Patent ID: 12239092

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view of a waste receptacle1. The waste receptacle comprises a housing that is (in this implementation) generally cuboid in form and includes a door panel3in which an access port5has been provided, so that an animal such as a cat can access an interior void7of the waste receptacle.

As shown inFIG.2, the door panel3can be opened to enable a user to access the void defined by the receptacle1. A liner9fits within the void7, and can be accessed by an animal via the access port. In use, the liner9defines a liner void that will typically contain a measure of litter material. As will later be described in detail, in this particular implementation the liner is self-supporting and comprises a resiliently deformable member that can be deformed to enable the liner to be inserted into and removed from the void. Once the liner has been inserted, the resiliently deformable member returns to its' original shape to hold the liner by means of friction against the internal walls of the receptacle. One such illustrative deformable member comprises a length of spring steel formed into a hoop and located inside an upper peripheral portion (as orientated in use) of the liner.

FIG.3is a perspective view of another waste receptacle4. This receptacle4differs from that ofFIGS.1and2in that the access port5is provided in a removable platform11that forms a top cover of the receptacle in use. The receptacle44ofFIG.2is a top-entry waste receptacle, whereas the receptacle ofFIGS.1and2is a front- or side-entry waste receptacle.

The platform11comprises a major portion13and a minor portion15that are, in this arrangement, hingedly coupled to one another so that the major portion can be pivoted—relative to the minor portion—between a closed position depicted inFIG.3where a pet owner's access to the liner9(other than via the access port5) is obstructed and an open position depicted inFIG.4where access can be had to the liner9.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the major and minor portions13,15of the platform11are coupled to one another by hinges200. Respective adjacent peripheral walls of the major and minor portions of the platform11each include a recess202,204. The recesses202,204cooperate to provide the access port5. In addition, the major and minor portions13,15of the platform are spaced from one another to form a lateral gap206that extends from one lateral side of the platform to the other.

In the event that any litter should be carried onto the top of the platform, pivoting one portion of the platform towards the other will cause that litter to fall towards the gap206and/or access port5, and thence into the void of the receptacle4.

In the particular example depicted inFIGS.3and4, the liner9includes a resiliently deformable band inside an upper peripheral portion of the liner. The band is sized so that it bears, in its non-deformed state, against internal walls of the receptacle to keep the peripheral walls of the liner from collapsing.

FIG.5is an illustrative perspective view of another waste receptacle17. This receptacle17includes a platform11which is enclosed within the interior void defined by the receptacle17. The receptacle, in this instance, comprises a door panel3in which an access port5has been provided. The platform11includes a platform access port (not visible) so that an animal entering the receptacle can access a liner (also not visible) provided beneath the platform. The platform11could be of the type shown inFIGS.3and4, or could simply comprise a planar body with a platform port provided in it. Access to the liner and platform by an owner is enabled by means of the aforementioned door panel3, which can be opened.

FIG.6is a schematic view of an illustrative liner9, andFIG.7is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line A-A ofFIG.7. The liner may be manufactured of a variety of different materials, for example of a textile material, a plastics material or a textile/plastics mix, and is preferably waterproofed (either inherently or by application of a waterproof layer or component)). The liner comprises a base19(not visible inFIG.6) and one or more sidewalls21that cooperate with the base19to form a receptacle for a measure of litter tray material (such as “AmazonBasics Cat Litter Wood Pellets” available from http://www.Amazon.co.uk., or similar). The liner is open at an end remote from the base19(which end will be uppermost in use) so that an animal, for example a cat, can enter inside the liner to urinate or void its' bowels.

As shown inFIG.7, a peripheral portion23of the liner sidewall21is folded over to provide a void within which a resiliently deformable retainer25is provided. The retainer25, in this particular embodiment, comprises a hoop of resiliently deformable material (such a sprung steel, for example) that can be deformed to allow the liner to be fitted into a receptacle, whereupon the retainer returns to its non-deformed shape and bears upon internal walls of the receptacle to hold the liner in place in use.

In the preferred embodiment it is envisaged that the retainer comprises a hoop. It will be apparent, however, that the retainer need not necessarily comprise a hoop. For example, a generally C-shaped length of resiliently deformable material may suffice to hold the liner in place in use. Other equivalent arrangements will be apparent to persons of skill in the art.

Referring now toFIG.8of the drawings, the line9further comprises a pocket27provided on an external face of the sidewall21so that the pocket will lie between the liner sidewall21and an internal face of the receptacle when the liner is located in the receptacle. The pocket27is sized to accommodate a scoop29for removing pet waste and/or soiled litter from the liner.

As shown inFIG.9, when the liner9is installed in a receptacle3, the aforementioned pocket27, and any scoop29provided therein, is normally obscured from view and access thereto is obstructed by the liner. By pulling a peripheral edge portion31of the liner9(which edge portion is in the vicinity of the pocket27) away from the receptacle the pocket is revealed and access can be had thereto. An advantage of this arrangement is that when the liner is provided within the receptacle with the retainer abutting against the internal walls, the pocket and scoop is obscured from view and access thereto is restricted. This means that users no longer need have soiled scoops on view and easily accessible.

FIGS.10and11show another form of liner where the peripheral edge portion31in the vicinity of the pocket is provided with a tab33that makes it easier for the user to pull the liner sidewall away from the receptacle. In another envisaged implementation, the tab may be configured to couple to the receptacle sidewall to secure the liner in position in use. To enable this, the tab may carry one part of a two-part engagement mechanism, the other part being carried by the receptacle sidewall. Velcro™ or a press-stud (otherwise known as a snap fastener) could be utilised to secure the liner to the receptacle. Alternatively, the tab could be configured as a hook that hooks over the top of the receptacle sidewall to support the liner in use.FIG.12is an illustrative representation of the receptacle ofFIGS.1and2showing a pocket27provided in a sidewall of the liner9.

As aforementioned, utilising a retainer25to secure a liner9against the sidewalls of a receptacle, as shown inFIG.13, is merely one illustrative way of securing the liner9in place in use. In another illustrative implementation shown schematically inFIG.14, the liner9may be configured to couple with retaining clips35. In this particular example, the clips35are configured to hook over the peripheral wall of the receptacle3. In other arrangement the clips may be configured to engage with the receptacle wall (for example by means of a suitable coupling) or may be permanently attached thereto. The clips35, in this particular arrangement, include a peg37that can be mated with a complementary eyelet39in the liner to secure the liner to the peripheral wall of the receptacle. As will be appreciated, other two-part complementary attachment mechanisms may be employed instead of, or as well as, a peg and eyelet.

Referring now toFIGS.15and16, there is depicted a schematic representation of a platform and liner support41. The support41is configured for attachment (for example by means of an adhesive or fixings such as screws) to an internal surface of the receptacle sidewalls. In one arrangement, the receptacle is generally rectangular in plan view and a support41is affixed to each of the longer sidewalls. In another implementation a support may also or alternatively be affixed to the shorter sidewalls. In addition, whilst it is preferred for the support to extend along substantially the entire length of the sidewalls, this may not be necessary, and the support may instead extend only over a part of the length of the sidewall.

Referring now toFIG.16, the support41comprises a ledge43that functions as a support for the platform11. As shown the ledge43extends inwardly into the receptacle when the support is affixed to the internal walls thereof. A first wall45extends generally perpendicularly from an edge of the ledge43that is proximate the sidewall of the receptacle when the support is installed, and a second wall47extends generally perpendicularly from an edge of the first wall45distal of said ledge43. The ledge and first and second walls cooperate to form a cavity into which the resiliently deformable retainer25of a liner9can be fitted so that the liner is supported, in use, with its sidewall upstanding by the support41. This arrangement makes it less likely for the liner sidewall to collapse during use.

FIGS.19and20illustrate, and reinforce, the fact—described above—that it is not essential for the platform and liner support41to extend along the entirety of a wall of the receptacle. In the particular example illustrated, the receptacle is generally rectangular in plan view and is provided with supports41that extend along the entire length of each shorter wall, and partway along the length of each longer wall.

Referring now toFIGS.17and18, the receptacle may further comprise a platform retainer49that cooperates with a complementary formation51in—in this particular case—the minor portion15of the platform11, to help retain the platform11in place. The complementary formation51comprises a generally rectangular recess and the platform retainer comprises a generally rectangular body that can fit within the recess. In the preferred arrangement a recess is provided on either peripheral edge of the minor portion15of the platform11for cooperation with complementary formations on either side of the receptacle.

As depicted inFIG.18, the minor portion15of the platform can be slid along the ledge43of the platform and liner support41until the platform retainer49affixed to the sidewall of the receptacle locates in the complementary formation51provided in the minor portion15of the platform11. Once so located, the platform is less likely to be dislodged, for example by means of a cat stepping onto it.

Referring now toFIGS.21and22, there is depicted a scoop29that is particularly well suited for use with the liner described herein.FIG.21is a plan view of the scoop in which the scoop is substantially planar (and hence can easily be slid into a pocket provided on the outside of a liner).FIG.22is a perspective view of the scoop ofFIG.21after it has been manipulated to form a three dimensional body.

The scoop comprises a base portion53that is, in the preferred arrangement, perforated so that unsoiled litter can fall through the base and back into the liner. Peripheral lateral edges of the base53are coupled to respective first and second side panels57,59, in this instance by means of living hinges61.

First and second handle portions63,65are coupled together, in this instance by a living hinge67. A first end69of the first handle portion63is coupled via a living hinge71to a first end wall73that is coupled by another living hinge75to the first side panel57. Similarly a first end77of the second handle portion65is coupled via a living hinge79to a second end wall81that is coupled by another living hinge83to the second side panel59.

As will be appreciated, bringing the two handle portions63,65together causes the sidewalls57,59to move relative to the base portion53towards one another and the two end walls73,81to come together; thereby forming a three-dimensional scoop as shown inFIG.22.

Referring now toFIG.23, a problem with existing liners100is that when the liner is lifted out of the receptacle, the base of the liner tends to sag. As a result, unused litter, soiled litter and animal excreta tend to pool in the bottom of the liner, making it difficult for the user to remove excreta and soiled litter with a scoop. It is also the case that the base of the liner can be prone to rucking by the animal in use.

To address this issue, as shown inFIGS.24to26, it is proposed to provide a liner102that includes a housing104for a base reinforcing member112. In this particular example, the housing104comprises a base pocket106formed by coupling an additional base panel108to a primary base portion110of the liner102. As shown inFIG.24a reinforcing member112can be inserted into the base pocket to reduce the likelihood of the base sagging when the liner is removed from a receptacle. Since the reinforcing member can be removed from the base pocket, users are still able to turn the liner inside-out whilst cleaning it. Another advantage of this arrangement is that the reinforcing member helps to reduce the likelihood of the base110rucking whilst the receptacle is being used by an animal.

In this example the pocket is closed at one end, but it will be appreciated that the pocket could be more akin to a sleeve and open at both ends. Similarly, whilst a tray-like configuration for the reinforcing member is envisaged, the reinforcing member could have a variety of different configurations. The liner102may include a pocket for a scoop as in other embodiments described herein, and may—as shown inFIG.26—include a resiliently deformable retainer of the type that is elsewhere described herein. Alternatively, the liner may be configured to couple to clips, for example as with the liner depicted inFIG.14.

Another embodiment of a liner114is depicted schematically inFIGS.27to29of the accompanying drawings. This liner114is particularly, but not exclusively, intended for use with waste receptacles1of the type shown inFIGS.1and2. As shown inFIGS.1and2, the liner9described above has a front wall10(as orientated in use) that is lower than a rear wall (not visible) of the liner so that an animal can clamber into the liner via the port5in the door3. Whilst this arrangement functions adequately, the front wall of the liner can sometimes be caught by the animal as it clambers into the waste receptacle and pulled away from the depicted upright position. This raises the possibility of litter falling in between the liner and the door to the receptacle.

The liner114depicted inFIGS.27to29includes a front wall116(as orientated in use) that is substantially the same height as a rear wall120and interconnecting sidewalls122. The front wall116includes an access port124that aligns with the access port5in the door3when the liner114is installed in a waste receptacle1.

The front wall116is comprised of an inner wall126that extends between respective interconnecting walls122, and an outer wall128that is coupled to the inner wall around the periphery of the access port124, towards the peripheral edge portion31, and to the remainder of the liner at opposite lateral peripheries. The inner and outer walls126,128co-operate to provide a housing for a front wall reinforcing member130. In this particular example, the housing comprises a pocket131that opens towards a base wall134of the liner114.

The reinforcing member130, in this embodiment, comprises a generally U-shaped outer frame132comprised of a head portion134and two leg portions136extending from respective ends of the head portion134. A cross-brace134extends between the legs136of the U-shaped outer frame132and is generally parallel to the head portion134. The cross-brace134is spaced from the head portion134of the U-shaped outer frame by a distance that is similar to the distance between the base136of the liner114and a lowermost (as orientated in use) portion of the access port124.

When the U-shaped frame is inserted into the pocket132, the legs of the U-shaped frame132extend from a point roughly adjacent the base of the liner114along respective lateral edges of the outer wall128and help to ensure that the front wall remains generally upright in use. The cross-brace will lie in the vicinity of the lowermost (as orientated in use) portion of the access port123and support the access port124.

In one envisaged arrangement the liner may include only the aforementioned housing for a front wall reinforcing member130. In another envisaged implementation, the liner may, as shown inFIGS.27to29, include both a housing for a front wall reinforcing member and a housing for a base reinforcing member112of the type shown inFIGS.24to26. In this latter case, the U-shaped frame132and the base reinforcing member112may be configured so that the U-shaped frame132can be positively engaged with the base reinforcing member112, for example snap-fitted into the base reinforcing member112so that the two components are coupled together. This arrangement provides additional support for the walls of the liner.

As shown inFIG.28, the liner may also be provided with a pocket27for receiving a scoop, for example a pocket of the type described above in connection withFIGS.8to10of the drawings.

It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the platform and liner support need not necessarily be configured for use with a liner that includes a resiliently deformable member. It could, for example, comprise a plurality of hooks that are o-operable with eyes provided in the liner sidewall to support the liner.

It should also be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed.

Finally, it should be noted that any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “steps for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, par. 6.