Waste distribution system and method in litter device

Abstract

A waste receptacle having: a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior; and b) a distribution member configured to receive a waste thereon and bias waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member. The waste receptacle may be beneficial in more uniformly distributing waste therein, thus providing for increased waste storage therein without necessarily increasing the capacity, and thus increasing the duration of time before the waste receptacle is emptied.

Description

Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOWASTE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD IN LITTER DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 779,850 as filed on March 28, 2025 and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] The present teachings relate to a waste distribution system and method useful for integrating into automated litter devices. The waste distribution system may be useful for integrating into a waste receptacle of a litter device. The waste distribution system may allow for the waste to be more uniformly distributed within the waste drawer or compartment, thus increasing utilization of the capacity of the waste drawer.BACKGROUND

[0003] Automated litter devices may provide a means for pet owners to effectively manage waste eliminated by their pets. These automated litter devices may be advantageous in automatically removing waste contents from litter; automatically collecting waste for subsequent disposal; storing waste contents separate from a litter chamber such that they are not exposed to the ambient environment, thereby preventing and / or reducing smell from the waste. Examples of some automated litter boxes which may be particularly beneficial may be found in US Patent Nos. 6,463,881; 8,757,094; and 9.433,185; US Publication No: 2019 / 0364840; and PCT Publication Nos. WO 2020 / 219849A1 and WO 2023 / 212686; which are incorporated by reference in their entirety and can be modified to include any of the features described herein.

[0004] A challenge presented by automated litter boxes is that the waste, once emptied into a waste drawer or similar, may tend to accumulate in a non-uniform fashion. The waste may accumulate such that there is a peak area (e.g.. tallest height) closest to where the waste enters the waste drawer and then tapers to the sides of the drawer. As waste, once clumped with litter, has a high friction coefficient, the waste may tend to remain where it lands and not level out with gravity' alone. This accumulation can sometimes appear as a bell curve, centered, or skewed to a side of the waste drawer. Once waste reaches a certain height, the waste may be detected by one or more waste drawer sensors and trigger an automated litter device to believe the waste drawer is full and prevent future cleaning cycles. Further, by the waste accumulating with a high peak and low valleys, the capacity' of the waste drawer is not fully utilized.

[0005] Thus, what is needed is a system and method for better utilizing the full capacity of a waste drawer for waste. What is needed is a system and method for more uniformly distributing waste in a waste drawer in an automated litter device.SUMMARY

[0006] The present teachings may relate to a waste receptacle having: a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior; and b) a distribution member configured to receive a waste thereon and bias waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WO

[0007] The present teachings relate to a waste receptacle having: a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein; b) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of tire distribution member, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed to the receptacle body, a bottom insert located within the receptacle body, or both; and c) one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member, wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste onto the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members include one or more springs.

[0008] The present teachings may relate to a waste receptacle having: a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein; b) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed via a hinge to the receptacle body, a bottom insert located within the receptacle body, or both; and c) one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member, wherein tire one or more biasing members are located between a bottom wall of the receptacle body and the distribution member, wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste onto the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members include one or more springs; and wherein the distribution member is configured to rotate toward the bottom wall of the receptacle body once the load force of the waste begins overcoming the biasing force of the one or more biasing members.

[0009] The present teachings may relate to a litter device including the waste receptacle of the teachings herein. The litter device may include a base and a chamber rotatably supported on the base and configured to store litter therein.

[0010] The present teachings may relate to a method for distributing waste within a waste receptacle.

[0011] The present teachings provide for a distribution member which may bias waste toward one side of the waste receptacle and then toward the other side of the waste receptacle. By biasing the waste in both directions, the waste may be more uniformly distributed and more effectively utilize the capacity of the waste receptacle. By more effectively using the space within a waste receptacle, the litter device may last longer before a user has to empty the waste receptacle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a litter device with a waste receptacle.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a waste receptacle.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a waste receptacle.

[0015] FIG. 4A is a cross-section view of a waste receptacle.

[0016] FIG. 4B is a cross-section view of a waste receptacle.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a waste receptacle.

[0018] FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate a method of distributing waste in the waste receptacle.

[0019] FIG. 7A illustrates waste distribution without a distribution member in the waste receptacle.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WO

[0020] FIG. 7B illustrates waste distribution with a distribution member in the waste receptacle.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of a litter device in dumping position.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a litter device with a bonnet removed.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a close-up view of the waste receptacle of the litter device of FIG. 8 as the chamber approaches a dumping position in a first direction of rotation.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a close-up view of the waste receptacle of the litter device of FIG. 8 as the chamber rotates away from the dumping position in a second direction of rotation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the present teachings, its principles, and its practical application. The specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the present teachings. The scope of the present teachings should be detennined 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 are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

[0026] The present teachings relate to a litter device. A litter device may be an automated litter device. The litter device may function to retain litter, separate used litter from unused (e.g., clean) litter, collect animal waste, remove animal waste, divide animal waste from litter, temporarily store animal waste, the like, or any combination thereof. The litter device may have the ability to replace used litter with unused litter. The litter device may include a housing, chamber assembly, waste receptacle, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0027] The litter device may be beneficial for use by one or more domesticated animals. One or more domesticated animals may include one or more cats, rabbits, ferrets, pigs, dogs, ducks, goats, foxes, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and dogs may be common household pets which are easily trainable to use a litter device to eliminate waste therein.

[0028] The litter device may be compatible with one or more types of litter. One or more types of litter may include clumping clay, non-clumping clay, silica gel crystals, recycled paper, pine, com wheat, walnut shells, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The litter device may eliminate waste during one or more cleaning cycles. A cleaning cycle may function to transfer waste from a chamber to a waste receptacle, base, or both. The cleaning cycle may function to rotate the chamber about a rotational axis. During a cleaning cycle, the chamber may rotate clockwise, counterclockwise, or both. A direction of rotation may be dependent on orientation of a septum.

[0030] An automated litter device may be any type of litter device which automates cleaning of the device after elimination of waste by an animal. A litter device may include the kind in which a chamber rotates to cause rotation of a sifting portion therein, which then segregates waste from litter. A litter device may be the kind in which a sifting portion rotates within a chamber to pass through the litter and segregate waste from the litter. A litter device may be the kind in which an automated sifting scoop passes through litter retained within a fairly rectangular litter box to sift and segregate waste from litter.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WO

[0031] The litter device may include one or more components and / or functionality, such as a chamber, bezel, cleaning cycle of the chamber, rotational capability, axis of rotation (e.g., tilted rotational axis) base (e.g., support base), bomret, waste drawer, litter dispenser, and other components of the litter device may be configured such as those disclosed in US Patent Nos. 8,757,094; and 9,433,185; US Publication No: 2019 / 0364840; PCT Publication No. WO 2020 / 219849A1; and / or PCT Application No. PCT / US2026 / 016647, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0032] The litter device may include a housing. The housing may function to support, enclose, protect, and / or aesthetically conceal one or more components of the litter device. The housing may house and / or support one or more chambers, drive mechanisms, waste receptacles, electronics, sensing devices, filters, the like, or any combination thereof. The housing may at least partially enclose a chamber assembly. The housing may include a base, bonnet, the like, or a combination thereof. The housing may include or be affixed to a bezel assembly. The housing may include one or more openings, vents, filters, access panels, fasteners, and / or structural reinforcements. The housing may be configured to cooperate with the chamber assembly such that the chamber assembly is rotatable relative to at least a portion of the housing (e.g., base, bonnet) during cleaning cycle while the housing remains substantially static.

[0033] The housing may include a bonnet. The bonnet may function to cover a track, cover a waste opening, provide an aesthetically appealing exterior, protect against one or more pinch points or contact points with one or more moving components, prevent contaminants (e.g., liquid, dust, fur, etc.) from entering into the device (e.g., such as between the track and drive source), cooperate with a litter dispenser, or a combination thereof. The bonnet may partially or fully cover a track, waste opening, or both while the chamber is in home position (e.g., resting position), during a cleaning cycle, in an emptying position, or any combination thereof. The bonnet may be static, mobile, or both relative to the chamber when the chamber rotates. The bonnet may have any suitable shape and / or size for covering and / or concealing a track, waste opening, or both; being located over and / or about at least a portion of a chamber; or any combination thereof. The bonnet may have a shape substantially reciprocal w ith at least part of a contour of a chamber (e.g.. upper chamber, lower chamber). The bonnet may have a shape which is substantially partially spherical, such as hemispherical. The bonnet may be free of attachment to the chamber assembly. The bonnet may be affixed to a base, bezel assembly, or a combination thereof. The bonnet may be affixed to the base (e.g., base frame) via one or more interlocking tabs, mechanical fasteners, conductive fasteners, the like, or a combination thereof. The bonnet may be pivotably engaged with the base, base frame, or a combination thereof.

[0034] The litter device may include a base. The base may function to support a chamber, house a waste receptacle, house one or more electrical components, or any combination thereof. The base may have any size and shape so that the base may support the chamber, house a waste receptacle, and / or house one or more electrical components. The base may rotatably support the chamber. The base may allow the chamber to rotate during one or more cleaning cycles. The base may be configured to rest on a surface, a weight system, or both. A surface may be any suitable surface for having a litter device resting thereon. The surface may be a floor, table, platform, substantially planar surface, or any combination thereof. The base mayFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOinclude one or more base frames, waste receptacles, drawer cavities, cradles, steps, electrical components, ports, filters, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0035] The base may include a drawer cavity. The drawer cavity may function to house a waste receptacle. The drawer cavity may be formed as a hollow interior in the base. The hollow interior may be reciprocal to, larger than, or both a waste receptacle. The drawer cavity may be defined as the space above a bottom of the base, between the bottom of the base and the chamber, between the bottom of the base and a cradle, or a combination thereof. The drawer cavity may include a waste drawer track. A waste receptacle may reside within the drawer cavity. The base may include a drawer opening. The drawer opening may be formed as an opening in the base. The drawer opening may be located on a same or different side as an entry opening. The drawer opening may have a cross-sectional shape substantially reciprocal to the cross-sectional shape of a waste receptacle.

[0036] The litter device may include a chamber assembly. The chamber assembly may function to house clean litter; provide a space for an animal to enter and excrete waste; separate used litter from clean litter; facilitate transfer of waste out of the chamber assembly during a cleaning cycle; or a combination thereof. A chamber assembly may function to rotate during a cleaning cycle. A chamber assembly may be located within a housing. A chamber assembly may be rotatably supported by a base. A chamber assembly may be located under a bonnet. A chamber assembly may be partially concealed by a bonnet or free of concealment by a bonnet. A chamber assembly may be driven by a drive mechanism. A chamber assembly may include a chamber (e.g., upper chamber, lower chamber), liner, track, septum, chute, filtering system(s), the like, or a combination thereof.

[0037] The chamber assembly may include a chamber. A chamber may function to temporarily house litter (e.g., support a litter bed) for use, form a shell or housing of a chamber assembly, provide the main structural body of a chamber assembly, to support one or more other components of the chamber assembly, the like, or a combination thereof. The chamber may function as the portion of the chamber assembly into which an animal may enter and excrete waste. The chamber may have any size and / or shape which is able to retain sufficient litter for an animal to use during waste elimination, allow for an animal to comfortably use the litter box, facilitate collection and / or clumping of waste, the like, or a combination thereof. The chamber may have a three-dimensional shape which is substantially spherical, ovoidal, cylindrical, cuboidal, conical, pyramidical, the like, or any combination thereof. A shape which is substantially spherical, ovoidal, cylindrical, and / or the like may be beneficial in providing for rotation of the chamber during a cleaning cycle, promoting smooth movement of litter and waste, reducing areas where litter and / or waste may accumulate within an interior, avoiding litter and / or waste from collecting along one or more vertices, or a combination thereof. For example, the chamber may be shaped like a globe, sphere, football, egg, the like, or a combination thereof. A chamber may include an entry opening, waste opening, one or more other openings, the like, or any combination thereof. The chamber may be located under and / or partially enclosed by a bonnet. The chamber may be located between a base and bonnet. The chamber itself may be free of contact with the bonnet, the base frame, the bezel, or a combination thereof. The chamber may rest upon one or more bearings (e.g., roller bearings) or other rotation aids, to support rotational movement.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WO

[0038] The chamber may include an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may function as the relative axis about which the chamber assembly rotates during one or more cleaning cycles. The axis of rotation may be oriented such that the usable volume of a chamber is increased; the litter relative to the chamber assembly has a generally conical rotation; litter is funneled toward a rear of the chamber assembly (e.g., away from the front opening), toward and through a septum, or both; a larger entry opening may be used without litter spilling therefrom; a septum can be located further back in the chamber to create more internal space; or any combination thereof. The axis of rotation of the chamber may form an angle with a vertical plane, horizontal plane, or both. This angle may be referred to as a tilted axis. The axis of rotation may form an angle of about 88° or less, about 85° less, about 80“ or less, about 75“ or less, or even about 70° or less with a vertical plane. The axis of rotation may form an angle of about 40“ or greater, about 45“ or greater, about 50° or greater, about 55° or greater, about 60° or greater, or even about 65“ or greater with a vertical plane. The axis of rotation may extend from a rear toward a front of the chamber assembly. The axis of rotation may extend through an entry opening, a litter fill opening, a fill guide, a chute, the like, or a combination thereof. The axis of rotation may be substantially concentric or offset (e.g., off-center) with an entry opening, litter opening, fill guide, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0039] The chamber may include and / or define an entry opening. The entry opening allows for one or more animals to comfortably enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening may be any size and shape so that one or more animals may enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening may be any size and shape such that during entry, use, and / or exiting by an animal; during one or more cleaning cycles; or any combination thereof litter is substantially maintained within the chamber. The entry opening may have a profile shape and / or cross-section which is substantially circular, ovular, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus-shaped, the like, or any combination thereof. The profile shape may be defined as a shape looking at an opening plane straight on, perpendicular, or both. The entry opening may have a profile shape which is symmetrical, non-symmetrical. or both. An entry opening which is circular, ovular, or the like may offer a more comfortable and larger entry area, may avoid sharp vertices that may scratch an animal, may avoid sharp vertices which may catch litter upon exit of the animal from the chamber, or a combination thereof. The entry opening may be formed by cooperation of an upper chamber and lower chamber. The entry' opening may be formed by opposing rims of the upper chamber and lower chamber that together define an opening into the chamber. A rim of the upper chamber may abut to a rim of a lower chamber to form the entry opening. For example, two ends of an arcuate rim of the upper chamber may abut to tw o ends of an arcuate rim of the lower chamber to form die entry' opening.

[0040] The chamber includes one or more waste openings. The one or more waste openings may function to allow waste, used litter, or both to transfer from the chamber into the base, a waste receptacle, or both. The waste opening may be at any location in the chamber suitable so that the w aste, used litter, or both may¬ transfer from the chamber into a waste receptacle; the waste opening aligns with a waste receptacle during a cleaning cycle; the waste opening becomes off-set from a waste receptacle when not in an emptying position; or a combination thereof. The waste opening may be formed as an aperture in the upper chamber which is substantially opposite or slightly offset from generally opposite the waste receptacle while theFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOchamber is in a home position. The waste opening may have any shape suitable for allowing waste to quickly transfer from the chamber to the waste drawer during a cleaning cycle. The waste opening may have a cross-sectional and / or plan shape which is substantially circular, ovular, square, arcuate-square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus, the like, or any combination thereof. The waste opening may be located partially or completely on one side of a longitudinal plane of the litter device, chamber assembly, and / or chamber. A center of the waste opening may be offset from the longitudinal axis by an angle. A 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. A 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 a chamber is in a home position. The waste opening may be located on one or more sides of a track. The waste opening may be located between an entry' opening and a track.

[0041] The chamber assembly may include a rotation device. The rotation device may function to rotate the chamber about a rotational axis, rotate the chamber during a cleaning cycle, or both. The rotation device may be configured to cooperate with one or more drive sources to impart rotational motion onto the chamber. The rotation device may include a track, gear, high friction surface, raised area, toothed area, contact surface area, a belt, a cog, a sprocket, a toothed assembly, rollers, a wheel, the like, or a combination thereof. The rotation device may be affixed to, integral with, in rotational communication with, or a combination thereof the chamber. The rotation device may be located on an exterior, interior, or both of the chamber. For example, the chamber assembly may include a track about at least a portion of an exterior of the chamber.

[0042] The chamber assembly may include a septum. A septum may function to sort waste from litter, separate used litter from unused litter, guide waste outside of a chamber, cooperate with one or more other components of a litter device to provide for a temporary litter storage area, or any combination thereof. The septum may be for sifting and guiding waste material from a litter. The septum may aid in guiding waste toward a more centralized region of the waste receptacle to reduce biasing of waste as it builds up in the waste receptacle. The septum may have any size and / or shape suitable for being located within the chamber to sift through litter during a cleaning cycle. The septum may rotate with a chamber of a litter device during a cleaning cycle (e.g., remain static relative to the chamber), may rotate within a chamber during a cleaning cycle (e.g., move relative to the chamber), or both. The septum may be a single piece or a plurality of pieces. The septum may include one or more portions, openings, slits, spacers, hinges, guide surfaces, the like, or any combination thereof. The septum may be located within a chamber of a litter device, affixed to an interior of a chamber, integral with the chamber, or any combination thereof. The septum may be affixed to and / or fonned as part of an upper chamber. The septum may be affixed to the upper chamber via one or more attachment features. The septum may be located opposite a litter bed (e.g., home position), liner, and / or lower chamber when a chamber. The septum may be at least partially aligned with a waste opening, adjacent to a waste opening, partially through and / or overlapping a waste opening, or a combination thereof.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WO

[0043] The septum may include a sifting portion. The sifting portion may function to sift through a litter bed, separate waste from litter, provide a temporary storage area for clean and / or unused litter, or any combination thereof. The sifting portion may be statically or movably affixed to an interior of the litter device, may be static or moveable relative to a chute portion, or both. The sifting portion may be directly affixed to or free of direct attachment to the chamber. The sifting portion may be affixed to or integral with a ramp and / or a chute portion. The sifting portion may be affixed (e.g., directly or indirectly affixed) to the chamber via a chute portion, one or more attachment features part of the sifting portion, or both. The sifting portion may move (e.g., swing, pivot, and / or flex) and / or remain substantially static relative to a hinge, chute portion, chamber, or combination thereof during a cleaning cycle, rotation of the chamber, or both. For example, the sifting portion may be substantially rigid and substantially free of movement relative to the chamber (e.g., free of a hinge). The sifting portion may be relatively planar, non-planar, or both. The sifting portion may have a cross-sectional shape reciprocal with at least a portion of an interior of the chamber. The sifting portion may have a cross-sectional or plan shape which is generally D-shaped, C-shaped, square, rectangular, circular, the like, or any combination thereof. The sifting portion may have an overall length about equal to or smaller than an interior diameter and / or interior chord length of the chamber. The sifting portion may be spaced from, free of contact with, in contact with, or selectively in contact with an interior surface of the chamber. The sifting portion may include a leading edge, one or more spacers, a lead section, a sieve section, and / or a guide section.

[0044] The septum may include a chute portion. The chute portion may be configured to affix the septum to an interior of the litter device, guide waste through a waste opening, or both. The chute portion may be statically affixed to an interior of the chamber. The chute portion may be affixed to an upper chamber. The chute portion may rotate with and / or remain affixed to the chamber during rotation. The chute portion may include one or more ramped or tapered guide surfaces. For example, one or more ramped or tapered surfaces may include a chute formed with an open, partial funnel geometry. A chute of a chute portion may be an open-sided chute, a U-shaped trough, a V-shaped trough, a tapered guide channel, the like, or a combination thereof. Aramped or tapered surface (e.g., chute) may function to guide or fumrel the waste material toward the waste opening. The chute portion may be free of a funnel which fully surrounds the waste opening. The chute portion may be affixed to the chamber. The chute portion may be affixed to the chamber via a chute, one or more attachment features (e.g., one or more fasteners), or any combination thereof. The chute portion may remain substantially static relative to a chamber during rotation of the chamber, cleaning cycle, or both. The chute portion may be substantially non-planar, planar, or both. The chute portion may include a support surface, chute, or both. The support surface may be substantially planar, non-planar, at least partially surround a chute, or a combination thereof. The support surface may provide a transition surface between a ramp and a chute, a sifting portion and a chute, a hinge and a chute, or a combination thereof. The support surface may be curved toward rim such as to prevent overtravel of waste, redirect to the chute, or both. The chute portion may be non-planar due to being tapered. The chute portion may have a cross-sectional shape reciprocal with at least a portion of an interior of the chamber. The chute portion may have a cross-sectional or two-dimensional plane shape which is generally irregular. D-shaped, C-shaped, circular, square,Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOrectangular, the like, or any combination thereof. The chute portion may be affixed to tire sifting portion via a ramp, hinge, mechanical attachment, integrally formed therewith, or any combination thereof. The chute portion may have an outer edge about its periphery. The outer edge may include and / or be free of a rim.

[0045] The chamber may include one or more projections. One or more projections may function to apply one or more forces onto a distribution member, cooperate with biasing member, or both. One or more projections may function to apply a force onto a distribution member to further compress waste toward one side of a waste receptacle during rotation of a chamber. One or more projections may extend from the exterior of the chamber. One or more projections may extend from an upper chamber. One or more projections may be in proximity to a waste opening. One or more projections may be adjacent to a waste opening. One or more projections may be located next to one or more sides of a waste opening. One or more projections may be rigid, flexible, or both. One or more projections may be hinged. One or more projections may have a one-way hinge. A one-way hinge may allow for hinging away in a first direction while remaining rigid in a second direction of rotation (e.g., rotation of the chamber). One or more projections may extend into a waste receptacle when the chamber rotates into a dumping position. One or more projections may be configured to come into contact with a distribution member. One or more projections may apply a first force when rotated in a first direction, a second force when rotated in a second direction, or both. One or more projections may be configured to apply a force in a similar to same direction as a biasing member of a waste receptacle. One or more projections may be configured to apply a force when the chamber is rotating into a dumping position, back into a home position, or both. One or more projections may be configured to deflect and / or avoid applying a force greater than a biasing force of a distribution member when the chamber is rotating into a home position, a dumping position, or both.

[0046] The litter device may include one or more steps. The one or more steps may allow an animal to comfortably enter and exit the chamber via an opening. The one or more steps may have any size and shape that allows one or more animals to enter and exit the chamber via the opening. The one or more steps may be located on a same side of the device as an opening. The one or more steps may be part of the base, chamber, waste drawer, the like, or any combination thereof. The step may have any shape, size, and / or configuration to ease entry and exit of an animal into the chamber, provide a handle for opening a waste drawer, cleaning excess litter from paws of an animal, or any combination thereof. The one or more steps may have a cross-sectional and / or plane shape (top view, horizontal plane) which is substantially circular, ovular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, a step may have a cross-sectional shape which is generally trapezoidal with rounded vertices. One or more steps may extend outward, away, or both from a waste receptacle, front panel, receptacle body, base frame, or a combination thereof. One or more steps may be removable and / or affixed such that the one or more steps can be removed to dispose of litter and remnants collected in a hollow interior. The upper surface, interior, or both may include a cleaning device.

[0047] The present teachings may relate to a waste receptacle. The waste receptacle may function to collect waste, temporarily store waste, prevent malodors related to waste from exiting the litter device, or any combination thereof. The waste receptacle may have any shape and size that allows the waste receptacle toFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOcollect and temporarily store waste. The waste receptacle may be located within a base, within a drawer cavity, between a cradle and a bottom of a base, between a bottom of a base and the chamber, between a scale base and a chamber, or any combination thereof. The waste receptacle may be any size and / or shape such that it is able to temporarily collect and store waste. The waste receptacle, or portions thereof, may have a three-dimensional shape which is substantially spherical, ovoidal, cylindrical, cuboidal, conical, pyramidical, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, a waste receptacle may have an overall shape which is substantially cuboidal and hollow. The waste receptacle may include a receptacle body, front panel, step, handle, distribution member, bottom insert, biasing member(s), the like, or any combination thereof.

[0048] The waste receptacle may be configured as a waste drawer. The waste receptacle may slide within a plane. The waste receptacle may be removably located within the base. The waste receptacle may be at least partially located within a waste receptacle cavity. The plane may be parallel or offset relative to a horizontal plane. To function as a waste drawer, the waste receptacle may engage with one or more guide rails. A receptacle body may include one or more grooves, channels, or the like.

[0049] The waste receptacle may include a front panel. The front panel may form all or a portion of a forward-facing surface (e.g., same side as an entry opening) of the waste receptacle. Afront panel may align with an exterior of a base so as to conceal the drawer cavity. A front panel may form all or a portion of an exterior and / or forward-facing surface of a base. A front panel may have a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to a cross-sectional shape of a drawer opening in the base. A reciprocal shape may allow for the drawer cavity' to be completely sealed by the front panel when the waste drawer is located within the drawer cavity. The front panel may be affixed, integral with, or both to a receptacle body. The front panel may be forward-facing relative to the receptacle body.

[0050] The waste receptacle may include a receptacle body. A receptacle body may be configured to retain used litter, waste, a waste bag, or any combination thereof. The receptacle body may house one or more components for aiding the distribution of waste within the receptacle body. The receptacle body may have a three-dimensional shape which is substantially spherical, ovoidal, cylindrical, cuboidal, conical, pyramidical, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, a waste receptacle may have an overall shape which is substantially cuboidal and hollow. The waste receptacle may include one or more bottom walls and one or more side walls. A bottom wall may have one or more side walls projecting therefrom. One or more side walls may curve inward and / or outw ard. One or side walls may have one or more grooves, channels, or the like formed therein. One or more side walls may cooperate with a guide rail. One or more side walls may have a front panel formed therein, projecting therefrom, attached thereto, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more free and / or upper ends of the one or more side walls may define a rim of a receptacle body. The receptacle body may have a hollow interior. The hollow interior may be defined by the bottom wall and one or more side walls.

[0051] The receptacle body may have an interior volume. The volume of the receptacle body may form the waste capacity of the waste receptacle. The volume may be suitable for retaining multiple days of waste, used litter, or both. The volume of the body receptacle may be suitable for storing waste which accumulatesFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOover 1 day or more, 3 days or more. 5 days or more, or even 7 days or more. The volume of the waste bin may be suitable for storing waste which accumulates over 20 days or less. 15 days or less, 12 days or less, or even 10 days or less. The volume of the waste bin may be the volume of the hollow interior. The volume of the waste bin may be about 7,500 cm3or more, about 10.000 cm3or more, about 12,000 cm3or more, or even about 12,500 cm3or more. The volume of the waste bin may be about 50,000 cm3or less, about 40,000 cm3or less, about 30,000 cm3or less, about 20,000 cm3or less, or even about 15,000 cm3or less.

[0052] The waste receptacle may include one or more seals. The one or more seals may allow for malodors to be retained with the drawer cavity, prevented from escaping outside of the litter device, or both. For example, the waste receptacle may include a rubber gasket about the periphery of an opening. The opening may be defined as about the rim of the receptacle body. The opening of the receptacle body may be in fluid communication and / or alignment with an opening of a chamber support, may come into fluid communication and / or alignment with a waste opening, or a combination thereof.

[0053] The waste receptacle may include a distribution member. A distribution member may aid in guiding the distribution of waste which accumulates in a waste receptacle. A distribution member may aid in biasing waste toward one side wall of a waste receptacle and then aid in biasing waste toward an opposing side wall. A distribution member may aid in uniformly distributing waste within a waste receptacle such as to more effectively utilize the capacity (e.g., available volume) of the waste receptacle. A distribution member may have any size and / or shape suitable for aiding in such distribution of waste. A distribution member may have a size and / or shape which prevents waste from bypassing the distribution member and reaching a bottom wall and / or bottom insert of a waste receptacle. A distribution member may have shape which is reciprocal with a shape of an inside cavity of a receptacle body. A distribution member may have a two-dimensional shape which is substantially rectangular, square, circular, ovular, polygonal, triangular, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, a distribution member have a two-dimensional shape which is substantially rectangular to be reciprocal with a cross-sectional shape of a substantially cuboidal receptacle body. The distribution member may be substantially planar, nonplanar, or both. The distribution member may have one or more curves formed therein. The distribution member be mostly planar and then curve up toward a free end. A curve near a free end may aid in guiding waste with die aid of gravity. The distribution member may have one or more ridges formed therein. The one or more ridges may project from an upper surface of the distribution member. The one or more ridges may in waste moving with gravity. The distribution member may include opposing ends. The opposing ends may include a free end and a hinged end. The hinged end may be the end the distribution member is affixed to a receptacle body, bottom insert, or both. The hinged end may form an axis about which the distribution member rotates. The hinged end include, form part of, or be attached to one or more hinges. A distribution member may function as a rotating, hinged, and / or cantilevered member. A distribution member may be in rotating attachment with a bottom insert, receptacle body, or both.

[0054] A waste receptacle may include one or more hinges. One or more hinges may aid in rotating of a distribution member, a distribution member moving between a biased position and a deflected position, or both. One or more hinges may be formed separately and / or integrally with a distribution member, bottomFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOinsert, receptacle body, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more hinges may include a hinge shaft, hinge knuckles, or both. A hinge shaft may be any suitable shaft or rod-like member. The hinge shaft may include or form a rotational axis. The hinge shaft may be affixed to or integral with a bottom insert, receptacle body, or both. The hinge shaft may be located adjacent to a side wall of a receptacle body. The hinge shaft may be located toward a bottom wall of the receptacle body. The hinge shaft may have one or more hinge knuckles engaged thereto. The one or more hinge knuckles may be rotatably engaged with the hinge shaft. The hinge knuckles may form a hinge joint together with the hinge shaft. The one or more hinge knuckles may be located at one or more ends of the distribution member. The one or more hinge knuckles may be located opposite a free end, at the hinged end, or both.

[0055] The waste receptacle may include a bottom insert. A bottom insert may function to protect the bottom wall of the receptacle body, form part of a hinge, cooperate with a distribution member, cooperate with a biasing member, the like, or a combination thereof. A bottom insert may facilitate simplicity in assembling a distribution member into a receptacle body. A bottom insert may have a shape and / or size reciprocal with the bottom of a receptacle body. A bottom insert may be formed with a shape and / or size substantially similar to the bottom wall and / or a portion of one or more side walls of the receptacle body. A bottom insert may include a portion of a hinge formed therein. A bottom insert may include one or more hinge shafts, hinge knuckles, or both. A bottom insert may include a hinge shaft formed therein. A hinge shaft, hinge knuckles, or both may be located toward a side edge of the bottom insert, adjacent to a side wall of the receptacle body, or both. The bottom insert may include or allow for pass through of one or more biasing members.

[0056] The waste receptacle may include one or more biasing members. One or more biasing members may function to bias a distribution member into a biased position. One or more biasing members may function to allow a distribution member to deflect toward and / or into a deflected position once a sufficient load force is applied. The load force may be applied by waste received onto the distribution member. The biasing member may apply a biasing force. The biasing force may bias the distribution member into a biased position. The biasing force may be opposite a load force. The biasing force may apply an upward force onto the distribution member. The biasing member may include one or more springs. One or more springs may include one or more compression springs, tension springs, leaf springs, conical springs, disc springs, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more springs may include one or more compression springs located below the distribution member. The one or more biasing members may be biased toward one or more ends of a distribution member, hinge, side wall of a receptacle body, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more biasing members may include a single or a plurality of biasing members. A plurality of biasing members may include two or more, three or more, or even four or more biasing members. A plurality of biasing members may include ten or less, seven or less, or even five or less biasing members.

[0057] The one or more biasing members may include one or more compression springs. A compression spring may have a length of about 0.5 inches or greater to about 3 inches or less, about 0.75 inches or greater to about 2.5 inches or less, or about 1 inch or greater to about 2 inches or less. For example, a compression spring may have a length of about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches, even 1.25 inches. Length may be anFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOuncompressed length. A compression spring may have an outer diameter of about 0.1 inches or greater to about 1 inch or less, about 0.2 inches or greater to about 0.7 inches or less, or even about 0.25 inches or greater to about 0.5 inches or less. For example, a compression spring may have an outer diameter of about 0.3 inches. A compression spring may have a compressed length at a maximum load of about 0.1 inch or greater to about 1 inches or less, about 0.2 niches or greater to about 0.8 inches or less, about 0.3 inches or greater to about 0.6 inches or less. For example, a compression spring may have a compressed length at a maximum load of about 0.4 inches or greater to about 0.5 inches or less. A biasing member may fully compress at a maximum load. The maximum load per spring may be about 0.5 pounds or greater, 1 pound or greater, or even 1.5 pounds or greater. The maximum load per spring may be about 5 pounds or less, about 4 pounds or less, about 3 pounds or less, or even about 2 pounds or less. The maximum load per spring may be about 1 pound or greater to about 2 pounds or less. For example, the maximum load per spring may be about 1.5 pounds or greater to about 2.5 pounds or less. The compression spring may have a spring rate. A spring rate may be about 1 Ib. / in or greater, about 1.5 Ibs. / in or greater, or even about 2 Ibs. / in or greater. A spring rate may be about 5 Ibs. / in or greater, about 4 Ibs. / in or greater, or even about 3 Ibs. / in or greater. For example, a spring rate may be about 2 Ibs. / in or greater to about 3 Ibs. / in or greater. A compression spring may be formed from any suitable material. The material may be a metal, rubber, polymer, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0058] The waste receptacle may include one or more membranes. One or more membranes may function to prevent waste and / or other debris from contacting one or more biasing members, entering into a space between a distribution member and a bottom wall and / or insert, or both. One or more membranes may provide for easy cleaning of a distribution member. A membrane may be configured to conceal a gap or space created betw een a distribution member and a bottom wall and / or insert. A membrane may be located and / or placed above and / or below a distribution member. A membrane may be disposed directly upon and / or distanced from an upper surface, lower surface, or both of a distribution member. A membrane may be affixed to the distribution member at the upper surface, lower surface, hinge, free end, hinged end, or a combination thereof. A membrane may be permanently or removably affixed to the distribution member, bottom wall, side wall, and / or insert. A membrane may conform to the upper surface, lower surface, and / or one or more ends of a distribution member. A membrane may extend from, be affixed to, be located over, and / or be located on a free end of a distribution member. A membrane may extend from and / or toward an end of an insert (e.g., opposite hinge and / or biasing members). Amembrane may extend from and / or toward a bottom wall, a side wall, between a bottom wall and side wall (e.g., comer, joint), the like, or a combination thereof. A membrane may be collapsible or otherwise deformable between a distribution member and an insert and / or bottom wall. The membrane may be configured to collapse as the distribution member moves from a biased position toward and / or into a deflected position. Collapsing may be provided by draping with slack, folding (e.g., accordion fold, sharp creases), pleats, bellows, a rolling diaphragm (e.g., membrane rolls and unrolls), hinges (e.g.. living hinge, separate hinge), the like, or a combination thereof. The membrane may be fonned as a film, sheet, or both. The membrane may be a single layer of one or more materials, one or more layers of one or more materials (e.g.. laminate), or both. AmembraneFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOmay comprise one or more materials. The one or more materials may be impenetrable to mine, feces, litter, and / or the like. The one or more materials may be hydrophobic, nonporous, or both. The one or more materials may include one or more polymers. The one or more materials may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone rubber, polyethylene (LDPE or LLDPE), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the like, or a combination thereof.

[0059] Illustrative Examples

[0060] FIG. 1 illustrates a litter device 1. The litter device 1 may be an automated litter device. The litter device 1 includes a chamber 10 and a base 12. Located within the chamber 10 is litter 5. The chamber 10 is supported by the base 12. The chamber 10 is rotatable relative to the base 12. The base 12 may comprise one or more components which assist in rotation of the chamber 10. The chamber 10 is at least partially covered by a bonnet 14. The bonnet 14 is attached to the base 12. The chamber 10 is also rotatable relative to the bonnet 14 (e g., the bonnet 14 may remain static while the chamber 10 rotates). The base 12 includes a waste receptacle 16. The waste receptacle 16 may be in the form of a waste drawer 18. Upon rotation of the chamber 10, waste within the chamber 10 may be transferred from within the chamber 10 to the waste receptacle 16. The waste receptacle 16 may include or be free of a step 20. The device 1 includes an opening 22. The opening 22 may allow for an animal to enter and exit the chamber 10. The animal may use the step 20 to facilitate entering and exiting the chamber 10.

[0061] FIGS. 2-3 illustrate a waste receptacle 16. The waste receptacle 16 is in the form of a waste drawer 18. The waste receptacle 16 includes a receptacle body 24. The waste receptacle 16 includes a front panel 26. The front panel 26 may be integrally formed or affixed to the receptacle body 24. Inside of the receptacle body 24 is a bottom insert 28. Also inside of the receptacle body 24 is a distribution member 30.

[0062] FIG. 3 further illustrates the distribution member 30 affixed at a hinge 32 to the bottom insert 28. The hinge 32 includes a hinge shaft 34. The hinge shaft 34 is formed as part of the bottom insert 28. The hinge 32 includes hinge knuckles 36. The hinge knuckles 36 are formed as part of the distribution member 30.

[0063] FIGS. 4Aand 4B show a cross-section of the waste receptacle 16. The waste receptacle 16 includes a receptacle body 24. The receptacle body 24 includes a bottom wall 38 and a plurality of side walls 39. Located on the bottom wall 38 is a bottom insert 28. The bottom insert 28 has a shape substantially reciprocal with the bottom wall 38 and a portion of the interior of the receptacle body 24. Inside of the waste receptacle 16 is a distribution member 30. The distribution member 30 is attached via a hinge 32 to the bottom insert 28. The waste receptacle 16 also includes a biasing member 40. The biasing member 40 may be a compression spring 42. The biasing member 40 is affixed to the bottom insert 28 and the distribution member 30. The biasing member 40 is configured to deflect (e.g., compress) when a load force LF is applied to the distribution member 30.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4B, the waste receptacle 16 includes a membrane 54. The membrane 54 may be located above and disposed on the distribution member 30. The membrane 54 may extend from a free end 46 of the distribution member 30 down toward a bottom wall 38, insert 28, or both. The membrane 54 may have an accordion folding region or other collapsing region to allow for easy folding between theFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOdistribution member 30 and the bottom wall 38 and / or insert 28. The membrane 54 conceals or covers the gap or space created between the distribution member 30 and the insert 28 and / or bottom wall 38.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the waste receptacle 16. The waste receptacle 16 includes the receptacle body 24, the bottom insert 28. and the distribution member 30. Not shown is the biasing member 40.

[0066] FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate a waste distribution method 100 of the waste receptacle 16.

[0067] Starting with FIG. 6A, the distribution member 30 is in a biased position BP. In the biased position BP, there is insufficient load force LF (not shown) applied by waste 44 such as to overcome a biasing force BF of the biasing member 40. Waste 44 is disposed into the waste receptacle 16. The waste 44 is received from the chamber 10 (not shown). The waste 44 may be one or more clumps of litter mixed with urine and / or feces which is sifted from the litter 5 (not shown) after use of the litter device 1 (not shown) by an animal (not shown). The waste 44 will tend to land toward the free end 46 of the distribution member 30 and / or offset from a center plane CP of the waste receptacle 16.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6B, the waste 44 moves down the distribution member 30. The waste 44 moves toward the hinge 32 and / or side wall 39. The waste 44 moves due to gravity. The waste 44 may move toward an opposing side of a center plane CP. The distribution member 30 may be and / or remain in the biased position BP. In the biased position BP, a hinged end 48 is lower than the free end 46. In a biased position BP, the free end 46 may be biased toward the upper or rim end of the receptacle body 24.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6C. waste 44 continues to be deposited into the waste receptacle 16. The waste 44 accumulates toward the hinged end 48 of the distribution member. The waste 44 accumulates such as to be biased or primarily toward a side wall 39. The waste 44 may accumulate mostly toward one side of a central plane CP. The accumulated waste 44 may not yet have a sufficient mass to overcome the biasing force BF of the biasing member 40.

[0070] In FIG. 6D, it is shown how once a certain mass of waste 44 accumulates, the waste 44 has sufficient mass to apply a load force LF which overcomes at least some of the biasing force BF of the biasing member 40. The load force LF causes the biasing member 40 to compress and result in the distribution member 30 beginning to deflect. The distribution member 30 begins to deflect downward toward the bottom wall 38 and / or bottom insert 28. The distribution member 30 is shown in a partially deflected position PDP. Upon the distribution member 30 deflecting, some of the waste 44 may move toward an opposing side of the central plane CP.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6E, due to the distribution member 30 being in the partially deflected position PDP, the waste 44 may begin to accumulate toward the free end 46 of the distribution member 30. The waste 44 continues to accumulate such that the load force LF continues to increase. As the load force LF continues to increase, the distribution member 30 continues to deflect toward the bottom wall 38 and / or bottom insert 28.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6F, the waste 44 accumulates such that its accumulated mass provides a load force LF which fully overcomes the biasing force BF of the biasing member 40. The distribution memberFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WO30 is moved into a deflected position DP. In the deflected position, the distribution member 30 is moved into contact with the bottom insert 28 and / or bottom wall 38.

[0073] As can be seen from FIGS. 6A-6F, by initially biasing the waste 44 to accumulate toward one side wall 39, the hinged end 48 of the distribution member 30, and / or one side of the central plane CP; and then allowing the waste 44 to accumulate toward the opposing side wall 39, free end 46 of the distribution member 30, and / or opposing side of the central plane CP, the waste 44 is more evenly distributed within the waste receptacle 16.

[0074] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate accumulation of waste 44 typically seen with and without a distribution member 30, respectively. FIG. 7A shows how without a distribution member, the waste 44 tends to accumulate toward a side wall 39 of the waste receptacle 16 and / or one side of a central plane CP. FIG. 7B shows how with implementation of the distribution member 30, the waste 44 is more uniformly distributed within the waste receptacle 16. The waste 44 is more evenly distributed, such as in height, from one side wall 39 to an opposing side wall 39 and / or both sides of a central plane CP.

[0075] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a litter device 1. The litter device 1 includes a chamber 10. The chamber 10 includes a waste opening 50. In a home or resting position HP, such as FIG. 9, the waste opening 50 is positioned away from the waste receptacle 16 and / or toward a top of the litter device 1. During a dumping position DP, such as in FIG. 8, the chamber 10 is rotated so that the waste opening 50 is located above the waste receptacle 16. This rotation allows for the waste 44 (not shown) to transfer from the inside of the chamber 10 into the waste receptacle 16 via the waste opening 50. The chamber 10 rotates in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise from front view) to place the chamber 10 in the dumping position DP, then rotates in a second direction (e.g., clockwise from front view) to move back into the home or resting position HP.

[0076] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a close-up view of a distribution member 30 within the waste receptacle 16. FIG. 10 illustrates the chamber 10 rotating into a dumping position (e.g., counterclockwise from a front view) while FIG. 11 illustrates the chamber 10 returning into a home position (e.g., clockwise from a front view). A distribution member 30 is affixed to a bottom of the waste receptacle 16 via one or more biasing members 40. The distribution member 30 may be similar to those of FIGS. 1-7. The distribution member 30 may be oriented similar or in an opposing direction as in FIGS. 1-7. The chamber 10 includes one or more projections 52. The one or more projections 52 may be in proximity to the waste opening 50 (e.g., adjacent thereto). The projection(s) 52 may be in the form of one or more tabs. The projection(s) 52 may be rigid or flexible. The projection(s) 52 may be hinged in one direction but not another (e.g., one way hinge). The one or more projections 52 may come into contact with the distribution member 30 when the chamber rotates in a first and / or second direction.

[0077] As the chamber 10 rotates in a first direction, the projection / s) 52 may contact the distribution member and apply a first force Fl. The first force Fl may not overcome the force applied by the biasing member 40. Thus, the projection 52 may bypass the distribution member 30 with minimal, if any, impact to the position of the distribution member 30 within the waste receptacle 16.

[0078] As the chamber 10 rotates in a second direction, the projection(s) 52 may contact the distribution member and apply a second force F2. The second force F2 may be in a similar direction to the biasing forceFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOapplied by the one or more biasing members 40. The second force F2, applied by the projection(s) 52, may push the distribution member 30 away from one side wall and / or closer to another side wall. The second force F2 may result in the distribution member compressing waste 44 within the waste receptacle 16. The compression may be toward a side wall.

[0079] Once the mass of the waste 44 on the distribution member 30 is sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member 40, the distribution member 30 may begin to collapse (e.g., compress the biasing member 40) into a deflected position (DP, not shown). Once the distribution member 30 is in a partially deflected position or deflected position, the projection(s) 52 may bypass and no longer contact the distribution member 30 in the first and / or second direction of rotation.

[0080] The example of FIGS. 8-11 may be integrated into the examples of FIGS. 1-7.

[0081] Reference Number List

[0082] 1 - Litter device; 5 - Litter; 10 - Chamber; 12 - Base; 14 - Bonnet; 16 - Waste receptacle; 18 -Waste drawer; 20 - Step; 22 - Opening; 24 - Receptacle body; 26 - Front panel; 28 - Bottom insert; 30 -Distribution member; 32 - Hinge; 34 - Hinge shaft; 36 - Hinge knuckles; 38 - Bottom wall; 39 - Side wall; 40 - Biasing member; 42 - Spring; 44 - Waste; 46 - Free end; 48 - Hinged end; 50 - Waste opening; 52 -Projection; 54 - Membrane; 100 - Waste distribution method; LF - Load force; BF - Biasing force; BP -Biased position; PDP - Partially deflected position; DP - Deflected position; Fl - First force; F2 - Second force

[0083] Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.) are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings. For values that are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0084] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about’’ or “approximately” in connection w ith a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[0085] The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / -10° or less, about + / - 5° or less, or even about + / - 1° or less. The terms “generally” or “substantially" to describe angular measurements may mean about + / - 0.01° or greater, about + / - 0.1° or greater, or even about + / - 0.5° or greater. The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / - 10% or less, about + / - 5% or less, or even about + / - 1% or less. The termsFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WO“generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / -0.01% or greater, about + / - 0.1% or greater, or even about + / - 0.5% or greater.

[0086] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term “consisting essentially of’ to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components, or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components, 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 combinations of elements, ingredients, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of, or even consist of the elements, ingredients, components, or steps. Plural elements, ingredients, components, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component, or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components, or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component, or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

[0087] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead 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. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed:Claim 1. A waste receptacle having:a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein; andb) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member.Claim 2. The waste receptacle of Claim 1. wherein the waste receptacle includes one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member.Claim 3. The waste receptacle of Claim 2, wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste to the distribution member.Claim 4. The waste receptacle of Claim 3, wherein the biasing member includes one or more springs.Claim 5. The waste receptacle of Claim 4, wherein the one or more springs includes one or more compression springs.Claim 6. The waste receptacle of Claim 2, wherein the one or more biasing members includes two or more biasing members.Claim 7. The waste receptacle of Claim 1, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed to the receptacle body, a bottom insert, or both.Claim 8. The waste receptacle of Claim 7, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed via a hinge.Claim 9. The waste receptacle of Claim 8, wherein the hinge is at least partially integral with or separate from the distribution member, the receptacle body, the bottom insert, or a combination thereof.Claim 10. The waste receptacle of Claim 9, wherein the hinge includes one or more hinge shafts, hinge knuckles, or both.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOClaim 11. The waste receptacle of Claim 10, wherein the one or more hinge shafts are located on the bottom insert, the receptacle body, the distribution member, or a combination thereof.Claim 12. The waste receptacle of Claim 11, wherein the one or more hinge shafts are biased toward a side wall of the receptacle body, a hinged end of the distribution member, or both.Claim 13. The waste receptacle of Claim 12, wherein the one or more hinge knuckles are located on the bottom insert, the receptacle body, the distribution member, or a combination thereof.Claim 14. The waste receptacle of Claim 13, wherein the one or more hinge knuckles are biased toward a hinged end of the distribution member, a side wall of the receptacle body, or both.Claim 15. The waste receptacle of Claim 1, wherein one or more biasing members are located between the distribution member and a bottom wall of the receptacle body.Claim 16. The waste receptacle of Claim 1, wherein the distribution member is configured to rotate from a biased position to a deflected position.Claim 17. The waste receptacle of Claim 16, wherein the distribution member begins to rotate once a load force begins to overcome a biasing force.Claim 18. The waste receptacle of Claim 17, wherein the distribution member rotates about a hinge, hinged end, or both.Claim 19. The waste receptacle of Claim 18, wherein a free end of tire distribution member lowers further into the receptacle body when moved from the biased position to the deflected position.Claim 20. The waste receptacle of Claim 1, wherein the waste receptacle is removably affixed to a litter device.Claim 21. The waste receptacle of Claim 20, wherein the litter device is an automated litter device.Claim 22. The waste receptacle of Claim 21, wherein the waste receptacle is configured as a waste drawer.Claim 23. The waste receptacle of Claim 22, wherein the waste receptacle is configured to be in fluid communication with a chamber of the litter device to receive the waste therefrom.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOClaim 24. The waste receptacle of Claim 1, wherein a membrane extends between the distribution member and an insert and / or a bottom wall of the receptacle body.Claim 25. The waste receptacle of Claim 24, wherein the membrane is collapsible such as to collapse as the distribution member moves from a biased position to a deflected position.Claim 26. The waste receptacle of Claim 25, wherein the membrane extends across at least a portion of an upper surface of the distribution member.Claim 27. A method of using the waste receptacle of Claim 1, such that the waste is biased toward a side of the waste receptacle until the waste accumulates to a sufficient mass to overcome a biasing force.Claim 28. The method of Claim 27, wherein the distribution member moves to the deflected position and waste begins to accumulate to an opposite side.Claim 29. A litter device comprising the waste receptacle of Claim 1 , a chamber with a waste opening, and a projection extending in proximity to the waste opening.Claim 30. The litter device of Claim 29, wherein the projection is configured to contact the distribution member to further compress the waste within the waste receptacle toward a side wall when the distribution member is in a biased position.Claim 31. The litter device of Claim 30, wherein the projection is rigid or flexible.Claim 32. The litter device of Claim 31, wherein the projection is hinged.Claim 33. The litter device of Claim 32, wherein the chamber is rotatable.Claim 34. The litter device of Claim 33, wherein the chamber is rotatably supported by a base.Claim 35. The litter device of Claim 34, wherein the base houses the waste receptacle.Claim 36. The litter device of Claim 35, wherein the waste receptacle is located below the chamber.Claim 37. A waste receptacle having:a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein;Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOb) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed to the receptacle body, a bottom insert located within the receptacle body, or both; andc) one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member, wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste onto the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members include one or more springs.Claim 38. A waste receptacle having:a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein;b) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed via a hinge to the receptacle body, a bottom insert located within the receptacle body, or both; andc) one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members are located between a bottom wall of the receptacle body and the distribution member, wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste onto the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members include one or more springs; wherein the distribution member is configured to rotate toward the bottom wall of the receptacle body once the load force of the waste begins overcoming the biasing force of the one or more biasing members.Claim 39. A litter device comprising:a) a base;b) a chamber rotatably supported on the base which stores litter therein, wherein the chamber includes:i) an entry opening configured to allow an animal to enter into the chamber and eliminate within the chamber;ii) a waste opening configured to allow waste to pass therethrough;c) a waste receptacle removably positioned within die base and below the chamber, wherein the waste receptacle includes:i) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein;ii) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed via a hinge to the receptacle body, a bottom insert located within the receptacle body, or both; andFiled via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOiii) one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members are located between a bottom wall of the receptacle body and the distribution member, wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste onto the distribution member, wherein die one or more biasing members include one or more springs; andwherein the distribution member is configured to rotate toward the bottom wall of the receptacle body once the load force of the waste begins overcoming the biasing force of the one or more biasing members.Claim 40. A waste receptacle having:a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein; andb) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member.Claim 41. The waste receptacle of Claim 40, wherein the waste receptacle includes one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member.Claim 42. The waste receptacle of Claim 41 , wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste to the distribution member.Claim 43. The waste receptacle of Claim 41 or 42, wherein the biasing member includes one or more springs.Claim 44. The waste receptacle of Claim 43. wherein the one or more springs includes one or more compression springs.Claim 45. The waste receptacle of any of Claims 41 to 44, wherein the one or more biasing members includes two or more biasing members.Claim 46. The waste receptacle of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed to the receptacle body, a bottom insert, or both.Claim 47. The waste receptacle of Claim 46, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed via a hinge.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOClaim 48. The waste receptacle of Claim 47, wherein the hinge is at least partially integral with or separate from the distribution member, the receptacle body, the bottom insert, or a combination thereof.Claim 49. The waste receptacle of Claim 47 or 48, wherein the hinge includes one or more hinge shafts, hinge knuckles, or both.Claim 50. The waste receptacle of Claim 49, wherein the one or more hinge shafts are located on the bottom insert, the receptacle body, tire distribution member, or a combination thereof.Claim 51. The waste receptacle of Claim 50, wherein the one or more hinge shafts are biased toward a side wall of the receptacle body, a hinged end of the distribution member, or both.Claim 52. The waste receptacle of any of Claims 50 to 51, wherein the one or more hinge knuckles are located on the bottom insert, the receptacle body, the distribution member, or a combination thereof.Claim 53. The waste receptacle of Claim 52, wherein the one or more hinge knuckles are biased toward a hinged end of the distribution member, a side wall of the receptacle body, or both.Claim 54. The waste receptacle of any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more biasing members are located between the distribution member and a bottom wall of the receptacle body.Claim 55. The waste receptacle of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution member is configured to rotate from a biased position to a deflected position.Claim 56. The waste receptacle of Claim 55. wherein the distribution member begins to rotate once a load force begins to overcome a biasing force.Claim 57. The waste receptacle of Claim 55 or 56, wherein the distribution member rotates about a hinge, hinged end, or both.Claim 58. The waste receptacle of any of Claims 55 to 57, wherein a free end of the distribution member lowers further into the receptacle body when moved from the biased position to the deflected position.Claim 59. The waste receptacle of any of the preceding claims, wherein the waste receptacle is removably affixed to a litter device.Claim 60. The waste receptacle of Claim 59, wherein the litter device is an automated litter device.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOClaim 61. The waste receptacle of Claim 59 or 60, wherein the waste receptacle is configured as a waste drawer.Claim 62. The waste receptacle of any of Claims 59 to 61, wherein the waste receptacle is configured to be in fluid communication with a chamber of the litter device to receive the waste therefrom.Claim 63. The waste receptacle of any of the preceding claims, wherein a membrane extends between the distribution member and an insert and / or a bottom wall of the receptacle body.Claim 64. The waste receptacle of Claim 63, wherein the membrane is collapsible such as to collapse as the distribution member moves from a biased position to a deflected position.Claim 65. The waste receptacle of Claim 63 or 64, wherein the membrane extends across at least a portion of an upper surface of the distribution member.Claim 66. A method of using the waste receptacle of any of the preceding claims, such that the waste is biased toward a side of the waste receptacle until the waste accumulates to a sufficient mass to overcome a biasing force.Claim 67. The method of Claim 66, wherein the distribution member moves to the deflected position and waste begins to accumulate to an opposite side.Claim 68. A litter device comprising the waste receptacle of any of the preceding claims, a chamber with a waste opening, and a projection extending in proximity to the waste opening.Claim 69. The litter device of Claim 68, wherein the projection is configured to contact the distribution member to further compress the waste within the waste receptacle toward a side wall when the distribution member is in a biased position.Claim 70. The litter device of Claim 69, wherein the projection is rigid or flexible.Claim 71. The litter device of Claim 69 or 70, wherein the projection is hinged.Claim 72. The litter device of any of Claims 69 to 71, wherein the chamber is rotatable.Claim 73. The litter device of Claim 72, wherein the chamber is rotatably supported by a base.Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOClaim 74. The litter device of Claim 73, wherein the base houses the waste receptacle.Claim 75. The litter device of Claim 74, wherein the waste receptacle is located below the chamber.Claim 76. A waste receptacle having:a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein;b) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed to the receptacle body, a bottom insert located within the receptacle body, or both; andc) one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member, wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste onto the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members include one or more springs.Claim 77. The waste receptacle of Claim 76 including any of the features of any of Claims 1 to 75.Claim 78. A waste receptacle having:a) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein;b) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed via a hinge to the receptacle body, a bottom insert located within the receptacle body, or both; andc) one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members are located between a bottom wall of the receptacle body and the distribution member, wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste onto the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members include one or more springs; wherein the distribution member is configured to rotate toward the bottom wall of the receptacle body once the load force of the waste begins overcoming the biasing force of the one or more biasing members.Claim 79. The waste receptacle of Claim 78 including any of the features of any of Claims 1 to 75.Claim 80. A litter device comprising:a) a base;b) a chamber rotatably supported on the base which stores litter therein, wherein the chamber includes:Filed via USPTO.gov on March 30, 2026Docket No. 1570.067WOi) an entry opening configured to allow an animal to enter into the chamber and eliminate within the chamber;ii) a waste opening configured to allow waste to pass therethrough;c) a waste receptacle removably positioned within the base and below the chamber, wherein the waste receptacle includes:iv) a receptacle body with a hollow interior, wherein the receptacle body is configured to receive and store a waste therein;v) a distribution member configured to receive the waste thereon and bias the waste toward a side of the receptacle body until the waste accumulates to a mass which causes deflection of the distribution member, wherein the distribution member is rotatably affixed via a hinge to the receptacle body, a bottom insert located within the receptacle body, or both; andvi) one or more biasing members which apply a biasing force to the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members are located between a bottom wall of the receptacle body and the distribution member, wherein the biasing force is opposite a load force applied by the waste onto the distribution member, wherein the one or more biasing members include one or more springs; andwherein the distribution member is configured to rotate toward the bottom wall of the receptacle body once the load force of the waste begins overcoming the biasing force of the one or more biasing members.Claim 81. The litter device of Claim 80 including any of the features of any of Claims 1 to 79.Claim 82. Any combination of features relating to the waste receptacle, distribution member, projection, chamber, litter device, or methods thereof as discussed or illustrated in these teachings.

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