Abstract:
A modular cat station comprising a plurality of spaced apart platforms disposed at different heights relative to a connected base plate is presented. In particular, the different platforms are removably connected to either the base plate and/or each other in order to create a modular, customized, and collapsible cat station. In addition, the cat station comprises a plurality of camouflaging elements generally representative of leaves, branches, flowers, twigs, and/or other parts of a tree or other plant life in order to at least partially conceal one or more accessories, add-ons, or portions of the station, including scratching posts, toys, food and water bowls, beds, litter box, etc.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     The present application is based on and a claim to priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to two currently pending provisional patent applications, namely, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/412,896, having a filing date of Nov. 12, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/400,761, having a filing date of Aug. 2, 2010, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is generally directed to a modular cat station easily disposable between a collapsed configuration (for shipping, storage, etc.) and an assembled configuration. In particular, the cat station comprises a plurality of spaced apart platforms disposed at different heights relative to a connected or otherwise supporting base plate. In particular, the different platforms are removably interconnected to one or more collars, the base plate, and/or each other in order to create a modular, customized, and collapsible cat station. As will be described in greater detail below, the cat station of the various embodiments further comprises a plurality of camouflaging or auxiliary elements generally representative of leaves, branches, flowers, twigs, grass, and/or other parts of a tree or other plant life. The camouflaging elements are removably and/or fixedly connected to various points of the station and are structured and disposed to at least partially conceal one or more accessories, add-ons, or portions of the station, including scratching posts, toys, food and water bowls, beds, litter box, etc. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Cats are common domesticated animals owned as pets in many households throughout the United States and Worldwide. A typical behavior common in many household cats is the desire to hide, play, and rest in a designated area. In addition, most cats have a natural tendency to hook their claws into a suitable surface and pull by scratching the surface. This type of behavior marks the cats&#39; territory, exercises the cats&#39; legs, and cleans and sharpens the cats&#39; claws. Indoor cats may benefit from being provided access to one or more scratching posts or other designated scratching areas so they are less likely to scratch other more sensitive portions of the house, including the carpet or furniture, which can be easily ruined by such behavior. 
     Accordingly, some cat owners purchase or otherwise install in their home designated cat furniture in order for the cat to have a place to play and/or rest. Such cat furniture, cat homes, or cat houses, are generally unsightly, bulky, expensive, non-customizable, and use up a large amount of space. 
     There is thus a need in the art for a new modular cat station comprising a plurality of platforms disposed in a spaced relation to one another at different heights relative to a base plate. In particular, it would be advantageous if the proposed cat station comprises removable, replaceable, and positionable platforms which can be customized, moved, added, and removed in order to accommodate each specific need. In addition, it would be further beneficial if the cat station comprises a plurality of camouflaging elements, such as various structures representative of tree branches, leaves, flowers, grass etc., in order to conceal or camouflage certain portions of the station and/or one or more accessories or add-ons, including food and water bowls, toys, etc. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     As described in detail herein, the present invention is directed to a modular cat station comprising a plurality of customizable, positionable, and removable platforms and intermediate collars. In particular, the cat station comprises a bottom support base capable of supporting the plurality of interconnected platforms and collars. Depending on the user&#39;s desires, special constraints, or other factors, the user may choose to interconnect any number of platform and collar pairs in order to assemble a customized cat station. Each platform may comprise different eating, sleeping and playing components for the cat. 
     In addition, and as will become apparent from the following discussion, the cat station of at least one embodiment comprises a plurality of camouflaging elements removably or fixedly attached to portions of the station, including to the base, platforms, and/or collars. The various camouflaging elements are structured to resemble portions of a tree, a tree branch, flowers, leaves, etc. in order to at least partially conceal or camouflage various items disposed on the platforms, including food and water bowls, toys, beds, etc. Of course the camouflaging elements may also serve to at least partially conceal the platforms, collars, base and/or other portions of the cat station of the present invention. In any event, the cat station is structured to be aesthetically pleasing in virtually any home by resembling an artificial tree or other plant-life. 
     In addition, the platforms and/or collars of the various embodiments may comprise a surface or structure capable of facilitating or withstanding excessive cat scratching. Accordingly, the collar and/or platforms may comprise carpet, padding, rope, or other materials such as those found on scratching posts or otherwise structured to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of at least one embodiment of the cat station as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of an assembled platform as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of the support and intermediate padding portions of the platform illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a top view of the outer exposed portion of the platform illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of another embodiment of a platform as disclosed in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the support and intermediate padding portions of the platform illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is a top view of the outer exposed portion of the platform illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of at least one embodiment of an assembled cat station as disclosed in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded elevation view of at least one embodiment of the cat station of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded elevation view of another embodiment of the cat station of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an elevation view of the base of yet another embodiment as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded elevation view of at least one embodiment utilizing the base illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded elevation view of a platform and adjacent collars. 
         FIG. 10  is an elevation view of the platform and adjacent collars illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are exploded elevation view of an upper cap and different camouflaging elements as disclosed in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of a platform with integrated accessory zones disposed thereon. 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are side elevation views of a platform with a container disposed in an integrated accessory zone. 
         FIG. 16  is an elevation view of at least one embodiment of the cat station as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the cat station as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 18  is a front perspective of the cat station illustrated in  FIG. 17  with the various auxiliary components provided in phantom. 
         FIG. 19  is bottom perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , without the auxiliary components installed. 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the support assembly as disclosed in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a front elevation view of the assembled cat station illustrated in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of at least one embodiment of the base and base plate. 
         FIG. 23A  is a bottom perspective view of at least one collar as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23B  is a bottom perspective view of another collar as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded view of another embodiment of the support assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a front elevation view of the assembled cat station illustrated in  FIG. 24 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown in the accompanying figures, and with particular reference to  FIG. 1 , the present invention is directed to a modular cat station, generally referenced at  10 . In particular, the cat station  10  comprises a base  20  and a plurality of spaced apart platforms  30  disposed a different heights relative to the base  20 . In particular, the base  20  generally comprises a at least partially rigid structure disposable in a supporting relation with a supporting surface, such as, for example, a floor, ledge, etc. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the base  20  comprises a substantially flat undersurface and is constructed of any suitable and/or rigid material, including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, aluminum, metal, etc. The undersurface of the base  20 , may in at least one embodiment, comprise height adjustable feet or legs structured to facilitate adjustment of the base  20  to be level in the event the supporting surface or floor is not level. Of course, the feet or legs may also allow the base  20  to be disposed slightly above the supporting surface, if desired. 
     Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the various platforms  30  are disposed in a substantially vertically aligned orientation. This minimizes the floor space and/or footprint occupied by the cat station  10  while allowing a substantial vertical height for different levels and platforms  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A through 2C , the platform(s)  30  of at least one embodiment comprises a layered configuration having a bottom support  32 , an intermediate padding  35 , and an outer exposed portion  36 . In particular, the bottom support layer  32  comprises a substantially rigid and sturdy configuration and may be made of wood, plastic, and/or other materials cooperatively structured to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner. The intermediate padding  35  and outer exposed portion  36  are structured to allow the cat to scratch the platform  30  without damaging the support layer  32 . Accordingly, the intermediate layer  35  may comprises foam, carpet padding, etc., whereas the outer exposed portion  36  comprises carpet, sisal rope, or other surfaces configured for cat scratching. 
     In addition, the outer exposed portion or layer  36  of at least one embodiment is capable of being removed and replaced, for instance, in the event the cat scratches the layer excessively and/or the layer needs to be replaced or washed. In such an embodiment, the outer exposed portion  36  and the bottom support layer  32  each comprise cooperatively structured connectors  34 ,  37  capable of facilitating the removal and/or replacement of the outer exposed portion  36 . The connectors  34 ,  37  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2C  are representative of hook and loop type fasteners, however, any sufficient connectors or fasteners are contemplated, including, but not limited to a collection of spaced apart snaps, hooks, ties, buttons, etc. In other embodiments, the outer exposed portion  36  may be securely or fixedly attached to the support layer  32 , for example, via staples, nails, screws, etc. 
     Furthermore, the cat station  10  of at least one embodiment comprises a passageway  38  structured and disposed to facilitate an animal, such as a feline, to maneuver between two successively disposed platforms  30 . For instance, because of the vertical disposition of the various platforms  30 , it may be difficult for a cat or other animal to maneuver, jump or otherwise transfer in an ascending or descending manner from one platform to another. Accordingly, the cat station  10  of at least one embodiment is structured to incorporate one or more passageways  38 . Specifically, in at least one embodiment, as generally illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the passageway(s)  38  may be structured in the form of at least one outer-edge or peripheral opening or notch, including, but certainly not limited to a wedge-shaped slot disposed at an outer peripheral portion of the platform  30 . In certain embodiments, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 17-19 , at least one of the platforms comprises a generally flat, at least partially rounded structure with an outer notch  38  to form an at least partially C-shaped configuration. The opening, passageway or outer notch  38  allows the cat to easily jump or otherwise maneuver between adjacently stacked platforms  30  by passing at least partially through the passageway  38  on the uppermost platform  30  of the two adjacent or successive platforms. For instance, in the embodiment wherein the platforms are disposed in a substantially vertically aligned orientation (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), the opening(s)  38  allow the cat to jump or maneuver from a lower platform  30  to an adjacent upper platform  30  more easily. As best shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the openings or notches  38  on adjacent platforms  30  may be positioned in a staggered or non-aligned relation to one another (as opposed to in an aligned relation) in order to further facilitate jumping or maneuvering from one platform  30  to another. 
     However, as shown in  FIGS. 3A through 3C , in at least one embodiment, some or all of the platforms  10  may comprise a closed configuration in that there in not an outer peripheral opening or notch as described above. For instance, the platform  30  as shown in  FIGS. 3A through 3C  may be used as the lower most platform  30 ′ (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) in that an opening  38  may not be needed depending on the height of the lower-most platform  30 ′ nearest the base  20 . 
     Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, at least some of the adjacent platforms  30  may comprise a variable width, dimension or surface area, as generally shown in the top view of  FIG. 4 . For instance, the outer peripheral edges  39 ,  39 ′ and  39 ″ of the adjacent substantially vertically aligned platforms  30  form concentric rings due to the variable dimensions thereof. The variable or different surface areas of adjacent or successive platforms  30  are also structured to create a passageway, for example, via an outer peripheral notch  38 , from the lower, larger platform to the upper smaller platform. This configuration and orientation further allows the cat or other animal to jump or maneuver from one platform  30  to another. 
     Furthermore, as described in detail herein, the various embodiments of the present invention comprise a support assembly, generally referenced as  80 , structured and disposed to securely interconnect the plurality of platforms  30  and collars  40  to the base  20 . Particularly, the various embodiments of the support assembly  80  allow the cat station  10  to be easily disposed between a collapsed configuration and an assembled configuration. The collapsed configuration of the cat station  10  is defined as the disassembly of various platform(s), collars(s), and/or portions of the support assembly  80  in order to facilitate shipping, storage and/or transportation. The assembled configuration (as shown in exemplary  FIG. 1 ) is defined as the interconnection of the platform(s)  30 , collar(s)  40  and base  20  via the support assembly  80 . 
     Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the support assembly may comprise a base connector  22  disposed or connected to the base  20 . In particular, the base connector  22  of such an embodiment is removably connected to a first or lower collar  40 ′. For instance, as shown, the base connector  22  comprises a threaded body cooperatively structured and removably connected to a bottom or lower end  42  of an adjacently connected collar  40 ′. For exemplary purposes only, the collar  40  may be constructed of plastic, PVC, polyurethane, foam, etc. The bottom end  42  in such an embodiment comprises a cooperatively structured threaded component disposed on an interior thereof. Other connectors  22  are also contemplated, including, but in no way limited to hooks, bolts, screws, pins, etc. As will be described in greater detail below, successive cooperatively structured platforms  30  and collars  40  are telescopically connected to one another in a substantially vertically aligned manner via other portions of the support assembly  80 , including telescopically connected members  31 ,  42 ,  44 . In this manner, one or more of the platforms  30  may also be rotatable and/or otherwise twisted or turned into the desired position. Specifically, the platforms  30  and the collars  40  form a substantially tight interconnection that may require manual force to rotate the platforms  30  in order to avoid unintended rotation by the animal during use. 
     In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the bottom or first collar  40 ′ is fixedly connected to the base  20 . Again, an adjacent platform  30  is removably connected, for instance, in a telescopic manner thereto. In particular, as illustrated, in such an embodiment, the support assembly  80  comprises cooperatively structured telescopic members disposed on adjacent ends of the connected platform  30  and collar  40 . Accordingly, the platform(s) and collar(s) are easily assembled and/or disassembled as needed. In yet another embodiment (not illustrated), the first, lower-most collar  40 ′ and first, lower-most platform  30 ′ may be fixedly connected to one another and to the base  20 . In such a case, each successive collar  40  and platform  30  are thereafter disposed in a removable telescopic manner as shown in the figures and as just described. Again, the platforms  30  may, in some embodiments, be rotatable or twisted into a desired position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in yet another embodiment, the support assembly  80  further comprises an internal support column  25  connected, either fixedly or removably, to the base  20 . In such an embodiment, at least some of the platforms  30  and collars  40  comprise an internal hollow channel or cavity cooperatively structured and disposed to operatively fit around or otherwise be disposed in a covering relation to the support column  25 . The support column creates a substantial amount of support and sturdiness to the cat station  10  and minimizes accidental collapse or destruction thereto. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , each of the platforms  30  of at least one embodiment of the present invention is connected in a telescopic manner to an adjacent collar  40 . For instance, the platform  30  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  comprise an extending support portion  31  cooperatively structured to connected to or be disposed within an adjacent end  42 ,  44  of the corresponding collar  40 . As described above, in at least one embodiment the platforms  30  and corresponding collars  40  form a tight, yet manually rotatable connection, sufficient to allow a user to rotate or twist the platform(s)  30  into a desired position, however, tight enough to eliminate or minimize unintended rotation by the cat or animal. 
     The upper most end  12  of the cat station  10  of the present invention may comprise a platform  30 ″ (shown in  FIG. 6 ) with one lower extending support portion  31  and, in at least one embodiment, a substantially flat upper surface  33 . However, the upper most end  12  of the cat station  10  may instead be customized with an upper cap  50  (as shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  11  and  12 ) connected to an adjacent collar  40  and/or platform  30 . Accordingly, the upper cap  50  of at least one embodiment comprises an extending support portion  52  telescopically connected to the adjacent collar  40  or platform  30 . The upper cap  50  may comprise a plurality of camouflaging elements  60 , as discussed below. 
     Moreover, one or more of the platforms  30  comprises at least one, but more practically, two or more accessory zones  70  embedded or otherwise constructed thereon. For instance, the accessory zone  70  of at least one embodiment comprises an indented area cooperatively structured to receive an accessory such as a container, food and/or water bowls, etc. In particular, the indented area of the accessory zone  70  serves to minimize spilling or movement of the food and water bowl  71  while the cat is eating or drinking therefrom, or otherwise passing by. 
     Additionally, the food and/or water bowls  71  of at least one embodiment comprises a plurality of stackable and removably connected sections  72  in order to adjust the height of the corresponding bowl  71 . For instance, as the cat grows and gets larger, it is generally healthier and safer for the cat to eat and drink out of elevated bowls. Accordingly, the variable height bowl  71  comprising a plurality of stackable sections  72  allows the owner to adjust the height at which the cat eats and drinks to correspond with the size of the cat as the cat grows older and larger. In addition, for households with multiple cats, it is often desirable to make sure kittens or younger cats eat their designated food rather than eating the same food as the adult cats. Accordingly, the owner can adjust the height of the adult cat&#39;s bowl to exceed the height in which the kittens can reach thereby not allowing the kittens to eat the adult cat food. 
     Furthermore, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  17  and  18 , at least one embodiment of the present invention further comprises a plurality of camouflaging or auxiliary elements  60  and/or other components structured and disposed to resemble plant-life and/or one or more components of a plant, tree, bush, branch, leaf, grass, flower or other foliage. The camouflaging or auxiliary elements  60  may be removably or fixedly connected to various portions of the cat station  10 , such as, for instance, along one or more sections of the collar(s)  40 , on the base  20 , at the upper most end  12 , and/or on one or more of the platform(s)  30 . Specifically, the elements  60  may be fixedly secured to the cat station  10 , for instance by virtue of staples, nails, screws, etc., and/or removably connected via any one or more fasters, including, but certainly not limited to hook and loop type fasteners such as VELCRO, snaps, hooks, adhesive, magnets etc. The various camouflaging elements  60  are constructed of a material safe for cats and other animals as it is not uncommon for the cat to play with the elements  60  while utilizing the cat station  10  of the preset invention. 
     Furthermore, the various camouflaging elements  60  of the present invention serve to conceal one or more portions of the cat station  10  thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing structure that can be added to almost any home. When fully constructed and assembles, the cat station  10  of the present invention is designed to have the appearance of a tree, bush, or other plant. 
     As another structural variation, at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a stabilizing assembly (not shown) connected between the cat station  10 , for instance to one or more collars  40  and/or platforms  30 , and an adjacent structure, such as a wall or other stable construction. For exemplary purposes only, the stabilizing assembly may comprise one or more cooperatively structured hooks and fasteners, each fastener being connected to an adjacent wall with a molly, if necessary. Of course other structural variation to the stabilizing assembly are contemplated, including, but not limited to string, rope, or other ties connected to or around the cat station  10  and an adjacent structure, such as the wall or floor. As can be appreciated, the stabilizing assembly is structured to provide additional support to the cat station  10  in order to eliminate accidental or unintended collapse thereof. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate yet another structural variation of the support assembly  80  of at least one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the support assembly  80  of such an embodiment comprises at least one outwardly extending support shaft  182  operatively interconnected to the base  20 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the shaft  182  is fixedly secured to a base plate  181  which is, in turn, fixedly secured to the base  20 . For instance, as generally illustrated in the top view of the base  20  (shown in  FIG. 22 ), the base plate  181  is secured to the base  20  via a number of spaced apart fasteners  181 ″, such as screws, bolts, etc. The auxiliary element(s) (not shown), such as faux grass or other elements replicating plant-life, are then disposed on top of the base plate  181  to camouflage or conceal the base plate  181  there under. It should be noted, however, that the shaft  182  may also or instead be removably secured to the base  20  and/or base plate  181 , for instance, via fasteners, screws, latches, threaded connectors, etc. 
     For exemplary purposes only, the shaft  182  of at least one embodiment includes, but is certainly not limited to, mild steel tubing, galvanized steel pipe, rigid plastic, PVC, and/or any other structurally sufficient materials or components. Further, the base plate  181  of at least one embodiment may include, but is also not limited to, a steel plate, which in one embodiment comprises a 12 inch×12 inch, ¼ inch thick plate. Of course other dimensions structured to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner are suitable. 
     Furthermore, and referring again to  FIG. 20 , the support assembly  80  of at least one embodiment comprises a plurality of shaft members  182 ,  183  interconnected to one another and to the base  20  via an intermediary connector  184 . The intermediary connector  184  comprises two oppositely disposed ends  184 ′ telescopically connected to corresponding ends  182 ′,  183 ′ of the adjacent or connecting shaft members  182 ,  183 . 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the plurality of platform-collar pairs  340  (comprising a platform  30  and a corresponding collar  40 ) include an internal channel or cavity  86  disposed at least partially therethrough. The platform and collar of a single platform-collar pair  340  may be fixedly secured to one another, molded together as a single construction, and/or separate, removable components. Further, the internal cavities or channels  86  are structured and disposed to removably receive the shaft  182 ,  183  therein in order to dispose the cat station  10  from a collapsed or disassembled configuration (as generally illustrated in the exploded view of  FIG. 20 ) to an assembled configuration (as illustrated in  FIG. 21 ). 
     Furthermore, the internal cavities or channels  86  of at least one embodiment each comprises a rigid reinforcement disposed on a peripheral edge therein, as generally illustrated in  FIG. 23A . In particular, the internal cavities  86  may comprise mild steel tubing, pole, pipe or other rigid structural reinforcement  87  on the inside thereof in order to provide added rigidity and stability to the assembled cat station. For exemplary purposes only, the reinforcement  87  of at least one embodiment comprises a steel pole having a one and a quarter inch diameter. Moreover, the collars  40  (and potentially the platforms  30  as well) of at least one embodiment may comprise or be constructed of a polyurethane foam mold or other like structure or component. Accordingly, the rigid reinforcement  87  disposed on the interior of the cavities  86  are operatively structured to provide maximum stability to the cat station while assembled and used in its intended fashion. In yet another embodiment, however, as shown in  FIG. 23B , the collar  40  may instead or in addition to the reinforcement, comprise a rigid cap  88  disposed on an end thereof. The cap  88  comprises an internal aperture or hole cooperatively aligned with the internal cavity  86  and is structured to provide added stability and rigidity to the assembled station  10 . In particular, the internal hole or cavity of cap  88  is dimensioned to correspond with or otherwise receive shaft  182 ,  183  as described herein. Accordingly, the cap  88 , in at least one embodiment, comprises wood, plastic, or other substantially rigid material or construction. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 21 , the cat station  10  as illustrated is disposed in the assembled configuration. Specifically, the first or bottom shaft  182  is disposed through or within the internal cavity  86  of the first or bottom platform-collar pair  340 . Once in place, the intermediary connector  184  is disposed within the upper cavity aperture  86 ′ of the lower platform-collar pair  340  and in telescoping relation with the first or lower shaft  182 . Once the intermediary connector  184  is in place it protrudes slightly out of or otherwise extends beyond the upper cavity aperture  86 ′, allowing the user to telescopically dispose the second shaft member  183  thereon. Once the second shaft member  183  is in place, the remaining platforms  30 , collars  40  and/or platform-collar pairs  340  may slide or stack into place, as illustrated. In such an embodiment, the platform(s)  30 , collar(s)  40  and/or platform-collar pair(s)  340  may rotate, for example, around the internal support assembly  80  such that a user mat position or rotate the various components into a desired orientation. 
     Yet another structural variation of the cat station  10 , and in particular, the support assembly  80 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . In particular, the support assembly  80  of at least one embodiment comprises a single or unitary support shaft  182  comprising a sufficient length and rigidity to support a plurality of platforms  30  and a plurality of columns  40 , as shown. Again, the shaft  181  may include, but is certainly not limited to, mild steel tubing, galvanized steel pipe, rigid plastic, PVC, and/or any other materials or components structured to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner. 
     Additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the shaft  182  of at least one embodiment is removably interconnected to the base  20  and/or base plate  181 . Specifically, the base plate  181  and the shaft  182  each comprise corresponding threaded connectors  181 ′ and  125 , respectively. In the embodiment shown, the threaded connector  125  of the shaft  182  is disposed within the corresponding threaded connector  181 ′ disposed on the base plate  181 . It is contemplated, however, that virtually any secure interconnection can be implemented, including the use of one or more pins, notches, locks, etc. in order to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner. 
     Furthermore, at least one embodiment comprises a leverage tool  190  disposed in an engaging relation with the elongated shaft  182 . Specifically, the leverage tool  190  is structured to facilitate the manual disposition of the shaft  182  into and out of a tight engaging relation with the base  20  and/or base plate  181 . For example, the leverage tool  190  of at least one embodiment comprises at least one, but more practically, two oppositely disposed handles engaged by a user&#39;s hands and structured to facilitate the manual rotational movement or twisting of the shaft  182  to ensure a tight, secure engagement between the shaft  182  and the base  20  or base plate  181 . For instance, the leverage tool  190  of at least one embodiment comprises a bar removably disposable into a corresponding aperture  192  located on and disposed through the shaft  182 . Accordingly, in operation, a user will position the shaft  182  into the connector  181 ′ and position the leverage tool  192  into an engaging relation with the shaft  182  by virtue of disposing the tool  190  through aperture  192 . The user will then apply manual rotational force to the shaft  182  by virtue of rotating the tool  190 . Once the shaft  182  is secured into place, the user may remove the tool  190  and proceed with the assembly of the cat station  10  as described herein. In other embodiments, however, the leverage tool  192  may be fixedly attached to the shaft  182  and disposable between an operative position (wherein a user may rotate the tool and apply force to the shaft  182 ) and a collapsed or non-operative position (e.g., telescopically closed or collapsed, pivoted up or down, etc.) 
     Once the shaft  182  is secured in place, as described above, the various collars  40  and platforms  30  (and/or platform-collar pairs) may be disposed or otherwise stacked upon one another. For instance, the platforms  30  and/or collars  30  comprise internal cavities  86  cooperatively structured to receive the shaft  182 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . The cat station  10  is thus easily disposable between the collapsed configuration (generally shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 24 ) and the assembled configuration (illustrated in  FIG. 25 ). 
     Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the cat station  10  comprises an end cap  90  disposed at or near the end of the top internal cavity  86 ′. As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the end cap  90  is disposed at the outermost edge of the cat station  10 , and in particular at the end of the top platform  30 , however, it should be noted that the end cap  90  may be disposed within the uppermost collar  40 , or otherwise at the uppermost end of the internal cavities  86 . Furthermore, the end cap  90 , of at least one embodiment, comprises a general conical shape or otherwise comprises a downward converging configuration. Such a configuration is structured and disposed to guide the end of the shaft  182  as the end platform  30  or collar  40  is operatively assembled. More in particular, the shaft  182  of at least one embodiment comprises a hollow interior, or at least a hollow upper end  182 ′ which is structured to at least partially receive the conical or converging end cap  90  therein. Accordingly, as previously mentioned the end cap  90  is structured to guide the shaft  182  into place and to further facilitate the maximum stability of the assembled cat station  10 . The end cap  90  is particularly important, but not expressly necessary, in the embodiment wherein the internal cavity  86  does not have a rigid reinforcement on the interior thereof. For example, in such an embodiment, the collar  40  may include a rigid bottom end cap or guide (as illustrated in  FIG. 22B ) to further assist in the stability and rigidity of the cat station  10 . 
     The cat station  10  of the various embodiments disclosed herein may be easily disposed between a collapsed orientation and an assembled orientation allowing for easy transportation, storage, assembly and disassembly. In addition, it should be apparent that the various embodiments may be customized in that a user may choose to install or assemble any number of collars  40  and/or platforms  30  depending upon his or her desires or needs. For exemplary purposes only, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 20-23 , the user may choose to install only one platform-collar pair  340  (e.g., the upper most platform-collar pair  340  with a top end-cap). In such an instance, the cat station  10  may be customized for smaller animals or kittens and adaptable as the animal ages or grows. 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,