Small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure

A small animal structure includes several modular units slideably interconnected to form a maze and at least one end cap secured to at least one modular unit. The modular units have a common bottom edge defining an open bottom of the small animal structure. A combination of a small-animal structure and a small-animal cage includes modular units slideably interconnected to form a maze. The modular units have a common bottom edge defining an open bottom of the small-animal structure. The small-animal structure is mounted on a floor of the small animal cage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional counterpart application to and claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 61/150,546, which is pending and which is hereby incorporated in its entirety for all purposes by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an entertainment, exercise and interaction structure for small animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Small animals, such as hamsters, mice, rats of various genus, ferrets, and other small animals, in nature are naturally curious and active. These desires do not diminish when small animals are domestic pets. Owners of such pets seek to provide appropriate stimulation so that animal is able to entertain itself, has exercise, and has an opportunity to interact with the owner.

Thus, what is needed is a small animal structure for entertainment, exercise and interaction. Preferably, such a structure provides entertainment to the owner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A small animal structure includes several modular units slideably interconnected to form a maze and at least one end cap secured to at least one modular unit. The modular units have a common bottom edge defining an open bottom of the small animal structure. A combination of a small- animal structure and a small-animal cage includes modular units slideably interconnected to form a maze. The modular units have a common bottom edge defining an open bottom of the small-animal structure. The small-animal structure is mounted on a floor of the small animal cage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1ais a first perspective view of a small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 1bis a second perspective view of the small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure ofFIG. 1a.FIG. 1cis a third perspective of the small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure ofFIGS. 1aand1b.FIG. 1dis an exploded view of the small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure as illustrated inFIG. 1a.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure10, i.e., a small animal structure10, includes a plurality of modular structural units that may be selectively arranged by a small animal owner.

The small animal structure is suitable for small animals, such as hamsters, mice, rats of various genus, ferrets, and other small animals (collectively and singularly “small animal”) that are customarily or, even if not customary can be kept in cages, terrariums, aquariums, or like structures, (collectively and singularly “cage”). The small animal structure may be permanently or temporarily secured in a cage having a securing unit in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention or may simply be positioned in a cage in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention.

Small animal structure10includes a plurality of modular units12-18and end caps20-26that provide an entertaining and exploratory maze for a resident small animal. The maze is configured as a convoluted structure mimicking in the abstract the tunnels and opening therein that some small animals make in nature. End cap units provided at distal ends of at least some modular units permit an opportunity for the owner to interact with the resident small animal as the animal peeks from the structure.

Each of the plurality of modular units has an open bottom and the plurality of modular units has a common bottom edge11when joined together defining an open bottom of the small-animal structure wherein the modular units rest on a surface such as a floor of the cage. This open bottom surface lies in a common plane as can be seen at least inFIGS. 1a,1b,1c, the open bottom surface advantageously permits the small animal structure to be raised from the cage floor for easy cleaning of the cage floor area covered by the small animal structure. Since a closed floor of an animal structure would obstruct the interior, the open floor, i.e., lack of a floor, advantageously permits easy cleaning of the small animal structure itself.

In general, small animal structure10is configured such that the modular units may be interconnected via a connecting portion on one unit that is slideably engageable with a connecting portion on at least one other modular unit. Other connections are also foreseen. For example, the interconnected portions may rather than have male or female connection have pressure fitted connections or friction fit connections.

Recessed bands provided on end caps may mate with indented bands provided on distal ends of the modular units and secure the end caps to the modular units. To aid in the mating of the end caps with the modular units and to help orient the end caps relative to the respective modular unit, the indented bands on the modular units may include one or more slots into which a respective key, e.g., raised portion, provided on the recessed bands of the end cap fits. It should be appreciated that the reverse arrangement of keys provided on the indented bands of modular units and slots in the recessed bands of the respective end cap also orients the end caps relative to the respective modular unit and mates therewith.

The exemplary small animal structure ofFIGS. 1a-1dincludes a center modular unit configured as a tube unit12, herein configured as a triple-entrance tube unit.FIGS. 2a-2fare, respectively, a perspective, a right-side, a front, a left-side, a bottom, and a top view of a triple-entrance tube unit. The triple-entrance tube unit comprises a circumferential wall12ahaving an edge12bof a tube. The height of the wall may be any suitable height and the tube unit may have any suitable dimensions. An indented band12chaving an edge12dis provided on the inside of wall12afor securing an extension or cap unit.

Tube unit12further includes a plurality of protruding arched doorways or entrance portions12ethat with wall12adefine the limit of an inner space12f. The entrance portions are open to a bottom and have a common bottom edge12gthat rests on a surface such as the floor of a cage. Therein, the entrance portions provide a vaulted architectural look.

Two entrance portions may be, but not necessarily, disposed along a common axis passing through the entrance openings and form a straight common passageway through the inner space. One entrance portion is disposed perpendicular to the other two and forms an intersecting passageway relative to the common passageway. The entrance portions may have a rearwardly located edge12hdisposed in inner space12f.

At each entrance portion, an interconnecting portion may be formed. This may be in the shape of a peripheral lip12ithat defines a male interconnecting portion and a hook-shaped or c -shaped, in cross-section, peripheral receiving section12jthat defines a female interconnecting portion.FIG. 11is cross-sectional view of interconnecting portions that join one or more modular units together in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Therein, it is preferred that the entrance portions that form a common passageway comprise female interconnecting portions12j, and the entrance portion forming an intersecting passageway comprises a male interconnecting portion12i.

A tube unit14, which may be configured as a single-entrance tube unit, is connected to tube unit12.FIGS. 3a-3fare, respectively, a perspective, a right-side, a front, a left-side, a bottom, and a top view of a single-entrance tube unit. The single-entrance tube unit comprises a circumferential wall14ahaving an edge14bof a tube. An indented band14chaving an edge14dis provided on the inside of wall14afor securing an extension or cap unit. The height of wall14amay be any suitable height and the tube unit may have any suitable dimensions. However, wall14amay be substantially different in height, for example, taller, than wall12a.

Tube unit14further includes one protruding arched doorway or entrance portion14ethat with wall14adefine the limit of an inner space14f. The entrance portion is open to a bottom and along with wall14adefines a common bottom edge14gthat rests on a surface such as the floor of a cage. Therein, the entrance portion may provide a vaulted architectural look.

A male interconnecting portion14ior a female interconnecting portion may be formed at the entrance portion that are substantially similar to peripheral lip12i(as illustrated) or similar to peripheral receiving section12j(not illustrated), respectively.

A tube unit16, which may be configured as a double-entrance tube unit, is connected to tube unit12.FIGS. 4a-4fare, respectively, a perspective, a right-side, a front, a left-side, a bottom, and a top view of a double-entrance tube unit. The double-entrance tube unit comprises a circumferential wall16ahaving an edge16bof a tube. An indented band16chaving an edge16dis provided on the inside of wall16afor securing an extension or cap unit. The height of wall16amay be any suitable height and the tube unit may have any suitable dimensions.

Tube unit16further includes a plurality of protruding arched doorways or entrance portions16ethat with wall16adefine the limit of an inner space16f. The entrance portions are open to a bottom and along with wall16adefine a common bottom edge16gthat rests on a surface such as the floor of a cage. Therein, the entrance portions provide a vaulted architectural look.

The entrance portions may be, but not necessarily, disposed along a common axis passing through the entrance openings and form a straight common passageway through the inner space.

A male interconnecting portion16ior a female interconnecting portion16jmay be formed at each entrance portion and are substantially similar to peripheral lip12ior similar to peripheral receiving section12j, respectively. Therein, it is preferred that one entrance portion has a female interconnecting portions16jat one entrance portion and the other entrance portion has a male interconnecting portion16i.

Small animal structure10may also include a tube unit18configured as quadruple-entrance tube unit which may be secured to other tube units.FIGS. 5a-5fare, respectively, a perspective, a right-side, a front, a left-side, a bottom, and a top view of a quadruple-entrance tube unit. The quadruple-entrance tube unit comprises a circumferential wall18ahaving an edge18bof a tube. An indented band18chaving an edge18dis provided on the inside of wall18afor securing an extension or cap unit. The height of wall18amay be any suitable height and the tube unit may have any suitable dimensions.

Tube unit18further includes four protruding arched doorways or entrance portions18ethat with wall18adefine the limit of an inner space18f. The entrance portions are open to a bottom and have a common bottom edge18gthat rests on a surface such as the floor of a cage. Therein, the entrance portions provide a vaulted architectural look.

Two of the four entrance portions may be, but not necessarily, disposed along a common axis passing through the entrance openings and form a straight common passageway through the inner space that intersects the other two entrance portions that may be, but not necessarily, disposed along a common axis passing through the entrance openings and form a second straight common passageway through the inner space.

A male interconnecting portion18ior a female interconnecting portion18jmay be formed at each entrance portion and are substantially similar to peripheral lip12ior similar to peripheral receiving section12j, respectively. Therein, it is preferred that one entrance portion of each pair forming a common passage way has a female interconnecting portion18jat one entrance portion and the other entrance portion has a male interconnecting portion18i.

A plurality of end cap units may be operable secured to modular units12-18to provide a finished appearance the modular units and permit the resident small animal to climb explore and entertain themselves.FIGS. 6a-6fare, respectively, a perspective, a right-side, a front, a left-side, a rear, a top, and a bottom view of an end cover. Therein, an end cover20is configured substantially planar. An edge20ais preferably shaped to have a protruding peripheral lip substantially similar to lip12isuch that edge20amates with the female interconnecting portion to seal the respective entrance portion off. The end cover mimics in the abstract non-functional or collapsed tunnel portions that the resident small animal may be required to consider in nature.

FIGS. 7a-7eare, respectively, a perspective, a cross-sectional, a front, a top, and a bottom view of a ring end cap. A ring end cap22formed as an annulus comprises a rounded peripheral edge22aat one end and a recessed band22bat another end. Therein, the recessed band is configured to mate with indented bands12c,14c,16c, and18cto provide structural support to edge12b,14b,16b, and18b. The peripheral edge may have a c-shape with an undercut in order to permit the resident small animal to use the lip as a climbing aid. The ring end cap mimics in the abstract a burrow opening that the resident small animal may instinctually create in nature.

FIGS. 8a-8fare, respectively, a perspective, a front, a right-side, a cross-sectional, a top, and a bottom view of a platform cap. A platform cap24formed having a bathtub shape with a depression comprises a rounded peripheral edge24aat one end and a recessed band24bat another end. Therein, the recessed band is configured to mate with indented bands12c,14c,16c, and18cto provide structural support to edge12b,14b,16b, and18b. An opening24cleads to the depression24d, where the resident small animal can rest in a protected position that mimics in the abstract a predator-safe ground position.

FIGS. 9a-9fare, respectively, a perspective, a right-side, a front, a cross-sectional, a top, and a bottom view of a pipe end cap. A pipe end cap26may be formed as a quarter pipe section26aat one end and a recessed band26bat another end. Therein, the recessed band is configured to mate with indented bands12c,14c,16c, and18cto provide structural support to edge12b,14b,16b, and18b. The pipe end cap mimics in the abstract an opening provided in a vertically-oriented surface, such as a cliff, that the resident small animal may instinctually create in nature.

FIG. 10ais a perspective view of a small animal structure prior to mounting in a base unit of a cage in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 10bis a perspective view of the small animal structure ofFIG. 10amounted in the base unit of a cage. In use, small animal structure10may be mounted in a cage (such as the one disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication 20080230012, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes) having a base unit30. Preferably, the base unit comprises a securing unit30a, which may be configured as an upright annular structure raised from the base unit. However, other configurations may be used.

In at least one modular unit, such as here illustrated with respect to double-entrance tube unit16, a plurality of interlocking features32is present. For example, the interlocking features may comprise slots32apositioned to have a wall portion of the securing unit fit into one or more slots32. Index keys32bmay also be present and would orient in one or more slots30bprovided in the securing unit. In particular, a combination of slots32a, index keys32bcooperative with slots30bprovides an efficient securing and mounting structure. Moreover, it is preferable that securing unit30acomprises a shape sized to receive a structural component of a modular unit12-18, as for example, wall16anear the bottom edge.

An interlocking feature need not be present on small animal structure10when not used in a cage or when freestanding.

Once small animal structure10is set-up either in a cage or free-standing, the resident small animal may find entertainment and exercise by traversing through the maze formed by the modular units. When so desired the animal can climb out via the end caps or exit through the doorways. The end caps provide an opportunity for the resident small animal to be raised from the base of a cage and for the owner, e.g., owner, to more easily reach for and interact with the animal.

Each of the end caps may provide a different experience for the small animal. The ring end cap may be used to climb straight out of a vertical tube; the platform cap permits the animal to hide in the depression and observe; and the pipe end cap permits a vertical to horizontal upward climb. Each of these when combined with the variations possible in establishing a maze comprised of modular units12-18provides for an ever-changing small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure.

FIG. 12ais a first perspective view of a small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 12bis a second perspective view of the small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure ofFIG. 12a.FIG. 12cis a third perspective of the small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure ofFIGS. 12aand12b. Therein, a small animal entertainment, exercise and interaction structure, e.g., small animal structure50, is similar to small animal structure10, but is significantly larger and more complex by the use of multiple use of the same modular component, for example, double-entrance tube16, and/or multiple use of the same end cap, for example, platform end cap26.

However, additional types of modular units may be also be used. For example, large units having five or more entrances, e.g., doorway may be contemplated. Therein, a modular unit52is configured as a tunnel having a central expanded space or a modular unit54is configured as an enlarged space with a vertically extending opening.

The small animal structure10or50may comprise any suitable material, but preferably provides an interesting visual appearance. Thus, it is preferred that the modular units comprise materials such as transparent plastic material, e.g., transparent general purpose styrene plastic, so that the owner can watch the resident small animal in the small animal structure. The end caps are preferred to be in opaque plastic, e.g., opaque polypropelene plastic. Each modular unit and/or end cap may be colored and the use of different colors would provide an amusing choice to a small animal pet owner configuring the small animal structure according to their taste. In particular, plastic is preferred material for the present invention because it is easily cleanable, affordable, easy to use in manufacturing, and has reduced shipping weight. Transparent plastic is preferably used as a safety feature to see if the resident small animal has not become stuck.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, small animal structures10or50may be molded out of fewer units or just one unit. Therein, multiple modular units may be combined integrally as fewer unit and may include one or more integrally molded end caps. For example, small animal structure10may comprise a single structure including the end caps.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, tube walls12a,14a,16a, and18ahave a diameter at respective edge12b,14b,16b, and18bof 2 inches and each doorway, e.g., entrance,12e,14e,16e, and18emay have a width of 1.5 inches and a height of 2.25 inches to center (maximal) height of the arch. However, other sizes are contemplated for the structure.

Moreover, arched entrance openings may also have a different non-arched or different arched shape.

It should be appreciated that the present invention may be adapted to provide an entertainment, exercise and interaction structure for snakes by being sized differently and having the disclosed structures altered to minimize angles, reduce dimensions, and provide texturing as may be suitable for the particular genus of snake. Similarly, while the present invention is suitable for ferrets, increasing dimensions and providing particular angles provides a more enjoyable experience by the resident small animal.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.