FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pet litter housings and pet shelters, and more specifically relates to a window mounted housing and litter box for use by pets.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is known that indoor animals such as cats, ferrets, chinchillas, dogs, and other small pets are prone to employ a litter box filled with pet litter after being trained to use them to use the bathroom. In such scenarios, at least one litter box is conventionally located on the floor in a user-selected location within the home or other structure. Unfortunately, once the litter box has become soiled, there is little the homeowner can do to prevent the creation of odor.

While odor-eliminating sprays can be helpful to temporarily curve the odor, the smell will inevitably return as the pet subsequently uses the litter box. A variety of litter box housings have been invented in an attempt to curb the odor conventionally found with commonly placed litter box setups. In fact, numerous other types of pet litter housings and shelters have been invented in the past. One problem encountered with these designs is that the owner generally does not have access to the housing from the inside of the dwelling. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,366, granted to Harvey, one can access the litter box for emptying from outside of the housing, on the ground floor only. Another problem is that the litter housings and shelters have to be mounted on the exterior of the dwelling, which makes installation effectively impossible, unless the dwelling is on the ground floor, which is uncommon in cities with high-rise buildings.

In contrast, the pet housing of the present invention may fit into any window, vertical or horizontal as well, and is installed from the inside of the dwelling which can be done from any floor, from the ground floor to high rise buildings. Furthermore, the present invention differs from Harvey's design, in which the litter tray may only be emptied from the exterior of the dwelling. With the present invention, one may access the litter box from the inside of the dwelling, via a unique door design.

Another comparison is choice of materials. Harvey constructs the entire pet litter housing out of acrylic and metal, not realizing just how hot this will make the inside of the housing in the summer. There is ‘practically no shade on the inside of the box, except for the tin roof. This is yet another flaw of Harvey as well, as this too acts as even more of a heat conducting material. This is like putting a cat in a sauna or under a magnifying glass, which is obviously not conducive to the health of the cat and may even discourage the cat from using the housing. Continuing on, Harvey places many open holes to be used for ventilation. This is conducive to air circulation, but when it's very cold out, or raining, those two elements could enter the pet litter housing. Rain can cause the pet litter to become prematurely soiled. Combine this with a completely open floor, and there is basically no protection from the elements.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,438 granted to Messmer is for a window mounted litterbox. Messmer varies from the present invention in that the landing taught by Messmer is far too small to adequately function as a comfortable access point for a pet. This is in contrast to the present invention, which is equipped with a larger, more ample landing to facilitate access to the housing by a pet.

Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,331 granted to Malachowski on May 12, 2009 is for a window-mounted litter enclosure having interior and exterior housing sections. Malachowski is similar to the present invention in that it is window mounted, however Malachowski teaches a housing that can only be accessed for cleaning from the outside. Additionally, Malachowski extends within the dwelling, and therefore is not space-saving, unlike the present invention. Malachowski, like Harvey, can only be installed on the ground floor, from the outside as well.

In addition, none of the other described inventions, or any product of similar design to the present invention exist in either past or present markets. The main idea behind the present invention is to be marketed to the general public for purposes of improving the quality of life. For example, if someone lives in a tiny or relatively small dwelling, space is of the utmost importance. This is relevant to housing in cities and places like New York City, Europe, Russia, Asian countries, and any other situations where housing is often small, cramped, and compacted. It is known that most of the housing in cities exist in mid-rise and high-rise dwellings.

The present invention addresses two of the main issues of small pet ownership in “where to put the litter box,” as well as eliminating odor. The present invention is preferably made entirely of high density plastic, with only an acrylic material for the rear window. This allows adequate shade, and does not allow the elements to enter the housing as the housing is sealed and waterproof. The side vents allow air to ventilate the entire box, but due to their downward slope, allow rain to drip off, but not enter the box. The vents are also preferably screened in order to ensure insects do not enter the housing. Harvey's patent is similar to the present invention only in the essence of its use, however, it contains all of the flaws mentioned above.

The present invention not only provides a space saving alternative, but also eliminates the odor problems that occur from pet litter housings being in a confined space, with or without adequate ventilation and windows. Additionally, the housings can be provided in different colors, thereby not only saving space, and eliminating odors, but also adding or blending into the existing decor of any dwelling. As such, it should be understood that the present invention is space-saving, odorless, and safe while effectively containing litter spread while eliminating odors and allowing fresh air into the enclosure. The present invention is also preferably ADA compliant at wheelchair height when installed in a window.

Another feature of the present invention is to serve as a cat haven and resting place. Due to the width of the housing, enough room is allocated to give extra space inside the housing to be used as a resting place for the pet. The present invention may also be used as a window perch by simply removing the litter pan and front door. The rear of the housing is preferably equipped with a clear plastic window allowing sunlight to enter and warm the housing, in addition to allowing the cat the ability to view the outside. This again incorporates new features, as well as all the features that other inventions have done individually.

Attempts have been made to provide an adequate swinging door for access, but none compares with the generous single-door design of one embodiment of the present invention that not only allows the cat access into the housing, but also to the owner to facilitate litter changing and cleaning. This allows the owner to have 100% access to the litter tray in a normal standing position. Great for anyone who has back problems, unable to bend or stoop over, and any other related problems due to poor health. This also includes anyone confined to an ADA compliant wheelchair, to have full and easy access to the interior of the housing. Therefore, the present invention contains many facets within its design related to improving the quality of life.

Another advantage to the present invention's design is that of safety, in many aspects. No longer is the housing sitting on the floor, where someone could trip over it. Also, with the housing design of the present invention, it can fit inside of a housing designed set of burglar bars, as would a normal window air conditioning unit that is installed on the ground floor or above. Therefore, these are all primary reasons why the present invention is the provision for a new and improved pet litter housing and shelter.

Thus, there is a need for a window-mounted pet housing apparatus configured for installation from within a dwelling, rather than solely from the outside, that has adequate ventilation while protecting from the elements year round, in all seasons.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a four-sided shelter equipped with two solid walls, a rear window made of a transparent material within a frame, and a sliding panel design that comprises the fourth wall at the front of the apparatus The central hole allows the cat to enter and leave the housing as it pleases.

Another embodiment of the present invention exhibits a vertical housing that also utilizes a sliding front panel door design that is narrower than the horizontal embodiment due to the narrow design of the vertical window. This allows 100% access to the litter pan inside. The entire housing mounts securely into any standard horizontal or vertical window with only a few screws. The extension panel(s) seal the rest of the window up in both the horizontal and vertical applications as needed.

The present invention is preferably made entirely of high-density plastic, with only an acrylic material for the rear window. This allows adequate shade and does not allow the elements to enter the housing. The side vents allow air to ventilate the entire box, but due to their downward slope, allow rain to drip off, but not enter the box, unlike the prior art. Additionally, the vents are screened in order to keep insects out of the housing. The top of the housing of the present invention is preferably sloped to allow rain to drip off easily.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are equipped with a mounting frame which facilitates installation of the housing while inside of the building. The housing is placed through the window frame, and then is affixed to a mounting frame which is larger than that of the window frame, which ensures that the housing remains firmly in position, removing the danger of the housing ever falling out of the window. Such embodiments are equipped with a landing, a front access door configured to pivot about a hinge within the mounting frame, and a pet access hole disposed centrally within the single door. This preferred embodiment is preferably available in a vertically oriented embodiment and a horizontally oriented embodiment, and may be installed vertically or horizontally according to the shape of the window to which it is installed.

