Partition plate for screening and collecting waste in cat litter equipment

Abstract

A partition 1 for screening and collecting waste material, comprising: a) a funnel portion 10 having a tapered shape and a funnel opening 24 wherein the tapered shape is configured to direct or collect waste material into the funnel opening; b) a screening portion 12 connected to the funnel portion 10, wherein the screening portion comprises: i) a leading portion 16; ii) a mesh portion 18 having a plurality of meshes 34; and iii) a guide portion 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a baffle, a litter apparatus, and a method for sieving and collecting waste. The baffle can be used to sieve litter, separate waste from clean litter, collect waste toward a waste opening, and / or reduce the amount of dust and debris generated during a cleaning cycle of the litter apparatus. The baffle is particularly useful in a rotating litter apparatus during the cleaning cycle. Background Art

[0002] Automatic cat litter devices can provide pet owners (e.g., users) with a method for effectively managing waste discharged by one or more of their pets. These automatic cat litter devices may be advantageous in the following aspects: automatically removing waste from cat litter; automatically collecting waste for subsequent disposal; storing waste separately from the cat litter chamber so that they are not exposed to the surrounding environment, thereby preventing and / or reducing odors from the waste. Some particularly beneficial examples of automatic cat litter boxes can be found in U.S. Patents Nos. 6,463,881, 8,757,094, and 9,433,185, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0364840, PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US2020 / 029776 (published as WO 2020 / 219849A1), and U.S. Provisional Applications: Nos. 63 / 104574, 63 / 104604, and 63 / 104625. The above patent content is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes and may be amended to include any features described herein.

[0003] One challenge of a litter box with a litter screening component is that the screening activity generates dust and debris. For example, when the screening filter screens the cat litter, the cat litter is disturbed, thereby generating dust and debris, some of which enter the air and leave the chamber through the entry opening. The dust and debris may include fine particles of cat litter, animal waste (i.e., urine and feces), dander, etc. Dust and debris may exacerbate personal allergies and cause odors. In addition, once out of the chamber, dust and debris may cover other living surfaces, resulting in the need for cleaning. Some of the dust and debris in the air may be generated when the cat litter passes through the screening filter. In a rotating chamber, this passage may occur when the chamber rotates in a first direction and an opposite second direction. During the rotation in the first direction, the used cat litter can pass through the screening filter to separate waste from the used cat litter, thereby separating clean and / or unused cat litter. During the rotation in the second direction, clean cat litter can pass through the screening filter or between the screening filter and the inner surface of the chamber. When the litter is sifted through the openings of the sifting screen, the sifting action may cause a large portion of the dust and debris to enter the air. Although sifting to separate waste from the litter (e.g., when the chamber rotates in a first direction) is unavoidable, it is desirable to reduce the amount of clean litter that passes through the screen (e.g., when the chamber rotates in a second direction) after being sifted. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a separator for screening and collecting waste materials, comprising: a) a funnel portion having a conical shape and a funnel opening, wherein the conical shape is configured to guide or collect the waste materials to the funnel opening; b) a screening portion connected to the funnel portion, wherein the screening portion comprises: i) a leading portion; ii) a screen portion having a plurality of screen holes; and iii) a guide portion.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a separator for screening and collecting waste materials from cat litter, comprising: a) a funnel portion having a conical shape and a funnel opening, wherein the conical shape is configured to guide or collect the waste materials into the funnel opening; b) a screening portion connected to the funnel portion, wherein the screening portion comprises: i) a leading portion configured to first contact the cat litter and the waste materials; ii) a screen portion having a plurality of screen holes, wherein the screen holes are configured to separate the waste materials from the cat litter; and iii) a guide portion configured to allow the waste materials to be transferred from the screen portion to the funnel portion.

[0006] The separator taught in the present application may include any combination of one or more of the following features: the mesh portion may be approximately 10% to approximately 75% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion; the mesh portion may be approximately 20% to approximately 50% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion; the mesh portion may be approximately 30% to approximately 40% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion; the plurality of mesh holes may have a cross-sectional shape that is generally similar to a diamond, circle, hexagon, square, rectangle, oval, ellipse, triangle, etc. or any combination thereof; the plurality of mesh holes may have a diamond-shaped cross-section; each of the plurality of mesh holes may be tapered so that one outer surface has a larger cross-sectional area than the opposite outer surface, or be chamfered from two outer surfaces; the leading portion may be The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a filter screen comprising: comprising a leading edge; the leading portion may be adjacent to the screen portion; the leading edge may define at least the periphery of the leading portion; the leading portion may be about 10% to about 70% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion; wherein the leading portion may be about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion; the leading portion may be about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion; the plurality of screen holes may be configured to allow cat litter to pass therethrough while preventing waste material from passing therethrough; the leading portion and the guide portion may each be a substantially solid surface; the screening portion may be fixed to or integrally formed with the funnel portion; the screening portion may be fixed to or integrally formed with the funnel portion by one or more hinges The one or more hinges may be integral (e.g., one-piece); the one or more hinges may be one or more living hinges; the partition may be secured to the interior of the chamber of the cat litter device; the screening portion may be angled relative to the funnel portion at one or more hinges; the partition may have an overall profile similar to the interior of the chamber; the partition may include a slit configured to impart additional flexibility; the slit may be part of the guide portion; the slit may extend from the rear portion partially toward the front of the leading portion; the leading portion may include one or more spacers; the one or more spacers may be formed at or adjacent to the leading edge; the one or more spacers may be formed as one or more ribs, posts, tabs, fins, corrugated shapes, etc., or any of these The invention relates to a combination of the present invention and the invention; the one or more spacers may protrude from the outwardly facing surface of the leading portion in a direction substantially the same as the funnel neck of the funnel of the funnel portion in the mold position, the use position, or both of the partition; when the partition is installed in the cat litter device, the one or more spacers may protrude from the outwardly facing surface of the leading portion toward the inner wall of the chamber, away from the cat litter bed, or both; the partition may include a ramp located between the funnel opening and the guide portion; the ramp may be configured to change the velocity of the waste material when the waste material is transferred from the screening portion to the funnel portion; the ramp may be formed as a part of the funnel portion; the ramp may be a raised profile; the ramp may be located between the hinge of the partition and the funnel opening.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a cat litter device, comprising: a) a chamber configured to hold cat litter and allow an animal to enter it to remove waste; b) a base supporting the chamber; c) a partition for screening and collecting waste materials from the cat litter, the partition comprising: i) a funnel portion having a conical shape and a funnel opening, wherein the conical shape is configured to guide or collect waste materials to the funnel opening; ii) a screening portion connected to the funnel portion, wherein the screening portion comprises: a leading portion configured to first contact the cat litter and waste materials; a screen portion having a plurality of openings configured to separate waste materials from the cat litter; and a guide portion configured to allow waste materials to be transferred from the screen portion to the funnel portion.

[0008] The cat litter device taught in the present application may include any combination of one or more of the following features: a baffle according to the teachings herein; the chamber can be configured to rotate in a first direction, in a second direction, or both during a cleaning cycle of the cat litter device; the drive mechanism can be configured to rotate the chamber; during the cleaning cycle, the drive mechanism can drive the chamber at a steady speed, an increasing speed, a decreasing speed, or any combination thereof; the chamber can be configured to reduce the rotation speed as the cat litter passes through the baffle, thereby reducing dust and debris from the cat litter and waste materials; the speed of the chamber can be reduced by about 5% to about 50%; the chamber can rotate at a speed of about 0.25 RPM or greater to about 2 RPM or less.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a method for screening and collecting waste materials from cat litter, comprising: a) initializing a cleaning cycle of the cat litter device by rotating a chamber of the cat litter device in a first direction; b) during the rotation along the first direction, a leading portion of a screening portion of a partition in the chamber contacts the cat litter and enters the cat litter without allowing the cat litter to pass through; c) during continued rotation along the first direction, a screen portion of the screening portion is adjacent to the leading portion and has a plurality of screen holes, which contact the cat litter and screen the cat litter to separate the waste materials from the cat litter; d) during continued rotation along the first direction, the waste materials are transferred from the screening portion of the partition to a funnel portion of the partition, the funnel portion including a funnel opening, and the waste materials are discharged through the funnel opening.

[0010] The method taught in the present application may include any combination of one or more of the following features or steps: during rotation in the first direction, cat litter passing through multiple screen holes can be defined as unused and clean cat litter; when the chamber continues to rotate in the first direction, unused and clean cat litter can be located in a temporary storage area between the screening portion and the inner wall of the chamber; after the waste material leaves the funnel opening, the chamber can be rotated in a second direction; a gap can be formed between the leading edge of the leading portion and the inner surface of the chamber, and when the chamber rotates in the second direction, all or most of the cat litter can pass under the gap; the gap can be formed by one or more spacers of the partition; the partition can be a partition according to the teachings of this article; the cat litter device can be a cat litter device according to the teachings of this article.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a cat litter device, comprising: a) a chamber configured to hold cat litter and allow an animal to enter therein to remove waste; b) a base supporting the chamber; c) a partition for screening and collecting waste materials from the cat litter, the partition comprising: i) a funnel portion having a conical shape and a funnel opening, wherein the conical shape is configured to guide or collect waste materials to the funnel opening; ii) a screening portion connected to the funnel portion, wherein the screening portion comprises: a leading portion configured to first contact the cat litter and waste materials; a screen portion having a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being configured to separate waste materials from the cat litter; and a guide portion configured to allow waste materials to be transferred from the screen portion to the funnel portion.

[0012] When returning to the bottom of the chamber, the partition taught by the present application can help reduce dust and debris in the air during the cleaning cycle by guiding clean cat litter to below the screening part. Clean cat litter can be passed below the screening part by a leading part. The leading part can be provided with a solid surface at a position adjacent to the screen part, a solid surface between the screen part and the inner surface of the chamber, or both. The leading part can then turn clean cat litter to the inner surface of the chamber and below the screening part. One or more slits can impart flexibility on the screening part of the partition. Flexibility can allow a larger amount of cat litter to pass through the gap between the screening part and the inner surface of the chamber. During the cleaning cycle, when the force of cleaning cat litter is applied to the surface of the screening part, the screening part can bend. One or more spacers can help to create and / or maintain a gap between the inner surface of the chamber and the screening part, preventing complete contact between the leading edge of the screening part and the inner wall of the chamber, or both. By maintaining a gap and / or preventing full contact, more litter is able to pass under the screening section during a cleaning cycle, thereby reducing airborne dust and debris. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the partition.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a top view of the partition.

[0015] Figure 3 is a side view of the partition.

[0016] Figure 4 is a front view of the bulkhead in the as-molded position.

[0017] Figure 5 This is the front view of the partition in its designed or used position.

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cat litter apparatus having a partition.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a front view of a cat litter device with a partition.

[0020] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cat litter apparatus having partitions.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the partition.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a bottom-up stereoscopic view of the partition.

[0023] Fig.11 It is a top perspective view of the partition.

[0024] Fig.12 It is a top perspective view of the partition.

[0025] Fig.13 It is a bottom-up stereoscopic view of the partition.

[0026] Fig.14 This is the left side view of the partition.

[0027] Fig.15 This is a right side view of the partition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The explanations and descriptions given herein are intended to familiarize other persons skilled in the art with the teachings of the present application, its principles and its practical applications. The specific embodiments of the teachings of the present application set forth are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the teachings of the present application. The scope of the teachings of the present application should be determined with reference to the full scope of the appended claims and the equivalents of these claims. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. Other combinations are also possible, as will be obtained from the following claims, which are also incorporated by reference into this written description.

[0029] Partition

[0030] The present disclosure relates to a partition. The partition can be used to sort waste from cat litter, separate used cat litter from unused cat litter, guide waste out of a chamber, cooperate with one or more other components of a cat litter device to provide a temporary cat litter storage area, or any combination thereof. The partition can have any size and / or shape to be suitable for being positioned in the chamber to screen cat litter during a cleaning cycle. During the cleaning cycle, the partition can rotate with the chamber of the cat litter device (e.g., remain stationary relative to the chamber), or during the cleaning cycle, the partition can rotate within the chamber (e.g., move relative to the chamber), or both. The partition can be one-piece or multi-piece. The partition can include one or more parts, openings, spacers, hinges, covers, etc. or any combination thereof. The partition can be located in the chamber of the cat litter device, fixed to the interior of the chamber, integrated with the chamber, or any combination thereof. When the chamber is in an initial or static position, the partition can be located opposite the cat litter bed. The partition can be located opposite the liner of the chamber, opposite the lower chamber, or both. The partition may be at least partially aligned with the waste opening, partially across the waste opening, or both.The partition may be secured to the upper chamber and / or a portion of the upper chamber.

[0031] The partition may include a screening portion. The screening portion may be used to screen a litter bed, separate waste from the litter, provide a temporary storage area for clean and / or unused litter, or any combination thereof. The screening portion may be movably fixed to the interior of the litter device, movable relative to the funnel portion, or both. The screening portion may not be directly connected to the chamber. The screening portion may be fixed to the chamber by the funnel portion, hinge, or both. During a cleaning cycle, rotation of the chamber, or both, the screening portion may move (e.g., swing) and / or remain substantially stationary relative to the hinge, funnel portion, chamber, or a combination thereof. The screening portion may be relatively planar, non-planar, or both. The screening portion may have a cross-sectional shape opposite to at least a portion of the interior of the chamber. The screening portion may have a shape that is generally D-shaped, C-shaped, square, rectangular, circular, or any combination thereof. For example, the screening portion may have a substantially D-shaped cross section to complement a portion of a substantially spherical chamber cross section. The total length of the screening section may be approximately equal to or less than the internal diameter and / or the inner chord length of the chamber. The screening section may not be in contact with the interior of the chamber or in physical contact with the interior of the chamber. The screening section may include a leading edge, one or more spacers, a leading portion, a screen portion and / or a guide portion.

[0032] The screening section may include a leading portion. The leading portion may be used as the first portion of the screening section, which enters the litter bed, holds one or more spacers, directs clean litter to the gap when clean litter returns to the main chamber area to form a litter bed, or any combination thereof. The leading portion may be configured to first contact litter and waste material. The leading portion may include a leading edge. The leading edge may be the outermost edge of the screening section, opposite to the hinge, or both. The leading edge may define at least a portion of the periphery of the leading portion. The leading edge may have a first surface that contacts the litter during the cleaning cycle. The leading edge may or may not include an edge. The edge may have a thickness different (e.g., larger) from the rest of the screening section surface. The leading portion may have a shape that includes a portion of the overall shape of the screening section. The leading portion may have a shape that is generally D-shaped, C-shaped, oval, rectangular, triangular, or a combination thereof. The leading portion may be generally planar, non-planar, or both. The leading portion can be solid (e.g., without opening), mostly solid, or both. For example, the leading portion can include an opening in the form of a slit. The leading portion can be about 10% or greater to about 20% or greater, about 30% or greater, even about 33% or greater of the surface area of ​​the screening portion. The leading portion can be about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, or even about 50% or less of the surface area of ​​the screening portion. For example, the leading portion can be about 10% to about 75%, 20% to about 50%, about 30% to about 40%, or even about 30% to 35% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion. The surface area of ​​the leading portion can be less than, approximately equal to, or even greater than the surface area of ​​the leading portion and / or the screen portion. The leading portion can include one or more spacers.

[0033] The partition may include one or more spacers. The one or more spacers may be used to create and / or maintain a gap between one or more edges of the partition and the inner surface of the chamber, prevent the leading edge from being completely in contact with the interior of the chamber, provide structural support for the screening portion, or any combination thereof. The one or more spacers may be positioned along one or more edges. The one or more spacers may be located at or along the leading edge. The one or more spacers may include a single spacer or multiple spacers. The one or more spacers may include 1 or more, 2 or more, or even 3 or more spacers. The one or more spacers may include 20 or less, 15 or less, or even 10 or less spacers. Multiple spacers may be spaced evenly or unevenly along the leading edge. For example, 3 to 5 spacers may be spaced approximately evenly along the leading edge. One or more spacers may be in the form of one or more protrusions. The one or more protrusions may protrude in the same direction as the funnel. The one or more protrusions may protrude from the leading edge, from the outward-facing surface of the screening portion, toward the wall of the chamber, away from the litter bed, or any combination thereof. The one or more spacers can be formed into one or more ribs, columns, gussets, corrugated shapes, etc. or any combination thereof. The one or more spacers can be fixed to the screening portion and / or integrated with the screening portion. The one or more spacers can be integrated with the surface of the leading edge, the leading portion, or both. The one or more spacers can be conducive to allowing cat litter to flow into the bottom of the chamber from the temporary storage area faster, creating a gap for cat litter to flow through, reducing the amount of clean cat litter that flows back into the screen portion, or any combination thereof. Any one or all of these advantages can reduce dust and debris generated during the cleaning cycle.

[0034] The one or more spacers can create a gap with the inner surface of the chamber. During the cleaning cycle, the gap can allow cat litter to flow through. The gap can be between the screening portion and the inner surface of the chamber. The gap can be between the leading portion and the inner surface of the chamber. The gap can be between the leading edge and the inner surface of the chamber. The gap can be large enough to allow clean and / or unused cat litter to pass through, while being small enough to prevent waste in the cat litter from passing through. The gap can allow unused and / or clean cat litter to pass through at any stage during the cleaning cycle. In the process of the chamber rotating to the emptying position and / or returning to the initial position, the gap can allow unused and / or clean cat litter to pass through. The gap is particularly conducive to reducing the amount of dust and debris generated during the cleaning cycle. More specifically, the gap can reduce the dust and debris generated when the chamber returns to the initial position from the waste emptying position. By allowing unused and / or clean litter to flow through, as opposed to the litter contacting the sieving portion and flowing entirely through the sieving portion, a majority of the litter is less disturbed during the cleaning cycle, thereby reducing the amount of dust and debris generated.

[0035] The screening portion may include a screen portion. The screen portion may be used to screen used cat litter, separate waste from used cat litter to provide clean and / or unused cat litter, or both. The screen portion may be configured to separate waste material from cat litter. The screen portion may have a shape that includes a portion of the overall shape of the screening portion. The screen portion may have a shape that is generally triangular, rectangular, square, oval, circular, D-shaped, C-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. The screen portion may extend through all, most, or only a portion of the depth (i.e., from the front to the rear) of the screening portion. The screen portion may be generally planar, non-planar, or both. The screen portion may be adjacent to a leading portion, a guide portion, or both. The screen portion may be located between a leading portion and a guide portion. The screen portion may be ribbed, grid-shaped, corrugated, slotted, meshed, etc., or any combination thereof. The screen portion may include one or more mesh holes. These mesh holes may have any size and / or shape that allows cat litter to pass through while preventing waste material from passing through. The area of ​​the screening part with mesh can be referred to as screen part. The screen part can be about 10% or more to about 20% or more, about 30% or more, even about 33% or more of the surface area of ​​the screening part. The screen part can be about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, or even about 50% or less of the surface area of ​​the screening part. For example, the screen part can be about 10% to about 75%, 20% to about 50%, about 30% to about 40%, or even about 30% to 35% of the surface area of ​​the screening part. The screen part that is only a part of the surface area of ​​the screening part can be conducive to allowing used cat litter to be screened, so that clean cat litter is separated from waste material with the desired rotation speed of the chamber during the cleaning cycle. The screen portion, which is only a portion of the surface area, may also advantageously cooperate with the leading portion to promote most or even all of the clean litter to return from the temporary storage area to the resting position through the gap (i.e., between the leading edge and the chamber interior) to form a litter bed.

[0036] The screen part can include multiple sieve holes. The size and / or shape of the multiple sieve holes can allow unused (e.g., clean) cat litter to pass through while preventing waste (e.g., used cat litter, lumps, lumps, and / or the like) from passing through. The multiple sieve holes in the screening part can allow screening of cat litter during the cleaning cycle to separate waste from unused cat litter. The multiple sieve holes can have a cross-sectional shape similar to or substantially similar to a rhombus, circle, hexagon, square, rectangle, oval, ellipse, triangle, etc. or any combination thereof. For example, the multiple sieve holes can have a rhombus cross section. The cross section can be intercepted parallel to most of the surfaces of the screening part. The shape of the inner peripheral surface can be designed to guide cat litter to pass through, or to facilitate the molding process, or both. The inner peripheral surfaces of these sieve holes can be conical, chamfered, inclined, planar, etc., or any combination thereof. The inner peripheral surface can be the surface of the mesh, which extends from a surface of the screening portion (e.g., facing the litter bed, litter liner) and / or connects a surface of the screening portion (e.g., facing the litter bed, litter liner) to an opposite surface of the screening portion (e.g., away from the litter bed, litter liner; facing the interior of the chamber). The cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of meshes can be greater than the typical diameter, width and / or length of the particles, pellets and / or beads of cat litter, so that cat litter can pass through. The cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of openings can be smaller than a typical waste block, thereby preventing cat litter from passing therethrough. The plurality of meshes can each have a cross-sectional area of ​​about 0.01 square inches (0.064 square centimeters) or more, about 0.03 square inches (0.194 square centimeters) or more, or even about 0.05 square inches (0.323 square centimeters) or more. The plurality of sieve holes may each have a cross-sectional area of ​​about 0.1 square inch (0.645 square centimeters) or less, about 0.08 square inch (0.516 square centimeters) or less, or even about 0.06 square inch (0.387 square centimeters) or less. The screen portion may include enough openings to allow cat litter to pass through without clogging during the cleaning cycle. The plurality of openings may include 50 or more, 75 or more, 100 or more, 125 or more, or even 150 or more openings. The plurality of openings may include 400 or less, 300 or less, 275 or less, 250 or less, or even 220 or less openings. For example, the plurality of openings may include about 150 to about 250 openings. After the cat litter has passed through the sieve holes, the separated waste may be collected toward the guide portion.

[0037] The screening portion may include a guide portion. The guide portion may be used to guide waste to the funnel portion, connect the screening portion to the hinge and / or the funnel portion, cooperate with the inner surface of the chamber to provide a temporary storage area for clean cat litter, or a combination thereof. The guide portion may be configured to allow waste material to be transferred from the screen portion to the funnel portion. The guide portion may be located near the screen portion, the hinge, the funnel portion, or any combination thereof. The guide portion may be integrally formed with the hinge, the funnel portion, and / or fixed to the hinge, the funnel portion, or both. The guide portion may or may not include a slit formed therein or near it. The guide portion may include a slit. The slit may be formed on the rear side of the partition and partially extend forward. The guide portion may be substantially planar, non-planar, or both. The guide portion may be solid (e.g., without an opening), mostly solid, or both. For example, the guide portion may include an opening in the form of a slit. This guide portion can be about 10% or more of the surface area of ​​this screening part to about 20% or more, about 30% or more, even about 33% or more.This guide portion can be about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, or even about 50% or less of the surface area of ​​this screening part.For example, this guide portion can be about 10% to about 75%, 20% to about 50%, about 30% to about 40%, or even about 30% to 35% of the surface area of ​​this screening part.The surface area of ​​this guide portion can be less than, approximately equal to or even greater than the surface area of ​​this leading part and / or this screen part.This guide portion can include a part of the overall shape of this screening part.This guide portion can have a shape similar to a triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, oval, etc. or its combination.

[0038] The partition may include one or more hinges. A hinge may serve to connect the funnel portion to the screening portion. A hinge may impart flexibility to the screening portion relative to the funnel portion. A hinge may be used to allow the funnel portion, the screening portion, or both to move relative to one another, relative to the interior of the chamber, or both during one or more cleaning cycles and / or chamber rotations. A hinge may be fixed to the funnel portion and the screening portion, integrated with the funnel portion and the screening portion, adjacent to the funnel portion and the screening portion, between the funnel portion and the screening portion, or a combination thereof. A hinge may be fixed to the funnel portion and the guide portion, integrated with the funnel portion and the guide portion, adjacent to the funnel portion and the guide portion, between the funnel portion and the guide portion, or a combination thereof. A hinge may be a multi-component hinge (e.g., a butt hinge) or a single-component hinge. A single-component hinge may be a movable hinge. A hinge may be made of any material that allows the funnel portion, the screening portion, or both to move relative to one another, relative to the interior of the chamber, or both. Movement can refer to the movement of the funnel portion, the screening portion, or both relative to each other during the molding process of the partition, before and / or during the installation of the partition in the chamber, during the rotation of the chamber during the cleaning cycle, or any combination thereof. The hinge can be formed so that it allows the screening portion geometry to be formed on the draw line of the partition for molding. The hinge can allow the screening portion to be angled relative to the funnel portion. When installed in the chamber, the hinge can allow the screening portion to be angled toward the funnel portion. The angle can be the angle between the screening portion and the funnel portion located at the bottom of the partition, the angle facing the cat litter bed, or both. The hinge can be made of the same material as the screening portion, the funnel portion, or both. The hinge can allow the partition to be installed and the profile conforms to the shape generally opposite to the interior of the chamber.

[0039] The screening part can be at an acute angle, a right angle or an obtuse angle relative to the funnel part in the natural resting position of the partition plate in the initial position of the chamber, the chamber exterior or both. The screening part can be at an angle of about 90 degrees or greater, about 120 degrees or greater, about 140 degrees or greater, or even about 150 degrees or greater relative to the funnel part. The screening part can be at an angle of about 180 degrees or less, about 170 degrees or less, or even about 160 degrees or less relative to the funnel part. The angle can be measured as the angle between the following surfaces, which are the surfaces facing the cat litter bed, the surfaces facing the lower chamber, the surfaces facing the base, the surfaces facing the chamber interior or any combination thereof. When the partition plate is located in the chamber, the angle can change. When the partition plate changes between the natural resting position (that is, mold position) and the use position (that is, design position) in the chamber, the angle between the screening part and the funnel part can be reduced. The angle between this screening part and this funnel part can reduce about 10 degree or more, about 20 degree or more, about 30 degree or more, or even about 40 degree or more.The angle between this screening part and this funnel part can reduce about 80 degree or less, about 70 degree or less, about 60 degree or less, or even about 50 degree or less.For example, the angle between this screening part and this funnel part can reduce about 20 degree to about 70 degree, about 30 degree to about 60 degree, about 40 degree to about 50 degree, or even about 40 degree to about 45 degree.

[0040] Alternatively, the partition may not have a hinge. The funnel portion may be statically fixed to the screening portion, directly adjacent to the screening portion, and / or integral with the screening portion. The funnel portion and the screening portion may be integral with each other and stationary relative to each other. The funnel portion and the screening portion may be separate components. The funnel portion may be fixed to the screening portion with one or more fasteners. For example, one or more threaded fasteners may secure the screening portion to the funnel portion.

[0041] The partition may include one or more slits. One or more slits may be used to impart additional flexibility to one or more portions of the partition, allowing clean litter to flow back into the main interior of the chamber, or both. One or more slits may be formed in and / or adjacent to one or more hinges, screen portions, or both. One or more slits may be formed in one or more screen portions, guide portions, leading portions, or any combination thereof. One or more slits may be formed from one or more edges toward the interior of a portion. One or more slits may be formed at the rearmost edge of the guide portion, extending toward the front of the partition, extending only partially through the guide portion, or any combination thereof. The one or more slits may extend about 5% or more, about 10% or more, about 15% or more, or even about 25% or more over the length of the guide portion. The one or more slits may extend about 50% or less, about 40% or less, or even about 30% or less over the length of the guide portion. The one or more slits may have a generally linear, nonlinear, or both shape. The one or more slits can have a straight, arched, angled or any combination thereof. The slit can be bent away from the hinge, bent toward the screen portion, or both. The slit can have a width. The width can be about 0.02 inches (0.05 centimeters) or more, about 0.05 inches (0.13 centimeters) or more, about 0.07 inches (0.18 centimeters) or more. The width can be about 0.5 inches (1.27 centimeters) or less, about 0.3 inches (0.76 centimeters) or less, or even about 0.2 inches (0.51 centimeters) or less. For example, the width can be about 0.08 inches (0.20 centimeters) to about 0.18 inches (0.46 centimeters). When the chamber returns to the initial position, when a large amount of cat litter from the temporary storage area exerts force on the screening portion, the slit may be particularly advantageous by giving the screening portion flexibility. This flexibility directs the litter toward the gap rather than through the screen portion, thereby helping to reduce the amount of dust and debris generated during a cleaning cycle.

[0042] The partition may include a funnel portion. The funnel portion may be configured to secure the partition to the interior of the cat litter device. The funnel portion may be statically secured to the interior of the chamber. The funnel portion may be secured to the upper chamber. During rotation, the funnel portion may rotate with the chamber and / or remain secured to the chamber. The funnel portion may have a funnel surface, a conical shape, a funnel neck, a funnel opening, or any combination thereof. The conical shape of the funnel surface may be used to direct or collect waste to the funnel neck, the funnel opening, or both. The funnel portion may be secured to the chamber. The funnel portion may be secured to the chamber by a funnel neck, one or more fasteners, a funnel surface, or any combination thereof. For example, one or more fasteners may secure the funnel surface, the funnel neck, or both to the chamber. During chamber rotation, a cleaning cycle, or both, the funnel portion may remain substantially stationary relative to the chamber. The funnel portion may be substantially non-planar, planar, or both. Because it is tapered, the funnel portion can be non-planar. The funnel surface of the funnel portion can gradually narrow towards the funnel neck, gradually narrow towards the funnel opening, or both. The funnel portion can have a cross-sectional shape opposite to at least a portion of the interior of the chamber. The funnel portion can have a cross-section or a two-dimensional shape, typically a D-shape, a C-shape, a circle, a square, a rectangle, etc., or any combination thereof. The funnel portion can be generally conical (wider at the outer edge, narrowed at the funnel neck), a cone with flatter sides, and / or the funnel portion can have a total length and / or width approximately equal to or less than the inner diameter of the chamber and / or the inner chord length. The funnel portion can be fixed to the screening portion by a hinge, a mechanical attachment formed integrally therewith, or any combination thereof. The funnel portion can have an outer edge around its periphery. The outer edge can include and / or have no edge.

[0043] The funnel portion may include a funnel opening. The funnel opening may be used to allow waste to be discharged from the interior of the chamber through the waste opening, into a waste drawer or waste container, or any combination thereof. The funnel opening may be formed at the narrowest portion of the funnel portion. The funnel surface of the funnel portion may gradually narrow toward the funnel opening. The funnel opening may be formed through a funnel neck. The funnel neck may be where the funnel surface gradually narrows, or the end that gradually narrows, or both. The funnel neck may be a protrusion extending away from the funnel surface. The funnel neck may extend toward the interior of the chamber, extend through the waste opening, extend out of the chamber, or any combination thereof. The funnel neck may be configured to be adjacent to the waste opening of the chamber, located within the waste opening of the chamber, fixed to the waste opening of the chamber, or any combination thereof. The funnel neck may be sleeved within the waste opening of the chamber. The funnel neck may have a shape that is substantially opposite to the waste opening of the chamber. The funnel neck and / or the funnel opening may have a cross-sectional or two-dimensional shape that is generally square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0044] The funnel portion may include an inclined surface. When waste is transferred from the screening portion to the funnel portion, the inclined surface may be used to change the speed of the waste, guide the waste to a position in the waste bin where it is collected, or both. The inclined surface may be formed as a part of the funnel portion. The inclined surface may be located between the funnel opening and the hinge, between the funnel opening and the screening portion, or both. The inclined surface may extend completely or partially between the rear and front portions of the funnel portion. The inclined surface may provide an inclination, a downward inclination, or both on the surface. The inclined surface may be non-planar, planar, or both. The inclined surface may be provided as a convex profile along the width and / or length of the funnel portion. The inclined surface may be a ridge between the hinge and the funnel opening. The inclined surface may be used to reduce the speed at which waste moves from the screening portion to the funnel portion. The inclined surface may be used to reduce the speed of waste before waste enters the funnel opening, before leaving the chamber, or both. By reducing the speed of waste, waste may be prevented from prematurely entering the funnel opening, the waste opening of the chamber, the waste bin, or the like, or any combination thereof. This can help better guide how waste collects in the waste bin, avoid waste from sloping toward one side (eg, the left side) of the waste bin, or both.

[0045] The partition may include a back cover. The back cover may be used to cover the opening through which cat litter passes, prevent one or more animals from inserting one or more limbs or the like into the cat litter refill opening, or set a barrier to prevent one or more animals from clearing urine or feces in the cat litter refill opening, or any combination thereof. The one or more back covers may be a part of the funnel portion, the screening portion, or both. The one or more back covers may be formed as a part of the funnel portion. The one or more back covers may be located at the rear of the partition. The rear portion may be defined as a part of the partition that faces away from the entry opening of the cat litter device, adjacent to the cat litter refill opening, or both. The back cover may protrude from one or more edges. The back cover may protrude from the outer edge of the funnel portion. The back cover may protrude in substantially opposite directions as a funnel neck. The back cover may have a cross-sectional or two-dimensional shape that is generally D-shaped, C-shaped, circular, oval, square, rectangular, etc., or a combination thereof. The back cover may have a cross-sectional shape that is generally opposite and / or similar to the cat litter refill opening of the chamber. The rear cover may be spaced from the chute and / or wall through which fresh litter is delivered, form a gap through which litter enters the chamber, or both. The rear cover may be provided with a concealed barrier that hides the litter refill opening and / or a portion of the litter dispenser engaged within the litter refill opening from view from the entry opening, from view within the chamber, or both. By providing a concealed barrier, an animal will not become curious or unaware of the litter refill opening and / or litter dispenser when using the litter device. By providing a concealed barrier, the interior of the chamber is visually more attractive to an individual (i.e., a pet owner) because the interior of the chamber has a cleaner interior surface both aesthetically (blends in with the interior surface) and physically (i.e., is easier to clean).

[0046] The partition can be made of a suitable material. The material can be non-sticky; liquid impermeable; resistant to damage, penetration, odor absorption, contamination, or a combination thereof by cat litter, waste, liquids, solids, semi-solids, or a combination thereof. The partition material can be rubber, polymeric material, synthetic material, natural material, or any combination thereof. The partition can be made of the same material or different materials. For example, the living hinge, funnel portion, and screening portion can be made of the same material or materials.

[0047] Dividers integrated into cat litter equipment

[0048] The present invention relates to a device, which includes cat litter for use by animals. The device can be a cat litter device. The cat litter device can be an automatic cat litter device. The device can be used to hold cat litter, sieve used cat litter from unused cat litter, collect animal waste, remove animal waste, separate animal waste from cat litter, temporarily store animal waste or any combination thereof. The device can have the ability to replace used cat litter with unused cat litter. The device can be used by one or more domestic animals. The one or more domestic animals can include one or more cats, rabbits, ferrets, pigs, dogs, ducks, goats, foxes, etc., or any combination thereof. The device can be compatible with one or more types of cat litter. One or more types of cat litter can include clumping clay, non-caking clay, silica gel crystals, recycled paper, pine wood, corn wheat, walnut shells, etc., or any combination thereof. The cat litter device can include a base, a chamber, a cover, a waste drawer, a baffle, one or more accessories, one or more sensors, a filtration system, a storage unit, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0049] The cat litter device includes a chamber. The chamber can be used to hold clean cat litter, provide space for animals to enter and excrete waste, or both. The chamber can have any size and shape, can hold enough cat litter for animals to use when excreting waste, allow animals to comfortably use the cat litter box, or both. The chamber can have a three-dimensional shape, generally spherical, oval, cylindrical, cubic, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. Generally spherical, oval, cylindrical and / or similar shapes are conducive to providing rotation of the chamber during the cleaning cycle, avoiding cat litter and / or waste from gathering along one or more high points, or a combination thereof. For example, the shape of the chamber can be like a globe, a sphere, a football, an egg, etc., or a combination thereof. The chamber can be configured to hold cat litter. The chamber can be supported by a base. The chamber can rotate during the cleaning cycle. The chamber can be rotatably supported by a base. The base can be located between the chamber and the surface on which the cat litter device is placed. The chamber can have a generally hollow interior to accommodate one or more partitions, pads, cat litter, etc. The chamber can include an entry opening, a waste opening, or both. The chamber can have a generally hollow interior to accommodate one or more animals during use. The chamber can have a size that can accommodate one or more animals, which is about 1 kg or larger, about 2 kg or larger, about 4 kg or larger, about 8 kg or larger, or even about 10 kg or larger. The size of the chamber can accommodate one or more animals of about 30 kg or less, about 25 kg or less, about 20 kg or less, or even about 15 kg or less. The hollow interior can form the volume of the chamber. The volume of the chamber can be about 16000 cubic centimeters or larger, about 32500 cubic centimeters or larger, or even about 65000 cubic centimeters or larger. The volume of the chamber can be about 150,000 cubic centimeters or less, about 100,000 cubic centimeters or less, about 85,000 cubic centimeters or less, or even about 75,000 cubic centimeters or less. The chamber can have a volume that can be used by the animal, which can pass through the entry opening. The available volume can be any volume so that the chamber can be used by the animal to excrete waste. The available volume can be any volume so that the animal can enter the chamber, turn around and walk around in the chamber. The volume of the chamber can be the available volume, the total volume, or both. The available volume can be the volume of the hollow interior of the chamber minus the volume occupied by the cat litter and any components located inside the chamber. The total volume can be the actual volume of the hollow interior of the body cavity. The chamber can be formed by a single component or multiple components. The chamber can include one or more filtration systems fixed thereon, in fluid communication therewith, or both. The chamber can be formed by a single component having a generally spherical shape.The chamber may be formed from two or more parts which cooperate to form a generally spherical shape.The chamber may be formed from an upper chamber and a lower chamber.

[0050] The chamber may include an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may serve as a relative axis about which the chamber rotates during one or more cleaning cycles. The axis of rotation may have any orientation such that the available volume of the chamber increases; the litter rotates conically relative to the chamber; the litter is funneled toward the rear of the chamber (e.g., away from the front opening), toward and through the screen and / or baffle, or both; a larger entry opening may be used without litter spilling out; the screen and / or baffle may be located further back in the chamber, creating a larger interior space; or any combination thereof. The axis of rotation of the chamber may be at an angle to a vertical plane, a horizontal plane, or both. The vertical plane may be generally in the direction of gravity, parallel to the direction of gravity, or both. The horizontal plane may be generally perpendicular to the direction of gravity, parallel to the surface on which the litter device is placed, or both. The axis of rotation of the chamber may be at any angle to a vertical plane, a horizontal plane, or both, so as to achieve one or more of the teachings herein. The rotation axis can form an angle of about 88 degrees or less, about 85 degrees or less, about 80 degrees or less, about 75 degrees or less, or even about 70 degrees or less with the vertical plane. The rotation axis can form an angle of about 40 degrees or more, about 45 degrees or more, about 50 degrees or more, about 55 degrees or more, about 60 degrees or more, or even about 65 degrees or more with the vertical plane. The rotation axis can form an angle of about 40 degrees to about 88 degrees, about 55 degrees to about 80 degrees, about 40 degrees to about 85 degrees, or even about 60 degrees to about 75 degrees with the vertical plane. The rotation axis can form an angle with the horizontal plane, which is complementary to the angle relative to the vertical plane. The rotation axis can extend from the rear of the chamber to the front. The rotation axis can extend through the entry opening, cat litter filling opening, rear cover, etc., or a combination thereof. The rotation axis can be substantially concentric or eccentric with the entry opening, cat litter refill opening, rear cover, etc., or a combination thereof. The angled axis of rotation can collect waste and / or cat litter, waste, or lumps of both to a common location. The common location can be toward the rear of the chamber, the bottom, or both. The common location can be a partition, a filter, a waste opening, a waste bin, or any combination thereof. The axis of rotation can allow the use of a single waste opening, collection of waste to the waste opening, transfer of waste from the waste opening to a waste bin or waste container, or any combination thereof.

[0051] The frictional properties of the angled axis of rotation and the litter can cause the litter bed to have an angle of repose. The angle of repose can work so that the litter is angled away from the entry opening to prevent the litter from overflowing from the entry opening, the entry opening can be as large as possible while keeping the litter in the chamber, or any combination thereof. The angle of the litter bed can be angled so that the litter is angled away from the entry opening. Angles with the entry opening may mean that the depth of the litter near the entry opening is less than the depth of the litter away from the entry opening (e.g., as the distance of the litter from the entry opening increases, the depth of the litter increases). The angle of the litter bed can be any angle so that the ability of an animal to accidentally move the litter out of the opening is reduced compared to a litter bed without an angle. No angle may mean approximately perpendicular to a vertical plane, parallel to a horizontal plane, or both. The angle of the litter bed can form an angle of about 89 degrees or less, about 88 degrees or less, about 87 degrees or less, or even about 85 degrees or less with the vertical plane. The litter bed can be at an angle of about 70 degrees or more, about 75 degrees or more, or even about 80 degrees or more to a vertical plane. For example, the litter bed can be at an angle of about 75 degrees to about 88 degrees, or even about 80 degrees to about 87 degrees to a vertical plane. The litter bed can be placed on any surface of the chamber.

[0052] The chamber includes an entry opening. The entry opening allows one or more animals to comfortably enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening can be of any size and shape so that one or more animals can enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening can be of any size and shape so that the cat litter is generally maintained in the chamber during animal entry, use and / or exit; during one or more cleaning cycles; or any combination thereof. The entry opening can have a profile shape and / or cross-section that is generally circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. The profile shape can be a shape that appears when viewed straight on, vertically, or both on the plane of the opening. The entry opening can have a symmetrical, asymmetrical, or both profile shape. A circular, oval, or similarly shaped entrance can provide a more comfortable and larger entrance area, can avoid sharp peaks that scratch the animal, can avoid sharp peaks that trap the cat litter when the animal leaves the chamber, or a combination thereof.

[0053] The chamber includes one or more waste openings. One or more waste openings can be used to allow waste, used cat litter, or both to be transferred from the chamber to the base, the waste bin, or both. The waste opening can be at any position in the chamber so that waste, used cat litter, or both can be transferred from the chamber to the waste bin. The waste opening can be located in the chamber, at any position aligned with the waste bin during the cleaning cycle, offset from the waste bin when in the initial position, or both. The waste opening can be formed as a hole in the upper chamber, a hole in the lower chamber, or both. For example, the waste opening can be formed as a hole in the upper chamber so that when the chamber is in the initial position, the waste opening is generally located opposite the waste bin. The waste opening can have any shape suitable for allowing waste to be quickly transferred from the chamber to the waste drawer during the cleaning cycle. The waste opening can have a cross-sectional shape that is generally circular, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus, etc., or any combination thereof. The waste opening can have a shape opposite to the cross-sectional shape of the waste bin. The waste opening can be partially or completely located on one side of the longitudinal plane of the device. The longitudinal plane may intersect the axis of rotation, the vertical plane, the horizontal plane, or a combination thereof. The axis of rotation, the vertical plane, or both may be parallel to the longitudinal plane, located within the longitudinal plane, or both. The horizontal plane may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane. The longitudinal plane may divide the cat litter device into two side halves. Each side halves may include a valve cover, a chamber, and a portion of a base. The side halves may be substantially symmetrical and / or mirror-symmetrical about the longitudinal plane. Substantially symmetric still allows certain features to be located only on one side of the device, such as a waste opening. The center of the waste opening may deviate from the longitudinal axis by an angle. The center of the waste opening may be at an angle of about 0 degrees or more, about 5 degrees or more, about 10 degrees or more, about 15 degrees or more, or even about 20 degrees or more with the longitudinal plane. The center of the waste opening may be at an angle of about 45 degrees or less, about 35 degrees or less, about 30 degrees or less, or even about 25 degrees or less with the longitudinal plane. The angle may be measured when the chamber is in an initial position. The waste opening may be located on one or more sides of the track. The waste opening may be located between the inlet opening and the track. When the chamber is in the initial position, the waste opening does not overlap the waste bin. During a cleaning cycle, the waste opening may be substantially aligned with, overlap, or both the waste bin. During a cleaning cycle, the waste opening may rotate about the axis of rotation. During a cleaning cycle, the waste opening may rotate from the initial position to an empty position, the initial position, any position therebetween, or a combination thereof. The empty position may be such that when the chamber is rotated, the waste opening is located adjacent to the waste bin, overlaps the waste bin, is located substantially centered on the waste bin, or a combination thereof.During the cleaning cycle, the waste opening can rotate about 130 degrees or more, about 145 degrees or more, about 150 degrees or more, about 155 degrees or more, or even about 160 degrees or more to the empty position. During the cleaning cycle, the waste opening can rotate about 230 degrees or less, about 220 degrees or less, about 200 degrees or less, or even about 180 degrees or less to the empty position. The waste opening can rotate a full circle (e.g., 360 degrees) from the beginning of the cleaning cycle to the end of the cleaning cycle. When the track rotates, the waste opening may rotate. The rotation of the track can rotate the chamber and the waste opening.

[0054] The chamber may include a rotating device. The rotating device may be used to rotate the chamber around an axis of rotation, to rotate the chamber during a cleaning cycle, or both. The rotating device may be a track, a gear, a high friction surface, a raised area, a toothed area, a contact surface area, or the like, or a combination thereof. The rotating device may be fixed to the chamber, integrated with the chamber, rotationally connected to the chamber, or a combination thereof. The rotating device may be located outside, inside, or both of the chambers. The rotating device may be a belt, a gear, a sprocket, a toothed assembly, a roller, a wheel, or the like, or a combination thereof. The chamber may include a track that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the chamber. The base may include one or more drive sources that are rotationally connected to the rotating device and drive the rotating device.

[0055] The cat litter device includes a base. The base can be used to support a chamber, hold a waste drawer, hold one or more electrical components, or any combination thereof. The base can have any size and shape so that the base can support the chamber, hold a waste drawer, and / or hold one or more electrical components. The base can rotatably support the chamber. The base can allow the chamber to rotate during one or more cleaning cycles. The base can be configured to rest on a surface. The surface can be any suitable surface for placing the cat litter device on it. The surface can be a floor, a table, a platform, a generally planar surface, or any combination thereof. The base may include one or more base frames, waste drawers, drawer cavities, chamber supports, steps, electrical components, ports, filters, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0056] The cat litter device includes a waste container. The waste container can be used to collect waste, temporarily store waste, prevent malodor associated with waste from overflowing from the device, or any combination thereof. The waste container can have any shape and size to allow the waste drawer to collect and temporarily store waste. The waste container can be located in the base, in the drawer cavity, between the chamber support and the bottom of the base, between the bottom of the base and the chamber, or any combination thereof. The waste drawer can be of any size and / or shape so that it can temporarily collect and store waste. The waste container or a portion thereof can have a three-dimensional shape, generally spherical, oval, cylindrical, cubic, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the waste container can have a generally cubic and hollow shape. The waste container can be referred to as a waste drawer. The waste container can slide in a plane. The waste container can be removably located in the base. The waste container can be at least partially located in the waste container cavity. The plane can be parallel or offset relative to a horizontal plane. The waste container can include a waste box, a drawer front, a step, a handle, or any combination thereof. The drawer front may form all or part of a forward facing surface of the base (e.g., the same side as the access opening). The drawer front may be aligned with the exterior of the base frame so as to conceal the drawer cavity. The cross-sectional shape of the drawer front may be substantially opposite to the cross-sectional shape of the drawer opening in the base frame. The opposite shape may allow the drawer cavity to be completely sealed by the drawer front when a waste container is located within the drawer cavity. The drawer front may be fixed to a waste bin, integral with the waste bin, or both. The drawer front may face forward relative to the waste bin.

[0057] Method for screening and collecting cat litter with screens during cleaning cycle

[0058] The cat litter device can complete one or more cleaning cycles. The cleaning cycle can be used to transfer waste from the chamber to a base, a waste drawer, or a combination thereof. The cleaning cycle can be used to screen clean cat litter (e.g., unused cat litter) from waste, used cat litter, lumps, lumps, or any combination thereof. After one or more sensors sense that an animal has left the chamber, waste has been deposited in the chamber, a user has started a cleaning cycle, or any combination thereof, the cleaning cycle can be started. The cleaning cycle can start with the rotation of the chamber. The chamber can be driven by a track, a drive mechanism, or both. The chamber can be driven by a track fixed thereon. The track can be driven by a drive mechanism. The chamber can rotate clockwise, counterclockwise, or both. The direction of rotation can be determined by the position of the baffle, the position of the screening portion relative to the funnel portion, the position of the waste opening, or a combination thereof. During the cleaning cycle, the chamber can rotate from the initial position to the empty position, from the empty position to the initial position, from the empty position to the leveling position, from the initial position to the leveling position, from the leveling position to the initial position, or any combination thereof. For example, the cleaning cycle can include the rotation of the chamber from the initial position to the empty position, the rotation from the empty position to the leveling position, and the rotation from the leveling position back to the initial position. The rotation from the empty position to the leveling position can include passing through the initial position. The initial position can be a static position of the chamber suitable for the animal to use the cat litter device. The empty position can allow waste to be transferred to a waste container. In the empty position, the waste opening can be aligned with the waste container. The leveling position can allow the cat litter to level itself along the bottom chamber, the liner, or both before returning to the initial position.

[0059] The rotation of the chamber can be carried out around the rotation axis of the chamber. During the cleaning cycle, the chamber can rotate about 10 degrees or more, 20 degrees or more, 30 degrees or more, about 50 degrees or more, about 90 degrees or more, about 100 degrees or more, about 180 degrees or more, about 205 degrees or more, about 245 degrees or more, or even about 270 degrees or more. The chamber can rotate about 540 degrees or less, about 500 degrees or less, about 400 degrees or less, or even about 360 degrees or less. The chamber can rotate in one direction or in two directions around the rotation axis. The chamber can rotate in a first direction, in a second direction, or both. The first direction can be counterclockwise, clockwise, or both. The second direction can be clockwise, counterclockwise, or both. The second direction can be opposite to the first direction. Clockwise and counterclockwise directions can be determined by facing the entry opening from the outside of the cat litter device. The chamber can rotate once or multiple times in either direction. The chamber may rotate in a first direction and then in a second direction. The chamber may rotate in a second direction and then in the first direction. The chamber may rotate in a first direction and then in a second direction and then in the first direction. The chamber may rotate in a first direction and then in a second direction and then in a first direction. The chamber may rotate in a first direction from an initial position to and / or past an empty position, from an empty position toward an initial position, from a leveling position to an initial position, or a combination thereof. The chamber may rotate in a second direction from an empty position to and / or past an initial position, from an empty position to a leveling position, from an initial position to a leveling position, or any combination thereof. For example, the chamber may rotate in a first direction from an initial position to an empty position, then in a second direction from an empty position to a leveling position (e.g., past an initial position), and then in the first direction from the leveling position back to the initial position. For example, the chamber may rotate in a first direction from about 160 degrees to about 220 degrees, or even about 180 degrees to 210 degrees, in a first direction from an initial position to an empty position. For example, the chamber can be rotated from the empty position in a second direction (e.g., opposite to the first direction) by about 170 degrees to about 265 degrees, or even between about 200 degrees and 245 degrees, to reach the leveled position. For example, the chamber can be rotated from the leveled position to the initial position in the first direction by about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, or even about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees. Examples of how the chamber can be rotated can be described in U.S. Patent No. 8,757,094 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0333625, which are incorporated herein by reference. Another exemplary explanation of how the cleaning cycle operates can also be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0364840, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] During a cleaning cycle, the partition can screen the litter in the chamber. The partition can separate unused litter from waste. During a cleaning cycle, rotation of the chamber can cause the partition to rotate toward the litter. The screening portion of the partition can be in front (e.g., first approached / contacted) with respect to the litter, and the funnel portion of the partition can be behind (e.g., later approached / contacted) with respect to the litter. The leading portion of the screening portion can be in front, followed by the screen portion, and then the guide portion.

[0061] During the start of the cleaning cycle, the chamber can rotate counterclockwise in a first direction, from an initial position to an empty position, or any combination thereof. During this rotation process, the waste opening and the partition can move closer to the waste container. Due to gravity, the cat litter may contact the partition. The cat litter may first contact the leading edge and then contact the leading portion. When contacting the cat litter, the leading portion may initially be located between the cat litter and the inner wall of the chamber. When the screening portion moves toward the cat litter and enters the cat litter, the cat litter may contact the screen portion. The screen portion can screen the cat litter and separate waste and other large particles from unused cat litter. Clean, unused cat litter can flow to the inner wall of the chamber through a plurality of sieve holes of the screen portion. Clean, unused cat litter can be temporarily stored in a temporary storage area formed between the screening portion (e.g., the guide portion) and the inner wall of the chamber. Waste and other large particles remain on the side of the screening portion facing the interior of the chamber. As the chamber continues to rotate in the first direction, waste is transferred (e.g., slides) from the screen portion to the guide portion, over the hinge, and then transferred to the funnel portion due to gravity. When the waste opening and the funnel opening are aligned with the waste bin in the empty position, waste can be collected from resting on the funnel surface toward the funnel opening, then through the waste opening, and then into the waste bin. During the cleaning cycle, by separating waste from unused litter, waste can be directed toward the funnel opening, the waste opening, or both for disposal into a waste drawer, while unused litter can be reused.

[0062] After the cleaning cycle reaches the empty position, the chamber can rotate clockwise in a second direction opposite to the first direction, rotating from the empty position to the initial position, rotating from the empty position to the leveling position, or any combination thereof. When the chamber can rotate along the second direction, cat litter (e.g., unused, clean cat litter) can move back toward the screening portion of the partition. When the chamber rotates along the second direction, cat litter (e.g., unused, clean cat litter) can move below the screening portion, between the screening portion and the inner wall of the chamber, through multiple sieve holes of the screening portion, or any combination thereof. All or most of the cat litter (e.g., unused, clean cat litter) can move below the screening portion in the gap, which is located between the leading edge and the inner wall of the chamber. When the chamber rotates along the second direction, the cat litter can be moved back and rest on the lower part of the chamber (e.g., the lower chamber, the pad, or both).

[0063] During a cleaning cycle, the chamber may rotate in a second direction toward a leveled position, through an initial position toward a leveled position, or both. The leveled position may allow the litter to level on the lower chamber, on the pad, or both. The leveled position may allow the litter to overcome surface friction with the pad, surface friction with the inner wall of the chamber, or both. The leveled position may allow the litter to return to a repose angle.

[0064] During the cleaning cycle, the chamber can then be rotated from the leveled position in the first direction back to the initial position. Returning to the initial position can allow the animal to use the cat litter device again.

[0065] During the cleaning cycle, the drive mechanism can drive the chamber at a steady speed, an increasing speed, a decreasing speed, or any combination thereof during the cleaning cycle. The chamber can be configured to reduce the rotational speed as the used or clean cat litter passes through the screening portion, thereby reducing dust and debris from being airborne. The chamber can reduce its rotational speed by about 5% to about 50%. The chamber rotates at a speed of about 0.25 RPM or more to about 2 RPM or less.

[0066] Illustrative examples

[0067] Figure 1 A separator 1 is shown. The separator 1 includes a funnel portion 10 and a screening portion 12. The screening portion 12 includes a leading edge 14. The leading edge 14 defines the periphery of a leading portion 16 of the screening portion 12. Adjacent to the leading portion 16 is a screen portion 18. The screen portion 18 includes a plurality of screen holes 34. Adjacent to the screen portion 18 is a guide portion 20. The screening portion 12 is fixed to the funnel portion 10 by a hinge 22 (not shown). The funnel portion 10 includes a funnel opening 24. The funnel portion 10 gradually narrows from an outer edge 26 to the funnel opening 24. The funnel opening 24 passes through a funnel neck 28.

[0068] Figure 2 The separator 1 is shown. The separator 1 includes a funnel portion 10 adjacent to a screening portion 12. The funnel portion 10 is connected to the screening portion 12 by a hinge 22. The screening portion includes a leading edge 14. The leading edge 14 defines the boundary of the screening portion 12. The screening portion 12 includes a plurality of spacers 36. The spacers 36 are formed as ribs protruding from the leading edge 14. The leading edge 14 defines the periphery of the leading portion 16. The screen portion 18 is located between the leading portion 16 and the guide portion 20. Adjacent to the screening portion 12 is a hinge 22. The hinge 22 is adjacent to the guide portion 20 and is integral therewith. The hinge 22 is also adjacent to the funnel portion 10. In other words, the hinge 22 is connected to both the funnel portion 10 and the screening portion 12. A slit 38 is also formed between the funnel portion 10 and the screening portion 12. The slit 38 extends from the edge of the guide portion 20 into the guide portion 20. The slit 38 extends only partially into the guide portion 20. The slit 38 is formed adjacent to the screen portion 18. The slit 38 is formed at the rear portion 40 of the partition 1. The partition 1 includes an opening cover 42. The opening cover 42 is located at the rear portion 40. The opening cover 42 is formed as a part of the funnel portion 10. The funnel portion 10 has an outer edge 26. The outer edge 26 forms the edge of the funnel portion 10. The outer edge 26 is the outermost edge of the funnel surface 30. The funnel surface 30 gradually narrows toward the funnel opening 24. The funnel opening 24 passes through the funnel neck 28. The funnel portion 10 includes a ramp 44. The ramp 44 is located near the hinge 22. The ramp 44 extends from the rear portion 40 to the front portion of the partition 1.

[0069] Figure 3 1 is a side view of a separator 1. The separator 1 includes a screening portion 12 adjacent to a funnel portion 10. The funnel portion 10 includes a funnel neck 28. The funnel neck 28 defines a gap therethrough. The gap is a funnel opening 24 (not shown). The funnel portion 10 is fixed to the screening portion 12 by a hinge 22. The screening portion 12 includes a guide portion 20, a screen portion 18, and a leading portion 16. The leading portion 16 includes a leading edge 14. One or more spacers 36 are located at the leading edge 14.

[0070] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A front view of the partition 1 is shown. Figure 4 It is the mold position PM of the partition 1. Figure 5is the design or use position PD of the partition 1. The partition 1 comprises a hinge 22. The hinge 22 is formed as a living hinge 32. The screening part 12 can be pivoted at least partially around the hinge 22. The screening part 12 can be pivoted from the mold position PM to the design or use position PD. The screening part 12 can have a rotation angle θ. The rotation angle θ can measure the angular displacement that the screening part 12 can rotate around the hinge 22. During the cleaning cycle, the screening part 12 can also be rotated partially around the hinge 22. During the cleaning cycle, the screening part 12 can also be rotated beyond the design or use position PD. Adjacent to the hinge 22 is a ramp 44.

[0071] Figure 6 A partition 1 is shown within a litter apparatus 100. The litter apparatus 100 includes a chamber 102. The partition 1 is located within the chamber 102. The partition 1 includes a leading portion 16 adjacent to a screen portion 18. The leading portion 16 is that portion of the screen portion 12 that is closest to the bed of litter 200 within the chamber 102.

[0072] Figure 7 A cat litter device 100 is shown. The cat litter device 100 includes a chamber 102, which is rotatably supported by a base 104. A baffle 1 is located in the chamber 102. The baffle 1 can conform to the curvature of the chamber 1 via a hinge 22. The chamber 102 is configured to rotate in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 during a cleaning cycle of the cat litter device 100. When rotating in the first direction D1, the baffle 1 is configured to at least partially rotate to a bed formed by the cat litter 200 (e.g., Figure 6 and Figure 810). During the cleaning cycle, the screening section 12 rotates into and screens the bed formed by the cat litter 200. Specifically, the leading edge 14 first contacts the cat litter 200. Then the leading portion 16 contacts the cat litter 200. Then, the cat litter 200 contacts the screen section 18. The screen section 18 screens clean cat litter from the waste material. The clean cat litter passes through the screen holes 34 of the screen section 18. The clean cat litter is then separated and located between the screening section 12 and the inner wall of the chamber 102. Specifically, the clean cat litter is separated to a temporary storage area 106. The temporary storage area is formed between the screen section 18, the guide section 20 and the inner wall of the chamber 102. When the clean cat litter is separated, the waste material moves from the screen section 18 to the guide section 20. As the chamber 102 keeps rotating, the guide section 20 helps to guide the waste material toward the funnel section 10. The waste material is transferred to the funnel surface 30 and is directed to the funnel opening 24. As the chamber 102 keeps rotating, waste material leaves the chamber 102 via the funnel opening 24. The chamber 102 rotates in the opposite second direction D2 to return to the initial position at the start. As the chamber rotates in the opposite second direction D2, at least most of the unused clean litter passes through the gap formed between the leading edge 14 of the screening portion 12 and the inner surface of the chamber 102. This gap may be maintained by one or more spacers 36 (not shown).

[0073] Figure 8 A cat litter device 100 is shown. The cat litter device 100 has a chamber 102 and a base 104. Within the chamber 102 is a baffle 1 and a bed formed of cat litter 200. The baffle 1 includes a screening portion 12. The screening portion 12 includes a leading portion 16, a screen portion 18, and a guide portion 20. The baffle 1 includes a rear cover 42. The rear cover 42 conceals a litter refill opening 46.

[0074] Fig. 9 1 shows a separator 1. The separator 1 includes a funnel portion 10 and a screening portion 12. The funnel portion 12 is defined by an outer edge 26. The funnel portion 12 includes a funnel opening 24. The funnel portion 12 includes a funnel neck 28. The screening portion 12 includes a leading portion 16, a screen portion 18 and a guide portion 20. The leading portion 16 is defined by a leading edge 14. The screen portion 18 is defined by a plurality of screen holes 34.

[0075] Figure 10-15 A partition 1 is shown. The partition 1 includes a plurality of spacers 36. The spacers 36 are formed as part of the screening portion 12. The spacers 36 are formed on the leading portion 16. The spacers 36 are formed adjacent to the leading edge 14. The spacers 36 have a shape that is the opposite of the inner contour of the chamber. The spacers 36 have a fin-like shape. The partition 1 includes slits 38. The slits 38 are also formed in the screening portion 12. The partition 1 includes a rear cover.

[0076] Unless otherwise stated, any numerical value described herein includes all values ​​from lower value to higher value, and the increment is one unit, provided that there is at least 2 units interval between any lower value and any higher value.As an example, if the amount of the value of a component, a property or a process variable (such as temperature, pressure, time, etc.) is stated to be, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, then it means that the value of the intermediate range is, for example, (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc.) is within the teaching of this specification.Similarly, a single intermediate value is also within the scope of the application's teaching.For a value less than 1, the unit can be regarded as 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 according to the circumstances.These are only examples of specific expectations, and all possible combinations of the numerical values ​​between the minimum value and the maximum value listed are considered to be clearly stated in the application in a similar manner.

[0077] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges include endpoints and all values ​​between the endpoints. "About" or "approximately" in relation to a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30", including at least the specified endpoints.

[0078] The terms "substantially" or "approximately" describing angular measurements may mean approximately + / -10 degrees or less, approximately + / -5 degrees or less, or even approximately + / -1 degree or less. The terms "substantially" or "approximately" describing angular measurements may mean approximately + / -0.01 degrees or greater, approximately + / -0.1 degrees or greater, or even approximately + / -0.5 degrees or greater. The terms "substantially" or "approximately" describing linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean approximately + / -10% or less, approximately + / -5% or less, or even approximately + / -1% or less. The terms "substantially" or "approximately" describing linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean approximately + / -0.01% or greater, approximately + / -0.1% or greater, or even approximately + / -0.5% or greater.

[0079] The disclosure of all articles and references, including patent applications and open documents, is incorporated herein by reference. The term "substantially consisting of" describing a combination should include determined elements, compositions, parts or steps, and other elements, compositions, parts or steps that will not substantially affect the basic and novel features of the combination. The term "comprising" or "including" is used to describe the combination of elements, compositions, parts or steps, and it is also considered that the embodiment consisting of or even consisting of elements, compositions, parts or steps is basically. Multiple elements, compositions, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, composition, parts or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, composition, parts or step can be divided into independent multiple elements, compositions, parts or steps. The disclosure of "one" or "one" describing an element, composition, part or step is not intended to exclude additional elements, compositions, parts or steps.

[0080] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Upon reading the above description, many embodiments and many applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in addition to the examples provided. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be determined with reference to the above description, but rather with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to these claims. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the following claims is not a waiver of that subject matter, nor should it be considered that the inventors do not consider that subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A separator for screening and collecting waste materials from cat litter, comprising: a) a funnel portion having a conical shape and a funnel opening, wherein the conical shape is configured to direct or funnel the waste material to the funnel opening; b) a screening part connected to the funnel part, wherein the screening part comprises: i) a leading portion configured to first contact the litter and the waste material; ii) a screen portion having a plurality of screen holes configured to separate the waste material from the cat litter; and iii) a guide portion configured to allow the waste material to be transferred from the screen portion to the funnel portion.

2. The separator according to claim 1, wherein The mesh portion is about 10% to about 75% of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion.

3. The separator according to claim 2, wherein: The mesh portion is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion.

4. The separator according to claim 3, wherein The mesh portion is about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion.

5. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The plurality of meshes have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially like a diamond, a circle, a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, an oval, an ellipse, a triangle, etc., or any combination thereof.

6. The separator according to claim 5, wherein The plurality of meshes have a diamond-shaped cross section.

7. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The plurality of sieve holes are all tapered such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer surface is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the opposite outer surface, or the two outer surfaces are chamfered.

8. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The leading portion includes a leading edge, and the leading portion is adjacent to the screen portion.

9. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The leading edge defines a periphery of at least the leading portion.

10. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The leading portion is about 10% to about 70% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion.

11. The separator according to claim 10, wherein The leading portion is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion.

12. The separator according to claim 11, wherein The leading portion is about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion.

13. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The plurality of screen apertures are configured to allow cat litter to pass therethrough while preventing the waste material from passing therethrough.

14. The separator according to claim 13, wherein The leading portion and the guide portion are both substantially solid surfaces.

15. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The screening part is fixed to the funnel part or is integral with the funnel part.

16. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The screening portion is secured to the funnel portion by one or more hinges or is integrally formed (eg, one-piece) with the funnel portion.

17. The separator according to claim 16, wherein The one or more hinges are one or more living hinges.

18. The separator according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The baffle is secured to the interior of the chamber of the litter system.

19. The separator according to claim 18, wherein The screening portion is angled relative to the funnel portion at the one or more hinges, and the baffle has a general contour similar to the interior of the chamber.

20. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The separator includes slits configured to impart additional flexibility.

21. The separator according to claim 20, wherein The slit is a part of the guide portion.

22. The separator according to claim 20 or 21, wherein The slit extends partially from the rear portion toward the front portion of the guide portion.

23. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The leading portion includes one or more spacers.

24. The separator according to claim 22, wherein The one or more spacers are formed at or adjacent the leading edge.

25. The separator according to claim 23 or 24, wherein The one or more spacers are formed as one or more ribs, posts, tabs, fins, corrugated shapes, etc., or any combination thereof.

26. A separator according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein The one or more spacers protrude from an outwardly facing surface of the leading portion in substantially the same direction as a funnel neck of the funnel of the funnel portion in a mold position, a use position, or both of the spacer.

27. A separator according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein When the baffle is installed in a litter apparatus, the one or more spacers protrude from an outwardly facing surface of the leading portion toward an inner wall of the chamber, away from the litter bed, or both.

28. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The partition includes an inclined surface located between the funnel opening and the guide portion.

29. The separator according to claim 28, wherein The ramp is configured to change the velocity of the waste material as it is transferred from the screening section to the hopper section.

30. The separator according to claim 28 or 29, wherein The slope is formed as a part of the funnel portion.

31. A separator according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein The inclined surface is a convex profile.

32. A separator according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein The ramp is located between the hinge of the partition and the funnel opening.

33. A cat litter device, comprising: a) a chamber configured to hold cat litter and allow an animal to enter the chamber to remove waste; b) a base, the base supporting the chamber; c) a partition for screening and collecting waste materials from the cat litter, the partition comprising: i) a funnel portion having a conical shape and a funnel opening, wherein the conical shape is configured to direct or funnel the waste material to the funnel opening; ii) a screening section connected to the funnel section, wherein the screening section comprises: a leading portion configured to first contact the litter and the waste material; a screen portion having a plurality of openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter; and A guide portion is configured to allow the waste material to be transferred from the screen portion to the funnel portion.

34. The cat litter apparatus of claim 33, wherein: The separator is the separator according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

35. The cat litter device according to claim 33 or 34, wherein: The chamber is configured to rotate in a first direction, in a second direction, or both during a cleaning cycle of the litter device.

36. A cat litter apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein: The cat litter apparatus includes a drive mechanism configured to rotate the chamber.

37. A cat litter apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein: The drive mechanism drives the chamber at a steady speed, increasing speed, decreasing speed, or any combination thereof during a cleaning cycle.

38. A cat litter apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein: The chamber is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the litter as it passes through the baffle, thereby reducing dust and debris from the litter and the waste material.

39. The cat litter apparatus of claim 38, wherein: The chamber reduces the velocity by about 5% to about 50%.

40. The cat litter apparatus of claim 38 or 39, wherein: The chamber rotates at a speed of about 0.25 RPM or more to about 2 RPM or less.

41. A method of screening and collecting waste material from cat litter, comprising: a) initiating a cleaning cycle of the cat litter device by rotating a chamber of the cat litter device in a first direction; b) during rotation in the first direction, the leading portion of the screening portion of the partition in the chamber contacts the cat litter and enters the cat litter without allowing the cat litter to pass through; c) during the continuous rotation in the first direction, the screen portion of the screening portion is adjacent to the leading portion and has a plurality of screen holes, the screen holes contacting the cat litter and screening the cat litter to separate the waste material from the cat litter; d) During continued rotation in the first direction, the waste material is transferred from the screening portion of the partition to a funnel portion of the partition, the funnel portion including a funnel opening through which the waste material is discharged.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein: During the rotation in the first direction, the cat litter passing through the plurality of sieve holes is defined as unused and clean cat litter; and As the chamber continues to rotate in the first direction, the unused and clean cat litter is located in a temporary storage area between the screening portion and the inner wall of the chamber.

43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, wherein: After the waste material exits the hopper opening, the chamber is rotated in a second direction.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein: When the chamber is rotated in the second direction, all or most of the litter passes under the gap formed between the leading edge of the leading portion and the inner surface of the chamber.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein: The gap is formed by one or more spacers of the spacer.

46. ​​A method according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein: The separator is the separator according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

47. A method according to any one of claims 41 to 46, wherein: The cat litter device is the cat litter device according to any one of claims 33 to 40.

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