US4143800A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Litter box
Assignee: Diversified Plastics Products Inc
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Filing: 1978-03-10
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Granted: 1979-03-13
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Expires: 1998-03-10
Abstract
Abstract An automobile litter box includes an enclosed volume open at one end which provides a receptacle with a base which is curved and adapted to rest on the outer periphery of an automobile transmission and driveshaft tunnel. A pair of arcuate arms are rotatably mounted at opposing ends of the base and adapted to engage the outer periphery of an automobile transmission and driveshaft tunnel. Means are provided for applying spring-like compressive force to at least one of the arms thereby providing frictional compressive engagement of the arms with the outer periphery of the tunnel.
Inventors
- 👤 James A. McCaffrey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 00:24
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60N; B60N3/00; B60N3/08; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S224/00; Y10S224/928
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
In an automobile litter box including an enclosed volume open at one end which provides a receptacle with a base which is adapted to rest upon the outer periphery of an automobile transmission and driveshaft tunnel, the improvement comprising: a pair of arcuate arms rotatably mounted at opposing ends of said base by hinge means associated with each arm and a corresponding end of said base; said hinge means being comprised of a pair of prongs for each arm extending axially outwardly, and bearing means within each opposing end of said base for receiving said prongs; means for applying spring-like compressive force to at least one of said arms and thereby providing the compressive frictional engagement of said arms with the outer periphery of an automobile transmission and driveshaft tunnel; said means for applying spring-like compressive force being comprised of said arms being resiliently flexible, and an extension integrally formed with each side corresponding to each base end which extends downwardly and removably engages said arm at the axial center thereof to flex said arm laterally when upward force is applied to said arm, said flexing, tending to force said arm downwardly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
In an automobile litter box including an enclosed volume open at one end which provides a receptacle with a base which is adapted to rest upon the outer periphery of an automobile transmission and driveshaft tunnel, the improvement comprising: a pair of arcuate arms rotatably mounted at opposing ends of said base by hinge means associated with each arm and a corresponding end of said base; said hinge means being comprised of a pair of prongs for each arm extending axially outwardly, and bearing means within each opposing end of said base for receiving said prongs; means for applying spring-like compressive force to at least one of said arms and thereby providing the compressive frictional engagement of said arms with the outer periphery of an automobile transmission and driveshaft tunnel; said means for applying spring-like compressive force being comprised of said arms being resiliently flexible, and an extension integrally formed with each side corresponding to each base end which extends downwardly and removably engages said arm at the axial center thereof to flex said arm laterally when upward force is applied to said arm, said flexing, tending to force said arm downwardly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The litter box of claim 1 wherein the maximum forces applied to the extension during flexing of the am is generally applied perpendicularly to said extension.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The liter box of either claim 1 or claim 2 including gripping teeth members integrally formed with said base and arms adapted to be embedded in carpeting on said tunnel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-03-12 | 1982-09-11 | 1983-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-03-12 | 1986-09-11 | 1987-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-03-12 | 1990-09-11 | 1991-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |