Shelter for small animals and pets

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.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an animal shelter and more especially to an animal shelter that is suitable for felines and other small pets, protecting them from temperature extremes.

Currently available pet shelters did not adequately protect cats and other small pets from the effect of temperatures in cold environments. Such protection is desirable also in so called temperate climates because even there, the temperature outdoors frequently falls below the average person's refrigerator temperature which is about 38–42 degrees F. Many small animals that live unprotected in extreme low temperature climates experience discomfort and have an increased the risk of cold related illnesses and shorter life spans.

Further, many small pets are adverse to involuntary confinement or the use of artificial shelters that are provided by the owner, as felines have a natural desire to define their own territory frequently inhibits them from leaving a pre-existing territory, despite physical discomfort and enter or remain in an unfamiliar shelter

In light of the aforementioned risks to small pets and the unsuitability of prior art pet shelters there exists a need for a low cost pet shelter or habitat that encourages small pets to enter and to adjust a new environment. Accordingly, the desirable pet shelter should be adaptable to changing seasons and climates year round, as well as being sufficiently light weight to provide portability.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a shelter for small pets that is portable, being of light weight; such that it is easily moved to favored locations depending upon the climates, season and the animal's territory and viewing preferences.

As a further object of the attention to provide such a shelter that is easy to clean and wash from time to time, yet at low cost.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A feline habitat in the form of a hollow shell or container is constructed of rigid foam insulation and has a sufficiently small opening such that the animal's body warmth is sufficient to heat the chamber under cold conditions that may be experienced on a covered porch, unheated garage or other semi-protected area. The animal is first attracted to the habitat due to its cushioned upper surface, which serves as a convenient perch, and eventually a leaping target. Accordingly, after feeling secure on the perch, the feline becomes intrigued with the new object, and ultimately sufficiently emboldened to enter, thus appreciating its comfortable insulating properties. The habitat further provides a secure and safe shelter from large predators.

A feline habitat consisting of two living quarters to serve, day and night and through all the seasons of the year, the feline's environmental needs pertaining to temperature, comfort, and instinct. The interior living quarters becomes substantially and measurably warmer with a feline inside because their body heat warms the interior space. The interior living quarters serves their comfort needs further because of the soft pillow provided inside the chamber. The interior living quarters meets the feline's instinctive need for a secluded nesting area. The top level living quarters meets the feline's instinctive need for an elevated viewing perch; the soft pillow affixed to the top provides a lofty daybed.

In the preferred embodiment structure has an outer covering that protects the foam from climbing and clawing, yet is light enough to be relocated until the viewpoint from the upper surface or perch first attracts the feline or other small pet to enter the habitat structure. The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present invention, a feline habitat in the form of a hollow shell or container is constructed primarily from a tubular section of solid foam insulation material by combining one or more rigid foam boards as either the top or bottom surface of the tubular structure. The tubular structure may also be constructed from either rigid foam boards or other foam shapes with a cross-section that is of either circular, conical or rectangular cross-section, or the like. The chamber has a sufficiently small opening, defining an entrance side, such that the feline's body warmth is sufficient to heat the chamber interior to at least about 50° F. when the exterior temperature is circa 32° F. (freezing), or other cold conditions that may be experienced on a covered porch, unheated garage, basement or other semi protected area.

FIG. 1is an elevation of the first embodiment of the inventive habitat100viewed from the entrance side. In this embodiment the habitat100is substantially rectangular having an opening or entry portal110that defines the front side of the habitat. The entry portal110need not be spherical as illustrated, but preferably has at least one side or edge near the internal floor of the habitat, illustrated by the dashed lines above bottom surface100d. Note that the thickness of interior walls,100aandb, as well as roof and floor,100cand100d(as defined by the distance between the dashed lines, representing the interior surface, and the solid lines, representing the external surface) are considerably massive, having a thickness of about 1″ to ¾″ thick in a preferred embodiment. As the walls are preferably constructed from rigid foam insulation, a material having voids entrained within, they provide both thermal insulation and structural support to the habitat.

FIG. 2is a cross-sectional illustration for the inventive habitat100inFIG. 1, providing further details of the method and materials of construction. The habitat is preferably constructed from rigid sheet of insulating foam,110a,110bfor the walls, and110cand110dfor the roof and floor respectively. The foam is cut into discrete sheets or panels that are glued to internal edges112a,112b,112cand112d. The currently preferred insulating material is cut from molded (or otherwise fabricated) expanded polystyrene foam insulation, which is available in either planar boards or wide variety of alternative shapes and sizes.

As will be discussed further below, the design and construction of the habitat from rigid foam insulation provides numerous benefits, in addition to low construction cost. Such insulating foam is typically easy to wash or clean with soft, damp towel, as are optional protective covers described with respect to additional embodiment of the invention. Further, numerous types of foam insulating materials are available which are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Although these insulating materials are generally not intended for use as a structural or load bearing elements in the general construction industry, their deployment in the habitat avoids other structural members, and thus enables a light weight and portable structure; easily moved to favored locations depending upon climates, season, as well as the small pet's preferences.

FIG. 2illustrates optional cushions, which among other function, enhance the retention of the animal's body heat. The previously described insulating foam structure ofFIG. 1is adapted for receiving at least on of a first optional cushion201in the interior of habitat, and an optional second insulating cushion202placed on the upper surface. The more preferred embodiment being the use of both an interior and exterior cushions.

The deployment of the upper cushion is preferred to help the small animal overcome any natural tendency to avoid such structures. In the case of the feline, the pet is first attracted to the habitat by the cushioned upper surface, which serves a compelling perch for viewing as well as an extra soft daybed, meeting a cat's natural desire to be in a lofty warm and comfortable position. Thus the split-level design using both optional cushions encourages the feline to first become enamored with the top level bed. Accordingly, after feeling secure on the cushioned top level bed or cushion, the feline becomes intrigued with the new object, and ultimately sufficiently emboldened to enter the interior chamber and discover the additional warmth available. As this interior chamber constitutes the second sleeping area for use, especially during cold temperatures; the animal learns to seek shelter therein, having earlier appreciate the rapid temperature elevation it senses on entering this chamber.

Not wishing to be bound by theory, it appears that the uncovered insulating foam on the interior side walls of the chamber provide the animal with a rapid and dramatic sensation of warmth which may be attributed to the novel structure. Further, by wholly constructing the habitat from foam insulation the interior wall surface have a low thermal mass and increase in temperature rapidly once a pet or animal enters. Hence, a the pet upon entering an otherwise cold structure notices a heat increase very quickly, perhaps within less than about 10 seconds of entry, as the temperature of the insulating foam inner surface rising quickly, along with the air inside the habitat, from about 32 degree ° F. to 50 degrees ° F., merely from the body heat of the creature.

Thus the small pet can make their own choice from day to night, season to season, as well as from moment to moment, about the temperature of their own sleeping/resting environment; either the cushioned top level bed for daytime and warm spring/summer nights; or the interior chamber bed for the cold days and nights of fall/winter since the interior quickly becomes substantially and measurably warmer than the outside temperature.

Also by constructing a small compact habitat from rigid insulation board a light weight and portable structure of sufficient structural strength can be fabricated inexpensively.

The construction of another preferred embodiment is illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B.FIG. 3Ais a perspective view of the habitat inFIG. 2as observed from the entry or portal side to display the upper surface and entry side of the habitat. This perspective view omits the optional upper cushion to illustrate the placement and attachment of an optional protective cover (formed from plastic or vinyl sheet wrapped around the outer surfaces of the structure.)

FIG. 3Bis an exploded plan view of a cross-section taken at reference line3B–3B′ inFIG. 3Ato illustrate the placement of the cushion, a protective fabric and a preferred means for securing the cushion to habitat300via a protective cover330.

The outer covering protects the foam from damage during climbing or clawing by the pet. In a preferred embodiment to outer cover is also used to secure the upper cushion in place. The protective cover inFIG. 3is fabricated from two vinyl sheets having a width that correspond to the outer dimension of the habitat, and are preferably of a sufficient length to be wrapped around 4 adjacent sides. Thus in a more preferred embodiment top surface310cof habitat300is covered with a double layer of the vinyl sheet material whereas a single layer of the sheet covers each the side surfaces. Furthermore, the short edges of the vinyl sheets331and332are preferably disposed to overlap at the top surface310of the protective habitat300, where each of the two vinyl sheets each preferably adhere to the opposing side of the same vinyl sheet by one or more adhesive tape strips334(connecting edges of vinyl sheet331) and332(connecting edges of vinyl sheet332) which are diagonally disposed to each other, as numerous grades of commercial adhesive tape334and335having good adhesion to vinyl surfaces. Furthermore, the four side edges that extend form top surface310cto bottom surface310dmay also be sealed with adhesive tape strips, leaving about a 2″ gaps to provide for optional securing straps, fasteners or other fasteners described below.

As illustrated inFIG. 3Aa series of holes numbered311penetrate both of the overlapping sheets proximal to each of the four corners of the upper surface310cof the habitat300. A ribbon, string or band312can be tied to secure the two pieces of vinyl sheeting together, largely avoiding the use of adhesive or other fasteners directly to the foam boards, or other insulating structural members. Advantageously this construction maintains the structural and thermal insulating integrity of the rigid foam material.

Further, these connecting ribbons provide a preferred means for securing the upper cushion in place, while still leaving the cushion, and an optional fabric cover, easily detachable for removal and cleaning. Thus the ribbons311or other connectors can be used to secure the upper cushion by detachable mechanical connection, including, without limitation, inserting the ribbon through corresponding holes or fastener loops attached to the corners of the cushion.

Opposite ends of each of ribbons311can be tied by extending one end over the corner of the structure, and the other end of the ribbon through the dual hole such that the ribbons is under both of the sheets of material that fully cover the top of the habitat. Alternatively, as further illustrated in exploded cross-sectional viewFIG. 3B, a decorative fabric sheet340having a larger area than the cushion can be draped around the cushions edges with the excess fabric bundled together and inserted through the loops defined by tying the ends of ribbons312, thus detachably securing both the fabric sheet340and the cushion to the top of the habitat. Alternatively, clips, snaps, zippers, “VELCRO™” type closures and the like type fasteners may be connected to holes311, or corresponding connection points previously formed in the protective vinyl sheets, so as to secure the fabric sheet and or cushion together on top of the habitat

As shown inFIG. 3B, this provides a single layer of the vinyl sheet material on each side face, including the front of the entry portal. Thus by slitting selected portions of the vinyl along the dashed lines over the entry portal side that are enclosed within reference bracket315a protective entry screen is optionally formed This protective entry screen is preferred as it further prevents heat loss, yet permits as well as encourages the animal to enter the shelter, as the light weight strips offer little or no resistance to the force exerted by the pet entering the habitat.

FIG. 4is an elevation view showing one configuration for stacking multiple habitats401,402and403, each having respective entry portals411,412and413. In this stacked configuration, the upper cushions had been removed from lower habitats401and402. The suitability for this configuration may be enhanced by providing additional features or structures, such as supporting stands to raise the lower habitats off the ground to meet the feline's instinctive need to be in an elevated position, thus providing an opportunity to exercise by leaping either into or on top of their respective habitats. It will become obvious to one ordinary skill in the art that fabricating the habitats inFIG. 4with interlocking mechanical features on the top and bottom surfaces facilitates the stacking via overlapping the edges as shown in theFIG. 4, and is also applicable to stacking the habitats by vertically aligning the side walls of the upper and lower habitat. As it is desirable to secure or fasten such stacked habitats to the walls or other vertical structures, holes formed within the top of the flexible protective cover, described above with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B, as well as the openings between the flexible protective covers (disposed on the 4 vertical edges of the habitat where the outer surface of the foam insulation is optionally exposed) provide a convenient location for attaching strap, as well as other mechanical connectors.

FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate an alternative insulating habitat having either a conical or semi-spherical shape similar to an igloo.FIG. 5Ais a plan view from above the habitat showing the larger circular base of insulating material511that forms a floor, a roof512formed from a circular panel and an entry portal510penetrating the sloping side surface502of habitat500. The otherwise exposed outer surfaces of the foam insulating material are optionally protected by an outer cover. The slope of side surface502are preferably linear, having a single axis of curvature, such that the habitat comprises a section of a cone, as this facilitates the fabrication and attachment of an optional flexible cover, which is wrapped and connected to itself at an angle so as the form a conical shape, as further described below with referenceFIGS. 6A and 6B. However, side surface502aalternatively has convex curvature to provide an igloo shaped habitat.

FIG. 5Ais a cross-section of habitat500inFIG. 5Btaken through line5A–5A′ for illustrating various optional features of this embodiment. An upper cushion520is readily secured by providing an upper roof surface501arecessed slightly below the upper edge502aof side wall502. The diameter of cushion200is less than the diameter of the opening in habitat500at side edge502a. This recess is formed by extending the edges side walls above a substantially round aperture wherein roof501is formed from a circular panel is inserted below side edge502a, but held in place by contact with the smaller diameter opening defined by the upper edge502bof inner side wall502′ disposed below outer wall side edge502a. Thus the circular panel501can be permanently attached to side wall502along surface502c, but otherwise provides a removable roof as an additional feature. Roof panel501is preferably an insulating sheet like side wall502. Further, the insulating bottom floor503, like the roof501is optionally detachable from side wall502, but can also be permanently adhered to side wall502using any commercially available adhesive side compatible with polystyrene or the plastic material used to form the side walls.

FIG. 6Aillustrate in plan view of a section of vinyl or other sheet material for forming a protective cover over the conical section shaped habitat inFIG. 5A.

Sheet600is a 4 sided polygon having long non-parallel but opposing sides600cand600d,and substantially shorter opposing sides600eand600d,as shown inFIG. 6A. Sheet600is wrapped to form the conical surface inFIG. 6Bby overlapping sides600aand600bat an angle that determines the cone angle by bringing edge600binto alignment with reference line600e.The point of overlap is labeled600b–600einFIG. 6B. As shown inFIG. 6Badhesive tape635secures these overlapping edges together. Additionally, otherwise free edge600acan be attached to the inside surface of sheet600by adhesive tape. The adhesive tape can be replaced by other joining methods, including but not limited to riveting, sewing, ultrasonic welding, and the like. Accordingly, the portion of the vinyl sheet in front of the entry portal can be the removed or slip as in the rectangular configuration inFIG. 3. Thus, assembled outer cover600′ inFIG. 6bis readily slipped over the top of habitat500from the narrower top. Accordingly, cover601′ is readily secured to habitat500by virtue of a slip fit by matching there respective cone angles and dimension of sheet600to the length of side502of habitat500. Flexible cover600′ has either an opening to correspond to the location of portal510on side surface502of habitat500or, as shown, is optionally slit along the dashed lines labeled by bracket with reference number615to form a series of deformable insulating flaps. An alternative to vinyl sheeting as protection for foam walls502is a shell or structural material disposed on the outer surface of sidewalls502as either an integral part of the insulating material or in lamination thereto.

FIGS. 7A,7C and7E are cross-sectional elevations for another embodiment of the invention for schematically illustrating the three primary assembly thereof. Each of the horizontally adjacentFIGS. 7B,7D andFIG. 7Fare the corresponding exterior elevations of the same stages of assembly.

Accordingly,FIG. 7Aillustrates the four of the six rigid foam panels that provide the insulating properties to habitat700.FIG. 7Billustrates the sixth panel706as having the circular hole710that forms a portion of the entrance portal of habitat700. The external portion of habitat700is formed from a box720that has opening flaps721and722as illustratedfigure 7C. The opening flaps721and722fully expose the interior of the box720permitting the insertion of foam panels701,702,703,704and706, as well as the fifth panel, which is not illustrated. The fifth panel corresponds to the dimensions of panel706, but generally does not include the circular hole710. In order to form the assembly shown inFIG. 5Crigid foam panels704is first inserted into the bottom of the box720to form at least a portion of the floor of habit. Rigid foam panel is may cover the full width and length of the inside bottom of the box but is preferably dimensioned so as to accommodate the vertical side panels being inserted between the side walls of the box and the vertically disposed edge of a horizontally disposed bottom panel704. Next the four side panels (which includes panels701,703, and706) are inserted flush against the inside vertical wall of box720resting on the bottom panel704, and secured in the upright or vertical position being wedged between the internal surfaces of the sides of the box and panel704. As illustrated inFIG. 7dthe illustrated side720aof box720has a circular hole723constructed to form the external portal to the habitat. Accordingly, rigid foam side panel706is inserted into box720such that hole710is aligned with the corresponding and generally circular hole723on side720a.The last of the four side foam panels is inserted flush against the inside surface of the box on the face opposed to sided520a.The vertical dimensions of the side panels deliberately shorter than the height of box720such that the last of the six foam panels rests on the edges of the side panels501and502when inserted into box720, forming the insulated roof of the habit. Thus, after all six foam panels are inserted and secured to the interior walls of box720the opening flaps721and722are folded down, as illustrated by the arrows inFIG. 7C, to form the completed habitat, as illustrated inFIGS. 7E and 7F. It should be appreciated that flaps721and722are optionally sealed together by numerous means such that they remain in place covering the upper surface of rigid foam panel702. Further, it should be apparent that that the placement of circular hole710in panel706, and the corresponding circular hole723in side720aof box720, closer to one edge of face720acan define the intended bottom of the enclosure, provided the foam panels are otherwise secured so the assembly final enclosure700can inverted, as well as rotated by 90 degrees. Although flaps721and722of box720would be disposed in contact with supporting surface if the enclosure is inverted it is still desired that they are sealed with tape, adhesive, staples and the like. In addition, the box can also be closed by providing an extra length of flap that folds so that it can be tucked between the foam panel and the interior of the box. Such flaps may also be formed into a self interlocking assembly, as is known in the art of constructing storage boxes, such as “Banker Boxes” and the like.

The box720used to form the exterior of habit700inFIG. 7Fmay comprise conventional cartons formed of paper fiber paper-based corrugated board. As it is desirable to be able to clean the habitat with water or use it outside of a sheltered are the preferred embodiment utilizes corrugated plastic sheeting having comparable dimensions to ordinary corrugated paper fiber based cardboard. Such plastic board being generally waterproof is easier to clean and more durable. If it should be apparent that the protective entry screen, formed by slitting the flexible plastic sheeting, as shown inFIG. 3, need not cover the entire habitat, but can be limited to the approximate dimension of the entrance portal by conveniently attached it either the cardboard exterior of box720to cover portal723, or the foam board706that forms the interior wall of the completed habitat, that is over hole710. The protective entry screen can be attached with adhesive tape, glue, mechanical fasteners, hook and loop “VELCRO” type fasteners, and the like. Further, the flexible sheeting, interior and exterior cushions described with respect to other embodiments are fully compatible for combination with habitat700inFIG. 7. The habit inFIG. 7optionally includes a short pipe like section with a flange portion to cover the inside edge of the hole710cut in the foam panel, particularly at the outside interface with the exterior wall of the box where it engages the corresponding hole723.

It should be appreciated that the dimensions and strength of the rigid foam panels used to form the side and upper surface of the box720are selected such that the assembled habit700is strong and durable enough to sustain the impact and weight of the small pet perched on the upper exterior surface thereof. The rigid foam panels can be secured within box720by a snug compression fit, adhesive tape, glue, mechanical fasteners, hook and loop “VELCRO” type fasteners, and the like.

With a feline inside any of the habitats structure and equivalents disclosed herein, even the air inside is warmed for comfortable breathing. The habitat thus protects felines from severe temperatures, prevents their discomfort in cold weather, and reduces their risk of cold-related illnesses and shortened life spans caused by living unprotected in extreme weather conditions. This unit is essential even in temperate climates because even there, the temperature outdoors falls frequently below the average person's refrigerator temperature which is 38–42 degrees F.

Furthermore, the various embodiment described herein generally appear to appeal to an indoor cats as well, as the feline species exhibits a natural desire to acquire their own territory for both physical and emotional comfort. Thus, even cats that are permitted to live indoors readily adopt the inventive habitats, consistent with an appreciation of their ability to choose their favorite temperature at the moment. Further, indoor cats will frequently choose the interior chamber because of their natural inclination toward warmth, especially when homes are left unheated during the middle of the day when the owners are generally away.

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit for constructing an animal shelter. The kit comprises a prefabricated panel plastic based corrugated board adapted to be formed into a box having a least one portal on a portion of a side surface. The kit also comprises a plurality of substantially rigid foam boards having dimensions corresponding to the inside dimensions of each of the surface of the box to be formed from the prefabricated plastic panel. At least one panel has a hole formed therein which corresponds with the shape of the side of the box having the at least one portal.

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