Animal litters
Abstract
The present invention provides animal litter and a method of making and using the litter. Animal toilet sand associates with a plurality of absorbent particles, including (a) (i) non-expandable particles and (ii) a cohesive material coated on the non-expandable particles, and (b) the absorbent particles. Includes multiple filler particles, not included. The filler particles provide additional functions to toilet sand, such as odor control, moisture absorption, aroma release, microbial control, dust control, density reduction, weight reduction and combinations thereof. Toilet sand is made by producing absorbent particles using conventional means and combining the absorbent particles with one or more filler particles that impart the desired characteristics to the toilet sand. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1
Term
Projected expiry 10 November 2029.
- Priority
- Filed
- Published
- Today
- Projected expiry
67 claims: 10 independent, 57 dependent
- 1(a)(i)非膨張性粒子、及び、 (ii)前記非膨張性粒子にコーティングされた凝集性材料を含む複数の吸収剤粒子と、 (b)前記吸収剤粒子と会合していない複数の1種以上のフィラー粒子と、を含む動物用トイレ砂。
- 2前記非膨張性粒子が、粘土粒子である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 3前記非膨張性粒子が、粘土粒子の塊である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 4前記凝集性材料が、ベントナイトである、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 5前記フィラー粒子が、臭気の制御、水分の吸収、芳香の放出、微生物の制御、ダストの制御、密度の低減、重量の低減及びそれらの組合せからなる群から選択される特性を有する、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 6前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上の生分解性ポリマーである、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 7前記生分解性ポリマーが、カプロラクトン、ヒドロキシブル酸(hydroxyburic acid)、ラクチド、グリコリド、ポリ無水物、ポリエステル、キトサン、ポリ(ビニルピリジン)及びポリ(ビニルピロリドン)からなる群から選択される、請求項6に記載のトイレ砂。
- 8前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上の生物材料である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 9前記生物材料が、木材ペレット、おがくず、燕麦殻、ピーナツ殻、コーン生成物、アルファルファ、かんきつ類の乾燥皮セルロース、小麦副生物、大麦副生物、大豆副生物及び紙からなる群から選択される、請求項8に記載のトイレ砂。
- 10前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上のゼオライトである、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 11前記ゼオライトが、クリノプチロライト、アナルサイム及びゼオライトAからなる群から選択される、請求項10に記載のトイレ砂。
- 12前記フィラー粒子が、荷電ポリマーである、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 13前記荷電ポリマーが、カルボン酸官能基、スルホネート官能基、アンモニウム官能基、ホスフェート官能基またはエステル官能基を有する、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 14前記フィラー粒子が、有機塩、無機塩及びそれらの組合せである、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 15前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上の金属粒子である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 16前記金属粒子が、Ag、Cu及びZnからなる群から選択される、請求項15に記載のトイレ砂。
- 17前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上の磁性粒子である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 18前記磁性粒子が、磁鉄鉱である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 19前記フィラー粒子が、動物用トイレ砂の約0.5~約40重量%である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 20前記フィラー粒子が、動物用トイレ砂の約20~約40重量%である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 21前記フィラー粒子が、動物用トイレ砂の約30~約35重量%である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 22前記フィラー粒子が、約3メッシュ~約150メッシュの範囲の大きさを有する、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 23前記凝集性材料粒子が、約100メッシュ~約300メッシュの範囲の大きさを有する、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 24前記非膨張性粘土粒子が、約-10~約+50メッシュの範囲の大きさを有する、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 25前記凝集性材料粒子が、前記吸収剤粒子の約20~約40重量%である、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 262種以上の異なる種類のフィラー粒子を含む、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 27前記フィラー粒子が、担体粒子中に収容されている、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 28前記フィラー粒子が、ベントナイトでコーティングされている、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 29前記フィラー粒子が、活性炭を含む、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 30前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上の、デンプン、金属酸化物、鉱物粉末またはそれらの組合せでコーティングされている、請求項1に記載のトイレ砂。
- 31前記フィラー粒子が、TiO 2 またはSiO 2 でコーティングされている、請求項30に記載のトイレ砂。
- 32前記フィラー粒子が、タルクでコーティングされている、請求項30に記載のトイレ砂。
- 33非膨張性粒子を取得または製造することによって、複数の吸収剤粒子を調製するステップと、 前記非膨張性粒子を凝集性材料でコーティングするステップと、 複数の1種以上のフィラー粒子を前記吸収剤粒子に合わせるステップと、を備え、 前記フィラー粒子は、前記吸収剤粒子と会合していない、動物用トイレ砂を作製するための方法。
- 34前記非膨張性粒子が、粘土粒子である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 35前記非膨張性粒子が、粘土粒子の塊である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 36前記凝集性材料が、ベントナイトである、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 37前記フィラー粒子が、臭気の制御、水分の吸収、芳香の放出、微生物の制御、ダストの制御、密度の低減、重量の低減及びそれらの組合せからなる群から選択される特性を有する、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 38前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上の生分解性ポリマーである、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 39前記生分解性ポリマーが、カプロラクトン、ヒドロキシブル酸(hydroxyburic acid)、ラクチド、グリコリド、ポリ無水物、ポリエステル、キトサン、ポリ(ビニルピリジン)及びポリ(ビニルピロリドン)からなる群から選択される、請求項38に記載の方法。
- 40前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上の生物材料である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 41前記生物材料が、木材ペレット、おがくず、燕麦殻、ピーナツ殻、コーン生成物、アルファルファ、かんきつ類の乾燥皮セルロース、小麦副生物、大麦副生物、大豆副生物及び紙からなる群から選択される、請求項40に記載の方法。
- 42前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上のゼオライトである、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 43前記ゼオライトが、クリノプチロライト、アナルサイム及びゼオライトAからなる群から選択される、請求項42に記載の方法。
- 44前記フィラー粒子が、荷電ポリマーである、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 45前記荷電ポリマーが、カルボン酸官能基、スルホネート官能基、アンモニウム官能基、ホスフェート官能基またはエステル官能基を有する、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 46前記フィラー粒子が、有機塩、無機塩及びそれらの組合せである、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 47前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上の金属粒子である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 48前記金属粒子が、Ag、Cu及びZnからなる群から選択される、請求項47に記載の方法。
- 49前記フィラー粒子が、1つまたは複数の磁性粒子である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 50前記磁性粒子が、磁鉄鉱である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 51前記フィラー粒子が、動物用トイレ砂の約0.5~約40重量%である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 52前記フィラー粒子が、動物用トイレ砂の約20~約40重量%である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 53前記フィラー粒子が、動物用トイレ砂の約30~約35重量%である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 54前記フィラー粒子が、約3メッシュ~約150メッシュの範囲の大きさを有する、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 55前記凝集性材料粒子が、約100メッシュ~約300メッシュの範囲の大きさを有する、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 56前記非膨張性粘土粒子が、約-10~約+50メッシュの範囲の大きさを有する、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 57前記凝集性材料粒子が、吸収剤粒子の約20~約40重量%である、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 582種以上の異なる種類のフィラー粒子を含む、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 59前記フィラー粒子が、担体粒子中に収容されている、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 60前記フィラー粒子が、ベントナイトでコーティングされている、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 61前記フィラー粒子が、活性炭を含む、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 62前記フィラー粒子が、1種以上の、デンプン、金属酸化物、鉱物粉末またはそれらの組合せでコーティングされている、請求項33に記載の方法。
- 63前記フィラー粒子が、TiO 2 またはSiO 2 でコーティングされている、請求項62に記載の方法。
- 64前記フィラー粒子が、タルクでコーティングされている、請求項62に記載の方法。
- 65(1)動物の排泄物を管理するために本発明の動物用トイレ砂を使用すること、(2)本発明の動物用トイレ砂の機能性またはその他の特性、(3)本発明の動物用トイレ砂を使用して臭気を制御するための方法、(4)本発明の動物用トイレ砂を使用して水分の吸収を制御するための方法、(5)本発明の動物用トイレ砂を使用して芳香の放出を制御するための方法、(6)本発明の動物用トイレ砂を使用して微生物を制御するための方法、(7)本発明の動物用トイレ砂を使用してダストを制御するための方法、(8)本発明の動物用トイレ砂を使用して密度の低減を制御するための方法、(9)本発明の動物用トイレ砂を使用して重量の低減を制御するための方法、及び(10)本発明のトイレ砂を使用するように動物を訓練するための方法、のうちの1つ以上に関する情報、またはこれらのための手引書を伝達するための手段であって、前記情報または手引書を含む文書、デジタル記録媒体、光学記録媒体、オーディオプレゼンテーションまたは視覚ディスプレーを含む手段。
- 66表示されたウェブサイト、視覚ディスプレーキオスク、パンフレット、製品ラベル、パッケージ用の折込物、広告、ビラ、公示物、オーディオテープ、ビデオテープ、DVD、CD-ROM、コンピュータ読み取り可能チップ、コンピュータ読み取り可能カード、コンピュータ読み取り可能ディスク、USBデバイス、ファイアワイアデバイス、コンピュータメモリ及びそれらの任意の組合せからなる群から選択される、請求項65に記載の手段。
- 67(a)(i)-10~+50メッシュの範囲の大きさの非膨張性粘土粒子または塊になった粘土粒子、及び、 (ii)前記非膨張性粘土粒子にコーティングされた、約100メッシュ~約300メッシュの粒子径のベントナイトを含む複数の吸収剤粒子と、 (b)臭気の制御、水分の吸収、芳香の放出、微生物の制御、ダストの制御、密度の低減、重量の低減及びそれらの組合せからなる群から選択される特性を有する、複数の1種以上のフィラー粒子と、を含む動物用トイレ砂。
Independent claims67
61 paragraphs, as filed
[Cross-reference of related applications] [0001] This application is the priority of US Patent Provisional Application No. 61/115397 filed on November 17, 2008, and US Patent Provisional Application No. 61/277484 filed on September 25, 2009. These disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.
[Background of invention] [Field of invention] [0002] The present invention generally relates to animal litter, and more particularly to veterinary litter with improved functionality and other properties.
[Explanation of related technologies] [0003] Clay-based animal litter sand occupies a large part of the market for animal litter, such as cat, dog, rabbit and other small animal litter. In one form, the toilet sand is cohesive toilet sand. Aggregate toilet sand generally includes non-expandable particles coated with expansive particles, such as bentonite-coated clay or agglomerated clay particles (clay fines). U.S. Pat. No. 688750 discloses such toilet sand. Several types of such processed toilet sand are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 7527019 discloses a method for producing a composition of cohesive toilet sand for animals and the composition thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 7,331309 discloses a composition of cohesive toilet sand for animals and a method for producing the composition. U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,710 discloses cohesive litter for animals and methods for making the litter. U.S. Pat. No. 6,692129 discloses compressed cohesive bicarbonate toilet sand. U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,570 discloses coated cohesive toilet sand. U.S. Pat. No. 5826543 discloses cohesive animal litter that contains a dust-reducing agent. U.S. Pat. No. 7,478,610 states polysaccharides, zeolites, and Yucca. schidegira), distillers, cohesive litter for cats containing dried grains, salt compounds and antibiotics has been disclosed. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0007852 (A1) discloses composite absorbent particles useful for toilet sand. U.S. Pat. No. 7,492,421 discloses coated cohesive toilet sand containing non-expandable particles. In general, such toilet sand works well for its original purpose, eg, to treat animal urine and feces by absorbing liquids and agglomerating feces. However, these toilet sands are made from high density clay and are relatively expensive to handle and transport. Moreover, such toilet sands are often inadequate in some functions, such as the ability to effectively control odor and microbial growth. Therefore, there is a need for toilet sand with improved function and related properties.
[Outline of Invention] [0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide animal litter with improved function and other properties.
[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide animal litter with effective odor control properties.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide animal litter with enhanced moisture absorption properties.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide animal litter with antimicrobial properties.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide animal litter with enhanced dust control properties.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide animal litter sand that is less dense and / or lighter than comparable animal litter.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for making animal litter with improved function and other properties.
[0011] These and other purposes are: (a) (i) non-expandable particles and (ii) a plurality of absorbent particles, including a cohesive material coated with non-expandable particles, and (b) absorbent particles. Achieved by using animal toilet sand containing one or more filler particles that are not associated with. Filler particles provide additional functionality for toilet sand, such as odor control, moisture absorption, aroma release, microbial control, dust control, density reduction, weight reduction and combinations thereof. .. Toilet sand is made by producing absorbent particles using conventional means and combining the absorbent particles with one or more filler particles that impart the desired characteristics to the toilet sand.
[0012] Additional and additional objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0013]<figref num="1">FIG. 1 shows an example of animal litter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0014]</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 2 shows an example of a method for preparing animal litter according to an embodiment of the present invention.</figref>
[Detailed description of the invention]
Definition [0015] The term "odor control" means the ability of filler particles to interact with an odor-generating substance or material to absorb, adsorb, reduce, remove, or shield the odor of the substance or material.
[0016] The term "plurality" means more than one matter. For example, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, 500 or more, 1000 These are matters such as 10,000 or more.
The term "non-associative" means that the filler particles are not covalently or non-covalently attached to the absorbent particles (eg, via charge-charge or other mechanism). It means that they are not directly or indirectly attached, including that they are not attached, linked, bonded, complexed, or otherwise attached.
[0018] The term "biological material" means a material derived from a once-living natural resource such as a plant or animal.
[0019] The term "biodegradable polymer" means a polymer that decomposes to individual monomers or even submonomers under ambient conditions. Suitable environmental conditions include a temperature range of about 0 ° C to about 80 ° C, sunlight, moisture (eg, humidity and / or snow, rain, etc.) and / or consumption by normal bacteria.
invention [0020] In one aspect, the invention provides animal litter. Toilet sand (a) (i) Non-expandable particles and (ii) Cohesive material coated on the non-expandable particles, With multiple absorbent particles, including (b) A plurality of filler particles that are not associated with the absorbent particles and including.
[0021] Absorbent particles include non-expandable particles coated with a cohesive material. Non-expandable particles can be made from any material that is coated with a cohesive material and can function as toilet sand, such as organic and inorganic materials such as clay, wood and sawdust. In a preferred embodiment, the non-expandable particles include clay particles, or a mass of clay particles. Non-expandable particles useful in the present invention are known to those of skill in the art and are, for example, US Pat. No. 5,587,570. The cohesive material can be any material that forms agglomerates when exposed to animal excrement, or a combination of such materials. In one embodiment, a "cohesive material" is a mixture of two or more cohesive materials. Materials that form cohesive toilet sand are known to those of skill in the art and include, for example, US Pat. No. 7527019, US Pat. No. 7,331309, US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0289543, US Pat. No. 7124710, US Pat. These include No. 5863263 and US Pat. No. 6745720. In a preferred embodiment, the cohesive material is bentonite.
[0022] In various embodiments, the filler particles are any particles that are miscible with the absorbent particles and that add the desired function or other properties to the toilet sand. For example, the filler particles can reduce the density and / or weight of the toilet sand when compared to toilet sand that contains the same absorbent particles but does not contain the filler particles. Such toilet sand would be easier to handle and cheaper to transport. Similarly, the filler particles can change the appearance of the toilet sand when compared to toilet sand that contains the same absorbent particles but no filler particles. Such toilet sand can be more pleasing to the consumer and can be modified to adapt to the consumer's wishes or needs. By manipulating the appearance, density, weight, odor and other desirable properties of toilet sand using filler particles, the toilet sand is improved compared to toilet sand that does not contain filler particles.
[0023] In one embodiment, the filler particles are, but are not limited to, caprolactone, hyrdroxyburic acid, lactide, glycolide, polyanhydride, polyester, chitosan, poly (vinylpyridine) and copolymers thereof, poly (vinyl). Pyrrolidone) and its copolymers and one or more biodegradable polymers such as their combinations. Biodegradable polymers can also contain a variety of end groups (eg, carboxylic acid groups, ester groups, amine groups, sulfonic acid groups, etc.), can be crosslinked, and can be prepared as copolymers. In a suitable embodiment, the filler particles include one type of biodegradable polymer, but in other embodiments, a number of different biodegradable polymers can be utilized together as the filler particles. Biodegradable polymers are useful for altering the appearance and density of toilet sand. Similarly, biodegradable polymers allow toilet sand to be disposed of in a more environmentally friendly manner.
[0024] The molecular weight of the biodegradable polymer can be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art, preferably from about 1000 MW to about 2,000,000 MW, more preferably from about 1,000 MW to about 1,000,000 MW, from about 1,000 MW to about 500,000. MW, about 1,000 MW to about 200,000 MW, about 1,000 MW to about 100,000 MW, about 1,000 MW to about 50,000 MW, about 1,000 MW to about 20,000 MW, about 1,000 MW to about 10,000 MW, and values within this range Will be.
[0025] When selecting a biodegradable polymer for use as a filler particle in animal toilet sand, select a polymer that decomposes into non-toxic products and does not release toxic by-products during decomposition. You have to pay attention to. In addition, the biodegradable polymer must also be non-toxic to both humans and animals using toilet litter (eg, cats, rabbits and other small mammals). Suitable, biodegradable polymers are hypoallergenic to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions in both humans and animals. In addition, the polymer should not produce excessive dust or debris and should therefore, as appropriate, be non-crushable and non-disintegrating. In additional embodiments, materials that aid in the decomposition of the polymer can be added to the toilet sand and / or the removed agglomerates. In addition to biodegradable polymers, additional degradable materials can also be used as the filler particles of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the filler particles (FIGS. 1, 108) contain one or more biodegradable polymers.
[0026] In a further embodiment, the filler particles are one or more biological materials. Examples of biological materials for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, wood pellets or shavings (including Himalayan cedar, pine and other aromatic wood), barley husks, peanut husks, corn products (corn husks and / (Including cob), alfalfa, dried citrus peel, cellulose, wheat by-products (eg wheat husks), barley by-products (eg barley husks), soybean by-products, paper and the like. The addition of biomaterials as filler particles in the toilet sand provides the toilet sand with additional functionality, including absorption of odors, release of aromas, absorption of moisture and reduction of density. As with biodegradable polymers, biomaterials are useful for altering the appearance, density and odor of toilet sand and may allow the toilet sand to be disposed of in a more environmentally friendly manner.
[0027] In other embodiments, the filler particles are one or more zeolites. Zeolites are naturally occurring microporous hydrated aluminosilicates. Zeolites are present in about 48 different natural forms and about 150 synthetic forms. Zeolites can absorb up to about 55% of their weight in water and can also absorb nitrogen. Suitable zeolites for use in the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, chabazite, hollandite, natrolite, phillipsite, stillbite, clinoptilolite ((Na, K, Ca)).<sub>2</sub>-3Al<sub>3</sub>(Al, Si) 2Si<sub>13</sub>O<sub>36</sub> 12 (H<sub>2</sub>O)), Analsim (NaAlSi<sub>2</sub>O<sub>6</sub> H<sub>2</sub>O), Zeolite A (Synthetic (Na)<sub>12</sub>(Al<sub>12</sub>Si<sub>12</sub>O<sub>48</sub>) 27H<sub>2</sub>O)) and combinations thereof can be mentioned.
[0028] In an additional embodiment, the filler particles are one or more charged polymers, such as polymers with carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonate functional groups, ammonium functional groups, phosphate functional groups or ester functional groups. Dust generated during the use and manufacture of animal litter is irritating and can be harmful when inhaled by animals and / or humans, eg, when long-term exposure causes silicosis. There is. Adding one or more charged polymers as filler particles to cohesive toilet sand reduces or even removes dust particles in the air. The reason is that the electrostatic interaction between the polymer and the dust particles traps the dust, which reduces the amount of free dust in the air when the toilet sand is supplied from the bag or used by animals. This is because that. The molecular weight of the charged polymer can be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art, appropriately from about 1000 MW to about 2,000,000 MW, more appropriately from about 1,000 MW to about 1,000,000 MW, about 1,000 MW to about 500,000 MW, about 1,000 MW. ~ About 200,000 MW, about 1,000 MW ~ about 100,000 MW, about 1,000 MW ~ about 50,000 MW, about 1,000 MW ~ about 20,000 MW, about 1,000 MW ~ about 10,000 MW, and so on.
[0029] Polymers exhibiting bactericidal properties (including the ability to kill bacteria and microorganisms) are well known in the art and such polymers include, for example, chitosan, polycaprolactone-chitosan copolymers and poly (vinylpyridine) copolymers. Can be mentioned.
[0030] Additional polymers that can be used as filler particles include superabsorbent polymers. Such polymers appropriately absorb more water on a volume and weight basis as compared to clay materials. Examples of superabsorbent polymers include various hydrogels, crosslinked sodium polyacrylates, polyacrylamide copolymers, ethylene maleic acid anhydride copolymers, crosslinked carboxy-methyl-cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, crosslinked polyethylene oxide and polyacrylonitrile starch graft copolymers. Can be mentioned. The use of superabsorbent polymers allows absorption of liquid excrement and also reduces the weight and / or density of toilet sand, thus reducing transportation costs.
[0031] In other embodiments, the filler particles are organic salts, inorganic salts, metal particles or combinations thereof, such as Ag, Cu or Zn particles and LVDS.<sub>3</sub>Is. Such organic and inorganic salts, as well as methods of producing such salts, are well known to those of skill in the art. Organic and / or inorganic salts can aid in the coordination of ionic polymers when such polymers are used as filler particles. Metal particles provide antimicrobial properties, including antibacterial properties, and reduce the density of toilet sand. Suitably, the metal particles are metal nanoparticles and are contained, eg, embedded, encapsulated, packaged or encapsulated in a matrix or particles, such as polymer carrier particles (FIG. 1, 116). Examples of polymeric materials that can be used to prepare the carrier particles 116 are described herein, others are known in the art. Suitable, the size of the metal nanoparticles is from about 1 nm to about 1000 nm. In an exemplary embodiment, the polymer filler particles include a variety of metal nanoparticles. The use of multiple metal nanoparticles increases the overall available surface area of the metal.
[0032] In an additional embodiment, the filler particles are one or more magnetic particles, such as magnetite. The use of magnetic filler particles aids in the removal of cohesive animal litter, for example when using magnetic shovels. The amount of magnetic particles is generally sufficient for the particles to help agglomerate the toilet sand, especially when using a magnetic shovel, but so much that the single particles adhere to each other without helping to agglomerate. There is no. Furthermore, as described herein, the magnetic particles can be housed within carrier particles such as a polymer carrier. The magnetic particles may be separate individual particles or may be prepared as a solution of the particles.
[0033] In one embodiment, the filler particles contain an amount of activated carbon sufficient to control the odor from animal excrement. The use of activated carbon for application to toilet sand is known in the art and is, for example, in US Pat. No. 05860391, US Pat. No. 07059273 and US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/017453. Activated carbon can be dispersed in all or part of the filler particles, coated on all or part of the surface of the filler particles, or a combination thereof.
[0034] The amount of filler particles for use in toilet sand depends on the type of filler particles, the final desired properties of the toilet sand, the use of the toilet sand (eg, animal and / or setting type), cost, weight. It is determined by several factors including. Generally, filler particles make up about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of animal litter. The weight% measurement of the filler particles is carried out by comparing the total weight of the filler particles to the total weight of the filler particles and other components of the toilet sand, such as clay and bentonite. In various embodiments, the filler particles are about 0.5 to about 40% by weight of animal litter, preferably about 1 to about 40%, about 5 to about 40%, about 10 to about 40%, about 20 to. It accounts for about 40%, about 30 to about 40%, or about 30 to about 35%, and any percentage within this range.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 (not shown to the dimensions), the filler particles 108 may have a variety of different sizes and shapes. Suitablely, the size range of the filler particles is about 1 to about 300 mesh, more appropriately about 3 to about 200 mesh, about 3 to about 150 mesh, about 5 to about 150 mesh, about 10 to about 10 to about. 150 mesh, about 20 to about 150 mesh, about 50 to about 150 mesh, or about 100 to about 150 mesh, any value within these ranges. Preferably, the size range of the filler particles is from about 3 to about 150 mesh, the size range of the cohesive material particles is from about 100 to about 300 mesh, and the size range of the non-expandable particles. Is about -10 to about +50 mesh. In embodiments, the cohesive material particles are from about 20% to about 40% by weight of the absorbent particles.
[0036] In one embodiment, the filler particles are housed in one or more carrier particles suitable for use in animal litter. Such carrier particles are known to those of skill in the art.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the animal litter box comprises two or more filler particles. In another preferred embodiment, the animal litter contains 3, 4, 5, 6 or more filler particles.
[0038] In one embodiment, the present invention provides animal litter 100 as shown in FIG. Toilet sand contains a plurality of absorbent particles 102, including non-expandable clay particles 104, with cohesive material particles 106 coated on the non-expandable particles 104. Toilet sand 100 also includes one or more filler particles that are not associated with non-expandable particles (eg, 108, 112, 114, 108/116). Non-expandable clay particles coated with a cohesive material are disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,875,570. Referring to FIG. 1, the absorbent particles 102 contain clay fines that have agglomerated into non-expandable clay particles 104, the non-expandable clay particles 104 being coated with cohesive material particles 106. The clay fines used in the agglomeration process are appropriately about -50 mesh in size and are sometimes referred to as clay seed bases or seed materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the non-expandable clay particles 104 ranges from about -10 mesh to about +50 mesh relative to US standard mesh.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the clay powder is agglomerated using a pin mixer. The cohesive material particles 106 are applied to the particles 104 to form a coating. Examples of cohesive material particles include sodium bentonite powder and bentonite / guar gum blend powder. In an exemplary embodiment, the coating can be enhanced with one or both of an odor control agent and an antimicrobial agent. Generally, the shape of the particle 102 is spherical, but it can be produced and used in any suitable shape and size for the present invention.
An exemplary method for producing absorbent particles 102 utilizing clay fines is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,877,570. A method for coating non-expandable clay particles 104 with bentonite is also disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,875,570. Bentonite, which has a particle size of about 100 mesh to about 300 mesh, more preferably about 200 mesh, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,570, is a centrifugal coater or rotary coater to improve agglutination capacity. Coated on clay particles using a coater / dryer system. In additional embodiments, bentonite can be coated on clay particles using a fluidized bed dryer, semi-continuous centrifugal coater or rotary coating and drying system.
The size range of the produced absorbent particles 102 is typically -10 to +50 mesh, the water content is from about 15% to about 5%, and appropriately, the water content is from about. 8%. In one embodiment, the cohesive material coating is from about 20% to about 40% by weight of the absorbent particles (and thus toilet sand). In an alternative embodiment, the cohesive material coating is from about 25% to about 35% by weight of the absorbent particles. In a further alternative embodiment, the cohesive material coating is about 30% by weight of the absorbent particles.
[0042] Cohesive toilet sand has excellent cohesive properties. The reason is that an active cohesive material (eg, bentonite) is retained on the surface of the particles, where cohesive bonds are formed. Coating with bentonite provides toilet sand with the cohesiveness and absorbency of toilet sand composed entirely of sodium bentonite. However, due to the coating process, the weight of sodium bentonite is reduced compared to known cohesive toilet sand. This results in the more efficient use of sodium bentonite, while reducing production costs over toilet sand with a higher percentage of sodium bentonite. In addition, the manufactured coated toilet sand becomes a lighter product and has a unique and uniform appearance that appeals to consumers. Furthermore, fine powder of clay products, which was conventionally regarded as waste for the agglomeration process, is utilized. Furthermore, since clay is non-biodegradable, conventionally, clay fine powder required a space for disposal.
[0043] As has been described so far, the cohesive toilet sands of the present invention also include one or more filler particles (eg, 108, 110, 112 and / or 108/116) that are not associated with absorbent particles. ) Is further included.
[0044] As has been said, the filler particles are not associated with the absorbent particles. Not associated is used to indicate that the filler particles are not associated with the non-expandable particles 104 and / or the cohesive material particles 106 of the absorbent particles 102. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the filler particles 108 are not associated with the absorbent particles 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the filler particles are also separated from each other, but in other embodiments, the filler particles adhere to each other (same or different in composition), associate, or otherwise composite. As a result, an aggregate or the like can be formed.
As shown in FIG. 1, there are one or more kinds of animal toilet sand, for example, two or more kinds, three or more kinds, four or more kinds, five or more kinds, six kinds or more, seven kinds or more, eight kinds or more. , Contains 9 or more types, 10 or more types of filler particles, etc. FIG. 1 shows that the filler particles 108 may be of various types, shapes, sizes, colors and the like. In a further embodiment, the filler particles 108 can be housed within the carrier particles 116, as shown in FIG. Appropriately, the carrier particles 116 include a polymer in which the filler particles 108 are contained, as described herein. As used herein, "contained" means that the filler particles 108 are embedded, dispersed, encapsulated, enclosed, or otherwise associated with the carrier particles 116. Appropriately, the filler particles 108 are accessible to external excrement, gas, etc., and are therefore appropriately located on or contained in the outer surface of the carrier particles 116, or in which the carrier particles are porous. Allows the approach of filler particles.
[0046] The filler particles appropriately impart features and / or functionality to the animal litter that would otherwise not be present in the litter. Filler particles are appropriately selected for one or more features and / or functionality. The selection criteria may include the amount, composition, weight, number (including total number and number of different types of particles) and characteristics of the filler particles. Examples of desirable properties and functionality include, but are not limited to, odor control, moisture absorption, aroma release (including sustained release), microbial control (eg, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral). , Dust control (eg, dust reduction or removal), density reduction, weight reduction and combinations thereof.
[0047] As described herein, filler particles may have one or more of these features / functionality within the same particle, or may have a plurality of different features / functionality. Particles may be used.
[0048] When the filler particles are used for odor control, the odor generator may be a fatty acid in animal excrement. Additional odor-generating substances include, but are not limited to, sulfur-containing compounds such as thiols, sulfides, sulfones, sulfoxides, or sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds or combinations thereof. Specific examples include hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, 3-methyl-3-mercaptobutylformate or 3-methylbutenethiol, or a combination thereof. Additional odor-generating substances include, but are not limited to, nitrogen-containing compounds such as amines, ammonia, amides, nitro and nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. Specific examples include 2-acetylpyrazine, 2methoxypyrazines, spermine, spermidine or putrescine or a combination thereof.
[0049] As described herein, in an exemplary embodiment, the animal litter is 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more. Includes different types of filler particles, such as 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more. Thus, animal toilet sand can contain two or more different filler particles, in which case the filler particles contain different types of filler particles (eg, biodegradable polymers, biomaterials and / or zeolites, etc. Can include combinations of), or materials belonging to one major category, but with different species within this, eg, two or more different types / compositions of biomaterials. As shown in FIG. 1, the suitable filler particles 108 are disjointed individual particles, but in other embodiments they may be complexed together (eg, bonded together) and the carrier. It may be contained in the particles 116. However, as described herein, the filler particles are not associated with the absorbent particles.
[0050] In a further embodiment, the filler particles 108 are coated with cohesive material particles 106, as shown in 112 of FIG. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of non-expandable clay particles used, thereby reducing the weight of toilet sand and possibly the cost of manufacturing and / or transportation. In a further embodiment, as shown in 114 of FIG. 1, some of the non-expandable particles coated with the cohesive material can be replaced with the other central particles 110 and coated with the cohesive material 106. This reduces the amount of non-expandable particles needed to make animal toilet sand. Filler particles are also starch (eg, potato, rice or corn starch), TiO<sub>2</sub>And SiO<sub>2</sub>It can be coated with other materials such as metal oxides such as or mineral powders such as talc.
[0051] As previously described, the present invention also makes it possible to control and adjust the shape, size, color and characteristics of filler particles (eg, charge, composition, pH, etc.). By controlling the shape of the filler particles, it becomes possible to correct the density of the filler. By preparing filler particles with the desired color characteristics (eg, white, gray, or other color), the color of the toilet sand meets the desired standard even if the total amount of toilet sand component is reduced. Can be adjusted as follows.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention presents a non-expandable clay particle having a size in the range of -10 to +50 mesh and a size of about 100 mesh to about 100 mesh coated on the non-expandable clay particle. Provided is a cohesive animal toilet sand containing a plurality of absorbent particles, including 300 mesh bentonite particles, and one or more of the filler particles described herein. Illustrative filler particles, percentages of filler and bentonite particles, and appropriate sizes of the various components have been described all the time.
[0053] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for making animal litter. The method involves preparing multiple absorbent particles by obtaining or producing non-expandable particles, coating the non-expandable particles with an aggregating material, and absorbing multiple one or more filler particles. The filler particles are not associated with the absorbent particles, including the step of combining with the agent particles. Useful filler particles, the amount and size of filler particles, cohesive materials, and non-expandable particles are described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the non-expandable particles are clay particles or agglomerated clay particles.
[0054] As shown in Flowchart 200 of FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the method prepares a plurality of absorbent particles in step 202 by agglomerating clay fines into particles in step 204. Includes steps to do. In step 206, the particles are then coated with a cohesive material. In step 208, one or more filler particles are then added. As explained above, the filler particles are not associated with the absorbent particles.
[0055] Exemplary filler particles, the amount of filler particles (ie,% by weight), and the size of the filler particles are described herein. Suitable, the filler particles are one or more of biodegradable polymers including, but not limited to, caprolactone, hydroxyburic acid, lactide, glycolide, chitosan, poly (vinylpyrrolidone) copolymer, polyan anhydride and polyester. including. In a further embodiment, the filler particles include biological materials such as wood pellets, sawdust, swallow husks, peanut husks, corn, alfalfa, dried citrus peels, or paper. In a further embodiment, the filler particles include zeolite, such as clinoptilolite, analsim or zeolite A. Filler particles can also include charged polymers such as charged polymers with carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonate functional groups, ammonium functional groups, phosphate functional groups or ester functional groups. Additional filler particles are disclosed herein and include organic and inorganic oxides, metal particles and the like.
[0056] A method of agglomerating clay fine particles into particles and coating the particles with a cohesive material is described in detail in US Pat. No. 6,877,570. Methods for adding and / or dispersing a variety of filler particles, including biodegradable polymers, biomaterials, etc., into toilet sand include spraying, sieving, mechanical mixing, ultrasonic dispersion, vibration dispersion, etc. Known in the technical field.
[0057] In another aspect, the invention is: (1) using the animal toilet sand of the invention to treat animal excreta, (2) the functionality of the animal toilet sand of the invention or Other properties, (3) A method for controlling odor using the animal toilet sand of the present invention, (4) A method for controlling water absorption using the animal toilet sand of the present invention, (5) A method for controlling the release of aroma using the animal toilet sand of the present invention, (6) A method for controlling microorganisms using the animal toilet sand of the present invention, (7) The method for controlling dust using the animal toilet sand of the present invention, (8) the method for controlling the reduction in density using the animal toilet sand of the present invention, (9) for the animal of the present invention. Information on, or for, one or more of the methods for controlling weight loss using toilet sand, and (10) methods for training animals to use the toilet sand of the present invention. Provide a means to convey the guidebook. The means include documents, digital recording media, optical recording media, audio presentations or visual displays, including information or guides. In certain embodiments, the means of communication is a displayed website, a visual display kiosk. kiosk), brochures, product labels, package inserts, advertisements, villas, announcements, audiotapes, videotapes, DVDs, CD-ROMs, computer-readable chips, computer-readable cards, computer-readable discs, USB devices , Firewire devices, computer memory and any combination thereof. Useful information is one or more of (1) methods and techniques for adapting animals to litter, and (2) contact information for use in case of doubt about litter and its use. including. Useful guides include methods for cleaning and disposing of toilet sand. The means of communication are useful for teaching the benefits of using the invention and for communicating approved methods for using the invention to animals.
[0058] The present specification discloses typical preferred embodiments of the present invention. Although specific terms are used, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and are not intended to be limiting. In light of the above teachings, it is clear that many modified and modified forms of the invention are possible. Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention can be carried out by methods other than those specifically described.
[0059] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" also include a plurality of matters, unless the context explicitly states that this is not the case. The terms "comprise," "comprises," and "comprising" should be interpreted as inclusive rather than exclusive.
[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein, as well as any acronyms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. .. Any composition, method and communication means similar to or equivalent to that described herein can be used to carry out the present invention, but is preferred herein. Information transmission means are explained.
[0061] To the extent permitted by law, all references cited above are incorporated herein by reference. The discussion of these references is intended only to summarize the claims made by the author. It does not acknowledge that any reference (or part of any reference) is the relevant prior art. The applicant reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and validity of any cited reference.
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office | Cited during |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2018113876A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| JP2015530442A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| JP2015530442A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| JP2018113876A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| JP2015530442A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| JP2000053415A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JP2000236766A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JP2002502671A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JP2004201520A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JP2005516597A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JPH0739265A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JPH1189468A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JPS6150636A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JPS6174527A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JPS62130630A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JPS62257326A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| JPS62257326A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
16 members in 10 offices
Priority claims11
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11539708 | United States of America | P | |
| 61115397 | United States of America | – | |
| 27748409 | United States of America | P | |
| 61277484 | United States of America | – | |
| 2009006072 | United States of America | W | |
| 2008115397 | – | – | – |
| 2009277484 | – | – | – |
| 2009006072 | – | – | – |
| US20080115397P | – | – | – |
| US20090277484P | – | – | – |
| WO2009US06072 | – | – | – |
Members16
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2009314545A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| CA2743821A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2010056321A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| EP2348822A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CN102215672A | China | A | |
| US2011253055A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2012508576AThis record | Japan | A | |
| EP2348822A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| ZA201104468B | South Africa | B | |
| RU2011124542A | Russian Federation | A | |
| AU2009314545B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| US8733288B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| RU2521670C2 | Russian Federation | C2 | |
| JP5723284B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| BRPI0921778A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| CA2743821C | Canada | C |
18 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation because of no payment of annual feesLAPS | LAPS | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Written notification of registration of transferJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R350R350 | R350 | |
| Request for change of ownership or part of ownershipJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313111S111 | S111 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Certificate of patent or registration of utility modelJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150R150 | R150 | |
| First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61A61 | A61 | |
| Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01A01 | A01 | |
| Decision of grant or rejection writtenTRDD | TRDD | |
| Written permission of extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A602A602 | A602 | |
| Request for written amendment filedJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Written request for extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A601A601 | A601 | |
| Notification of reasons for refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131A131 | A131 | |
| Report on retrievalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007A977 | A977 | |
| Request for written amendment filedJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Written request for application examinationJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621A621 | A621 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 2012508576
- Publication, DOCDB
- 2012508576
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP2012508576
- Application
- 2011536323
- Application, DOCDB
- 2011536323
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20110536323
Titles2
- Japanese
- 動物用トイレ砂
- English
- Animal toilet sand
Classification
- CPC, 3
- A01K1/0152
- A01K1/0154
- A01K1/0155
- IPC, 2
- A01K1 01
- A01K23 00
Designated states4
- Regional, 4
- Zimbabwe
- Turkmenistan
- Türkiye
- Togo