Often Portable, Small Capacity, Roofed Housing Structure (e.g., Coop, Hutch, Kennel, Etc.) Patents (Class 119/482)
  • Patent number: 8342131
    Abstract: A recreational structure for providing a cat with adequate shelter and play area. The structure comprises a central main living unit that connects to a rectangular litter housing member by means of hollow tubes. A multi-tiered unit is disposed on top the main living unit. The top tier of this unit connects to the first tube by means of a slanted second tube. An entrance/exit member provides access to the structure. This member is connected to the bottom tier of the multi-tiered unit by a third tube. The tiers connect to one another by means of stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Dawn McPherson
  • Patent number: 8291866
    Abstract: The invention is a heating and cooling system for portable pet living space and is able to efficiently heat and cool the pet because it heats and cools both the air surrounding the pet and the surfaces upon which the pet lays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Covenant Partners, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cauchy, Cecil McKinney
  • Patent number: 8215265
    Abstract: An animal compartment assembly that has a roof that is supported by a sidewall. The sidewall has a door therein that is slidably within the sidewall. A floor supports the sidewall to complete the structure. There is a storage chamber that is disposed within the sidewall and has a door that opens to provide access to the storage chamber from outside the sidewall wherein items for the animal can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Jason W. Oedekoven, James D. Heald
  • Patent number: 8141519
    Abstract: An animal enclosure is provided which is particularly adapted for cat. The animal enclosure includes a housing having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the perimeter of the base, a hollow interior space surrounded by the sidewall, an access opening in the sidewall to permit an animal to enter and leave the hollow interior space. A frame is attached to an interior surface of said sidewall, and a corrugated bundle is removably retained by the frame. The animal enclosure is collapsible and is capable of being shipped and stored in a compact configuration but which is capable of being erected on site to create an animal enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: BrightSpot Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Brett Allen Salzman
  • Patent number: 8127715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile pet bed wherein the top and bottom units of the mobile pet bed are reversibly attached to each other. When the top unit is removed from the bottom unit the mobile pet bed functions similarly to a traditional pet bed. When the top unit is attached to the bottom unit the mobile pet bed functions as a pet carrier. Additionally, the top unit of the mobile pet bed has a door portion that can be opened and closed to permit pet ingress and egress as well as permitting easy loading of the mobile pet bed with the animal without necessitating the removal of the top unit from the bottom unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Leung
  • Patent number: 8113148
    Abstract: A pet house, for providing convenient and comfortable accommodation for a pet, includes a housing and a plurality of amenities. The housing includes a surrounding wall having a lodging room for the pet accommodating therein, and a side entrance communicating with the lodging room, and a roof frame, which is supported on the surrounding wall to define the lodging room within the surrounding wall and the roof frame. The amenities, including at least one of a solar power system, a power storage, a ventilating device, a dimmer light, an audio device, a remote intercommunication system, and an outdoors shading arrangement, is provided at the pet house for providing the comfort and convenience of the pet house so as to enhance the quality of living.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Shiuan Kuen Chem
  • Publication number: 20110226190
    Abstract: A pet crate in which cover panels having themed graphics and/or contours may be readily installed over mesh panels on the sides and on the front end of the crate. The front panel has legs which extend on either side of a door and an upper portion projecting above the crate 10 creating a tower appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Lamontagne
  • Patent number: 8020518
    Abstract: A multi-configuration structure including a base member, a plurality of cylindrical tubular spacers and a plurality of shelf members. The structure is assembled by threadably inserting the male connectors of a first set of spacers into the threaded recesses of the base member, aligning the assembly holes of a shelf member with the threaded recesses of the first set of spacers, inserting the threaded male connectors of a second set of spacers into and through the assembly holes of the shelf member and threadably inserting the male connectors into the threaded recesses of the first set of spacers, installing additional shelf members, spacers and walls in a configuration desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Colleen Reinke
  • Patent number: 7913651
    Abstract: An animal and gear transportation system for positioning in a cargo space of a vehicle is disclosed. The system may comprise a kennel module including a base portion mountable on a bed of the cargo space, and the base portion is elongate with opposite ends. The kennel module may include a containment portion defining an interior capable of receiving an animal, with the containment portion being mounted on the base portion and being elongate with opposite ends and sides extending between the ends. The containment portion may be slidable with respect to the base portion such that the containment portion is movable between a retracted position in which the containment portion is substantially fully positioned over the base portion, and an extended position in which the containment portion is at partially cantilevered with respect to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Schiebout
  • Publication number: 20110023790
    Abstract: A cage and cage cover combination having a cage cover having a plurality of stacking lugs on its upper surface, at least one stacking lug located in a middle region of the upper surface of the cover and at least one stacking lug located at a side region of the upper surface of the cover. The combination also includes an animal cage having a plurality of locating rings arranged in a middle region of its lower surface, where the at least one stacking lug located in the middle region of the upper surface of the cove is configured to couple with at least one locating ring of the lower surface of the animal cage and where the at least one stacking lug located at the side region of the upper surface of the cover is configured to match up to an lower edge of the bottom surface of the cage, such that when an animal cage is lowered onto the cage cover, the animal cage is securely retained on top of the cage cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Ver Hage, Glenn R. Ver Hage, Henry W. Ver Hage
  • Patent number: 7878150
    Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture structure and system may be used for caring for an animal throughout the life of the animal. For small animals such as puppies, this furniture system may be used to train the animal to behave in a desired manner. Animal toys are stored in the animal living space as well. Animals may use a detachable ramp member to climb to the top of the furniture structure. The ramp is extendable allowing for the ability to vary the length of the ramp. This feature enables the owner to change the angle of inclination of the ramp to accommodate animals that may have difficulty climbing steeper ramp inclines. For larger or older animals, the extendable ramp may serve as a bed or as a means to help the animal get into the bed of the owner. The furniture piece may be positioned adjacent an owner's bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Dan Dietz
  • Patent number: 7794526
    Abstract: An advanced methane and ammonia recovery system captures gaseous waste produced by domestic livestock to reduce the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and to generate energy. The system includes a gas capture system residing at a peak of a barn. At large commercial operations, the captured gasses pass through a separator to separate methane from ammonia gas. The ammonia is processed to obtain a fertilizer. The methane is stored in a tank, and drawn from the tank to provide fuel for an electrical generator. At smaller operations, the captured gasses may be stored in a tank for periodic collection by a tanker truck or other transportation, or where economically feasible, piped to a central processing location. The system is designed to substantially reduce the amount of methane gas released into the environment while providing additional income to the domestic livestock operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Sal Caro
  • Publication number: 20100147226
    Abstract: A coded pet specific proximity sensor incorporates a specific coded sensor or transmitter which is removably worn by or attached to a pet. The sensor limits or encourages access of the pet to certain pet items, such as feeding dishes, pet doors, litter boxes, pet toys, pet beds, etc. These pet items comprises corresponding tags which read when the pet is in proximity of them. The sensors can be preprogrammed to let pets access these items at certain times of day only or they can be individually coded to let only certain pets access them in multiple-pet homes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 7712437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile pet bed wherein the top and bottom units of the mobile pet bed are reversibly attached to each other. When the top unit is removed from the bottom unit the mobile pet bed functions similarly to a traditional pet bed. When the top unit is attached to the bottom unit the mobile pet bed functions as a pet carrier. Additionally, the top unit of the mobile pet bed has a door portion that can be opened and closed to permit pet ingress and egress as well as permitting easy loading of the mobile pet bed with the animal without necessitating the removal of the top unit from the bottom unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Launchlab, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Leung
  • Patent number: 7681533
    Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture structure and system may be used for caring for an animal throughout the life of the animal. For small animals such as puppies, this furniture system may be used as a dwelling in which the owner may train the animal to behave in a desired manner. Animal toys may be stored in the animal living space as well. A removable barrier such as a grate or plastic ventilated sheet may cover a front opening to prevent undesirable movement of the animal in and out of the furniture structure. Animals may use a detachable ramp member to climb to the top of the furniture structure. For larger or older animals, the furniture structure may serve as a bed or as a means to help the animal get into the bed of the owner. The furniture structure may form a bed for animals of all ages. The bed may be positioned adjacent an owner's bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Dan Dietz
  • Publication number: 20100031895
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a shelter for an animal comprises a base member having a plurality of recessed channels formed in an upper surface thereof and adjacent to a perimeter thereof, a plurality of wall members coupled with the recessed channels in the base member so as to form an enclosure that defines an interior space, and a roof member pivotally attached to at least one of the wall members so as to move between an open and closed configuration. The shelter comprises a removable storage member positioned between the base member and the roof member so as to vertically separate the interior space into an interior storage compartment and an interior residential compartment for the animal. The shelter comprises a movable partition member positioned between at least two of the wall members and adapted to vary the dimension of the interior residential compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: John Pierpont
  • Publication number: 20090320390
    Abstract: There is provided an insulation kit for a pet enclosure such as a doghouse. The insulation kit provides insulation to the doghouse to foster a comfortable and safe environment for dogs. The insulation kit is advantageously configured for easy transport and storage, and is a low cost alternative to current insulation kits on the market. The insulation kit includes a base panel that is positioned on the floor of the pet enclosure. In addition, the insulation kit includes a plurality of side panels that are positioned around the walls in the interior of the pet enclosure. Each side panel includes a plurality of connector members disposed about the outer periphery of the side panel for pivotally connecting onto the base panel to provide for a pivotal collapse of the side panel onto the base panel. The connector members further pivotally interconnect the side panel to adjacent side panels to provide for pivotal folding of the interconnected side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin L. Kolozsvari, Anita H. Abernathy
  • Patent number: 7628120
    Abstract: An animal carrier for mounting above the rear wheel of a cycle such as a motorcycle may be obtained by converting a motorcycle luggage carrier to an animal carrier. The motorcycle carrier mounts and bottom section may be equipped with a detachable top section equipped with extended sidewalls ported with ventilating ports and roofed canopy to protect the transported animal from the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: William J. Beeler
  • Publication number: 20090288614
    Abstract: A calf hut assembly for shielding and protecting a calf. The calf hut assembly comprising a calf hut having a top, end walls and sidewalls. The calf hut assembly has an opening in an end wall and a support member connected to the calf hut. The calf hut assembly has a cover with a support member wherein the cover has a clear material. This allows a calf o see outside the calf hut. Additionally, this allows sunlight to pass into the interior of the calf hut thereby warming the calf hut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin Connot
  • Publication number: 20090288613
    Abstract: A pet cage assembly comprises two lateral panels, a front panel, a rear panel, a bottom panel and a top panel. Each of the lateral panels comprises an upper and a lower sub-panel, each formed with fasteners extending inwards from two ends thereof for engaging with cavities formed on corresponding edges of the front and rear panels. Each of the lower sub-panels is formed with an extended, engaging portion adjacent to a section thereof to which the front panel is assembled, so that the front panel can be retained bilaterally by the engaging portions. The lateral, front and rear panels are fastened to a bottom side of the top panel, which is formed with an opening for receiving an upper door resiliently engaged therein. The rear panel comprises a frame pivotally attached by a rear door, which is resiliently engaged at an edge thereof with the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Ying-Kuan Ho
  • Publication number: 20090250014
    Abstract: A cat litter box has a housing and a tray. The housing has a bottom segment and a top segment. The bottom segment has a lower chamber, a front open end and a slope. The slope is formed in the lower chamber. The top segment is formed on the bottom segment and has an upright passage and a front entrance. The upright passage is above the slope. The tray is mounted in the lower chamber through the front open end. The cat litter box is configured to provide litter-cleaning procedures to cats so that a cat may drain in the cat litter box without bring inadvertently out litter particles to pollute everywhere to result in frequently cleaning of the indoor environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Chris Juan
  • Publication number: 20090223463
    Abstract: A pet house, for providing convenient and comfortable accommodation for a pet, includes a housing and a plurality of amenities. The housing includes a surrounding wall having a lodging room for the pet accommodating therein, and a side entrance communicating with the lodging room, and a roof frame, which is supported on the surrounding wall to define the lodging room within the surrounding wall and the roof frame. The amenities, including at least one of a solar power system, a power storage, a ventilating device, a dimmer light, an audio device, a remote intercommunication system, and an outdoors shading arrangement, is provided at said pet house for providing the comfort and convenience of said pet house so as to enhance the quality of living.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Shiuan Kuen Chem
  • Patent number: 7584720
    Abstract: An animal habitat is disclosed for confining an animal in a livable area that may adapted to have distinct areas. The habitat may be formed of sections are used to form modules. The modules may be joined by attaching two or more modules laterally, or the modules may be joined by vertical stacking. Grates are placed in openings within outer walls of the modules. One type of grate allows attachment of monitoring and feeding equipment, while others are utilized as doors. Animals contained in a module can pass into laterally attached modules. A staircase and an opening in an upper section of a module allows animals to travel between a lower module to an upper module. Other accessories such as a tray and monitoring devices may be included as desired in one or more module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7578264
    Abstract: A weather resistant portable pet shelter, including a rigid shell enclosing an interior space, the rigid shell including a lower base portion below the interior space having at least one external, downwardly facing element having a predetermined shape, a side wall portion extending at least substantially around the interior space and including a door opening connecting therewith, and an upper roof portion above the space and including a peripheral portion therearound having an external dish shaped structure defining an upwardly open concave region adapted for receiving and supporting a pet or a pet bed on the roof portion, the external dish shaped structure being configured for mating with and supporting the at least one downwardly facing element of the base portion such that a second pet shelter including the at least one downwardly facing element can be supported by the shell above the roof portion. The pet shelter can be configured for use as a pet entertainer, and also a carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Gravity, Incorporated
    Inventor: Tony M. Guard
  • Publication number: 20090199782
    Abstract: A modular animalia housing apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Polymerica Limited Company
    Inventors: Anthony X. Drumm, Kevin L. Hiner, David M. Minkley, Matthew J. Sicken
  • Publication number: 20090159013
    Abstract: A pet shelter having a two piece floor with interlocking connectors for use in support of one piece side wall panels and a front and rear wall panel. Each of said wall panels having bottom edge constructed and arranged to cooperate with the floor panel for securement by use of interlocking tabs, each said wall further coupling to an adjoining wall further by use of interlocking tabs. The front wall panel includes a door for providing ingress and egress. A roof is provided for enclosing the top of the pet shelter, the roof includes a first and second interconnecting panel. The roof panels secure to the top of the each wall panel by use of interlocking tabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Torrence Anderson, Jed Richardson, Robert Kopp, Robert Stein
  • Publication number: 20090107412
    Abstract: A pet appliance includes a front board, a rear board, a left side board, a right side board, a bottom board, and a top cover, which together form a parallelepiped box-like body. The front board has a front outside surface to which a plurality of retention plates that is arranged in a horizontally extending and vertically spaced manner is mounted. A dovetailed retention slot is formed between adjacent retention plates for receivingly engaging and thus releasably retaining a carrier rack for holding a container for containing food/water for a pet and an elevation rack that supports a water kettle holder. Thus, with the growth of the pet, the carrier rack and the elevation rack are selectively and vertically moved upward in accordance with the arrangement of the retention plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: KUAN-MING CHEN
  • Patent number: 7487744
    Abstract: Configurable animal housing (caging) is arranged from an assortment of modules consisting of interchangeable frame cores, interstages, walls and divider panels that address a broad spectrum of animal housing needs. Various configurations include both open living and enrichment areas as well as isolation housing and are easily achieved using a quick-disconnect approach to assembly. Animal resistant lock assemblies hold modules together and use a common key to permit rapid changes of configuration without tools. Systems can address configurations for wall mounting, mobile racking, individual, and group housing, and almost any other configuration animal caregivers would want.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: BH, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Goldberg, Dwight L. Souder, Cindy M. Adamson, David E. James
  • Publication number: 20090031963
    Abstract: A calf warming device having a housing that encloses a newborn calf therein. A base member of the housing comprises a heated surface while sidewalls contain scent openings. Along with the scent openings the housing has at least a transparent portion such that when the calf is warming a mother cow can not only see her calf but additionally smell her calf to ensure the mother cow does not reject the baby calf after the warming process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Carl Reiste
  • Publication number: 20090025289
    Abstract: An animal shelter incorporating a planter and associated water management system is provided. There is a chamber for receiving an animal, which is secured to a base at its bottom end. The base provides support for the animal shelter. A saucer is provided and is secured to the top end of the chamber. There is a bowl suitable for containing plant material which is secured to the top of the saucer. A fluid passage, extending through the bowl, saucer, and chamber, is provided for watering of the plant material. As such, an animal shelter is provided with improved aesthetic appeal and chamber climate control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Karl Krieg
  • Publication number: 20080295780
    Abstract: A warming device includes a main body, a receiving socket mounted on the main body, a heating member mounted in the receiving socket to provide a warming effect to the main body, and a control unit connected to the heating member to control operation of the heating member. Thus, the heating member is mounted on the main body to provide a warming effect to a pet when the temperature is very low, thereby providing a comfortable sensation to the pet. In addition, the pet can be received in the main body which has a doghouse shape or directly put on the main body which has a clothing shape, thereby facilitating a user using the warming device. Further, the control unit is power recharageable so that the warming device is used outdoors easily and conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chun-Yi Huang
  • Publication number: 20080230011
    Abstract: A cover and lifter for use with an outdoor device having at least one ventilation port, such as a calf hutch and the like, including a shaft having a hook on its outer end and a fastener on its inner end that holds a lift plate against the under side of the top of the outdoor device. Preferably the materials from which the cover and lifter are made are weather resistant, such as stainless steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: James Marlin Michels
  • Publication number: 20080178821
    Abstract: A pet activity system for releasably joining a plurality of parts. These parts include bases, extenders and attachments wherein each is characterized as having either the male or female portion of at least one snap connector whereby the parts are releasably connectable to one another. As a preferred embodiment, multiple connectors are employed each requiring different forces to disengage those portions of the activity system that they connect from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Aaron Lamstein
  • Patent number: 7337748
    Abstract: A play house includes first and second support members having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces respectively. A first plurality of support walls confront the first and second support members. A plurality of elbow shaped brackets having first and seconds portions are securely conjoined to the bottoms surfaces of the first and second support members. A staircase having opposed end portions is attached to the first and second support members. A pitched roof is removably connected to upper ones of the support walls and is formed from water-impermeable material. The first and second support members further have axially opposed end portions laterally offset in such a manner that one of the end portions of the first and second members protrudes outwardly away from selected ones of the support walls for defining a plurality of porches onto which animals may jump when entering the play house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Rosie L. Morris
  • Patent number: 7318392
    Abstract: A protective encasement or wrap for a pet carrier for helping prevent drafts and to provide water resistance, includes a cover member which can be of one piece of material, that when laid out on a flat surface, and with the animal carrier placed in its center, will wrap around the carrier, overlapping at the carrier top. The ends that overlap at the top, and along the side border each has a cutout for providing for the insertion of a handle of a carrier. The material is sized such that there is sufficient overhang at either end of the carrier to close off either end. A drawstring, or elastic at the ends, when not completely closed, provides an opening into the interior, permitting opening of the carrier door, and insertion of a hand to pet the animal, provides air circulation, insertion of items, or to remove the pet, without the need to remove the wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Patricia A. Rosen, Gabrielle N. Rosen
  • Patent number: 7302914
    Abstract: An insulated pet house is shaped in the manner of a pyramid to maintain a comfortable environment for an animal and which is also aesthetically pleasing. The pet house includes an interchangeable top portion that has a heat-generating lamp for cold-weather use and another portion has a fan for hot-weather use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: George A. Wehby
  • Patent number: 7293529
    Abstract: A kennel system having a floor assembly including at least one floor unit having a floor pan and a grate. The floor pan has a drain, an integral water receptacle and a trough for guiding fluid to the drain. The grate is positioned over the floor pan. The grate has a plurality of grate opening for the flow of fluid through the grate to the floor pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond J. Bauman
  • Patent number: 7261060
    Abstract: A container of a pet transporter defines an interior space for a pet. An interior space of the container is defined by a rigid chassis including a platform bounding a bottom of said interior space, a rear panel attached to said chassis and bounding a rear of said interior space, side panels respectively attached to opposite lateral sides of said chassis and bounding sides of said interior space, and a flexible top covering that is releasably fastened, directly or indirectly, to said chassis and which, when fastened thereto, extends in a closed covering position from the rear panel to a front of said chassis thereby bounding a top of said interior space. The chassis further includes a rear support frame and two pairs of side support frames. The platform, rear support frame, and two pair of side support frames comprise a single, inseparable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Diane Garofola, Pete Garofola, Ian Kovacevich, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Kevin Dahlquist, Brad Eudy
  • Patent number: 7243614
    Abstract: A modular animal enclosure includes a housing comprising a top portion affixed to a base portion to form a sheltered interior. The housing includes a door aperture and a climate conditioning aperture. A remove ably attachable climate conditioning unit is installed over the climate conditioning aperture to facilitate a flow of atmospheric air from the exterior environment into the interior of the housing. The climate conditioning unit can variously comprise a cover assembly, a heating unit, a cooling unit and a forced air unit, and different types of units can be installed at different times. In another aspect, the bottom portion can be selectively hinged to the top portion on opposing sides of the housing to allow pivotal movement of the top portion in two opposite directions, as desired to permit access to the interior of the housing for inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas L. Byers
  • Patent number: 7234415
    Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture structure and system can be used for caring for an animal throughout the life of the animal. For small animals such as puppies, this furniture system can be used as a dwelling in which the owner can train the animal to behave in a desired manner. Animal toys are stored in the animal living space as well. A removable barrier such as a grate or plastic ventilated sheet could cover a front opening to prevent undesirable movement of the animal in and out of the furniture structure. Animals can use a detachable ramp member to climb to the top of the furniture structure. For larger or older animals, the furniture structure can serve a bed or as a means to help the animal get into the bed of the owner. The furniture structure can form a bed for animals of all ages. The bed can be positioned adjacent an owner's bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Dan L. Dietz
  • Patent number: 7222587
    Abstract: A housing structure that includes a transparent opening in one wall thereof, the opening being covered with a transparent material such as PLEXIGLAS®. This opening allows a user to view the interior of the structure and ascertain the welfare of any animals within or check for pests without opening the birdhouse and risk frightening or harming the animals. In addition, the housing structure may also include a light within such that a user can illuminate the interior thereof. This allows the user to inspect the interior of the structure when it is too dark to do so without the help of an artificial light source. Moreover, the structure may include a removable roof or side wall for easy access to the interior of the birdhouse for the purpose of cleaning and the like, or access ports that may be used to access the structure without opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis Todd Hagel
  • Patent number: 7162977
    Abstract: A small animal restraining device for the veterinarian treatment of small animals provides an enclosure having an opaque integrated front panel having a plurality of access panels, a rear panel, a floor panel and a cover lid forming a rectangular box defining an interior cavity, a first door panel attached to the rear panel and a second door attached to the rear panel, each door having a head engaging apparatus within a head opening, and a central interior squeeze panel pivotally and adjustably anchored within the interior cavity to the floor panel, the central interior squeeze panel urged towards the front panel to secure a body portion of the small animal between the central interior panel and the front panel while securing a head portion of the small animal within the head opening of either the first door or the second door, the head openings of the first door and second door providing the only light to the interior cavity, except for when one or more of the access panels are open to access the body portio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: LeeRoy Charvat
  • Patent number: 7146935
    Abstract: A method for training an animal to proceed through an enclosure begins with the act of providing a generally clear or translucent enclosure having a first end, which serves as an entrance and a second end, which serves as an exit. A trainer encourages the animal to enter the entrance and can walk alongside the enclosure allowing the animal to generally observe the trainer to reduce any apprehension and to generally encourage the animal to proceed through the enclosure. Subsequently, the clear or translucent enclosure is replaced with an opaque enclosure once the animal has gained sufficient experience and comfort with the clear and/or translucent enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Flexmaster Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Melinda Donnelly
  • Patent number: 7104221
    Abstract: A doghouse includes a plurality of side panels connecting a front panel and a rear panel. A roof includes two roof panels each including runners that slidably connect to upper ledges in the front and rear panels. The side panels can be connected to the front and rear panels using hooks on the side panels that are slidably engaged to receiving members in slots in the front and rear panels. Alternatively, the side panels can slidably connect to the front and rear panels using a tee or dovetail joint. The prefabricated doghouse can be disassembled and reassembled multiple times over the lifetime of the doghouse without experiencing significant wear and tear. The doghouse can be assembled and disassembled efficiently by following a series of easy-to-follow steps. A user can disassemble the doghouse, store the doghouse, and easily assemble the doghouse with a minimal amount of time and effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Four Paws Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Allen Simon
  • Patent number: 7051679
    Abstract: A pet shelter that is substantially smaller than a single family human residential structure includes an accessway, a platform that is located at a first level above the accessway, and a device configured to assist a pet in moving between the accessway and the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Bello
  • Patent number: 7000569
    Abstract: An apparatus for grooming cats which includes a source of food located in an enclosure and a grooming brush assembly forming an adjustable aperture which is mounted between a portal formed in the enclosure and the source of food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Eli Markowitz
  • Patent number: 6971333
    Abstract: An animal kennel includes a top unit and a bottom unit and a divider unit. The divider unit includes two spring-biased support pins that are each accommodated in holes defined in the top unit and in the bottom unit when the kennel is in use. The holes are all spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the top and bottom units so the divider unit defines differently sized spaces when it is supported in different holes. The divider unit also includes an open mesh body so the animal has a large open space in which to reside even though the actual space is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Chad E. Hearrell
  • Patent number: 6923144
    Abstract: This invention provides a pet enclosure designed to provide comfort for a pet in the winter season. The pet enclosure provides for shelter by allowing the pet to get out of the weather and then provides a warm bed to lie upon. This warm bed is comprised of a rectangular rigid plastic container, similar to a tall, wide, narrow gas can, which is recessed into the floor of the pet enclosure. An internal, totally submersible aquarium type heater is utilized to keep the water solution tank at a user-defined temperature. The tank is recessed into the floor and is effectively insulated on five of its six surfaces. The remaining top surface is covered by a fiber-filled pet bed. This bedding, when not compressed by the pet, acts as an insulator, trapping the heat in the container. When the pet lies on the bedding, the insulating value of the bedding is drastically reduced and the heat travels through the bedding and the pet is warmed. This provides for a comfortable warm area for the pet to enjoy on cold winter days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald B. Little
  • Patent number: 6895898
    Abstract: A pet house substantially formed from a unitary blank of material, foldable from a collapsed state for shipping and storage to an erect state for use. The house includes a bottom having four edges. The house also includes first and second side walls and first and second end walls. The side walls are attached to one another forming an apex at the top of the house. One end wall includes an opening to permit the pet to ingress and egress the house. The bottom includes a slot near one edge for receiving a locking tab which extends from one of the side walls. Fasteners are provided for attaching the first and second end walls to the first and second side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Gerald C. Kitch
  • Patent number: 6886495
    Abstract: A modular, multi-level pet housing that comprises a plurality of multi-sided boxes. A top and bottom is provided for each box. A plurality of tubular columns of a first length generally less than the height of the side walls and a plurality of tubular columns of a second length generally longer than the height of the side walls are provided. The tubular columns may be joined to each other by a coupling member. The top and bottom of each box is formed with a hole adjacent each corner that is sized to selectively permit one of the tubular members to fit therethrough, but to prevent an associated sleeve member from fitting therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Madcox, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter G. Madden, J. Stacy Cox