Partition for screening and directing waste in litter device

Abstract

A partition for sieving and channeling waste material, comprising: a) a funnel portion having a tapered shape and a funnel opening, the tapered shape being configured to guide or channel waste material toward the funnel opening; and b) a sieving portion connected to the funnel portion, the sieving portion including: i) a lead section; ii) a sieve section having a plurality of sieve openings; and iii) a guide section.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a partition, litter device, and method for screening and directing waste. The partition can be used to screen litter, separate waste from clean litter, direct waste toward a waste opening, and / or reduce the amount of dust and debris generated during a cleaning cycle of a litter device. The partition can be particularly useful in litter devices that rotate during a cleaning cycle. [Background technology]

[0002] Automatic litter devices can provide a means for pet owners (e.g., users) to effectively manage waste excreted by one or more of their pets. These automatic litter devices can be advantageous in that they automatically remove waste contents from the litter, automatically collect the waste for subsequent disposal, and store the waste contents separately from the litter chamber so that they are not exposed to the surrounding environment, thereby preventing and / or reducing odors from the waste. Examples of some automatic litter boxes that may be particularly useful can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,393, 6,433, 5,596, 6,671, 6,711, 6,814, 6,825, 6,936, 6,941, 6,952, 6,103, 6,111, 6,112, 6,113, 6,114, 6,115, 6,116, 6,117, 6,118, 6,119, 6,251, 6,252, 6,253, 6,254, 6,255, 6,256, 6,257, 6,258, 6,259 ...

[0003] A challenge with litter boxes having components for sieving litter is that the sieving action generates dust and debris. For example, as the sieving screen sieves the litter, it disturbs the litter, thus generating dust and debris, some of which becomes airborne and exits the chamber through the entry opening. The dust and debris may include particulates of litter, animal waste (i.e. urine and feces), dander, etc. The dust and debris may exacerbate an individual's allergies and contribute to odors. Furthermore, as the dust and debris exits the chamber, it may coat other living surfaces and require cleaning. Some of the airborne dust and debris may be the result of litter passing through the sieving screen. In a rotating chamber, such passage may occur as the chamber rotates in a first direction and an opposite second direction. During rotation in the first direction, used litter passes through a sieving screen to separate waste from used litter in order to isolate clean and / or unused litter. During rotation in the second direction, clean litter may pass through the sieving screen as well as between the sieving screen and the inner surface of the chamber. The sieving action may cause most dust and debris to become airborne as the litter is sieved by passing through the openings in the sieving screen. Although sieving cannot be avoided to separate waste from litter, such as when the chamber rotates in the first direction, it is necessary to reduce the amount of clean litter passing through the screen after being sieved, such as when the chamber rotates in the second direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,463,881 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8,757,094 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 9,433,185 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0364840 [Patent Document 5] International Application No. PCT / US2020 / 029776 [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2020 / 219849(A1) [Patent Document 7] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 104,574 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 104,604 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 104,625 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a partition for sieving and channeling waste material, the partition comprising: a) a funnel portion having a tapered shape and a funnel opening, the tapered shape configured to guide or channel waste material toward the funnel opening; and b) a sieving portion connected to the funnel portion, the sieving portion including: i) a lead section; ii) a sieve section having a plurality of sieve openings; and iii) a guide section.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a partition for sieving and channeling waste material from litter, the partition comprising: a) a funnel portion having a tapered shape and a funnel opening, the tapered shape configured to guide or channel the waste material toward the funnel opening; and b) a sieving portion connected to the funnel portion, the sieving portion including: i) a lead section configured to initially contact the litter and waste material; ii) a sieve section having a plurality of sieve openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter; and iii) a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the funnel portion.

[0007] A septum of the present teachings may include one or more of the following features in any combination: the sieve section may be about 10% to about 75% of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion, the sieve section may be about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion, the sieve section may be about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion, the plurality of sieve openings may have a cross-sectional shape shaped substantially as a diamond, a circle, a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, an oval, an ellipse, a triangle, or the like, or any combination thereof, the plurality of sieve openings may have a diamond-shaped cross-section, and each of the plurality of sieve openings may have one outer surface facing one of the opposite sides. the lead section may be tapered or chamfered from both outer surfaces to have a larger cross-sectional area than the facing outer surface, the lead section may include a leading edge, the lead section may be adjacent to the sieve section, the leading edge may define at least an outer periphery of the lead section, the lead section may be about 10% to about 70% of a surface area of ​​the sieving portion, the lead section may be about 20% to about 50% of a surface area of ​​the sieving portion, the lead section may be about 30% to about 40% of a surface area of ​​the sieving portion, and the plurality of sieve openings may , may be configured to allow litter to pass therethrough while preventing waste material from passing therethrough, the lead section and guide section may each be a substantially dense surface, the sieving portion may be attached to or integral with the funnel portion, the sieving portion may be attached to or integral with (e.g., one piece) the funnel portion via one or more hinges, the one or more hinges may be one or more living hinges, the septum may be attached to an interior of the chamber of the litter device, the sieving portion may be angled relative to the funnel portion at the one or more hinges, the septum may have a similar overall contour as the interior of the chamber, the septum may include a slit configured to provide additional flexibility, the slit may be part of the guide section, the slit may extend partially forward from a rear portion of the guide section, the lead section may include one or more spacers, the one or more spacers may be formed at or adjacent a leading edge, the one or more spacers may be formed by one or more ribs, posts, tabs,the septum may be formed as fins, corrugations, or the like, or any combination thereof; the one or more spacers may protrude from the outwardly facing surface of the lead section in substantially the same direction as the funnel neck of the funnel of the funnel portion in the molded position of the septum, in the use position, or both; when the septum is installed in the litter device, the one or more spacers may protrude from the outwardly facing surface of the lead section toward the inner wall of the chamber, away from the litter bed, or both; the septum may include a slope between the funnel opening and the guide section, the slope may be configured to modify the velocity of the waste material as it transitions from the sieving portion to the funnel portion, the slope may be formed as part of the funnel portion, the slope may be a convex profile, and the slope may be disposed between the hinge of the septum and the funnel opening;

[0008] The present disclosure may relate to a litter device comprising: a) a chamber configured to hold litter and allow an animal to enter therein to excrete waste; b) a base supporting the chamber; and c) a partition for sifting and channeling waste material from the litter, the partition comprising: i) a funnel portion having a tapered shape and a funnel opening, the tapered shape configured to guide or channel the waste material toward the funnel opening; and ii) a sifting portion connected to the funnel portion, the sifting portion including a lead section configured to initially contact the litter and waste material, a sifting section having a plurality of openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter, and a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sifting section to the funnel portion.

[0009] A litter device of the present teachings may include any combination of one or more of the following features: a septum according to the teachings herein, a chamber may be configured to rotate in a first direction, a second direction, or both during a cleaning cycle of the litter device, a drive mechanism may be configured to rotate the chamber, the drive mechanism may drive the chamber at a steady speed, an increasing speed, a decreasing speed, or any combination thereof during the cleaning cycle, the chamber may be configured to reduce its rotational speed when the litter is passing through the septum to reduce dust and debris from the litter and waste material, the chamber may have a reduced speed of about 5% to about 50%, and the chamber may rotate at a speed of about 0.25 RPM or more or about 2 RPM or less.

[0010] The disclosure may relate to a method of sifting and directing waste material from litter, the method including: a) initializing a cleaning cycle of a litter device by rotating a chamber of the litter device in a first direction; b) while rotating in the first direction, a lead section of a sifting portion of a partition contacts and enters the litter within the chamber without allowing the litter to pass therethrough; c) while continuing to rotate in the first direction, a sifting section of the sifting portion adjacent the lead section and having a plurality of sifting openings contacts and siftes the litter to separate the waste material from the litter; and d) while continuing to rotate in the first direction, the waste material transitions from the sifting portion of the partition to a funnel portion of the partition, the funnel portion including a funnel opening, the waste material transitioning through and exiting the funnel opening.

[0011] The method of the present teachings may include any combination of one or more of the following features or steps: while rotating in a first direction, litter passing through a plurality of sieve openings may be defined as unused clean litter, while the chamber continues to rotate in the first direction, the unused clean litter may be placed in a temporary storage area between the sieving portion and the inner wall of the chamber, after the waste material leaves the funnel opening, the chamber may rotate in a second direction, as the chamber rotates in the second direction, all or a majority of the litter may pass under a gap that may be formed between a leading edge of the lead section and an inner surface of the chamber, the gap may be formed by one or more spacers of a partition, the partition may be a partition according to the present teachings herein, and the litter device may be a litter device according to the present teachings herein.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a litter device comprising: a) a chamber configured to hold litter and allow an animal to enter therein to excrete waste; b) a base supporting the chamber; and c) a partition for sifting and channeling waste material from the litter, the partition comprising: i) a funnel portion having a tapered shape and a funnel opening, the tapered shape configured to guide or channel the waste material toward the funnel opening; and ii) a sifting portion connected to the funnel portion, the sifting portion including a lead section configured to initially contact the litter and waste material, a sifting section having a plurality of openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter, and a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sifting section to the funnel portion.

[0013] The septum of the present teachings can help reduce airborne dust and debris during a cleaning cycle by guiding clean litter under the sieving portion as it returns to the bottom of the chamber. The clean litter can be routed under the sieving portion via a lead section. The lead section can provide a dense surface adjacent to the sieving section, between the sieving section and the inner surface of the chamber, or both. As a result, the lead section can direct the clean litter towards the inner surface of the chamber and under the sieving portion. The one or more slits can provide flexibility to the sieving portion of the septum. The flexibility can allow a larger amount of litter to pass through the gap between the sieving portion and the inner surface of the chamber. The sieving portion can flex when the force of the clean litter is applied to its surface during a cleaning cycle. The one or more spacers can help create and / or maintain a gap between the inner surface of the chamber and the sieving portion, prevent total contact of a leading edge of the sieving portion with the inner wall of the chamber, or both. By maintaining a gap and / or preventing total contact, more litter is allowed to pass under the screening section during a cleaning cycle, thus reducing airborne dust and debris. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a front view of the bulkhead in the molding position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the bulkhead in a design or use position. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a litter device having a partition. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of a litter device having a partition. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a litter device having a partition. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The description and illustrations provided herein will acquaint those skilled in the art with the teachings, their principles, and their practical application. The specific embodiments of the teachings described are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations found in the following claims are also possible, and are also incorporated by reference herein into the written description.

[0016] <Bulkhead> The present disclosure relates to a partition. The partition can function to screen waste from litter, separate used litter from unused litter, guide waste out of the chamber, cooperate with one or more other components of the litter device to provide a temporary litter storage area, or any combination thereof. The partition can have any size and / or shape suitable for being positioned within the chamber to screen litter during a cleaning cycle. The partition can rotate with the chamber of the litter device during a cleaning cycle (e.g., remain stationary relative to the chamber), rotate within the chamber during a cleaning cycle (e.g., move relative to the chamber), or both. The partition can be a single piece or multiple pieces. The partition can include one or more portions, openings, spacers, hinges, covers, etc., or any combination thereof. The partition can be positioned within the chamber of the litter device, attached to the interior of the chamber, integral with the chamber, or any combination thereof. The partition can be positioned opposite the litter bed when the chamber is in a home or rest position. The septum may be located opposite the liner of the chamber, opposite the lower chamber, or both. The septum may be aligned at least partially with the waste opening, partially through the waste opening, or both. The septum may be attached to and / or a portion of the upper chamber.

[0017] The partition may include a sieving portion. The sieving portion may function to sieve the litter bed, separate waste from the litter, provide a temporary storage area for clean and / or unused litter, or any combination thereof. The sieving portion may be movably attached to the interior of the litter device, movably relative to the funnel portion, or both. The sieving portion may not have a direct connection to the chamber. The sieving portion may be attached to the chamber via a funnel portion, a hinge, or both. The sieving portion may move (e.g., swing) and / or remain substantially stationary relative to the hinge, the funnel portion, the chamber, or combinations thereof during a cleaning cycle, a rotation of the chamber, or both. The sieving portion may be relatively flat, non-flat, or both. The sieving portion may have a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to at least a portion of the interior of the chamber. The sieving portion may have a shape that is generally D-shaped, C-shaped, square, rectangular, circular, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the sieving portion may have a generally D-shaped cross-section that is complementary to a portion of the cross-section of the generally spherical chamber. The sieving portion may have an overall length that is approximately equal to or less than the inner diameter and / or chord length of the interior of the chamber. The sieving portion may or may not be in physical contact with the interior of the chamber. The sieving portion may include a leading edge, one or more spacers, a lead section, a sieve section, and / or a guide section.

[0018] The sieving portion may include a lead section. The lead section may function to be the first section of the sieving portion to enter the litter bed, to hold one or more spacers, to guide clean litter towards the gap as it returns to the main chamber area to form the litter bed, or any combination thereof. The lead section may be configured to contact the litter and waste material first. The lead section may include a leading edge. The leading edge may be the outermost edge of the sieving portion, opposite the hinge, or both. The leading edge may define at least a portion of the outer periphery of the lead section. The leading edge may have an initial surface that contacts the litter during a cleaning cycle. The leading edge may or may not include a rim. The rim may have a different thickness (e.g., greater than) than the remainder of the surface of the sieving portion. The lead section may have a shape that comprises a portion of the overall shape of the sieving portion. The lead section may have a substantially D-shaped, C-shaped, oval, rectangular, triangular, or combinations thereof. The lead section may be substantially flat, non-flat, or both. The lead section may be dense (e.g., no openings), nearly dense, or both. For example, the lead section may include one opening in the form of a slit. The lead section may be about 10% or more to about 20% or more, about 30% or more, or even about 33% or more of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion. The lead section may 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 sieving portion. For example, the lead section may 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 sieving portion. The lead section may have a surface area that is less than, about equal to, or even greater than the surface area of ​​the guide section and / or the sieving section. The lead section may include one or more spacers.

[0019] The septum may include one or more spacers. The one or more spacers may function to create and / or maintain a gap between one or more edges of the septum and the interior surface of the chamber, prevent the leading edge from contacting the interior of the chamber entirely, provide structural support to the sieving portion, or any combination thereof. The one or more spacers may be disposed along one or more edges. The one or more spacers may be disposed 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 one or more, two or more, or even three or more spacers. The one or more spacers may include 20 or fewer, 15 or fewer, or even 10 or fewer spacers. The multiple spacers may be equally or unequally spaced along the leading edge. For example, three to five spacers may be generally equally spaced along the leading edge. The 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 can protrude from the leading edge, from the outwardly facing surface of the sieving section, towards the wall of the chamber, away from the litter bed, or any combination thereof. The one or more spacers can be formed as one or more ribs, posts, gussets, corrugations, etc., or any combination thereof. The one or more spacers can be attached to and / or integral with the sieving section. The one or more spacers can be integrally formed with a surface of the leading edge, the lead section, or both. The one or more spacers can be advantageous in allowing litter to flow more quickly from the temporary storage area to the bottom of the chamber, creating gaps for litter to flow through, reducing the amount of clean litter that flows back through the sieving section, or any combination thereof. Any or all of these advantages can provide a reduction in dust and debris generated in the cleaning cycle.

[0020] The one or more spacers may create a gap with the inner surface of the chamber. The gap may allow litter to pass through during a cleaning cycle. The gap may be between the sieving section and the inner surface of the chamber. The gap may be between the lead section and the inner surface of the chamber. The gap may be between the leading edge and the inner surface of the chamber. The gap may be large enough to allow clean and / or unused litter to pass therethrough and small enough to prevent waste in the litter from passing therethrough. The gap may allow unused and / or clean litter to pass through at any stage during the cleaning cycle. The gap may allow unused and / or clean litter to pass while the chamber rotates into the discharge position and / or back to the home position. The gap may be particularly beneficial in reducing the amount of dust and debris generated during a cleaning cycle. More particularly, the gap may reduce dust and debris generated when the chamber returns from the waste discharge position to the home 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 section, the mass of litter is less disturbed during the cleaning cycle, thus reducing the amount of dust and debris generated.

[0021] The sieving portion may include a sieving section. The sieving section may function to sieve used litter, separate waste from used litter to provide clean and / or unused litter, or both. The sieving section may be configured to separate waste material from the litter. The sieving section may have a shape that comprises a portion of the overall shape of the sieving portion. The sieving section may have a shape that is substantially triangular, rectangular, square, oval, circular, D-shaped, C-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. The sieving section may extend across all, almost all, or only a portion of the depth (i.e., front to back) of the sieving portion. The sieving section may be substantially flat, non-flat, or both. The sieving section may be adjacent to the lead section, the guide section, or both. The sieving section may be disposed between the lead section and the guide section. The sieve section may be ribbed, gridded, corrugated, slotted, meshed, etc., or any combination thereof. The sieve section may include one or more sieve openings. The sieve openings may have any size and / or shape that allows litter to pass through while preventing waste material from passing therethrough. The area of ​​the sieving portion having sieve openings may be referred to as the sieve section. The sieve section may be about 10% or more to about 20% or more, about 30% or more, or even about 33% or more of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion. The sieve section may 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 sieving portion. For example, the sieve section may 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 sieving portion. Having the sieve section be only a portion of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion may be advantageous in that it allows used litter to be sieved therethrough at a desired rotational speed of the chamber during a cleaning cycle to separate clean litter from waste material.The sieve section being only a portion of the surface area may also be advantageous in that it cooperates with the lead section to encourage most or even all of the clean litter to pass through the gap (i.e., between the leading edge and the interior of the chamber) and return from the temporary storage area to the rest position to form the litter bed.

[0022] The sieving section may include a plurality of sieve openings. The plurality of sieve openings may be sized and / or shaped to allow unused (e.g., clean) litter to pass through while preventing waste (e.g., used litter, clumps, clumps, and / or the like) from passing through. The plurality of sieve openings in the sieving section may allow litter to be sieved during a cleaning cycle to separate waste from unused litter. The plurality of sieve openings may have a cross-sectional shape similar to or substantially shaped as a diamond, circle, hexagon, square, rectangle, oval, ellipse, triangle, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the plurality of sieve openings may have a diamond-shaped cross-section. The cross-section may be taken parallel to a majority of the surface of the sieving section. The inner periphery may be shaped to guide the litter therethrough, to facilitate the molding process, or both. The inner peripheral surface of the sieve opening may be tapered, chamfered, beveled, flat, etc., or any combination thereof. The inner peripheral surface may be a surface of the sieve opening that extends and / or connects one side of the sieving portion (e.g., facing the litter bed, litter liner) to the opposite side of the sieving portion (e.g., facing away from the litter bed, litter liner, facing the interior of the chamber). The plurality of sieve openings may have a cross-sectional area larger than a typical diameter, width, and / or length of a litter grain, pellet, and / or bead, so as to allow litter to pass therethrough. The plurality of openings may have a cross-sectional area smaller than a typical clump of waste, so as to prevent litter from passing therethrough. Each of the plurality of sieve openings may have a cross-sectional area of ​​about 0.01 square inch (0.064 square cm) or more, about 0.03 square inch (0.194 square cm) or more, or even about 0.05 square inch (0.323 square cm) or more. Each of the plurality of sieve openings may have a cross-sectional area of ​​about 0.1 square inch (0.645 square cm) or less, about 0.08 square inch (0.516 square cm) or less, or even about 0.06 square inch (0.387 square cm) or less.The sieve section may include sufficient openings to allow litter to pass through during a cleaning cycle without backflow. 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 litter passes through the sieve openings, the separated waste material may be directed toward the guide section.

[0023] The sieving portion may include a guide section. The guide section may function to guide waste material toward the funnel portion, connect the sieving portion to the hinge and / or funnel portion, cooperate with an inner surface of the chamber to provide a temporary storage area for clean litter, or combinations thereof. The guide section may be configured to allow waste material to transition from the sieve section to the funnel portion. The guide section may be disposed adjacent to the sieve section, the hinge, the funnel portion, or any combination thereof. The guide section may be integral with and / or attached to the hinge, the funnel portion, or both. The guide section may or may not include a slit formed therein or adjacent thereto. The guide section may include a slit. The slit may be formed on the rear side of the septum to extend partially forward. The guide section may be substantially flat, non-flat, or both. The guide section may be dense (e.g., without openings), mostly dense, or both. For example, the guide section may include one opening in the form of a slit. The guide section may be about 10% or more to about 20% or more, about 30% or more, or even about 33% or more of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion. The guide section may 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 sieving portion. For example, the guide section may 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 sieving portion. The guide section may have a surface area that is less than, approximately equal to, or even greater than the surface area of ​​the lead section and / or the sieving section. The guide section may comprise a portion of the overall shape of the sieving portion. The guide section may have a shape that resembles a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an oval, or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0024] The bulkhead may include one or more hinges. The hinge may function to connect the funnel portion to the sieving portion. The hinge may provide flexibility of the sieving portion relative to the funnel portion. The hinge may function to allow the funnel portion, the sieving portion, or both to move relative to the other, relative to the interior of the chamber, or both during one or more cleaning cycles and / or while the chamber rotates. The hinge may be attached to, integral with, adjacent to, disposed between, or a combination thereof, the funnel portion and the sieving portion. The hinge may be attached to, integral with, adjacent to, disposed between, or a combination thereof, the funnel portion and the guide section. The hinge may be a multi-component hinge (e.g., a hinge) or a single-component hinge. The single-component hinge may be a living hinge. The hinge may be made of any material that allows movement of the funnel portion, the sieving portion, or both relative to the other, the interior of the chamber, or both. Movement can mean movement of the funnel portion, the sieving portion, or both relative to the other during the molding process of the septum, before and / or during installation of the septum in the chamber, while the chamber rotates during a cleaning cycle, or any combination thereof. The hinge may be formed to allow the geometry of the sieving portion to be formed in a series of drawing operations of the septum for molding. The hinge may allow the sieving portion to be angled relative to the funnel portion. The hinge may allow the sieving portion to be angled towards the funnel portion when installed in the chamber. The angle may be the angle between the sieving portion and the funnel portion at the bottom of the septum, an angle pointing towards the litter bed, or both. The hinge may be made of the same material as the sieving portion, the funnel portion, or both. The hinge may allow the septum to be attached and contoured to a shape that is substantially complementary to the interior of the chamber.

[0025] The sieving section in the home position of the chamber, in the natural rest position of the septum, outside the chamber, or both, may be at an acute, perpendicular, or obtuse angle with respect to the funnel section. The sieving section may be at an angle of about 90 degrees or more, about 120 degrees or more, about 140 degrees or more, or even about 150 degrees or more with respect to the funnel section. The sieving section may be at an angle of about 180 degrees or less, about 170 degrees or less, or even about 160 degrees or less with respect to the funnel section. The angle may be measured as the angle between the surface facing the litter bed, the lower chamber, the base, the interior of the chamber, or any combination thereof. The angle may be changed when the septum is placed in the chamber. The angle between the sieving section and the funnel section may be reduced when the septum transitions between the natural rest position (i.e., molded position) and the use position (i.e., design position) in the chamber. The angle between the sieving portion and the funnel portion may be reduced by about 10 degrees or more, about 20 degrees or more, about 30 degrees or more, or even about 40 degrees or more. The angle between the sieving portion and the funnel portion may be reduced by about 80 degrees or less, about 70 degrees or less, about 60 degrees or less, or even about 50 degrees or less. For example, the angle between the sieving portion and the funnel portion may be reduced from about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees, from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, from about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees, or even from about 40 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[0026] Alternatively, the bulkhead may not have a hinge. The funnel portion may be stationarily attached to the sieving portion, directly adjacent to the sieving portion, and / or integral with the sieving portion. The funnel portion and the sieving portion may be integral with each other and stationary relative to each other. The funnel portion and the sieving portion may be separate pieces. The funnel portion may be attached to the sieving portion using one or more fasteners. For example, the sieving portion may be secured to the funnel portion by one or more threaded fasteners.

[0027] The septum may include one or more slits. The one or more slits may function to provide additional flexibility to one or more portions of the septum, to allow clean litter to flow through and back into the main interior of the chamber, or both. The one or more slits may be formed in and / or adjacent to one or more hinges, sieving sections, or both. The one or more slits may be formed in one or more sieve sections, guide sections, lead sections, or any combination thereof. The one or more slits may be formed from one or more edges toward the interior of the section. The one or more slits may be formed in the rearmost edge of the guide section, extend toward the front of the septum, extend only partially through the guide section, 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 of the length of the guide section. The one or more slits may extend about 50% or less, about 40% or less, or even about 30% or less of the length of the guide section. The one or more slits may have a shape that is substantially linear, non-linear, or both. The one or more slits may have a shape that is straight, curved, angled, or any combination thereof. The slits may be curved away from the hinge, toward the sieve section, or both. The slits may have a width. The width may be about 0.02 inches (0.05 cm) or more, about 0.05 inches (0.13 cm) or more, about 0.07 inches (0.18 cm) or more. The width may be about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) or less, about 0.3 inches (0.76 cm) or less, or even about 0.2 inches (0.51 cm) or less. For example, the width may be about 0.08 inches (0.20 cm) to about 0.18 inches (0.46 cm). The slits may be particularly advantageous by providing flexibility to the screening section when the mass of litter from the temporary storage area exerts a force on the screening section as the chamber is returning to the home position, such flexibility directing the litter towards the gaps as opposed to through the screening section, thus helping to reduce the amount of dust and debris generated during the cleaning cycle.

[0028] The septum may include a funnel portion. The funnel portion may be configured to attach the septum to the interior of the litter device. The funnel portion may be stationarily attached to the interior of the chamber. The funnel portion may be attached to the upper chamber. The funnel portion may rotate with and / or remain attached to the rotating chamber. The funnel portion may have a funnel surface, a tapered shape, a funnel neck, a funnel opening, or any combination thereof. The tapered shape of the funnel surface may function to guide or direct waste material toward the funnel neck, the funnel opening, or both. The funnel portion may be attached to the chamber. The funnel portion may be attached to the chamber via 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. The funnel portion may remain substantially stationary relative to the chamber during the rotation of the chamber, the cleaning cycle, or both. The funnel portion may be substantially non-flat, flat, or both. The funnel portion may not be flat because it is tapered. The funnel surface of the funnel portion may be tapered toward the funnel neck, the funnel opening, or both. The funnel portion may have a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to at least a portion of the interior of the chamber. The funnel portion may have a cross-sectional or two-dimensional shape that is generally D-shaped, C-shaped, circular, square, rectangular, etc., or any combination thereof. The funnel portion may be generally conical (wider at the outer edge and narrower at the funnel neck), flatter sided, and / or the funnel portion may have a total length and / or width that is approximately equal to or less than the inner diameter and / or chord length of the interior of the chamber. The funnel portion may be attached to the screening portion via a hinge, mechanical attachment, integrally formed therewith, or any combination thereof. The funnel portion may have an outer edge at its periphery.The outer edge may include a rim and / or may be absent.

[0029] The funnel portion may include a funnel opening. The funnel opening may function to allow waste to exit from the interior of the chamber, through the waste opening, into a waste drawer or waste receptacle, or any combination thereof. The funnel opening may be formed in the narrowest portion of the funnel portion. The funnel surface of the funnel portion may be tapered toward the funnel opening. The funnel opening may be formed through a funnel neck. The funnel neck may be the location where the funnel surface tapers, the tapered end, or both. The funnel neck may be a protrusion that extends away from the funnel surface. The funnel neck may extend toward the interior of the chamber, through the waste opening, out of the chamber, or any combination thereof. The funnel neck may be configured to be adjacent to, disposed within, attached to, or any combination thereof, the waste opening of the chamber. The funnel neck may be nested within the waste opening of the chamber. The funnel neck may have a shape that is substantially complementary to the waste opening of the chamber. The funnel neck and / or funnel opening may have a cross-sectional or two-dimensional shape that is substantially square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0030] The funnel portion may include a slope. The slope may function to modify the speed at which waste transitions from the screening portion to the funnel portion, to guide where waste is collected in the waste bin, or both. The slope may be formed as part of the funnel portion. The slope may be located between the funnel opening and the hinge, the screening portion, or both. The slope extends entirely or partially between the rear and front of the funnel portion. The slope may provide an upward slope, a downward slope, or both, to the surface. The slope may be uneven, flat, or both. The slope may be provided as a convex profile along the width and / or length of the funnel portion. The slope may be a ridge between the hinge and the funnel opening. The slope may function to reduce the speed at which waste transitions from the screening portion to the funnel portion. The ramp can function to slow the waste before it enters the funnel opening, before it exits the chamber, or both. By slowing the waste, the waste can be prevented from prematurely entering the funnel opening, the waste opening of the chamber, the waste bin, etc., or any combination thereof. This can help to better guide the waste how to collect in the waste bin, to avoid waste accumulating diagonally towards one side (e.g., the left side) of the waste bin, or both.

[0031] The partition may include a rear cover. The rear cover may function to cover the opening through which the litter passes, to prevent one or more animals from inserting one or more legs or the like into the litter refill opening, to provide a barrier from one or more animals excreting urine or feces into the litter refill opening, or any combination thereof. The one or more rear covers may be part of the funnel portion, the screening portion, or both. The one or more rear covers may be formed as part of the funnel portion. The one or more rear covers may be disposed rearward of the partition. Rearward may be defined as the portion of the partition that faces away from the entry opening of the litter device, adjacent to the litter refill opening, or both. The rear cover may protrude from one or more edges. The rear cover may protrude from an outer edge of the funnel portion. The rear cover may protrude generally in the opposite direction to the funnel neck. The rear cover may have a cross-sectional or two-dimensional shape that is substantially D-shaped, C-shaped, circular, oval, square, rectangular, or the like, or a combination thereof. The rear cover may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially complementary to and / or similar to the litter refill opening of the chamber. The rear cover may space the litter from the chute and / or wall through which new litter is delivered, provide a gap for litter to enter the chamber, or both. The rear cover may provide an unobtrusive barrier that hides the litter refill opening and / or the portion of the litter dispenser engaged within the litter refill opening from view from the entry opening, from within the chamber, or both. By providing an unobtrusive barrier, an animal may be less interested in or aware of the litter refill opening and / or the litter dispenser when using the litter device. By providing an unobtrusive barrier, the interior of the chamber may be more visually appealing to individuals (i.e., pet owners) because the interior of the chamber has a cleaner interior surface both aesthetically (matching the interior surface) and physically (i.e., easier to clean).

[0032] The partition may be composed of a suitable material. The material may be non-sticky, liquid impermeable, and resistant to damage, penetration, odor absorption, staining, or combinations thereof by litter, waste, liquids, solids, semi-solids, or combinations thereof. The material of the partition may be rubber, a polymeric material, a synthetic material, a natural material, or any or combinations thereof. The partition may be made of the same material or different materials. For example, the living hinge, the funnel portion, and the sieving portion may be composed of one or more of the same materials.

[0033] <Bulkhead incorporated into litter device> The present teachings relate to a device that includes litter for use by an animal. The device may be a litter device. The litter device may be an automatic litter device. The device may function to hold litter, separate used litter from unused litter, collect animal waste, remove animal waste, separate animal waste from litter, temporarily store animal waste, or any combination thereof. The device may have the ability to exchange used litter for unused litter. The device may be used by one or more domestic animals. The one or more domestic animals may include one or more cats, rabbits, ferrets, pigs, dogs, ducks, goats, foxes, etc., or any combination thereof. The device may be compatible with one or more types of litter. The one or more types of litter may include clumping clay, non-clumping clay, silica gel crystals, recycled paper, pine wood, corn, wheat, walnut shells, etc., or any combination thereof. The litter device may include a base, a chamber, a bonnet, a waste drawer, a bezel, one or more accessories, one or more sensors, a filtering system, a storage unit, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0034] The litter device includes a chamber. The chamber can function to contain clean litter, provide a space for the animal to enter and excrete waste, or both. The chamber can have any size and shape that can hold enough litter for the animal to use during waste excretion, allow the animal to use the litter box comfortably, or both. The chamber can have a three-dimensional shape that is substantially spherical, ovoid, cylindrical, cubic, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. A substantially spherical, ovoid, cylindrical, and / or similarly shaped shape may be beneficial in providing rotation of the chamber during a cleaning cycle, avoiding litter and / or waste from collecting along one or more vertices, or combinations thereof. For example, the chamber can be shaped like a globe, a sphere, a football, an egg, etc., or combinations thereof. The chamber can be configured to hold litter. The chamber can be supported by a base. The chamber can be rotatable during a cleaning cycle. The chamber can be rotatably supported by a base. The base may be disposed between the chamber and the surface on which the litter device sits. The chamber may have a generally hollow interior that accommodates one or more septa, liners, litter, etc. The chamber may include an access opening, a waste opening, or both. The chamber may have a generally hollow interior that accommodates one or more animals during use. The chamber may be sized to accommodate one or more animals of about 1 kg or more, about 2 kg or more, about 4 kg or more, about 8 kg or more, or even about 10 kg or more. The chamber may be sized to 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 may form a volume of the chamber. The volume of the chamber may be about 16,000 cm. 3 Approximately 32,500cm 3 or even about 65,000 cm 3 The volume of the chamber is about 150,000 cm 3 Below, approximately 100,000cm 3 Below, approximately 85,000cm3 or even below about 75,000 cm 3 The chamber may have a volume usable by an animal that can pass through the entry opening. The usable volume may be any volume such that the chamber can be used by an animal to excrete waste. The usable volume may be any volume such that an animal can enter, turn, and move around in the chamber. The volume of the chamber may be the usable volume, the total volume, or both. The usable volume may be the volume of the hollow interior of the chamber minus the volume occupied by litter and any components disposed in the interior of the chamber. The total volume may be the actual volume of the hollow interior of the chamber. The chamber may be formed by a single piece or multiple pieces. The chamber may include one or more filter systems attached to it, in fluid communication with it, or both. The chamber may be formed by a single piece having a substantially spherical shape. The chamber may be formed by two or more pieces that fit together to form a substantially spherical shape. The chamber may be formed by an upper chamber and a lower chamber.

[0035] The chamber may include an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may function 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 usable volume of the chamber is increased, litter rotates conically relative to the chamber, litter is fed toward the rear of the chamber (e.g., away from the front opening) toward and through the screen and / or partition, or both, a larger entry opening from which litter can be used without spilling, a screen and / or partition may be placed further back in the chamber to create a larger interior space, or any combination thereof. The axis of rotation of the chamber may form an angle with a vertical plane, a horizontal plane, or both. The vertical plane may be substantially in the direction of gravity, in a direction parallel to gravity, or both. The horizontal plane may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity, parallel to the surface on which the litter device sits, or both. The axis of rotation of the chamber may form any angle with a vertical plane, a horizontal plane, or both, such that one or more of the teachings herein are realized. The rotation axis can form an angle with the vertical plane 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. The rotation axis can form an angle with the vertical plane 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. The rotation axis can form an angle with the vertical plane 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. The rotation axis can form an angle with the horizontal plane that is complementary to the angle with the vertical plane. The rotation axis can extend from the rear to the front of the chamber. The rotation axis can extend through the entry opening, the litter refill opening, the rear cover, etc., or a combination thereof. The rotation axis can be substantially concentric or eccentric with the entry opening, the litter refill opening, the rear cover, etc., or a combination thereof. The axis of rotation of the angle can direct the waste and / or litter clumps, waste, or both, toward a common location, which can be located toward the rear, bottom, or both, of the chamber.The common location may be a partition, a screen, a waste opening, a waste bin, or any combination thereof. The axis of rotation may allow a single waste opening to be used, waste to be pumped towards the waste opening, waste to be transferred from the waste opening to a waste bin or receptacle, or any combination thereof.

[0036] The angle of the axis of rotation, together with the frictional properties of the litter, can provide an angle of repose for the litter bed. The angle of repose can function to angle the litter away from the entry opening, to prevent the litter from spilling out of the entry opening, to allow the entry opening to be as large as possible while still keeping the litter in the chamber, or any combination thereof. The angle of the litter bed can be angled such that the litter is angled away from the entry opening. Angled away from the entry opening can 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., the depth of the litter increases as the distance of the litter from the entry opening increases). The angle of the litter bed can be any angle that reduces the likelihood that an animal will accidentally move the litter outside the opening compared to a litter bed without an angle. Not angled can mean that it is approximately perpendicular to a vertical plane, approximately parallel to a horizontal plane, or both. The angle of the litter bed can form an angle with the vertical of about 89 degrees or less, about 88 degrees or less, about 87 degrees or less, or even about 85 degrees or less. The angle of the litter bed can form an angle with the vertical of about 70 degrees or more, about 75 degrees or more, or even about 80 degrees or more. For example, the angle of the litter bed can be from about 75 degrees to about 88 degrees, or even from about 80 degrees to about 87 degrees with the vertical. The litter bed can seat on any surface of the chamber.

[0037] The chamber includes an entry opening. The entry opening allows one or more animals to comfortably enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening may be of any size and shape that allows one or more animals to enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening may be of any size and shape that allows litter to be substantially maintained within the chamber during entry, use, and / or exit by the animals, during one or more cleaning cycles, or any combination thereof. The entry opening may have a profile shape and / or cross section that is substantially circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. The profile shape may be a shape viewed straight on, vertically, or both at the opening face. The entry opening may have a profile shape that is symmetrical, asymmetrical, or both. Circular, oval, etc. entry openings may provide a more comfortable and larger entry area, avoid sharp edges that may scratch the animal, avoid sharp edges that may catch the litter as the animal exits the chamber, or combinations thereof.

[0038] The chamber includes one or more waste openings. The one or more waste openings can function to allow waste, used litter, or both to pass from the chamber to the base, waste bin, or both. The waste openings can be at any position in the chamber to allow waste, used litter, or both to pass from the chamber into the waste bin. The waste openings can be at any position in the chamber that aligns with the waste bin during a cleaning cycle, offset from the waste bin while in the home position, or both. The waste openings can be formed as openings in the upper chamber, the lower chamber, or both. For example, the waste openings can be formed as openings in the upper chamber such that they are substantially opposite the waste bin while the chamber is in the home position. The waste openings can have any shape suitable to allow waste to pass quickly from the chamber to the waste drawer during a cleaning cycle. The waste opening may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially circular, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, diamond-shaped, etc., or any combination thereof. The waste opening may have a shape that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the waste bin. The waste opening may be located partially or completely on one side of a longitudinal surface of the device. The longitudinal surface may intersect an axis of rotation, a vertical surface, a horizontal surface, or a combination thereof. The axis of rotation, the vertical surface, or both may be parallel to, within, or both of the longitudinal surface. The horizontal surface may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal surface. The longitudinal surface may divide the litter device into lateral halves. Each lateral half may comprise a portion of the bonnet, the chamber, and the base. The lateral halves may be substantially symmetrical and / or mirror symmetrical about the longitudinal surface. Substantial symmetry may allow certain features, such as the waste opening, to be located on only one side of the device. The center of the waste opening may be offset at an angle from the longitudinal axis. The center of the waste opening may be angled from the longitudinal plane by about 0° or more, about 5° or more, about 10° or more, about 15° or more, or even about 20° or more. The center of the waste opening may be angled from the longitudinal plane by about 45° or less, about 35° or less, about 30° or less, or even about 25° or less.The angle may be measured when the chamber is in the home position. The waste opening may be located on one or more sides of the track. The waste opening may be located between the entry opening and the track. The waste opening cannot overlap with the waste bin while the chamber is in the home position. The waste opening may be substantially aligned, overlapping, or both with the waste bin during the cleaning cycle. The waste opening may be rotated about an axis of rotation during the cleaning cycle. The waste opening may be rotated from the home position to the discharge position, the home position, any position therebetween, or a combination thereof during the cleaning cycle. The discharge position may be a position when the chamber is rotated such that the waste opening is also located adjacent to, overlapping, substantially aligned with, or a combination thereof with the waste bin. The waste opening may be rotated at an angle of about 130° or more, about 145° or more, about 150° or more, about 155° or more, or even about 160° or more relative to the discharge position during the cleaning cycle. The waste opening can rotate during a cleaning cycle at an angle of about 230° or less, about 220° or less, about 200° or less, or even about 180° or less relative to the discharge position. The waste opening can rotate one complete revolution (e.g., 360°) from the start of the cleaning cycle to the end of the cleaning cycle. Rotation of the waste opening can occur when the track is rotated. Rotation of the track can rotate the chamber and the waste opening.

[0039] The chamber may include a rotation device. The rotation device may function to rotate the chamber about an axis of rotation, to rotate the chamber during a cleaning cycle, or both. The rotation device may be a track, gears, high friction surface, raised area, toothed area, contact surface area, or the like, or combinations thereof. The rotation device may be attached to the chamber, integral therewith, in rotational communication therewith, or combinations thereof. The rotation device may be located on the exterior, interior, or both of the chamber. The rotation device may be a belt, cog, sprocket, toothed assembly, roller, wheel, or the like, or combinations thereof. The chamber may include a track around at least a portion of the exterior of the chamber. The base may include one or more drive sources in rotational communication with and driving the rotation device.

[0040] The litter device includes a base. The base can function to support the chamber, house a waste drawer, house one or more electrical components, or any combination thereof. The base can have any size and shape such that the base can support the chamber, house a waste drawer, and / or house 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 seat on a surface. The surface can be any suitable surface for seating the litter device thereon. The surface can be a floor, a table, a platform, a substantially flat surface, or any combination thereof. The base can include one or more base frames, waste drawers, drawer cavities, chamber supports, steps, electrical components, ports, filters, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0041] The litter device includes a waste receptacle. The waste receptacle can function to collect waste, temporarily store waste, prevent waste-related odors from leaving the device, or any combination thereof. The waste receptacle can have any shape and size that allows the waste drawer to collect and temporarily store waste. The waste receptacle can be located within the base, within the drawer cavity, between the chamber support and the base bottom, between the base bottom and the chamber, or any combination thereof. The waste drawer can be any size and / or shape that allows for temporary collection and storage of waste. The waste receptacle, or a portion thereof, can have a three-dimensional shape that is substantially spherical, ovoid, cylindrical, cuboidal, conical, pyramidal, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, the waste receptacle can have a substantially cuboidal and hollow shape. The waste receptacle may be referred to as a waste drawer. The waste receptacle may slide in a plane. The waste receptacle may be removably disposed in the base. The waste receptacle may be at least partially disposed in the waste receptacle cavity. The plane may be parallel to or offset from the horizontal plane. The waste receptacle may include a waste bin, a drawer front, a step, a handle, or any combination thereof. The drawer front may form all or part of the forward-facing surface of the base (e.g., on the same side as the access opening). The drawer front may be aligned with the exterior of the base frame to conceal the drawer cavity. The drawer front may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the drawer opening in the base frame. The complementary shapes may allow the drawer cavity to be completely concealed by the drawer front when the waste receptacle is disposed within the drawer cavity. The drawer front may be attached to, integral with, or both the waste bin. The drawer front may face forward relative to the waste bin.

[0042] <Method of using a partition to separate and feed litter during the cleaning cycle> The litter device can complete one or more cleaning cycles. The cleaning cycle can function to transfer waste from within the chamber to a base, a waste drawer, or a combination thereof. The cleaning cycle can function to separate clean litter (e.g., unused litter) from waste, used litter, clumps, clumps, or any combination thereof. The cleaning cycle can be initiated after one or more presence sensors sense that an animal has exited the chamber, that waste has accumulated in the chamber, that a user has initiated a cleaning cycle, or any combination thereof. The cleaning cycle can be initiated with a 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 attached thereto. 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 sieving portion relative to the partition, the funnel portion, the waste opening, or any combination thereof. During a cleaning cycle, the chamber can rotate from the home position to the discharge position, from the discharge position to the home position, from the discharge position to the horizontal position, from the home position to the horizontal position, from the horizontal position to the home position, or any combination thereof. For example, a cleaning cycle can include rotation of the chamber from the home position to the discharge position, from the discharge position to the horizontal position, and from the horizontal position back to the home position. Rotation from the discharge position to the horizontal position can include passing through the home position. The home position can be a resting position of the chamber suitable for an animal to use the litter device. The discharge position can allow waste to be transferred to the waste receptacle. In the discharge position, the waste opening can be aligned with the waste receptacle. The horizontal position can allow the litter to level itself along the bottom chamber, the liner, or both before returning to the home position.

[0043] The rotation of the chamber may be about the axis of rotation of the chamber. The chamber may 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 during a cleaning cycle. The chamber may 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 may rotate in a single direction or in two directions about the axis of rotation. The chamber may rotate in a first direction, a second direction, or both. The first direction may be counterclockwise, clockwise, or both. The second direction may be clockwise, counterclockwise, or both. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. Clockwise and counterclockwise can be determined by looking at the entry opening from outside the litter device. The chamber can rotate in either direction, single or multiple times. The chamber can rotate in a first direction and then in a second direction. The chamber can rotate in a second direction and then in the first direction. The chamber can rotate in a first direction and then in a second direction and then in the first direction again. The chamber can rotate in a first direction from a home position to an exhaust position and / or past the exhaust position, from an exhaust position towards the home position, from a horizontal position to the home position, or any combination thereof. The chamber can rotate in a second direction from an exhaust position to a home position and / or past the home position, from an exhaust position to a horizontal position, from the home position to a horizontal position, or any combination thereof. For example, the chamber can rotate in a first direction from a home position to an exhaust position, then in a second direction from an exhaust position to a horizontal position (e.g., past the home position), then in a first direction from a horizontal position to the home position. For example, the chamber can rotate between about 160 degrees and about 220 degrees, or even between about 180 degrees and 210 degrees in a first direction from the home position to the discharge position. For example, the chamber can rotate between about 170 degrees and about 265 degrees, or even between about 200 degrees and 245 degrees in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction) from the discharge position to the horizontal position. For example, the chamber can rotate between about 10 degrees and about 45 degrees, or even about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees in a first direction from the horizontal position to the home position.One example of how the chamber can rotate may be found 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 description of how the cleaning cycle can function may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0364840, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] During a cleaning cycle, the partition can sift the litter in the chamber. The partition can separate unused litter from waste. During a cleaning cycle, rotation of the chamber can rotate the partition towards the litter. The sieving portion of the partition can lead (e.g., approach / contact first) towards the litter and the funnel portion of the partition can follow (e.g., approach / contact behind) the litter. The lead section of the sieving portion can lead, followed by the sieve section and then the guide section.

[0045] During the start of a cleaning cycle, the chamber can rotate counterclockwise, in a first direction, from a home position to a discharge position, or any combination thereof. During that rotation, the waste opening and the partition can move close to the waste receptacle. The litter can contact the partition by gravity. The litter can first contact the leading edge and then the lead section. The lead section can be initially located between the litter and the inner wall of the chamber when it contacts the litter. As the sieving section moves toward and into the litter, the litter can contact the sieving section. The sieving section can sieve the litter and separate the waste and other large particles from the unused litter. The clean unused litter can pass through a plurality of sieve openings in the sieving section toward the inner wall of the chamber. The clean unused litter can be temporarily stored in a temporary storage area formed between the sieving section (such as the guide section) and the inner wall of the chamber. The waste and other large particles remain on the side of the sieving section facing the interior of the chamber. As the chamber continues to rotate in the first direction, the waste transfers (e.g., slides) by gravity from the sieving section over the hinge to the guide section and then to the funnel section. When the waste opening and the funnel opening are aligned with the waste bin in the discharge position, the waste can be directed from seated on the funnel surface toward the funnel opening, then through the waste opening, and then into the waste bin. Separating the waste from unused litter during a cleaning cycle can allow the waste to be directed toward the funnel opening, the waste opening, or both for disposal in a waste drawer, and can allow the unused litter to be reused.

[0046] After the cleaning cycle reaches the discharge position, the chamber can rotate in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, clockwise, from the discharge position toward the home position, from the discharge position to the horizontal position, or any combination thereof. As the chamber can rotate in the second direction, the litter (e.g., unused clean litter) can move back toward the sieving portion of the partition. As the chamber rotates in the second direction, the litter (e.g., unused clean litter) can move under the sieving portion, between the sieving portion and the inner wall of the chamber, through the multiple sieving openings of the sieving portion, or any combination thereof. All or most of the litter (e.g., unused clean litter) can move under the sieving portion in the gap between the leading edge of the chamber and the inner wall. As the chamber rotates in the second direction, the litter can return to and seat in the lower portion of the chamber (e.g., the lower chamber, the liner, or both).

[0047] During a cleaning cycle, the chamber can rotate in a second direction toward a horizontal position, past the home position toward a horizontal position, or both. The horizontal position can allow the litter to level itself with the lower chamber, the liner, or both. The horizontal position can allow the litter to overcome surface friction with the liner, the inner wall of the chamber, or both. The horizontal position can allow the litter to return to the angle of repose.

[0048] Then, during a cleaning cycle, the chamber can rotate in the first direction from the horizontal position back to the home position. Returning to the home position can allow the animal to use the litter device again.

[0049] During a cleaning cycle, the drive mechanism can drive the chamber during the cleaning cycle at a steady speed, an increasing speed, a decreasing speed, or any combination thereof. The chamber can be configured to decrease its rotational speed when used litter or clean litter is passing through the screening section, such as to reduce airborne dust and debris. The chamber can decrease its rotational speed by about 5% to about 50%. The chamber is rotated at a speed of about 0.25 RPM or more and about 2 RPM or less. EXAMPLES

[0050] Illustrative Examples FIG. 1 illustrates a septum 1. The septum 1 includes a funnel portion 10 and a sieving portion 12. The sieving portion 12 includes a leading edge 14. The leading edge 14 defines a periphery of a lead section 16 of the sieving portion 12. Adjacent to the lead section 16 is a sieving section 18. The sieving section 18 includes a plurality of sieve openings 34. Adjacent to the sieving section 18 is a guide section 20. The sieving portion 12 is attached to the funnel portion 10 via a hinge 22 (not shown). The funnel portion 10 includes a funnel opening 24. The funnel portion 10 tapers from an outer edge 26 toward the funnel opening 24. The funnel opening 24 passes through a funnel neck 28.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a bulkhead 1. The bulkhead 1 includes a funnel portion 10 adjacent to a sieving portion 12. The funnel portion 10 is connected to the sieving portion 12 via a hinge 22. The sieving portion includes a leading edge 14. The leading edge 14 defines a boundary of the sieving portion 12. The sieving portion 12 includes a plurality of spacers 36. The spacers 36 are formed as ribs projecting from the leading edge 14. The leading edge 14 defines a periphery of a lead section 16. A sieving section 18 is disposed between the lead section 16 and a guide section 20. A hinge 22 is adjacent to the sieving portion 12. The hinge 22 is adjacent to and integral with the guide section 20. 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 sieving portion 12. A slit 38 is also formed between the funnel portion 10 and the sieving portion 12. The slit 38 extends from an edge of the guide section 20 into the guide section 20. The slit 38 extends only partially into the guide section 20. The slit 38 is formed adjacent to the sieving section 18. The slit 38 is formed in a rear portion 40 of the partition 1. The partition 1 includes an opening cover 42. The opening cover 42 is disposed in the rear portion 40. The opening cover 42 is formed as part of the funnel portion 10. The funnel portion 10 has an outer edge 26. The outer edge 26 forms a rim of the funnel portion 10. The outer edge 26 is the outermost edge of the funnel surface 30. The funnel surface 30 tapers toward a funnel opening 24. The funnel opening 24 passes through a funnel neck 28. The funnel portion 10 includes a bevel 44. The ramp 44 is disposed adjacent the hinge 22. The ramp 44 extends forward from the rear portion 40 of the bulkhead 1.

[0052] 3 is a side view of septum 1. Septum 1 includes a screening portion 12 adjacent to a funnel portion 10. Funnel portion 10 includes a funnel neck 28. Funnel neck 28 defines a cavity therethrough. The cavity is a funnel opening 24 (not shown). Funnel portion 10 is attached to screening portion 12 via hinge 22. Screening portion 12 includes guide section 20, screen section 18, and lead section 16. Lead section 16 includes leading edge 14. Lead edge 14 has one or more spacers 36.

[0053] 4 and 5 show front views of the bulkhead 1. FIG. 4 shows the bulkhead 1 in a molded position PM. FIG. 5 shows the bulkhead 1 in a design or use position PD. The bulkhead 1 includes a hinge 22. The hinge 22 is formed as a living hinge 32. The sieving portion 12 can pivot at least partially about the hinge 22. The sieving portion 12 can pivot from the molded position PM to the design or use position PD. The sieving portion 12 can have a rotation angle θ. The rotation angle θ can measure the angular displacement that the sieving portion 12 can rotate about the hinge 22. The sieving portion 12 can also rotate partially about the hinge 22 during a cleaning cycle. During a cleaning cycle, the sieving portion 12 can rotate further beyond the design or use position PD. Adjacent to the hinge 22 is a ramp 44.

[0054] 6 shows a partition 1 in a litter device 100. The litter device 100 includes a chamber 102. The partition 1 is disposed within the chamber 102. The partition 1 includes a lead section 16 adjacent to a sieving section 18. The lead section 16 is the section of the sieving portion 12 that is closest to the litter bed 200 within the chamber 102.

[0055] FIG. 7 shows a litter device 100. The litter device 100 includes a chamber 102 rotatably supported by a base 104. A partition 1 is disposed within the chamber 102. The partition 1 can follow the curvature of the chamber 1 by a hinge 22. During a cleaning cycle of the litter device 100, the chamber 102 is configured to rotate in both a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. When rotated in the first direction D1, the partition 1 is configured to at least partially rotate into the litter bed 200 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 8). During the cleaning cycle, the sieving portion 12 rotates into and sieves the litter bed 200. In particular, the leading edge 14 first contacts the litter 200. The lead section 16 then contacts the litter 200. The litter 200 then contacts the sieving section 18. The sieving section 18 sieves the clean litter from the waste material. The clean litter passes through the sieving openings 34 of the sieving section 18. The clean litter is then segregated and disposed between the sieving section 12 and the inner wall of the chamber 102. In particular, the clean litter is segregated in a temporary storage area 106. The temporary storage area is formed between the sieving section 18, the guide section 20, and the inner wall of the chamber 102. While the clean litter is segregated, the waste material moves from the sieving section 18 to the guide section 20. As the chamber 102 continues to rotate, the guide section 20 helps guide the movement of the waste material towards and into the funnel portion 10. The waste material is transferred to the funnel surface 30 and fed towards the funnel opening 24. As the chamber 102 continues to rotate, the waste material exits the chamber 102 via the funnel opening 24. The chamber 102 rotates in the opposite second direction D2 back to the starting home position. As the chamber rotates in the opposite second direction D2, at least a majority of the unused clean litter passes through a gap formed between the leading edge 14 of the sieving portion 12 and the inner surface of the chamber 102. This gap may be maintained by one or more spacers 36 (not shown).

[0056] 8 shows a litter device 100. The litter device 100 has a chamber 102 and a base 104. Within the chamber 102 is a partition 1 and a litter bed 200. The partition 1 includes a sieving portion 12. The sieving portion 12 includes a lead section 16, a sieving section 18, and a guide section 20. The partition 1 includes a rear cover 42. The rear cover 42 hides the litter refill opening 46.

[0057] FIG. 9 illustrates septum 1. Septum 1 includes a funnel portion 10 and a sieving portion 12. Funnel portion 12 is defined by an outer edge 26. Funnel portion 12 includes a funnel opening 24. Funnel portion 12 includes a funnel neck 28. Sieving portion 12 includes a lead section 16, a sieve section 18, and a guide section 20. Lead section 16 is defined by a leading edge 14. Sieve section 18 is defined by a plurality of sieve openings 34.

[0058] Figures 10-15 show septum 1. Septum 1 includes a plurality of spacers 36. Spacers 36 are formed as part of sieving portion 12. Spacers 36 are formed on lead section 16. Spacers 36 are formed adjacent leading edge 14. Spacers 36 have a shape complementary to the interior contour of the chamber. Spacers 36 have a fin-like shape. Septum 1 includes slits 38. Slits 38 are also formed in sieving portion 12. Septum 1 includes a rear cover.

[0059] Unless otherwise specified, any numerical value set forth herein includes all values ​​from the lower value to the higher value in increments of one unit, provided that there is a spread of at least two units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if the amount of a component, property, or process variable value, such as temperature, pressure, time, etc., is set forth as, for example, 1 to 90, preferably 20 to 80, more preferably 30 to 70, then intermediate range values ​​(e.g., 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc.) are intended to be within the scope of the teachings herein. Similarly, individual intermediate values ​​are also intended to be within the scope of the teachings. For values ​​less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as appropriate. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the lowest and highest values ​​listed should be considered to be expressly set forth in this application as well.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, all ranges include the endpoints and all numerical values ​​between those endpoints. The use of "about" or "approximately" in connection with a range applies to both endpoints of that range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" encompasses "about 20 to about 30," inclusive of at least the endpoints specified.

[0061] The term "generally" or "substantially" describing an angular measurement may mean about ±10° or less, about ±5° or less, or even about ±1° or less. The term "generally" or "substantially" describing an angular measurement may mean about ±0.01° or more, about ±0.1° or more, or even about ±0.5° or more. The term "generally" or "substantially" describing a linear measurement, percentage, or ratio may mean about ±10% or less, about ±5% or less, or even about ±1% or less. The term "generally" or "substantially" describing a linear measurement, percentage, or ratio may mean about ±0.01% or more, about ±0.1% or more, or even about ±0.5% or more.

[0062] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and patent publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of" to describe a combination is intended to include the identified elements, components, ingredients, or steps, and such other elements, components, ingredients, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe a combination of elements, components, ingredients, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of or even consist of the elements, components, ingredients, or steps. A plurality of elements, components, ingredients, or steps may be provided by a single integrated element, component, ingredient, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, ingredient, or step may be separated into separate elements, components, ingredients, or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element, component, ingredient, or step does not exclude additional elements, components, ingredients, ingredients, or steps.

[0063] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and many applications other than the examples provided will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined without reference to the above description, but instead with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all papers and references, including patent applications and patent publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. If any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein is omitted in the following claims, this omission should not be deemed to be a waiver of such subject matter, nor should it be deemed that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed subject matter of the present invention.

Claims

1. a partition for sieving and channeling waste material from litter, a) a funnel portion having a tapered shape and a funnel opening, the tapered shape configured to guide or funnel the waste material toward the funnel opening; b) a screening section connected to the funnel section; The screening section comprises: i) a lead section configured to initially contact the litter and the waste material, the lead section comprising about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion and having a substantially dense surface; ii) a sieve section having a plurality of sieve openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter, the sieve openings comprising about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion; iii) a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the funnel portion; iv) one or more spacers included in the lead section, the one or more spacers being formed at or adjacent a leading edge of the lead section and configured to protrude from an outwardly facing surface of the lead section toward an inner wall of a chamber of a litter device when the septum is attached to the litter device; Including, bulkhead.

2. 10. The septum of claim 1, wherein the sieve section is about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion.

3. 3. The septum of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of sieve openings have a cross-sectional shape shaped substantially like a diamond, circle, hexagon, square, rectangle, oval, ellipse, triangle, etc., or any combination thereof.

4. each of the plurality of sieve openings is tapered or chamfered from both outer surfaces so that one outer surface has a larger cross-sectional area than the opposing outer surface; the plurality of sieve openings are configured to allow litter to pass therethrough while preventing the waste material from passing therethrough. The partition wall according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the reed section is adjacent to the sieve section; the lead section is about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion; The partition wall according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The septum of claim 1 or 2, wherein the leading edge defines an outer periphery of at least the lead section.

7. The bulkhead of claim 1 , wherein the guide section is a substantially solid surface.

8. 3. A bulkhead according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the screening portion is attached to or integral with the funnel portion.

9. the screening portion is attached to or integral with (e.g., one piece with) the funnel portion via one or more hinges; the one or more hinges are one or more living hinges; The partition wall according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the septum includes a slit configured to provide additional flexibility; the slit is part of the guide section; the slit extends partially forward from the rear portion of the guide section; The partition wall according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the one or more spacers are formed as one or more ribs, posts, tabs, fins, corrugations, etc., or any combination thereof; the one or more spacers project from an outwardly facing surface of the lead section in substantially the same direction as a funnel neck of a funnel of the funnel portion in a molded position of the septum, in an in-use position, or both; the one or more spacers project away from the litter bed when the partition is attached to the litter device; The partition wall according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the partition wall includes a sloped surface between the funnel opening and the guide section; the ramp is configured to change the velocity of the waste material as it transitions from the screening section to the funnel section; the ramp is formed as part of the funnel portion, has a convex profile, and is disposed between the bulkhead hinge and the funnel opening; The partition wall according to claim 1 or 2.

13. a) a chamber configured to hold litter and allow an animal to enter therein to excrete waste; b) a base supporting the chamber; c) a partition for sieving and channeling waste material from said litter; The partition wall comprises: i) a funnel portion having a tapered shape and a funnel opening, the tapered shape configured to guide or funnel the waste material toward the funnel opening; ii) a sieving portion connected to the funnel portion, the sieving portion comprising: a reed section configured to initially contact the litter and the waste material, the reed section comprising about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of ​​the screening portion and having a substantially dense surface; a sieving section having a plurality of openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter, the openings comprising about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of ​​the sieving portion; a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the funnel portion; - one or more spacers included in said lead section, said one or more spacers being formed at or adjacent to a leading edge of said lead section and projecting from an outwardly facing surface of said lead section towards an inner wall of said chamber; Including, litter device.

14. A litter device as described in claim 13, wherein the partition is attached inside the chamber of the litter device.

15. The screening portion of the bulkhead is attached to or integral with (e.g., one piece of) a funnel portion via one or more hinges; the bulkhead is angled relative to the funnel portion at the one or more hinges; the septum has a similar overall contour to the interior of the chamber; 15. The litter device of claim 14.

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