Cat litter scoop

Abstract

To provide a cat litter scoop that can be stably gripped to the side wall of a cat litter tray and improves storage stability and cleaning convenience. [Solution] The cat litter scoop comprises a cat litter scoop body (1), a movable member (2), a gripping member (3), and a limiting plate (4). The cat litter scoop body (1) includes a frame (11) and a horizontal bar (12), with an opening on one side of the frame (11). The movable member (2) includes a movable plate (21) and a vertical bar (22), with the movable plate (21) elastically connected to the side wall of the frame (11). The gripping member (3) includes a handle (31) and a gripping peg (32), with torsion springs attached to the pivot points of both. The limiting plate (4) is attached to the lower wall of the gripping peg (32). In this device, the gripping member securely grips the side wall of the cat litter tray, and the vertical bar of the movable member moves back and forth to scrape and clean any dirt in the gaps, improving storage stability and ease of cleaning.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the pet care technology field, and more particularly to a cat litter scoop. [Background technology]

[0002] In the pet care industry, a cat litter scoop is an essential tool for cleaning cat litter trays, and its main function is to separate and scoop up solidified feces and urine clumps in the cat litter from clean cat litter, thereby maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the cat litter tray.

[0003] Existing cat litter scoops typically have a structure that includes a scoop head and a handle. The scoop head often has a mesh design, allowing the cat litter to be separated and circulated through the gaps in the mesh. The handle typically has a hook at the end, which can be used to hang the scoop on the side wall of the litter tray or on a surrounding stand.

[0004] However, existing cat litter scoops have many drawbacks in actual use. Most existing cat litter scoops have a simple hook structure integrally molded with the handle, and the connection between this structure and the side wall of the cat litter tray or stand is a simple mounting method. Light contact or a pet's scratch can easily cause the cat litter scoop to fall off onto the ground or into the litter tray. This not only contaminates the cat litter scoop, but also causes cat litter to scatter, compromising the cleanliness of the cat litter environment.

[0005] The mesh size of existing cat litter scoops is fixed, and when cleaning cat litter clumps of different materials and different degrees of solidification, some feces residue and small clumps easily get trapped in the mesh gaps. This trapped dirt is difficult to remove with normal wiping or washing with water, and if it accumulates for a long time, bacteria will grow and unpleasant odors will be generated, which will not only affect the service life of the cat litter scoop but also have a negative impact on the health of pets and the hygiene of their living environment.

[0006] Therefore, developing a cat litter scoop that is stable to store and easy to clean is of great significance in improving the convenience of pet keeping and the level of environmental hygiene. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a cat litter scoop to solve the problems of unstable storage, easy falling off, and difficulty in cleaning due to dirt getting caught in the mesh gaps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The cat litter scoop of the present invention has the following configuration. The cat litter scoop body (1) includes a frame body (11) and a crosspiece (12) fixedly installed in the frame body (11), and one side of the frame body (11) is provided as an opening. The movable member (2) includes a movable plate (21) movably mounted within the frame body (11) and a vertical bar (22) fixed to the movable plate (21) and installed across the horizontal bar (12), the movable plate (21) being elastically connected to the side wall of the frame body (11), and the elastic direction is along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal bar (12). The gripping member (3) includes a handle (31) fixed to the side wall of the frame (11) and a gripping handle (32) rotatably attached to the handle (31), with torsion springs provided at the points where the handles rotate. A limit plate (4) is provided on the lower wall of the grip handle (32) and in a position close to the moving plate (21). Here, on the path where the limit plate (4) approaches the movable plate (21), the upper wall of the movable plate (21) is provided as a smooth transition structure, and when the grip handle (32) rotates and returns, the vertical bar (22) has a path that moves back and forth along the length of the horizontal bar (12).

[0009] Preferably, the movable plate (21) and the side wall of the frame body (11) are elastically connected via at least one tension spring, and the axial direction of the tension spring is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cross bar (12).

[0010] Preferably, both side edges of the moving plate (21) are slidably installed along the frame body (11), and the vertical bars (22) are slidably fitted with the horizontal bars (12).

[0011] Preferably, the upper wall of the moving plate (21) is provided with a guide slope or arcuate surface on the moving path where the limit plate (4) approaches, thereby forming the smooth transition structure.

[0012] Preferably, the limit plate (4) is covered with rubber, and the handle (31) and the grip handle (32) cooperate to grip and fix the entire device to the side wall of the cat litter tray. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This invention provides the following beneficial effects. The cat litter scoop of this invention has a gripping member consisting of a handle and a gripping handle equipped with a torsion spring, which, in cooperation with a limiting plate, securely grips the side wall of the cat litter tray. The moving plate of the moving member is elastically connected to the side wall of the frame, and the rotation and return of the gripping handle allows the vertical bars to move back and forth along the length of the horizontal bars. After scooping up the feces, when preparing to perform the gripping operation, the moving vertical bars can scrape and clean any fecal residue or small clumps that have become lodged in the gaps, eliminating the need for regular wiping or rinsing, preventing bacterial growth and unpleasant odors and ensuring the health of pets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cat litter scoop of the present invention from a first perspective. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cat litter scoop of the present invention from a second perspective. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cat litter scoop of the present invention from a third perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are not all embodiments, but only some embodiments of the present invention. Needless to say, any other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain based on the embodiments of the present invention without any creative ingenuity will fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention. [Example]

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The cat litter scoop of this invention comprises a cat litter scoop body (1), a moving member (2), a gripping member (3), and a limiting plate (4), which work together to achieve the functions of sorting and cleaning cat litter, stable storage, and easy cleaning. The cat litter scoop body (1) serves as the support base for the entire device and includes a frame (11) and cross bars (12). The frame (11) is manufactured by integral injection molding of a high-strength plastic material (e.g., PP engineering plastic) and has good rigidity and wear resistance. The entire structure has a rectangular frame structure, with one side open. The opening is used to scoop and discharge clumps of cat litter, and the edges of the opening are rounded to prevent injury to hands and pets during use.

[0017] To meet the sliding requirements of the movable plate (21), which will be described later, guide grooves are molded into the inner wall of the frame (11) at positions corresponding to both side edges of the movable plate (21). The guide grooves extend along the length of the cross bars (12) and have a "T"-shaped cross section. The width of the groove and the thickness of the movable plate (21) are loosely fitted to ensure smooth sliding of the movable plate (21) and prevent misalignment during sliding. At the same time, stopper protrusions are provided on both ends of the guide groove to limit the maximum stroke of the movable plate (21) and prevent excessive stretching and damage to the tension spring due to excessive sliding of the movable plate (21) or collision interference between the vertical bars (22) and the frame (11).

[0018] The cross bars (12) are made of multiple cylindrical rods and are made of stainless steel, which is rust-resistant and wear-resistant. The cross bars (12) are fixedly installed within the frame body (11), specifically, they are integrally molded with the frame body (11) using an injection molding insert method, ensuring a strong connection and uniform load-bearing. The cross bars (12) are evenly spaced along the frame body (11), and the outer diameter of the cross bars (12) is precisely designed to ensure their own structural strength and to ensure a reasonable space for sliding engagement with the vertical bars (22).

[0019] The moving member (2) includes a moving plate (21), a vertical bar (22), and at least one tension spring. The moving plate (21) is a rectangular plate-shaped structure that conforms to the inner contour of the frame (11) and is made of the same high-strength plastic material as the frame (11). Its two edges fit into the guide grooves of the frame (11), allowing it to slide along the frame (11) and strictly along the length of the horizontal bar (12). The two edges of the moving plate (21) are polished to reduce sliding friction between the guide grooves and prevent galling. At the same time, a mounting hole is drilled on the moving plate (21) at the mounting position of the vertical bar (22). The inner diameter of the mounting hole and the outer diameter of the vertical bar (22) are tightly fitted, ensuring a solid connection between the vertical bar (22) and the moving plate (21) and eliminating relative displacement during synchronous movement.

[0020] A guide slope or arc surface is provided on the upper wall of the movable plate (21) along the path of movement of the limit plate (4) that it approaches, forming a smooth transition structure. In this embodiment, a guide slope design is used as a priority. The guide slope is provided on one side of the upper wall of the movable plate (21) that is close to the initial position of the limit plate (4). The guide slope precisely matches the rotation path of the limit plate (4) to prevent step-like galling when the limit plate (4) slides off the arc surface. Both the guide slope and the arc surface area on the upper wall of the movable plate (21) are polished to improve wear resistance and prevent contamination of the cat litter by friction powder.

[0021] The vertical bars (22) are also cylindrical stainless steel rods, installed perpendicular to the horizontal bars (12). Their spacing matches the spacing of the horizontal bars (12), forming regular rectangular sieve holes after they intersect. The vertical bars (22) slidably fit with the horizontal bars (12). Specifically, the vertical bars (22) slide over the horizontal bars (12), always intersecting perpendicularly during movement to ensure no galling. The moving plate (21) and the side walls of the frame (11) are elastically connected by two symmetrically installed tension springs. The tension springs are located on one side of the moving plate (21) away from the opening of the frame (11). The axial direction of the tension springs is parallel to the length of the horizontal bars (12), ensuring that the elastic force acts accurately in the sliding direction. One end of the tension spring is fixed to the side wall of the movable plate (21) via a hook, and the other end is fixed to the corresponding inner wall of the frame body (11). When the movable plate (21) is limited in position by the stopper, the tension spring is compressed and generates a restoring elastic force, which drives the movable plate (21) and the vertical bar (22) to move in the opening direction of the frame body (11) after the external force is removed.

[0022] The gripping member (3) includes a handle (31) and a gripping handle (32), both of which are manufactured by integral injection molding of high-strength plastic material, providing a comfortable grip and structural strength. The handle (31) is fixed to the side wall of the frame (11) away from the opening and is secured with a detachable bolt connection. Its surface features diamond-shaped anti-slip grooves, an ergonomic design that makes it easy to grip and less likely to slip. The handle (32) is rotatably attached to the handle (31) via a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is made of stainless steel, and both ends are connected to the handle (31) and the gripping handle (32) via small deep-groove ball bearings to reduce rotational resistance. A torsion spring is fitted around the rotating shaft, with one end of the torsion spring engaging a pre-drilled groove in the handle (31) and the other end engaging a corresponding groove in the handle (32). When the torsion spring is in its natural state, the free end of the grip handle (32) and the free end of the handle (31) are in a gripping state, and together they form a gripping structure, which is used exclusively to grip and fix the entire device to the side wall of the cat litter tray, ensuring stable storage.

[0023] The limit plate (4) is made of hard plastic, and its edge adjacent to the moving plate (21) is rounded to fit the guide slope of the moving plate (21). Importantly, the limit plate (4) is rubber-coated. Specifically, the surface and edge of the limit plate (4) that come into contact with the moving plate (21) are covered with a food-grade rubber sleeve, which is either tightly fitted to the limit plate (4) or glued to ensure close contact and no loosening. The rubber-coated design further reduces the sliding friction between the limit plate (4) and the moving plate (21) on one side, preventing damage to the wear-resistant coating on the surface of the moving plate (21), while also providing friction when the grip handle (32) grips it, improving grip stability.

[0024] The limit plate (4) is fixed via bolts to the lower wall of the grip handle (32) and in close proximity to the movable plate (21). Precise calibration is required during installation to ensure that its rotation path is in perfect contact with the guide slope and arc surface on the upper wall of the movable plate (21). That is, when the grip handle (32) rotates, the end of the rubber-coated limit plate (4) accurately contacts the beginning of the guide slope and slides smoothly along the slope and arc surface without deviation or deviation from the path. The length of the limit plate (4) matches the width of the movable plate (21), ensuring that the force acting on the movable plate (21) is uniform.

[0025] (Operating principle) The assembly sequence for this cat litter scoop strictly follows the principle of "pre-assembly of components first, assembly of the entire unit, and calibration testing last" to ensure the precision of the interlocking components. The cat litter scoop body is assembled first. The cross bars (12) are integrally molded with the frame (11) using the injection molding insert method, ensuring robust fixation of the cross bars (12) and precise positioning of the sliding holes. The dimensional accuracy and surface smoothness of the guide grooves in the frame (11) are inspected, burrs and protrusions are removed, and the inner walls of the grooves are ensured to be flat. Next, the moving part (2) is pre-assembled. The upper wall of the moving plate (21) is first machined, with the guide inclined and arcuate surfaces precisely milled and polished. After the coating has hardened, the surface flatness and smoothness are inspected. The ends of the vertical bars (22) are inserted into the mounting holes of the moving plate (21) using a press-fit method to achieve a tight fit. Insert both side edges of the moving plate (21) into the guide grooves of the frame body (11) to test the smoothness of sliding, and if there is any galling, perform polishing adjustment. Install two tension springs symmetrically between the moving plate (21) and the side walls of the frame body (11), ensuring that both ends are fixed and sturdy, and that the tension springs are in a natural extended state after installation.

[0026] Next, the gripping member (3) and limit plate (4) are pre-assembled. First, the gripping member (3) is assembled, and the torsion spring is fitted onto the pivot shaft. Next, the pivot shaft is inserted into the corresponding shaft holes in the handle (31) and gripping handle (32). After inserting a small deep-groove ball bearing, a retaining ring is used to secure both ends of the pivot shaft to prevent axial wobble. The gripping handle (32)'s rotational activity and the torsion spring's return smoothness are tested to ensure there is no galling. Rubber anti-slip pads are fixed to the opposing gripping surfaces of the handle (31) and gripping handle (32) using an integrated vulcanization process. The adhesion of the anti-slip pads is inspected to ensure there are no air bubbles or looseness. Next, the limit plate is processed and assembled. Food-grade rubber sleeves are coated on the contact surfaces and edges of the limit plate (4) and fixed with adhesive. The adhesion of the rubber coating is inspected to prevent wrinkles and detachment. The rubber-coated limit plate (4) is fixed to the bottom wall of the handle (32) with bolts, and the installation position and angle are calibrated using a percentile table to ensure that its rotation path precisely fits with the guide slope and arc surface of the moving plate (21). The handle (32) is rotated repeatedly to test the sliding fit between the limit plate (4) and the moving plate (21). If any galling or misalignment is found, the position of the limit plate (4) is adjusted promptly. The entire assembly is then completed, and the assembled handle (31) is fixed to one side wall away from the opening of the frame (11) with bolts to ensure a solid and tight connection.

[0027] Finally, a calibration test is carried out to thoroughly inspect the cooperation of each part, focusing on the smooth sliding of the moving plate (21), the absence of galling when the vertical bars (22) and horizontal bars (12) slide together, the rotational activity of the grip handle (32) and the reliable return of the torsion spring, the smooth sliding of the limit plate (4) along the smooth transitional structure of the moving plate (21) and simultaneously driving the moving plate (21) to move, and the gripping force of the handle (31) and grip handle (32).

[0028] The operating process of this cat litter scoop is divided into two core steps: "cleaning" and "storing and fixing," and each part works in conjunction with the other parts in each step. In the cat litter cleaning step, the user grasps the handle (31), points the opening of the frame (11) toward the cat litter in the litter tray, and scoops up the cat litter containing feces or urine clumps. At this time, the moving plate (21) is limited by the limit plate (4), the tension spring is in its compressed position, and sieve holes are formed by the vertical bars (22) and horizontal bars (12). Clean cat litter passes through the sieve holes and quickly flows back into the cat litter tray, achieving initial sorting.

[0029] After scooping, the cat litter scoop must be secured, which can cause feces to become stuck in the sieve holes. The user presses one end of the handle (32), causing the handle (32) to rotate around the pivot point. The rubber-coated limiting plate (4) rotates away from the moving plate (21), its rounded end clearing the guide slope on the upper wall of the moving plate (21). The elastic force of the tension spring drives the moving plate (21) to move along the vertical bars (22), which crush any feces stuck in the sieve holes. If the crushing effect is poor, the tension spring can be replaced with a more elastic one, and the vertical bars (22) can be made thinner to improve the cutting effect. After sorting is complete, the handle (31) and the handle (32) work together to secure the entire device to the side wall of the cat litter tray.

[0030] For storage, after cleaning is complete, the user positions the handle (31) and grip handle (32) against the side wall of the litter tray, gently presses the handle (32) to widen the opening, and then releases the pressure after it is inserted into the side wall of the litter tray. The torsion spring returns, allowing the handle (32) and handle (31) to grip together. The rubber coating on the limiting plate (4) increases friction, preventing damage to the side wall of the litter tray and ensuring stable grip and storage for the entire device. The grip-mounting method, instead of the traditional hook-mounted design, effectively prevents the scoop from falling off even when lightly touched or scratched by pets, preventing contamination of the litter scoop and scattering of litter. When ready to use again, simply press the handle (32) to remove it, making operation simple and efficient.

[0031] When it is necessary to scoop up the droppings, the handle (32) is pressed to remove the device, and when the handle (32) is released, it rotates. At this time, the limit plate (4) rotates in the direction approaching the movable plate (21), and because a guide slope or arc surface is provided on the upper wall of the movable plate (21) on the path of movement of the limit plate (4) that it approaches, as the limit plate (4) moves it comes into contact with and presses the movable plate (21), driving it to move away from the opening of the frame body (11), compressing the tension spring, and after sieve holes are formed by the vertical bars (22) and horizontal bars (12), the droppings in the subsequent cat litter tray are cleaned up.

[0032] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the content described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations to the above embodiments without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, and all such modifications and alterations shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1: Cat litter scoop body; 11: Frame body; 12: Horizontal bar; 2: Moving member; 21: Moving plate; 22: Vertical bar; 3: Gripping member; 31: Handle; 32: Gripping handle; 4: Limit plate

Claims

1. A cat litter scoop body (1) including a frame body (11) and a horizontal bar (12) fixedly installed within the frame body (11), with one side of the frame body (11) provided as an opening; a moving member (2) including a moving plate (21) movably provided within the frame body (11) and a vertical bar (22) fixed to the moving plate (21) and installed across the horizontal bar (12), the moving plate (21) being elastically connected to the side wall of the frame body (11), with the elastic direction being along the length direction of the horizontal bar (12); a gripping member (3) including a handle (31) fixed to a side wall of the frame (11) and a gripping handle (32) rotatably attached to the handle (31), with torsion springs provided at the rotation points of both; a limit plate (4) provided on the lower wall of the grip handle (32) and in a position close to the moving plate (21); On the path where the limit plate (4) approaches the moving plate (21), the upper wall of the moving plate (21) is provided as a smooth transition structure, and when the grip handle (32) rotates and returns, the vertical bar (22) has a path along which it reciprocates along the length direction of the horizontal bar (12). A cat litter scoop with distinctive features.

2. The moving plate (21) and the side wall of the frame (11) are elastically connected via at least one tension spring, and the axial direction of the tension spring is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the horizontal bar (12).

2. The cat litter scoop according to claim 1 .

3. Both side edges of the moving plate (21) are slidably installed along the frame body (11), and the vertical bars (22) are slidably fitted with the horizontal bars (12).

2. The cat litter scoop according to claim 1 .

4. The upper wall of the moving plate (21) is provided with a guide slope or arcuate surface on the moving path where the limit plate (4) approaches, forming the smooth transition structure.

2. The cat litter scoop according to claim 1 .

5. The limit plate (4) is covered with rubber, and the handle (31) and the grip handle (32) cooperate to grip and fix the entire device to the side wall of the cat litter tray.

2. The cat litter scoop according to claim 1 .

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