Collapsible Patents (Class 119/498)
  • Patent number: 7665420
    Abstract: A bird cage having a wire grille upper portion and a base assembly. A portion of the base assembly may be made of a light impervious material such as a transparent or translucent material. A plurality of connectors may be used to secure the wire grille panels together. In one embodiment, the footprint of the base assembly is larger than the footprint of the wire grille upper portion of the cage. One or more feeding stations may be provided inside of the cage with a door located on the cage to access the feeding stations. The feeding stations may be arranged in a locked position such that a bird inside the cage cannot tip over or spill the contents of a feeding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rolf C. Hagen, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Plante, Marc Lafond
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7628119
    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 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Lisa Kay Beaty Bishop
  • Patent number: 7624705
    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: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Rolf C. Hagen, Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Plante
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7534041
    Abstract: A folding bag has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with rigid lateral front and backsides and a flexible bottom panel with a diagonal slit that enables folding of the bag into a compact flat configuration. A rigid folding panel is provided on the inside of the bag to enable maintenance of the bottom side in a generally fixed configuration and to maintain the shape of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7481182
    Abstract: An enclosure for a pet litter pan, having a moisture and odor-resistant plastic rattan-like material woven on a wire frame. The enclosure is quickly and easily assembled from multiple panels using pin connectors and connector feet. An openable panel provides access to remove the litter pan for cleaning, and has low-friction rails along its interior for facilitating easier removal and replacement of the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Simpson, Mark A. Haley
  • Publication number: 20080245313
    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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Vermont Juvenile Furniture Mfg., Inc., a/k/a Pet Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Jakubowski, Scott S. Jakubowski, Chris Jakubowski, Guang-Shen Lin
  • Patent number: 7377231
    Abstract: A retractable pet house includes an enclosure frame and an optional top frame. The enclosure frame includes a plurality of poles, foldable connection rod units and locking joints. The upper end and the lower end of each pole are connected to the locking joints. The upper ends and the lower ends of both sides of the foldable connection rod unit are respectively pivoted to the locking joints. The top frame includes a central joint and a plurality of top rods. Each top rod has one end pivoted to the central joint and another end penetrating through the locking joint at the upper end of each pole. One end of each top rod is provided with a threaded hole for receiving a bolt to hold against the central joint. The inclination between the top frame and the central joint is variable by rotating the bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Liang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080072837
    Abstract: A foldable pet cage is comprised of six four-sided panels fabricated from generally flexible material with selected panels reinforced with stiffening elements positioned at strategic locations so as to enable folding of the six panels over one another into an array which is compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Travel Caddy, Inc. d/b/a Travelon
    Inventors: Andrezj M. Redzisz, Brad L. Schantz, Du Hai
  • Patent number: 7322315
    Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible pet house includes a lower frame which supports a raised pet supporting floor and an upper frame cooperable with the lower frame and removable with respect thereto which supports a cover forming the roof and walls over the floor of the pet house. The lower frame and pet supporting floor can be used alone as a pet cot. The pet supporting floor is preferably made of a mesh material to promote air circulation around an animal resting on the floor and a vent in the roof and an entrance to the house promote air circulation through the house. The frames are advantageously made of PVC piping and connectors for the piping so can be easily assembled and disassembled so the house can be easily transported and stored and the floor and cover easily cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Maze Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Brewer, William N. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 7293530
    Abstract: This invention comprises a series of lightweight, easily transportable identical frame pieces attached together to form an expandable pet enclosure that can be assembled into a multiplicity of configurations, optionally with a floor or a roof that comprises the same frame pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Barbara Italiano
  • Patent number: 7231891
    Abstract: A shelter is disclosed for an animal, the shelter including demountable first and second frames adapted to be releasably connectable to a flexible support and a flexible cover, providing a substantially enclosed space for receiving an animal, particularly a dog, when the shelter is in use. Each of the first and second frames, the flexible support and flexible cover are manufactured from lightweight materials. The components of the shelter can either be totally or partially dismantled to be packed together in a substantially flat configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory Mark Wood
  • Patent number: 7228820
    Abstract: An adjustable kennel provides an enclosure for an animal that is lightweight, expandable and collapsible for storage and travel. The kennel has a semi-rigid frame that can be adjusted for size and an expandable, pliable cover allowing the kennel to be adjusted appropriately for the animal occupying it. When in use, the frame includes slidably expandable support members such that the kennel can accommodate different sized animals or can be adjusted to be used over a long period of time as an animal grows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Sportpet Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S Kellogg, Adam M Kellogg
  • Patent number: 7210426
    Abstract: A pet carrier for transporting an animal includes a floor panel having a substantially rigid bottom, a pair of side panels each having a lower edge and an upper portion, the lower edges of each side panel attached to opposite ends of the floor panel, and an arcuate top panel having a pair of oppositely located lateral edges, a pair of oppositely located ends, and an inner surface, the ends being fixedly attached to the floor panel and the lateral edges being releasably attached to the side panels. At least two arches are detachably engaged to the top panel inner surface and spaced above the floor panel, the arches being formed from a resiliently planar material and bent to conform with the arcuate top panel. An inflexible bar is positioned along an apex of the top panel inner surface for providing longitudinal stability to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Style Living Corporation
    Inventor: Angie Yeung
  • Patent number: 7178483
    Abstract: An inflatable pet house module includes first and second inflatable units. The first inflatable unit includes an inflatable mattress and a mattress cover formed with an opening for insertion of the mattress thereinto. The second inflatable unit is coupled releasably to the first inflatable unit by a coupling unit, and includes an inflatable canopy body and a canopy cover formed with an opening for insertion of the canopy body thereinto. The canopy body has a middle portion provided with a middle heat-seal line unit to partition the canopy body into two canopy sections. The canopy body is bendable along the middle heat-seal line unit when inflated so as to place the canopy body in a standing position where the middle portion is propped up by the canopy sections to thereby enable the first and second inflatable units to cooperatively define a chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin-Tsai Wu
  • Patent number: 7134404
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Margaret Slone
  • 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: 7021242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable/collapsible structure that folds and collapses between an open and closed condition. The structure includes a top and bottom section, and a plurality of collapsible wall sections extending between said top and bottom sections. The wall sections and the top and bottom sections define an enclosure and also contain a longitudinal member extending between said top and bottom section. The longitudinal member contains a pivot connection at a location between the top and bottom section. The pivot section allows movement of the top and bottom section relative to one another, so that the foldable/collapsible structure can be configured between an open or closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen S. Axelrod
  • Patent number: 7021243
    Abstract: A pet shelter includes a bottom member having an edge, a top member having an edge, and a medial member disposed between the top and bottom members. The medial member has a top edge and a bottom edge. The pet shelter includes a lock for selectively interconnecting the bottom member to the bottom edge of the medial member and a lock for selectively interconnecting the top member to the top edge of the medial member. The lock includes a tab disposed in the bottom edge of the medial member and a tab disposed in the edge of the top member. The bottom member includes an aperture for receiving the medial member tab to thereby selectively lock the bottom member to the medial member. The medial member includes an aperture for receiving the top member tab to thereby selectively lock the top member to the medial member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Harper, Charles Schmucker
  • Patent number: 6899057
    Abstract: A collapsible pet carrier (10) includes a base (12) with a shiftable frame (14) movable between a collapsed position and an extended use position; the carrier also has a flexible cover (16) which, with the base, forms a pet enclosure. The cover (16) has an animal doorway (66) as well as optional see-through windows (74). The frame (14) is preferably formed of flexible and resilient shape memory material allowing the frame to self-erect when unrestrained, without any manual manipulation or other intervention. Also, the carrier (10) preferably includes a top (18) which mates with the base to form a carrier housing, which restrains the popup frame (14) to retain it within the carrier housing. The top (18) may also be inverted and secured to the base (12) during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Blitz, U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Chrisco, Orval Lee Fick
  • 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: 6868803
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald B. Little
  • Patent number: 6863030
    Abstract: A collapsible carrier for an animal comprising a base panel, the base panel having a first end and a second end and containing a floor surface wherein the floor surface includes upwardly extending sidewalls, first and second members end members hingedly attached to the upwardly extending sidewalls at the first and second ends of the base panel. Each of the end members have guideways wherein the base panel and the end members are configured to define an access opening to the base panel floor surface. A slidable door for closing the access opening is provided, wherein the slidable door comprises a leading and a trailing edge, the leading and trailing edge extending between the end members, including a portion that extends into the guideway of the end members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen S. Axelrod
  • Patent number: 6854425
    Abstract: A pet house made of paper includes a house-shaped box, at least one reinforcement device and a roof. The house-shaped box includes a front wall defining a door, a rear wall and two lateral walls. The front and rear walls both include an upper portion extending above the lateral walls. The reinforcement device is mounted on the lateral walls. The roof is mounted on the upper portions of the front and rear walls and the reinforcement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Chih-Wen Hung
  • Publication number: 20040139923
    Abstract: A collapsible carrier for an animal comprising a base panel, the base panel having a first end and a second end and containing a floor surface wherein the floor surface includes upwardly extending sidewalls, first and second members end members hingedly attached to the upwardly extending sidewalls at the first and second ends of the base panel. Each of the end members have guideways wherein the base panel and the end members are configured to define an access opening to the base panel floor surface. A slidable door for closing the access opening is provided, wherein the slidable door comprises a leading and a trailing edge, the leading and trailing edge extending between the end members, including a portion that extends into the guideway of the end members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Glen S. Axelrod
  • Patent number: 6758167
    Abstract: A modular pet house includes a housing including a peripheral wall comprising a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge and a bottom edge. The front wall has an opening positioned therein extending upwardly from the bottom edge. A plurality of mountings is selectively mountable in the housing. A panel has an upper side, a lower side and a peripheral edge. The panel has an opening extending therethrough. The panel has the same shape and size as an interior perimeter of the housing. The panel is selectively positionable on the plurality of mountings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Mark S. Edelinski
  • Patent number: 6715446
    Abstract: A collapsible tent 100 for housing a pet which folds into a storage bag when not in use. The design and structure is as follows of the tent includes a main body 1, front 2 and back 3 panels. The frame of the front 2 and back 3 panels are in the “upside down U” (dome) shape; the top and sides of the front 2 and back 3 panels are connected to the main body 1 with zippers 102, 104; the bottom of the front 2 and back 3 panels are sewn to the main body 1. Mesh windows 11 are on the sides of the main body 1. Shades 12 are also provided on the outside of the windows. The bottom of the two sides of the main body 1 are harnessed with webbing loops 14. A webbing handle 15 is sewn on the upper portion of the main body 1 (i.e., along the peak of the U-shaped dome). There is an opening 21 on the front panel that allows ingress and egress. A shade 22 covers up the opening 21; the shade 22 is in mesh material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Yuntek International, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Y. Chou
  • Patent number: 6715445
    Abstract: A bird cage having a frame including a base assembly, cover assembly and corner towers that join the base and cover assemblies. The front, back, sides and top of the cage are enclosed by wire grills. The towers are made of light pervious material such as clear or translucent plastic and carry feeding stations. The cage is expandable. The base assembly includes an easily removable tray for collecting droppings in the cage, and the tray carries a wire grill platform within the cage which may be removed by partially withdrawing the tray and without otherwise disturbing the base assembly. A bird cage stand composed of two identical but inverse sub-assemblies provides storage space for feed and cage accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rolf C. Hagen, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Plante, Marc LaFond
  • Patent number: 6698382
    Abstract: A collapsible container having three generally rectangular panels each of which has opposed parallel side edges and opposed parallel end edges. The side edges of each panel are hingedly secured to one side edge of each of the other panels. Additionally, one of the panels includes a fold line extending midway between and parallel to the side edges of that panel thus dividing that panel into two subpanels. The panels are movable between an open and a closed position. In their open position, the panels form a triangular shaped structure whereas in their collapsed position, the panels and subpanels lie in closely adjacent and generally parallel planes to each other. Optionally, the triangular structure can contain cat litter on its interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Blaszak, Alfia N. Coski, John E. Coski, Cynthia A. Bryla
  • Publication number: 20030192483
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Lucas Saxe, Patrick Douglas
  • Patent number: 6606965
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Firstrx, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucas Saxe, Patrick Douglas
  • Patent number: 6513456
    Abstract: An animal enclosure of the present invention includes a pen sized to hold the animal. The pen is formed from a frame which is covered with a removable, washable cover. A gate for the enclosure includes a panel which is raised to close the gate and lowered to open the gate. The panel can be fixed at a desired position, so that the gate can be left partially opened. A top is provided which can be easily mounted to, and removed from, the pen frame. The top is hingedly connected to the frame and includes a pair of pivotal support arms so that the front of the top can be elevated above the pen a desired amount. A whelping rail is removably received in the pen. The whelping rail comprises a frame having a bar member and legs which support the bar above a bottom of the pen and inwardly from the pen walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Sherman, Wells Bearinger, Neil Koenig
  • Publication number: 20020185082
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Firstrax, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucas Saxe , Patrick Douglas
  • Patent number: 6487990
    Abstract: A one piece disposable litter box comprising of a bottom member and 2 end panels with folding flaps along with 2 side panels forming a rectangle container along with a left and right folding side panels with cutouts and a top member with latching handles and locking tab and a rear support privacy panel forming the collapsible hood. The litter box is die cut from 1 piece of integral cardboard sheet which when folded in an appropriate fashion results in a compact litter storage container for shipping, storage and disposal. The litter box may be folded open and held there by the supporting privacy panel to provide an enclosed litter box with one end open and suitable for cats and other small mammals. By reversing this folding procedure the litter box may be returned to its prior dimensional height of approximately 2 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Barbara Ann McNew
  • Patent number: 6460485
    Abstract: A collapsible house that can be easily erected from a compact package. The house has opposing sidewalls, opposing endwalls, a floor and roof sections. The endwalls are collapsible down against the floor. The roof sections are collapsible down against the sidewalls, and the combination of the roof sections collapsed against the sidewalls are further collapsible down against the collapsed endwalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry A. Burg
  • Patent number: 6457438
    Abstract: A device for confining an animal such as a dog is disclosed. The device consists of a plurality of sides, an unstable support element attached to each of the plurality of sides and a plurality of couplers for coupling each of the plurality of sides. The couplers allow relative movement of the sides such that pressing against one of the plurality of sides produces movement that discourages contact with the plurality of sides. If a dog contained in the device attempts to escape by scaling a side of the device, the relative movement of the plurality of sides will startle the dog. Consequently, the dog immediately moves away from the side and within minutes typically abandons any attempt to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Michael D. Baker
  • Patent number: 6427629
    Abstract: A collapsible feeder for birds, squirrels and the like is disclosed and comprises a feeder body including a base and a rim. A series of hollow body segments of graduated diameters extend upwardly from the base within the rim to form a feeder body. The segment of smallest diameter is joined to the base and has a plurality of feed outlet openings formed therein to enable feed from within the feeder body to pass outwardly therefrom onto the base inwardly of the rim. A feeder lid is removably positioned on the upper end of the segment of greatest diameter when the feeder body is in the extended position. The feeder lid is removably positioned on the upper end of the rim when the feeder body is in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 6408797
    Abstract: A collapsible pet housing structure that includes a floor panel having a pair of parallel sides and a pair of ends extending between the sides. A pair of generally opposing walls are hingedly attached to the parallel sides of the floor panel, each wall including at least two generally planar wall panels hingedly connected to one another, each of the wall panels having an external surface and an internal surface, the internal surface of the wall panels of one wall facing the internal surface of the wall panels of the opposing wall, the hinged connection allowing movement of the wall panels from a first position where the external surfaces of the wall panels are at an acute angle relative to one another to a second position where the external surfaces of the wall panels are retained at an angle greater than 180 degrees relative to one another. The walls will preferably include supports for retaining the external surfaces of the wall panels at the second position relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Scott Pivonka, John Tottleben
  • Patent number: 6408796
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Lance T. Hampel
  • Patent number: 6374775
    Abstract: A kennel stroller affords safe, convenient and comfortable transport of small pets. The stroller is designed to receive both in-cabin kennels or ordinary baggage check-in kennels which are placed in areas specified for live animals on airlines. A foldable stroller of the type used for baby strollers is slightly modified to provide an internal open volume sufficient to receive the portable kennel. Retained to the stroller frame by a strap or other fastener, the kennel can be used as an open pet bed, without cover, or as a covered, complete kennel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Norma Baumsteiger
  • Patent number: 6338317
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Wanda H. Smith
  • Publication number: 20010045190
    Abstract: A collapsible pet housing structure that includes a floor panel having a pair of parallel sides and a pair of ends extending between the sides. A pair of generally opposing walls are hingedly attached to the parallel sides of the floor panel, each wall including at least two generally planar wall panels hingedly connected to one another, each of the wall panels having an external surface and an internal surface, the internal surface of the wall panels of one wall facing the internal surface of the wall panels of the opposing wall, the hinged connection allowing movement of the wall panels from a first position where the external surfaces of the wall panels are at an acute angle relative to one another to a second position where the external surfaces of the wall panels are retained at an angle greater than 180 degrees relative to one another. The walls will preferably include supports for retaining the external surfaces of the wall panels at the second position relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Scott Pivonka, John Tottleben
  • Patent number: 6302061
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: John Weatherby, Mabel Hinds
  • Patent number: 6216638
    Abstract: A collapsible pet housing structure that includes a floor panel having a pair of parallel sides and a pair of ends extending between the sides. A pair of generally opposing walls are hingedly attached to the parallel sides of the floor panel, each wall including at least two generally planar wall panels hingedly connected to one another, each of the wall panels having an external surface and an internal surface, the internal surface of the wall panels of one wall facing the internal surface of the wall panels of the opposing wall, the hinged connection allowing movement of the wall panels from a first position where the external surfaces of the wall panels are at an acute angle relative to one another to a second position where the external surfaces of the wall panels are retained at an angle greater than 180 degrees relative to one another. The walls will preferably include supports for retaining the external surfaces of the wall panels at the second position relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventors: Scott Pivonka, John Tottleben
  • Patent number: 6192834
    Abstract: A collapsible cage for housing an animal having an expanded and a collapsed configuration. The collapsible cage comprises a top platform and a bottom platform defining the ceiling and floor of said collapsible cage, a first accordion wall, a second accordion wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall, which collectively define a cage interior when the collapsible cage is in an expanded configuration. The first end wall rotatably engages the bottom platform and the second end wall rotatably engages the top platform. The first accordion wall and second accordion wall each have a first upper portion and a first lower portion. The first upper portions have first upper ends rotatably attached to the top platform, and the first lower portions have first lower ends rotatably attached to the bottom platform. The first upper portions rotatably engage the first lower portions along a hinge intermediate of the first upper ends and the first lower ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Kolozsvari
  • Patent number: 6152081
    Abstract: A kennel system for confining domestic dogs consisting of four panel members (FIG. 5A) attached through a spring biasing element (FIG. 8) is presented. Each panel member consists of a first and second vertical corner post attached to upper and lower horizontal members. Each horizontal member contains a behavioral modification element (FIG. 4) for allowing each panel member to balance about a point. Consequently, when the contained animal brushes against the panels, they oscillate. This oscillatory motion startles the animal causing it to move away from the panels and towards the center of the kennel, thus, reinforcing desired behavior. Since the kennel system works in conjunction with the dog's natural instinct to move away from unstable objects, the top of the kennel is eliminated and the panels are lowered to allow for human interaction with the animal while it is confined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Michael D. Baker
  • Patent number: 6092488
    Abstract: A collapsible lightweight animal security shipping kennel having opposite side hinged walls. The walls can collapse inwardly toward each other, and when fully erect are supported by end walls inserted into slots in the top surface. Two separate sets of two tracks near opposite ends of the side walls each slideably receive one of the two opposite end walls through slots in the top surface. Handles built-into the top and bottom surfaces permit either the erected kennel or the collapsed kennel to be transported. When in a collapsed position, the end walls may be stored within the confines of the top and bottom surfaces, along with the collapsed side walls. Fasteners such as strap and pin or hook and loop may be used to latch the collapsed structure in a closed position for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: George Allawas
  • Patent number: 6076485
    Abstract: A collapsible pet carrier of lightweight construction is disclosed. The endwalls are foldable onto the bottom, with the sidewalls foldable around the endwalls, allowing the straps to hold the bundle together when not in use. The carrier can be quickly assembled by pivoting the endwalls upwardly and fastening them to the sidewalls and securing the handles to each other. An optional storage pouch can be incorporated into the handle system and various windows in the side or endwalls can be provided to facilitate ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Igloo Products Corp.
    Inventors: Kathleen G. Peeples, Barry Wingate
  • Patent number: 6029609
    Abstract: A foldable pet shelter for attachment around a pet door against the interior surface of an exterior door of a house. The pet shelter has a top panel which is hinged to the interior surface of an exterior door above a pet door. A right side panel and a left side panel are hingedly held along the sides of the top panel and when the shelter is unfolded, the top panel, side panels and an end panel provide a shelter within a residence which permits a pet to enter the residence from the outdoors but retains the pet within the confines of the shelter. This provides a warm or cool place for the pet during inclement weather while still not permitting the pet to roam around the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: Reuben Bahar, Moshe J. Ozeri