Abstract:
A modular pet enclosure having interchangeable and configurable wall panels of varying size is provided. The tunnel connection panel can be placed in multiple different configurations and orientations. An open-ended tunnel that can be removably attached to the modular pet enclosure and a dwelling, including all known pet doors, is used for the pet to move between the dwelling and the enclosure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/289,907 filed Dec. 23, 2009 incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the field of pet animal enclosures, and more particularly to a novel modular pet enclosure joined via a tunnel and a mounting flange to a dwelling using standard pet doors and other means, thereby permitting passage of the pet between the enclosure and dwelling, and to kits for easy assembly of the enclosure. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Numerous external structures or enclosures to contain and safeguard domestic pets, such as cats, dogs, rabbits and the like have been created. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,975 (Calkins), U.S. Design Pat. No. D583,517 S (Tycer), U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,350 (Vavrek), U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,035 (Hill), U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,017 (Cameron) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,534 (Schwartz). Typically, pet owners employ these enclosures to, e.g., keep the litter box of the pet outside of the dwelling, thereby limiting odors, pet waste and excess litter within the dwelling, and to also safeguard the pet from abduction, injury, fights with other animals and extreme weather conditions when outside of the dwelling. 
         [0006]    Many of these structures are of rigid construction and are difficult to adapt and attach to a dwelling. Likewise, this lack of adaptability and fixed structure make it difficult, if not impossible, to readily replace components of the structures as they wear or are otherwise damaged. Thus, a need exists for a modular and adaptable enclosure that can be configured in multiple variations by the pet owner and that is composed of modular components that can be readily replaced when desired, worn or damaged. Likewise, a need exists for a modular enclosure where the tunnel connecting the enclosure to the dwelling can be placed in multiple configurations and is readily adapted to fit any existing pet doors attached to the dwelling. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention is directed to a modular pet enclosure, kit and methods wherein the enclosure is constructed of modular components and can be configured to meet the needs and desires of the user, including wall panels of different size, composition and configuration. In addition, the connection wall panel used for connecting the enclosure to a dwelling via a tunnel can be placed in any location of configuration as needed or desired. The base frame element, including channels in the upper and lower faces allow the panel support means to be located where desired and securely hold the panel support means and wall panels in place. Furthermore, the modular nature allows for larger enclosures to be formed by interconnecting one or more base frame elements side by side or by stacking one enclose on top of another to form a two, three or higher storied enclosure. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular pet enclosure comprised of a base frame element with an upper and lower face both including one or more channels and further comprising a floor; a plurality of panel support means for containing a plurality of wall panels capable of being spaced at predetermined intervals and being held, at least in part, within the channels in the top face of the base frame element; a plurality of wall panels forming the sides of the enclosure, said wall panels being held in place by the panel support means and the channels in the upper face of the base frame element, wherein one of said wall panels comprises a tunnel connection panel, said tunnel connection panel including an opening and a connection flange surrounding said opening, said connection flange proving a base for the connection of a tunnel to the tunnel connection panel; a top frame element including an upper face, a lower face, sides and a channel along at least a portion or the lower face, said channel containing a top of each of the panel support means and wall panels, wherein one side of the upper face of the top frame element is higher than the opposing side, thereby creating a slant to the upper face of the top frame element; a roof element attached to and covering the upper face of the top frame element; an open-ended tunnel having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to the connection flange of the tunnel connection panel and the second end being attached to a mounting flange, said dwelling flange being capable of attachment to an opening within the dwelling; and two or more adjustable legs attached to the lower face of the base frame element, said legs being adjustable in length to allow for the stable placement of the modular pet enclosure on the ground. 
         [0009]    In a further aspect, the top frame element contains a plurality of ventilation openings to provide for ventilation air flow in the modular pet enclosure. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the wall panels are of differing size. Preferably, one or more of the wall panels includes an access door, said door being attached in a manner to open and close and further including a latch to maintain the door in a closed position. 
         [0011]    In yet a further aspect, the roof element of the modular pet enclosure is attached to the top frame element with one or more means (e.g. hinges) to allow for the opening and closing of the roof and further including a locking mechanism intersecting with between the roof element and top frame element to securely maintain the roof element in a closed position relative to the top frame element. 
         [0012]    In a further aspect the floor of the modular pet enclosure contains a plurality of openings to provide ventilation and air flow to the enclosure while at the same time maintaining and safely containing the pet within the enclosure. Preferably, the floor is comprised of a screen mesh or other modular floor with a plurality of patterned openings. 
         [0013]    In yet a further aspect, the modular pet enclosure is capable of being expanded to fit the needs of the user. For example, two or more base frame elements can be connected end to end or side by side to form a larger expanded base frame. Likewise, one pet enclosure can be stacked on top of another where the wall panels of a first enclosure are inserted into the channels on the lower face of a second base frame element or a second enclosure, resulting, e.g., in a two storied modular pet enclosure. 
         [0014]    In another aspect of the present invention, a method for attaching the modular pet enclosure of the present invention to a dwelling via an open-ended tunnel is provided by moving the modular pet enclosure to a predetermined orientation and location with respect to an opening in a residence; adapting the length and orientation of the open-ended tunnel as desired; and attaching the open end of a mounting flange affixed to a second end of the open-ended tunnel to the opening in the dwelling. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for assembling a modular pet enclosure according to the present invention, where the kit is comprised of a base frame element, a floor, a plurality of panel support means, a plurality of wall panels, a tunnel connection panel, a top frame element, a roof element and a plurality of adjustable legs; an open-ended tunnel for connecting said enclosure to a dwelling opening; means for removably connecting a first end of the open-ended tunnel to an opening in the tunnel connection panel; and means for removably connecting a second end of the open-ended tunnel to and opening in the dwelling. 
         [0016]    While the enclosures, methods and kit have or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112, or similar applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing two different sized panels, one with optional access door; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention without the top frame element and roof element; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along a sectional line through a preferred embodiment of a modular pet enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of the open-ended rigid tunnel of the present invention connected to pet door in an opening in a dwelling through a mounting flange according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a front on view showing the open-ended tunnel of  FIG. 6  of the present invention connected to pet door in an opening in a dwelling through a mounting flange according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a rigid modular tunnel according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a top down view of an expanded modular pet enclosure according to the present invention showing two base frame elements interconnect end to end; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an expanded modular pet enclosure according to the present invention showing two pet enclosures stacked on top of each other to create the expanded enclosure; and 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    Referring initially to  FIG. 2 , illustrating a side view of a modular pet enclosure  10  according to the present invention comprised of a base frame element  12 . The base frame element  12  has an upper face  14 , lower face  16  and exterior side  18 , also includes a first channel  20  in the upper face and second channel  22  in the lower face of the base frame element  12 . The base frame element  12  further includes a floor  24  (not shown) comprised of or affixed within the base frame element  12 . Several adjustable legs  26  are connected to the lower face  16  of the base frame element  12 . Each of the adjustable legs  26  includes the leg  28  and adjustable locking ring  30 . 
         [0029]    The walls of the modular pet enclosure  10  are formed by numerous panel support means  32  which are spaced apart at a predetermined distance sufficient to allow for the inclusion of a number of wall panels  34 . Each of the panel support means  32  and wall panels  34  are held securely within the channels  20  in the upper face  14  of the base frame element  12 . In each pet enclosure  10 , one of the wall panels  34  is comprised of a tunnel connection panel  36  (not shown) that is configured to accept the tunnel  90  used to connect the modular pet enclosure  10  to the dwelling. The tunnel  90  is removably affixed to the pet enclosure  10  using the connection flange  40  that is permanently attached and surrounds an access hole in the tunnel connection panel  36 . 
         [0030]    The top of the modular pet enclosure  10  is topped with a top frame element  42 . The top frame element  42  includes a channel (not shown) on the lower face (not shown) of the top frame element  42 . This channel securely holds and contains the top of the panel support means  32 , wall panels  34  and tunnel connection panel  36  (not shown). Preferably, the top frame element  42  has a higher front face  44  than the back face  46 , creating a slope from front to back, and include a plurality of ventilation openings  48  providing for ventilation and air flow within the modular pet enclosure  10 . A roof element  50  is affixed to and covers the top frame element  42 , providing a sloped roof to repel rain etc. The roof element  50  may also include a locking tab  52  extending through the roof element  50  from the top frame element  42 , which stabilizes the roof element  50  and provides a potential point to lock the roof element  50  in a permanently closed position. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , illustrating a front view of a modular pet enclosure  10  according to the present invention, wherein the legs  28  of the enclosure have been extended and locked in place with locking ring  30 . In this embodiment, two regular wall panels  34  have been replaced by a double wide panel  56 . Like the regular wall panels  34 , the double wide panel  56  is held securely in place by the panel support means  32  and the channels  20  in the upper surface of the base frame element  12  and the channels in the lower surface (not shown) of the top frame element  42 . The double wide panel  56  includes an optional access door  58  that is held securely in a closed position by door latch  60 . In addition, roof element  50 , includes a roof latch  62  that securely holds the roof  50  in a closed position. Both the access door  58  and roof element can be opened to provide ready access to the interior of the modular pet enclosure  10 . In a preferred embodiment, both the access door  58  and roof element  50  are connected to the double wide panel  56  and top frame element  42 , respectively, in a manner that allows for each opening and closing (e.g. with hinges, not shown), and can be securely locked in a closed position with door latch  60  and roof latch  62 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 4  showing a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention without the top frame element  42  and roof element  50  attached. The base frame element  12  is supported by legs  28  and includes a mesh or screen floor  24  providing ventilation for the pet enclosure  10 . The sides of the pet enclosure  10  are comprised of double wide panels  56  and regular wall panels  34 , as well as tunnel connection panel  36  providing access to the enclosure from tunnel  90  attached to the tunnel connection panel  36  via connection flange  40 . The various wall panels  34 ,  36 ,  56  are held in place with panel support means  32 , here shown as H-channel elements  66  and L-channel elements  68 , all of which are securely contained within the channels  20  (not shown) on the upper face  14  of the base frame element  12 . Thus, a wall component, such as wall panel  34  is simply slid into the matching grooves of H-channel element  66  and another H-channel element  66  or on a corner, into the matching groove of an L-channel element  68 . The wall panel  34  can then be secured within the channel  20  of the base frame element  12  using any conventional means, including through the use of tacks, glue, nails, screws, Velcro®-type connectors or the like. Importantly, the tunnel connection panel  36  can be placed in any position or configuration (up or down) substituting for a regular wall panel  34  in accordance with the invention. Accordingly, a user can place the tunnel as need to fit the placement and configuration of the pet enclosure  10  in connection with the dwelling. 
         [0033]    The various components of the modular pet enclosure are preferably constructed of a durable, weather-resistant material. Such material preferably comprises wood, metal or plastic and is most preferably a plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the components are manufactured as extruded plastics, most preferably polymeric plastics such as polyurethane or polyethylene. By employing polymeric plastics, the walls of the pet enclosure  10  can be constructed of transparent, translucent, or opaque materials to control light penetration and viewing as needed. In an especially preferred embodiment, the components are extrusion formed as readily known in the art from UV, chemical resistant and environmentally compliant plastics such as Polygal®, IntePro®, or CoroPlast®. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along a sectional line through a preferred embodiment of a modular pet enclosure  10  according to the present invention. The base frame element  12  includes a mesh floor  24  molded therein and telescoping, adjustable legs  28  extending through the floor  24  and held in firm alignment with stabilizing elements  70 . The channels  20  in the base frame element  12  securely hold the bottom portions of wall panels  34 , H-channel elements  66  and L-channel elements  68 , while the tops of these same elements are also securely held in one of the top frame channels  72  in the lower face of the top frame element  42 . The higher front face  44  of the top frame element  42  imparts a slant to roof element  50 . The roof element  50 , includes a stop fixture  74  attached to the top surface of the roof element  50 , which prevents the roof element  50  from opening too far when lifted from front to back. The roof element  50  also includes a locking tab  52  extending through the roof element  50  from the top frame element  42 , which stabilizes the roof element  50  and provides a potential point to lock the roof element  50  in a permanently closed position. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , illustrating a side view of a preferred embodiment showing an open-ended rigid tunnel  90  of the present invention connected to pet door  76  in an opening  78  in a dwelling  80  through a mounting flange  82  according to the present invention. The mounting flange  82  extends around an outer frame  84  of pet door  76  and an inner portion  92  of mounting flange  82  is disposed behind the outer frame  84  of pet door  76 . The outer frame  84  and inner frame  86  of pet door  76  are secured together using securing means extending through the opening  78  of pet door  76 . The securing means are typically secured together with a screw (not shown) or other means such as a tack, glue, nail, Velcro®-type connectors or the like, thereby trapping and holding the inner portion  92  of mounting flange  82  behind the outer frame  84 , which in turn maintains the rigid tunnel  90  securely affixed to the pet door  76  and dwelling  80 . The mounting flange  82  of the present invention can interface with any pet doors on the market, whether in a sliding door, window, door or wall of a dwelling. Exemplary pet doors include Ideal Fast Fit Patio Panels ®, Ideal Patio Cat Panel®, Ideal Hefty Cat Patio Panel® and Petsafe® pet doors available from such vendors as www.petdoors.com and www.PetSmart.com. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , illustrating a front on view showing the open-ended rigid tunnel  90  of  FIG. 6  of the present invention connected to pet door  76  in a dwelling  80  through a mounting flange  82  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The rigid tunnel  90  (not shown) is connected to the dwelling  80  through mounting flange  82  which is securely held in place and connected to the pet door  76  and dwelling  80  using the outer frame  84  of pet door  76 . Thus, the combination of the rigid tunnel  90  in connection to the pet door  76  in dwelling  80  allows the pet to have ingress and egress to the modular pet enclosure  10  through the typical opening  96  found in pet door  76 . 
         [0037]    In an alternative embodiment, the open-ended rigid tunnel  90  may not be rigid but can be made of a flexible material, such as PVC ducting, for example, R-3®, Flexthane MD® or the like. In such an instance, the tunnel may utilize an optional adjustable tunnel support structure (not shown). In a preferred aspect, the open-ended tunnel  90  is a rigid tunnel, and the modular structure can be configured in straight or a 90 degree bends as needed by user during installation. In this regard,  FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a rigid modular tunnel  90  according to the present invention. The rigid modular tunnel  90  is constructed of tunnel wall panels  102 ,  104 , that can be the same or different widths. The tunnel wall panels  102 ,  104  are formed into a rectangular cross section and held in place by insertion in tunnel channels  106  of tunnel L-elements  108 . Preferably, the tunnel walls  102 ,  104  and tunnel L-elements  108  are constructed of polymeric plastics, that may be transparent, translucent, or opaque materials to control light penetration and viewing as needed. In an especially preferred embodiment, the components are extrusion formed as readily known in the art from UV, chemical resistant and environmentally compliant plastics such as Polygal®, IntePro®, or CoroPlast®. 
         [0038]    The modular pet enclosure  10  according to the invention can be expanded both in the size of the base as well as the height of the enclosure. For example,  FIG. 9  shows a top down view of an expanded modular pet enclosure  10  according to the present invention showing two base frame elements  12  interconnected end to end. The two base frame elements  12  are interconnected with H-channel elements  66  at the boundary or intersection  110 . No wall panels are placed in the intersection  110  creating twice the floor space for the pet enclosure of the present invention. 
         [0039]    Likewise,  FIG. 10  shows a side view of an expanded modular pet enclosure  116  according to the present invention showing two pet enclosures stacked on top of each other to create the expanded enclosure  116 . The lower structure includes the base frame element  12 , panel support means  32  and wall panels  34  are topped with a second base frame element  118  and are held within the lower channels  120  of the second base frame element  118 . A second set of panel support means  32  and wall panels  34  are added on top of the second base frame element  118  and are held securely within the upper channels  122  of the second base frame element  118 . These second set of panel support means  32  and wall panels  34  are then topped with the top frame element  42  and roof element  50 . 
         [0040]    While the particular herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
         [0041]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
         [0042]    Unless defined otherwise, the meanings of all technical and scientific terms used herein are those commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used to practice or test this invention. 
         [0043]    The publications and patents discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. All the publications cited are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, including all published patents, patent applications, literature references, as well as those publications that have been incorporated in those published documents. However, to the extent that any publication incorporated herein by reference refers to information to be published, applicants do not admit that any such information published after the filing date of this application to be prior art. 
         [0044]    As used in this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms include the plural forms. For example the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “at least” preceding a series of elements is to be understood as referring to every element in the series. The inventions illustratively described herein can suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etc. shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the future shown and described or any portion thereof, and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the inventions herein disclosed can be resorted by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. The inventions have been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and sub generic groupings falling within the scope of the generic disclosure also form part of these inventions. This includes the generic description of each invention with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised materials specifically resided therein. In addition, where features or aspects of an invention are described in terms of the Markush group, those schooled in the art will recognize that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. It is also to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments will be apparent to those of in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or will be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.