U.S. patent application number 10/967613 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for self-cleaning pet litter apparatus and related method.
Invention is credited to Richard Deasy, Yiu Chung Wan.
Application Number | 20060081191 10/967613 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36084472 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060081191 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Deasy; Richard ; et
al. |
April 20, 2006 |
SELF-CLEANING PET LITTER APPARATUS AND RELATED METHOD
Abstract
A self-cleaning litter apparatus (30) comprises a base (31); a
turntable (32), rotatably mounted within the base; a pan (33), for
holding a quantity of animal litter, the pan being rotatably driven
with the turntable; a rake assembly (36), providing a rake movable
through the animal litter; a waste receptacle (37) for receipt of
animal waste deposited in the litter, the receptacle providing a
door (155) selectively moving to open and close the receptacle
relative to movement of the rake assembly; a sensing mechanism
(120) for determining the presence of an animal in the pan; a drive
mechanism (170) for rotating the turntable, driving the rake
assembly and operating movement of the door and, a controller (259)
having a timer, and selectively providing power to the sensing
mechanism and the drive mechanism. A method for initiating a
self-cleaning cycle in a litter apparatus comprises providing a
litter apparatus (30) having a pan (33), providing a quantity of
self-clumping litter, said pan being tiltably rotatable about an
axis; a rake assembly (36), providing a rake (160), movable through
said litter while said pan is rotating; and a controller, having a
timer; providing a sensing mechanism (120) comprising a plurality
of weight sensors (66), and an electrically activated track
assembly (121); and initiating a self-cleaning cycle whereby said
track assembly is contacted by at least one said weight sensor in
response to the weight of an animal in said pan and upon contact,
said track assembly provides a signal to said timer which initiates
a self-cleaning cycle after a pre-determined period.
Inventors: |
Deasy; Richard; (Pittsburgh,
PA) ; Wan; Yiu Chung; (Tsuen Wan, HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOCKE LIDDELL & SAPP LLP;ATTN: SUE COTT
2200 ROSS AVENUE
SUITE 2200
DALLAS
TX
75201-6776
US
|
Family ID: |
36084472 |
Appl. No.: |
10/967613 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 1/011 20130101;
A01K 1/0114 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/166 |
International
Class: |
A01K 1/035 20060101
A01K001/035 |
Claims
1. A self-cleaning litter apparatus comprising: a base; a
turntable, rotatably mounted within said base; a pan, for holding a
quantity of animal litter, said pan being rotatably driven with
said turntable; a rake assembly, providing a rake movable through
the animal litter; a waste receptacle for receipt of animal waste
deposited in the litter, said receptacle providing a door
selectively moving to open and close said receptacle relative to
movement of said rake assembly; a sensing mechanism for determining
the presence of an animal in said pan; a drive mechanism for
rotating said turntable, driving said rake assembly and operating
movement of said door; and a controller, having a timer and
selectively providing power to said sensing mechanism and said
drive mechanism.
2. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 1,
wherein said turntable is dish-shaped and includes a central floor,
surrounded by an annular trough, a peripheral wall, and a ring gear
carried on the outer side of said peripheral wall, said annular
trough carrying a plurality of weight sensors.
3. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 2,
wherein said weight sensors comprise a body, providing a head,
having a shaft extending downwardly therefrom and a base,
terminating in a foot; an opposed set of spring feet; and means for
joining said feet to said shaft.
4. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 3,
wherein said body is mounted in said annular trough and said base
is mounted underneath said annular trough.
5. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 1,
wherein said turntable is dish-shaped and includes a central floor,
surrounded by an annular trough, said central floor providing a
plurality of foot wells.
6. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 5,
wherein said pan comprises a circular base; a coupling at the
center of and underside of said circular base; and a plurality of
feet, projecting downwardly from said circular base radially
outwardly of said coupling, said feet engaging said like plurality
of foot wells when said pan is positioned on said turntable.
7. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 3,
further comprising a hub-spindle assembly on the bottom side of
said central floor of said turntable, said assembly having means
for connecting said turntable to said base and a spindle
articulating with said litter pan.
8. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 7,
wherein said pan further comprises a plurality of feet, projecting
downwardly from said circular base radially outwardly of said
coupling, said feet engaging said like plurality of foot wells when
said pan is positioned on said turntable; and a plurality of
buttons, projecting downwardly from said circular base radially
outwardly of said feet, each said button being located above the
head of a weight sensor and engageable therewith in response to
weight in said pan sufficient to tilt said pan on said spindle.
9. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 3,
wherein said base includes a floor and an annular trough at the
periphery of said floor; wherein said sensing mechanism comprises
said plurality of weight sensors and a track assembly, carried in
said annular trough of said base, said track assembly being
connected to said controller; and wherein said pan further
comprises a plurality of feet, projecting downwardly from said
circular base radially outwardly of said coupling, said feet
engaging said like plurality of foot wells when said pan is
positioned on said turntable; and a plurality of buttons,
projecting downwardly from said circular base radially outwardly of
said feet, each said button being located above the head of a
weight sensor and engageable therewith in response to weight in
said pan sufficient to cause said spring feet to engage said track
assembly.
10. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 1,
wherein said turntable is dish-shaped and includes a central floor,
said central floor providing a hub-spindle assembly on the bottom
side thereof, said assembly having means for connecting said
turntable to said base and a spindle articulating with said litter
pan.
11. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 10,
wherein said base provides a floor carrying an open hub at the
center thereof; wherein said hub-spindle assembly comprises a hub,
extending from the bottom of said central floor and said spindle
comprises members, forming a rounded end and joined to a platform,
and a plurality of fingers which are communicable with said open
hub.
12. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 11,
wherein said pan comprises a circular base, and a coupling at the
center of and underside of said base, engaged by said spindle.
13. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 1,
wherein said apparatus further comprises a supporting and centering
mechanism for said turntable; wherein said base includes a floor,
an annular trough at the periphery of said floor, a shelf
encompassing said trough and in inner wall, said trough carrying
said supporting and centering mechanism.
14. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 13,
wherein said supporting and centering mechanism comprises a
plurality of rollers, rotatably mounted in said shelf, the axis of
rotation for said rollers being co-linear with the radius of said
floor; and a plurality of wheels, rotatably mounted in said shelf,
the axis of rotation for said wheels being perpendicular to the
radius of said floor.
15. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 14,
wherein said turntable is dish-shaped and includes a central floor,
surrounded by an annular trough, wherein said rollers engage the
central floor of said turntable and wherein said plurality of
wheels engage the outer edge of said annular trough of said
turntable.
16. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 13,
wherein said sensing mechanism comprises a plurality of weight
sensors and a track assembly, carried in said annular trough of
said base, said track assembly being connected to said
controller.
17. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 1,
wherein said rake assembly comprises a central shaft, said shaft
carrying a rake holder, provided at an end of said shaft and
rotatable therewith; a wheel, rotatable about said shaft; a small
cam; an upper main driving shaft; a large wheel, rotatable about
said shaft; a key cam wheel provided at the other end of said
shaft; said small cam, upper main driving shaft and key cam wheel
being rotatable with said shaft; a second shaft, affixed at one end
to said upper main driving shaft, generally perpendicularly to said
central shaft and extending downwardly from said upper main driving
shaft; a lower driving shaft, affixed to the other end of said
second shaft.
18. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 17,
wherein said lower driving shaft is engageable with said drive
mechanism.
19. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 18,
wherein said drive mechanism comprises a drive gear, intermeshing
with a plurality of gears; a motor, driving said drive gear; one of
said plurality of gears, engageable with said turntable and one of
said plurality of gears, connected to said lower driving shaft.
20. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 19,
wherein said base provides an upper compartment, upon which said
rake assembly is mounted; and a lower compartment, housing said
drive mechanism.
21. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 20,
wherein said upper compartment provides a floor, upon which is
carried a rake assembly base; a ramped platform, engageable with
said key cam wheel; a separate platform, carried by said rake
assembly base, engageable with said small cam; and a step,
engageable with a cam carried by said key cam wheel.
22. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 20,
said apparatus further comprising a mechanism, for opening said
waste receptacle, wherein said lower compartment inboard and
outboard switches, and said lower driving shaft provides an
outwardly directed cam, engageable with said inboard and outboard
switches; and an inwardly directed link arm, said arm being
connected to said mechanism for opening said waste receptacle.
23. A self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 22,
wherein said waste receptacle comprises a waste compartment; and a
hinged door, covering said compartment, and said mechanism for
opening said waste receptacle comprises a door pusher, pivotally
connected to the outside of said compartment and communicating with
said hinged door to raise and lower it; a lever, pivotally engaged
to a wall of said waste compartment and providing a cam engageable
with said door pusher; and a link arm, pivotally connected to said
inwardly directed link arm at one end and pivotally connected to
said lever at the other end, whereby said door is raised and
lowered in response to rotation of said lower main driving
shaft.
24. A sensing mechanism for a litter apparatus, said litter
apparatus including a base having a floor and an annular trough at
the periphery of said floor; a turntable, rotatably mounted within
said base and providing a central floor, surrounded by an annular
trough; a pan, for holding a quantity of animal litter, said pan
being rotatably driven about an axis with said turntable and
tiltable with respect to said turntable; wherein said sensing
mechanism comprises a plurality of weight sensors, carried in said
annular trough of said turntable and an electrically activated
track assembly, carried in said annular trough of said base;
wherein said pan comprises a circular base, the underside of which
is engageable with at least one said weight sensor in response to
the presence of an animal in said pan.
25. A weight sensing mechanism, as set forth in claim 24, wherein
said weight sensors comprise a body, providing a head, having a
shaft extending downwardly therefrom and a base, terminating in a
foot; an opposed set of spring feet; and means for joining said
feet to said shaft.
26. A weight sensing mechanism, as set forth in claim 25, wherein
said body is mounted in said annular trough and said base is
mounted underneath said annular trough.
27. A weight sensing mechanism, as set forth in claim 26, said pan
further comprising a plurality of buttons, projecting downwardly
from said circular base, each said button being located above said
head of a weight sensor.
28. A method for initiating a self-cleaning cycle in a litter
apparatus comprising: providing a litter apparatus having a pan,
providing a quantity of self-clumping litter, said pan being
tiltably rotatable about an axis; a rake assembly, providing a
rake, movable through said litter while said pan is rotating; and a
controller, having a timer; providing a sensing mechanism
comprising a plurality of weight sensors, and an electrically
activated track assembly; and initiating a self-cleaning cycle
whereby said track assembly is contacted by at least one said
weight sensor in response to the weight of an animal in said pan
and upon contact, said track assembly provides a signal to said
timer which initiates a self-cleaning cycle after a pre-determined
period.
29. A method for initiating a self-cleaning cycle in a
self-cleaning litter apparatus, as set forth in claim 28, wherein
said self-cleaning cycle comprises the steps of moving said rake
assembly from its parked position, through an arc within said
litter pan concurrent with rotation of said pan and at a slower rpm
than the concurrent rotation of said pan, with said rake partially
submerged in the litter carried by said litter pan; rotating said
rake upon a longitudinal axis as said rake moves arcuately through
said litter to scoop any deposited clumped liquid and solid waste
material out of said litter; depositing said material from said
rake outside of said pan, while said pan continues its rotation;
reversing the rotation of said rake, longitudinally and arcuately,
and of said pan, whereby said rake is returned to its parked
position; and ceasing movement of said rake assembly and said pan.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention pertains to litter boxes for use by
animals, typically cats. More particularly, this invention is
directed toward apparatus which operates in a self-cleaning
fashion, either automatically or manually, to remove waste
materials deposited in the litter, thereby obviating the need for
frequent and periodic service by the animal's owner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Domestic pets, particularly cats, typically utilize a litter
box for their waste needs. Such litter boxes fall into two
categories, the totally manual pan or container which carries a
quantity of litter and the automatic or self-cleaning variety,
which also carries a quantity of litter. The present invention
pertains to the latter category and the patent literature does
include a variety of such devices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,348, for
instance, is directed to a circular litter device that extracts
waste from litter material by rotating a rake or the chamber. Due
to rotation of the rake or chamber, solid waste is extracted from
the litter material using tines, and such waste is pushed to the
outer perimeter of the chamber. The curvature of the rake allows
the rake to cooperate with a scoop, which simultaneously removes
solid waste from the rake and retracts into a tunnel, as the rake
passes thereby.
[0004] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,401,661 and 6,234,112 are both directed to
a self-cleaning pet litter box. The pet litter container is
rotatably mounted on a base member, and rotates to move the pet
litter over a sieve. The sieve is ramped shaped and therefore,
clumped portions of the pet litter that are not sifted through its
openings are forced upwardly toward a conveyer. The conveyer serves
to carry the clumped portions of pet litter away from the pet
litter container.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,459 is directed to a litter container
with a rotary movement sieve. The sieve is attached to a rotatable
ring around the upper portion of a container. As the sieve rotates,
clumped portions of solid waste are captured thereon. Since the
sieve is removable, the sieve, and the clumped portions of solid
waste can be removed from the container.
[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,082,302 and 5,447,812, are both directed to
a rectangular litter device that extracts waste from litter
material using a comb that traverses the pan lengthwise, eventually
conveying waste clumps into a receptacle at the front of the
device.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,735 is directed to a circular litter
device that extracts waste from litter material using a rake which
sweeps through a circular chamber. In this device, the waste
material is deposited into a container which is rotated to sanitize
and deodorize the contents.
[0008] The foregoing automatic litter devices have provided a
variety of styles and mechanisms to facilitate periodic cleaning of
the litter. Nonetheless, the apparatus of the present invention
provides a novel approach to the design and operation of such
devices by providing a single drive mechanism for the operation of
all moving elements as well as other features not present in
combination in a single device heretofore.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a fully automatic self-cleaning litter apparatus.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
manually operated litter apparatus that is self-cleaning in
response to a command given by the pet owner.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a self-cleaning litter apparatus having a novel weight sensing
mechanism for determining the presence of a pet in the apparatus,
so as to initiate self-cleaning.
[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a sensing mechanism for self-cleaning litter apparatus.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method for determining the presence of a animal in a self-cleaning
litter apparatus, so as to initiate self-cleaning of the
apparatus.
[0014] At least one or more of the foregoing objects, together with
the advantages thereof over the known art relating to automated or
self-cleaning litter devices, which shall become apparent from the
specification which follows, are accomplished by the invention as
hereinafter described and claimed
[0015] In general the present invention provides a self-cleaning
litter apparatus comprising a base; a turntable, rotatably mounted
within the base; a pan, for holding a quantity of animal litter,
the pan being rotatably driven with the turntable; a rake assembly,
providing a rake movable through the animal litter; a waste
receptacle for receipt of animal waste deposited in the litter, the
receptacle providing a door selectively moving to open and close
the receptacle relative to movement of the rake assembly; a sensing
mechanism for determining the presence of an animal in the pan; a
drive mechanism for rotating the turntable, driving the rake
assembly and operating movement of the door and, a controller,
having a timer and selectively providing power to the sensing
mechanism and the drive mechanism.
[0016] The present invention also provides a method for initiating
a self-cleaning cycle in a litter apparatus which comprises
providing a litter apparatus having a pan, providing a quantity of
self-clumping litter, the pan being tiltably rotatable about an
axis; a rake assembly, providing a rake, movable through the litter
while the pan is rotating; and a controller, having a timer;
providing a sensing mechanism comprising a plurality of weight
sensors, and an electrically activated track assembly; and
initiating a self-cleaning cycle whereby the track assembly is
contacted by at least one weight sensor in response to the weight
of an animal in the pan and upon contact, the track assembly
provides a signal to the timer which initiates a self-cleaning
cycle after a pre-determined period.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting the self-cleaning
litter apparatus of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the self-cleaning
litter apparatus of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an isometric view depicting the underside of the
self-cleaning litter apparatus of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an isometric view depicting the underside of the
litter pan;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a partial isometric view depicting the turntable
of the self-cleaning litter apparatus;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an isometric view depicting the underside of the
turntable;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view depicting the base of the
self-cleaning litter apparatus and related components for driving
the turntable;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a weight sensor, depicted over
the contact rails carried in the base;
[0025] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a weight sensor, depicted
over the contact rails carried in the base;
[0026] FIG. 10 is another isometric view depicting the underside of
the turntable and the drive mechanism, with portions of the
apparatus removed for clarity;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus,
depicting the base, turntable, litter pan and rake assembly;
[0028] FIG. 11A is an enlarged cross-section of the area 11A,
depicted in FIG. 11;
[0029] FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-section of the area 11B,
depicted in FIG. 11;
[0030] FIG. 11C is an enlarged cross-section of the area 11C,
depicted in FIG. 11;
[0031] FIGS. 12-16 are isometric views of the litter apparatus of
the present invention, depicting the rake sequentially moving from
rest, through the litter pan, out of the litter pan and depositing
waste litter material into the receptacle;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a partial isometric view, depicting the rake
assembly;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a partial isometric view, looking from the front
of the apparatus, depicting the rake assembly in relation to the
cam member for rotation of the rake;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a partial isometric view, looking down and from
the rear side of the apparatus, depicting the rake assembly in
relation to the cam members for rotation of the rake and lifting
the cover on the receptacle;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a partial isometric view, similar to FIG. 18,
with components removed to reveal the drive mechanism and the rake
assembly;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a side elevation of the rake assembly, separately
from the apparatus and the drive mechanism positioned beneath the
base;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a partial isometric view, looking down and from
the rear side of the apparatus, depicting the rake assembly and the
rake at rest;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a partial isometric view, looking down and from
the rear side of the apparatus, depicting the rake assembly and the
rake at rest;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a partial isometric view, looking from the rear
side of the apparatus, depicting the rake assembly and rake at rest
with the receptacle cover closed; and
[0040] FIG. 25 is a partial isometric view, similar to FIG. 24,
with the receptacle cover opening for receipt of litter waste;
[0041] FIG. 26 is a block diagram of the control and sensors for
the litter apparatus; and
[0042] FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the weight sensing
mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a self-cleaning litter
apparatus according to the present invention, is depicted generally
by the numeral 30. It includes a main base, generally 31, which
carries a turntable, generally 32, a litter pan, generally 33,
received onto the turntable, a shield 34, a hood 35, a rake
assembly, indicated generally by the numeral 36, a waste receptacle
37, a housing 38 for the drive mechanism, which will be described
subsequently and a ramp 39, which may optionally provide a mat 40,
for the purpose of cleaning litter from the pet upon exiting the
apparatus. Of these components, the hood 35 and the ramp 39 are
both optional, as the self-cleaning features of the apparatus do
not require the presence of either component. In order to aid in
manufacturing, while providing strength and reasonable cost, the
various components are manufactured from a conventional
thermoplastic, such as ABS or a polyolefin, such as polyethylene or
polypropylene. Other components, such as the internal gears can be
manufactured from nylon.
[0044] The hood 35 provides a domed top 41 which terminates in an
outwardly extending annular flange 42. A recess 43 is provided in
the top 41 for receipt of an air filter element 44, which is
removable from the underside of the hood. A handle 45, is molded
into the top over the recess. The front of the hood 35 provides an
opening 46, through which the cat, or other domestic pet, enters
and leaves the litter apparatus.
[0045] The shield 34 is removable, lifting off of the litter pan
33, when the latter is to be cleaned. It comprises a truncated
annular flange, the outer wall 47 of which frictionally engages the
inner wall 48 of the hood 35. The outer wall 47 is recessed, to
provide an opening 49, extending across less than one-half of the
front of shield 35, to allow for movement of the rake assembly 36,
as will be described later.
[0046] The litter pan 33 includes a body 50 having a circular base
51, a continuous upwardly extending sidewall 52, terminating in an
outwardly extending annular flange 53. In FIG. 7, the bottom of pan
of 33 is depicted, showing the underside 54 of base 51. Underside
54 provides a several projections at various positions. A coupling,
generally 55, is centrally located and includes a ring 56
encompassing a recess 58, for receipt of a hub-spindle assembly,
generally 59, carried centrally of the turntable 32. Radiating
outwardly from the ring 56 are a plurality of fins 60, which mate
with the spindle, as will be described in greater detail below, so
that as the turntable 32 is rotated, the litter pan 33 is likewise
rotated.
[0047] Radially outwardly of the coupling 55 are a plurality of
feet 61, which are received in foot wells 62, provided in the floor
63 of the turntable 32 (FIG. 5). Radially outwardly of the feet 61
are a plurality of buttons 65, which engage weight sensors,
generally 66, which are carried by the turntable 32.
[0048] The turntable 32 is depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, and 10 to which
reference should be made next. Beginning with FIGS. 5 and 6, the
turntable is generally dish-shaped and has a raised central floor
63 which extends over a major portion of the diameter. It
terminates with downward sidewall, which forms the inner wall 70 of
an annular trough 71, beneath the floor. The trough continues to an
outer wall 72, which extends upwardly to join an outer rim 73,
slightly lower than the floor 63. An outer ring wall 74 extends
upwardly from the rim 73, terminating in an upper face 75 and
upstanding peripheral rim 76. On the outside of outer ring wall 74,
a ring gear 78 is formed, which allows the turntable to be
rotated.
[0049] In FIG. 6, the turntable is viewed from its underside, where
it can be seen that the trough 71 has a plurality of
discontinuities, each extending partially upwardly within the
trough providing platforms 80, each carrying a weight sensor 66. As
depicted in the drawing, six such platforms 80 are shown, although
the turntable could be modified to provide more or less than six so
long as a sufficient number are present to sense the weight of an
animal in the litter pan, which will be explained hereinbelow.
Returning to FIG. 5 and the upper side of turntable 32, the foot
wells 62 in central floor 63 are coplanar with the trough 71 and
are bounded by leading and trailing ramps, 81, 82, which help
orient the placement of the litter pan 33 and engagement of the
feet 61 in the wells 62.
[0050] At the center of the turntable, is the hub-spindle assembly
59, comprising a hub 85 and a spindle 86. The hub 85 is a small
diameter cup which extends from and below the turntable floor 63
and terminates in a raised shelf 88, also beneath the plane of the
floor 63. The spindle 86, depicted in FIG. 11B, provides two
intersecting semi-elliptical members 89 which terminate in a
rounded end upon which the recess 58 in the coupling member 55 of
litter pan 33 rests, so as to be tiltably rotatable thereon. The
members 89 are carried by a platform 90 and extending downwardly
therefrom are four fingers 91 disposed at 90.degree. angles from
each other. The spindle fingers 91 are snapped into an open base
hub 92, formed in the floor 93 of main base 31 (see FIG. 3).
[0051] The fingers 91 have outwardly extending flanges 94, which
lock against the bottom edge 95 of base hub 92. As also shown in
FIG. 11B, a screw 96, carrying a spacer 98 is driven into the
central body 99 of spindle 86, which urges the fingers 91 into
engagement with the base hub 92. In this manner the turntable 32 is
fastened to the base and can likewise be dis-assembled by first
removing the screw 96. To aid rotation of the turntable 32 over the
base hub 92 of the base 31, a washer 100 is interposed.
[0052] The floor 93 of main base 31 is partially depicted in FIG. 7
and in cross-section in FIG. 11, to which reference should be made
next. Generally, the floor 93 is molded to allow for the turntable
32 to rotate freely therein, the latter having been mounted therein
as previously described. In addition, the base also provides two
other mechanisms--one to assist rotation of the turntable and one
that works as part of the weight sensing mechanism, which will be
described subsequently. The base has an exterior wall 103, for
appearance and enclosing the drive mechanism.
[0053] As clearly depicted in FIGS. 7 and 11A, the floor 93 of main
base 31 carries an annular trough 104, near its periphery. Radially
outwardly from the trough 104 is a raised shelf 105, which extends
to the inner wall 106 of base 31. A plurality of wheels 108 are fit
into recesses 109 in shelf 105, each said wheel being rotatably
mounted about an axle 110, pressed into a mating well 111 carried
in the underside of shelf 105. The wheels 108 protrude outwardly
from the shelf 105, as depicted in FIG. 7, where they will
periodically engage the outer edge 112 of annular trough 71 (see
the underside of turntable 32) to keep it centered and supported
about the spindle 86. The number of wheels is not crucial to the
operation of the apparatus, so long as they are equally spaced
about the circumference. Typically, four wheels are adequate.
[0054] A like plurality of rollers 113 are carried in
semi-cylindrical recesses 114, in the shelf 105. The rollers reduce
friction between the turntable 32 and main base 31 as the turntable
is rotated therein. The combined support and centering can be seen
schematically in FIG. 10, where the main base has been removed from
view, leaving the rollers 113 and wheels 108 in place against the
underside of turntable 32. Again, the number of rollers 113 is not
crucial to the operation of the apparatus, so long as they are
equally spaced about the circumference. Typically, eight rollers
are adequate. Together, the rollers and wheels provide a supporting
and centering mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 115,
for the turntable 32.
[0055] The weight sensing mechanism is indicated generally by the
numeral 120 and it includes the weight sensors 66 and a track
assembly, generally 121. Referring to FIG. 7, the track assembly
comprises a pair of electrically conductive outer and inner rails
122, 123, respectively. The rails are mounted in the annular trough
104, which is formed into a raised shelf 125, and extends upwardly
from the floor 93 of the base 31. Spacers 126, made from plastic or
other non-conductive material, are located periodically around the
shelf 125 in a number sufficient to maintain the rails parallel to
each other. The spacers are suitably fastened within the trough 104
by screws, not shown, passing though apertures 128 and their width
forces the opposed rails against the walls of the trough so as to
remain immovable therein. An end of the outer rail 122 is bent and
passes through an aperture 130 in the base to the underside and is
connected electrically to a power source (not shown). The opposite
end of rail 122 is brought around the trough 104 and into contact
with the beginning end. In similar fashion, an end of the inner
rail 123 is bent and passes to a shield 131, where a wire (not
shown) is connected, fed around tab 132 and through aperture 133 in
the base to the underside for connection to the power source. The
opposite end of rail 123 is brought around the trough 104 and into
contact with the beginning end.
[0056] The weight sensors 66 are depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. Each
sensor comprises a body 135, an opposed set of conductive spring
feet 136, 138 and a compression spring 139. The body, in turn, is
formed of two pieces, a head 140, having a square shaft 141,
extending downwardly therefrom, and a T-shaped base 142, also
square and which terminates in a cross-wise foot 143 (see FIG.
11A). The T-shaped base 142 is assembled from beneath the turntable
32, though a square aperture 144 (FIG. 6) and the head 140 is
positioned from above the turntable after first installing the
compression spring 139 about the shaft 141. The shaft 141 is fit
within an accommodating passage formed in the base 142. Finally,
the spring feet 136, 138 are connected by way of a flat shoe 145,
of plastic or similar material, with a screw 146 which joins the
shoe 145 to the base 142 and finally to the shaft 141. The shoe 145
is wider than the aperture 144 and prevents the sensor 66 from
being removed from the turntable 32.
[0057] Two installed sensors 66 are depicted in FIG. 5, each being
positioned on a platform 148 raised up within the trough 71. With
reference to FIGS. 11C and 11A, the turntable 32 is presented, in
cross-section, resting upon the rollers 113 and centered among the
wheels 108. The buttons 65, carried on the underside of the litter
pan 33 are depicted in contact with the head 140 from a sensor 66.
In the positions shown the two make contact, however, the head has
not been forced down, which would result in the spring feet 136,
138 contacting the rails 122, 123. When the apparatus 30 is not
occupied by an animal, this is the normal or operational condition.
The pan is balanced on the spindle 86, as previously described and
is either stationary, or rotating during self-cleaning. Typically,
a cleaning cycle is activated automatically after the expiration of
a pre-set time, for instance, 30 minutes following the last
activity in the apparatus. This ensures first that the pet has not
decided to return and second, that the self-clumping litter has
adequate time to solidify liquid waste, so that it can be readily
removed from the litter as a solid mass.
[0058] At such time, the drive mechanism will be activated to clean
the litter, as will be described hereinbelow. In operation, the
weight of the animal in the pan is sufficient to cause it to tilt
slightly about the spindle 86, e.g., approximately 2.degree., which
causes one of the buttons 65 to engage an opposed head from sensor
66. If the buttons 65 are not employed on the pan 33, the pan may
be required to tilt a little more until the underside of the pan is
brought into contact with the head of a sensor 66. Contact with the
head 140 causes the feet to make contact with the rails which sends
a signal to a controller.
[0059] With reference to FIG. 7, the inner wall 106 of base 31 is
shown, as is a port 150, through which a drive gear 151 partially
extends, sufficient to engage ring gear 78 from the turntable 32
and thereby cause rotation of the turntable and litter pan 33,
carried thereon. The drive mechanism will be described subsequently
but at this point it is sufficient to note that when gear 151 is
rotated counter-clockwise, when viewed from above, the turntable
will rotate in a clockwise direction, which begins and continues
during a self-cleaning cycle. Concurrent with such rotation of the
litter pan 33, the rake assembly 36 is driven in a clockwise
direction through the litter in the rotating pan and eventually to
deposit waste material into the waste receptacle of the apparatus,
indicated generally by the numeral 37. The receptacle provides a
separate container 153, having a floor 154 and a hinged door 155,
which is automatically opened during a self-cleaning cycle.
[0060] With reference next to FIGS. 1 and 12-16, the operation of
the apparatus during a self-cleaning cycle will be discussed. For
the sake of clarity no litter has been depicted in the litter pan
33. As is common in self-cleaning litter apparatus, a self-clumping
litter is recommended and it operates by clumping liquid waste,
e.g., urine, into a single mass, which can then be scooped away,
much the same as solid waste. In FIGS. 1 and 12, the apparatus 30
is at rest. In this position, the tines from the rake 160 are
almost contacting the bottom 51 of litter pan 33, where they are
submerged in the litter to scoop beneath any clumps of waste
material.
[0061] As the apparatus is cycled, which can either be controlled
to operate automatically within a pre-set time of non-activity by
the pet or, upon activation manually by the pet owner, the pan 33
is moving in its clockwise rotation and the rake assembly 36 is
also moving in a clockwise fashion, arcuately across and through
the pan. The assembly 36 moves from a rest or parked position,
against the inner wall 161 of the shield 34, near the opening 48,
proceeding in a counter-current fashion through the litter, as
depicted in FIG. 13. In FIGS. 12-16, the door 155 has been removed
for clarity and a door pusher 162 is shown. Its movement will be
described subsequently. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the door pusher has not
begun to move and thus, the door 155 remains closed. In FIG. 14, as
the rake assembly 36 continues its sweep through the litter, the
door pusher 162 has begun upward movement, that is, it rotates from
the entrance side 163 of the container, adjacent the shield 34,
toward the opposite, hinged side 164 of the container. As this
occurs, the door 155 (not shown) which rests on the pusher is
likewise beginning to lift, opening the receptacle.
[0062] In FIG. 15, the rake 160 has lifted out of the litter pan 33
and has rotated upon its axis to hold waste clumps within the rake
160 and door pusher 162 has moved further upwardly. Finally, in
FIG. 16, the rake has first moved directly over the receptacle 37
and then rotated all the way upon its axis, allowing gravity to
free the waste and waste clumps from the tines and fall into the
open container 153. The door pusher 162 is in its highest position
and the door 155 will be completely open. At the end of this
forward or first part of the cycle, the motor driving the mechanism
is reversed, causing the retraction of the rake back into the
litter pan, beneath the litter to its original resting position.
While this reversal of the rake proceeds, the turntable is also
reversed, to rotate counter-clockwise as the rake 160 moves
downwardly through the litter and the door 155 is allowed to
close.
[0063] While the foregoing explanation has referred to rotations in
clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, such orientations are
only applicable to the apparatus as shown in the drawings.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the specific directions of
rotation do not constitute limitations on the practice of the
present invention, as it will be appreciated that an apparatus
manufactured as a mirror image of the apparatus 30, would operate
in the opposite directions, as the pan and rake moved first from
the parked position and later returned to the parked position.
[0064] In order to ensure that waste and waste clumps are driven
toward the tines, several stationary tines 165 are provided from an
extension 166 provided radially inwardly from the opening 148 in
the shield. As the pan 33 rotates, any clumps that were deposited
or formed near the inner wall 168 of the pan will, upon rotation in
clockwise fashion, be driven radially inwardly upon contacting the
stationary tines 165, where they will be in a path to be scooped
away by the rake assembly 36. As will become apparent subsequently,
the turntable and pan rotate at a significantly higher rpm than the
counter rotation of the rake assembly. In this manner, essentially
all of the waste material is driven into the path of the oncoming
rake assembly before it actually makes its complete pass through
the litter. Generally, it is preferred to have the pan rotate at
approximately three and one-half times the arcuate rotation of the
rake assembly 36, although ratios greater than or less than 3.5:1
are not necessarily precluded. What is important is that the ratio
be high enough so that all or most of the waste material meets with
the rake for removal from the pan.
[0065] Next, the rake assembly shall be described with specific
reference to FIG. 21, which depicts a skeletonized structure of the
rake assembly 36, which resides on the upper side of the apparatus
30 and the drive mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 170,
which is housed in the main base, more particularly, in the drive
housing, indicated by the numeral 38. To protect the pet as well as
the owner, the moving parts of the drive mechanism are located in
the lower, inside portion of the main base, as depicted in FIG. 20,
where the various components of the apparatus have been removed to
reveal the relationship between the assembly 36 and mechanism
170.
[0066] The rake assembly 36 provides a central steel shaft 172,
hexagonal in cross-section for the various components it carries.
Beginning at the left end, as viewed in FIG. 21, the rake holder
173 is attached, which carries the rake 160, discussed hereinabove.
The rake holder is semi-arcuate, of a lesser diameter than the
shield 34, in order to fit closely to the inside wall 161 when the
rake holder is in its parked or rest position. The tines of rake
160 are affixed to the underside of the holder and project straight
down to almost the face 51 of litter pan 33 where they are then
bent forward, parallel to the pan to form a fiat scoop 174 (see
FIG. 25). Several lateral tines 175 are affixed to the outermost
end tine, to prevent waste materials from falling off the end of
the scoop. The rake holder 173 is firmly joined to the shaft 172,
with the rake lock 176. The rake holder can provide a
bayonette-type of fitting to the shaft so that twisting the rake
lock one-half turn will release the rake holder from the shaft for
cleaning purposes as well as dis-assembly of the basic components
of the apparatus.
[0067] The next component on the shaft is a small wheel 178, which
is held in place with an e-ring 179. Adjacent the wheel is a small
cam 180, followed next by the upper main driving shaft 181. A
torsion spring 182 encircles the shaft 172 next and its two legs
(not shown) are connected, one into the back of upper main driving
shaft 181 and the other into a hole in shaft 172, biasing the shaft
to rotate in clockwise fashion, as viewed in FIG. 21. Immediately
adjacent the spring 182 is another e-ring 183, which holds a large
wheel 184 in place on the shaft and at the far end of the shaft, is
a key cam wheel 185.
[0068] The upper main driving shaft 181 has a circular plate 190 at
its mid-section and a cylindrical base 191, into which a vertical,
hexagonally-shaped steel shaft 192 is located. The base member 191
passes through an aperture in rake assembly base 193, as depicted
in FIG. 19, the circular plate 190 providing a bearing surface for
the rotation of upper main drive shaft 181 and related components
upon the rake assembly base. The rake assembly base, in turn, is
fastened to the upper floor 194 in drive housing 38 (see FIG. 22)
and is accessible when the cover 195 (FIG. 1) is unfastened from
housing 38. Beneath the rake assembly base and the floor 194, the
lower main driving shaft 196 is attached to the steel shaft 192,
which is visible in FIG. 23, where the floor 194 has been
removed.
[0069] Returning to FIG. 21, the drive mechanism 170 provides a
series of intermeshing gears as follows. Gear 151, at the far left
of the drawing is the gear that drives ring gear 78 beneath the
turntable 32. Meshing with it are gears 200 and 201, journalled to
the same shaft 202. Gear 201 meshes with upper drive gear 203,
which is driven by a motor 204, which is affixed to a mount 205,
provided on upper gear housing 206, depicted in FIG. 25. A suitable
motor is of the type usually found in cordless screw drivers, which
are 12 volt, and run at approximately 10,000 to 12,000 rpm. A
current source of such motors is Mabuchi or Gold Effort. Of course,
other motors can be employed and may require a different ratio of
gears. The motor is powered by a conventional 12 volt transformer
and a power output jack can be plugged into a suitable receptacle,
provided on the exterior of the main base 31, as at 199 (see FIGS.
22 and 25). As such means are well understood in the art, the
transformer and related wiring necessary to operate the apparatus
30 have neither been depicted nor, described herein. Of course, the
apparatus 30 could be provided with a battery compartment and
battery, as an alternative source of power. Such devices are well
known in the art and have not been depicted herein.
[0070] Beneath upper drive gear 203 is lower drive gear 207 and
beneath gear 207 is a bushing 208. Lower drive gear 207 meshes with
gear 209, journalled on shaft 210 and carrying gear 211. Gear 211
meshes with gear 212. Immediately above gear 212 is a small gear
213, then a large gear 214, and another small gear 215 all four
being journalled on shaft 216. Large gear 214 meshes with gear 218,
which drives the shaft 192 to rotate the rake assembly 36. Gear
213, in turn, meshes with gear 219, behind it and another small
gear 220 is located above 219, both being journalled on a shaft
221, visible in FIG. 20. As will become apparent, the apparatus 30
operates from a single motor, as part of the drive mechanism 170,
which concurrently rotates the pan 33, rotates the rake assembly
and opens the cover 155 of waste receptacle 37. As viewed in FIG.
20, the various gears are mounted on a lower gear housing 222,
itself mounted to the floor 223 of a lower compartment 224, which
is housed within the main base 31, next to the waste receptacle
37.
[0071] In FIG. 17, the inboard and outboard side walls 228, 229,
extending up from the drive housing 38 and surrounding around the
floor 193, define an upper compartment, generally 230. Two
removable gate guilders, 231 and 232 are provided at the front of
the compartment 230. The guilder 232 is shown in FIG. 17 and
provides a slot 234, to accommodate the small wheel 178 of assembly
36. A curvilinear front wall 235 of compartment 230, slightly lower
than side walls 228, 229, provides an upper edge 236 along which
the wheel 178 rolls. Inside of the front wall 235 are a series of
vertical tabs 238 which follow the curvilinear contour of the wall,
leaving a narrow channel 239, as depicted in FIG. 18, into which a
flexible shield member 240 is positioned (see FIG. 22).
[0072] The shield 240 can be a length of clear plastic material and
is provided with a hole 241 of sufficient diameter to receive the
wheel 178 of rake assembly 36. Although not shown in the drawings,
the cover 195 also provides a continuous sidewall which mates with
the sidewalls 228, 229. The front portion of the sidewall of cover
195 is also curvilinear and the cover provides another series of
tabs, similar to the tabs 238, and another channel is formed. When
fully assembled, the shield member 240 is positioned between the
two channels and slides therein as the rake assembly traverses from
the parked position in the litter pan to the dumping position over
the waste receptacle. Its purpose is to minimize the entrance of
dust or litter grains from the litter pan into the compartment
230.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 22, adjacent the rake assembly
base 193, a arcuate platform 245 is provided on the floor 194 of
compartment 230. The arc traversed is approximately 90.degree. and
the platform is raised sufficiently to contact the large wheel 184
of rake assembly 36 in order to provide support for the rake holder
173 as it traverses the litter, carrying waste material. Behind
platform 245 a second platform 246 is provided, higher than
platform 245. Unlike the former, which has only a flat upper
surface, the platform 246 has a generally flat upper surface,
transitioning to a downward ramp 248 which curves toward and joins
the floor 194. A third platform 249 is provided on the rake
assembly base 193, in front of the first platform 245. Platform 249
has a ramped upper surface which begins at the rake assembly base
and rises to approximately the height of the first platform 245. It
is, however, considerably shorter in length than the first two
platforms.
[0074] The key cam wheel 185 at the opposite end of rake holder 173
has a rounded top and flat underside 250 which rides along the
surface of the second platform 246. Extending downwardly from the
underside 250 is a cam 251, which is engageable with a step 252,
along side of and integral with the second platform 246. As the
rake holder 173 begins its sweep across the litter pan, an edge of
the underside 250 from cam wheel 185 is passed along the horizontal
surface of platform 246, moving from the rest position, depicted in
FIG. 12. Just prior to the position depicted in FIG. 13, the cam
251 begins to contact the step 252, which starts an upward rotation
of the rake holder 173, into a waste holding position. At this
point, a minor rotation of the main driving shaft 181 occurs so
that the opposite edge of the underside 250 from cam wheel 185
contacts the horizontal surface of platform 246. With the rotation
of the rake holder 173, it is elevated out of the pan 33, to clear
the shield 34 and eventually empty its contents into the waste
receptacle 37, as depicted in FIGS. 14-16. Along the way, the cam
wheel 185 is freed from the platform 246. Toward the end of the
forward cycle, the small cam 180 makes contact with the third
platform 249. As the cam 180 follows the ramp on platform 249, it
is rotated which, in turn, rotates the rake holder 173 in a
counter-clockwise direction, as viewed from the distal end, so that
the contents carried by the scoop 175 are emptied into the waste
receptacle 37, as depicted schematically in FIG. 16.
[0075] For the return cycle, the drive mechanism 170 is reversed,
causing the rake holder 173 to move out of the waste receptacle
toward a position of rest in the litter pan. Initial movement
rotates the rake holder 173 sufficiently to clear the receptacle as
the cam 180 retraces its movement over the third platform 249.
Continued rotation of the upper main driving shaft 181 causes the
cam 251 to engage the second platform 246, whereby the rake holder
173 is again returned to its leveled, or scooping position in the
litter contained in the pan 33. The torsion spring 182 assists
here, biasing the rake holder 173 counter-clockwise so that the
flat scoop 174 is driven into the litter. Thereafter, the driving
shaft 181 concludes its rotation until the rake holder 173 is
parked in its initial rest position.
[0076] The floor 194 and sidewall 229 of drive housing 38 are
removable as a unit and together house a lower compartment,
generally 256, of the base 31. Behind the second platform 246 is a
small compartment 258, which receives a controller 259 for
operation of the apparatus 30. The compartment 258 extends into the
lower compartment and provides a slot holder 260, housed within the
base 31. A control button 261 is provided for manual operation of
the apparatus. One embodiment of apparatus is fully self-cleaning,
by which is meant that the cleaning cycle being described occurs
without intervention by the pet owner. Nonetheless, should the pet
owner wish to initiate a cycle, the power button 261 can be
activated. The apparatus 30 can also be manufactured as a manual
duty device, in which instance, the circuit board is not programmed
to initiate a self-cleaning cycle automatically but rather the pet
owner can do so upon demand. It is to be understood that while a
button is depicted, the apparatus could also be provided with a
foot control switch or a remote switch. Other means of automatic
activation could be initiated from a micro-chip, embedded in the
collar worn by the pet. None of the foregoing devices are depicted
or described, as they are well known in the art.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 19, the lower compartment 256 is
exposed and reference should be made to the lower main driving
shaft 196. It is to be appreciated that several upper components
have been removed to reveal elements in the lower compartment 256
and in so doing, several of the remaining elements depicted appear
to be floating. At the lower end of base 196, an inwardly directed
link arm 264 extends radially out and an outwardly directed cam 265
extends radially out, approximately 165.degree. from the link arm.
The cam 265 is engageable with opposed inboard and outboard limit
switches, 266 and 268, respectively. Both switches are mounted to
struts, not shown, that are provided in the underside of the floor
194, which has been removed. The inboard switch 266 functions to
reverse the cleaning of the pan (FIG. 16) so that the rake assembly
36 returns to its parked position (FIG. 12). The outboard switch
268 signals the apparatus to stop movement, until the next cleaning
cycle is to be activated.
[0078] With reference next to FIGS. 10 and 24, the mechanism for
opening the waste receptacle, which is indicated generally by the
numeral 270, will be described. It includes a link arm 271, a lever
272, and the door pusher 162, described previously. These work in
conjunction with the inwardly directed link arm 264. One end of the
link arm 271 is pivotally connected to the inwardly directed link
arm 264, at 273. The other end is connected to the lever 272 at
274, and the lever 272 is itself pivotally connected at 275 to the
underside of the floor 194.
[0079] As the inwardly directed link arm 264 is rotated during the
forward movement (cleaning) of an operation cycle, the link arm 271
urges the lever 272 to move rearwardly, as viewed in FIG. 25. A cam
276, provided by the lever 272 engages the underside of door pusher
162, which begins to rise. The pusher 162 is pivotally mounted to a
wall 278 of the waste receptacle 37 at 279. In FIG. 25, the
engagement of the door pusher 162 with the waste receptacle cover
155, as it is being lifted, is depicted. The various stages of
upward movement of the door pusher 162 are also apparent in the
sequential views, FIGS. 12-16, described hereinabove, where the
cover had been removed for clarity.
General Operation
[0080] Having described the components of the apparatus 30, a
general discussion of the self-cleaning cycle follows. Normally,
the apparatus is at rest, which occurs whenever the apparatus has
been filled with litter, turned on and is awaiting use by the pet.
When the pet enters the apparatus, beginning at the ramp 39 and
entering into the litter pan 33, the weight of the animal depresses
the turntable 32, so that one of the weight sensors 66 makes
contact with the rails 122, 123. In other words, the weight sensing
mechanism 120; which comprises the weight sensors and the track
assembly 121, is provided for the actuation of a pet-initiated
cleaning cycle. The controller is preferably programmed to signal
the timer after the weight of the animal has engaged a weight
sensor with the rails for a minimum of 3 to 5 seconds. In other
words, a brief contact between the sensor and rails will not cause
a cycle to be initiated, because the pet would not have used the
litter box. After the animal concludes its business and exits the
apparatus, the turntable is again fully righted upon the spindle 86
and a signal is generated to the controller 259 to begin activation
of a cleaning cycle, within a pre-determined time. Recognizing that
the pet may return, a sufficient period is usually 30 minutes.
Additionally, the apparatus employs self-clumping litter, which
requires several minutes to absorb liquid waste and form a solid
having sufficient integrity to be moved. Once begun, a cycle is
completed in approximately two minutes and during this period, the
sensors are no longer active.
[0081] The controller 259 is a micro-processor based device that
includes the necessary hardware, timer, software and memory for
executing and performing the various functions of the apparatus 30.
As will be described, the controller receives a number of
electrical inputs from certain components and, depending upon the
sequence of their receipt, generates electrical output signals to
those components from which input signals were received and other
components. The controller 259 receives electrical power from the
power source 199 which may be either from an AC residential power
supply, DC batteries or the like. The controller 259 may receive a
cycle input from a switch 261. Once energized, the controller is
able to receive input from the weight sensing mechanism 120, as
well as an inboard limit switch 266 and an outboard limit switch
268. And the controller 259 is then able to control operation of a
motor 204 which in turn operates the turntable as previously
described. The motor 204 also receives power from the power source
199. It will be appreciated that the motor 199 may receive power
from a separate power source that is of a different value or
different format, than received by the controller. Or the
controller 259 may directly supply power to the motor that is
stepped-up or stepped-down an appropriate amount.
[0082] Returning now to the operation of the apparatus, the
controller 259 includes an internal timer that is actuated upon
exiting of the animal. Once this time has passed, the motor is
energized and as a result three movements are commenced by the
controller 259--the litter pan 33 is rotated clockwise and
counter-clockwise, the rake assembly 36 begins a slower rotation
through the litter and litter pan 33, and the cover of the waste
receptacle 37 is raised.
[0083] Following one-half completion of the cycle, where the scoop
174 has deposited litter clumps and solid waste matter into the
receptacle 37, the inboard limit switch 266 is activated by the
inwardly directed link arm 264, from lower main driving shaft 196,
which sends another signal to the controller to reverse rotation of
the motor. As this occurs, the rake assembly withdraws from the
receptacle 37, the cover is closed and the assembly moves down into
the litter as it simultaneously rotates back (counter-clockwise, as
shown) to its parked position, with the scoop 174 submerged in the
litter. Concurrently, the litter pan and turntable are also
rotating in a clockwise direction, as shown. When the outwardly
directed cam 265 from the upper main driving shaft 181 contacts
outboard limit switch 266, a signal is sent to the controller.
While the rake has almost returned to its parked position, the
forward motion of a new cycle is commenced and run for
approximately 2 seconds. The effect of this action is that the
backlash is taken up from the gears of the drive mechanism and as a
result, the rake is actually moved rearwardly the last remaining
increment to its fully parked position against or very near to the
wall inner wall 161 of dust shield 42. Once the cycle is complete,
all further movement ceases until either another cycle is initiated
by the pet or, the owner elects to cycle the apparatus manually by
activating the switch 261 or similar control switch.
[0084] Another feature of the apparatus, which is programmed into
the controller, is a motor overload circuit. During a cycle, should
the rake encounter an obstruction that the motor cannot overcome,
the amperage to the motor will increase until an overload switch
signals the controller to reverse the drive mechanism. Such
switches, or overload protectors, are known in the art and do not
constitute a limitation of the apparatus. Typically, a clump of
solidified waste may have adhered to the surface of the pan,
perhaps due to low litter volume and the clump may have a mass that
cannot be immediately moved by the rake. By design and programming,
the rake will return to its parked position and in several seconds
a new cycle will commence. Generally, a second pass at the large
clump or other obstruction is sufficient to remove or move it and
the cycle continues. If not, a third park and re-initiation is
programmed and if that attempt is still unsuccessful, the rake
returns to rest or park and the apparatus is shut-down. A red LED
or similar indicator is activated by the controller to provide a
visual signal to the pet owner that the apparatus is unable to
operate a cleaning cycle. The owner can then determine the nature
of the problem and correct it so that the cycle can then be
performed. In this instance, it is likely the owner would then
initiate a cycle manually, to view operation and confirm that the
previous problem no longer exists.
[0085] As noted hereinabove, an embodiment of the apparatus 30 is
also within the scope of the invention which does not self-clean
automatically, that is, when the pet leaves the apparatus. To
initiate self-cleaning, the pet owner decides when by pushing the
button 261 or similar switch and the apparatus proceeds to follow
the cycle just described. Such apparatus would not employ the
sensing mechanism 120 and, because a tiltable litter pan would not
be required, the turntable could also be eliminated, in which
instance the pan would be driven directly.
[0086] Thus, it should be evident that the apparatus and method of
the present invention are effective for self-cleaning of litter
devices, employing rotatable litter pans. Although the foregoing
explanation has been directed to the apparatus depicted in the
drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that
certain components could be varied or modified to obtain the same
operation. One such modification envisioned is the combination of
the turntable and litter pan into a single component, rather than
two separate components. Another modification is in the sensing
mechanism 120. As described in the drawings, sensors are provided
in the turntable and rails in the base, so that contact can be
made. However, the location could be reversed, by placing the rails
or similar elements in the turntable which would be engageable with
sensors from beneath. So long as the tilting of the pan provides a
signal to the controller to activate the drive mechanism, the
relative position of the necessary components can be varied to suit
manufacturing as well as consumer preferences.
[0087] Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it should now be
apparent that the use of the litter apparatus described herein will
carry out the objects set forth hereinabove. It is, therefore, to
be understood that any variations evident fall within the scope of
the claimed invention and thus, the selection of specific component
elements can be determined without departing from the spirit of the
invention herein disclosed and described. Thus, the scope of the
invention shall include all modifications and variations that may
fall within the scope of the attached claims.
* * * * *