Collapsible Patents (Class 119/474)
  • Patent number: 11606933
    Abstract: A wild bird treatment system includes an enclosure for accommodating a plurality of wild coveying birds targeted for treatment with at least one ground level entrance of a size and location to permit the targeted birds to freely enter and exit the enclosure while excluding non-targeted animals. An electronic bird caller for attracting wild coveying birds is provided. A feeder assembly, slidably removable from the enclosure, includes a slider assembly and a feed hopper. The slider assembly, slidably removable from the feeder assembly, includes a feed plate assembly and a feed slide for controlling flow of medicated feed. The feed plate assembly, slidably removable from the slider assembly, includes a feed plate of a size and a food delivery box with outlets of a size to control the rate of medicated feed released from the feed hopper specific to the birds targeted for treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Ronald J. Kendall, Ronald J. Kendall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11528883
    Abstract: A door assembly includes a frame having interconnected wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough, and a door having interconnected wires and being coupled to the frame. A latch assembly has a handle structure and a pin. The handle structure is pivotable with respect to one of the door and the frame, and the pin is movable axially with respect to one of the door and the frame. A first wire of the plurality of wires of the frame forms a key hole assembly. The key hole assembly defines an aperture for receiving the pin when the door is in a latched position with respect to the frame. A tab assembly is formed by at least one wire of the door and is disposable behind at least one of the plurality of wires of the frame in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Stew Kerr, Michael E. Greene, David J. Nolley
  • Patent number: 11377907
    Abstract: A door assembly for an animal enclosure includes a door frame and a door each having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. The door frame defines an opening for an animal to pass therethrough, and the door is slidably coupled to the door frame such that it moves between an open position and a closed position relative to the door frame to allow egress and ingress through the opening. A catch member is coupled to the door frame. A latch includes a base member, a bolt, and a lever portion. A first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door are spaced from one another such that the first vertical wire is at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is at a second end of the door. In the closed position, the bolt is coupled to the first vertical wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Stew Kerr, David J. Nolley
  • Patent number: 11109572
    Abstract: Object release enclosures are disclosed. Methods of making and using object release enclosures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Kenneth Deese
  • Patent number: 10842126
    Abstract: A twelve-device-in-one pet crate comprises: top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear panels attached to one another, having a tray-and-bed-locking clamp, multi-pet crate divider and urine-waste-water-storing tray inserted inside the panels to create multiple pet-containing compartments, first and second multi-pet doors hinged to the pet crate, interchangeable side frame supports and end frame supports, an interchangeable bed attached to the side and end frame supports, waterproof toilets sewn to the bed, and interchangeable T-shaped straight frame connectors, T-shaped corner frame connectors, adjustable leg supports and an adjustable center-brace leg support attached to the bed to configure the bed into twelve different devices to function as a canopy, a patio, a balcony, a windscreen, a chair, an awning, a perch, a pet tent, a sled, a stand, a basket, a pet hammock, a multi-position pet bed, a grooming platform, a drying platform, and a privacy screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Dee Volin
  • Patent number: 10279990
    Abstract: Methods of transporting a plurality of freight containers are disclosed, including stacking one or more containers on a transportation vehicle, where one or more of the stacked containers is a vertically collapsible container in a collapsed position, where at least one of the vertically collapsible containers includes: a frame assembly including: a plurality of rectangular frame members; a plurality of articulated vertical frame members disposed between the rectangular frame members; and where the articulated vertical frame members are positioned and arranged to retract to within the frame assembly; a lifting mechanism positioned and arranged to elevate the rectangular frame members from each other; and where the lifting mechanism is disposed between the uppermost rectangular frame member of the frame assembly and the lowermost rectangular frame member of the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Elias Jordan Ronstadt
  • Patent number: 10085416
    Abstract: A door for a pet enclosure is disclosed herein. The door is vertically and rotatably traversable with dual axes connectors. The door may be vertically traversed to unlatch hooks and wire rods from each other so that the door may thereafter be rotatably traversed to the opened position where the door is disposed on top of the top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: David Link, Hongkun Liang
  • Patent number: 9723806
    Abstract: An animal enclosure including a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure. One of the plurality of members includes a first member having a frame structure and door assembly formed by a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. At least two of the horizontal wires of the frame structure form a hook positioned inside the defined opening. The door assembly is coupled to the frame and moves between an open and closed positions. The door assembly includes a first door and a second door removably coupled to one another. The enclosure also includes a latch assembly for releasing the door assembly from the frame structure. In the closed position, at least one horizontal wire of the first door and at least one horizontal wire of the second door are coupled to the hooks formed by the at least two horizontal wires of the frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Stew Kerr, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones
  • Patent number: 9706750
    Abstract: A cage (10) for rabbits or similar pets comprising a grill element (11) generally having a rectangular shape and which can be curved or shaped at the top as required, and where the grill element is applied to the top edge of a basin-shaped tray with modular walls and where this base comprises a bottom surface (13) and side walls (14, 15) which respectively form the long sides and the short sides of the tray, where the cage can be joined to at least one further cage alongside, where the cages are joined by removing from each of the cages their respective vertical wall (15) on the joining side, preferably the short side but also the long side, and where the two trays are held together by a specially shaped horizontal profile (18) with an up-turned ā€œUā€ shape comprising the two vertical sides (19) which overlap on the joined edges of the tray bottoms positioned side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: FERPLAST SPA
    Inventor: Carlo Vaccari
  • Patent number: 9635833
    Abstract: A pet enclosure kit can include multiple discrete flat panels and multiple panel connectors. Each panel can include joined edge segments forming a rigid perimeter of the panel. An area bound by the perimeter can include a mesh, where a weave of the mesh is sufficiently tight to restrain a pet for which a pet enclosure is constructed. Each panel connector can couple two adjacent panels together by connecting to an edge segment of each of the adjacent panels, each of the panels can be coupled using only the panel connectors to other ones of said panels at either approximately one hundred and eighty degree angle or approximately ninety degree angle relative to an adjacent panel. The panels and the panel connectors can be designed to construct multiple different configurations of pet enclosures. Each configuration can have a different height, width, or depth from other ones of the different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jarret C. Oeltjen, James Montgomery
  • Patent number: 9427655
    Abstract: A polygon-shaped field has two opposed ends, two opposed sides, and a plurality of intermediate components. Each side end and side and intermediate component is formed of panels having vertical and horizontal rails. Vertical extender rails extend upwardly from the panels. A plurality of variously shaped connectors couple together the rails of the panels and the extenders. Stabilizers extend outwardly from at least some of the panels. Flexible fabric netting is located between the rails of the panels and the extenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Richard L. Moody
  • Patent number: 9399889
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a door assembly for an animal enclosure. The assembly includes a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough. The assembly also includes a door configured to move between an open position and a close position relative to the door frame. A latch is pivotably coupled to the door and includes a mechanism that is removably coupled to the door frame. The assembly further includes a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door. A first guide wire and a second guide wire are coupled to the door frame. The first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the first guide wire between the open and close positions, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the second guide wire between the open and close positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Stew Kerr, Terrance L. Jones, Minqiao Cong, Minfeng Cong, Maohua Cong
  • Patent number: 9155957
    Abstract: A rectangular game field with two opposed parallel ends and two opposed parallel sides. Each side and each end are formed of rectangular panels having vertical and horizontal rails. Vertical extender rails extend upwardly from the rectangular panels. A plurality of variously shaped connectors couple together the rails of the rectangular panels and the extender rails. Stabilizer support panels extend outwardly from at least some of the rectangular panels. Flexible fabric netting is located between the rails of the rectangular panels and the extender rails. Straps separably couple the flexible fabric netting to the rectangular panels and the extender rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Richard L. Moody
  • Patent number: 8985058
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wire crate for housing an animal. The wire crate includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of side panels oppositely disposed from one another. The crate also includes a front opening defined in the front panel. The front opening is configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. The crate further includes a pair of tracks coupled to each side of the front opening and a door slidably coupled to the pair of tracks. The door slides along the pair of tracks between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones, Robert Bemis
  • Patent number: 8925492
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wire crate for housing an animal. The wire crate includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of side panels oppositely disposed from one another. The crate also includes a front opening defined in the front panel. The front opening is configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. The crate further includes a pair of tracks coupled to each side of the front opening and a door slidably coupled to the pair of tracks. The door slides along the pair of tracks between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones, Stew Kerr
  • Publication number: 20140202395
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible cage assembly including an outer covering and a support frame for supporting the outer covering in an upright position. The outer covering can have a top, bottom, front, back, first side, and second side. The support frame can include a top frame body and a bottom frame body, a first side member and a second side member each being pivotably coupled to the top frame body and bottom frame body, and a top support member coupled to the top frame body. The top support member can define a V-shaped portion. The frame can also include a U-shaped member have a first end and a second end, each of the first end and second end slidably and pivotably coupled to the bottom frame body. The U-shaped member is removably coupled to the V-shaped portion of the top support member in the upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: MID-WEST METAL PRODUCTS CO., INC.
    Inventors: BRAD CANTWELL, Stew Kerr, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140174375
    Abstract: A dual axes swivel connector for connecting various panels to assemble a pet enclosure is disclosed. The dual axes swivel connector allows panels of the enclosure to be reliably pivoted with respect to each other. The dual axes swivel connector may comprise first and second parts. The first part may be fabricated from a flexible material compared to the second part, whereas the second part may be fabricated from a more rigid material compared to the first part. The flexibility of the first part allows the first part to have a tighter fit with the wire rods. The second part has a looser fit with the wire rods but the rigidity of the second part compensates for the looser fit. When the first and second parts are interlocked, they create a tight fit which can reliably provide a hinge between the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Precision Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Link, Hongkun Liang
  • Patent number: 8746179
    Abstract: A pet enclosure includes an expandable cover and a collapsible support frame. The cover comprises a roof, a floor opposite the roof, and sides connecting the roof to the floor, wherein the sides include a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The support frame comprises a first truss adjacent the first side, a second truss adjacent the second side, and a support member extending from the first truss to the second truss. The first truss and the second truss are pivotable relative to the support member toward one another into a collapsed configuration of the support frame and away from one another into an uncollapsed configuration of the support frame. Pivoting the trusses from the collapsed configuration into the uncollapsed configuration rearranges the cover from an unexpanded arrangement into an expanded arrangement. The cover in the expanded arrangement defines an interior compartment for housing a pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: United Pet Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Steven J. Behrens
  • Patent number: 8733292
    Abstract: A collapsible, mountable pet crate. A collapsible crate mountable to a wall such that the crate may be assembled for pet usage while mounted to the wall and collapsed into a compact package while mounted to the wall and not being used. A mounting bracket affixed to the wall receives a mounting rod (or mounting pins) integral with, or connected to, the crate to facilitate operation of the crate. The mounting bracket includes a first position for receipt of the mounting rod corresponding to the assembled or opened crate and a second position for receipt of the mounting rod corresponding to the collapsed or stowed crate. In another version, a pair of latches rotatably joined to a back wall for (i) joining the wall to the bottom tray in a collapsed configuration and (ii) securing the foldable cage to the back wall in an assembled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Amy R Nichols
  • Patent number: 8733293
    Abstract: A dual axes swivel connector for connecting various panels to assemble a pet enclosure is disclosed. The dual axes swivel connector allows panels of the enclosure to be reliably pivoted with respect to each other. The dual axes swivel connector may comprise first and second parts. The first part may be fabricated from a flexible material compared to the second part, whereas the second part may be fabricated from a more rigid material compared to the first part. The flexibility of the first part allows the first part to have a tighter fit with the wire rods. The second part has a looser fit with the wire rods but the rigidity of the second part compensates for the looser fit. When the first and second parts are interlocked, they create a tight fit which can reliably provide a hinge between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Link, Hongkun Liang
  • Publication number: 20140116347
    Abstract: An animal housing assembly includes a cage assembly coupled to a base member to provide an enclosure for one or more animals to be kept in captivity. The base member includes a slidable tray coupled thereto, the tray being configured to move from a closed position to an open position to allow cleaning of the base member. When in a closed position, a portion of the tray forms a portion of the floor of the base member. When the tray moves from the closed position to the open position, the tray translates in a direction away from the base member, thereby exposing an aperture defined in the floor of the base member. The aperture may be shaped and/or sized to allow debris to fall through the floor of the base member, thereby allowing removal of unwanted debris and cleaning of the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Jason CASTO, Larry STERNAL
  • Publication number: 20140026820
    Abstract: An animal housing assembly includes a cage coupled to a base assembly to provide an enclosure for one or more animals to be kept in captivity. The cage is collapsible such that the cage may transition from an expanded state, wherein the cage may cooperate with the base assembly to form an enclosure for an animal, to a collapsed state, wherein portions of the cage may fold into one another into a compact condition. The base assembly may transition from an assembled state, wherein first and second base members are releasably coupled to one another to form the base assembly, to a disassembled state, wherein the first and second base members are separated from one another, thereby allowing a more compact condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason CASTO, Larry STERNAL
  • Patent number: 8596222
    Abstract: A collapsible air-permeable animal container enclosing a volume between 8 cubic inches and 768 cubic inches in its expanded state is disclosed. In one embodiment, the container can be assembled from a plurality of nesting tubular frusta, one frustum serving as a base tube and another frustum serving as a top tube. The top tube can nest substantially inside the base tube when the container is in a collapsed configuration and the top tube can be locked into place relative to the base tube when the container is in an expanded configuration. The container may also include a base cap attached to the base tube that can be opened to add or remove an animal stored in the container and closed to prevent the container contents from escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Talbert H Campbell, Benjamin Stephen Chinnes
  • Patent number: 8544416
    Abstract: A ventilated cage and rack system for assembly by a user using simple tools and a method for assembly is provided. A plurality of frames and vertical plenums can be connected to a base, and a retaining assembly can be used to connect a plurality of vertical beams and horizontal support beams. A plurality of canopies is preferably used to connect the plenums and the support beams to shroud cages beneath the canopies. The canopies preferably include removable side walls to adapt to the width of the cage being shrouded. A plenum clean out system preferably provides a relatively simple method of draining a cleaning fluid from a plenum by moving a lever between an open and closed position. A pressure based plenum system is also provided wherein a constant air pressure is maintained in the ventilated rack system and air is provided into a cage at a constant air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Lab Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Chin Soo Park, Dale Murray, Lynn Irwin, Rodney Gerringer, Edward K. Eldreth, Philip A. Lastowski, Curtis Miller
  • Publication number: 20130192532
    Abstract: A dynamic kennel system for use in combination with a pre-existing barrier. One dynamic kennel system comprises at least one side panel rotatably interconnected to the pre-existing barrier and a gate rotatably interconnected to the at least one side panel. The at least one side panel and the gate are positionable in a first collapsed configuration such that the at least one side panel and the gate are situated substantially parallel with each other. The at least one side panel and the gate are also positionable in a second expanded configuration such that the at least one side panel and the gate are situated transverse with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: CBW DISTRIBUTION LLC
    Inventor: CBW Distribution LLC
  • Patent number: 8453607
    Abstract: Embodiments include a mesh bird cage having a fabric collapsibly forming an enclosed volume, the fabric being a screen-like mesh with holes to enable air to circulate through the fabric. The fabric may be equipped with extendible rods to adjust the volume enclosed by the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Darnell Carter
  • Patent number: 8430062
    Abstract: Present invention disclosed and claimed an easy to assemble exercise and play tower for animals, where a plurality of support plates are place in between a top and bottom plate, set up by a 3-post structure; an outer shield will be used to wrap up the skeletal structure and zipped snug in place by a vertical zipper and a horizontal zipper on top. At least some portion of the outer shield contains mesh type structure, to provide good ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Xiamen Sunnypet Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kongzhi Lu
  • Publication number: 20130014703
    Abstract: A pet crate having a top, a bottom, and a cage between the top and bottom. The cage can be engaged to and disengaged from each of the top and bottom. When engaged to the top and bottom, or when disengaged from either one or both of the top and bottom, the cage is endless and can safely hold a pet therein. When disengaged from the top and bottom, the cage is foldable into a closed, endless and flat configuration such that the cage can be stored between the top and bottom such that the crate as a whole in such stored configuration is generally flat. When disengaged from the top and bottom, the cage is foldable out into a fence configuration by disconnecting two ends of the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: CARLSON PET PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Lyle H. Rogalla, Danial E. Julian, Carlson Pet Products, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20120272920
    Abstract: A dual axes swivel connector for connecting various panels to assemble a pet enclosure is disclosed. The dual axes swivel connector allows panels of the enclosure to be reliably pivoted with respect to each other. The dual axes swivel connector may comprise first and second parts. The first part may be fabricated from a flexible material compared to the second part, whereas the second part may be fabricated from a more rigid material compared to the first part. The flexibility of the first part allows the first part to have a tighter fit with the wire rods. The second part has a looser fit with the wire rods but the rigidity of the second part compensates for the looser fit. When the first and second parts are interlocked, they create a tight fit which can reliably provide a hinge between the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: David Link, Hongkun Liang
  • Publication number: 20120227675
    Abstract: A dual axes swivel connector for connecting various panels to assemble a pet enclosure is disclosed. The dual axes swivel connector allows panels of the enclosure to be reliably pivoted with respect to each other. Additionally, the dual axes swivel connector allows the various panels of the enclosure to be offset with respect to each other when the enclosure is traversed to the collapsed position. The offset permits and enables the stacking of the various panels on top of each other. The dual axes swivel connector may be fabricated from a plastic material whereas the panels of the enclosure may be fabricated from a metallic material to reduce vibration noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: David Link, Hongkun Liang
  • Patent number: 8240274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming an enclosure assembly without using tools or fasteners to complete the assembly. The method includes forming a base from a side support, front support, and a plurality of casters. A door assembly and back wall are coupled to the base by aligning a plurality of pegs therefrom with corresponding openings defined in the base. A plurality of protruding wires of a bottom wall are aligned and inserted into corresponding openings defined in the door assembly and back wall. In addition, a plurality of pegs that protrude from a side wall are inserted into a plurality of corresponding openings defined in the door assembly and back wall such that the side wall couples to the door assembly and back wall. The method also includes coupling a top wall to the door assembly, side wall, and back wall. A shelf assembly can be coupled to the side wall and/or back wall, and a ramp can be pivotably coupled to the shelf assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Co., Inc
    Inventors: Michael E. Greene, Bryan W. Jennings, Terrance L. Jones, David L. Clemmons
  • Publication number: 20120186529
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wire crate for housing an animal. The wire crate includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of side panels oppositely disposed from one another. The crate also includes a front opening defined in the front panel. The front opening is configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. The crate further includes a pair of tracks coupled to each side of the front opening and a door slidably coupled to the pair of tracks. The door slides along the pair of tracks between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones, Robert Bemis
  • Publication number: 20120186530
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wire crate for housing an animal. The wire crate includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of side panels oppositely disposed from one another. The crate also includes a front opening defined in the front panel. The front opening is configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. The crate further includes a pair of tracks coupled to each side of the front opening and a door slidably coupled to the pair of tracks. The door slides along the pair of tracks between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones, Stew Kerr
  • Publication number: 20120145087
    Abstract: A collapsible, mountable pet crate. A collapsible crate mountable to a wall such that the crate may be assembled for pet usage while mounted to the wall and collapsed into a compact package while mounted to the wall and not being used. A mounting bracket affixed to the wall receives a mounting rod (or mounting pins) integral with, or connected to, the crate to facilitate operation of the crate. The mounting bracket includes a first position for receipt of the mounting rod corresponding to the assembled or opened crate and a second position for receipt of the mounting rod corresponding to the collapsed or stowed crate. In another version, a pair of latches rotatably joined to a back wall for (i) joining said the wall to the bottom tray in a collapsed configuration and (ii) securing the foldable cage to the back wall in an assembled configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Amy R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 8141517
    Abstract: A pet pen for housing a pet is provided. The pet pen comprises a plurality of enclosing members with each enclosing member having a wall body and an opening end. The enclosing members form the pen by overlapping a portion of the wall body at two or more of the opening ends, and the pen width can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the overlapping portion. The pen width can be adjusted without removing an enclosing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Richell U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Shimoda, Ryosuke Fujii
  • Patent number: 8132536
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible housing for poultry or other animals that includes a shelter having a half-lap shape, a base cage having a complimentary half-lap shape, a means for joining the shelter onto the base cage to form the housing is disclosed. A space in the shelter and a space in the base cage communicate with each other through an opening in the shelter. The housing further includes a door frame, at least one door, at least one cantilevered rod, and a ramp. The shelter is transformable into a box shaped container for shipping or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Steven M. Rose
  • Patent number: 8127719
    Abstract: A pet crate is provided having a blow molded polymeric base along with side, front and top panels made with strong, lightweight polymeric frame members and grates. The grates are used in the front, back and side panels to provide strength as well as a large open mesh area for better visibility and pet comfort. The mesh preferably is provided as hinged access panels at least on the sides. The front and top of the crate are also openable for access to the pet crate. The pet crate is collapsible to a folded, flat condition by unlatching the front panel and stowing it along the inside of the top panel and releasing latches between the top and back panels and the side panels. The side panels, back panel and top panel can then be collapsed inwardly onto one another to form a generally flat, stowed configuration for the pet crate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Vermont Juvenile Furniture Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Jakubowski, Scott S. Jakubowski, Chris Jakubowski, Guang-Shen Lin
  • Publication number: 20110226189
    Abstract: A secure enclosure for pets which permits pet owners who have installed a ā€œdoggie doorā€ to remove the threat of coyotes and other wildlife from attacking small dogs and cats
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Melina Dani Piliero
  • Patent number: 7975654
    Abstract: A pet containment device for use with a chair comprises a cover for enclosing space underneath the chair. Said device also comprises other novel features that allow the device to connect to a seat of the chair and operate concomitantly with a folding chair. There is also provided a method of containing a pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Leisureease, LLC
    Inventor: Lisa Kay Beaty Bishop
  • Patent number: 7938085
    Abstract: A pet enclosure comprising a floor panel, vertical sidewalls and a top panel connected by means of extruded corner members to form a rectangular box-like structure having two openings at opposite ends. A front and a rear door panel is removably mounted to and secured to the enclosure at the openings by means of pins that are connected to a spring latch; they engage latch holes on the corner members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Ourpet's Co.
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 7861458
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes a base, at least one side wall and at least one end wall extending from the base, a top ring and a lid. The top ring is positioned on the side wall and the end wall on an opposite side from the base. The lid is hingedly attached to the top ring. The side wall and end wall are pivotable between a collapsed position and a use position relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Jon P. Hassell, Sean T. Ogburn
  • Publication number: 20100313823
    Abstract: A safe, outdoor habitat is provided where an indoor cat can spend a few hours of its day outdoors in a relative safe environment. The habitat comprises a frame, a plurality of screened vertical panels, a screened top panel, and a climbable member, the frame being made of a durable material such as untreated cedar. The vertical and top screened panels are removable secured to the frame such that the structure defines a screened geometric structure. Doors are situated on one of the vertical panels, thereby defining a front of the structure with an entrance. Thus a house cat can be safely and securely placed within the habitat structure by its owner; the cat can roam within the habitat structure and experience the outdoors; and the cat can climb the climbing member while the owner can monitor and view the activities of the cat through the animal resistant screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Shannon Swedberg
  • Publication number: 20100313822
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of foldable pet cage, including a folding back frame, a rotatable seat board, a decorating facet and a foldable fence component. The rotatable seat board has a supporting board and a pivot side hinged on the landing board of the folding back frame so that the rotatable seat board can be rotated to the horizontal using status or to the vertical position to close the folding space of the folding back frame. The decorating facet is configured on the outside of the rotatable seat board. The foldable fence component has a front fence and two side fences. When folded, the foldable pet cage can be transformed into a decorative ornament, and as the fence components are completely housed and concealed, there will be no odor diffusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: YOUNGTICO Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Tzung HUANG
  • Publication number: 20100300371
    Abstract: A pet enclosure kit can include multiple discrete flat panels and multiple panel connectors. Each panel can include joined edge segments forming a rigid perimeter of the panel. An area bound by the perimeter can include a mesh, where a weave of the mesh is sufficiently tight to restrain a pet for which a pet enclosure is constructed. Each panel connector can couple two adjacent panels together by connecting to an edge segment of each of the adjacent panels, each of the panels can be coupled using only the panel connectors to other ones of said panels at either approximately one hundred and eighty degree angle or approximately ninety degree angle relative to an adjacent panel. The panels and the panel connectors can be designed to construct multiple different configurations of pet enclosures. Each configuration can have a different height, width, or depth from other ones of the different configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: JARRET C. OELTJEN, JAMES MONTGOMERY
  • Publication number: 20100282179
    Abstract: A combination-type pet cage is constructed as follows. Two lateral panels are assembled to a base by inserting flanges and screw rod sections extended from lower ends of the lateral panels into corresponding slots and holes of the base. Then, a front panel and a rear panel are attached to the lateral panels by fitting receiving portions of the front and rear panels onto projections formed at front ends and rear ends of the lateral panels, so that flanges and screw rod sections extended from lower ends of the front and rear panels pass through corresponding slots and holes of the base. The lateral, front, and rear panels are secured in position to the base by wing nuts. Finally, a top panel is secured in position to upper ends of the lateral, front, and rear panels. Plural such pet cages are connectable and easily securable in position to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: YING-KUAN HO
  • Patent number: 7827940
    Abstract: A modular enclosure system, for example, for housing plants and/or animals is provided. The enclosure system includes a frame assembly having a plurality of vertical and horizontal members, and a plurality of connectors adapted to engage the horizontal and vertical members. The members include longitudinal projections or ribs adapted to engage a plurality of panel assemblies. The panel assemblies include first ends adapted to pivotally engage a rib of one member and a second end having a releasable locking mechanism adapted to engage a rib of a member. The enclosure may be used for any type of storage or housing, but is uniquely adapted to house animals, for example, pets, or plants. Aspects of the invention also include a structural system having horizontal and vertical members and connectors adapted to engage the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Silverman
  • Patent number: 7827939
    Abstract: A modular bird cage includes a plurality of support posts located at the corners of the cage. The support posts are made up of an internal column and an external post surrounding the internal column. The internal column is internally threaded to rigidly connect a base portion and an upper portion of the bird cage. The internally threaded column engages a vertically extending threaded stud extending from the base portion. Two perpendicular, radially extending lugs are mounted on the base portion spaced from the stud. The internally threaded column, when fully engaged with the externally threaded stud, abuts against the two radially projecting lugs, filling the space between the stud and the lugs. A hollow external post is passed over the column and includes two perpendicularly located arched openings which engage the two lugs mounted on the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Leon Yang
  • Patent number: 7765954
    Abstract: A small animal habitat having a base and removable hood composed of a plurality of lune-shaped hood sections that are movable with respect to one another enabling them to be nested one above another so that the front and/or back of the hood may be opened. Hubs that connect the hood sections together and mount the hood to the base also define passages for the animal in and out of habitat and provide access to other habitat components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Rolf C. Hagen, Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Plante
  • Publication number: 20100175632
    Abstract: Described is a welded wire mesh-based modular animal containment panel adapted for post-manufacture assembly. More specifically, the modular animal containment panel includes a welded wire mesh panel that provides the durability required by animal containment. However, the frame of the animal containment panel is adapted to receive the welded wire mesh panel such that the welded wire mesh panel is not welded to the frame. As a result, the animal containment panel can be assembled by, for example, a consumer such that the animal containment panel can be shipped prior to assembly. Shipping the animal containment panel in a disassembled state reduces the size of the packaging required for the animal containment panel, thus reducing the cost of shipping and storing the animal containment panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: William S. Groh
  • Patent number: 7753003
    Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: United Pet Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Steven J. Behrens