Abstract: A pet carrier, expandable to hold a pet and collapsible to suitcase size, includes a pair of platforms and first and second pairs of spaced walls. The first walls (e.g. front, rear) are pivotably attached at opposite ends to the platforms and are hinged at intermediate positions for collapsing or opening the carrier. The second walls (e.g. side) are pivotable toward an individual one of the platforms, with the platform as a fulcrum, to collapse the carrier and are pivotable toward the other platform to open the carrier. Resilient members at the bottom of the first walls releasably engage the second walls for maintaining the carrier open. The resilient members are constrained to provide for a pivotal movement of the second walls to the carrier's open relationship.
Abstract: A plurality of panels preferably made from a heat insulating material define an enclosure for a pet shelter. One of the panels has an opening for the pet to enter or exit the enclosure. The panels are disposed on a base member. Detents (e.g. hooks) on the panels are removably disposed in detents (e.g. openings) in the base member to position the panels in a particular relationship on the base member. The panels may be integral with one another or may be separate. When separate, the panels may be tilted inwardly to dispose the ends of adjacent pairs of the panels in a contiguous relationship. After being tilted, the panels are joined by locking rails, each engaging the contiguous ends of a different pair of adjacent panels and each removable to disengage the panels. A top cap on the panels defines a roof for the enclosure. When the panels are integral with each other, the top cap may be integral with the panels.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 25, 2000
Date of Patent:
November 20, 2001
Assignee:
Amerlin, Inc.
Inventors:
Edward A. Richmond, Gregory M. Richmond