Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jul. 6, 2010, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to litter boxes for indoor pets, and in particular, to deployable pet litter container that provides portability, temporary use, and sanitary disposal of feline litter after urination or defecation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Keeping pets is a never-ending task, requiring one to constantly feed groom and clean-up after their animal friends. For those that raise, breed, or board cats; their responsibilities also include maintenance of a litter box. While the use and maintenance of a litter box at home is relatively easy, it becomes a much different story when the pet and pet owner travel or are away from home for any length of time. The cat owner must ensure that the regular litter box, a bag of cat litter, tools to remove droppings, and supplies to clean the litter box all must travel as well. While these supplies can be packed, they do require some planning and time to accomplish and often times take up valuable space. However, in emergency situations, such time is often not available. Unfortunately, this makes use of the standard litter and box system inadequate for travelling purposes. 
     Various devices have attempted to provide portable pet litter pans, containers, or similar systems. Typically these attempts include lightweight deployable enclosures which form box-like containers when in an erected state. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,982 issued to Selby discloses a disposable cat relief chamber. U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,300 issued to Braddock discloses a corrugated kitty litter box. U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,842 issued to Jones, Jr. discloses a disposable pet sanitary station having a fixed lower compartment and an expandable upper compartment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,527 issued to Skirvin discloses a self-contained disposable animal commode. U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,016 issued to Heath discloses a unitary collapsible and disposable pet litter container. U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,134 issued to Bolo, III discloses a collapsible disposable litter box. U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,135 issued to Bellows discloses a collapsible and disposable pet litter container. U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,085 issued to Santoiemmo discloses a lightweight disposable kitty litter box. U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,282 issued to Indes et al. discloses a pet litter box. 
     While these devices may achieve their purported objective each suffers from one (1) or more disadvantage or deficiency related to design or utilization. Particularly, these attempts appear to lack sufficient structural integrity to withstand use by the cat. Many of the devices also require somewhat complicated tongue and groove, fold and attach systems which can be cumbersome to set up in many common situations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has therefore recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a device which provides a complete litter box which is easy and quick to set us and use as well as easy to care for. In accordance with the invention, it is an object of the present disclosure to solve these problems. 
     The inventor recognized these problems and has addressed this need by developing a disposable feline litter box that provides cat owners the ability to provide their cat a completely functional litter box anywhere and anytime, in a manner which is quick, easy, and effective. The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing the disposable feline litter box which includes a generally rectangular tray having a litter-filled interior receptacle. An enclosure defining a hollow interior and having sides made up of a plurality of accordion pleats is affixed to and over the tray. A top is affixed to an upper end of the enclosure. An opening is disposed in at least one of the sides of the enclosure for the ingress and egress of the cat. A door is hingedly attached to the enclosure for covering the opening. The pleats of the enclosure are movable toward each other to place the enclosure in a collapsed state when the top is moved downwardly relative to the tray. The pleats are also movable away from each other to place the enclosure in an expanded state when the top is moved upwardly relative to the tray. 
     In at least one (1) embodiment, a pair of linkages is pivotably attached between the tray and the top on opposing sides of the enclosure to provide structural support for the enclosure. The pair of linkages pivots to a generally horizontal orientation when the enclosure is in the collapsed state. The pair of linkages pivots to a generally vertical orientation when the enclosure is in the expanded state. 
     In at least one (1) embodiment, a pair of stops extend outwardly from opposing sides of the tray and are adjacent to a lower end portion of each of the pair of linkages. A lower side portion of each of the pair of linkages contacts the pair of stops when the enclosure is in the expanded state and restricted the rotating motion of the linkages. 
     In at least one (1) embodiment, a pair of straps is affixed to the tray and releasably secured to the top around the enclosure. Each of the pair of straps includes a plurality of first snap features and the top includes a plurality of second snap features. The first snap features engagingly mate with the second snap features to secure the straps to the top when the enclosure is in the collapsed state. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a disposable feline litter box, according to a preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective front view of the disposable feline litter box depicted in an expanded state, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an opposing perspective front view of the disposable feline litter box depicted in the expanded state, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective front view of the disposable feline litter box depicted in a collapsed state, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective bottom view of the disposable feline litter box, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a side view of a first alternate disposable feline litter box, according to an alternate embodiment in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 6   b  is a side view of a second alternate disposable feline litter box, according to an alternate embodiment in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10 
                 disposable feline litter box 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                 tray 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 top 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                 enclosure 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 door 
               
               
                   
                 15a 
                 first link 
               
               
                   
                 15b 
                 second link 
               
               
                   
                 16a 
                 third link 
               
               
                   
                 16b 
                 fourth link 
               
               
                   
                 17a 
                 first stop 
               
               
                   
                 17b 
                 second stop 
               
               
                   
                 18a 
                 first stay 
               
               
                   
                 18b 
                 second stay 
               
               
                   
                 19a 
                 first strap end 
               
               
                   
                 19b 
                 second strap end 
               
               
                   
                 20  
                 strap 
               
               
                   
                 21a 
                 first snap feature 
               
               
                   
                 21b 
                 second snap feature 
               
               
                   
                 22a 
                 first handle member 
               
               
                   
                 22b 
                 second handle member 
               
               
                   
                 23  
                 carrying handle 
               
               
                   
                 24  
                 hinge 
               
               
                   
                 25a 
                 first pivot 
               
               
                   
                 25b 
                 second pivot 
               
               
                   
                 26a 
                 third pivot 
               
               
                   
                 26b 
                 fourth pivot 
               
               
                   
                 27a 
                 fifth pivot 
               
               
                   
                 27b 
                 sixth pivot 
               
               
                   
                 28  
                 litter 
               
               
                   
                 81  
                 feline 
               
               
                   
                 82  
                 floor 
               
               
                   
                 90  
                 first alternate disposable feline litter box 
               
               
                   
                 95  
                 second alternate disposable feline litter box 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 , and in terms of alternate embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 6   b , depicting a disposable feline litter box (herein described as an “apparatus”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure describes a deployable pet litter container that provides portability and temporary use for the biodegradable and sanitary disposal of feline litter after urination or defecation. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective environmental view of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  is depicted in a state wherein a feline  81  is pushing a door  14  inwardly while entering an upwardly expanded enclosure. The apparatus  10  includes a tray  11  wherein the interior portion includes an integral package of litter  28 . The components of the apparatus  10  are made of short-term bio-degradable materials, such as paper, cardboard, fiberboard, or bio-plastics. The truncated pyramid design minimizes the height of the enclosure  13  in a collapsed state by allowing each corrugation to progressively fold into the next lower corrugation, yet it can be appreciated that other designs may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 , as shown in alternate embodiments in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b.    
       FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  show opposing perspective front views of the apparatus  10  depicted in an upwardly expanded state. The apparatus  10  includes a tray  11 , a top  12 , and an enclosure  13 ; wherein a front face portion of the enclosure includes a door  14 . The corrugated design allows the enclosure  13  and the door  14  to be collapsed into a compact and collapsed state (see  FIG. 4 ) when not in use or when transported and to be expanded in an upward direction to accommodate a feline  81  during use. A first side of the apparatus  10  includes a first stay  18   a  made up of a first link  15   a  and a second link  15   b . An opposing second side of the apparatus  10  includes a corresponding second stay  18   b  made up of a third link  16   a  and a fourth link  16   b.    
     A first pivot  25   a  connects a lower end of the first link  15   a  to a bottom portion of the first side of the tray  11 , a fifth pivot  27   a  connects an upper end of the first link  15   a  to a lower end of the third link  16   a , and a third pivot  26   a  connects the upper end of the third link  16   a  to a first side of the top  12 . Likewise, a second pivot  25   b  connects a lower end of the second link  15   b  to a corresponding opposing bottom portion of the second side of the tray  11 , a sixth pivot  27   b  connects an upper end of the second link  15   b  to a lower end of the fourth link  16   b , and a fourth pivot  26   b  connects the upper end of the fourth link  16   b  to an opposite second side of the top  12 . 
     A rearward past-center position of the fifth pivot  27   a  and the sixth pivot  27   b  maintains the expanded state of the accordion-like enclosure  13  by causing a lower side portion of the first link  15   a  to rest against a first stop  17   a , while the corresponding lower side portion of the second link  15   b  rests against a second stop  17   b . Each stop  17   a ,  17   b  is attached to an intermediate exterior surface of the tray  11  with integral molding, adhesive, or the like. 
     The apparatus  10  also includes a strap  20  having a first strap end  19   a  and a second strap end  19   b , each depicted as detached with the apparatus  10  in the deployed state. An underside surface of the first strap end  19   a  and of the second strap end  19   b  each includes a plurality of first snap fasteners  21   a . The first snap fasteners  21   a  are arranged in a matrix and correspondingly engage a plurality of second snap fasteners  21   b  located on an upper outer surface of the top  12  of the enclosure  13 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicted in the collapsed state and  FIG. 5  shows a bottom perspective view of the apparatus  10 . The strap  20 , as depicted in  FIG. 5 , provides the apparatus  10  with a mechanism to maintain the enclosure  13  in the collapsed state. The strap  20  wraps circumferential around a central exterior surface of the tray  11 , enclosure  13 , and top  12  when in the collapsed state such that the first snap fasteners  21   a  of the pair of flexible strap ends  19   a  and  19   b  engage with the second snap fasteners  21   b  to maintain the collapsed state. An outer end portion of the first strap end  19   a  includes a first handle member  22   a  and a corresponding outer end portion of the second strap end  19   b  includes a second handle member  22   b . When each of the pair of strap ends  19   a  and  19   b  is fastened onto the top  12 , the close proximity of the handle members  22   a  and  22   b  form a suitable carrying handle  23 . 
     The door  14  is preferably an inwardly and outwardly mobile flap, including a hinge  24  in the form of a paper strip permanently affixed onto an upper edge of the door  14  and the upper edge of the corresponding opening within the enclosure  13 . In the collapsed state, the enclosure  13  retains the door  14  in a closed state. Extending the enclosure  13  in the upward direction releases the door, enabling it to function as a two-way flap. 
       FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show side views of a first alternate disposable feline litter box  90  and second alternate disposable feline litter box  95 . The enclosure  13  is depicted in the preferred embodiment as having a pyramidal or trapezoidal shape; however, it can be appreciated that other shapes can be utilized with equal benefit and without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The alternate disposable feline litter boxes  90 ,  95  include structural and functional components substantially similar to those described for the preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  with the exception of the shape of the enclosure  13 .  FIG. 6   a  depicts the first alternate enclosure  90  which has a generally rectangular shape and  FIG. 6   b  depicts the second alternate enclosure  95  which has a generally circular shape, with each providing the same functionalities as abovementioned. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only one particular configuration has been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10  in the collapsed state, it would be deployed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of deploying the apparatus  10  can be achieved by performing the following steps: carrying the apparatus  10  to a desired location; setting the apparatus  10  onto a floor  82  at the desired location; unfastening the first strap end  19   a ; deploying the first strap end  19   a ; unfastening the second strap end  19   b ; deploying the second strap end  19   b ; extending the enclosure  13  vertically by simultaneously moving the first stay  18   a  and the second stay  18   b  in a rearward direction; and, securing the extended state by moving the links  15   a ,  15   b ,  16   a ,  16   b  in the rearward direction until the lower side portion of the first link  15   a  abuts the first stop  17   a  and the lower side portion of the second link  15   b  abuts the second stop  17   b.    
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  can be achieved by performing the following steps: allowing the feline  81  to open the door  14  and use the apparatus  10 ; after use, collapsing and securing the apparatus  10  into the collapsed state by following the above steps in a reverse order; and, disposing the apparatus  10  in an approved manner. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

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