Abstract:
A chamber assembly is disclosed for holding an animal securely with minimal stress during claw trimming while providing the user access to the portion of the claw that is to be trimmed. In preferred embodiments, the chamber is adjustable to accommodate different sized animals. In certain embodiments, the chamber can be collapsed for storage or transport.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of and claims benefit of co-pending international patent application PCT/US2013/020775, filed Jan. 9, 2013, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/584,516, filed Jan. 9, 2012; the contents of both applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Chambers and tilting bases are disclosed that provide the ability to trim an animal&#39;s claws by taking advantage of the animal&#39;s natural tendency to climb. In preferred embodiments, the chamber is sized to accommodate a companion animal, such as a cat or bird. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The nails or claws of companion animals grow continuously, and need to be trimmed occasionally to avoid discomfort or injury to the animal. However, holding the animal securely and humanely during the trimming process is a problem, and common methods often pose the likelihood of distress or injury to both the pet and the human doing the trimming 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A chamber assembly is disclosed for holding an animal securely with minimal stress during claw trimming while providing the user access to the portion of the claw that is to be trimmed. In preferred embodiments, the chamber is adjustable to accommodate different sized animals. In certain embodiments, the chamber can be collapsed for storage or transport. 
         [0005]    In certain embodiments, a chamber assembly is provided that comprises a chamber having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a first end panel at the first end, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a positioning panel opposite the first end panel; wherein the first side panel is attached to the first end panel and to the positioning panel, and the second side panel is attached to the first end panel and to the positioning panel, and a base having an inner frame attached to a chamber mesh floor, the chamber mesh floor having an upper surface and a lower surface, and an assembly tilt support or a locking hinge. Typically, the chamber assembly also includes an outer frame. In certain embodiments the chamber also includes a top panel. 
         [0006]    In certain embodiments, the outer frame and the inner frame of the base are pivotally linked, typically at a corresponding short sides if the frames are rectangular. Preferably the inner frame nests within and is coplanar with the outer frame. In certain embodiments, the outer frame and the inner frame of the base are pivotally linked by hinges. 
         [0007]    In preferred embodiments, the top panel is secured to at least one side panel of the chamber by a hinge. In preferred embodiments, the top panel is secured to at least one side panel of the chamber by a latch. In certain embodiments, the chamber is secured to the inner frame by at least one latch. In certain embodiments, the chamber is secured to the outer frame by at least one latch. The inner frame can be pivotally linked to the assembly tilt support, or the outer frame can be pivotally linked to the assembly tilt support. Preferably, the chamber can be folded for transport or storage. 
         [0008]    In other embodiments, a method of trimming the claws of an animal is provided that comprises placing the animal in the chamber assembly orienting the animal with its head toward the first end panel of the chamber and with its feet on upper surface of the chamber mesh floor, elevating the first end of the chamber above the second end of the chamber, whereby the animal&#39;s claws extend through the openings in the chamber mesh floor below the lower surface of the chamber mesh floor; providing user access to the lower surface of the chamber mesh floor; and removing a portion of the animal&#39;s claws that extends below the lower surface of the chamber mesh floor, thereby trimming the animal&#39;s claws. In preferred embodiments, the step of providing user access to the lower surface of the chamber mesh floor further includes the step of supporting the first end of the chamber above the second end of the chamber to maintain the chamber mesh floor at a chosen angle with respect to gravity. Generally, the portion of the animal&#39;s claws that extends below the lower surface of the chamber mesh floor is removed with a clipper or a grinding wheel. Typically the angle is about 30-75 degrees. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1A  shows a side view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly  10  comprising a claw trimming chamber  100  and a base  200 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  shows a top view of a base  200  of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1C  shows a side view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly comprising a folded claw trimming chamber  100  and a base  200 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 1D  shows an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber and base in cross section view at the line A-A of  FIG. 1A , showing outer frame  210 , inner frame  220 , retaining frame  222 , chamber mesh floor  250 , first side  120 , and second side  122 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows an end view of the first end  130  of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly  10  in the raised position, showing chamber  100 , base  200 , first side  120 , second side  122 , first end  130 , guides  140 , removable panel  150 , outer frame  210 , inner frame  220 , an assembly tilt support  240 , chamber mesh floor  250 , and outer frame legs  260 . For clarity, top  110 , top latches  160 , optional base latch  165 , chamber junctions  180 , chamber hinges  182 , and base hinges  230  have been omitted from this drawing. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber that illustrates common features. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly in the raised position, where the claw trimming chamber assembly has an outer frame  210 , but lacks an assembly tilt support  240 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4C  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly in the raised position, where the claw trimming chamber assembly has an assembly tilt support  240 , but lacks an outer frame  210 . In certain embodiments, one or more folding braces  246  link the assembly tilt support  240  to the inner frame  210 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly in the raised position, where the claw trimming chamber assembly has an assembly tilt support  240 , but lacks an outer frame  210 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are perspective views of two embodiments of a claw trimming chamber assembly according to  FIG. 4A , illustrating connecting the top  110  and positioning panel  150  to the chamber using chamber hinges  182 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the claw trimming chamber and the inner frame  220  are produced in a single flat molded structure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a molded structure of  FIG. 6A  having strengthening ridges  144 , and assembled with chamber junctions  180 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  are perspective views of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber according to  FIG. 4A  having soft side and end panels, and mounted on a base  200  to form a claw trimming chamber assembly. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8A  is an exploded perspective view of the base of a claw trimming chamber assembly of an embodiment according to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  in the raised position, showing the components of the outer frame, the inner frame  220 , the mesh bottom  250 , and assembly tilt support  240 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the detail of a corner of an outer frame of  FIG. 8A  in the horizontal position illustrating the pivoting attachment of the assembly tilt support  240  to an outer frame member  214 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a claw trimming chamber assembly of an embodiment according to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  showing the positioning panel  150  open. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of a claw trimming chamber of  FIG. 9A  detached from base  200  and folded. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a claw trimming chamber assembly of an embodiment according to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  in a raised position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the claw trimming chamber assembly of  FIG. 10A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a claw trimming chamber assembly of an embodiment according to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  illustrating the relationship of the claw trimming chamber  100 , the inner frame  220  and the outer frame  210 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    In general, the claw trimming chamber assembly is sized to accommodate the size range of a particular animal or suitable animals. In preferred embodiments, the length of the claw trimming chamber assembly is sized to the length of the animal in a relaxed prone position. In preferred embodiments, the width of the claw trimming chamber assembly is narrow enough to discourage the animal from turning around. In preferred embodiments, the height of the claw trimming chamber assembly is sized to be low enough to encourage the animal to rest in a prone position with the bottom of its feet applied to the chamber mesh floor when the chamber is in the horizontal position. In certain embodiments, at least one of the dimensions of length, width and height of the chamber that contains the animal is adjustable. 
         [0032]    In use, one end of the chamber is raised to move the chamber from an horizontal position and is secured in a raised position that provides convenient access to the underside of the chamber mesh floor. As the end of the chamber is raised, the animal naturally extends its claws through the chamber mesh floor to maintain its position. The animal&#39;s claws remain extended through the chamber mesh floor when the chamber is secured with the end in the raised position, and the tips of the animal&#39;s claws can be trimmed with minimal likelihood of distress or injury. The gauge of the mesh is chosen depending on the size of the animal to provide the required strength and appropriate spacing for the animal&#39;s claws and paws or feet. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1A  to  FIG. 11 , taken together, illustrate several embodiments of a claw trimming chamber assembly.  FIG. 1A  shows a side view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly  10  comprising a claw trimming chamber  100  and a base  200 . In one embodiment, the outline of chamber  100  is rectangular in top, side and end views. The claw trimming chamber  100  comprises a top panel  110 , a first side panel  120 , a second side panel  122 , a first end panel  130  and a second end panel  132 , each having an inner surface and an outer surface. Ventilation holes  170  are provided in at least one, preferably all, of top panel  110 , first side panel  120 , second side panel  122 , first end panel  130  and second end panel  132 . The floor of the chamber is formed by the chamber mesh floor  250  of the inner frame  220  of base  200 . 
         [0034]    In preferred embodiments, top panel  110  is attached by at least one chamber hinge  182  to either the first side panel  120  or the second side panel  122 , and is secured to the opposite side panel and/or at least one end panel by at least one top latch  160 . In other embodiments, top panel  110  is attached by at least one chamber hinge  182  to either the first end panel  130  or the second end panel  132 , and is secured to the opposite end panel and/or at least one side panel by at least one top latch  160 . Chamber hinge  182  may be any suitable hinge such as a pin hinge, or a living hinge comprising a flexible material, such as a polymer, a fabric, or a composite material. In certain embodiments, chamber hinge  182  comprises a polymer living hinge made of the same translucent or transparent polymer that is used to construct the sides and the end panels of the chamber. 
         [0035]    In further embodiments, the top may be a panel that slides in tracks formed in the upper edge of the first side and the second side. In yet further embodiments, the top may be a flexible panel of woven fabric, non-woven fabric or polymer sheet that is secured to the upper edges of the first side, second side, first end and second end. 
         [0036]    In certain embodiments, top latch  160  comprises a side portion  164  affixed to the inner surface, outer surface or edge of the side opposite the side that is attached the hinge and a corresponding top portion  162  that is affixed to the inner surface, outer surface or edge of top  110 . In certain embodiments, top latch  160  may be a magnetic latch or a mechanical latch such as a hook and eye latch, a snap latch or a hook and loop latch. 
         [0037]    The inner surfaces of the first side panel  120  and the second side panel  122  of the chamber  100  have a multiplicity of guides  140  that define at least one channel  142 . In preferred embodiments, a removable positioning panel  150  is placed in channel  140  to bear some of the animal&#39;s weight when the chamber is elevated to the raised position, thereby reducing the weight borne by the claws and increasing the animal&#39;s comfort. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1D  shows an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber and base in cross section view at the line A-A of  FIG. 1A , showing outer frame  210 , inner frame  220 , retaining frame  222 , chamber mesh floor  250 , the lower edge of first side panel  120 , and the lower edge of second side panel  122 . 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, the chamber  100  is disposed on the base  200 , and is supported by the inner frame  220 . In some embodiments, the chamber  100  is maintained in position on the base  200  at least in part by the fit between the outer surfaces of the lower edges of the first side panel  120 , the second side panel  122 , the first end panel  130 , the second end panel  132 , and the inner frame  220 . See  FIG. 1D . 
         [0040]    In other embodiments, the chamber  100  is also affixed to the base  200  by one or more optional base latches  165 . A base latch  165  comprises a side portion  169  that is affixed to the inner surface, outer surface or edge of first side panel  120 , second side panel  122 , first end panel  130  and/or second end panel  132  and a corresponding base portion  267  that is affixed to the inner frame  220 . In certain embodiments, base latch  165  may be a magnetic latch or a mechanical latch such as a hook and eye latch, a snap latch or a hook and loop latch. In certain embodiments, the side portion  169  of the bottom latch  165  interacts with the chamber mesh floor  250 . 
         [0041]    The base  200  comprises an outer frame  210  attached to outer frame legs  260 , an inner frame  220 , and an assembly tilt support  240 . The chamber mesh floor  250  is affixed to the inner frame  220 . In certain embodiments, the inner frame  220  pivots on the side of the inner frame that corresponds to the second end  132  of chamber  100 . In preferred embodiments, the inner frame  220  and the outer frame  210  are pivotally linked by at least one base hinge  230 . Base hinge  230  may be any suitable hinge such as a pin hinge, or a living hinge comprising a flexible material such as a polymer, a fabric, or a composite material. 
         [0042]    The first side panel  120  and second side panel  122  are joined to the first end panel  130  and the second end panel  132  at chamber junctions  180 . In preferred embodiments, the chamber junction  180  comprises a chamber hinge  182 . Chamber hinge  182  may be any suitable hinge such as a pin hinge, or a living hinge comprising a flexible material, such as a polymer, a fabric, or a composite material. In certain embodiments, chamber hinge  182  comprises a polymer living hinge. The chamber  100  may be folded on top of the base  200  for transport or storage as shown in  FIG. 1C . 
         [0043]    In preferred embodiments, at least one of the top panel  110 , first side panel  120 , second side panel  122 , first end panel  130  and second end panel  132  is constructed of a translucent or transparent material. In certain embodiments, the translucent or transparent material is a polymer sheet. In some embodiments, the same polymer is used to form the top panel  110 , first side panel  120 , second side panel  122 , first end panel  130  and second end panel  132  and a living hinge in the chamber hinges  182 . In other embodiments, at least one of the top panel  110 , first side panel  120 , second side panel  122 , first end panel  130  comprises a flexible material such as a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a flexible mesh, or a flexible polymer sheet. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly  10  in the raised position, showing chamber  100 , base  200 , first side panel  120 , second side panel  122 , first end panel  130 , guides  140 , removable positioning panel  150 , outer frame  210 , inner frame  220 , an assembly tilt support  240 , chamber mesh floor  250 , and legs  260 . For clarity, top panel  110 , top latches  160 , optional base latch  165 , chamber junctions  180 , chamber hinges  182 , and base hinges  230  have been omitted from  FIG. 3 . 
         [0045]    The assembly tilt support  240  may comprise a single member or paired members. The assembly tilt support  240  may have a fixed length or be adjustable, e.g., telescoping. In certain embodiments, the assembly tilt support  240  is pivotally linked at its upper end where it contacts inner frame  220 . In certain embodiments, the assembly tilt support  240  is pivotally linked at one end where it contacts outer frame  210 . In other embodiments, the assembly tilt support  240  comprises two sections that have a hinged joint and are pivotally linked to the inner frame  220  and the outer frame  210  respectively at the ends distal to the hinged joint. In other embodiments, the lower end of the assembly tilt support  240  is pivotally attached to the outer frame leg  260  instead of to the outer frame  210 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber in the horizontal position that illustrates common features of the various embodiments. The floor of the chamber is formed by a mesh bottom  250 , a top panel  110 , a first end panel  130 , a positioning panel  150 , a first side panel  120  (for clarity, not shown in  FIG. 4A ; see  FIG. 3 ) and a first side panel  122 , also not shown in  FIG. 4A . During use, the companion animal  20  faces the first end panel  130 . In general, the positioning panel  150  forms an acute (less than 90 degrees) angle A with the plane of the mesh bottom  250 , while the first end panel  130  forms an obtuse (90 to 180 degrees) angle B with the plane of the mesh bottom  250 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly in the raised position, where the claw trimming chamber assembly has an outer frame  210 , but lacks an assembly tilt support  240 . In such embodiments, the tilt angle is supported by an adjustable locking pivot or locking hinge  232 . The outer frame  210  may be a complete rectangle as in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , a solid or filled weighted base, or a three-sided base that is open at the side opposite hinge  232 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 4C  is a schematic diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly in the raised position, where the claw trimming chamber assembly has an assembly tilt support  240 , but lacks an outer frame  210 . In such an embodiment, at least two legs  264  are attached to the inner frame  220  instead of to the outer frame  210  as in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A  to  FIG. 3 . In preferred embodiments, legs  264  comprise a material that reduces sliding on a smooth surface. The assembly tilt support  240  is typically pivotably connected to inner frame  220 . Optionally, assembly tilt support  240  is also linked to the inner frame  220  by at least one folding brace  246 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber assembly in the raised position, where the claw trimming chamber assembly has an assembly tilt support  240 , but lacks an outer frame  210 . The assembly tilt support  240  has two legs that contact the surface on which the claw trimming chamber assembly is placed. In this embodiment, the assembly tilt support  240  is pivotably connected to inner frame  220  at least one pivot adapter  242 . Optionally, assembly tilt support  240  may also be linked to the inner frame  220  by at least one folding brace  246 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0050]      FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are perspective views of two embodiments of a claw trimming chamber assembly according to  FIG. 4A , illustrating the top panel  110  and the positioning panel  150  connected to the chamber using chamber hinges  182 . In preferred embodiments, the chamber hinges  182  comprise a polymer living hinge. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the claw trimming chamber and the inner frame  220  are produced in a single flat molded structure that comprises the top panel  110 , first end panel  130 , first side panel  120 , second side panel  122 , and the positioning panel  150  connected to one another or to the inner frame  220  by hinges  230 . In preferred embodiments, the hinges  230  comprise a polymer living hinge. 
         [0052]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a molded structure of  FIG. 6A  having molded ridges  144 , and assembled with chamber junctions  180  at the apposed edges of the first end panel  130  and the edges of the first side panel  120  and the second side panel  122 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 7A  to  FIG. 11  show embodiments of a soft-sided chamber attached to a base  200 . The panels of the chamber comprise a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric or polymer sheet that is supported by a panel support member  190  that is itself attached to the outer frame  210 . The illustrated embodiments show a one-piece curved panel support member  190 . However, one skilled in the art recognizes that the panel support member can be made to provide soft-sided panels of other geometries, such as a rectangular or triangular profile. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  are perspective views of an embodiment of a claw trimming chamber according to  FIG. 4A  having soft side and end panels, and mounted on a base  200  to form a claw trimming chamber assembly. Due to the curved shape of the panel support member  190 , the first end panel  130  is continuous with the positioning panel  150 . The positioning panel  150  is attached at its top to the first end panel  130 , and has lateral closures  152  and a base latch portion  154 . In preferred embodiments, the lateral closures  152  comprise hook and loop closures or zippers. In preferred embodiments, the base latch portion  154  comprises a hook and loop closure. 
         [0055]    In preferred embodiments, a ventilation panel  174  comprising mesh is provided in at least one of the first end panel  130 , the first side panel  120 , the second side panel  122  or the positioning panel  150 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 8A  is an exploded perspective view of the base of a claw trimming chamber assembly of an embodiment according to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  in the raised position, showing the components of the outer frame, the inner frame  220 , the mesh bottom  250 , and assembly tilt support  240 . The outer frame  210  comprises linear outer frame members  214  connected at corner blocks  212 . In certain embodiments, the outer frame members  214  are tubes that may be square, rectangular or circular in cross-section. In certain embodiments, the corner blocks  212  define a cylindrical space to receive the end of a panel support member  190 . In preferred embodiments, the end of a panel support member  190  is inserted on a panel support adapter  192  which is then inserted in a corresponding receiver  216  defined by the corner block (see  FIG. 8B ). In preferred embodiments, the panel support adapter  192  comprises a polymer. 
         [0057]    The inner frame  220  houses the mesh bottom  250  of the chamber. The inner frame  220  rests on the inner frame support block  219 , and optionally, on supporting pins, blocks or ridges at a corresponding height on the wall of the outer frame member  214  opposite the inner frame (not shown). 
         [0058]    The assembly tilt support  240  is pivotably connected to the outer frame  210 , as shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B .  FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the detail of a corner of an outer frame of  FIG. 8A  in the horizontal position illustrating the pivoting connection of the assembly tilt support  240  to the outer frame member  214 . As shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B , in certain embodiments the ends of the assembly tilt support  240  are inserted into pivot adapters  242  that are inserted into openings  218  in the wall of the outer frame members  214 . In preferred embodiments, the pivot adapter  242  comprises a polymer. In certain embodiments, a series of openings  218  are provided in the wall of the outer frame members  214  to provided for adjusting the tilt angle of the assembly. The tilt angle may also be adjusted using a tilt angle retainer  244  that is attached to the end of the assembly tilt support  240  opposite to the end that is pivotably connected to the outer frame. One end of the tilt angle retainer  244  is connected to the assembly tilt support  240  and the other end of the tilt angle retainer  244  is connected to the outer frame  210  or the inner frame  220 . In certain embodiments, the tilt angle can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tilt angle retainer  244 . In other embodiments, a folding brace  246   
         [0059]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a claw trimming chamber assembly of an embodiment according to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  showing the positioning panel  150  open. In preferred embodiments, the positioning panel latch portion  154  and the opposing outer frame latch portion  211  are corresponding components of a hook and loop closure. 
         [0060]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of a claw trimming chamber of  FIG. 9A  detached from base  200  and folded. The curve of the soft panel support member  192  may be described as an arc of a circle, a segment of an ellipse, or another curve that is conveniently defined by a mathematical equation. With reference to  FIG. 4A , the obtuse angle B of the first end panel  130  and the acute angle A of the positioning panel  150  can be approximated in the soft-sided embodiments by having the radius of curvature of the portion the support adapter  192  supporting the first end panel  130  smaller than the radius of curvature of the portion the support adapter  192  supporting the positioning panel  150 . 
         [0061]    The support adapter  192  can be preformed of a suitable metal, such as aluminum. In other embodiments, the support adapter  192  can be a flexible rod or cylinder of a suitable polymer or a suitable composite, such as fiberglass. If the support adapter  192  is a flexible rod or cylinder, the radius of curvature can be set by the angle of the receiver opening  216  in the outer frame. 
         [0062]    The support adapter  192  can be attached the first end panel  130 , the first side panel  120 , the second side panel  122 , and the positioning panel  150  by a continuous or intermittent sleeve, tapes or flaps secured with a closure, or loops, rings or other attachment sites affixed to the panel. The support adapter  192  may be attached to inner surface or the outer surface of the panels; in preferred embodiments, the support adapter  192  is attached to the inner surface of the panels. In preferred embodiments, the attachment of the support adapter  192  is associated with the junction of a side panel with the first end panel  130  and the positioning panel  150 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a claw trimming chamber assembly of an embodiment according to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 8A  in a raised position.  FIG. 10B  is a side view of the claw trimming chamber assembly of  FIG. 10A . 
         [0064]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a claw trimming chamber assembly of an embodiment according to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 8A  in the horizontal position, illustrating the relationship of the claw trimming chamber  100 , the inner frame  220  and the outer frame  210 . 
         [0065]    While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, these particular embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art from a reading of this disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention, which is to be defined by the appended claims rather than by the specific embodiments. 
         [0066]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the case of inconsistencies, the present disclosure, including definitions, will control.