AU2021103567A4 - A Litter Box - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a litter box assembly, the assembly including a litter box defining a volume. The litter box including a base, at least one collapsible side wall extending upwardly from the base, and a lid extending adjacent the at least one collapsible side wall. The assembly further including an internal tray for being received within the volume, wherein the lid is adapted to fold inwardly into the volume, such that a portion of the lid abuts an outer surface of the internal tray, to form a supporting side wall for preventing collapse of the at least one collapsible side wall. 1/4 100 112 102 106 104 204 061 110 108 FIG. 1 Figure 2

Description

1/4

100

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108 FIG. 1

Figure 2

A LITTER BOX TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention relates generally to the field of pet supplies. More

particularly, to cat litter boxes, and, still more particularly, to disposable cat litter boxes.

BACKGROUND

[2] There are many cat litter products on the market most of which require a person

to separately purchase a litter tray and litter. It is a messy, unpleasant, and often

unsanitary procedure to clean the litter tray and replace the litter. Typically, the litter

tray should be cleaned each time the litter is changed which is time consuming.

Accordingly, most cat owners do not look forward to replacing litter and cleaning the

litter tray.

[3] Furthermore, cats tend to claw and/or scratch at the litter before using it. In

doing so, litter is often flung out of the tray onto the surrounding floor causing an

unwanted mess which ultimately requires cleaning. After using the litter tray, cats tend

to also scratch at any available surface to clean their paws, further scattering litter

causing an unwanted mess and unsanitary environmental conditions.

[4] In view of the above, there is a need for a product which may at least partially

overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provides a consumer

with a useful or commercial choice.

[5] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to

be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of

the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[6] In an aspect, the invention provides a litter box defining a volume, the litter

box including:

a base;

at least one collapsible side wall extending upwardly from the base;

a lid extending adjacent the at least one collapsible side wall;

wherein the lid is adapted to fold inwardly into the volume to form a supporting

side wall for preventing collapse of the at least one collapsible side wall.

[7] The litter box may be made of any suitable material. In most embodiments,

the litter box is made from a sheet material. The sheet material may be in the form

of cardboard. A skilled person, however, would understand that any suitable sheet

material may be used.

[8] In most embodiments, the litter box may be formed from a unitary template or

blank. The unitary template or blank may be formed of one or more suites of panels.

[9] In most embodiments, the litter box may be a disposable litter box.

[10] The litter box may define a length and a width. In most embodiments, the

length will be the same, substantially the same or longer than the width. The litter

box may also define an open height and a closed height.

[11] As mentioned above, the litter box defines a volume. In most embodiments, a

litter box body defines the volume. The volume may be split into an upper volume

for housing a pet, and a lower volume for receiving the internal tray. The pet may be

in the form of a cat, dog or the like.

[12] The litter box may include an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner

surface may be an inwardly facing surface and the outer surface may be an

outwardly facing surface.

[13] The litter box may include a front wall, an opposing rear wall, a first side wall

and an opposing second side wall. The first and second side walls may extend

between the front and rear walls. The first and second side walls may extend

perpendicular to the front and rear walls. Typically, the front, rear, first side wall

and/or second side walls extend upwardly from the base. The front, rear, first side

wall, second side wall or a combination thereof may form the at least one collapsible

side wall.

[14] In most embodiments, the front, rear, first side wall and/or second side walls

may be each interconnected by one or more fold lines, in the form of one or more

separating fold lines. Each separating fold line may be adapted to fold about a

crease defined by a pair of the front, rear, first side and/or second side walls. Each

separating fold line may extend vertical, or substantially vertical, relative to the first

side edge and/or the second opposing side edges of the side walls.

[15] The litter box may be formed of multiple panels. Each panel may be, or may

substantially be, a planar panel. Preferably, each of the base, lid, front wall, rear

wall, first side wall and second side wall are each formed of one or more panels. In

most embodiments, the base is formed of four panels, each in the form of a lower

panel. In most embodiments, the front wall is formed of at least an upper front panel

and a lower front panel. In most embodiments, the first side wall and second side

wall are each formed of at least a lower panel and one or more upper panels.

Preferably, the lid is formed of one or more panels, in the form of at least one upper

panel and a lower panel. Together the lower panels of the litter box may at least

partially define a lower volume of the litter box, and the upper panels of the litter box

may at least partially define an upper volume the litter box. The upper and lower

volumes of the litter box may together form the volume of the litter box.

[16] The litter box may include a lower portion, in the form of a lower box portion,

and an upper portion, in the form of an upper box portion. The lower portion may

comprise one or more panels of each of the base, front, rear, first side wall and/or

second side wall. Preferably, the lower portion includes the lower panels of the front,

rear, lid, first side and/or second side panels and the base panels. The lower portion

may at least partially define the lower volume of the litter box. The lower portion may

be adapted to receive the internal tray.

[17] The upper portion may include one or more panels of the lid, front, rear, first

side and/or second side walls. Preferably, the upper box portion includes the upper

panels of the front, rear, first side and/or second side panels and lid panels.

[18] The upper panels and the lower panels may be separated by a primary fold

line, in the form of a continuous horizontal fold line.

[19] As mentioned above, the litter box may include a front wall. The front wall

may be substantially rectangular in shape. In most embodiments, the length of the

front wall will correspond to the length of the litter box.

[20] The front wall may define an upper edge, an opposing lower edge, a first side

edge and a second opposing side edge. The upper and the opposing lower edge

may extend substantially parallel to one another. The first side edge and the second

opposing side edge may extend substantially parallel to one another. The first and

second side edges may extend substantially perpendicular to each of the upper and

opposing lower edges.

[21] As mentioned above, the front wall may include an upper panel and a lower

panel. The front wall may include a fold line or cease separating the upper panel

from the lower panel. The fold line may extend, or at least partially extend across the length of the front wall. The fold line may be a horizontal, or substantially horizontal, fold line. The fold line may form part of the primary fold line.

[22] In most embodiments, the front wall defines at least one recess or opening for

entering the volume of the box. Preferably, the recess extends from the upper edge

of the front wall and extends towards the base. The recess may be in the shape of

an upside-down trapezium or trapezoid. In most embodiments, the corners of the

recess may be rounded. In most embodiments, the recess may be centred along a

length of the front panel. In most embodiments, the upper panel of the front wall

defines the recess.

[23] As mentioned above, the litter box may include a first side wall and an

opposing second side wall. The side walls may be substantially rectangular in

shape. In most embodiments, the first and second side walls are identical, or

substantially identical, in size and shape. In most embodiments, the length of each

side wall may correspond to the width of the litter box.

[24] Each side wall may define an upper edge, an opposing lower edge, a first side

edge and a second opposing side edge. The upper and the opposing lower edge

may extend substantially parallel to one another. The first side edge and the second

opposing side edge may extend substantially parallel to one another. The first and

second side edges may extend, perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to

each of the upper and opposing lower edges.

[25] As mentioned above, each side wall may include a lower panel and at least

one upper panel. Each side wall may include a fold line or crease separating the at

least one upper panel from the lower panel. The fold line may extend, or at least

partially extend, across the length of the respective side wall. The lower fold line may be a horizontal, or substantially horizontal, fold line. The lower fold line may form part of the primary fold line.

[26] Typically, the lower panel of each side wall may be rectangular or

substantially rectangular in shape. In most embodiments, the at least one upper

panel will be in the form of three upper panels. The three upper panels may include

a first, second and third upper panel. The first upper panel may be in the form of a

larger triangle shaped panel and the second and third panels may be each in the

form of a smaller triangle shaped panel. Each of the second and third triangle

shaped panels may be in the form of a right-angle triangle panel. The first triangle

shaped panel may be in the form of an isosceles triangle panel. The first panel may

separate the second and third panels from one another.

[27] The upper panels may be interconnected by one or more upper fold lines or

ceases. In most embodiments, the first and second upper panels are interconnected

by a first upper fold line or crease and the first and third upper panels are

interconnected by a second upper fold line or crease.

[28] In most embodiments, the upper fold lines extend, or substantially extend,

diagonally. In most embodiments, the upper fold lines extend, or substantially

extend, at a 45-degree angle relative to the lower fold line. In most embodiment, the

upper fold lines are perforated.

[29] In some embodiments, each first and second side wall is interconnected to

the front wall along a side edge. Typically, each first and second side wall is

interconnected to the front wall along a separating fold line. In other embodiments,

each first and second side wall is interconnected to the front wall relative about a

side edge using one or more fastening tabs extending outwardly from the first or

second opposing side edge of the respective side wall.

[30] As mentioned above, the litter box may include a rear wall. The rear wall may

be substantially rectangular in shape. In most embodiments, the length of the rear

wall will correspond to the length of the front wall and the litter box.

[31] The rear wall may define an upper edge, an opposing lower edge, a first side

edge and a second opposing side edge. The upper and the opposing lower edge

may extend substantially parallel to one another. The first side edge and the second

opposing side edge may extend substantially parallel to one another. The first and

second side edges may extend substantially perpendicular to each of the upper and

opposing lower edges. In most embodiments, the size of the rear wall will be the

same, or substantially the same, as the size of the front wall.

[32] As mentioned above, the rear wall may include a lower panel and an upper

panel. The rear wall may include a fold line or crease separating the upper panel

from the lower panel. The fold line may extend, or at least partially extend across

the length of the rear wall. The fold line may be a horizontal, or substantially

horizontal, fold line. The fold line may form part of the primary fold line.

[33] As mentioned above, the litter box includes a lid. The rear wall may be

substantially rectangular in shape. In most embodiments, the length of the lid wall

will correspond to the length of the rear wall.

[34] The lid may extend from an upper edge of the at least one collapsible side

wall. Typically, the lid may extend from an upper edge of the rear wall. Typically,

the lid will be interconnected to the at least one collapsible side wall by a fold line or

crease, in the form of a secondary fold line or crease. The fold line may extend, or at

least partially extend across the length of the rear wall. The fold line may be a

horizontal, or substantially horizontal, fold line.

[35] The lid may comprise one or more panels, in the form of one or more lid

panels. In most embodiments, the lid incudes four panels interconnected in series.

The four panels may include a first lid panel, a second lid panel, a third lid panel and

a fourth lid panel. Typically, the first lid panel may extend adjacent a side wall panel.

In most embodiments, the first lid panel may extend adjacent the upper panel of the

rear wall.

[36] The first and second lid panels may be interconnected by a fold line or crease,

in the form of a first fold line, and the second and third lid panels may be

interconnected by another fold line or crease, in the form of a second fold line. The

third and fourth lid panels may be interconnected by a pull tab and/or tear strip.

[37] Each fold line or crease may extend, or at least partially extend, across the

length of lid rear wall. The fold line may be a horizontal, or substantially horizontal,

fold line.

[38] The lid may define an attachment edge, an opposing free edge, a first side

edge and a second opposing side edge. Typically, the first panel comprises the

attachment edge of the lid. Typically, the fourth lid panel comprises the opposing

free edge of the lid. Typically, the first side edge and the second opposing side edge

of the lid panel are defined by the first, second, third and/or fourth lid panels.

[39] The litter box may include a supporting side wall for preventing collapse of the

at least one collapsible side wall. At least one panel of the lid panels may be

configurable to form the supporting side wall. The supporting side wall may be in the

form of an internal support side wall. The supporting side wall may extend inwardly

into the volume of the litter box when in an open configuration.

[40] As mentioned above, the litter box includes a base. The base may include

one or more panels, in the form of base panels. In most embodiments the base panel includes four base panels, in the form of a first base panel, second base panel, third base panel and fourth base panel.

[41] Each base panel may define an attachment edge, an opposing free edge, a

first side edge and a second opposing side edge. Each base panel may extend

adjacent one of the front wall, first side wall, second side wall and/or rear wall. More

typically, each base panel may extend from a lower edge of one of the front wall, first

side wall, second side wall and/or rear wall. Each base panel may be interconnected

to each front, first side wall, second side wall and/or rear wall by a fold line or crease.

[42] Each base panel may be rectangular, or substantially rectangular, in shape.

Preferably, the length of each base portion substantially corresponds to, or is slightly

shorter than, the length of the corresponding wall from which the respective base

portion extends. In most embodiments, at least the first and second base panels will

be substantially the same size and shape, and the third and fourth base panels will

be substantially the same size and shape.

[43] The litter box may include a fastening arrangement for fastening the lid to the

front wall of the litter box. Typically, the fastening arrangement is positioned at or

towards the free edge of the lid. Typically, the fourth lid panel comprises the

fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement may be positioned on an inner

surface of the lid. The fastening arrangement may be positioned on the inner

surface of the fourth lid panel.

[44] Typically, the fastening arrangement includes at least one adhesive portion.

The adhesive portion may be in the form of an adhesive strip. In other

embodiments, the adhesive portion may be in the form of glue or similar.

[45] The litter box may further include an unfastening arrangement (or opening

arrangement) for unfastening the lid from the front wall. The unfastening arrangement may include at least one pull tab and/or tear strip. In most embodiments, the pull tab and/or tear strip will interconnect a pair of panels of the lid.

In most embodiments, the pull tab and/or tear strip will interconnect the third and

fourth panels of the lid. The pull tab and/or tear strip may extend the length of the

lid. Pull tab and/or tear strip may extend parallel, or substantially parallel, to opposing

free edge of the lid, the first fold line and/or the second fold line of the lid.

[46] The litter box may include one or more fastening tabs. Typically, the one or

more fastening tabs extend from a side edge of the front wall and/or the rear wall.

The one or more fastening tabs may be in the form of an upper side tab and a lower

side tab. Each fastening tab may be interconnected to a side edge of the front wall

or rear wall by a fold line. Preferably, the upper side tab is interconnected to the

upper panel of the front or rear wall, and the lower side tab is interconnected to the

lower panel of the front or rear wall.

[47] The litter box may be configurable into one or more configurations. In most

embodiments, the litter box may be configurable into a first configuration, in the form

of a closed configuration, and a second configuration, in the form of an open

configuration. The open configuration may also be an in-use configuration. The

closed configuration may also be pre-use or post-use configuration.

[48] In the pre-use configuration, the base panels may be folded inwardly such

that the base panels form the base of the litter box. Upper panels of the front, rear,

first side and second side walls may be folded inwardly such that at least a portion of

the lid overlaps the upper panels of the first side wall and second side wall and the

upper and lower panels of the front wall. The second and third upper panels of the

first and second side walls may overlap the respective first upper panel of the first and second side walls. The fourth lid panel may be fastened to the lower portion of the front wall such that the litter box is fastened closed.

[49] In the in-use configuration, the base panels may be folded inwardly such that

the base panels form the base of the litter box. The front, rear, first and second side

walls may be configured to extended upwardly away from the base. The lid may be

configured to fold inwardly such that the first panel of the lid extends substantially

perpendicular to the rear panel, the second and third panels extends downwardly

into the volume of the litter box. The third panel may be substantially tucked behind

a side wall of the internal tray. Typically, the fourth lid panel may be fastened to the

lower panel of the front wall.

[50] In the post-use configuration, the litterbox is configured substantially the same

as the pre-use configuration. However, the third and fourth lid panels may be

detached from one another.

[51] In another aspect, the invention provides a litter box assembly, the assembly

including:

a litter box defining a volume, the litter box including:

a base;

at least one collapsible side wall extending upwardly from the base;

and,

a lid extending adjacent the at least one collapsible side wall; and,

an internal tray for being received within the volume;

wherein the lid is adapted to fold inwardly into the volume, such that a portion

of the lid abuts an outer surface of the internal tray, to form a supporting side wall for

preventing collapse of the at least one collapsible side wall.

[52] In most embodiments, the lid is adapted to fold inwardly into the volume, such

that a portion of the lid tucks behind an outer surface of the internal tray, to form a

supporting side wall for preventing collapse of the at least one collapsible side wall.

[53] The litter box may include one or more of the features described above.

[54] As mentioned above, the litter box assembly includes an internal tray for

holding pet litter. The internal tray may be formed of any suitable material known in

the art. In most embodiments, the internal tray may be formed of a plastic material,

for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, the tray may

be made from a biodegradable material. The tray may be of any size suitable to fit

into the lower volume of the litter box.

[55] The internal tray may include a base and at least one side wall extending

upwardly from the base. The at least one side wall may extend continuously around

the base.

[56] In most embodiments, the internal tray may be adapted to be received within

the lower volume of the litter box.

[57] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a blank for constituting a litter

box defining a volume, comprising:

at least one base panel configurable to form a base of the litter box;

at least one collapsible side wall configurable to extend upwardly from the

base;and,

a lid extending adjacent the at least one collapsible side wall, configurable to

fold inwardly into the volume to form a supporting side wall for preventing collapse of

the at least one collapsible side wall.

[58] The blank may further include one or more of the features of the litter box as

described above.

[59] In another aspect, the invention provides a litter box defining a volume, the

litter box including: a base; at least one collapsible side wall extending upwardly from

the base; and, a lid extending adjacent the at least one collapsible side wall.

[60] In another aspect, the invention provides a litter box defining a volume, the

litter box including: a base; and, at least one collapsible side wall extending upwardly

from the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[61] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be

discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient

information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed

Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of

the Invention in any way.

[62] The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as

follows:

[63] Figures 1 illustrates a top view of a litter box assembly, in the form of a cat

litter box, in an in-use or open configuration, in accordance with a preferred

embodiment of the present invention.

[64] Figure 2A illustrates a front view of the litter box assembly with side walls and

lid unfolded, accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[65] Figure 2B illustrates a first side view of the litter box with the side walls and lid

unfolded, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[66] Figure 2C illustrates a rear view of the litter box with the side walls and lid

unfolded, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[67] Figure 2D illustrates a second side view of the litter box with the side walls

and lid unfolded, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present

invention.

[68] Figure 3A illustrates the litter box assembly in a pre-use or closed

configuration, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[69] Figure 3B illustrates a top view of the litter box with side walls unfolded and

the lid open, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[70] Figure 3C illustrates a top view of the litter box with side walls unfolded and

the lid inwardly folded, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present

invention.

[71] Figure 3D illustrates a top view of the litter box with the side walls unfolded

and the lid inwardly folded and tucked behind a side wall of the internal tray, in

accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[72] Figure 4 illustrates a suite of blanks for forming the litter box, as shown in

Figures 1-3, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[73] Figures 1 and 2A-2D illustrate a litter box assembly 100 in accordance with a

preferred embodiment of the present invention. Litter box assembly 100 includes a

litter box 102 and internal tray 104. Litter box 102 defines a volume 106, and

includes a base 108, a collapsible side wall 110 extending upwardly from the base,

and a lid 112 extending adjacent the collapsible side wall. Lid 112 is adapted to fold

inwardly into the volume such that a portion of the lid abuts an outer surface of

internal tray 104 to form a supporting side wall for preventing collapse of the

collapsible side wall.

[74] As best shown in Figures 2A to 2D, collapsible side wall 110 includes a front

wall 114, an opposing rear wall 116, a first side wall 130 and an opposing second

side wall 132. First and second side walls 130, 132 extend perpendicularly between

front and rear walls 114, 116. Each of front, rear, first side and second side walls

114, 116, 130, 132 extend upwardly from base 108 and are interconnected by fold

lines 162, 164, 166, 168 (best shown in Figure 4).

[75] Turning to each of the front, rear and side walls, front wall 114 includes two

panels, in the form of an upper panel 118 and an adjacent lower panel 120. Upper

panel 118 and lower panel 120 are interconnected by fold line 121. Upper panel 118

defines an opening 124 extending from an upper edge of the front wall towards base

108. In the preferred embodiment shown, opening 124 is trapezoid shaped and

includes an upper length of 300mm, a lower length of 260mm and a height of

130mm.

[76] Rear wall 116 includes two panels, in the form of an upper panel 126 and an

adjacent lower panel 128. Upper panel 126 and lower panel 128 are interconnected

by fold line 129.

[77] In the preferred embodiment shown, lower panels of the front and rear walls

have a height of 110mm and a length of 460mm; and upper panel of the front and

rear walls have a height of 160mm and a length of 460mm. Accordingly, front wall

114 and rear wall 116 each have a height of 270mm and a length of 460mm.

[78] First side wall 130 includes four panels, in the form of three upper panels 134,

136, 138 and an adjacent lower panel 140. The upper panels and lower panel are

interconnected by a fold line 142. Upper panels 134, 136, 138 are also

interconnected to one another by fold lines 144, 146. Fold lines 144, 146 are in the

form of perforated fold lines.

[79] Second side wall 132 is substantially identical to the first side wall and

includes four panels, in the form of three upper panels 148, 150, 152 and an

adjacent lower panel 154. The upper panels and lower panel are interconnected by

fold line 156. Upper panels 148, 150, 152 are also interconnected by fold lines 158,

160. Fold lines 158, 160 are perforated fold lines.

[80] In the preferred embodiment shown, lower panels of the first side and second

side walls have a height of 110mm and a width of 330mm; and upper panel of the

first side and second side walls have a height of 160mm and a width of 330mm.

Accordingly, first side wall 130 and second side wall 132 each have a height of

270mm and a width of 330mm.

[81] Base 108 includes four panels, in the form of first, second, third and fourth

base panels 172, 174, 176, 178. Panels 174 and 178 are inner base panels, and

panels 172 and 176 are outer base panels. Each base panel extends adjacent one

of the front, rear, first side or second side walls. Each base panel is interconnected

to one of the front, rear, first side or second side walls by base fold lines 180, 182,

184,186.

[82] In the preferred embodiment shown, inner base panels 174 and 178 have a

length of 330mm and a width of 165mm, and outer base panels 172 and 176 have a

length of 460mm and width of 165mm. When in a folded configuration, outer base

panels 172 and 176 abut one another (best shown in Figure 1).

[83] As mentioned above, litter box includes lid 112. Lid 112 includes four panels,

the form of first, second, third, and fourth lid panels 188, 190, 192, 194. First,

second and third panels 188, 190, 192 are in the form of upper panels, and fourth

panel 194 is in the form of a lower panel. Lid 112 is interconnected to rear wall 116

by fold line 191.

[84] First and second panels 188, 190 are interconnected by a first fold line 196,

the second and third panels 190, 192 are interconnected by a second fold line 198.

Third and fourth panels 192, 194 are interconnected by a pull tab 201 and tear strip

200. First panel 188 extends adjacent upper panel 126 of rear wall 116 and is

interconnected to upper panel of rear wall by fold line 191. In the preferred

embodiment shown, lid 112 has a height of 265mm and a length of 460mm.

[85] As best shown in Figures 1 to 3, litter box 102 is made from a cardboard

sheet material folded into the shown configurations. A skilled person would

understand, however, that any sheet material suitable for folding may be used.

[86] As mentioned above, system 100 includes tray 104 for holding pet litter. In

the preferred embodiment shown, tray 104 is made from a polyethylene

terephthalate (PET) material. A skilled person would understand, however, that tray

104 may be made from any material suitable for holding pet litter.

[87] Tray 104 includes a base 204 and an upwardly extending side wall 206.

Together, the base and upwardly extending side wall define a volume for receiving

the pet litter. In the preferred embodiment shown, tray 104 has a length of 455mm, a

width of 325mm and a height of 80mm.

[88] Tray 104 is receivable within a lower volume defined by lower panels 120,

128, 140, 154, 172, 174, 176, and 178. In the preferred embodiment shown, tray

104 is substantially rectangular in shape and sized to be received in lower volume.

A skilled person, however, would understand that in other embodiments, tray 104

may be any alternative size or shape suitable for being received within a lower

volume of the litter box.

[89] Litter box 102 further includes an inwardly facing inner surface 208 and an

outwardly facing outer surface 210. Fastening arrangement, in the form of an adhesive strip (not shown) is located on an inwardly facing surface of panel 194. In a closed configuration, the adhesive strip secures panel 194 to panel 120 such that litter box 102 is secured closed. The adhesive strip is located adjacent pull tab 201 and tear strip 200 such that when pull tab 201 is pulled, and the tear strip 200 torn, panels 188, 190, 192 of lid 112 are freed from being secured to collapsible side wall

110.

[90] Lid 112 includes an unfastening arrangement, in the form of pull tab 201 and

tear strip 200, for unfastening lid 112 from front wall 114. Pull tab 201 and tear strip

200 extends the length of the lid 112. In the preferred embodiment shown, pull tab

201 and tear strip 200 have a width of 10mm and combined length of 460mm.

[91] In the preferred embodiment shown, litter box 102 is made from a blank 900.

Blank 900 includes a pair of panel suites, including first panel suite 902 and second

panel suite 904. First panel suite includes panels 126, 128, 148, 150, 152, 154, 172,

174, 188, 190, 192 and 194 and a pair of tabs 209 extending from a side edge of

rear wall 116 for attaching to a free side of first side wall 114. Second panel suite

includes panels 118, 120, 134, 136, 138, 140, 176 and 178 and a pair of tabs 211 for

attaching to a free side of second side wall 116. A skilled person would understand

that, in alternative embodiments, litter box 102 may be formed of a single panel

suite, or alternatively, three or more panel suites. In such alternative embodiments,

the number of tabs required to join the suite of panels together may be more or less.

[92] Litter box assembly 100 is configurable into a closed configuration (best

shown in Figure 3A) and an open configuration (best shown in 3D). The steps for

configuring litter box assembly 100 from the closed configuration to the open

configuration are best shown in Figures 3A-3D.

[93] The different configurations of litter box assembly 100 will now be described

below.

[94] In the closed configuration, base panels 172, 174, 176 and 178 are folded

inwardly to form base 108, the lower panels of front, rear, first side and second side

walls 120, 154, 140 and 128 extend upwardly from base 108, upper panels of front,

rear, first side and second side walls 118, 126, 136, 134, 138, 148, 150 and 152 are

folded inwardly such that the outer surfaces of panels 136 and 152 abut outer

surfaces of panel 134 and 138, and 148 and 150 respectively and such that upper

panel 126 of the rear wall overlaps upper panels 148 and 138, and upper panels 188

and 190 of the lid overlaps panels 134 and 150 of the first and second side walls.

Lid panel 192 is then folded such that the fastening strip positioned on the inner

surface of panel 194 secures panel 194 to the outer surface of panel 120.

[95] In the closed configuration shown, litter box 102 has a length of 460mm, a

width of 330mm and a height of 110mm.

[96] In the open configuration, base panels are folded inwardly to form base 108,

both lower and upper panels of the front, rear, first side and second side walls 114,

116, 130 and 132 extend upwardly from base 108, first panel 188 of lid 112 is folded

about fold line 191 such that panel 188 extends perpendicular away from panel 126,

second panel 190 is folded about fold line 196 such that panels 190 and 192 extend

downwardly into volume 106 of the litter box. Third panel 192 is substantially tucked

behind side wall of internal tray 104. In this configuration the fourth panel of the lid

remains attached to the lower panel 120 of front wall 114.

[97] In the open configuration, litter box 102 has a length of 460mm, a width of

330mm and a height of 270mm.

[98] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language

more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and

its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of' is used throughout in an

inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[99] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features

shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of

putting the invention into effect.

[100] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within

the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in

the art.

Claims (20)

1. A litter box defining a volume, the litter box including:

a base;

at least one collapsible side wall extending upwardly from the base;

a lid extending adjacent the at least one collapsible side wall;

wherein the lid is adapted to fold inwardly into the volume to form a supporting

side wall for preventing collapse of the at least one collapsible side wall.

2. The litter box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the litter box is a disposable litter

box.

3. The litter box as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the litter box is made from

a sheet material.

4. The litter box as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sheet material is in the form of a

cardboard material.

5. The litter box as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the litter box

is made from a unitary blank.

6. The litter box as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the litter box

is configurable into a first configuration and into a second configuration.

7. The litter box as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first configuration is a closed

configuration and the second configuration is an open configuration.

8. The litter box as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least

one collapsible side wall includes a front wall, an opposing rear wall, a first side

wall and/or an opposing second side wall.

9. The litter box as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the front wall, rear wall, first

side wall, second side wall, lid and/or base include one or more panels.

10.The litter box as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein lid is interconnected with

the rear wall.

11. The litter box as claimed in any one of claim 8 to claim 10, wherein the front wall

includes at least one opening for accessing the volume.

12. The litter box as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the litter box

includes a fastening arrangement for fastening the lid to the front wall.

13.The litter box as in claim 12, wherein the fastening arrangement includes an

adhesive portion.

14.The litter box as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid

includes at least one lid portion configurable to form the supporting side wall.

15.The litter box as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the litter box

defines a lower portion for receiving an internal tray.

16. The litter box as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one collapsible side

wall and/or base includes one or more lower panels and the lower portion is

formed of the one or more lower portions.

17.The litter box as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the litter box

includes an unfastening arrangement.

18.The litter box as in claim 17, wherein the unfastening arrangement includes a pull

tab and tear strip.

19. A litter box assembly, the assembly including: a litter box as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; and, an internal tray for being received within the volume; wherein the lid is adapted to fold inwardly into the volume, such that a portion of the lid abuts an outer surface of the internal tray, to form a supporting side wall for preventing collapse of the at least one collapsible side wall.

20.A blank for constituting a litter box defining a volume, comprising:

at least one base panel configurable to form a base of the litter box;

at least one collapsible side wall configurable to extend upwardly from the

base;and,

a lid extending adjacent the at least one collapsible side wall, configurable to

fold inwardly into the volume to form a supporting side wall for preventing collapse of

the at least one collapsible side wall.