Abstrict A pasteboard cat litter structure comprising a shallow, rectangular,
plastic-lined, box-like base adapted for holding a quantity of cat
litter. Attached to the top of the base is a collapsible enclosure
shaped like a house. The enclosure comprises first and second opposite
end panels which fold downwardly and inwardly along a lower crease
line to lie flat atop the base when the enclosure is collapsed.
The enclosure further comprises a continuous, central portion made
up of first and second side panels and an enclosure roof. The central
portion is constructed having two (2) opposing, longitudinal, side
creases and a roof crest crease, which permit the central portion
to be folded down, bellows-style, on top of the folded-down end
panels. A flat, substantially closed structure, about the height
of the base is then formed. A lid, similar in shape to the base
is provided for covering the folded-down enclosure and base, the
base fitting downwardly into the lid when the enclosure is erected.
A partial cut-out in one side panel hinges outwardly or inwardly
about a vertical crease to form an entrance into the enclosure when
the enclosure is erected. The cat litter structure can be re-used
or the enclosure can be collapsed and the lid installed so the entire
structure can be disposed of with used litter inside.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. A cat litter box apparatus which comprises:
(a) a relatively shallow litter box sized for holding a quantity
of cat litter or the like, the litter box including ends with upper
edge regions and sides with upper edge regions;
(b) a collapsible enclosure attached to said litter box, said enclosure
being configured for folding and unfolding between an extended,
use position in which the enclosure at least substantially covers
the cat litter box while permitting a cat to enter the enclosure
and use the litter box; and, a collapsed, shipping, storage, and
disposal condition in which the enclosure lies flat on top of, or
in, the litter box, the enclosure including first and second end
panels having lower edge regions, the lower edge regions of the
end panels being foldably connected to corresponding upper edge
regions of the ends of the litter box, and first and second side
panels having upper and lower edge regions and a roof having side
edge regions, the lower edge regions of the side panels being foldably
connected to the corresponding upper edge regions of the sides of
the litter box, and the side edge regions of the roof being foldably
connected to corresponding upper edge regions of the side panels,
so that the roof and side panels form one piece, the side panels
including a longitudinal fold line enabling movement of the side
panels and roof between extended and collapsed conditions, and the
end panels being moveable between a downward collapsed position
and an extended position engaged with end edge regions of the roof
to support the roof and side panels in the extended condition.
2. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a
relatively shallow cover for covering the litter box when the enclosure
is in the collapsed condition.
3. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including means
for detachably connecting upper edge regions of the end panels to
end edge regions of the roof when the enclosure is in the extended
condition.
4. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least
one (1) of the side or end panels is formed having means defining
an opening through which a cat or the like can enter and exit the
enclosure when the enclosure is in the extended condition.
5. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a
vapor barrier and means for installing the vapor barrier inside
the litter box, so as to protect the box.
6. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
litter box and the enclosure are constructed of heavy pasteboard.
7. A cat litter box apparatus which comprises:
(a) a relatively shallow litter box having ends and sides with
upper edge regions and sized for holding a quantity of cat litter
or the like;
(b) a collapsible enclosure attached to said litter box, said enclosure
being configured for folding and unfolding between an extended,
use position in which the enclosure at least substantially covers
the cat litter box, while permitting a cat to enter the enclosure
and use the litter box; and, a collapsed, shipping, storage, and
disposal condition in which the enclosure lies flat on top of, or
in, the litter box, the enclosure comprising:
(i) first and second end panels having lower edges foldably connected
to corresponding upper edge regions of ends of the litter box;
(ii) first and second side panels having upper and lower edges
and a roof having end edge and side edge regions, the lower edges
of said side panels being foldably connected to corresponding upper
edge regions of sides of the litter box, side edge regions of the
roof being foldably connected to corresponding upper edge regions
of the side panels so that the roof and side panels form one (1)
piece, the side panels including a longitudinal fold line enabling
movement of the side panels and roof between extended and collapsed
conditions, and the end panels movable between a downward, collapsed
position and an extended position engaged with the end edge regions
of the roof to support the roof and side panels in the extended
condition; and,
(iii) means for detachably connecting upper edge regions of the
end panels to end edge regions of the roof when the enclosure is
in the extended condition.
8. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein at least
one (1) of the side or end panels is formed having means defining
an opening through which a cat or the like can enter and exit the
enclosure when the enclosure is in the extended condition.
9. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 7 including a
relatively shallow cover for covering the litter box when the enclosure
is in the collapsed condition.
10. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 7 including a
vapor barrier and means for installing the vapor barrier inside
the litter box, so as to protect the box.
11. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the
litter box and the enclosure are constructed of heavy pasteboard.
12. A cat litter box apparatus which comprises:
(a) a relatively shallow litter box having ends and sides with
upper edge regions and sized for holding a quantity of cat litter
or the like;
(b) a vapor barrier and means for installing the vapor barrier
inside the litter box, so as to protect the box; and,
(c) a collapsible enclosure attached to said litter box, said enclosure
being configured for folding and unfolding between an extended,
use position in which the enclosure at least substantially covers
the cat litter box while permitting a cat to enter the enclosure
and use the litter box; and, a collapsed shipping, storage, and
disposal condition in which the enclosure lies flat on top of, or
in, the litter box, the enclosure comprising:
(i) first and second end panels having lower edges foldably connected
to corresponding upper edge regions of the ends of the litter box
so as to be movable between a downward collapsed position and an
extended position;
(ii) first and second side panels having upper and lower edges,
and a roof having end and side edges, the lower edges of said side
panels being foldably connected to corresponding upper edge regions
of sides of the litter box, and the side edges of the roof being
foldably connected to corresponding upper edges of the side panels,
so that the roof and side panels form one (1) piece, each of the
side panels being constructed having a longitudinal fold line enabling
the folding and unfolding of the enclosure between the extended
and collapsed conditions, the roof and side panels being supported
in the extended condition by the extended end panels;
(iii) means for detachably connecting upper edge regions of the
end panels to end edge regions of the roof when the enclosure is
in the extended condition; and
(iv) an opening through at least one of the side or end panels
to permit an animal to enter and exit the enclosure.
13. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 12 including
a relatively shallow cover for covering the litter box when the
enclosure is in the collapsed condition.
14. The litter box apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the
box and the enclosure are constructed of heavy pasteboard.
Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of cat litter
boxes and, more particularly, to disposable cat litter boxes which
include means for covering the box and for shielding from view cats
using the litter box.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
One of the necessities of life for cat owners, especially those
living in apartments, dormitories, rooming houses, and many urban
townhouses and condominiums, is a cat litter box. As is well known,
cat litter boxes are usually shallow boxes enabling the containing
of a one or two inch layer of absorbent material called cat litter.
Such cat litter material may be common sand, or may be "home
made" from newspapers, paper towels, old rags, and the like.
More commonly, however, commercial products (sold virtually everywhere,
including supermarkets, hardware stores, drugstores, and convenience
stores) are used because of the convenience, and because most commercial
products combine highly absorbent materials with deodorizers.
Litter boxes vary considerably in type and cost. The most common
and inexpensive types are merely shallow, usually rectangular, pasteboard
or plastic containers that resemble box covers, and in many cases
are just that. Without special treatment or liners, pasteboard litter
boxes are usually not, however, very satisfactory even if they are
of a disposable type, because they absorb waste products from the
cat litter and become both weak and smelly. Plastic cat litter boxes
are somewhat more practical than untreated or unlined pasteboard
litter boxes; however, the cat litter must almost daily be replaced
from the boxes (as well, of course, from any other type of reusable
litter boxes) and they must frequently be washed to keep them clean.
Neither the removal and disposal of used cat litter from cat litter
boxes, nor the frequent washing of cat litter boxes is a particularly
enjoyable task, especially for the squeamish. Moreover, the washing
of cat litter boxes is not especially hygienic, since usually the
only sink in an apartment or other small dwelling large enough to
wash litter boxes in is in the kitchen sink. Otherwise, about the
only other place to wash cat litter boxes (for people who do not
have their own yards or patios) is the bathtub, which is also not
particularly sanitary.
Another problem associated with most cat litter boxes is the mess
that cats cause on the floor around litter boxes. Typically, cats
like to dig and paw in litter boxes to find clean regions of litter
and to cover their waste after using the litter. Even a large area
litter box does little to prevent litter from being scattered out
of the box onto the surrounding floor or carpet. To eliminate some
of such problem, litter boxes are commonly placed on newspaper or
the like, which protects the floor or carpet, but which usually
do little to reduce the mess and, in fact, usually add to the messy
appearance of the litter box area.
Providing a deeper litter box may reduce the amount of litter scattered
outside of the box, but may, on the other hand, make the box too
inconvenient for the cat to use. In such case, the inevitable result
is that the animal finds other places, often such hidden and hard
to find and clean places, as remote closet corners, under beds or
other furniture, or piles of laundry, to perform their bodily functions.
On the other hand, some less bashful and/or more anti-social cats
may elect to use furniture, usually the piece which is most conspicuous,
expensive and difficult to clean.
One solution to the scattered litter problem is to put a screen
most of the way around the litter box. Such a screen not only confines
the litter to a restricted area, but hides the litter box from view
at all times, including times when a cat is using the box. The problem
with screens is, however, that they cannot completely surround the
litter box, for access to the box would be blocked; therefore, some
litter can still be scattered out of the box. Moreover, free-standing
screens can be knocked over and their effectiveness thereby eliminated.
A covered cat litter box having an entrance and exit for a cat
is, for example, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4348982 to J. W. Selby.
While such litter box covers may be effective for the purpose intended,
they are nevertheless very bulky. As a result, they take up a substantial
amount of space when being shipped from the factory to wholesalers
and/or retailers. In addition, such covers take up a great amount
of storage space and display prior to purchase by a customer. After
purchase, the disclosed type is too bulky to be easily stored in
homes and is likewise difficult to dispose of.
Consequently, a need exists for an improved litter box having a
built-in (or on) enclosure which does not take up any appreciable
room except when it is actually being disposed for use by a household
pet. It is, therefore, a principal objective of the present invention
to provide such an improved cat litter box assembly having a collapsible
enclosure enabling the assembly to be folded relatively flat when
not in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a collapsible,
covered cat litter box apparatus, which comprises a relatively shallow
litter box adapted for holding a quantity of cat litter or the like,
and a collapsible enclosure attached to the top of the box. The
box preferably includes a vapor barrier on the inside for keeping
the box dry. The apparatus may be provided with the enclosure in
the collapsed condition and with cat litter contained in the box.
Both the litter box and the enclosure may be constructed of heavy
pasteboard.
The enclosure is configured for folding and unfolding between an
extended, use position, in which the enclosure at least substantially
covers the cat litter box while permitting a cat to enter the enclosure
and use the litter box; and, a collapsed, shipping, storage, and
disposal condition, in which the housing lies flat on top of, or
in, the litter box. In the preferred embodiment, there is included
a relatively shallow cover for covering the litter box when the
enclosure is in the collapsed condition.
Preferably, the enclosure comprises first and second end panels,
lower edges which are foldably connected to corresponding upper
edge regions of ends of the litter box. The enclosure then further
comprises first and second side panels and a roof, the lower edges
of the side panels being foldably connected to corresponding upper
edge regions of sides of the litter box, and the side edges of the
roof being foldably connected to corresponding upper edges of the
side panels, so that the roof and side panels form one piece. Each
of the side panels is constructed having a longitudinal fold line
enabling the bellows-like folding and unfolding of the enclosure
between the extended and collapsed conditions. There are also included
means for detachably connecting upper edge regions of the end panels
to end edge regions of the roof when the enclosure is in the extended
condition.
At least one of the side and end panels is formed having means
defining an opening through which a cat or the like can enter and
exit the enclosure when the enclosure is in the extended condition.
The outside of the enclosure may be decorated or printed so that
the enclosure looks like a small house.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The present invention may be more readily understood from the following
detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a collapsible, covered, disposable
cat litter box apparatus showing the litter box and the enclosure
attached to the top of the box, the enclosure being shown in a partially
collapsed condition;
FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the collapsible, covered cat
litter box apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the enclosure in its uncollapsed
(erect) condition;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional drawing taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
2 showing construction of the cat litter box and the enclosure;
and,
FIG. 4 is an elevation drawing of one end of the enclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Generally comprising a cat litter box apparatus 10 in accordance
with the present invention and as shown in FIG. 1 are a litter
box 12 a collapsible enclosure 14 and a cover or lid 16. As more
particularly described below, enclosure 14 is attached to the top
edges of litter box 12 or, alternatively, is formed with the box
in one (1) piece, as an extension of the litter box. Also, as described
below, enclosure 14 is configured in the general shape of a miniature
house and is constructed so as to be foldable and unfoldable between
a collapsed condition in which the enclosure lies flat across the
top of, or partially within, litter box 12; and, an extended condition
in which the enclosure is erected above the litter box. Apparatus
10 may be provided with a suitable quantity of cat litter 20 (FIG.
3) already contained in litter box 12. Litter 20 may be provided
in a sealed plastic pouch (not shown) in box 12 so that the litter
does not spill from apparatus 10 during shipping and handling. Alternatively,
litter apparatus 10 may be sold without litter 20 so that the customer
can use his or her own cat litter.
When enclosure 14 is in the collapsed condition, litter box apparatus
10 is not significantly higher than litter box 12 and in such condition,
cover 16 fits downwardly over the enclosure and onto litter box
12 thereby making a compact object suitable for shipping, storage,
and disposal after use. With enclosure 14 in the extended condition,
cat litter box apparatus 10 is ready for use. Preferably, litter
box 12 enclosure 14 and cover 16 are constructed of heavy pasteboard
(that is, corrugated cardboard), so as to be both strong and economical.
Apparatus 10 may be sufficiently economical to be disposable after
a single use, the enclosure being collapsed onto litter box 12
cover 16 installed on the collapsed enclosure and litter box 12
and the entire apparatus, with used litter 20 inside, may be conveniently
disposed of when the litter has been used to the extent that its
disposal is necessary. However, apparatus 10 may be constructed
sufficiently rugged to enable repeated reuse after used litter 20
has been replaced in the litter box with fresh litter.
More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 litter box 12 comprises
a shallow, rectangular, tray-like structure having a bottom 24
two (2) opposing ends 28 and two (2) opposing sides 28. Overall
dimensions may be about nineteen inches (19") by about fourteen
inches (14"), with a height of about two inches (2").
A vapor barrier 30 is provided inside litter box 12 extending up
ends 26 and sides 28 to protect the box against moisture from used
litter 20 and to prevent leakage of moisture from the litter through
the box. Preferably barrier 30 is formed from a plastic sheet and
may, in fact, be part of a pouch which contains litter 20. Alternatively,
barrier 30 may comprise a moisture-resistant coating that is sprayed
or brushed onto the inside of litter box 12.
Enclosure 14 comprises two (2) opposite end panels 36 (FIGS. 1-4)
and a central portion 38 which, in turn, comprises two (2) opposite
side panels 40 and two (2) roof panels 42. Side panels 40 and roof
panels 42 interconnect along respective first, second and third,
longitudinal creased fold or bend lines 44 46 and 48 (FIGS. 1-3).
Formed longitudinally along enclosure side panels 40 are two (2)
additional creased fold or bend lines 50. A lower edge of each enclosure
side panel 40 is attached to the upper edge of a corresponding litter
box side 28 along another creased fold or bend line 52 (best shown
in FIG. 1). Collectively, the seven (7) bend lines 44 46 48 50
(2), and 52 (2), enable the bellows-like collapsing (FIG. 1) and
erecting (FIG. 3) of enclosure central portion 38.
End panels 36 (FIGS. 2-4) are constructed in a five-sided shape
to fit within end regions of central portion 38 when such central
portion is in the extended condition shown in FIG. 2. Each end panel
36 is connected to a corresponding upper edge of litter box ends
26 along a creased fold or bend line 58 (FIGS. 1 and 4), so that
each end panel can be folded inwardly so as to extend longitudinally
over the litter box when the enclosure is in the collapsed condition
shown in FIG. 1.
Two (2) elongate, narrow ears 60 project upwardly from upper regions
of each of end panels 36 (FIG. 2), one such ear being on each side
of roof bend line 46. Two (2) corresponding slots 62 (FIG. 2) are
formed in roof panels 42 at each end region thereof. When enclosure
end panels 36 and central portion 38 have been unfolded and end
panel ears 60 have been inserted into roof panel slots 62 enclosure
14 is locked into the extended condition. Enclosure end panels 36
and central portion 38 cannot be folded down onto litter box 12
until end panel ears 60 are pulled out of roof panel slots 62.
A square or rectangular fold-in tab 64 (FIGS. 2-4) is formed by
a three-sided cut 66 in upper regions of each end panel 36. The
pushing of tabs 64 inwardly, about a creased hinge line 68 enables
end panels 36 to be grasped from the inside for pulling the end
panel upwardly and outwardly from the collapsed position (FIG. 1)
to the upstanding position (FIG. 2), in which ears 60 are inserted
into mating roof slots 62. The openings formed when tabs 64 are
pushed inwardly also serve as vent openings for the enclosure and
enable air to circulate through enclosure 14 when the enclosure
is in the extended condition (FIG. 2).
Access by a cat or the like into enclosure 14 when the enclosure
is in its extended condition is enabled by an entry "door"
70 cut into one of enclosure side panels 40 (FIG. 2). Alternatively,
door 70 may be cut into one of enclosure end panels 36. Preferably,
access door 70 is left attached to its side panel 40 along a vertical,
creased hinge line 72 so that the door can be folded flat with
the end panel when enclosure 14 is collapsed. Door 70 not only permits
a cat or the like access to enclosure 14 when the enclosure is unfolded
to its extended condition, but also permits access to litter box
12 for cleaning litter 20 from the box and/or for adding fresh litter
to the box.
Although the exposed, outer surfaces of litter box 12 and enclosure
may be left plain (that is, in the natural pasteboard finish), it
is preferred, for esthetic reasons, that such surfaces be decoratively
finished. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 1 2 and 4 the outer
surfaces may be decoratively printed so that litter box 12 and enclosure
14 resemble a cottage or house, complete with outlines of windows,
shutters, window boxes, plants, and so forth. The decorative printing
may be in black and white, or may be in color. Other exterior designs
may be applied to litter box 12 and enclosure 14.
Cover or lid 16 (FIG. 1 is preferably about the height of litter
box 12 with enclosure 14 folded down onto the box, so that the lid
can be set downwardly onto the box and folded-down enclosure, and
cover both. A printed panel 75 on a top surface 74 of lid 16 may
be provided with instructions regarding unfolding or enclosure 14
and locking of the enclosure into the extended condition.
Although there is described above a specific arrangement of a covered
cat litter box apparatus in accordance with the present invention
for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention
can be used to advantage, it is to be appreciated that the invention
is not limited thereto. Accordingly, any and all variations and
modifications which may occur to those skilled in the art are to
be considered to be within the scope and spirit of the invention,
as defined by the appended claims. |