U.S. patent application number 09/788462 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-04 for retaining apparatus for pet waste pad.
Invention is credited to Olivadoti, Rick.
Application Number | 20010025910 09/788462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26851833 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010025910 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olivadoti, Rick |
October 4, 2001 |
Retaining apparatus for pet waste pad
Abstract
An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a
base member, a securing member and at least one clip. The base
member has a bottom layer and an upstanding wall, with the bottom
layer and the upstanding wall defining a reservoir. The securing
member includes an upper surface and two depending legs for
receiving the upstanding wall of the base member. The absorptive
sheet is removably secured at at least portions of its periphery
between the base member and the securing member to hold the
absorptive sheet against the bottom layer of the base member. At
least one end of the absorptive sheet extends over at least a
portion of the upstanding wall. The clip connects the securing
member to the base member.
Inventors: |
Olivadoti, Rick; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Family ID: |
26851833 |
Appl. No.: |
09/788462 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09788462 |
Feb 21, 2001 |
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09537871 |
Mar 29, 2000 |
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09537871 |
Mar 29, 2000 |
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09154860 |
Sep 16, 1998 |
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6059247 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/346.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 1/0107
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/346.01 |
International
Class: |
B65D 019/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet, said
apparatus comprising: a base member having a bottom layer and an
upstanding wall, said bottom layer and said upstanding wall
defining a reservoir; a securing member comprising an upper surface
and two depending legs for receiving said upstanding wall of said
base member, the absorptive sheet being removably secured at at
least portions of its periphery between said base member and said
securing member to hold the absorptive sheet against the bottom
layer of said base member, wherein at least one end of the
absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the upstanding
wall; and at least one clip for connecting said securing member to
said base member.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said clip is hinged
to said securing member and is rotatable into engagement with a
recess in said base member.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said securing member
holds the absorptive sheet flat against the bottom layer of said
base member.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the perimeters of
said base member and said securing member are rectangular.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible
protective grid secured between said base member and said securing
member on the absorptive sheet.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said two depending
legs of said securing member include an exterior depending leg and
an interior depending leg, and said exterior depending leg includes
a compression lip at its lower edge, said compression lip
projecting toward said interior depending leg and defining a line
of contact along the perimeter of the absorptive sheet.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said securing member
and said base member establish at least two areas of peripheral
pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the
absorptive sheet.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said two depending
legs of said securing member include an exterior depending leg and
an interior depending leg, and areas of peripheral pressure contact
are established between said upstanding wall of said base member
and said exterior depending leg, said interior depending leg and
said upper surface of said securing member.
9. An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet, said
apparatus comprising: base means for receiving the absorptive
sheet; securing means for securing the absorptive sheet between
said base means and said securing means, said securing means
establishing at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact
along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet;
and connection means for connecting said securing means to said
base means.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said securing means
establishes at least three areas of peripheral pressure contact
along at least the portions of the periphery of the absorptive
sheet.
11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said securing means
establishes at least four areas of peripheral pressure contact
along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive
sheet.
12. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said base means
defines a reservoir for retaining fluid.
13. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said securing means
holds the absorptive sheet flat against a bottom surface of said
base means.
14. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the perimeters of
said base means and said securing means are rectangular.
15. An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a
flexible protective grid secured between said base means and said
securing means on the absorptive sheet.
16. An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet, said
apparatus comprising: base means for receiving the absorptive
sheet, said base means including a bottom layer and an upstanding
wall; securing means for engaging said base means and securing the
absorptive sheet between said base means and said securing means,
said securing means comprising an upper surface and two depending
legs, the absorptive sheet being removably secured at at least
portions of its periphery between said base means and said securing
means to hold the absorptive sheet against the bottom layer of said
base means, wherein at least one end of the absorptive sheet
extends over at least a portion of the upstanding wall; and
connection means for connecting said securing means to said base
means.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said base means
defines a reservoir.
18. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said securing means
holds the absorptive sheet flat against the bottom surface of said
base means.
19. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the perimeters of
said base means and said securing means are rectangular.
20. An apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a
flexible protective grid secured between said base means and said
securing means on the absorbent sheet.
21. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said securing means
and said base means establish at least two areas of peripheral
pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the
absorptive sheet.
22. An apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet, said
apparatus comprising: a base member for receiving the absorptive
sheet, said base member including an upstanding wall along its
periphery; a securing member including a recessed wall for
receiving said upstanding wall of said base member and securing the
absorptive sheet between said securing member and said base member,
said securing member establishing at least two areas of peripheral
pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the
absorptive sheet; and at least one clip for connecting said
securing member to said base member.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said clip is hinged
to said securing member and is rotatable into engagement with a
recess in said base member.
24. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said securing
member establishes at least three areas of peripheral pressure
contact along at least the portions of the periphery of the
absorptive sheet.
25. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said securing
member establishes at least four areas of peripheral pressure
contact along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive
sheet.
26. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said base member
further comprises a bottom layer cooperating with said upstanding
wall to define a reservoir for retaining fluid.
27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said securing
member holds the absorptive sheet flat against said bottom layer of
said base member.
28. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the perimeters of
said base member and said securing member are rectangular.
29. An apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a
flexible protective grid secured between said base member and said
securing member on the absorbent sheet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/537,871, filed Mar. 29, 2000, which is a continuation
of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/154,860, filed Sep. 16, 1998, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,247.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus for securely
retaining absorbent sheets or pads for use in collecting and
disposing of pet wastes. In particular, the present invention
relates to a device for securely retaining a disposable, absorbent
sheet in a leakproof reservoir.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] Many devices have been proposed to aid in housebreaking of
pets and, in particular, dogs. When indoors, it is desirable for
the pets to urinate and defecate at a single, predetermined
location. Several methods and devices have been proposed to provide
a disposable waste collector at the predetermined location.
[0007] Traditionally, newspapers have been laid on the floor for a
dog's use. Although newspapers are absorbent, unrestrained
newspapers can easily scatter when exposed to drafts or can be
scattered or torn by a playful or destructive animal. Another
drawback of newspapers is that they readily leak through to the
floor surface upon which they are laid.
[0008] To eliminate the leaking problem, several absorbent pads
have been proposed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,626,899; 4,800,677; and
5,630,376 all describe collection pads including at least one layer
of absorbent material and a backing layer of material that is
impervious to fluid so as to preclude urine from leaking through
the pad to the surface of the floor. However, although these
devices can preclude fluid leakage, when unrestrained, they, too,
can be readily scattered or torn by drafts or pets.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,673 proposes a chamber pot for pets in
which a water-absorptive sheet can be laid over a soil bed
surrounded by peripheral walls. The water-absorptive sheet is drawn
out of a roll, cut and laid on the soil bed. A presser frame hinged
to the soil bed is then lowered and engaged with a locking device.
The bottom face of the presser frame presses and clamps the
periphery of the sheet placed on the soil bed. However, the chamber
pot requires a complicated structure in order to retain the
absorptive sheet in a tray. This can lead to higher costs and a
complicated manufacturing process. Further, because there is only a
single line of peripheral contact between the presser frame and the
periphery of the absorptive sheet, a pet can readily dislodge the
absorptive sheet from the frame.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,320 relates to a sanitary receptacle for
animal waste that is formed of three concentric hoops and a sheet
of thin flexible material, such as newspaper. The newspaper is
spread over the inner hoop and then captured in an annular space
between the inner and center hoops when the center hoop is placed
over the inner hoop. This assembly is then inverted and the outer
hoop is pushed over the newspaper and the center hoop, thereby
capturing the newspaper between the center and outer hoops.
However, in this device nothing is disposed between the newspaper
and the floor, so animal waste can leak through to the floor
surface. Further, assembly of the device is complex, requiring
multiple steps to secure the newspaper within the three hoops.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a leakproof apparatus for securely and reliably retaining a
disposable, absorptive sheet for receiving pet waste matter.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
low-cost apparatus of simple design and ease of manufacture for
securely retaining such disposable, absorptive sheets.
[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an easily-assembled apparatus for securely retaining such
disposable, absorptive sheets.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a device for securely retaining such disposable, absorptive sheets
and for preventing the sheets from being dislodged or damaged by
the pet.
[0015] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a base
member, a securing member and at least one clip. The base member
has a bottom layer and an upstanding wall, with the bottom layer
and the upstanding wall defining a reservoir. The securing member
includes an upper surface and two depending legs for receiving the
upstanding wall of the base member. The absorptive sheet is
removably secured at at least portions of its periphery between the
base member and the securing member to hold the absorptive sheet
against the bottom layer of the base member. At least one end of
the absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the
upstanding wall. The clip connects the securing member to the base
member.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes base
means, securing means and connection means. The base means receives
the absorptive sheet. The securing means secures the absorptive
sheet between the base means and the securing means, with the
securing means establishing at least two areas of peripheral
pressure contact along at least portions of the periphery of the
absorptive sheet. The connection means connects the securing means
to the base means.
[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes base
means, securing means and connection means. The base means receives
the absorptive sheet, with the base means including a bottom layer
and an upstanding wall. The securing means engages the base means
and secures the absorptive sheet between the base means and the
securing means. The securing means includes an upper surface and
two depending legs, with the absorptive sheet being removably
secured at at least portions of its periphery between the base
means and the securing means to hold the absorptive sheet against
the bottom layer of the base means. At least one end of the
absorptive sheet extends over at least a portion of the upstanding
wall. The connection means connects the securing means to the base
means.
[0018] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
an apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a
base member, a securing member and at least one clip. The base
member receives the absorptive sheet, with the base member
including an upstanding wall along its periphery. The securing
member includes a recessed wall for receiving the upstanding wall
of the base member and securing the absorptive sheet between the
securing member and the base member, with the securing member
establishing at least two areas of peripheral pressure contact
along at least portions of the periphery of the absorptive sheet.
The clip connects the securing member to the base member.
[0019] The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the base member of the retaining
apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the retaining frame of the
retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled retaining
apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the components of
the retaining apparatus of one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the grid accessory of the retaining
apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a modification
of the retaining apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the retaining assembly of
the present invention includes a base member 10 and a retaining
frame 20 for retaining an absorbent sheet or pad 30. Base member 10
includes four upstanding walls 12 that are connected to a bottom
layer 14. Walls 12 and bottom layer 14 form a liquid impermeable
reservoir or tray for retaining liquid. The exterior peripheral
surfaces 16 of upstanding walls 12 are optionally concave in
cross-section as shown in FIG. 3. The concave surfaces 16 aid in
securing retaining frame 20 to base member 10, as will become more
apparent.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment, base member 10 is rectangular,
but the present invention is not limited to this particular shape.
Any geometric or freeform shape can be used. A rectangular shape is
preferred, however, because when newspaper is used as the absorbent
material, the retaining assembly can take advantage of the
typically rectangular shape of newspaper to efficiently use the
entire surface of the newspaper. Also, many disposable absorbent
pads on the market for use in collecting animal wastes are also
rectangular in shape. Moreover, a rectangular-shaped assembly can
be conveniently placed in any corner of a room.
[0028] Base member 10 can be formed of any material that is
impervious to fluid. Non-porous materials are preferred for
sanitary reasons because they can be easily cleaned. Preferably,
the base member is formed of plastic with walls 12 and bottom layer
14 being integrally formed. If desired, an anti-skid material can
be placed on the bottom surface of base member 10 to keep it from
sliding across the floor. Also, the upper surface of bottom layer
14 can be textured, so the pet will not slip, and include ridges 17
to help grip absorbent pad 30.
[0029] The dimensions of the retaining assembly are not limited. In
the preferred embodiment, the base member is 17.5.times.19.5
inches, and upstanding walls 12 are about 1 inch high. It has been
found that this particular size can comfortably accommodate puppies
of average size and smaller adult dogs, such as those of the toy
group or under about 20 pounds.
[0030] Retaining frame 20 is of a shape similar to bottom tray 10,
namely, rectangular, in the preferred embodiment. Retaining frame
20 is also of substantially the same size as the base member 10. In
the preferred embodiment, retaining frame 20 includes four sides
22. As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, each side 22 generally has an
identical cross-section with an upper surface 24 and two legs
depending therefrom, an interior depending leg 26 and an exterior
depending leg 28. Thus, the cross-section of each side of retaining
frame 20 is substantially C-shaped.
[0031] The C-shaped design of retaining frame 20 is sized to
receive walls 12 of base member 10 in a compression fit. In
particular, the distance between interior leg 26 and exterior leg
28 should be approximately equal to or slightly less than the width
of wall 12 of base member 10. Thus, when retaining frame 20 is
pressed into engagement with base member 10, the compression fit
will be established between legs 26, 28 of the sides 22 of
retaining frame 20 and walls 12 of base member 10.
[0032] Preferably, retaining frame 20 is formed of a flexible
material, thereby enabling legs 26, 28 to resiliently engage walls
12. For example, retaining frame 20 can be formed of a plastic
material similar to that forming base member 10. Exterior leg 28
can include a compression lip 29 at its free end for defining a
rigid line of contact between exterior legs 28 of sides 22 of
retaining frame 20 and the exterior surfaces of walls 12 of base
member 10. Compression lip 29 also can seat in the center of the
concave surfaces 16 of upstanding walls 12 of base member 10 so as
to lock retaining frame 20 onto base member 10.
[0033] In place of, or in addition to, the compression fit between
retaining frame 20 and base member 10, one or more retaining clips
can be provided on retaining frame 20 or base member 10. In the
shown embodiment, a pair of retaining clips 25 are provided on
opposite ends of retaining frame 20 for engaging recesses or
openings 15 in base member 10. Each clip 25 is preferably hinged to
retaining frame 20 as shown in FIG. 6 so as to be rotatable about
hinge 25a. Each clip 25 further includes a pawl 25b for engaging
recess 15. In particular, when clip 25 is rotated from its solid
line position in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6, pawl
25b is forced through opening 15 to engage an inner wall of
upstanding wall 12. Clip 25 thus latches retaining frame 20 onto
base member 10. This latching can be the sole means of connection
between retaining frame 20 and base member 10 or can be used in
conjunction with the compression fit between the two elements as a
primary or secondary connection.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the shape of upstanding walls 12 of base
member 10 and the shape of retaining frame 20 need not be
rectilinear. As shown in FIG. 6, their shapes can be curved.
[0035] When retaining frame 20 is secured onto base member 10,
several areas of peripheral pressure contact are established. Each
area of peripheral pressure contact applies substantially equal
pressure along a linear area, substantially along the entire
periphery of base member 10. In particular, four areas of
peripheral pressure contact can be established between the edges of
interior legs 26 and bottom layer 14, between the inside surfaces
of legs 26 and interior sides of walls 12, between the underside of
upper surfaces 24 and the top surfaces of walls 12 and between
compression lip 29 and the outer concave surfaces 16 of walls
12.
[0036] The retaining assembly of the present invention can be used
to retain any type of absorbent sheet materials 30, including
newspapers and well-known waste collection pads, such as pads
marketed under the trade name WEE-WEE PADS. The absorbent sheets or
pads can be applied with a scent attractive to dogs to encourage
use of the assembly or contain material for absorbing the odors
from pet waste.
[0037] In assembling the retaining apparatus of the present
invention, base member 10 is first laid on the floor. Absorbent
sheet 30, such as newspaper or a waste collection pad, is laid on
base member 10 such that the periphery of the absorbent sheet or
pad 30 overlies walls 12 equally. That is, the absorbent sheet or
pad is centered on base member 10. Retaining frame 20 is then
aligned with base member 10, with absorptive sheet or pad 30
disposed therebetween, and firmly pressed along its periphery to
engage legs 26, 28 with walls 12 of base member 10. If retaining
clips 25 are used, they are engaged with recesses 15 of base member
10.
[0038] When base member 10 and retaining frame 20 are attached,
absorbent sheet or pad 30 is forced into the shape shown more
clearly in FIG. 3. In particular, the central portion of the
absorbent sheet or pad is forced against bottom layer 14 of base
member 10 in a substantially flat manner by the free edges of
interior legs 26 of retaining frame 20. At least portions of the
perimeter of the absorbent sheet or pad 30 is securely trapped
between walls 12 of base member 10 and retaining frame 20 at the
multiple areas of peripheral pressure contact. By establishing
multiple peripheral areas of pressure contact, namely, two to four
in the preferred embodiments, absorbent sheet or pad 30 is securely
retained within the retaining assembly of the present
invention.
[0039] The assembled retaining assembly is positioned at a
predetermined location in a room. The pet is then encouraged to
walk onto the retaining assembly and relieve itself on the
absorbent pad. Although all waste liquids are intended to be
absorbed by the absorbent sheet or pad, any leakage that may occur
will be retained by the reservoir of base member 10 and not soil
the floor. To remove a soiled absorbent sheet or pad, base member
10 is grasped and retaining frame 20 is pulled off of the base
member. If retaining clips 25 are provided, they are unclipped from
base member 10 before retaining frame 20 is pulled off of the base
member. The soiled sheet can then be lifted off of base member 10
and discarded, and a fresh sheet mounted in its place.
[0040] If the absorbent sheets or pads 30 are left exposed on the
retaining assembly, the pet may tear the material with its claws or
teeth. Placing a grate within the retaining assembly and over the
absorbent sheet or pad can protect the sheet or pad, but its uneven
surface may discourage the pet from standing on and utilizing the
assembly. Accordingly, another feature of the present invention is
to provide a thin, flexible protective grid or mesh 40, as shown in
FIG. 5, for placement over absorbent sheets or pads 30.
[0041] Preferably, protective grid 40 is formed of a material
durable enough to withstand scratching by a pet's claws, yet
sufficiently soft or thin as not to be uncomfortable to a pet
standing thereon. Examples of such materials include nylons,
Teflon.RTM. or thin yet strong metallic mesh. Protective grid 40 is
preferably of the same size as absorbent sheets or pads 30 and can
be placed over an absorbent sheet or pad before retaining frame 20
is positioned over base member 10. Thus, protective grid 40 can be
retained in the retaining assembly in the same manner as the
absorbent sheets or pads 30. Although protective grid 40 is
intended to be reused and cleaned when desired, if worn out it can
also be disposed of along with a soiled absorbent sheet or pad.
[0042] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein in connection with the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited
to these embodiments and that various changes and modifications may
be effected therein by those skilled in the art without departing
from the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *