Abstract: A heated pet enclosure which allows for a heated area for a pet to lie upon during the cold weather seasons. The shelter utilizes its design to allow for the heating components to be packaged, shipped and displayed at the retail store utilizing minimum space. More specifically, the space which is wasted in a two piece plastic pet enclosure when an inverted roof section is placed in an upright base section, has now been designed and utilized to hold the necessary components for the heated pet enclosure. This new packaging innovation allows the heated pet enclosure to be packaged, shipped and displayed in a single grouping instead of multiple packaging.

Abstract: A kennel floor system for use in a building including a lower floor unit and an upper floor unit supported on walls that extend between the lower and upper floor units.

Abstract: An animal kennel sizing system for adjusting the interior space of an animal kennel. The animal kennel sizing system includes a partition member and a support brace attached to the partition member. The partition member preferably includes a first aperture and a second aperture for securing to the kennel with a corresponding securing member. The support brace may be severed or adjusted at various locations for providing adjustable lengths to create the desired interior space within the kennel.

Abstract: A novel animal shelter or habitat is constructed from substantially rigid foam insulation for protecting a small pet from extreme temperatures outdoor or in semi-protected locations. The habitat preferably comprises side walls, a roof and floor constructed from rigid foam board, and has an appropriately sized portal on one side to minimize heat loss, thus providing for rapid warming and comfort via the retention of the animals own body heat. The rigid foam insulation on a side surfaces is preferably protected by an overlapping layer of vinyl sheet material. The construction provides for securing cushions or pillows over at least one of the interior or exterior horizontal surfaces, the cushion providing additional warmth and comfort so that the feline or other small pet readily adapts to the structure as their permanent habitat.

Abstract: An animal kennel sizing system for adjusting the interior space of an animal kennel. The animal kennel sizing system includes a partition member and a support brace attached to the partition member. The partition member preferably includes a first aperture and a second aperture for securing to the kennel with a corresponding securing member. The support brace may be severed or adjusted at various locations for providing adjustable lengths to create the desired interior space within the kennel.

Abstract: An adjustable kennel system for adjusting the interior space of an animal kennel. The adjustable kennel system includes a kennel having a lower portion and an upper portion, a plurality of first guide slots and a plurality of second guide slots in opposition to one another within the interior of the kennel. A partition member is selectively received within the guide slots for determining the relative size of the interior of the kennel.

Abstract: The Pet Canopy of the present invention is designed to provide a convenient and compact shelter for pets kept in the bed of a pickup truck. To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a canopy assembly having a spring-ded roll installed along the top rear width of a pickup truck cab, and a frame assembly mounted in a pickup truck bed. The canopy assembly is stretched across and fastened to the frame assembly, and is easily undone and retracted around the spring-loaded rod for stowing. The Pet Canopy of the present invention may also include side panels to provide additional protection from wind or rain.

Abstract: An exercise disk that can be attached to a small animal shelter is disclosed.

Abstract: A kennel floor system for use in a building including a lower floor unit and an upper floor unit supported on walls that extend between the lower and upper floor units.

Abstract: An animal shelter having a housing, an enclosed hatchway, and a foyer. The housing defines a shelter cavity. The enclosed hatchway defines a travel path therethrough which is in open communication with the shelter cavity of the housing to permit ingress to and egress from the shelter cavity of the housing. The enclosed hatchway extends upwardly and outwardly from the housing a sufficient distance such that when the housing is disposed in the ground a depth sufficient to maintain the temperature within the housing substantially constant at all times. A distal end of the enclosed hatchway is disposed about the ground. The foyer extends from the distal end of the enclosed hatchway in open communication therewith.

Abstract: A structure or enclosure with a solar energy absorbing system, arranged so that at least one wall faces the sun and at least one wall is shaded. The structure has a thermal switch between the solar energy absorbing unit and a solar energy storage unit. The structure has a thermal switch between the solar energy storage unit and the interior. The structure has a thermal switch between the shaded wall of the structure and a heat dissipating heat sink. The thermal switch between the solar energy absorbing unit and the solar energy storage unit is modular and is replaceable with other thermal switches having different temperature set points. The thermal switches control the temperature of the interior of the structure in varying climates and sunlight conditions to within a desirable and limited range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal shelter comprising an enclosure having at least one opening for ingress and egress of an animal, and means for attaching an exercise disk to the shelter.

Abstract: A structure suitable for use by an animal having paws, said container comprising a housing including a base, substantially contiguous outer walls, and a top and defining an interior and an exit located above the base; a divider separating the interior into a litter region and an exit region, the exit region being located above and substantially beside the litter region and immediately below the exit; a foot cleaner surface within the exit region extending substantially from said litter region to the exit, the foot cleaner surface including a ramp portion, adapted to encourage the animal to extend and flex its paws when ascending the ramp; such that in operation, litter may be placed in the litter region for use by the animal, and the animal must walk along the foot cleaner surface ramp portion to exit the container, causing litter to fall from the paws, thereby reducing the amount of litter remaining on the animal's paws upon exiting the container.

Abstract: A pet shelter that enables efficient stacking of multiple. The shelter comprises a bottom section and a top section which nest together when stacked.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved pet transport system. More specifically, to pet carriers allowing for extended travel periods on, planes, trains, and or car. The invention has a light source to help quiet the animals during transport.

Abstract: An animal shelter includes a base unit that has a peripheral support element that contains cooling gel releasably attached thereto. A frame unit includes a plurality of ribs each of which contains cooling gel. The ribs are releasably attached to the peripheral support element. A tent-like cover is releasably attached to the peripheral support element.

Abstract: The invention is a new pet blanket that drapes around an animal in an outdoor kennel. The invention is installed in a pet kennel or animal enclosure. It comprises bundles of fabric that are attached to a platform or attached directly to the ceiling of a kennel. The attachment means comprises a Velcro® connection means or a mechanical safety snap connection means. The blanket fabric may be cotton, wool, a synthetic blend, or other suitable material, shaped into strands and gathered into bundles. The bundles of fabric hang down loosely from the ceiling or supporting platform, to within one to three inches from the floor of the kennel or animal stall. The bundles of fabric are spaced to allow the animal to move about freely in the kennel. At the same time, the bundles of fabric automatically provide a blanket that shelters the animal from the outside elements.

Abstract: An environmental detection system is particularly suited for elevator hoistways and other locations where access is difficult or restricted. The inventive system comprises a fire rated access cage which is disposed within the hoistway in a desired location, and is securely attached to an associated access panel, which is fire protection rated and positioned to extend through a wall defining the hoistway. An environmental sensing device, such as a smoke detector or heat sensor, is secured within the cage so that it is disposed within the hoistway, and can freely detect any smoke or excessive heat present in the hoistway because of a large number of apertures in the walls of the cage. The resultant system, thus, is constructed so that authorized personnel can access the environmental sensing unit conveniently through the access panel door from an adjacent hallway or room to test or maintain it, without shutting down the associated elevator or compromising the effectiveness of the unit.

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.

Abstract: A pet shelter that enables efficient stacking of multiple shelters in a bottom-top-bottom-top-bottom-etc. arrangement is provided. The shelter comprises a bottom section and a top section. Both the top and bottom sections are,preferably hollow rectangular boxes with one missing side. Both sections have sloping sidewalls and a substantially U-shaped opening in one sidewall. The sidewalls of the top and bottom sections slope at roughly equal angles. The legs of the U-shaped openings are bent at roughly equal angles on both the top and bottom sections. The height of the top section is roughly equal to the height of the bottom section. The roof of the top section has a very gradual slope, such that the peak of the roof does not obstruct insertion of a top section into a bottom section. Thus, the top and bottom sections are configured such that an inverted top section fits snugly within an interior of a bottom section, and a bottom section fits snugly within an interior of an inverted top section.

Abstract: A soft sided cover for a kennel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls forming an enclosure for covering a kennel. The bottom contains an aperture so that the cover can be placed over the kennel to protect the kennel interior from the outside environment. To assist in installing the cover, a detachment mechanism is provided in order to detach a sidewall and the rear wall. This expands the bottom wall aperture. A channel, disposed around the bottom wall aperture, contains a drawstring operable to control the size of said adjustable aperture. Once the cover is installed, the detachment mechanism is used to re-attach the separated walls.

Abstract: Provided herein are articles of headwear which comprise a top portion, a bottom portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a front portion, and a rear portion, which collectively define a casing having an inner volume. The bottom portion is equipped. with a removable closure means which has a flat surface to enable the headwear articles of the invention to rest in an upright position when placed on a flat surface. The headwear articles according to the invention have the dual function in that they are useful as feeders or shelters for small birds and other animals, and thus include at least one hole in either of the top portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a front portion, and a rear portion to enable birds and/or small animals to enter the article when it is placed in a location where such small animals inhabit.

Abstract: A dog blind including a hollow body shell having a neck extending therefrom and configured as a waterfowl. The hollow body shell includes a chest region having a door therein for selectively releasing a dog, such as a retriever, restrained within the shell.

Abstract: A structure suitable for use by an animal having paws, said container comprising a housing including a base, substantially contiguous outer walls, and a top and defining an interior and an exit located above said base; a divider separating the interior into a litter region and an exit region, said exit region being located above and substantially beside said litter region and immediately below the exit; a foot cleaner surface within the exit region extending substantially from said litter region to the exit, said foot cleaner surface including a ramp portion, adapted to encourage the animal to extend and flex its paws when ascending the ramp; such that in operation, litter may be placed in the litter region for use by the animal, and the animal must walk along the foot cleaner surface ramp portion to exit the container, causing litter to fall from the paws, thereby reducing the amount of litter remaining on the animal's paws upon exiting the container.

Abstract: An animal shelter including: an enclosure having at least one opening for ingress and egress of an animal, wherein the shelter is transparent, can be autoclaved, and inhibits light penetration is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting in an air-conditioned environment animals. The apparatus uses crushed ice to air-condition an insulator animal container at approximately 74 degrees Fahrenheit in ambient temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 hours on one twenty pound charge of ice. The preferred embodiment is self-contained providing storage for the animal, ice, and electric power for a ventilation fan plus food and water. The device operates on 12 volts DC and may serve to transport animals in enclosed motor vehicles and common carriers including airline. An intrinsically safety backup system will keep the animal cool, provided ice is present, upon failure of the ventilation fan. An alternate embodiment is described for use by animal handlers in mini-vans and the like.

Abstract: An animal shelter including: an enclosure having at least one opening for ingress and egress of an animal, wherein the shelter is transparent, can be autoclaved, and inhibits light penetration is disclosed.

Abstract: A durable animal toy or shelter comprising:

Abstract: A chewable pet shelter. The shelter is used for a small animal and is formed of one or more panels of animal hide. The shelter has an open bottom circumference and the panels include at least one aperture for ingress and egress by the animal. The animal hide is preferably treated with a chemical flavoring that is appealing to the particular animal for which its use is intended.

Abstract: A chewable pet shelter. The shelter is used for a small animal and is formed of one or more panels of animal hide. The shelter has an open bottom circumference and the panels include at least one aperture for ingress and egress by the animal. The animal hide is preferably treated with a chemical flavoring that is appealing to the particular animal for which its use is intended.

Abstract: A plastic resin hutch has rigid ends spanned by a flexible cover disposed in grooves along the inside perimeter of the rigid ends. In one embodiment, the flexible cover is supported by metal rods attached to the rigid ends. In another embodiment, the cover is supported at the top by a channel and at the bottom by a radius both formed by flexing the cover along longitudinal kerf grooves on one side of the cover. The rigid ends are formed by a twin-sheet vacuum thermo-forming, blow molding or roto-molding process so as to include a door panel. The door panel includes a door that is partially cut free from the door panel so as to be integrally hinged to the door panel. The resin hutch may be transported in two shipping packages within the weight and size restrictions of common commercial couriers.

Abstract: A pet enclosure (10) for use with a door (100) equipped with a pet portal (101) wherein the pet enclosure member (10) includes an enclosure member (20) provided with a plurality of panels (21) (22) (23) etc., wherein one of the panels (25) is disposed adjacent to the door (100) and provided with an access opening (28) that is dimensioned to slidably receive an access tunnel unit (12) that is pivotally disposed within the enclosure member (20) and adapted to engage the pet portal (101) when the door (100) is closed and be retracted within the enclosure member (20) when the door (100) is fully open.

Abstract: A lightweight cage is composed of an arrangement of one or more panels that define an enclosed space in which an organism is contained. Each panel includes an inner surface that at least partially define the enclosed space. The panels are made of a surface and urethane insensitive material such that the waste produced by the organism held within the enclosed space will not adhere to the inner surface. In one aspect, each panel may include an inner member defining the inner surface and an outer member fixedly supported spaced from the inner member such that a highly advantageous insulation property is imparted to the panels. In another aspect, a method of fabricating a lightweight cage is described. The panel arrangement is fixedly assembled by chemical fusion to define the enclosed space in which the organism is to be kept.

Abstract: An inflatable pet cage, including a top member, a bottom member, and a plurality of inflatable wall members. The wall members have interior sides and exterior sides, with one of the inflatable wall members forming an entrance member.

Abstract: A animal shelter for providing an animal protection from the elements while using the advantages of soil temperature as the seasons change. The animal shelter includes a bottom wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The bottom wall and the side walls each has a front edge, and the side and back walls each has a top edge. The bottom wall has a depression therein. The depression is generally positioned in a central area of the bottom wall. A cover portion may be abutted against the top edges of the back and side walls such that the cover portion is spaced from the bottom wall.

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.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a pet carrier with two compartments. The first compartment, in which the pet is placed, consists only of side walls and a bottom. The second compartment consists only of side walls and a top. The second compartment is configured to be placed, in telescopic fashion, directly over the first compartment. In this manner, the second compartment moves up and down in a vertical plane from a lowered position in which it substantially covers the first compartment, representing the smaller or collapsed configuration of the carrier, to a raised position over the first compartment, representing the carrier's larger or expanded configuration. The two compartments are locked in the raised and lowered positions by manually operated spring snap locks. Releasing the snap locks simply and instantaneously allows the carrier to be collapsed or expanded.

Abstract: A flood prevention system for a ventilated cage includes a self-sealing drain valve that opens automatically to prevent the cage from flooding if a water supply valve or water bottle leaks. A preferred drain valve is mounted in the floor of the cage and includes a perforated drain cup, a perforated seal cup, and a drain seal, all held together by a connector such as a rivet. The perforated drain cup extends above the bottom surface of the cage a small amount, and the perforated seal cup extends downwardly from the drain cup to present a valve seat. The drain seal preferably comprises a diaphragm of a resiliently flexible material which normally abuts the valve seat. However, if the water supply valve or water bottle leaks sufficiently for water to accumulate in the perforated drain cup, the weight of the accumulated liquid forces the drain seal away from the valve seat to permit the water to drain away from the cage.

Abstract: A method for mounting an animal container on the rear utility rack of an all terrain vehicle. The container has securement positions adapted to attach the container to the rear utility rack of an all terrain vehicle. There is a hinged door with a securement latch in the front wall of the container.

Abstract: A selectively controlled heat retaining dog house comprised of a standard framing structure in which variably sized, modular housing inserts may be positioned. Each of the housing inserts have essentially the same exterior length and width dimensions so as to properly fit within the framing structure. The interior dimensions, however, vary so as to provide a plurality of differently sized rooms which can be employed throughout the year. As the less space a dog has inside his or her house, the more heat is retained, having the option of changing the amount of space a given dog has in his or her house permits the dog's master to selectively control the temperature of the dog's house.

Abstract: A cat cabinet for providing a location for a cat to go for various reasons including to hide, to eat and to use a litter box. The cat cabinet includes a housing with an open top, a bottom panel and a perimeter side wall upwardly extending around the bottom panel. The perimeter side wall includes a spaced apart pair of end panels, and a spaced apart pair of side panels extending between the end panels. A top panel substantially covers the open top of the housing. A shelf is disposed in the housing and spaced above the bottom panel. A first of the side panels has a plurality of access doors pivotally coupled thereto to provide access into the housing through the first side panel. The perimeter side wall also has a plurality of removable punchouts which form corresponding passage holes through the perimeter side wall when separated from the perimeter side wall.

Abstract: A reptile cage and a process for comfortably housing reptiles. The cage is fabricated from a polymeric foam and preferably has the shape of a hollow rectangular solid having one side open and the other sides formed from a polymeric foam. The cage preferably has a smooth plastic inner liner. The cage is preferably closed by sliding transparent door and has a screen vent along a portion of the front.

Abstract: A portable animal carrier is disclosed which permits the transportation of a small animal, such as a cat or dog, in the passenger compartment of an airplane, by securely and safely containing the animal, but permitting placement below the airplane seat. In addition to providing manual carrying of the portable animal carrier, wheels are provided to permit smooth, quiet, and reliable movement, thereby relieving the user from carrying the weight of the animal carrier.

Abstract: A compact shelter includes a base and a plurality of interchangeable roofs mountable to the base. A flat roof may be provided with a railing and a series of steps leading to ground level to provide a pet with easy access to a raised resting area. A sliding front door and sliding internal partitions may be used to subdivide the shelter into a plurality of internal compartments. An improved cross ventilation system is provided along with a no-tangle leash assembly. Sloped floors leading to a drainage aperture facilitate cleaning and flushing of the shelter.

Abstract: A multi-level cat playhouse and associated methods of assembly, disassembly and storage thereof. The playhouse includes an open-topped lower body portion having plural walls which define an interior space and a partially open-bottomed upper body portion, also having plural walls which, while also defining an interior space, are configured to fit within the lower interior space for storage purposes when the upper body portion is inverted and placed onto the lower body portion. When in use, a first portion of the lower interior space is covered by a removable separator mounted to generally horizontal ledges included as part of the walls of the lower body portion. By placing the upper body portion onto the lower body portion, a remaining portion of the lower interior space is covered by the bottom wall of the upper body while the removable separator provides a floor for the upper interior space.

Abstract: A pet shelter construction 10 including a floor unit 11 having a solar heat reservoir 22 raised above the ground by runner elements 24 and supporting a concrete floor pad 20 which in turn supports an enclosure unit 12 having an enlarged window 38 formed in the southern wall panel 30 of the enclosure unit 12 for receiving solar energy and a moveable roof unit 13 dimensioned to selectively overlie the southern 30 and northern 31 wall panels of the enclosure unit 12 to vary the amount of solar energy transmitted through the enlarged window 38.

Abstract: An animal housing including a housing top, a housing bottom with a perforated floor, and a skirt. The skirt is configured so as to receive and support the housing bottom. A pan is disposed within the skirt such that the perforated floor of the housing bottom allows dander, urine and feces to drop therethrough onto the pan, and the pan is insertable into and removable from the skirt without disturbing the remainder of the animal housing. The animal housing further includes negative air flow means communicating with the skirt to produce a gas flow from the skirt to the negative air flow means. The animal housing may also include a frame and a bottle. The bottle includes a mouth having at least one lateral interior flange and at least one lateral exterior flange extending from the outer circumference thereof, and the frame includes a panel having at least one bottle-receiving aperture for receiving the mouth of the bottle.

Abstract: A carrier for small animals includes a removable front wall which serves as a door, as well as a removable bottom wall which serves as a sliding floor. An animal is captured by removing the sliding floor, enclosing the animal from above, and replacing the sliding floor.

Abstract: An insect-killing container including: a housing for keeping a pet therein, and an electric-shock screen provided with high voltage and secured on a side wall of the housing corresponding to a ventilation window of the housing, whereby upon emitting of the pet's odor or upon visual observation of the pet in the housing, an insect such as a mosquito or a housefly will be attracted by the pet to enter the housing through the electric-shock screen to be killed by the high-voltage on the screen for efficiently eradicating insects.

Abstract: A habitat for rodents and a method for making same is provided. The habitat comprises a housing formed of coconut shell. The coconut shell defines a inner cavity therein. The coconut shell is comprised of a material resistant to gnawing damage by the rodents and has thermal retention characteristics to allow the rodent to burrow within the cavity in approximately adjacency with an inner curved surface of the coconut shell with body heat of the rodent being radiated and relatively retained by the coconut shell to heat a portion of the coconut shell to assist in maintaining the relative warmth of the rodent. The housing has an opening defining an entrance to the cavity with the opening being sized and adapted to accommodate the rodent therethrough.