector and LED module connected thereto; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view of the external air filter assembly of  FIG. 5  showing the internal components and further details thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the motion detector/LED module used in combination with the external air filter assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a modified enclosure assembly that functions directly as a cat litter box and wherein an external exhaust conduit is utilized; 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a modified enclosure assembly that functions directly as a cat litter box and wherein an internal filter assembly is utilized; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system wherein the enclosure assembly functions directly as a cat litter box and wherein an external filter assembly is utilized with an internal motion detector/LED module; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system wherein a modified enclosure assembly without a lid member is inverted from the position shown in  FIG. 1  and is utilized with an external exhaust line; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system wherein a modified enclosure assembly without a lid member is inverted from the position shown in  FIG. 1  being utilized with an internal filter assembly and further including a bottom pan; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system wherein a modified enclosure assembly without a lid member is inverted from the position shown in  FIG. 1  and is utilized with an external filter assembly having an internal motion detector/LED module; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system having a cylindrical enclosure assembly wherein an external exhaust conduit is utilized; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system having a cylindrical enclosure assembly wherein an internal filter assembly is utilized; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system having a cylindrical enclosure assembly wherein an external filter assembly is utilized with an internal motion detector/LED module; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a modified, dome-shaped enclosure assembly wherein an external exhaust line is utilized; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a modified, dome-shaped enclosure assembly wherein an internal filter assembly is utilized; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a dome-shaped enclosure assembly wherein an external filter assembly is utilized with an internal motion detector module; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system (with detail views) including a tent-like enclosure assembly wherein an external exhaust conduit is utilized; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a tent-like enclosure assembly wherein an internal filter assembly is utilized and further including a bottom pan; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a tent-like enclosure assembly wherein an external filter assembly is utilized with an internal motion detector/LED module; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a modified, tent-like enclosure assembly wherein an external exhaust conduit is utilized; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a modified, tent-like enclosure assembly wherein an internal filter assembly is utilized and further including a bottom pan; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a modified, tent-like enclosure assembly wherein an external filter assembly is utilized with an internal motion detector module; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a collapsible, cuboid enclosure assembly wherein an external exhaust conduit is utilized; and 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present odor-removing trap system including a collapsible, cuboid enclosure assembly wherein an external filter assembly is utilized with an internal motion detector/LED module. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. 
     With further reference to the drawings there are shown therein multiple embodiments of an Odor-Removing Trap System for Cat Litter Boxes in accordance with the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1A  there is shown therein an embodiment of such an odor-removing trap system, indicated generally at  10 . The present odor-removing trap system  10  functions to trap the noxious gases, bacteria and allergens emanating from the cat litter box, indicated generally at  15 , to prevent their dispersal into the ambient air. 
     In the present invention such noxious gases, bacteria and allergens are directed through an exhaust system, indicated generally at  40 , via tubing  41  to the exterior of the building as shown in  FIG. 1A . Alternatively, such noxious gas mixture is filtered through a filter assembly, indicated generally at  50 , ( FIG. 2 ) prior to recirculation into the ambient room air without perceptible odor. 
     In the present odor-removing trap system  10  the litter box  15  shown in  FIG. 1A  is disposed within an enclosure assembly, indicated generally at  20 , wherein the exhaust system  40  and/or the filter assembly  50  ( FIG. 2 ) are attached in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication as described hereinafter in further detail. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , a cat litter box  15  of the type having a bottom tray  15   a  for containing cat litter  14  and having a cover  15   b  including an opening  17  to permit entry and exit of the cat (not illustrated) is positioned within enclosure assembly  20 . However, it will be appreciated that the present system  10  is designed to be used in combination with any commercially available style of cat litter box on the market. 
     Enclosure assembly  20  comprises a generally rectangular, cuboid body member  25  and a detachable lid member  24  having handles  22  of a known type, which clamp the lid member  24  to the body member. Enclosure assembly  20  including body member  25 , lid member  24  and handles  22  are fabricated from an engineered plastic such as polyurethane, polyvinylchloride or other suitable thermoplastic material by injection molding or another known process. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , body member  25  and lid member  24  are fabricated from a clear thermoplastic material, but other translucent and opaque materials can be utilized. 
     Enclosure assembly  20  further includes a litter gate assembly, indicated generally at  30 , to prevent the spillage of cat litter  14  from the enclosure  20  during use. More particularly, gate assembly  30  ( FIG. 1B ) is constructed of a plurality of rectangular sections or strips  31  of clear, flexible plastic or other suitable material, which are attached to an elongated gate support rod  32  in generally parallel relation and hang downwardly therefrom adjacent to entry opening  27  within body member  25  as shown in  FIG. 1A . Gate assembly  30  is pivotally mounted on the opposite sidewalls of enclosure assembly  20  by use of cylindrical tip portions  32   a  formed at either end of support rod  32  as shown in the detail view of  FIG. 1B . Tip portions  32   a  have a reduced diameter relative to support rod  32  and are configured to engage mating holes (not shown) formed in the opposite sidewalls of body member  25 . 
     Still referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , the present odor-removing system  10  includes an exhaust system  40  attached in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with enclosure assembly  20 . It will be appreciated that the noxious gases that are produced by cat waste products are higher in temperature (i.e. 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit) than the ambient air within the enclosure  20  and such gases rise upwardly wherein the gases are trapped adjacent to lid member  24  and drawn from the enclosure using the present system. 
     More particularly, in this embodiment of the present system  10 , noxious gases from the litter box  15  are trapped in the upper, airtight portion of the enclosure assembly  20  adjacent lid member  24  and carried therefrom (as shown by directional arrows  73 ) via exhaust tubing  41  attached to an outlet port, indicated generally at  43 , including an elbow fitting or elbow  49  and a mating coupling  44  installed in an end wall  20   a  of the enclosure assembly  20 . A flexible, vinyl tubing  41  having a one-half inch I.D. (i.e. inside diameter) is suitable for this purpose. Airtight pressure adapters  47  as shown in the detail view of  FIG. 1A  secure tubing  41  to outlet port assembly, indicated generally at  43 , to the fan module  35  via coupling  44 . In turn, exhaust line  45  is connected to an opposite side of fan module  35  via a pressure adapter  47  to an elbow  49  within exhaust system  40  as shown. 
     Tubing  41  is received in fan module, indicated generally at  35 , which is installed in an adjacent wall  34 . A miniature exhaust fan  54  disposed within fan module  35  directs the flow of the air and noxious gas mixture to the exterior of the building via an exhaust line  45 , which can also be made from a one-half inch I.D. (i.e. inside diameter) polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other suitable material. 
     Still referring to the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the brushless fan motor  54  receives power for its operation via a power supply  42  electrically connected with the fan motor that converts alternating current (AC) supplied by an electrical system into 12 Volt direct current (DC) as required to operate the fan motor. A brushless fan motor  54  of the type manufactured for cooling laptop computers that operates on 12 Volts DC and 0.08 amps and which uses less than 1.0 watts of power (i.e. 0.08 amps×12 Volts=0.96 watts of power) is suitable for this application. 
     Thus, the pathway that air and noxious gases follow when the present system  10  is utilized is that ambient air ingresses via opening  27  into the enclosure assembly  20 , mixes with any noxious gases emanating from the litter box  15 , passes through outlet fixture or outlet port  43  and attached tubing  41  into fan module  35  and egresses via exhaust line or conduit  45  to the exterior of the building. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of the present system, indicated generally at  10 A, will now be described. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  an alternative litter box  15 A consisting only of a bottom tray  15   a  containing cat litter  14  is similarly disposed within enclosure assembly  20 . Enclosure assembly  20  including body member  25 , lid member  24  and handles  22  are also fabricated from a clear, engineered plastic such as polyurethane, polyvinylchloride or other suitable material and remain as described hereinabove. 
     In this embodiment of the present system, enclosure assembly  20  also includes an access opening  27  having a gate assembly, indicated generally at  30 , to prevent the spillage of cat litter from the enclosure  20  during use. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2  the present invention also includes air filtering means including, but not limited to, the following structures. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the air and noxious gas mixture trapped in the upper, airtight portion of the enclosure assembly  20  is directed through a detachable air filter assembly, indicated generally at  50 , mounted on an inner surface of an end wall  20   a  of the enclosure assembly  20 . Air filter assembly  50  is secured to end wall  20   a  by means of an outlet port assembly  43  including elbow  49  and coupling  44 , which extends through a mounting hole (not shown) formed in the end wall  20   a . Coupling  44  engages elbow  49  by means of an interference fit therebetween, which secures the air filter assembly  50  in position as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIG. 3 , filter assembly  50  comprises a housing  52  which contains an activated charcoal filter element  55 , a miniature brushless fan motor  54 , an adjustable timer  61 , a battery pack  65 , a motion detector  63  and an LED (i.e. light emitting diode)  67  for illuminating the interior of the enclosure assembly  20 . Housing  52  also includes an inlet  46  and an outlet  48  to permit the noxious gas mixture to flow through the filter assembly  50  in operation. All electronic components within the filter assembly  50  are electrically interconnected by electrical wiring to motion detector  63  and adjustable timer  61  to control the operating time of the fan motor  54  in order to extend the working life of the filter element  55 . Filter element  55  may include a dust screen (not shown) to capture litter dust, which will also serve to extend the longevity of the filter element. 
       FIG. 4  is an electrical schematic depicting the components and circuitry described hereinabove in relation to  FIG. 3 . 
     In the embodiment of the present system  10 A illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , fan motor  54  receives power for its operation solely from battery pack  65  and operates in a battery mode. Power supply  42  ( FIG. 1A ) is unplugged from coaxial jack  69  ( FIG. 3 ) to operate system  10 A ( FIG. 2 ) in the aforementioned battery mode. Filtered air is delivered from filter assembly  50  into the ambient room air as shown by directional arrows  73  ( FIG. 2 ) producing no perceptible odor. 
     In an alternative operating mode fan motor  54  receives power for its operation from a power supply  42  of the type shown in  FIG. 1A  that is electrically connected via power jack  69  ( FIG. 3 ), which converts AC supplied by a residential electrical system into 12 Volts DC as required to operate the brushless fan motor. 
     Thus, the pathway that air and noxious gases follow when the present system  10 A as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  is utilized is that ambient air ingresses via opening  27  into the enclosure assembly  20 , mixes with noxious gases emanating from the litter box  15 A, passes into housing  52  via an inlet  46 , is drawn through activated charcoal filter element  55  by fan motor  54 , exits from housing  52  through outlet port assembly  43  to the exterior of enclosure assembly  20 . Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed to make it highly porous and, thus, to provide it with a large surface area available for absorption and/or chemical reactions. Filtered air is delivered from filter assembly  50  into the ambient room air as shown by directional arrows  73  ( FIG. 2 ) producing no perceptible odor. 
     When the litter  14  needs to be changed the lid member  24  opens for easy access by manual operation of handles  22 , which function as friction latches securing the lid member to the body member  25  in a known manner. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , another embodiment of the present system, indicated generally at  10 B, will now be described. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , a litter box  15 A consisting only of a bottom tray  15   a  containing cat litter  14  is similarly disposed within enclosure assembly  20 . Enclosure assembly  20  including lid member  24  and body member  25  are fabricated from a clear, engineered plastic such as polyurethane, polyvinylchloride or other suitable material and remain as described hereinabove. 
     In this embodiment of the present system, enclosure assembly  20  similarly includes an access opening  27  having a retaining gate assembly, indicated generally at  30 , to prevent the spillage of cat litter from the enclosure  20  during use. 
     In this embodiment the present system  10 B also includes an air filtering means including, but not limited to, the following structures. Still referring to  FIG. 5  there is shown another embodiment of a filter assembly, indicated generally at  50 ′. Filter assembly  50 ′ comprises a housing  52 ′ which is free-standing and resides on the floor externally of the enclosure assembly  20 . Housing  52 ′ also includes an inlet  46 ′ and an outlet  48 ′ to permit the noxious gas mixture to flow through the filter assembly  50 ′ in operation. As more clearly shown in  FIG. 6 , filter assembly  50 ′ includes an activated charcoal filter element  55 ′, a miniature brushless fan motor  54 ′, an adjustable timer  61 ′ and a battery pack  65 ′. It will be appreciated that a motion detector  63 ′ and a LED  67 ′ remain electrically connected with filter assembly  50 ′, but have been removed from the housing  52 ′ and positioned remotely within enclosure assembly  20 . ( FIG. 5 ). 
     More particularly, the present filter assembly  50 ′ as shown in  FIG. 5  includes a motion detector  63 ′ and an LED  67 ′ integrated within a detachable module, indicated generally at  68 , ( FIG. 7 ) that is installed within the interior of the enclosure assembly  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7  module  68  including motion detector  63 ′ and LED  67 ′ are electrically interconnected with timer  61 ′ ( FIG. 6 ) to limit operation thereof to a timed-cycle and to thereby extend the operating life of filter element  55 ′. A detachable connector plug  80 A attached via electrical wiring  81  to motion detector  63 ′ and LED  67 ′ extends from module  68  through tubing  41  ( FIG. 5 ) into housing  52 ′ via inlet  46 ′ to engage mating connector receptacle  80 B ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Module  68  also includes an integrally formed coupling  44 ′ for attachment of the module to outlet port assembly  43  in the position shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Since many commercially available motion detectors  63 ′ and LEDs  67 ′ are suitable for this purpose and well known to those skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same is not considered necessary. 
     Fan motor  54 ′ within filter assembly  50 ′ ( FIG. 6 ) receives power for its operation from a power supply  42  ( FIG. 5 ) electrically connected with the filter assembly via jack  69  ( FIG. 6 ) that converts AC supplied by an electrical system into 12 Volts DC to operate the fan motor as described hereinabove. It will be appreciated that filter assembly  50 ′ is also capable of operating solely with battery pack  65 ′ in a battery mode. In such operating mode power supply  42  ( FIG. 5 ) is unplugged from jack  69  ( FIG. 6 ) and battery pack  65 ′ provides power to operate filter assembly  50 ′. 
     Thus, the pathway that air and noxious gases follow when the present system  10 B as shown in  FIGS. 5-7  is utilized is that ambient air ingresses via opening  27  into the enclosure assembly  20 , mixes with noxious gases emanating from the litter box  15 A, is drawn through module  68  into outlet port assembly  43 , passes into  50 ′ filter assembly via inlet  46 ′, is drawn through activated charcoal filter element  55 ′ by fan motor  54 ′, exits from housing  52 ′ through outlet  48 ′ to the exterior of enclosure assembly  20 . Filtered air is delivered from filter assembly  50 ′ into the ambient room air as shown by directional arrows  73  ( FIG. 5 ) producing no perceptible odor. 
     As to any further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present system, the same should be apparent from the above description. However, various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     For example,  FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9  illustrate variations in the construction and use of the present trap system  10 ′,  10 A′,  10 B′ respectively. In such embodiments the body members  25 ,  25 ′,  25 ″ are utilized to contain cat litter  14  directly therein instead of using a separate litter box  15 ,  15 A as described hereinabove. As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  the depth D, D′ of body members  25 ′,  25 ″ and the corresponding vertical height H, H′ of the lid members  24 ′,  24 ″ of modified enclosures  20 ′,  20 ″ respectively can be varied to contain cat litter  14  directly based on consumer preference. Lid members  24 ,  24 ″ are provided with a modified handle  22 ′ for the convenience of the user. The embodiments of the present system depicted in  FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9  can be utilized with the exhaust system  40  described in relation to  FIG. 1A  or either filter assembly  50 ,  50 ′ described in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 5  respectively. In all other functional aspects such embodiments  10 ′,  10 A′,  10 B′ of the present system are substantially the same as described hereinabove. 
       FIGS. 10, 11 and 12  illustrate further variations in the use and construction of other embodiments of the present trap system  10 ″,  10 A″,  10 B″ respectively. In such embodiments it can be seen that a modified enclosure  20 ′″ comprised of a body member  25 ′ without a lid member  24  is inverted to cover a separate litter box  15 ,  15 A wherein cat litter  14  is contained. An optional floor pan  26  ( FIG. 11 ) fabricated from clear, engineered plastic such as polyurethane, polyvinylchloride or other suitable material and configured to loosely fit enclosure assembly  20 ′″ to contain any overflow of cat litter  14  can be provided for the convenience of the user. 
     The embodiments of the present trap system  10 ″,  10 A″,  10 B″ depicted in  FIGS. 10, 11 and 12  respectively can be utilized with exhaust system  40  ( FIG. 10 ) described in relation to  FIG. 1A  or either filter assembly  50 ,  50 ′ ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) respectively described in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 5 . In all other functional aspects such embodiments  10 ″,  10 A″,  10 B″ of the present system are substantially the same as described hereinabove. 
       FIGS. 13, 14 and 15  illustrate further variations in the construction of alternative embodiments of the present system  10 C,  10 C′,  10 C″ respectively. In such embodiments it can be seen that a modified cylindrical enclosure  120  comprised of a generally cylindrical body member  125  including a mating circular lid member  124  constructed of a clear thermoplastic material are provided to contain a separate litter box  15 C ( FIG. 13 ) or, alternatively, cat litter  14  can be received directly in body member  125  as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . Enclosure assembly  120  also includes an access opening  127  having a flexible gate assembly, indicated generally at  130 , as described hereinabove being positioned adjacent to the opening  127  within enclosure assembly  120  to prevent the spillage of cat litter from the enclosure  120  during use. 
     The embodiments of the present system  10 C,  10 C′,  10 C″ depicted in  FIGS. 13, 14 and 15  respectively can be utilized with the exhaust system  40  ( FIG. 13 ) described in relation to  FIG. 1A  or either filter assembly  50 ,  50 ′ ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ) respectively described in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 5 . In all other functional aspects such embodiments of the present system  10 C,  10 C′,  10 C″ are substantially the same as described hereinabove. 
       FIGS. 16, 17 and 18  illustrate further variations in the construction of other embodiments of the present trap system  10 D,  10 D′,  10 D″ respectively. In such embodiments it can be seen that a modified enclosure assembly  220  constructed of a clear thermoplastic material including a dome-shaped lid member  225  is provided, which is applied directly on top of a litter box  15 D wherein cat litter  14  is contained. Enclosure assembly  220  also includes an access opening  227  having a flexible gate assembly, indicated generally at  230 , as described hereinabove being positioned adjacent to the opening  227  within enclosure assembly  220  to prevent the spillage of cat litter  14  during use by the cat. 
     The embodiments of the present trap system  10 D,  10 D′,  10 D″ depicted in  FIGS. 16, 17 and 18  respectively can be utilized with exhaust system  40  ( FIG. 16 ) described in relation to  FIG. 1A  or either filter assembly  50 ,  50 ′ ( FIGS. 17 and 18 ) respectively described in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 5 . In all other functional aspects such embodiments of the present system  10 D,  10 D′,  10 D″ are substantially the same as described hereinabove. 
       FIGS. 19, 20 and 21  illustrate further variations in the construction of other embodiments of the present trap system  10 E,  10 E′,  10 E″ respectively. In such embodiments it can be seen that a modified enclosure  320  comprised of a flexible, tent-like cover  325  is mounted on a supporting frame, indicated generally at  335 , wherein a litter box  15 D is disposed. The present trap systems  10 E,  10 E′,  10 E″ can be utilized with substantially any available litter box on the market. 
     Enclosure assembly  320  includes an access opening  327  having a flexible gate assembly, indicated generally at  330 , positioned within enclosure assembly  320  adjacent to the opening  327  to prevent the spillage of cat litter  14  from the enclosure assembly during use. Gate assembly  330  is pivotally mounted between opposed frame members  337  by means of support rod  32  ( FIG. 1B ) as shown. In this embodiment cover member  325  is constructed of clear or translucent sheet plastic or a synthetic fabric material such as nylon or other suitable material for this purpose. 
     Supporting frame  335  is comprised of interchangeable, vertical post members  336 , a pair of upper side frame members  337 , a pair of lower side frame members  338  and interchangeable end members  339 . A plurality of interchangeable corner brackets  340  each having receptacles  340   a  formed therein at 90 degree angles receive frame members  336 ,  337 ,  338  and  339  therein during assembly. A cross-member  334  is provided, which extends between upper side frame members  337  as shown ( FIG. 19 ) to add support for cover  325 . Members  336 ,  337 ,  338 ,  339  and brackets  340  are fabricated from tubular plastic, metal or other suitable material being dimensioned to slip-fit condition to be conveniently assembled by the user to provide a supporting frame  335  whereon cover member  325  is disposed as shown. An optional floor pan  326  ( FIG. 20 ) fabricated from any suitable plastic material and configured to loosely fit enclosure  320  to contain any overflow of cat litter  14  is provided for the convenience of the user. 
     The embodiments of the present trap system  10 E,  10 E′,  10 E″ depicted in  FIGS. 19, 20 and 21  respectively can be utilized with the exhaust system  40  ( FIG. 19 ) described in relation to  FIG. 1A  or either filter assembly  50 ,  50 ′ ( FIGS. 20 and 21 ) respectively described in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 5 . In such embodiments of the present system, a mounting bracket  333  ( FIG. 19 ) is attached to an upper end member  339  by fasteners  332  and/or an adhesive to provide a stable mounting surface for attachment of the exhaust system  40  ( FIG. 19 ) or either filter assembly  50 ,  50 ′ ( FIGS. 20 and 21 ) respectively. In all other functional aspects such embodiments of the present system  10 E,  10 E′,  10 E″ are substantially the same as described hereinabove. 
       FIGS. 22, 23 and 24  illustrate further variations in the construction of other tent-like embodiments of the present odor-removing trap system  10 F,  10 F′,  10 F″ respectively. In such embodiments it can be seen that a generally pyramidal, tent-like enclosure  420  is comprised of a flexible cover  425  that is supported by a supporting frame  435  including resilient plastic rods or metal (not shown) captured within the cover along the peripheral edges thereof. A cat litter box  15 D is disposed within cover  425  as shown. Enclosure assembly  420  also includes an access opening  427  having a flexible gate assembly, indicated generally at  430 , positioned within enclosure assembly  420  adjacent opening  427  to prevent the spillage of cat litter  14  during use. Gate assembly  430  is pivotally mounted adjacent opening  427  by means of support rod  32  as shown. 
     In such embodiments cover member  425  is constructed of clear or translucent sheet plastic or other synthetic fabric suitable for this purpose. 
     An optional floor pan  426  ( FIG. 23 ) fabricated from any suitable plastic material and configured to loosely fit enclosure  420  to contain any overflow of cat litter  14  is provided for the convenience of the user. 
     The embodiments of the present trap system  10 F,  10 F′,  10 F″ depicted in  FIGS. 22, 23 and 24  respectively can be utilized with exhaust system  40  ( FIG. 22 ) described in relation to  FIG. 1A  or either filter assembly  50 ,  50 ′ ( FIGS. 23 and 24 ) respectively described in detail in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 5 . In such embodiments of the present system, reinforcing adapters  433  ( FIG. 22 ) are attached to the inner and outer surfaces of cover  425  to provide a stable mounting surface for attachment of the exhaust system  40  ( FIG. 22 ) or either filter assembly  50 ,  50 ′ ( FIGS. 23 and 24 ) respectively. In all other functional aspects such embodiments of the present system  10 F,  10 F′,  10 F″ are substantially the same as described hereinabove. 
       FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate further variations in the construction of other embodiments of the present system  100 ,  100 ′ respectively. In such embodiments it can be seen that a collapsible enclosure  520  is comprised of a flexible, tent-like cover  525 , which is supported by a supporting frame  535  including resilient metal rods (not shown) captured within the cover by stitching along the peripheral edges thereof in a known manner. A cat litter box  15 D is disposed within cover  525  as shown. Enclosure assembly  520  also includes an access opening  527  having a flexible gate assembly, indicated generally at  530 , positioned within enclosure assembly  520  adjacent opening  527 . Gate assembly  530  is pivotally mounted adjacent opening  527  by means of support rod  32  as shown. An optional floor pan  526  ( FIG. 26 ) fabricated from any suitable plastic material and configured to loosely fit enclosure assembly  520  to contain any overflow of cat litter  14  can be provided for the convenience of the user. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  cover member  525  is constructed of clear or translucent sheet plastic or other fabric material suitable for this purpose. 
     The embodiments of the present trap system  100 ,  100 ′ depicted in  FIGS. 25 and 26  respectively can be utilized with the exhaust system  40  ( FIG. 25 ) described in relation to  FIG. 1A  or filter assembly  50 ′ ( FIG. 26 ) described in detail in relation to  FIG. 5 . In such embodiments of the present trap system, reinforcing adapters  533  ( FIG. 25 ) are attached to the inner and outer surfaces of cover  525  to provide a stable mounting means for attachment of the exhaust system  40  ( FIG. 25 ) or filter assembly  50 ′ ( FIG. 26 ). In all other functional aspects such embodiments of the present system  100 ,  10 G′ are substantially the same as described hereinabove. 
     Although not specifically illustrated in the drawings, it should be understood that additional equipment and structural components will be provided as necessary and that all of the components described above are arranged and supported in an appropriate fashion to form a complete and operative Odor-Removing Trap System for Cat Litter Boxes incorporating features of the present invention. 
     Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims. 
     Moreover, although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, a latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in certain instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.