Integrated litter box containment system

• US 20080060585A1
• Filed: 10/30/2007
• Published: 03/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lynn Garfield
• Original Assignee: Lynn Garfield
• Inventors: Garfield, Lynn
• Application Number:
  US11/979,086
• Publication Number:
  US 20080060585A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 119/165
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 1/0107 Cat trays; Dog urinals; Toilets for pets

Abstract

An integrated litter box containment system is disclosed with generally upright elements that functionally increase the height of the litter box thereby serving to better contain animal waste and litter while providing an open top facilitating access for routine removal of waste from the litter. A disposable liner may be fastened to the upright elements thereby providing or enhancing containment or ease of cleaning. The containment system optionally may allow for multiple possible entryways that provide changeable animal access and flexibility in positioning the litter box. The upright elements optionally may be changed from a generally vertical or extended position to a generally horizontal or collapsed position, or be detached for cleaning or storage.

Claims

1. An integrated litter box containment system comprising:

an animal litter box element, as a lower component of the containment system, configured to have an interior defined by side and bottom surfaces, and an upper rim that substantially surrounds said interior and defines a perimeter;

one or more elements, as an upper component of the containment system, that extend above said upper rim, configured to leave a substantially open top, to provide a barrier substantially surrounding said perimeter, and to facilitate use of a liner fastened to or otherwise supported by said elements; and

at least one entryway located at one or more sides of the containment system configured to allow access to said interior by an animal;

whereby said upper component and said lower component are configured in an integrated manner to contain waste and other matter within said containment system.

2. The litter box containment system of claim 1, wherein said elements that extend above said upper rim are fixed in position.

3. The litter box containment system of claim 1, wherein said elements that extend above said upper rim are adjustable in position, including being adjustable in location, orientation, or extension.

4. The litter box containment system of claim 3, further having means for locking or securing said elements that extend above said upper rim at a particular position.

5. The liter box containment system of claim 1, wherein said elements that extend above said upper rim are removable from said litter box.

6. The litter box containment system of claim 5, further having means for affixing or securing said elements that extend above said upper rim to said litter box element.

7. The litter box containment system of claim 1, wherein said liner is fastened to or otherwise supported by said elements that extend above said upper rim, said liner configured and disposed to extend to a position generally below said upper rim of said litter box element.