Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
This invention relates generally to containers
for the collection and disposal of refuse. More
particularly, the lnvention relates to a litter box for
small animals; and most specifically, the present invention
relates to a litter collection and disposal system for
felines and the like, which eliminates problems associated
with the handling and disposal of animal wastes.
Backqround of the Invention
Since time immemorial domestic cats and humans
have en~oyed a mutually beneficial relationship. In
exchange for food and ~helter, the cat provides its host
with companionship and controls mice, rats and other
vermin. For many years, cats primarily resided in barns,
granariee, and other out buildings on their host1s
property. However, as society becomes increasingly urban,
domeskic cats are spendlng more of their time in houses and
apartments. It is not unusual in some settings, for a cat
to live its entire life wikhin the confines of a given
house or apartment. Such intramural existence presents
ever-increasing problems associated with the disposal of
cat excreta.
5~
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Heretofore, it has been ~ommon fox cat owners
to provide their pets with a l~tter box, typically a
shallow tray fillad with sand or on~ o~ the various
commercially avallable absorbent materials. The cat litter
box is generally unsightly, dusty and odiferous and must
be cleaned regularly if the cat ls to use it and the
various tasks associated with the cleaning, and disposal
of the contents of a l~tter box are one of the more
unpleasant aspects of cat ownership. In addition to being
a nuisance, disposal of cat wastes can be a health hazard.
It has been fDund ~hat cat feces can in some instances
contain infectious agents harmful to humans. For example,
it has been found that toxoplasmosis, an infection caused
by the protozoan toxoplasmosis qondil can be transmitted
to humans from cat feces. This highly contagious agent can
cause significant harm to various organs and is
particularly harmful to pregnant women insofar as the
infection can be transmitted, often with severe results,
to a fetus.
Accordingly, it will he appreciated that there
is a need for a cat litter system whlch will minimize human
contact with cat excreta and which will present a sanitary
and ae~thetically pleasing aspect. Many approaches to the
problem of cat litter have been implemented. There are
various litter boxes which provide a shielded and/or
deodorized environment. U.S. Ratent No. 4,771,731
discloses a cat litter system having a dual-tray and bag
arrangement. The first tray is perforated and holds a body
20~5~
_~3
of cat litter material. The perforations allow urlne to
pass therethrough into an absorbent lined holding bag
therebeneath. The ~irst tray and bag are supported in a
second tray. Disposal o cat waste from this system still
entails direct contact w~th litter material and further
necessitates washlng of the various components.
Various approaches to disposable litter systems
have also been implemented. In some instances, disposable
plastic liners are placed in litter trays to contain litter
for disposal. Problems with these liners arise because
cats are prone to claw holes in them. U.S. Patent No.
4,779,567 and U.S. Patent No. 4,763,603 both disclose
litter trays ~abricated from a disposable material and
include therewith a plastic bag for disposal of the used
litter. While both of these ~nventions minimize contact
with litter and washing of litter trays, both leave the
litter exposed to the ambient environment during use.
Furthermore, it has been found that cats are prone to
scatter litter about and spray urine while using such
unsh$elded open trays.
Another approach to the problem of cat litter is
represented in U.S. Patent No. 4,683,839 which shows a cat
litter disposal system configured to be hidden beneath a
table and shielded from view by a table cloth. The cat
litter system of the '839 patent further includes a litter
tray disposed within a bag which is supported from its
extexior by the framework of the table, This approach
shields the litter box from view and prevents the
__4
dissemination of odor and infectious material. However,
disposal of litter still entails dumping and washing of the
tray. Furthermore, it has been fourld that plastic bag
protectors of the type shown in the '839 patent are
frequently torn by cats' claws with the resultant spillage
of waste materials and release of odors.
Yet another litter box assembly is disclosed in
U.S. Patent No. 4,788,935. The litter box thereof is
comprised of a rigid frame which is inserted into, and
supported by, a plastic bag. The frame of the '935 patent
includes a ~ray-like base portion with side portions
extending therefrom. The frame must ~e fully erected before
insertion lnto the bag, which makes use of the assembly
difficult. Additionally, this particular litter box
assembly relies upon the tensile strength of the bag to
provide structural integrity.
It should be appreciated fxom the foregoing that
there iB still a need for an easy to install, use and
dispose cat lltter sy~tem which provid2s a relatively
enclosed environment so as to minimize the spread of
infectious organisms, odors and dust and to cover the
unsightly aspects of the litter box. It is further desired
that any such cat litter system should minimize the
handling of soiled material. It would be oE great
commercial advantage to have a cat litter system which is
cheaply produced and compact to store, which properties
would lend the system to being marketed as a disposable
item.
5g
--5
The present invention provides for an improved
reuse collect~on and disposal container which iB ideally
suited for use as a litter box for cats and other such
animals. The present invention comprehends a litter system
comprised of a generally moisture imperviousl bag-like
member supported by an internal skeleton. The bag and
skeleton cooperate to provide a totally enclosed
env1ronment for containing cat litter and waste. The
system eliminates both the slght and smell of cat litter
and the handling thereof. Furthermore, the litter system
of the present invention is simple to produce and use and
may be fabricated from relatively low cost materials so as
to provide a readily disposable item. These and other
advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from
the drawings, discussion, description and claims which
follow.
Brief Description of the Invention
~ here ls dlsclosed herein a re~use container
compri.sing a support skeleton de~ining an interior space
which is configured to receive refuse. The container
further comprises flexible, bag-like member supported by,
and enclosing therewithin, the Eupport skeleton. In
particular embodiments, the support skeleton is configured
as a box-like member having a closed bottom and a plurality
of sides joined to, and cooperating with, the bottom so as
to partially enclose a refuse containing space.
~6~
----6
In a part1cular embodiment, the refuse container
is structured as a litter hox for felines and the like and
comprises a generally box-like support skeleton which
lncludes a generally planar base and a wall member
encircling the periphery of the base in a non-coplanar
relationship therewith so as to define an interior space.
The wall also includes an opening therethrough
communicating with the interior space~ The litter box
further comprises a ~lexible, bag-like member enclosing,
and supported by, the skeleton. The bay-like member may
also have an opening therethrough generally aligned and
communicating with the opening in the wall member. The
skeleton may be configured as a collapsible element to
allow for storage, assembly and/or disposal of the litter
box. The litter box may include a deodorant material and
may be provided prefilled with cat litter.
In yet other Qmbodiments, the litter box may be
configured to provide litter retaining means proximate the
opening for minimizing scatter of litter from the interior
space. The litter retaining means may be configured as a
ves~bule having a closed bottom, a pair of s~de walls, and
a front wall. The vestlbule projects Prom the wall member
proximate the openingl In another embodiment, the base of
the skeleton ls generally rectangular and the wall member
lncludes four walls which allgn with four edges of the base.
Three of the walls are disposed at approximate right angles
to the base and a fourth ~s disposed at an obtuse angle to
----7
: the base. ~he fourth wall constitutes at least a portlon
of the litter retaining means.
In further refinements oE the present invention,
the l~tter box incorporates an odor-absorbent filter
associated therewith. The skeleton and bag-like member each
have a second opening therein. These openings are ln
alignment and the filter is disposed so as to occlude at
least a portion of those openings.
Br~ef DescriPtion of the Drawin~s
FIGVRE 1 is a persp~ctive view illustrating a
cat litter box of the present invention;
FIGURE 2A is a perspective view of one
configuration of the support skeleton structured in accord
with the principles oE the present invention:
FIGURE 2B is a plan view of a blank for the
fabrication oE the skeleton of Flgure 2A;
FIGURE 2C is a perspective view of the skeleton
of E'~gure 2A in a partially assembled state;
FIGURE 3A is a perspective view of another
support skeleton structured in accord wlth the principles
of the present invention;
FIGURE 3B is a top plan view of a blank for the
fabrication oE the support skeleton o Figure 3A;
FIGURE 3C is a perspective view of the skeleton
of Figure 3A in its closed state;
5~L
~-8
FIGURE 4A is a perspective view of yet another
support skeleton structured :Ln accord wlth the principles
of the present invention;
FIGURE 4B is a top plan view of a blank for the
fabrication of the support skeleton of Figure 4A:
FIGURE 5A is a perspective v1ew of yet another
support skeleton structured in accord with the principles
of the present invention:
FIGURE 5B is a top plan view of the blank for
the ~abrication of the support skeleton of Figure 5A;
FIGURE 6 is a perspect~ve view of yet another
support skeleton structured in accord with the principles
o~ the present invention;
FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the support
skeleton of FIGURE 6 shown as utilized in conjunction with
a bag-like member;
FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of a blank for the
fabrlcation of the support skeleton of FIGUXE 6;
FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a support
skeleton of the present invention including a litter
containing vestibule;
FIGURE 10 ls a perspective view of the support
skeleton of FIGURE 9 as utilized in conjunction with the
-bag-like member;
25FIGURE 11 is a top plan view of a blank ~or the
fabrication of the support skeleton of P~IGURE 9: and
- - 9
FIGURE 12 ~s a schematic, cross-sectional view of
a litter box o khe presant invention illustrating the use
of a filter therewith.
Detailed Description of the Invention
S In its mvsk bas~c form, the present invention
includes a litter box assembly compr~sed of a support
skeleton and a flexibls bay. The skeleton is prvvided in
a first, collapsed, generally planar form and is expandable
to a self-supporting polyhedral shape which defines an
interior volume~ When in the collapsed form, the skeleton
encloses substantially no interior space and ls referred to
as being in a generally planar configuration, it being
understood that such configuration, as will be described in
greater detail hereinbelow, may include one or more
overlapping layers while still being regarded as "planar."
The skeleton may be readily expanded to a
polyhedral configuration which at least partially encloses
an interior volume. As will be explained in greater detail
hereinbelow, this polyhedral shape may include an open-face
as well as an opening configured ko permit passage of the
pet.
It is important to note that the skeleton is self-
supportlng in its expanded configuration. ~s such, it does
nct require the assistance of khe bag or any other member
to cause it to retain lts shape. This feature contrasts the
present invention with various prior art devices and confers
significant advantages of stability and ease of use.
2~
It is also important to note tha~ the skeleton is
readily and reversibly lnterchanged between its two
configurations. In this manner, it may be easily placed in
the bag when in its flrst conEiguration and expanded to its
second configuration. Disposal i5 facilitatsd by returning
the bagged box back to the fir~t, planar configuration~ In
particular variations of the above, the skeleton may be
configured to be expanded to an intermediate configuration
for insertion into the bag prior to full assembly. Also,
the skeleton may be configured to enclose a volume of litter
material when in its first configuration.
Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a cat
litter box lo structured in accord with the principles of
the present invention. The litter box 10 includes a
generally bag-like member 12 enclosing a support skeleton
(not visible in this view) therewithin. The bag 12 is
preferably a moisture impervious, relatively sturdy member,
and in this embodiment is a 1.6 mil polyethylene bag
generally similar to those sold for the disposal of trash.
~he bag 12 is tied shut at the top and totally encloses the
skeleton therewithin. The bag 12 has an opening 14
provided in one side thereof to allow passage of a cat 16.
In the illustrated embodiment the opening 14 in the bag 12
is made so as to leave a depending flap of bag material 18
attached thereto to provlde screen~ng of the interior of
the litter box 10. It has been found that cats generally
prefer the privacy afforded by such screening. It should
be noted that the bag, as supplied, will of necessity
)5~
`--11
include one relatively large top opening through which the
skeleton is inserted. By appropriately positioning khe
bag, this top opening may be positioned to allow passa~e
of a cat. In another preferred embodiment, the bag may be
provided with a second opening, (such as that illustrated
at 14) for this purpose.
Referring now to Figure 2A there is shown a
perspective view of a support skeleton 20 structured in
accord with the principles of the present inventlon. The
skeleton 20 of Figure 2A is generally similar ~o that which
is used in conjunction with the litter box 10 illustrated
in Figure 1. The skeleton 20 of Figure 2A is configured
as a generally box-like member having sufficient rigidity
to support a lightweight, flexible bag 12. The skeleton
20 of Figure 2A includes a generally closed base portion
or floor 22 and a wall member surrounding the floor 22 in
a non-planar relationshipD In thi~ embodiment, the floor
is rectangular in shape and is surrounded by a wall member
comprised of four generally planar walls 24, 26, 28, 30.
Walls 26 and 30 are relatively narrow walls whereas walls
24 and 28 are relati~ely long walls and the overall shape
of the skeleton is that of a rectanyular box.
Disposed on one of the long wallæ 24 of the
skeleton 20, proximate the long edge of the floor 22 and
proximate the edge of the short slde 26, i5 an opening 32
preferably configured to be sufficiently large to permit
entry and exit of a cat. ~he opening 32 may sim~larly be
placed in one of the shorter walls 26,30 of the skeleton:
6~35~
however, it has been found expedlent ~n some instances to
place the open~ng 32 as illustrated herein. The reason
for this placement i5 that some small number of cats are
prone to remain close to the entry port of a litter box,
paxticularly when it is covered, and conse~uently when
voiding urine, a cat thus placed may tend to spray out of
the box and into the surrounding environment. If the
opening 32 is placed in a long wall, for example 2~, and
if the narrow walls 26, 30 are of a length not
significantly exceeding the nose to rump length of a cat,
i.e., no more than one-third greater than the nose to rump
length of the cat; a cat entering the box will be generally
induced to turn and align with the long axis of the box and
thus problems of urine spray are mitigated. It has been
found that turning of the cat is even more stronyly
compelled if the threshold of the opening 32 is relatively
high, since the high threshold will induce the cat to move
forward. In one particular embodiment, the skeleton 20 of
Figure 2A was configured to be approximately ~2 inches wide,
17 inches long and 18 1/2 inches high. The door was 6
lnches wide and 7 inches high and was placed 2 1/2 inches
from the corner of the skeleton and 7 inches from the floor.
Thls skeleton flt a standard 30 gallon garbage bag, and more
importantly, accommodated large 20 pound cats without
problems of urine spray.
Problems associated with cats spraying urine out
o~ a lltter box opening are not particular to the present
invention n In general, an enclosed litter box will lnduce
Z 01~6~S~
-~13
apprehension in some cats causing them to shy from fully
entering the box and thereby spray~ng thelr surroundings.
The present invention recognizes this problem and solves it
by placing the litter box entrance so as to compel the cat
to enter and turn ~o that during use of the box, the
entrance is to the cats side. This aspect of the invention
will have advantages in the design of non-disposable litter
boxes of various configurations.
It will be also be noted that the opening 32
includes a perforated portion 34 generally contiguous with
the bottom thereof. The use of such a perforated portion
allows for removal of a portion of the wall material to
lower the threshold of the opening 32 and thereby permit
the passage of kittens, which generally have problems
negotiating a tall threshold. It is further to be noted
that in the illustrated embodiment, the corners o~ the
skeleton 20 are generally truncated or r~unded. Such a
configuration ellminates sharp projections which could tear
a flexible bag when it is placed over the skeleton. It
will further be noted that the long walls 24,2~ include a
partially perforated fold therein, illustra~ed by line 36.
This fold permits the skeleton 20 to be compactly folded
- for storage and/or disposal.
Referrlng now to Figure 2B, there is shown a top
plan view of a blank which may be folded to provide the
skeleton 20 of Figure 2A. Notable in the figure is the
first long slde 24 of the skeleton, including the opening
32 and perforated portion 34 therein; the first narrow side
~o~
--14
26, the second long side 28 and the third narrow side 30
are similarly visible. ~lso visible are two large bottom
flaps 38 attached to the narrow walls 26 and 30. When the
bank is assembled ~nto a box-like form, these large flaps
38 form the floor of the skeleton and provide a support
base for the litter. Also visible are two small support
flaps 40 attached to the long walls 24,280 These flaps
~unction generally to support the large bottom flaps 38
and, when bent inward, stiffen the long walls 24,2B from
bending at the folds 36.
It will be noted that the support flaps 40 are
generally asymmetric, with a smaller portion thereof
disposed to the left, in the Figure 2B illustration, and
with a larger portion disposed to the right. While many
tab arrangements are possible within the scope of this
invention, i~ has been found advantageous to reverse one of
the tabs (i.e. to have a large portion to the left and a
small portion to the right). This configuration eliminates
interference during assembly.
It will be noted from the drawing of the blank
that the corners are generally rounded or truncated to
eliminate sharp points which could tear or snag the bag.
It is further to be noted that the height of the narrow
walls 26,30 is shown as being very slightly less than the
height o~ the long walls 24,28 and consequently the folds
between the bottom flaps 38 and the corresponding narrow
walls 26,~0 are not exactly allgned with the bottom edge
of the long walls 24,28. This offset has been found to
6~
--15
accommodate the thickness of the turned under large bottom
walls 38 and to stabilize the assembled skeleton against
inward collapse. As illustrated~ the blank also includes
an assembly tab 42 which is used to joln the narrow wall
30 to the long wall 24.
Illustrated in phantom outline are two auxiliary
flaps 41. The~e flaps 41 do not form part of the finished
skeleton; however, they have been found useful in aligning
the blank ~or the appl~cation of glue during assembly.
These flaps are opltional, and if included, are removed
during assembly. It should also be noted that the opening
32 may, with equal advantage, be disposed in wall 28. By
so disposing the opening ~2/ the blank is in some instances
ea~ier to handle, ~abricate and assemble, depending on the
particular methodology employed.
The skeleton depicted in Figure 2A includes an
;~ open top sur~ace. It has generally been found that closure
o~ the bag-like member provides sufficient coverage to
allow use of an open box. However, ln some instances, it
may be desirable to enclose the top of the box with a solid
lid and toward this end, the blank may further be provided
with a top flap, as for example the flap 44 illustrated in
phantom outline in Figure 2B. Obviously, top closure could
be also accomplished by cooperation of a pair of flaps in
a manner analogous to the bottom closure.
The litter box of the present invention is most
advantageously provided in a compact form wherein the
skeleton 20 is collapsed into a flat shape. The bag 12
-~16
may be disposed within the collapsed skeleton and the
entire package shrink wrapped or similarly fastened: or
alternatively, the bag may be used to contain the skeleton.
When it is desired to utilize the litker box, the bay is
opened and the folded skeleton inserted therewithin. The
skeleton is then expanded ~y stre~ching apart the sides.
The ~ottom flaps 38 fall into place and are retained by the
small support flap 40. In this manner, the skeleton
effectively assembles itself. This auto-assembly procedure
eliminates problems of prior art devices which require
lnsertion of assembled ~usually litter-containing) boxes
into a bag. Such prior art problems include spillage of
litter, tearing of the bag and/or damage to the box. While
auto-assembly is described with particular reference to the
skeleton 20 of Figures 2A-2C, it is to be appreciated that
this feature is found in the various other skeletons of the
present ~nvention, including those illustrated herein.
Figure 2C illustrates the support skeleton 20 in
a partially folded form. It will bs noted that the folds
36 in the long walls 24,28 permi-t those walls to be folded
inward. In this manner, the folded skeleton presents a
reasonably flat package of a length and width corresponding
to that of the narrow walls 26,30.
The expanded skeleton provides a space hounded
on 5 sides. Cat litter ls placed in the space coaperatively
defined by the skeleton and the supported bag. The bag is
adjusted to tightly cover the top of the expanded skeleton
and because of the shape o~ the skeleton, the bag snugly
6~15~
-~17
conforms to the contours of the skeleton. Any excess bag
material proximate the bas2 of the skeleton i5 -tucked
therebeneath. In this manner, a tidy, snug package is
presented. The enclosecl nature of the littPr box allows
use of low ~ost, relatively dusty litter material thereby
obviating the need to buy high quality cat litter. After
the litter is placed, the bag is tied a~out the top of the
skeleton to enclose the package. A cut is then made in the
bag, to provide an opening in communication with the
opening 32 in the skeleton. As mentioned in connection
with Figure 1, this opening may be formed so as to leave
a depending door flap. If the particular cat is not
amenable to such a configuration, the flap may be
completely removed to expose the door.
In addition to enclosing the cat litter area, the
lltter box o~ the present invention may further provide
~iltration and ventilatlon of the interior of khe litter
box. Figure 12 iB a cross-sectional, schematic view of a
litter box generally similar to that depicted in Figure 1,
but representative of the various embodiments of this
present invention. The litter box is provided with a filter
200 disposed in the top thereof. If a filter is to be
employed, the bag is drawn shut and tied so as to leave a
relatively small opening (approximately 2 8 inches in
diameter) at the closure. This opening is closed with an
appropriate filter material. It has been found most
expedient to utilize a body of cellulosic material such as
paper toweling and the like as filter 200. This material
5~
~~18
is inexpensive, readily ava~lable and traps odors quite well
whil~ permitting a xelatively unimpeded flow of air
therethrough. In further refinements, the filter may be
fabricated as a bactericidal or fungicidal impregnated
material and may further include carbon in the form of
activated charcoal, bone black or the like for odor removal.
As illustrated in the Fiyure 12 embodiment, the filter 200,
in combination with the door opening 32, creates a draft.
Air passes into the door opening 32 and exits through the
filter 200 drawlng odors therewith. Obviously, the filter
200 may be placed other than at the top of the box and need
not be utilized in conjunction with the bag closure but may
be added by simply cuttin~ a new opening into the bag.
As noted previously, in some embodiments of -the
invention, the top opening of the bag may be positioned
to provide acc~ss for the cat. In other embodiments of the
invention employing a side entrance to the litter box, the
bag need not be tied shut at the top, but may simply be
folded into the interior of the skeleton or tied about the
exterior of the skeleton so as to leavs the top of the
litter box open. This embodiment is particularly suited
for those cats who do not wish to be enclosed totally when
using the lltter box.
When it is time to replace the cat litter, the
entire assembly may be simply disposed. If the assembly is
liEted from the floor and shaken, the weight oE the cat
lltter will push the support flaps 40 apart allowing the
large bottom flaps 38 to fall downward, discharging the cat
5~
litter into the bottom o~ the bag and collapsing the
skeleton. This provides for a relatively flat packaye
which may be readily dlsposed, as for example by placiny
into a second plastic bag. Alternatively, an adhesive
closure may be applied to shut the opening in the bag and
the litter box can be neatly disposed of in a refuse
container. Obviously, the used litter box ~ay also just
be tossed into a refuse container. The automatic
disassembly of the skeleton presents a gxeat advantage over
prior art devices since the user need not reach into the bag
to disassemble and collapse the litter box therein; thus,
problems of spillaye, release or odor and possible spread
of infection are eliminated.
There are a wide variety of materials which may
be employed to fabricate the skeleton. It has been found
most expedient to fabricate this member from cardboard or
other such rigid, low-cost material so as to allow for
ready disposal. For example, cardboard of the type referred
to as "E-~lute" provides sufficient strength and rigidity
combined with light weight and low bulk to allow for compact
packaging of the ~olded litter box. Obviously, other
grades of cardboard may be sim~larly employed. It may be
expedlent in some instances to provide the cardboard with
a moisture-resistant coating and/or an odor control agent
and/or a bactericidal agent.
Other types of materials may be similarly
employed for the fabrication of the skeleton. For example,
the skeleton may be fabricated from other types o~ paper,
;~ 35~
--20
synthetic polymeric materlals, rubber, wood, metal and like
materials. In some instances it may be advantageous to
r~use the skeleton r In those instance~, it should be
fabricated from a moisture impervious, relatively durable
material such a~ a metallic or polymeric material. While
the Figure 2 skeleton has been described as having a closed
bottom, the invention is clearly not so limited. This
skeleton, as well as the others shown herein, may be
fabricated with open bottoms, that is to say, they may
comprise walls only. It is ~nticipated that open bottom
Bupport skeletons will be lined with several layers of
newspaper or similar material prior to the introduction of
litter.
Referring now to Figure 3A, there is shown
another embodiment of support skeleton 46 structured in
accord with the principles of the present invention. This
skeleton 46 .is configured to include a litter storage
compartment and is intended to be supplied prefilled with
cat litter material. Toward this ~nd, the support s]celeton
46 of this embodiment ~ncludes a generally riyid base
portion 4~ which forms a litter storage container.
D~sposed atop the storage base 48 are four flaps 50, 52,
54, 56 which interlock with tabs 58 to form the walls oE
the support skeleton 46. It will be noted that one of the
lony walls 52 includes an openiny 32 therethrough of
sufficient size for passage of a cat and generally similar
to that previously described. There may also be included
~-21
a removable perforated portlon 34 to provide for access to
the box by klttens.
The support skeleton 46 of Figure 3A may further
include a pair of handles 60 formPd by cut-off portions of
~he long walls 52,56. These handles 60 are useful in
positioning the support skeleton 46 within the bag. As
illustrated, the narrow walls 50,5~ of the skeleton 46
include a pair ~f cut-out openings 62 therein. These
openings are structured to include an inwardly projecting
tab portion which may be utilized to retain the bag
thereupon. Furthermore, ~hese openings 62 facilitate
unfolding oE the skeleton.
The litter box assembly of Figure 3A is provided
prefilled with cat litter. The litter is in the storage
1~ base portion 48 and the flaps 50, 52, 54, 56 are folded
there atop to provide a flat, compact package.
Referring now to Figure 3C, there is shown the
support skeleton 46 o~ Figure 3A in it~ folded, first
configurat~on. The flaps 50, 52, 54, 56 are collapsed
atop, and generally coplanar with, the base 4~. When it is
necessary to use the litter box, the flaps 52 and 56 are
unfolded so as to place the skeleton in a second
con~iguration, whlch unfol~ing may be facilitated by the
handles 60. The partially assembled skeleton 46 i5 placed
in the bag, preferably by grasping the two handles 60 in
a slngle hand and opening the bag with the other hand.
Once in the bag, the remaining flaps 50,54 are raised in
place and the skeleton i5 locked into a rigid, self-
-" 2~
--22
supporting third conflguration by use of the tab~ 58. In one
preferred embodiment, the ~torage base of the skeleton is
approximately llx18x2 inches and holds approximately seven
to ten pounds of litter. This particular support skeleton
is configured to fit into a standard 30-gallon plastic
trash bag. once the skeleton has been placed within the
bag, the top portion of the bag is drawn over the top of
the skeleton and t~ed shut. In those instances where trash
bags having an integral handle tie are utilized, the
handles may be looped about the tabs of the cut-out
open~ngs 62. When the bag is tied shut, the walls of the
skeleton are inwardly biased by the taut bag providing
rigidity to the structure. In order to dispose of spent
litter, the tabs may be disassembled and the walls
collapsed; alternatively, the entire assembly may simply
be crushed flat for disposal.
Referring now to Figure 3B, there is shown a
blank for the construction of the skeleton of Figure 3A.
Noted in the figure are the four side walls 50, 52, 54 and
56 as well as four generally smaller walls 48a-~8d which
will form the storage base. Contiguous with the four
smaller walls 4~a-48d of the storage base 48 are four
bottom flaps 64, 66, 68, 70 which will form the floor of
the storage base. The blank also includes an assembly tab
72. To assemble the blan)c of Figure 3B the assembly -tab
72 is glued or otherwise affixed to the first storage base
wall 48a and the bottom flap 64, 66, 68 and 7~ are folded
inwardly and glued or otherwise affixed. The assembled
; ~C)6CI15~
--23
blank is now ready for filling with litter. It is
generally preferred that the appropriate bag be included
with the litter fllled support skeleton although the
skeleton may be provided without a bag and the user may
employ a standard trash bag.
In some instances, part~cular cats will not care
for a totally enclosed litter box~ particularly if they
have previously been accustomed to an open-tray style box.
Figure 4A represents yet another configuration of a support
skeleton structured in accord with the prlnciples of the
present invention and designed to provide an open-tray type
cat litter box. The support skeleton 74 of Figure 4A is
designed to be used in conjunction with a bag like member
as for the foregoing examples, however it is contemplated
that the bag will be left open at the top portion.
This may be accomplished by folding the bag into
the interior of the skeleton and optionally covering the
inwardly ~olded portion with litter, or by fastening the
bag proximate the top of the sk~leton. The skeleton 74 of
Figure 4A includes four walls 76, 78, 80 and 82. In the
depicted embodimen~, walls 76 and 80 are relatively narrow
walls in terms of length and are also short in terms of
height. As illustrated, these walls may include a central,
downward curving portion which provides ready access to the
interior of the box, by a cat. The longer walls 78,82 of
the skeleton 74 are conf~gured to include two cut-out
handle portions 8~ which facilitate placement of the
skeleton 74 in a bag and lifting thereof for disposal. The
s~
--24
long s~alls 7~,82 also include a fold 86 proximate the
center thereof. Th15 fold 86 facilltates collapse of the
skaleton 7~ during storage and disposal in a manner
generally similar to that described with reference to the
skeleton of Figure 2A. It will al50 be noted that
adjoining walls, as for exampl~ walls 76,78, are not
joined along the totality of their common edye but are
separated by a slit. As a result o~ this design, it is
made more difficult for a cat to tip the litter box over.
Pressure applied to a given wall simply bends that wall
without imparting significant force to the remainder of the
box. Presence of the slit also facilitates inward folding
of opposing walls which permits the two handles 84 to be
held in a slngle hand thereby facilitating assembly and
disposal of the unit.
Referring now to Figure 4B there is shown a blank
for the construction of the support skeleton 74 of Figure
4A. The blank includes the ~our sides 76, 78, 80 and 82.
Also visible in Figure 4B are the two bottom flaps which
form the ~loor of the assembled skeleton 7~. Also included
are two bottom support flaps 90 which are generally similar
to the flaps 40 of the Figure 2B embodiment and which serve
to support the bottom and prevent the sides 78 and 82 from
~olding inward during use. Also visible in Figure 4B is
an assembly flap 92. To assemble the blank of Figure 4~,
the assembly flap 92 is glued or otherwise afflxed to side
82 proximate the bottom edge thereof. As in the foregoing
examples, the corners of this particular skeleton may also
S~L
--25
be truncated ~o as to avoid damage to the bag. The manner
in which ad~oining sides are affixed along only a portion
of their correspondlng edges is clearly illustrated in
Figure 4B.
Referring now to Figure 5A there is shown yet
another embodiment of support skeleton 94 structured in
accord with the principles of the present invention. The
skeleton 94 of Figure 5A ~s designed to provide an open
top or tray-type litter box which is supplied prefilled
with litter material. Towards this end, the skeleton 94
of Figure 5A includes a storage base portion 48 generally
similar to that described with reference to Figures 3A and
3B. The storage base portion 48 is, in this embodiment,
approximately 12x17x2 inches and holds approximately seven
to ten pounds of cat litter. The skeleton 94 of Figure 5A
~urther includes four wall flaps 96, 98, 100 and 102
provided with tabs 104 which function to lock the walls 96,
98, 100 and 102 togekher. The long walls 98, 102 are each
provided with a cut-out handle 106 which, as mentioned
previously, can be used to position and dispose of the
litter box and it should be noted that the handles of this
and other embodiments of the invention may be used even if
they are covered by the bag since the matsrial of the bag
~ generally quite thin and flexible. It will bP noted
that khe narrow walls 96 and 100 are generally shorter than
walls 98, 102 so as to facilitate entry of a cat in-to the
box. It also should be noted that these walls can be
further cut if passage of the cak is impeded.
s~
--26
Referring now to Figure 5B there is shown the
blank for the constructlon of the support skeleton 94 of
Figure 5A. The blank includes four support base walls
48a-48d as previously described, each having associated
therewith a bottom flap 108, 110, 112, 114. Also visible
in Flgure 5~ are the side walls 96, 98, 100, 102 and the
tabs 104 and slots 105 associated therewithO The blank of
Figure 5B further includes an assembly flap 116 ~ttached
to storage ba~e wall portion 48b.
In order to assemble the blank, the assembly flap
116 is glued or otherwise affixed to storage base wall
portion 48a and the bottom flaps 108, 110, 112 and 114 are
turned inwardly and fastened by adhesive or other
well-known means. The rigid storage base portion 48 is
then fllled with cat litter material and the side flaps
96, 98, 100 and 102 are folded downward to enclose and
protect the litter material. In use, the side flaps 98,
102 are opened, the handles 102 are held and the skeleton
inserted in the bag. once the skeleton is properly placed,
the walls 96, 100 are un~olded and the tabs 104 locked.
In this embodiment, as in the embodiment of Figure 4~, the
litter box i3 of the tray type and consequen-tly the bag
does not close above the skeleton.
Referring now to Figure 6, there i~ shown yet
another support skeleton 220 structured in accord with the
prlnciples of the present invention. The s}celeton 220 of
Figure 6 is configured to provide litter retaining means
--27
proximate the opening for minim~zing scatter of litter from
the interior space of the litter box.
In this part~cular embodiment, the litter
retaining means is provided by one of the walls 22~ of the
skeleton operative in conjunction with triangular portions
of the adjoining walls 224,2~6. This skeleton 220 includes
a ba~e 228 of generally rectangular configuration. The base
has four walls aligned therewith. Three of the walls
224,226 and the rear wall, not visible in this drawing, all
are disposed at approximate right angles to the base. The
fourth wall 222 is disposed at an obtuse angle to the base
and is generally shorter than the other four walls. The two
side walls 224,226 adjacent the front wall 222 include
triangular portions coplanar therewith and projecting toward
the front of the skeleton. These triangular portions join
along one surface with the front wall 222 and when retained
by the bag-like member (as will be shown in Figure 7),
provide a front entrance to the litter box assembly which
minimizes trackiny of litter from the interior thereof.
The skeleton of Figure 6 preferably includes
truncated corners 230, as previously described, which
minimizes tearing of the bag. It will also be noted tha-t
the skeleton 220 of Figure 6 includes a pair of slots 232
formed in the top thereof. These slots, as wil] be
explained in greater detail with reference to Figure 7,
allow for greater retention of the bag upon the skeleton.
Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown the
skeleton 220 of Figure 6 as deployed in conjunction with a
5~L
--2~
bag 234. The skeleton 220 is placed into the bag 234 such
that the front openln~ of the skeleton allgns wlth the
opening in the bag 234. The opening in the front o~ the
skeleton is preferably configured ~o have a perimeter which
5 is slightly greater than the perimeter of the bag opening.
The bag opening is thus stretched slightly when the skeleton
is assembled. The two open slots (232 in Figure 6) receive
the a portion of the peri~eter of the opening~ thereby
tightening the opening of the perimeter about the skeletnn
and thus retaining the ~ront wall 222 in alignment with the
triangular portion of the side walls 224,226.
Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a blank
236 for the assembly of the skeleton 220 of Figure 6. The
blank 236 includes a base port~on 228, sidewall portions 224
15and 226~ a top member 238, a front wall 222 and two flaps
240,242 which will constitute the rear wall of the skeleton.
The two side walls 224,226 each include a
generally triangular portion 224a,226a as previously noted
as well as an assembly slot 244. Each slot engages
20corresponding tabs 245 on the flaps 240,242 which form the
rear wall of the litter box. As previously noted, the
skeleton includes a pair of slots 232 in the blank. These
slo-ts are primarily disposed on the top member 238 although
a portion of one slot extends onto one of the sidewalls 226.
The other sidewall 224 includes a cut-out notched portion.
An assembly ~lap 246 is attached to the top member 238 and
is utilized to join that top member 238 to the corresponding
side wall 224.
)605~
~-29
; It should be apparent from the drawings that the
blank 236 may be conf~gured into a skeleton which can be
readily knocked down into a flattened shape for disposal by
simply removing the tabs 245 on the back wall flaps 240,242
from their corresponding 310ts 244.
Referring now to Figure 9 there is shown yet
another skeleton 250 structured in accord with the
principles of the present invention. The skeleton 250 of
Figure 9 includes a vestibule portion proximate the opening
252. This vestibule serves to trap and retain litter
scattered from the interior of the litter boxO The
vestibule is configured to include a base 254, a pair of
upstanding sidewalls 256,258 and a short front wall 260.
The side walls 256,258 include a set of bag retaining
15 notches 263,282 therein. Although not visible in this
drawing and as will be discussed below with reference to
Figure 11, the skeleton further includes an inwardly folded
flap 280 associated with the front opening wall 262 of the
skeleton 250. This flap 280 is located at the base of the
front skeleton wall 262 proximate that wall's junction with
the vestibule base 254. The flap is folded inward and
prevents litter and/or excreta from passing through that
~uncture. Skeleton 250 of Figure ~ generally lncludes
truncated corner~ 23~ and a pair of notches 263 in the
25 triangular vestlbular sidewalls 256,258.
Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown the
skeleton 250 of Figure 9 as enclosed in a bag 264. The bag
264 is wrapped about at least a portion of the trlangular
=~_30
side walls 256,258 and a portion of thP edge of the opening
of the bag ls retained by the notches 263 and 282 described
with reference to Figure 9. Pxeferably, the skeleton 250
is configured such that the perimeter o~ the front is
slightly larger than the p~rimeter of the bag opening so
that the bag is tautly retained by the skeleton. The
opposite edge of the bag is wrapped about the front
vestibular wall 260 and the tension of the bag retains that
wall 260 in position. In use, the assembly of ~igure 10
provides a cat litter box having a front vestibule or porch
with a short upstanding wall. This arrangement minimizes
the scatter of litter which is tossed or tracked from the
interior of the litter box.
Referring now to Figure 11 there is shown a blank
266 for the fabrication of the skeleton 250 of Figure 9.
The blank 266 includes a top member 268 which will form the
upper surface of the skeleton, side walls 270,272, a bottom
memb~r 274 and a rear wall member 278. The skeleton further
includes a front wall member 262 having an opening 252
therein; as in the ~oregoing examples, the front opening 252
may be enlarged to acaommodate differing sizes of cats as
is indicated by the phantom outline.
Also notable in the blank of Figure ll are the
two vestibular or side walls 256,258, of generally
triangular configuration, aB well as the floor 254 and front
wall 260 oE the vestibule. ~ttached to the front wall of
the skeleton ~62 is a flap 280; and this flap as previously
discussed, is folded inward to retain litter. The
59c
triangular ~ide walls 256/258 o~ the vestlbule include a
first set of notchas 282 as well as a ~econd ~et of notches
263 for retaining the bag as previously described.
The blank 266 further includes a second flap 284
associated with the base 274. This flap 284 is folded
outward of the rear wall 278. It ~s retained by the bag and
functions to lim1t outward travel of the rear wall 278. The
blank 266 of Figure 11 i6 assembled by means of an assembly
flap 286 as previously described with reference to other
embodiments. In use, the blank is assembled into the
skeleton 250 of Figure 9, by folding flaps 280,284 inward
and inserting the tabs 288 associated with the front 262 and
rear walls 278 into corresponding slots 2~0 in the base 274.
The present invention is a simple to manufacture
and easy to use cat litter box system which eliminates the
hazard and unsightly appearance of cat litter material.
The litter box presents a generally rugged, moisture
impervious, tear-proof enclosure to the cat which
eliminates hazard~ of sp~lled litter occasioned by claw
damage to heretofore employed plastlc bags. The particular
support skaleton configuration may be selected to enable
compact storage and disposal thereof and toward that end,
several such embodiments have been presented herein.
In addition to the particular skeleton
con~iguration shown in the figures, it is to be understood
that the present invention generally and broadly
encompasses interiorly di~posed support skeletons.
Specifically, the skeleton o~ the present invention may be
s~
configured as a wire frame member. Alternatively, the
skeleton may be assembled from a plurality of tubular
members interconnected to form the corners thereof. In
another embodiment, the skeleton ls fabricated from a
foamed polymeric material. In the foam embodiment, the
skeleton may be made from a res~lient ~oam which compresses
to a compact shape for storage or disposal.
It is to be appreciated that the present
invention is not solely limited to cat litter boxes but
rather, it provides a simple and efficient system and
method for the disposal of many types of waste. The
concept of employing an interior support gkeleton in
conjunction with an exterior bag-like member represents an
improvement over heretofore employed waste disposal
methods, which methods generally involve support of a
relatively flexible litter disposal bag by an exte.riorly
disposed framework. As discussed with reference to cats,
a waste disposal system in which a relatively thin,
flexible bag is in clirect contact with re~use can cause
2~ problems inso~ar as sharp objects can cut or tear the bag.
The present invent.ion provides an internal support skeleton
which in addition to maintaining a waste disposal hag in
a supported configuration, can in some embodiments protect
the bag from damage occasioned by metal, broken glass or
other sharp objects.
It is also to be appreciated that while the
foregoing has been described primarily with reference to
a litter box for felines, obviously, the invention is not
--33
so limited. There are a nur~er of domes-ticated and
semi-domesticated animals kept as pets, whlch can be
trained to use a litter box. Included therein are skunks,
~errets, pigs and raccoons. By appropriately sizing the
support skeleton, the present invention may be readily
adapted to accommodate such animals. It should also be
noted that the skeleton, although described in terms of a
generally rectangular shaped member, may be configured in
a variety of shapes. For example, the base may be
triangular, pentagonal, circular or of any other polygonal
shape.
In light of the foregoing, it will be apparent
that there are many modifications and variations of the
present invention which will be obvinus to one of skill in
the art. Accordingly, the foregoing drawings, discuss~on,
description and examples are merely meant to illustrate
particular embodiments of the invention and are not meant
to be limitatlons upon the practice thereof. It is the
followlng claims, includlng all equivalents, whi.ch define
the scope of the invention.
