AU2022204444A1

AU2022204444A1 - A box

Info

Publication number: AU2022204444A1
Application number: AU2022204444A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Min JIN
Original assignee: Tf Pet Ip Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Tf Pet Ip Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-23
Filing date: 2022-06-23
Publication date: 2024-01-18
Also published as: WO2023245239A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a box having at least one top panel, at least one bottom panel opposite the top panel, a plurality of wall panels each operatively connected to at least one top panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one other wall panel. At 5 least one of the panels has at least one removable aperture portion, each aperture portion adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel. At least one of the panels has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of the at least one panel, each connection portion are adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector, the connector is attachable to a 10 connection point of an adjacent box. 2/2 10D 10B Cr80AB1 80CD1 80CD2 80AB2 80AC1 80AC2 1O Figure 2 80 82 82 86 88 86 84 7 Figure 3 8 82 82

Description

2/2

10D

10B

Cr80AB1 CD1 80CD2 80AB2

80AC1 80AC2 1O

Figure 2

80 82 82

86 88 86

84 7 Figure 3 8 82 82

A BOX

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a box. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for a box capable of being packaging and modular pet furniture. The patent specification describes this use, but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Boxes consumable products are typically discarded when the box is no longer required (i.e., once the contents are used). However, as the boxes are typically quite large to accommodate their contents (e.g., cat litter is typically supplied in quantities sufficient for multiple refills of a litter tray) the boxes can readily find other uses in the home. The waste generated by disposal of boxes is a significant issue. Whilst many cardboard or paperboard boxes may be recycled a significant number end up in landfills. Whilst some boxes may be reused as storage boxes for other items; however, the boxes are commonly adapted to other non-container purposes. The steps needed to repurpose a box is often time-consuming, inconvenient, or simply less preferable to alternatives. Pet furniture is a common luxury for many pet owners. Pet furniture is designed to function as play spaces and shelter for animals, and even accommodate features necessary for the wellbeing of the animal (such as scratching posts for cats which allow the cat to maintain their claws). Pet furniture may include but is not limited to pet habitats, pet tunnels, cat trees, scratching posts, litter boxes, perches, hamster mazes, duck shelters or hen coups. Pet furniture is often bulky, heavy, complicated to install and/or maintain, and expensive. Pet furniture formed from modified boxes often have means for securing multiple boxes that are complicated, require peripheral components or are ineffective in maintaining the structure of the furniture.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above-mentioned problems with boxes for pet products and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to in multiple aspects the structure and method of constructing a box as well as a system and kits for a box capable of being converted to pet furniture and methods of conversion thereof. In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in box having: at least one top panel; at least one bottom panel opposite the top panel; a plurality of wall panels each operatively connected to at least one top panel, at least one bottom panel; and at least one other wall panel, wherein at least one of the panels has at least one removable aperture portion, each aperture portion adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel, and wherein at least one of the panels has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of the at least one panel, each connection portion adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector, the connector attachable to a connection point of an adjacent box. The box is capable of being used to construct pet furniture including but not limited to pet habitats, pet tunnels, cat trees, litter boxes, hamster mazes, duck shelters or hen coups. Further the box is also capable of being used to create combinations of pet furniture types such as having a litter box connected to a cat tree. The box is preferably be constructed fully or partially from any suitable material including but not limited to fibreboard, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, and/or metal. Preferably the material is cardboard. It is preferred that the material is sturdy and is recyclable. The box is preferably packaging suitable for transportation and marketing of products included but not limited to pet products such as consumables (i.e., pet food or litter) or pet toys.

Preferably the structure of the box, in particular the at least one bottom panel is strong enough to support any objects placed within the box as part of shipping, commerce, market or aftermarket activity. Preferably an aperture functions as a door to permit entry or egress of an animal wherein the door is substantially within a range of 10cm2 to 50cm2 . Preferably an aperture provides ventilation into the box. Preferably an aperture provides a viewing window. Preferably the least one aperture portion or at least one connection portion is formed in the at least one panel by scoring or perforation. Preferably the connector is a substantially rectangular strip of material with a least one pair of notches along the length of the connector on opposite sides of the connector. Preferably, the pair of notches define an axis of folding in the connector. Preferably at least one removable aperture portion and/or at least one removable connection portion is removable by pushing, tearing or cutting. Preferably the connection point is a slot in the corresponding panel. Preferably the slot is orientated parallel with an adjacent edge of the panel. Preferably at least one connector is formed as part of a removable portion of an aperture portion or connection portion. Preferably the box is constructed from a single cut and scored blank of foldable material. Preferably the box has a perforated tear line at least partially around a periphery of the box. Alternatively, the box has a guideline at least partially around a periphery of the box indicating where the box is to be cut. Preferably the perforated tear line is in a direction substantially transversal to the longitudinal direction. Preferably the box is separable along the perforated tear line into at least a first portion and a second portion. More preferably, the first portion or second portion is usable as a litter tray. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a material suitable for scratching. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a waterproof or water-resistant material. In one embodiment the box can contain at least one portion of cat litter, and wherein the waterproof or water-resistant material lasts for an operative duration equivalent to at least as long as an operative duration of at least one portion of cat litter.

Preferably the first portion is sufficiently large and walled to be filled with and retain a suitable amount of cat litter. Preferably removal of an aperture portion establishes an aperture in the corresponding panel. In a further embodiment, removable aperture portions in adjacent boxes are arranged such that apertures in adjacent boxes align so as to form a pathway between the boxes. Preferably the box is cuboid. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a box blank formed from a single piece of planar material, foldable into a box, having: a plurality of wall panels each connected to at least one other wall panel; at least one bottom panel connected to at least one wall panel; at least one top panel connected to at least one wall panel; and a plurality of tabs connected to at least one panel, each tab attachable to another panel, wherein at least one panel has at least one removable aperture portion, each aperture portion adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel, and wherein the box blank has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of a panel; each connection portion adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector, the connector attachable to a connection point of an adjacent box. Preferably the least one aperture portion or at least one connection portion is formed in the at least one panel by scoring or perforation. Preferably the box blank is formed by cutting and scoring the single piece of planar material. Preferably the box blank is a disposable material. In a one embodiment the aperture portion is removed once the box blank has been folded into a box. In an alternative embodiment an aperture portion is removed prior to the box blank being folded into a box. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box blank is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a material suitable for scratching. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box blank is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a waterproof or water-resistant material. In one embodiment the box can contain at least one portion of cat litter, and wherein the waterproof or water-resistant material lasts for an operative duration equivalent to at least as long as an operative duration of at least one portion of cat litter.

Preferably the box blank has a perforated tear line at least partially crossing a plurality of panels. Preferably at least one removable aperture portion and/or at least one removable connection portion is removable by pushing, tearing or cutting. Preferably removal of an aperture portion establishes an aperture in the corresponding panel. Preferably the connection point is a slot in the corresponding panel. Preferably the slot is orientated parallel with an adjacent edge of the panel. Preferably at least one connector is formed as part of the box blank. Preferably at least one connector is formed as part of a removable portion of an aperture portion or connection portion. Preferably the connector is a substantially rectangular strip of material with a least one pair of notches along the length of the connector on opposite sides of the connector. Preferably, the pair of notches define an axis of folding in the connector. Preferably the box blank is foldable into a cuboid box. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a box blank formed from a single piece of planar material, foldable into a box, having: a first wall panel; a second wall panel connected to the first wall panel; a third wall panel connected to the second wall panel; a fourth wall panel connected to the third wall panel; at least one bottom panel connected to at least one wall panel; at least one top panel connected to at least one wall panel; and a plurality of tabs connected to at least one panel, each tab attachable to another panel, wherein at least one panel has at least one removable aperture portion; the aperture portion is adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel; the box blank has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of a panel, each connection portion is adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector, the connector attachable to a connection point of an adjacent box. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a kit for a modular pet furniture system including: at least one box, the box having; at least one top panel; at least one bottom panel opposite the top panel; and a plurality of wall panels each operatively connected to at least one top panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one other wall panel, wherein at least one panel has at least one removable aperture portion, the aperture portion is adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel, and wherein at least one panel has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of the at least one panel; each connection portion is adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector; and at least one connector attachable to a connection point of at least one box. Preferably the connector attachable to a connection point of a first box and to attach to a connection point of an adjacent second box. Preferably at least one connector is formed as part of a removable portion of an aperture portion or connection portion. Preferably connector is a substantially rectangular strip of material with a least one pair of notches along the length of the connector on opposite sides of the connector. Preferably, the pair of notches define an axis of folding in the connector. Preferably the box is constructed from a single cut and scored blank of foldable material. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a material suitable for scratching. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a waterproof or water-resistant material. In one embodiment the box can contain at least one portion of cat litter, and wherein the waterproof or water-resistant material lasts for an operative duration equivalent to at least as long as an operative duration of at least one portion of cat litter. Preferably removal of an aperture portion establishes an aperture in the corresponding panel. Preferably the least one aperture portion or at least one connection portion is formed in the at least one panel by scoring or perforation. More preferably, at least one removable aperture portion and/or at least one removable connection portion is removable by pushing, tearing or cutting.

Preferably a removable aperture portion of a first box and a removable aperture portion of an adjacent second box are arranged such that apertures align so as to form a pathway between the first box and the second box. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a kit for a modular pet furniture system including: at least one box blank formed from a single piece of planar material, foldable into a box, the box blank having; a plurality of wall panels each connected to at least one other wall panel, at least one bottom panel connected to at least one wall panel; at least one top panel connected to at least one wall panel; and a plurality of tabs connected to at least one panel, each attachable to another panel, wherein at least one panel has at least one removable aperture portion, each aperture portion adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel, and wherein at least one panel has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of the at least one panel, each connection portion adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector; and at least one connector attachable to a connection point of at least one box. Preferably the connector attachable to a connection point of a first box and to attach to a connection point of an adjacent second box. Preferably at least one connector is formed as part of a removable portion of an aperture portion or connection portion. Preferably connector is a substantially rectangular strip of material with a least one pair of notches along the length of the connector on opposite sides of the connector. Preferably, the pair of notches define an axis of folding in the connector. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box blank is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a material suitable for scratching. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box blank is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a waterproof or water-resistant material. Preferably removal of an aperture portion establishes an aperture in the corresponding panel. Preferably the least one aperture portion or at least one connection portion is formed in the at least one panel by scoring or perforation. More preferably, at least one removable aperture portion and/or at least one removable connection portion is removable by pushing, tearing or cutting. Preferably a removable aperture portion of a first box blank and a removable aperture portion of a second box blank are arranged such that apertures align so as to form a pathway between adjacent boxes formed by the first box and the second box. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of constructing a box for a modular pet furniture system, the method including the steps: cutting a box blank from a single piece of planar material; forming fold lines in the blank such that the blank has, a plurality of wall panels each connected foldably along a fold line to at least one other wall panel, at least one bottom panel connected foldably along a fold line to at least one wall panel, at least one top panel connected foldably along a fold line to at least one wall panel, and a plurality of tabs connected foldably along a fold line to at least one panel, each tab attachable to another panel; marking at least one aperture portion on at least one panel, the aperture portion being adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel; marking a plurality connection portions on at least one panel, the connection portions are adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector, the connector attachable to a connection point of an adjacent box; folding the blank along the fold lines such that the wall panels are substantially perpendicular to the least one bottom panel and least one top panel; and operatively connecting at least one first panel to at least one second panel via attachment of at least one tab connected to the least one first panel. Preferably the method further includes the step of scoring or perforating at least one of the marked aperture portions or connection portions. Preferably the method further includes the step of covering, treating or coating the box blank with a material suitable for scratching. Preferably the method further includes the step of covering, treating or coating the box blank with a waterproof or water-resistant material. Preferably a tab is attached to a panel with glue.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of constructing a litter tray utilising a box according to the first aspect of the invention which has a perforated tear line at least partially around a periphery of the box and wherein the box is separable along the perforated tear line into at least a first portion and a second portion, the method including the steps: separating the box along the perforated tear line so as to form a first portion and a second portion; and filling the first portion with litter. Preferably the method further includes the step of removing the second portion. The litter box can be attached to a box, a second cat tray, or other pet furniture in accordance with this invention as described herein. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a modular pet furniture system including: a first box and a second box, the first box and the second box each having; at least one top panel, at least one bottom panel opposite the top panel, a plurality of wall panels each operatively connected to at least one top panel, and at least one bottom panel, and at least one other wall panel, wherein at least one panel has at least one removable aperture portion, at least one panel has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of the at least one panel, each connection portion is adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector; and at least two connectors attachable to a connection point of at least one box. Preferably the first box and the second box are positioned adjacent to one another. Preferably a first panel of the first box and a first panel of the second box mate, and a second panel of the first box and a second panel of the second box are flush such that a shared edge is formed. Preferably a connection point of the first box and a corresponding connection point of the second box are each adjacent the shared edge. Preferably the connector is attachable to a connection point of the first box and to attach to a connection point of the adjacent second box.

Preferably at least one connector is formed as part of a removable portion of an aperture portion or connection portion. Preferably connector is a substantially rectangular strip of material with a least one pair of notches along the length of the connector on opposite sides of the connector. Preferably, the pair of notches define an axis of folding in the connector. Preferably the box is constructed from a single cut and scored blank of foldable material. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a material suitable for scratching. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a waterproof or water-resistant material. In one embodiment the box can contain at least one portion of cat litter, and wherein the waterproof or water-resistant material lasts for an operative duration equivalent to at least as long as an operative duration of at least one portion of cat litter. Preferably at least one part of one surface of the box is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a waterproof material. In one embodiment the box can contain at least one portion of cat litter, and wherein the waterproof material lasts for an operative duration equivalent to at least as long as an operative duration of at least one portion of cat litter. Preferably removal of an aperture portion establishes an aperture in the corresponding panel. Preferably the least one aperture portion or at least one connection portion is formed in the at least one panel by scoring or perforation. More preferably, at least one removable aperture portion and/or at least one removable connection portion is removable by pushing, tearing or cutting. Preferably a removable aperture portion of the first box and a removable aperture portion of the adjacent second box are arranged such that apertures align so as to form a pathway between the first box and the second box. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of constructing a pet habitat utilising a system as described above, the method including the steps: creating an aperture by removing at least one removable aperture portion from a first box, the removed aperture portions containing at least two connectors; positioning the first box adjacent a second box such that at least one panel on each box mate and at least one panel on each box are flush; creating at least two pairs of corresponding connection points by removing at least two removable connection portions from the first box and at least two removable connection portions from the second box; and inserting a first connector to a first pair of corresponding slots and a second connector to a second pair of corresponding slots such that the first box and second box are in contact with both connectors. Preferably the method further includes the step of creating a pathway between the first box and the second box, wherein the first box and the second box each have a corresponding removable aperture portion in each mating panel, by removing the corresponding removable aperture portions. The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of a box blank according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a modular pet furniture construction made from the box blank of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of a connector from Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a box blank 12, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, manufactured to construct a cuboid box 10. Boxes constructed in this manner are depicted in Figure 2. The box blank 12 is formed from a single piece of planar material. A first wall panel 40 connected along a first foldable edge 70 to a second wall panel 42. The second wall panel 42 and a third wall panel 44 are connected along a second foldable edge 72. The third wall panel 44 and a fourth wall panel 46 are connected along a third foldable edge 72.

A first top panel 20 is connected to the second wall panel 42 along a fourth foldable edge73 and a first bottom panel 30 connected to the second wall panel 42 along a fifth foldable edge 74 opposite the first top panel 20. A second top panel 20 is connected to the fourth wall panel 46 along a sixth foldable edge 75 and a second bottom panel 30 connected to the fourth wall panel 46 along a seventh foldable edge 76 opposite the second top panel 20. The box blank 12 further has a first tab 50 connected to the first wall panel 40 along an eighth foldable edge 80. The box blank 12 further has a second tab 52 connected to the first wall panel 40 along a ninth foldable edge 81 opposite the first tab 50. The box blank 12 further has a third tab 54 connected to the second wall panel 43 along a tenth foldable edge 82. The box blank 12 further has a fourth tab 56 connected to the second wall panel 43 along an eleventh foldable edge 83 opposite the fourth tab 56. The box blank 12 further has a fifth tab 58 connected to the first wall panel 40 along a twelfth foldable edge 84. The box blank 12 further has a first removable aperture portion 60 in the first top panel 20. The box blank 12 further has a second removable aperture portion 61 in the second top panel 22. The box blank 12 further has a third removable aperture portion 62 in the first bottom panel 30. The box blank 12 further has a fourth removable aperture portion 63 in the second bottom panel 32. The box blank 12 further has a fifth removable aperture portion 64 in the second wall panel 42. The box blank 12 further has a sixth removable aperture portion 65 in the second wall panel 42. The box blank 12 further has a seventh removable aperture portion 66 in the third wall panel 44. The box blank 12 further has an eighth removable aperture portion 67 in the fourth wall panel 46. The box blank 12 further has a ninth removable aperture portion 68 in the fourth wall panel 46. The box blank 12 further has a tenth removable aperture portion 69 in the first wall panel 40. The perimeter of each removable aperture portion is at least partially a perforated tear line. The box blank 12 further has a plurality of slot shaped removable connection portions 90, wherein each wall panel has 8 removable connection portions 90 arranged in pairs adjacent edges of the wall panels which form edges of the cuboid box 10. The perimeter of each removable connection portion 90 is a perforated tear line. The box blank 12 further has a perforated tear line 110 that extends across each wall panel 40,42,44,46. The box 10 formed by folding the box blank 12 is cuboid. Each wall panel 40,42,44,46 is operatively connected to at least one top panel 20,22, at least one bottom panel 30,32, and at least one other wall panel 40,42,44,46. The wall panels 40,42,44,46 are folded along the fold lines 70,71,72 between the wall panels 40,42,44,46. The fifth tab 58 attaches to the fourth wall panel 46 so as to operably connect the first wall panel 40 to the fourth wall panel 46. The second tab 52 and fourth tab 56 are folded into the space bounded by the wall panels 40,42,44,46, and then the first bottom panel 30 and the second bottom panel 32 are folded in to form a bottom of the box. The first tab 50 and third tab 54 are folded into the space bounded by the wall panels 40,42,44,46, and then the first top panel 20 and the second top panel 22 are folded in to form a top of the box. The tabs 50,52,54,56,58 and panels 20,22,30,32,40,42,44,46are attached with adhesive. Removal of a connection portion 90 leaves a connection point. The perforated tear line 100 travels entirely across the wall panels 40,42,44,46 of the box blank 12. In another embodiment (not shown) the perforated tear line 100 travels entirely around the periphery of the box 10 across the wall panels 40,42,44,46 and connects to form a continuous tear line. The litter tray is constructed by separating a box 10 along the perforated tear line 100 so as to form a first portion and a second portion. Either the first portion or the second portion can function as the litter box. With reference to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic representation of a modular pet furniture construction in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The modular pet furniture construction is constructed from four boxes: box 10A, box 1OB, box10Cand box1OD. The construction is formed with three boxes 1OA,10B,10C on a surface and one box 1OD on top of another box 10C.

Box 10A is connected to box 1OB with connectors 80AB1 and 80AB2. Box 10A is connected to box 10C with connectors 80AC1 and 80AC2. Box 10C is connected to box 10A with connectors 80CD1 and 80CD2. Aperture portions 60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69 can be removed to allow for entrances, viewing windows, air holes and pathways between boxes Further boxes can be connected to the construction. A litter tray as depicted can be connected to the construction. The removed material of the aperture portion 66 can be used to create three connectors. With reference to Figure 3, there is shown a connector 80. The connector 80 is substantially rectangular and is separated into a bridging portion 88 with a retention portion 86 on opposite ends of the connector. The bridging portion 88 and retention portion 86 are foldable along an axis of folding 84. Each axis 84 having a notch on each end to weaken the structure of the connector and facilitate folding along the desired axis 84. In use with reference to Figure 3, a connector 80 with a bridging portion 88 approximately the length of the distance between a connection point of a first box and a connection point of an adjacent second box, is folded along each axis of folding 84. One retention portion 86 is inserted into one connection point, and the other retention portion 86 is inserted into the other connection point.

ADVANTAGES An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the box is that the box is multipurpose, able to function as packaging and pet furniture. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the box can form part of a modular pet furniture system. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the box is adaptable to suit a variety of configurations and uses within a modular pet furniture system.

VARIATIONS While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A box having: at least one top panel; at least one bottom panel opposite the top panel; a plurality of wall panels each operatively connected to at least one top panel, at least one bottom panel; and at least one other wall panel, wherein at least one of the panels has at least one removable aperture portion, each aperture portion adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel, and wherein at least one of the panels has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of the at least one panel, each connection portion are adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector, the connector is attachable to a connection point of an adjacent box.

2. A box as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one connector is formed as part of a removable portion of an aperture portion or connection portion.

3. A box as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the connector is a substantially rectangular strip of material with a least one pair of notches along the length of the connector on opposite sides of the connector, and the pair of notches define an axis of folding in the connector

4. A box as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one removable aperture portion and/or at least one removable connection portion is removable by pushing, tearing or cutting.

5. A box as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the box has a perforated tear line at least partially around a periphery of the box.

6. A box as claimed in to claim 5, wherein the box is separable along the perforated tear line into at least a first portion and a second portion.

7. A box as claimed in to claim 6, wherein the first portion or second portion is usable as a litter tray.

8. A box as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one part of one surface of the box is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a material suitable for scratching.

9. A box as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one part of one surface of the box is constructed from, covered with, treated with, or coated with a waterproof or water-resistant material.

10. A box as claimed in claim 9, wherein the box can contain at least one portion of cat litter, and the waterproof or water-resistant material lasts for an operative duration equivalent to at least as long as an operative duration of at least one portion of cat litter.

11. A box as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the box is constructed from a single cut and scored blank of foldable material.

12. A box as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the least one aperture portion or at least one connection portion is formed in the at least one panel by scoring or perforation.

13. A box as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein removable aperture portions are arranged to align with corresponding removable aperture portions of another box, forming a pathway between the boxes when both removable aperture portions are removed.

14. A box blank formed from a single piece of planar material, foldable into a box, having: a plurality of wall panels each connected to at least one other wall panel; at least one bottom panel connected to at least one wall panel; at least one top panel connected to at least one wall panel; and a plurality of tabs connected to at least one panel, each tab attachable to another panel, wherein at least one panel has at least one removable aperture portion, each aperture portion adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel; wherein the box blank has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of a panel; each connection portion adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector, the connector attachable to a connection point of an adjacent box.

15. A kit for a modular pet furniture system including: at least one box having; a plurality of wall panels each connected to at least one other wall panel, at least one bottom panel connected to at least one wall panel, at least one top panel connected to at least one wall panel, and a plurality of tabs connected to at least one panel, each attachable to another panel; wherein at least one panel has at least one removable aperture portion, each aperture portion adapted to, upon removal, leave an aperture in a panel, wherein at least one panel has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of the at least one panel, each connection portion adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector, and at least one connector attachable to a connection point of at least one box.

16. A kit as claimed in claim 15, wherein the connector attachable to a connection point of a first box and to attach to a connection point of an adjacent second box.

17. A kit as claimed in claims 15 and 16, wherein at least one connector is formed as part of a removable portion of an aperture portion or connection portion.

18. A kit as claimed in claims 15 to 17, wherein the least one aperture portion or at least one connection portion is formed in the at least one panel by scoring or perforation.

19. A kit as claimed in claims 15 to 18, wherein at least one removable aperture portion and/or at least one removable connection portion is removable by pushing, tearing or cutting.

20. A method of constructing a pet habitat utilising at least two boxes, each having; at least one top panel; at least one bottom panel opposite the top panel; a plurality of wall panels each operatively connected to at least one top panel; and at least one bottom panel, and at least one other wall panel, wherein at least one panel has at least one removable aperture portion, wherein at least one panel has a plurality of removable connection portions arranged adjacent at least one edge of the at least one panel, each connection portion is adapted to, upon removal, define a connection point to receive a connector, the method including the steps of: creating an aperture by removing at least one removable aperture portion from a first box, the removed aperture portion containing at least two connectors; positioning the first box adjacent a second box such that at least one panel on each box mate and at least one panel on each box are flush; creating at least two pairs of corresponding connection points by removing at least two removable connection portions from the first box and at least two removable connection portions from the second box; inserting a first connector to a first pair of corresponding slots and a second connector to a second pair of corresponding slots such that the first box and second box are in contact with both connectors; and creating a pathway between the first box and the second box, wherein the first box and the second box each have a corresponding removable aperture portion in each mating panel, by removing the corresponding removable aperture portions.